Go GOA!!!

In no other place in the world do two contrasting cultures - Indian and Portuguese - come together as magically as in the sun-drenched state of Goa. The magic and mystery of Goa lies in the fact that it is not one place at all, but two.

On one hand you have the Goa of swaying palms and white-sand beaches, Portuguese mansions, a number of fascinating medieval churches and Hindu temples, bike rides among shimmering rice paddies and walks through lush spice plantations. It's a languid retreat, where time crawls by and cobbled alleyways lead you to quaint villages. A Goa that is filled with the romance of an era gone by. Filled with lush green forests, abundant sunshine and the legendary warmth and hospitality of the Goan people. The great churches of Old Goa including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Se Cathedral, the Church of St Cajetan and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi stand testimony to the Catholic influence.

Then there is another Goa. Sauve and urbane. Fun and sexy. Full of hedonistic parties, colourful festivals, spectacular pageantry and exhilarating adventure. A Goa that buzzes with energy and entices you with secrets. One of which is its distinctive cuisine spicy, delectable and totally unforgettable. With a nightlife second to none, Goa is indeed the party headquarters
of South East Asia.

And there's no telling which Goa will enthrall you, but rest assured that enthrall you, it will.

Captivating Cochin

If there is one place in the riveting diversity of Kerala where there is tangible beauty and life full of good things, it is Cochin.

The largest city in Kerala with a population of 5.5 lakhs, Cochin's all weather harbour has made it an important center for commerce and industry. It has a maritime history that began in the remote past. The Portuguese, the Dutch and the English established themselves here at one time or the other. This unusual assortment of rulers transformed Cochin into an extraordinary melting pot of people and cultures.

Cochin has a sizable Jewish community and this is reflective in the Jewish synagogue, a magnificent prayer hall that was constructed in 1568 A.D. and is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Another place of interest is the St.Francis Church, a Protestant church that was built by the Portuguese in circa 1510 A.D. Vasco-da-Gama's gravestone is located here though his mortal remains were taken back to Portugal several years later.

And if that isn't to enough to interest you, there's also the lure of the backwaters combined with the exquisiteness of Willington island, Fort Cochin - Mattancherry peninsula, Bolgatty and Gundu and Vypeen island.