Places to visit - Goa -Lakshwadeep - Cochin - Andaman & Nicobar Island - Kovalam

Goa has over the centuries, opened its doors and its heart to the Mauryan, Kadambas, Yadavs, Chalukyas, Dravidians, Arynas, Delhi Sultants, Vijaynagar rulers, Bahamani Sultans, Arabs, Persians and Jews. Finally in 1510 an event took place that was to leave an indelible mark on this "Pearl of the Orient". A Portuguese explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque sailed up the river Mandovi, defeated the Bijapuri army and rode into the capital triumphantly bearing a Portuguese Standard in one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. A curious blending of cultures took place, affecting every sphere of Goa life, from religion to architecture, cuisine to art. The chapter of Goa's history ended 451 years later when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony, and became a part of the Indian Union.

Goa's over 100 kms long coastline is studded with some of the world's loveliest beaches - Calangute, Colva, Baga, Vagator and Miaramar. Golden Beaches, Blue Skies and Pale Green Hills, Silvery Sand fringed with palms - this is Goa - the land of Paradoxes, the land of Fun and Frolic, of calm and tranquility. An amalgamation of religious architecture, built in the 16th century, it was a city with awe inspiring Cathedrals. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church of Our Lady of Rosary, the St. Cathedral with its fourteen splendid altars, and the Convent of St. Francis of Assisi are the magnificent sites to visit.

Lakshadweep, off the coast of Kerala, scattered in Arabian Sea, it is the Union Territory of India. Of the 36 islands in Lakshadweep, only 10 are inhabited. Four of the ten islands are permitted to be visited to the Indian Nationals while only one island - Bangaram is opened for the foreign tourists few years ago.. The island has a hotel called Bangaram Island Resort run by Casino Group of hotels, one of the pioneers of tourism industry in South India. The hotel provides accommodation for 60 persons in spacious huts and offers sea sports like Deep Sea Fishing, Snorkeling, Sailing/Rowing Boats and Scuba Diving.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islasnds are a group of 293 islands that lie scattered over a span of 725 km. The capital of the Union Territory of India, Port Blair, is lined by air to Calcutta and Madras. For many Indians right until the early part of this century, the Andamans were dreaded penal settlement known as Kala Pani or Black Water where the most hardened criminals were sent, never to be seen again. There are number of interesting islands which are allowed to be visited by the foreign tourists. To name a few, Corbyn's Cove, Snob, Jolly Boy, Red Skin, Cinque islands are few important ones.

Kovalam, green and serene, sunwashed and golden, tranquil palm-fringed lagoons, a paradise, an ethereal vision of a poet's inspiration - no wonder Kerala is named after "Kera", the beautiful coconut palm. Kovalam Beach Resort, 13 km south of Trivandrum is one of the best beaches of South India. The peaceful health resort is endowed with a beauty of its own. Small palm fringed bays seperated by rocky headlands, pale sands, gentle surf and lush green lawns attract a large number of tourists from all over the world. A health and Yoga centre provides Kerala's healing Ayurvedic touch to the visitors.