Goa
India's beach capital
Goa, India's smallest state by area, sits on the Arabian Sea coast and carries a distinct Portuguese colonial identity from over 450 years of Portuguese rule that ended only in 1961. Its capital, Panaji, and the UNESCO World Heritage churches and convents of Old Goa reflect this Indo-Portuguese heritage in their baroque architecture, still-practised Konkani Catholic traditions, and Portuguese-influenced cuisine.
Beyond its well-known beaches, Goa's Western Ghats hinterland, part of a UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot, holds spice plantations and wildlife sanctuaries such as Bhagwan Mahavir. Goa has the highest per-capita income of any Indian state, an economy shaped by tourism, mining and its historically distinct legal and cultural framework inherited from Portuguese administration.
Curated Experiences
Our journeys in India.
Popular Attractions
3 places
Attraction
Baga Beach
Baga Beach is North Goa's busiest beach, known for water sports, beach shacks and the nightlife of Tito's Lane.
Attraction
Basilica of Bom Jesus
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a 1605 baroque church in Old Goa that holds the body of St Francis Xavier.
Attraction
Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar Falls is a four-tiered waterfall about 310 m high on the Goa and Karnataka border, reached by forest jeep.
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
November–February
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Stories from Goa
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