The red laterite appears like bald patches in the upland areas. You are never more than 15 to 30 kms away from the sea. Enroute you find quaint villages, pretty paddy fields, densely wooded hills, coconut groves, and many inlets and bays. Chiplun It is charming, better known as the midway point enroute to Goa from Bombay, this little riverside town is tucked neatly away in the valleys of the Western Ghats. The former portuguese colony has some of India's finest beaches.
Local cuisine makes the best use of available seafood.
The favourite local drink is feni - a sprit made from cashew or coconut. Goa is one of India's most popular holiday destinations and a true Indian Gem. Lush green fields of irrigated paddy surround villages and hamlets. Crumbling forts guard rocky capes and estuary entrances. Also known as Mercara, it has a sprinkling of historical memorabilia - like the fort which has played an important part in Karnataka's tumultuous history.