About Goa Goa is a much-featured destination on the World Tourism map. This tiny emerald covering 3702 sq km has a 105 km long coast line lapped by the Arabian Sea. The state is bordered by Maharashtra and Karnataka. Temperate climate, diverse landscapes, wide, sandy, palm-fringed beaches, clean waters and an aura of serenity attract many tourists from all over the world. Goa is pleasant throughout the year and it rains between June and September. Goa is reachable from Bangalore, Mumbai, Mangalore or Pune by road or rail. Convenient railway stations are Madgaon, Thivim and Vasco. It is linked by air to most major Indian cities. Goa is best known for its beaches and most tourist attractions are centred around 4 towns namely Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Ponda Food The staple food of Goa is fish curry and rice, both among the Hindus as well as the Catholics. But the main difference in the food habits of these communities is that the Christians also eat beef and pork, which are forbidden in most Hindu households. Goan cuisine is quite spicy in nature and is a blend of Indian, Brazillian and the Portuguese influences. Prawn Balchao - a spicy, oily, pickle like creation is one of the most popular local seafood delicacies. Pork sorpotel, Goa's prized dish, is served mainly on feast days or any other festive occasion. Chicken Cafreal - grilled chicken treated with a healthy amount of garlic paste - is another dinnertime favourite. Bebinca, an eight-layered dessert made up of only eggs, milk and sugar, is a famous Goan sweet meat. Goa's traditional drink is Feni, a potent brew made from the sap of either the coconut or cashew tree. Feni was probably brought to Goa by the Portugese, but has become synonymous worldwide with the Goans and their laid-back way of life. Culture Goans are traditionally, warm, fun loving people, who are also very hospitable. Their culture is a rich blend of Indian, Western and Portuguese influences. The main languages spoken are Konkani, Marathi and English. Portuguese is also spoken by a few people. Spices Organic herbs commercially available in Goa are Rosemary, Mint, Thyme, Bay Leaf, Oregano & Sage applications.