Mention Goa and many people immediately think of exotic landscapes, palm-fringed beaches, the warm Arabian sea and glorious sunsets. Visit Goa and you’ll find all that – but so much more besides.

Because of its history, involving four centuries of Portuguese rule and a central role during the golden age of the spice trade, this smallest of India’s states has a unique culture, fusing eastern, western and Arabian traditions. That means there are many fascinating cultural elements to enjoy, such as lavish feastdays — Hindu, Christian and Muslim — and temples, churches and old Portuguese-Goan houses to visit.

Inland from the coast are lakes and wooded hills where wildlife teems. There are reserves and sanctuaries for elephants and other animals, covering around 10 per cent of the state – and abundant birds, especially in the western ghats which provide a migration corridor along the length Goa.

The copious kinds of seafood brought ashore by fishermen on the coast are complemented by a wonderful range of food produced by farming communities centred on the inland lush pastures, rich soils and paddyfields. These communities also include traditional artisans whose crafts are often available in local markets.