Chill right out on Goa's idyllic beaches

Hippies, sadhus and sunburned British housewives all converge on the white sandy beaches of Goa where the laid-back lifestyle, idyllic beaches and perfectly seasoned seafood make the state the quintessential holiday hotspot.

But there is more to Goa than lounge chair living. This former Portuguese colony is small enough to explore on even a short holiday.

Whitewashed churches and cathedrals dot the Goan landscape and garlanded statues of saints reflect the influence of Hinduism on India's unique brand of Catholicism.

No visit to Goa is complete without a day spent wandering the back alleys of Panjim capped off with a caju feni (local liquor distilled from cashews) and a big slice of bebinca, an extraordinarily tasty Goan layered desert.