This former Portugal colony, now the smallest Indian state, has becoming more and more popular resort destination. Colonized by the Portugal in 16th century, Goa still has a lot of traces of their stay, although they left in 1960s. Since that time Goa has gained a reputation of hippies’ paradise, which has attracted a lot of people from Europe and America.

Hippies still live in Goa, but mostly in the very north of it. All the rest of Goa has become a beach resort destination.

Goa is divided into 3 parts – the North, the Center and the South.

The North is the most crowded place, known not only for its beaches, but also for its clubs and other entertainments. The biggest resorts of Goa – Condolim, Calangute and Baga are located on the north. Condolim is considered to be a place for the rich Indians, and Baga is the most popular among the European tourists, especially from the Great Britain and Sweden. The beaches of Condolim, Calangute and Baga are filled with sun beds and are always overcrowded. The are an enormous number of the local traders with fruits, necklaces and other things which they try to sell to tourists.

If you prefer more isolated place you can go to Mojim beach, something about 15 kilometers to the north from Baga. There are just a few sun beds and no traders disturbing you. The most isolated and distant beach on the North is Arombol – about 40 kilometers from Baga. Palms, sand, sea and almost no one but you – that really looks like paradise, doesn’t it? If you are interested in cultural attractions there you can see Tirambol fort, the most Northern point of Goa.

Almost all the sightseeing in Goa is connected with the Portugal reign period. Usually tourists are shown Old Goa –the former capital and the present capital – Panjim city.

Old Goa stands on Mandovi river and was the capital city till the middle of the XIX century. Then cholera began and people left the place and founded the next capital – Panjim city, also on Mandovi river. The Portuguese left the rich cultural heritage and spread Catholicism in Goa. Now almost 30 % of the population practices Catholicism. In other parts of India this data is about 10 %. Both these cities lay in the central part of the state, the calmest district with rather good hotels and half-deserted beaches.

The Southern Goa is beginning to overtake the north in popularity. There is an opinion that the hotels there are more prestigious and the beaches are cleaner. However, the entertainment industry is not very developed there and those who like to go to the club, markets and so on are to visit the Northern Goa. The most popular nightclub is Cubana located on the hill not far from Baga. Goa is the motherland of trans music and trans parties are also very popular.

One of the interesting must-sees in Goa is Anjuna Saturday night market. Every Saturday from 15.00 till 02.00 you can buy different souvenirs and hand-made goods by hippies. Usually they play music, give different concerts.

The best time for visiting Goa is from November till April. From May till October there is a rain season.

You may think that there is nothing special about Goa, but still some people coming there, prefer never return back.