Then: History of Goa goes back to the prehistoric period. Prehistoric stone tools have been found at Dudhsagar River Valley, and engravings on rocks occur at a few sites including Usgalimol close to Karnataka border. Goa was known as Gove, Govapuri, and Gomant. Goa was under the control of the Mauryas and the Satavahanas about 1800 years ago. The Silaharas, Chalukyas and Kadambas ruled from 3rd century A.D. to 13th century. Subsequently, it fell in the hands of Vijayanagar rulers, and later the Bahmani and Bijapur kingdoms took over. The Portuguese entered Goa in 1510 CE under the leadership of Alfonso de Albuquerque. The famous Jesuit missionary St. Francis Xavier arrived in 1542. Goa was the headquarters of the Portuguese territories in the east. The Dutch tried to capture Goa, but failed. The Marathas defeated the Portuguese in 18th century and the British occupied it for a brief period in the nineteenth century. However, Portuguese were controlling Goa till 1961, when it was annexed to India. Portuguese rule has left its lasting imprints in Goa.

Now: Goa has become the dream destination for travellers across the country and as well as abroad. Its rich culture and heritage offer a unique experience. Tourism is the backbone of Goa’s economy. More than 1 million tourists visit Goa every year, of which 20 % is from foreign countries. Rice, coconut, cashew, areca, rubber and fruits are the major agricultural products. October,February is the ideal time to be here. Christmas,New Year period is the most popular season. Goans are fun loving people and many Goans lead a bohemian lifestyle. Goa has a number of culinary delights such as fish curry, Prawn Balchao, Sorpotel, Xacuti and Bebinca. Feni is a famous Goan drink. Arambol, Chapora, Vagator, Baga, Calangute, Benaulim, are some of the beautiful beaches. Bom Jesus Basilica, where the body of St Francis Xavier is excellently preserved, Se cathedral, Dudhsagar Waterfall, Tiracol fort are some of the places on shouldn’t miss. Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English and Portuguese are languages spoken in Goa.