Goa was part of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu until 1987 when it became the 25th state of the Indian Union. Apart from the increasing strength of Indian tourists from outside Goa, a large number of western tourists arrive here by direct chartered flights.

Goa is known best for its beaches. Deciding which one to go to will depend on how long you wish to stay and what kind of holiday you’re looking for. Budget travellers staying long-term prefer to go to the quieter beachs and rent simple rooms at beach cafes or private homes. Calangute, Baga, Candolim and Colva tend to be dominated by package tourism. Anjuna is preferred by backpackers, while the smaller Vagator and Chapora are more quiet. Benaulim, with its beach-shacks and low-key resorts, falls somewhere in between. If you prefer non-tourist beaches, take a look at Arambol (or Harmal as it is called on some maps) which has invitingly empty stretches of sand.