The 131 km long coastline of Goa, is set on the golden Konkan coast, on the Western Ghats, along the Arabian Sea. This small former Portuguese enclave is one of India's most dazzling tourist mosaics. Goa deserves every bit of the sobriquet 'The Pearl of the East'. The name Goa is derived from the Konkani word 'Goyan', which means a patch of tall grass. 

Once a great Hindu stronghold, Goa was a part of the grand Mauryan empire, around 3rd century B.C. The Satvahanas of Kolhapur and later the Chalukyas of Badami, took over the goverance. Other dynasties followed, including a short-lived Muslim invasion, until the Vijayanagar Empire established itself for almost a century. This era, too, ended with the arrival of the Sultans of Gulbarga, around 1469 AD, from whom the rule passed on to the Adil Shah of Bijapur. Goa soon became the bone of contention between the Dutch, English, French and Portugeuse, all vying for its possession. Ultimately, in 1510, the Portugeuse conquered Goa, with Alfonso de Albuquerque leading the invasion. After ruling for around four centuries, in 1961, fourteen years after the country's independence, the Portugeuse had to turn their backs on this fascinating 'Pearl'.

Goa combines old Portuguese architecture, and a distinct Portuguese flavour to the lifestyle, with a history that abounds with Indian mythology. Its unending beaches, the pristine beauty of the seascape, its mystical hills and groves, the rhythmic pounding of the sea, its swaying palms - all make it a fairytale land for the traveller.

By Air: You can fly to Goa from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram. For overseas travellers, Mumbai has the most well - connected airport.

By Rail: Getting to Goa, by train is fairly convenient from Mumbai (490 km), Bangalore (430 km) and Delhi (1874 km).

By Road: Driving down by road from Mumbai (582 km) is smooth as well as picturesque, as Goa is situated right on the highway.

By Ship: Damania Shipping Corporation operates nonstop catamaran service between Mumbai and Goa, from October to May.