Previously known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.  The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travelers around the world. But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.

Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the hinterland away from the coastal area. Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation...  

Goa in West India, called Golden Goa by the Portuguese, was an important Portuguese colony in Asia. The Portuguese were driven by their desire to spread their faith to the local population. Thus the culture of Goa is deeply influenced by Portuguese culture. Modern day Goa, a state of India, is a quaint blend of tradition, religion and modernity. Hindu temples are as much a part of Goa as are Christian monuments. The culture of Goa today is a synthesis of Portuese and Indian cultures... 

The ancient Hindu city of Goa, of which hardly a fragment survives, was built at the southernmost point of the island, and it was famous in early Hindu legend and history. In the Puranas and certain inscriptions, the name of the place appears as Gove, Govapuri, and Gomant. It has also been known as Aprant. The medieval Arabian geographers knew it as Sindabur, or Sandabur, and the Portuguese as Goa. When the capital was transferred to "Nova Goa" or New Goa (today's Panaji), the old capital came to be known as "Velha Goa" or Old Goa...  

Goa has imbibed the culture of Asia and Europe in many ways. Goa bordering on the north of Karnataka state in India, has deep moorings of multi ethnic culture. West coast Indian states use plenty of fish and sea food in their diet. They use milk extracted from coconut to flavor their recipes. As is common with most of the south Indian recipes, they tend to use a wide variety of spices grown in this part. The most popular food amongst the Goans are Pork Vindaloo, Prawn Xacuti and Goan Fish curry. Vindaloo is typical of the food from the west coast of India...

Goa is a land of highly talented and artistic people with a rich cultural synthesis blending East and West most creatively. In addition to the classical different forms of music and dance have evolved. Music and dance form the very fiber of rural Goa. Each occasion and region has its distinctive forms. The urban areas have adapted to modern and popular music styles.Goa folk dances bear a tradition of thousands of years, characterized by innumerable forms performed by and reflecting lifestyles, cultures and aspirations of different strata...  

Goa has various religious mix of people and has number of holidays and festivals. During national holidays Banks and Post Offices may remain closed. Christian festivals occur on set dates. Hindu religious festivals follow the lunar calendar and therefore change from year to year. Following are some of the national, state and local holidays apart from local village events...