Old Goa was virtually abandoned from the 17th century as the river silted up and a series of malaria and cholera epidemics drove out the inhabitants. It takes some imagination to picture the once-great capital as it used to be. The maze of twisting streets, piazzas and grand Portuguese villas have long gone; all that remains are a score of extraordinarily grandiose churches and convents. Old Goa has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and today is the state's main cultural attraction. Tourists come here from the beach resorts to admire the massive facades and beautiful interiors of the well-preserved churches. The Tuscan St Catherine's Cathedral is the largest church in India and took eighty years to build, finally being consecrated in 1640. The scale and detail of the Corinthian-style interior is overwhelming; huge pillars divide the central nave from the side aisles, and no less than fifteen altars are arranged around the walls. An altar to St Anne treasures the relics of the Blessed Martyrs of Cuncolim, whose failed mission to convert the Moghul emperor Akbar culminated in their murder, while a chapel behind a highly detailed screen holds the Miraculous Cross, which stood in a Goan village until a vision of Christ appeared on it. Said to heal the sick, it is now kept in a box; a small opening on the side allows devotees to touch it.

Other sights worth seeing include the Arch of the Viceroys, built in 1597 to commemorate Vasco da Gama's arrival in India, and the distinctive domed Church of St Cajetan (1651), modelled on St Peter's in Rome. Old Goa is a major draw for Christian pilgrims from all over India who come to visit the tomb of St Francis Xavier, the renowned sixteenth-century missionary whose remains are enshrined in the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Situated on the southern banks of the Mandovi River, Panaji only became the capital of Goa in 1843 when the harbour at Old Goa had silted up and disease had driven its inhabitants out. The best way to explore the town is by foot, wandering around the old cobbled alleyways, colonial villas, red-roofed houses, taverns and cafes, much like any small Portuguese town.

There are some wonderful old government buildings, some dating to before colonisation and some elegant churches. Most memorable is the Church of the Immaculate Conception, which was built in 1541; it is topped with a huge bell that sits between two delicate Baroque-style towers.

Traders from all over India come to sell their wares: Lamani women from Karnataka, dressed in their traditional garb, sell colourful, elaborately woven clothes, Kashmiri stalls display silver and papier-mâché boxes and Tibetans preside over orderly rows of sundry Himalayan curios. Even if not planning to haggle for anything the market is a great place to watch the world go by and mingle with bands of musicians, snake charmers, beggars and the inevitable juggling hippies. The market takes place every Wednesday.

Complete with shady balcaos (porches) and oyster-shell windows in its Borda area.The Largo de Igreja, or the Church of the Holy Spirit as it is also known, dominates the entrance to the city, just north of the Municipal Garden square. The church area is surrounded by beautiful old residential houses still in pristine condition. The church was built by the Portuguese in 1675 and is one of the finest examples of late-Baroque architecture in Goa, boasting a pristine white façade and an interior dripping with gilt crystal and stucco.

Just within walking distance of the Church, is the famous "House of Seven Gables" or "Sat Burzam Ghor". This magnificent mansion was commissioned in 1790 by Sebastino da Silva, emissary and private secretary of the Portuguese Viceroy. Although only three of the seven gables remain today, they are enough to give the visitor an idea of the size of the original edifice.

The town has an excellent market area stretching from the south edge of the main square to within a stone's throw of the old railway station. The Bazaar centres on a labyrinthine covered area that's a rich source of authentic souvenirs and a good place to browse for some bargain shopping.

Vasco-da-Gama sits on the tip of Marmagoa cape, overlooking the Zuari River.Vasco-da-Gama is the largest city in the state of Goa, India. Some major attractions of Vasco-da-Gama are Pilot Point at Headland Sada, Baina Beach, Japanese Garden, Bogmalo Beach, the Sada Fort, the Naval Aviation Museum and many others.

. It is mainly a market town for the surrounding beach areas of Calangute, Candolim, Anjuna and Baga among others. Even its name is thought to be derived from the Konkani word for a measure - "map" and the phrase fill up - "sa".

It is a fairly small town with mostly modern building spread around the slopes of a small hillock called Altinho. It lies about 13 kms from the capital city of Panaji and on most days there is hardly anything to entice the casual visitor to its environs.

But come Friday morning, the whole town has a lively look when the famous weekly Friday Market begins. The market attracts people from all over Goa who come here to buy and sell their wares. Everything from fresh and dried fish, incense, spices, fruits and vegetables to souvenirs from other states of India is available here.

Local Goan specialities such as spicy sausages (chouriços) and the Goan spirits such as toddi and cashew feni are much in demand amongst locals and outsides. Another item to look out for is the magnificent banana crop from the nearby village of Moira. Most of the items are sold after a few rounds of bargaining and the prices are usually much lower than anywhere else.

Most of the items are piled up in heaps on the sidewalks, with most of the vendors being colourfully dressed womenfolk from the nearby villages who come here to sell their produce. The market also draws a large number of foreign tourists from the nearby beach areas who come here to stock up on their provisions.

the sanctuary is 53 kms away from Panaji, the state capital.The evergreen forests and lush green trees surround the sanctuary.Molem National Park lies in the heart of Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. Taking a tour of the sanctuary is a great experience in itself, as one can see the running herds of deer and Indian bison. Malayan giant squirrels, clusters of monkeys, black panthers, cobras and pythons are the common sight here. You can even spot the elephants and tigers in their natural adobe.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is set 10 kms in the northeast direction of Usgao Tisk village in North Goa. It is one of the small preserves in Goa, covering the area of just 8 sq. kms. You can see here the Indian bison, jackal, black-faced langur, wild boar and different species of deer. Besides animals, tourists can also enjoy sights of multiple species of birds and butterflies.

With the most meaningful name, 'The Sea of Milk', the Dudhsagar Waterfalls are located on the Goa and Karnataka border. It is at a distance of 60 kms from Panaji. Water in large amounts falls from the height of hundreds feet and forms for one of the most picturesque natural phenomena. It is a Goa's popular destination for nature lovers, hikers and trekkers.

Anjuna, the traditional ramble center, is admired by the back packers. It is a real lively place with many eating joints, restaurants and bars. Baga Beach, a fascinating beach is near Anjuna Beach. Dona Paula Beach 7 kms far from Panaji gives a best opportunity to the tourists for best relaxation and sunbath.

Colva Beach near Margo offers nice accommodation options. Naturally blessed beach are Arambol Beach in the north and Palolem Beach in the south. Other famous beaches include Miramar Beach, Agonda Beach, Mandrem Beach, Morjim Beach, Miramar Beach, Palolem Beach, Siridao Beach, Patnem Beach, Keri Beach, Lemos Beach, Mandrem Beach, Morji Beach, Asvem Beach and many more. The resorts on the Goa Beach Resorts offer all the modern tourist facilities in Goa.