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Colourful India, a land of
complexity and diversity both in culture and in spectacle.
Just an hours flight from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai,
is one of the most popular beach resort cities in the world, Goa.
Home
to some of the wildest, golden beaches, and some of the most enchanting
towns as well.
Goa is more than just a state, it is a state of mind.
It may just be 50 kilometres from Mumbai, but they worlds apart
in terms of scenery.
Goa, like most regions outside of the concrete jungles of Indias
metropolis, sprawls with idyllic green countryside and enchanting
vistas of rural India.
A Portugese colony from 1510, it was only since 1962 that Goa finally
became a full-fledged member of the India.
East is East and West is West but the twain shall sometimes meet
in Goa, especially at the town squares, where images of 18th Century
European church architecture exists alongside customs and creeds
of a people proudly Indian.
Like her people, Goa may be Portugese in name, and while she may
still retain some of the accents of her Portugese ancestry, in identity,
she is a hundred percent, uniquely Goan.
Culture, like the roads here, is an ever-evolving state of negotiation,
with the most beautiful effects found at the junctions.
Goa
is an interesting collision and collusion of cultures, a happy blend
of East and West, a place at perpetual crossroads and you know there's
nothing more exciting than walking right through them.
Against the backdrop of all things Indian, witness picture perfect
snapshots of scenes uncannily like postcards of Europe.
The old residential area of Fontainahas looks very much like a
loving replica of a provincial town in Spain or Portugal.
The heart of Goa today lies in its beaches, the most popular stretch
of sand in India.
Its visitors range from European backpackers, Indian holidaymakers
and well-heeled international tourists in search of an idyllic sanctuary
away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
The creme de la crème of Goan beach resorts, The Leela is
exactly where those who can afford to spend most of their time.
Set amidst lush landscaped gardens, the Leela is 75 acres of sheer
serenity, with a setting that honours both Indian and Portugese
influences of its site.
The
Leela Resort was awarded Best Resort in the Asia Pacific for three
consecutive years and holds the Imperial Mark, one of the worlds
oldest and most prestigious accolades, for its excellent service.
The Leela has 152 private villas, all with excellent views and
the largest is the presidential villa.
Once youve spent a bit of time here, its easy to forget
this was to be only your temporary abode.
There is an almost uncanny feeling of familiarity about it; this
villa makes you feel right at home.
Spend a couple of days here and youll think it was your very
own Indian summer palace.
The Leela is a great place to chill out and to be by yourself while
enjoying the luxurious environment and service, so says its General
Manager.
All 152 private villas here at the Leela comes with a magnificent
view.
Meant to be modern, the latest Club Suites does not compromise
any of the charm that is distinctly Leela.
Cleverly designed, these suites embody elegance in its simplicity.
All in all, the Leela Resort is an excellent place for some rest
and relaxation to rejuvenate even the most tired of souls.
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