Variously known as "Rome of the East", "Tourist Paradise" and "Pearl of the Orient", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world. Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the hinterland away from the coastal area. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic.