Goa

Goa has been ranked as the best state by the Eleventh Finance Commission in terms of infrastructure and has also been recognized by the National Commission on Population for providing the best quality of life in India, based on 12 indicators. Vasco da Gama is the largest city in Goa, while the historic city of Margao still reflects the cultural influence of the Portuguese, who first arrived in the early 16th century as merchants and later took control of the region. Goa was a Portuguese colony for about 450 years until it was annexed by India in 1961. Known for its beautiful beaches, places of worship, and world heritage architecture, Goa attracts many international tourists each year. The state boasts rich flora and fauna due to its location in the Western Ghats, a region classified as a biodiversity hotspot.