Goa has truly earned the name "Rome of the East". Infamous from the 60's as the hippy capital of the east, this former Portuguese colony has still retained the lifestyle of the colonial rulers, with afternoon siesta’s, bohemian living and the totally laid back attitude. Of course the times have changed and now the popularity is gained more for the all night, trance music party scene at Anjuna and Vagator beaches in Goa. Goa, a small enclave on the West Coast of India is one of the best holiday destinations in the World. Famous for its long stretch of beaches dotted with shacks, it is a favourite destination for the European tourists who flock to Goa during the winter months.

Goa abounds in churches and chapels, some dating back to the 16th century. The profusion and architectural excellence of churches include superb examples of late Renaissance, early Baroque, Manueline and Gothic. These churches have very intricate detailing and ornamentation. The most popular or the best known are the churches and cathedrals at Old Goa. A lot of things have been written about Goa in colourful language.

Some famous Goa Churches :-
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Chapel of St Anthony
Chapel of St Catherine
Church of the Rosary or Mac De Deus Church
Church of Reis Magos
Church and Convent of St John of God
St Alex Church

Famous Goa Beaches -
Bogmalo beach is broad, flat and open. It is among the least heavily used beaches. Cluster of small beach shack restaurants and occasional fishing villages, scattered under the coconut palm gives Bogmalo a unique look. Initially Bogmalo beach in Goa was a very quiet fishing village until tourists started pouring in and tourism started infecting this small Indian state of Goa. Unlike other beaches of Goa, Bogmalo beach in Goa is clean and not very crowded. And if you are in urge of swimming, you can definitely do that, as the beach is safe for swimming. After the swim, you can try out those numerous eating joints offering delicious Goan cuisine. This beach in Goa is very pleasant and the air is very tranquil. The Bogmalo beach resort is an appropriate place to stay during a tourist's beach holiday to Bogmalo but it may come as expensive to many. Cheap hotels or guesthouses are also available for the people who come here in shoestring budget.

Baga Beach - Baga is a small but perfect beach located between its two more famous cousins, Colva on one side and Calangute on the other. It is a far better place to enjoy some restful moments if you don’t like the hustle and bustle of Colva or Calangute. It is a fishing beach with international touriststs marinating in the sun and domestic visitors paddling. The fact is that the sand here is neither white nor gold but brown. There is the grove of palms that comes fairly close to the water’s edge. The Baga River flows down one side of it offering a pleasant diversion for children and those who love the water but can’t risk the rip currents that swirl round the mouth.

Anjuna Beach - Anjuna Beach is popularly known as the freak capital of the world, for its claimed popularity of Trance Parties and the Hippies who tried to synthesize the spiritual traditions of the East and the art, ideas and the music of the West. The area was discovered by a group of travelers, sometime in the late 1950s to mid-1960s, including Eight Finger Eddie. Since then a small international psychedelic scene began to meet there to party during the dry season. As the calm water of the Arabian sea fondles the Indian shore, Anjuna comes alive with its ever-famous full-moon pungent parties and the Wednesday flea market to take one on to a trance trip.

Benaulim Beach - According to Hindu mythology, Benaulim is the place where the arrow of Lord Parsurama landed when he created the state of Goa. Known in Sanskrit as Banali, it was changed to Benaulim by the Portuguese. The main attractions on this beach are the dolphin cruises. The beach gets fairly crowded in the evenings and on weekends with local visitors. Benaulim is about 2 km away from Colva and is more peaceful and serene than Colva. The best thing about Benaulim is that it is still rather undiscovered by domestic tourists even though it is a fishing beach.

Colva Beach - Colva is not one of the traditionally known beaches of Goa. As compared to other popular destinations it is a more recent discovery. But whatever it may be it is 20-km long bliss of virgin white sands, palm fringed,and sun beaches. Undoubtedly, Colva is the most popular beach of Goa. Off lately, the quiet life of Colva has been punctuated by the number of hotels and buildings that have come up here in quick succession of one another. The annual religious event of Fama of Menino Jesuse (Child Jesus) is held at the church in Colva since the 17th century. You can savor a quiet stroll on the silvery sands of the Colva Beach on a moonlit night or a sunbath on the golden sands of Colva on sunny morning. That certainly makes your stay at Colva an utterly romantic experience.

Candolim Beach - Candolim is the best beach, for those who want to spend some time in solitude and insolence,away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, though one cannot expect too much of facilities there. It is the best place to rejuvenate one’s senses by hiring out a beach umbrella and satisfying one’s taste buds with a variety of good food available there. A visit to this beach is very relaxing and very appropriate for practicing, Yoga & Meditation, as it is less crowded and quite peaceful, as compared to Anjuna or Calangute beaches, because there aren’t any resorts all around the beach.As a part of a 30 km stretch, of beach coastline along the Arabian Sea, that begins at Fort Aguada and ends at Chapora Beach, Candolim is a North Goan beach, which makes it the first beach that can be approached from the city of Panaji.Candolim, experiences a mixed croud,be it a group of youngsters, monks, artists, seers, researchers or just someone, but all of them are looking for a place to rejuvenate and relax themselves from the increasing tensions and frustrations of life. This place has joy and happiness mixed in its air.The most basic attraction-Aquda fort & calangute beach are the most worth visiting places.The best bets available here are Fishing, enjoying Water Sports-like, Parasailing and Water skiing. Organizing a Beach Excursion is a also a good idea.

Dona Paula Beach - Dona Paula is 7-km from Panjim and is different from other Goan beaches in the sense that this is one of the beaches that’s washed by both the Goan sea and the goan rivers. This beach of Goa carries with it an aura of both romance and myth. It is said to be haunted by lost love of Dona Paula de Menezes. Dona Paula Beach is also house to the Governor of Goa, known as Cabo Raj Bhavan.Besides Dona Paula itself there are Miramir beach, which lies 4-km north of Dona Paula, and the Vainguinim Beach, which is situated 1-km west of the beach side. The National Oceanographic Institute was set up to study the diverse marine biology. The major attraction of the institute is its Marine Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference Center. The Choro Island along the Mandovi River, about 9-km from Dona Paula beach, has exotic Salim Ali bird sanctuary, which is a mangrove forest. It is a site for local and migratory birds throughout the year, making it a bird watcher's paradise. Reis Magos Church on the Dona Paula beachside is one of the oldest churches built in Goa. It is dedicated to the three Magi (the wise men of the East) You can indulge in a complete shopping spree at Dona Paula.From straw hats, lace kerchief to spices, feni and port wine to Indian handicrafts and jewelry.

Miramar Beach - Miramar Beach-Lying against the estuary of the river Mandovi,it is just 3 km from Panaji in the north of the state and a km away from Dona Paula. Also known as, Gaspar Dias,it is a lovely golden beach of soft sand,occupied by a thick grove of shady palms, facing the blue Arabian Sea and forming a dense canopy over the area. As the word 'Miramar' in Portuguese, means, the viewing of the sea, so one can have a panoramic view of the sea, and the Aguada fort just across the Mandovi River. The most captivating, view is created ,when this 2 km long coast of fine , soft & silvery sand bed sparkles in the moonlight.It provides the much-desired solitude & isolation, for those who want a few moments of life away from the crazy crowd of the city,as it is not too much crowded.Its good location, peaceful & quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal place for walksThis place provides to many migratory birds, like, Plovers and Gulls. so this beach is a favorite amongst human beings as well as birds.The beach experiences a mixed croud of locals and tourists alike on most days and the tourists find all the facilities within the vicinity of Miramar Beach as, various beach resorts and hotels are present, on the Miramar Beach itself.One can enjoy shopping, sightseeing, tourist destinations and even the festive hue of the local,Konkani fishermen. There are also other activities that occupy one’s entertainment list. Dhempe College of Arts and Science & the memorial to Goa's first chief minister,are other places worth a visit.This beach makes one forget all the problems of life & teaches one to enjoy the each & every moment of it