Goa 

Over the last twenty years five-star hotels have moved in to cater to the increasing flow of both Indian and International tourist. In the process some of the old world Portuguese flavour has been diluted.

Loutolim, a sleepy little village on the way to Ponda, about thirty kilometres south of Panaji is a maze of narrow road winding through houses that nestle among flowering shrubs and clusters of jackfruit, mango, coconut, guava and banana trees. The open spaces are lush green paddy fields by the river. Four and a half centuries of Portuguese rule has not changed the distinct character of this village - the architecture and lifestyle showing a unique blend of Indian and European influence.

On the Lautolim hill is a mock up miniature village called ancestral Goa. Conceived by advertising executive, Maendra Alvares , this is a typical Goan village as it existed a hundred years ago. Once a week Alvares organises a `vintage evening of folk music , dance and traditional food. Lifestyle statues of village folks in terracotta dot the area. A huge dance floor in the shape of a big foot is located on the top of the hill within the same complex where a restaurant serves a choice of Goan, Portuguese and Hindu vegetarian spread.