Worlds apart from the swarming crowds of India's over-populated, polluted cities Goa is irresistible combination of sun, sea, sand and psychadelica.

As India's party capital what it may lack in hip city bars and even hipper inhabitants, it makes up for with a tie-dyed mish-mash of feverishly hot weather, hippy-trippy beach parties and cool clubs.

Goa exists as a state on the west coast of India and is a former Portuguese colony. Even though Hinduism is now the dominant religion, Goa's catholic heritage remains omnipresent.

There are old beautiful churches everywhere and its enchanting Portuguese architecture has been well preserved.

Despite Goa's thriving party scene its pleasant surroundings and perfect beaches mean everyone from gap-year travellers to families and retired couples can be found basking in the baking Goan sunshine.

It is also a popular winter getaway for the international jet-set crowd and in the winter months it has a distinctly international feel.

Goa has over 100 km of beautiful coastline, making it the quintessential getaway for travellers trying to 'find themselves' and tan-loving beach bunnies. But Goa is not a mindless sun, sea and sand destination. It is a soulful, glorious place rich in Indian and colonial heritage. Take time to savour the churches of Old Goa, the ancient temples of its village communities and thrill of walking along some of India's best beaches.

One of the sightseeing highlights of the state is its 16th century World Heritage-listed Vittala Temple. The temple was never finished, but is amazing even in its uncompleted state. Its incredible, intricate sculptural work is the pinnacle of Vijayanagar art.

Vjiayanagar, the capital of one of the largets Hindu empires in history, was founded by the Sangama dynasty princes in 1336.

Its power was derived from the wealth of the empire's spice trace and cotton industry and allowed the princes to building elaborate temples and other buildings.

The grand empire collapsed after the battle of Talikota in 1565 when the city was ransacked by Deccan sultans, leaving Southern India open to Muslim conquest.

The Vittala Temple is arguably one of India's greatest ruins magical in its beauty and representative of a dramatic turning point in India's history.

A trip to Old Goa, about nine kilometres from Panaji, is also a fantastic, nostalgic experience. Once the centre of Portuguese dominion, travellers can see the remnants of colonial Goa. From the fortress walls to the monasteries and churches, Old Goa is an impressive place.

The archaeological museum, housed in St Francis of Assisi's old convent, has ancient sculptures from the Hindu period and one of India's most impressive collections of old coins.

Paintings include portraits of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer who first reached India's shores in 1948 and the founder of the colony, Alfonso Albuquerque.

Goa's fascinating history permeates every aspect of Goan life as ancient culture and religion mesh seamlessly with all aspect of Goan life from traditional dress to food.

Visitors to Goa may be surprised to learn that the state's culinary delights stretch far beyond its fiery fish curries and rice.

Goa's long period of Portuguese rule and the dominance of its ancient Muslim and Hindu kingdoms mean its food has a distinct, exotic taste unique to Goa.

Goans value their daily meal as much as they do their siestas in the long, hot afternoons and food is central to Goan life.

Try exotic, spicy combinations such as ambot-tik and don't miss out on the islands world-class seafood.

Goa is a place that allows travellers to explore its vast kilometres of shorelines, ancient temples and quaint villages at their leisure. The pressures of time do not seem to exist here and travellers can see as much or do as little as they please. There may be a lot to see, but some of the most pleasurable pursuits in Goa involve the beach, a cool drink and full belly.