Population: 1.5 million

Area: 3701 sq Km

Capital: Panaji

Goa is India's smallest state on the SW coast of the sub-continent has an unique character largely due to its Portugese 450-year history. It did not become part of independent India until 1961, 15 years after independence.  Roman Catholicism remains a major religion and many of the iconic buildings are churches, such as the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panaji.

Tourism in this state started in the 1960s and 70s when it was a popular destination on the hippy trail.  Today there are direct flights from many European cities and large numbers of people visit in search of winter warmth and sunshine.  The 105 Km coast is lined with palm-backed sandy beaches, and although many are now developed with hotels, there are few high-rise developments ouside Calangute and Candolin.

A peaceful, laid-back state!