Goa has a certain reputation, which dates back as far as the 1960's, where it was regarded as a hippy paradise, a place for dropouts, and flower power, a not to be missed place for travellers, and probably regarded as the world centre for dope. All of this whilst not totally inaccurate might put you off a visit to Goa, which would be a mistake. Sure Goa can still be the place for all night parties, and beaches crowded with people selling hash to fund their alternative lifestyles, but there is much more to Goa than that. As background, Goa was a Portugese colony for hundreds of years, and that length of stay, they were finally kicked out in 1961, leaves an indelible impression, from Portugese churches, the fact that 30% of the population is Catholic. You will find European style villas scattered around in the rice fields, palm groves, often bearing coats of arms, and many imposing houses behind walls and locked gates. All of this makes Goa completely different to anywhere on the Indian Sub Continent. Although Goa was colonised by the Portugese over 500 years ago, it has new colonists, in that literally thousands of tourists visit every winter, many from Europe, but there is also a new generation of middle class young Indians from places like Delhi and Mumbai. There is a definite divide between on one hand the young generation, bombing around on bikes, going from one beach to another, having a great and very noisy time, often partying all night. This makes parts of Goa a nightmare for the middle class tourist who seeks a quiet quality five star resort, but the great joy of Goa, is that it has the room, the culture, the scenery to cope with both ends of the spectrum. So if you are looking for bargain prices, cheap accommodation, crowded beaches, hawkers, and action of the legal and perhaps slightly illegal kind, where food and drink are cheap, and the weather is fantastic then Goa is the place for you. On the other hand if your pleasure is to found in historic sites, on deserted beaches, or on the beach of a luxury resort, then go to the very far north or the deep south, and Goa will be a dream come true for you. Be warned however, many have come here for a vacation, and been seduced They have never gone home, it's that kind of paradise!!
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