Goa known as the Rome of the Orient. Stretches of endless silver sand and white surf beaches wetted by the rush of the 'azure' arabian sea, the revelling of late nights over the local feni brew, the tarvernas, white churches and temples resting against plush green padding fields and coconut trees, the nostalgic atmosphere, longer days of sun, sand and sea.

Panaji
The Capital City of Goa offers a variety of visual delights. From the hill-top 'Altinho', one can see the panoramic view of the sea. Panaji's Portuguese heritage can still be seen from its narrow winding streets, old houses with overhead hanging balconies and red-tiled rooftops. At Fontainhas, one can almost be back in the Portuguese days since it has retained its old charm and character. Within the commercial heart of the city rises majestically, the white-washed 'Church of the Immaculate Conception' founded in 1540.

On the Riverside is the 'Secretariat', formerly the summer palace of 16th Century Ruler, Yusuf Adil Shah. Nearby is the statue of the famed 'Abbe Faria' a goan priest renowned for his hypnotic powers. 18th June Road is a bustling business area and shops here sell everything from cashew nuts to leather goods to household items. The "Azad Maidan Square' houses a beautiful pavilion with classical Corinthian columns and is a place for political and cultural programmes. There are numerous bars and cafes in Panaji and the best way to experience the place is to take a walk or just watch the sunset on the long boulevard along River Mandovi's edge.

Mapusa
13kms from Panaji, Mapusa is a small town forming the hub of north Goa. It has an even blend of residential and commercial establishments and gardens. People from all over Goa come here to buy and sell their wares in the famous Friday market. 14 km from Mapusa is the Kansarpal-Kalbadevi temple, believed to be about 800 years old.

Margoa (Madgaon)
Still resembling a portion of the Portuguese past, Margao is Goa's second largest city and commercial metropolis of Salcete taluka in South Goa. It is connected to the rest of the Indian sub-continent by rail. Places of interest in Margao are the Holy Spirit Church founded in 1565 and the distinctive cross in front built a century earlier. One cannot miss the large rectangular 'Jorge Barreto' park in front of the colonial-styled building with its arched corridors. Chandreshwar Bhutnath Temple and the Rachol Seminary are also worth visiting. Margao's famous market offers the agricultural produce of the entire South Goa. The most noteworthy of these is the 'Sat Burnzam Ghor' which originally had seven roofs!. The 'Monte Church' situated on a little promontory would also merit a visit to get a bird's eye-view of the city below and the Arabian Sea, beyond.

Chandor
13 km east of Margao across the fertile rice fields of Salcete lies sleepy Chandor village, a scattering of tumbledown villas and farmhouses ranged along shady tree-lined lanes. The splendid Perreira-Braganza/Menezes-Braganza house, regarded as the grandest of Goa's colonial mansions is the prime attraction. Dominating the dusty village square, the house, built in the 1500s by the wealthy Braganza family for their two sons, has a huge double-storeyed facade, with 28 windows flanking its entrance.

Vasco-da-gama
This spick and span coastal town popularly known as Vasco was originally called Sambhaji. Imposing multi-storeyed buildings and a church dominate the city centre here. This well laid out city is also the railway terminus for passenger service. Goa's only airport, Dabolim is also 4km from Vasco, at the other end.

Ponda
is also called Antruz Mahal because of the concentration of culture, music, drama and poetry. This town also has many temples Shri Gopal Ganapati Temple, Mahalakshmi temple, Shri Nagesh temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Shri Mangesh temple and the Safe Shahouri Masjid.

Old Goa
is the state's showpiece and the only remnant of the massive and overpowering Portuguese presence which established its capital on the southern bank of the Mandovi river. In its heyday, the 1500s, it was the largest and most flourishing of the great Asian cities and called `Goa Dourada', golden Goa. The monuments and cathedrals today represent just a fraction of the urban development that was Old Goa.

Beaches

Anjuna
18 km from Panaji and adjacent to Chapora Fort, it was the haunt of the flower generation in the sixties and still popular with the younger generation. A key attraction here is a magnificent Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920, flanked by octagonal towers and an attractive Mangalore tile-roof.

Colva
6 km. from Margao, it is the pride of Salcete and rivals Calangute in scenic splendour. Here sea , sand and sky blend in enchanting natural harmony, weaving their magic spell on the visitors. The beach offers good accommodation facilities.

Dona Paula
7 km from Panaji near the rocky point between the Mandovi and the Zuari is Dona paula, a secluded bay with a fine view of the Marmagao harbour. This is an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe. Water scootering facilities available.

Miramar
a lovely golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees, Miramar is one of the most popular beaches. Less than 3 km from the Panaji city centre, it is just where the Mandovi meets the sea. From here one has an excellent view of the Aguada fort just across the river.