Goa’s pristine beaches, natural harbours and wide rivers make it a holiday-makers paradise. While its hippy heyday is over, tourists from around India and the world continue flock to Goa to enjoy its natural beauty, fine cuisine and world heritage architecture. Its position in the Western Ghats make it a biodiversity hotspot. Its geography means that Goa has been an important port for many centuries, with civilisation dating back to the 3rd century BC. But it was the Portuguese that shaped Goa into the idiosyncratic place it is today. Arriving in 1510, with the intention of ruling the Spice Route, the colonisers remained in Goa until 1961. In Goa today, the Portuguese influence is still visible in the architecture, religion and cuisine.