Known by various names, such as "Rome of the East", "Tourist Paradise" and "Pearl of the Orient", the Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt that is known as Konkan.

The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its churches, temples and the old houses have made Goa a place of firm choice with travelers the world across.

But then, Goa has much more than just the sea and beaches. It has a soul and identity of its own, which goes deep into the history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural beauty and scenery that India has to offer. The important tourist destinations in Goa are:

Panaji
Panaji is the official capital of Goa. It was called Panjim during the times of the Portuguese and was one of the three principal Portuguese cities along with Velha Goa (Old Goa) and Margao. Though it began as a suburb of Velha Goa it ended up becoming the capital of Goa in 1843 when the Portuguese Old Goa. It is also one of India's smallest and most charming state capitals.

Vasco-da-Gama
The town of Vasco-da-Gama was originally called Sambhaji. This spick and span, and geometrically planned well laid out coastal town popularly known as Vasco is also the oldest railway terminus for passenger service.

Margao
Margao is Goa's second largest city and commercial metropolis of Salcete taluka in South Goa. It still retains semblance of Goa's Portuguese colonial past, and is famous for its ancient cultural heritage and traditional customs of the people of Goa.

Beaches:
Goa's best-known feature is its lovely languorous golden beaches that stretch across the 60 miles (100 kms) long coastline. Well prepared for tourists and appointed with every facility, be it hotels and resorts, beach shacks and small restaurants serve delicious but affordable food with colorful beach bazaars. Some beaches are sandy and isolated that provide a perfect retreat for unwinding and relaxing.