Goa referred as the ‘‘Pearl of the Orient” personifies sun kissed beaches, lofty palms, majestic churches and spectacular monu-ments. Swaying palms, white sands and sparkling waters: the three essential elements that attract 2 million visitors annually to Goa’s balmy shores are plentiful in this tiny, glorious slice of India hugging the country’s western coastline and bounded by the Arabian Sea.

Panaji is the state's capital, while Vasco da Gama is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese Goa has to offer the exquisite pleasure of warm sand between your toes.

Pep up your stay with a wander arounda vanilla-scented spice plantation, stroll the bird-filled banks of the state's gentle rivers, poke around centuries-old cathedrals, and venture out to white-water.