Goa information

Goa (Konkani: गोंय goṃya; गोवा govā; Goa) is India's smallest state in terms of area and the fourth smallest in terms of population. Located on the west coast of India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast.
Panaji (Panjim) is the state's capital. Vasco da Gama (Vasco) is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the influence of Portuguese culture. Portuguese merchants first landed in Goa in the 15th century, and annexed it soon after. The Portuguese colony existed for about 450 years (one of the longest held colonial possessions in the world), until it was taken over by India in 1961.
Renowned for its beaches, Goa is visited by hundreds of thousands of international and domestic tourists each year. Goa is also known for its temples and world heritage architecture including the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, which makes it one of the biggest Christian pilgrimage sites in Asia. Goa also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which is classified as a biodiversity hotspot. (...) more....

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Beaches: Head to north Goa past Mojim or the very south past the tourist traps. If in the north have a little snack at la pelage run by a parisian trio which is a cool hang out and has nice food if you're tired of Indian.

Hire out scooters as you get to see the stretch well and the drive from Candolim where we stay to Mojim and the north is really breathtaking - but you can get jeeps and regular cars too. The roads are ok although you need to dodge the occasional sleeping cow, but the driving antics not so good! be careful.

by adena

there are also a host of very nice international restaurants where the mixed locals hang out such as Le Restaurant (run by the same french trio) which is in a lovely setting...Bomra's is in Candolim so on a more tourist stretch although away from the crowds but does Asian fusion Burmese style and is really nice, and has had great reviews, J&A's which is a Italian joint but worth visiting if going to Saturday night market. It is run by Jamshid and Ayishe. There's also another cool place called Sublime, Californian type asian or something chef is Chris again their mate a nice guy with cool german girlfriend.

by adena

many parties on the beach & mountains including the Chill music festival in March wit DJ Norman Jay

by adena