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Best time to visit Goa: October - March

The 131 kms long gold coastline of Goa on the Konkan coast of the Western Ghats runs along the Arabian Sea. This tiny former Portuguese enclave is easily India's most popular tourist destination, both for the domestic and the international traveler. Goa derives its name from the Konkani word 'Goyan', meaning a patch of tall grass. Goa is a fascinating and quaint combination of old Portuguese architecture, flavour and lifestyle and modern day India. Its unending beaches, a pristinely appealing seascape, mystical hills and groves, the rhythm of the sea, its dancing palms -- everything about Goa is magical. The main city in south Goa is Margao from where buses are available to Vasco da Gama, the rail terminus, and to the beaches of Bagmalo, Colva and Benaulim. Colva's pristine white sands are as appaeling as its restaurants and shacks serving local wine and curries. The Bondla, Molem and Catigao wildlife sanctuaries are also worth a visit; Bondla is the most popular because of its easy accessibility. Wild boar and sambar can be easily spotted here.

Goan cuisine too must be savoured in good measure, especially vindaloo, sorpotel and xacuti. Bebinca is a Goan dessert that goes well with vanilla ice cream. The local brew feni made from either coconut or cashewnut is famous. The best season to visit Goa is between October and March. April and May find Goa in a quiet, lethargic mood with the sea still calm enough to swim in. Goa is also being promoted as a monsoon destination making it, in effect, a 365 day tourist destination.
 

By Air: Goa is well connected by airline services to most major cities in India. All flights, national and international, operate from the Goa Airport at Dabolim near the port town of Vasco-da-Gama. The airport is about 30 kms from the capital city of Panaji.

By Road: Good motorable roads connect Goa with all the major towns in India via NH 4A, 17 and 17A. Kadamba is the Goa Transport Corporation, which runs buses from its bus terminals located in Panjim, Mapusa and Madgaon. Buses operate from here to local as well as outstation places.

By Rail: Konkan railways connects Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and Margao Railway Station to major cities in India.