Marvelous, unspoilt expanses of palm-fringed sands and blue seas, warmed by the sun and local hospitality, relaxed life styles enlivened by the Goan love of music and dance and spiced by its superb cuisine, make for a heady mixture that is difficult to resist. Located about half way down the west coast of India, Goa is a lush green paradise edged on the one side by the wooded foothills of the Sahyadri range and on the other by the Arabian Sea. More than 450 years of Portuguese rule preceded by Hindu and Muslim supremacy have made 'Sunny Goa' an exciting amalgam of cultures. Imposing churches, forts perched on high promontories, delightful old mansions and villas and picturesque whitewashed villages set amidst velvety paddy fields are all a part of this exciting heritage. Beaches at every twist and turn of the undulating Goan coast there are alluring little coves or bays each completely different and each with its own special Charm. Along the coast are picturesque villages with tall white washed churches and red tiled houses that nestle into the lush green of the Goan countryside. In North Goa, some of the finest beaches are etched against tall laterite cliffs. These Include Sinquerim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator and Chapora with an old fort overlooking the beach. The Arambol beach has a delightful fresh water pond at the base of a verdant slope. The Tiracol fort at the northern - most extremity of the territory, built on a tall promontory has a splendid view over the sea. The southern beaches with their expanses of sparkling white sand and calm sea include Bogmalo, Utorda, Majorda, Colva, Benaulim, Cavelossim and Mobor. The tiny bay at Palolem. Four attractive wildlife sanctuaries preserve thick forests and habitats along the slopes of the Western Ghats. These include the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km east of panaji), the Bondla Sanctuary (55 km from Panaji) and the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km south of Panaji). The wet deciduous forests of these preserves have abundant bird life and are the habitat of animals like the bison, leopard, sloth bear, sambar, chital, pangolin, etc. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary located on the Island of Chorao along the river Mandovi, close to Panaji, has mangrove forests and varieties of water birds visiting from as far as Siberia. Goa is a place for visiting any time of the year. Goa experiences a lovely and relaxing climate all year round. A moderate temperature averaging 28 c showing negligible variations in different seasons. May is the hottest month. While January and February are the coldest. There is a prevalence of tropical weather rest of the year. Southwest Mon soon brings rain In Goa between June and September. July is the month that receives maximum rainfall while February gets least amount of rain. Goa is best enjoyed during the tropical winter months between October and March. This is also the time Goa is most frequented by tourists. The weather during this period is extremely pleasant. Summers (April and May) can be hot and humid, though being in the coastal region, the gentle sea breeze is a welcome soother. The monsoon months are June to September with an average rainfall of around 320 cms. This is the season when the weather is really cool and the hill and the countryside are lush green.