Goa

Goa is the best tourist place in India. "The pearl of the east," Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year because of its Gothic churches, crumbling forts, palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, active nightlife, bubbly folk music… the list is endless! With its 131 km-long coastline, It also has rich flora and fauna because it lies very close to the North Western Ghats rainforests, one of the rare biodiversity hotspots of the world. Sun, sand, and sea being the major attractions, the Goa trip is a perfect heaven for the ones who want a blend of adventure, relaxation, and culture, there's something for everyone. 

Panaji is the state's capital, while Vasco da Gama is its largest city. Goa was a part of the Mauryan Empire, around the 3rd century BC. The Satvahanas of Kolhapur, and later the Chalukyas of Badami, took over the governance. Other dynasties followed, including a short-lived Muslim invasion, until the Vijaynagar Empire established itself for almost a century. This era, too, ended with the arrival of the Sultans of Gulbarga, from whom the rule passed on to the Adil Shah of Bijapur. Soon, the Dutch, English, French, and Portuguese, all began struggling for its possession. Ultimately, in 1510, the Portuguese conquered Goa, with Alfonso de Albuquerque leading the invasion. Having ruled for around four centuries, in 1961, fourteen years after the country's independence, the Portuguese had to leave Goa. Goa's official language, which is spoken by a majority of its inhabitants, is Konkani.

The location of Goa makes it easily accessible. Traveling to Goa, the best tourist place in India is comfortable. Situated on the western coastline of India, the Union Territory of Goa is sandwiched between the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The waters of the Arabian Sea wash the coastline of Goa. It is split into two districts-North Goa and South Goa, North Goa includes the capital city of Panjim, the former capital of Old Goa, Fort Aguada and Candolim, Chapora, Vagator, and the beaches Calangute, Anjuna, and Baga. South Goa includes Vasco da Gama Bogmalo, Margao, Colva, and Benolem. 

Goa has been a key destination for Christian Pilgrimage tours in India. Being a predominantly Roman Catholic society, most of the festivals of Goa are Christianity-specific. Feast days, thanksgiving, monsoon celebrations, and processions all mark the Goanese calendar. Shigmo, the Goanese version of Holi, is celebrated in February and March. The Feast of Our Lady of Miracles celebrated for 16 days after Easter, is secular by nature and is celebrated with pomp and show by both Hindus and Christians. Igitun Chalne, held at Sirigao temple in Bicholim during May, is one of Goa's most distinctive festivals. The main attraction of the festival comes when devotees of Goddess Lairaya walk across burning coals to prove their devotion. The Feast of St. Anthony in June is also significant as it marks the beginning of the monsoon. Besides such religious festivals, Goa is also known for its arts and crafts fairs, and food festivals.

It doesn't ever happen that we visit a place and we do not enjoy shopping there. Like most of the other destinations of India, Goa also offers some amazing stuff to its visitors. There are shops, flea markets, stalls, designer fashion boutiques, and everything else. The best way to find unique souvenirs in Goa is to explore the traditional markets, where you can find everything from handmade jewelry to traditional artworks. Goa has several large markets and tiny independent stores selling unique arts and crafts pieces. If you prefer having everything in the same place, consider visiting the Mapusa Market, the Flea Market in Anjuna, the Arpora Night Market, and the Thursday Night Market at Vagator. Apart from that, Panjim and Assagao are replete with exquisite boutiques serving locally sourced items or creations by independent artists. Here's a list of unique souvenirs that you must buy when you're in Goa.