East and west come together in this sun-soaked state, where the beaches have long served as a magnet for hedonists and Indian culture intertwines with Portuguese influences left over from a 500-year occupation. To the north, the tourist-centric scene is prevalent, with an international flair that is now skewing more hip than hippie. Travel south for stretches of unspoiled sand and an escape from large resorts. Temples, mosques and wildlife sanctuaries provide diversions from the beach.