Travel along the potholed roads of Goa's countryside and you're sure to come across the "Goan Traffic Police" " or cows to you and me. These sacred animals earn their nickname from the locals because they wander across the road regardless of traffic. Just as you would expect in this Indian enclave everything moves at its own unique pace " a rather laid-back affair with few rules and minimum fuss.
There is nowhere on earth quite as intriguing as India and few places on the sub-continent offer such an eclectic mix of colour and atmosphere as Goa. Perched on the west coast of India, with long sandy beaches down to the Arabian Sea, Goa has become India's land of plenty. Migrant workers seeking employment, Nepalese and Kashmiris selling ethnic goods to tourists and wealthier Indians buying second homes boost its population to nearly one and a half million.
A Colonial Past... A Portuguese colony until 1961, Goa has shaken off most of its European past, but a few colonial gems still remain. For the last few years in particular, Goa has been known as the land of wealthy with tourism firmly established. Visit a Goan beach resort and youll find a fascinating array of stalls and traders selling everything from ethnic jewellery to tacky souvenirs.
The real pull of Goa for many is the beaches, which are superb. Others prefer to hunt for a bargain at the stalls which sell ethnic jewellery and souvenirs. And for those looking for a lively nightlife the bars and restaurants of Goa's coastal resorts do not disappoint.
Relax, take part and enjoy the experience... If beaches and bars are your holiday then head for Tito's bar in Baga, north Goa - the biggest and probably still the best. Futher north, Arambol and the paradise beach of Qurin offer tranquillity. In the south, Palolem offers a picture postcard beach and an unforgettable experience of real Goan village life. At Palolem the sun sets into the Arabian Sea with the fiery red vengeance that probably launched a thousand superstitions.
The Goan sunset... No holiday to Goa would be complete without a visit to the beach at sunset. Here villagers set up food stalls for the evening trade and tourists enjoy a stroll along the golden sands.
A unique place still off the beaten track - Goa entices the visitor looking for a holiday with an ever intriguing mix of beach and culture.
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