Goa the one time Portugese enclave, is to the Indian tourist what Hawaii is to the Western. A spot to relax and replenish life's vitality. Goa has a character quite distinct from the rest of India. Roman Catholicism remains a major religion in Goa.

Over the last twenty years five-star hotels have moved in to cater to the increasing flow of both Indian and International tourist. In the process some of the old world Portuguese flavour has been diluted.

Loutolim, a sleepy little village on the way to Ponda, about thirty kilometres south of Panaji is a maze of narrow road winding through houses that nestle among flowering shrubs and clusters of jackfruit, mango, coconut, guava and banana trees. The open spaces are lush green paddy fields by the river. Four and a half centuries of Portuguese rule has not changed the distinct character of this village - the architecture and lifestyle showing a unique blend of Indian and European influence.

Places of Diving
Malvan shoal