South Goa’s Cansaulim Beach gleams with golden sheen. Fringed-palm groves serve as shady nooks for restaurants and beachy seafood shacks. When teamed up with neighbouring Arossim and Cuelim beaches, Cansaulim forms one-third of the second-longest beach stretch in India. Take a break from the sun with expert, indulgent spa services.

East meets West in this sun-soaked state, where Indian culture intertwines with Portuguese influences left over from a 500-year occupation. The beaches have long served as a magnet for serene hedonists. To the north, the tourist-centric scene is prevalent, with an international flair that is now skewing more hip than hippie. Travel south for stretches of unspoiled sand and an escape from large resorts. Temples, mosques and wildlife sanctuaries provide diversions from the beach.

Candolim is just north of the Mandovi river and is home to Goa's most popular and well known resort and holiday village. As such, it's not a typical backpackers destination. The Candolim beach itself does not have much to offer when compared to its livelier neighbor, Calangute. However, if sunbathing and take the occasional dip is your thing then Candolim will offer you the perfect experience. One of the more interesting sights from Candolim beach is the bulk carrier ""River Princess"" which ran aground 100 metres offshore. While at the Candolim beach do not miss out the Aguada Fort. The fort was built by the Portuguese way back in 1912 for defense against the Dutch and the Maratha invaders. Candolim is aslo a very popular evening destination as it has a number of very good resteraunts and night clubs.