Goa offers beautiful beaches, fascinating historic sites and a warm welcome from the laid-back charm of its people.
Description
Goa has earned its place as a premier tourist destination, not just because of its beautiful beaches and fascinating historic sites, but because of the warm welcome and laid-back charm of its people. Goa has been a melting-pot of races, religions and cultures over the centuries, leaving it with a wealth of wonderful old churches, temples and forts, a delightfully varied cuisine, and a multicultural lifestyle that’s quite different from the rest of India.
But it’s the white sands, glistening clear seas and swaying palms of the lush green landscape which continue to draw holidaymakers to this uniquely enchanting region. With fragrant vanilla plantations, rivers teeming with wildlife and herds of wild buffalo among the sights to be seen, it’s no wonder Goa is known for being a traveller’s paradise, and a firm favourite among British tourists. With dependable weather, too, it’s a dream winter sun destination. Check out our fantastic selection of hotels in Goa here.
Please note: Indian Authorities require customers to travel by return flights on the same charter airline. One-way charter flights from Goa are not permitted. If you do not take your outbound flight from the UK you will not be permitted to travel back on your return flight to the UK. Charter flights and scheduled flights cannot be mixed.
Destination Profile
Whether you're in need of a relaxing retreat or a new and thrilling adventure, a Goa holiday won't disappoint. In this unique destination, you will experience a one-off mix of cultures that has created the Goa of today and made it a favourite place to holiday with holidaymakers each year.
Within Goa, the north and south have developed characters of their own: North Goa holidays offer a lively mix of fascinating colourful markets and restaurants with delicious local specialities available. The fresh fish and seafood are among the best you will find anywhere. South Goa holidays are more relaxed with a slower pace to life in quiet fishing villages scattered around the coast and among paddy fields inland, where a wide variety of wildlife can be observed.
Discover the delights of Goa holidays
If you've booked a holiday in Goa to experience the world-renowned beaches, you won't be disappointed. Goa's virtually unbroken 70 kms of coastline includes such gems as Anjuna Beach and Calangute Beach among countless others.
Those seeking more active Goa holidays can choose between a wide variety of watersports. Try parasailing in Colva Beach or, between October and mid-May, join the action in scuba diving season with the unique opportunity to swim through sunken shipwrecks located off the coast.
Culture lovers will enjoy exploring the fascinating history and charming character of towns and cities such as Panaji and Vasco Da Gama. A must for visitors is a trip to old Goa with its stunning cathedrals, home to the sacred remains of St. Francis Xavier, and the fascinating museums such as the Goa State Museum and Houses of Goa which focuses on architecture.
Once the sun has set, try your hand at bargaining in one of Goa's lively night markets? And once you've worked up an appetite, you won't be disappointed with Goa's choice of culinary offerings - a delicious blend of Portuguese, Indian and local flavours.
Beaches
North Goa: North Goa's coast has virtually unbroken, wide sandy beaches.
South Goa: Southern Goa's beaches are seemingly endless with fine, white sand and watersports are offered at many of the beach side hotels
Eating
Visitors taking Goa holidays tend to think that food and drink in Goa means the famous fish, curry, rice and feni package. And for most Goans these are indeed the three basic necessities of life; fish, curry and rice. The long period of Portuguese rule, besides that of the Muslim and Hindu kingdoms, has left an indelible influence on the original style of Goan cooking and this has led to an exotic mix of truly tasty and spicy cuisine.
Food: The Goan people cherish their food as much as they value their daily siesta (break). And in an average Goan's daily meal, seafood always has a pride of place in some form or the other. From fried fish to exotic concoctions like ambot-tik, seafood is usually a must on the menu, except for the occasional break for some religious observance.
Alcohol: in Goa is cheap and there is a variety of it. A must try in Goa is the coconut drink. The coconut, still wearing its green husk, is opened at the top, and to its innocent liquid is added some not-so-innocent feni (a potent alcoholic drink made from cashew fruit), crushed ice and some sweet, fruit-flavoured cordial.
Nightlife: The strangest custom one comes across in some areas as they make a trip to Goa is the presence of a bar-cum-restaurant in almost every third house. All the trendy looking rooms of the houses are open to the public with a couple of chairs and a table. The atmosphere is just great - relaxing and conducive to a pleasant night out with family and friends. Most of the places serve exquisite seafood and other Goan delicacies along with having well stocked bars. And if you want to jive the night away, there are a couple of nice discotheques in Goa.
Pubs: The pubs in Goa provide an evening filled with fun and excitement. There are various pubs spread all over Goa, each designed with a different theme. Large groups of tourists as well as locals gather at these pubs to enjoy their favourite drinks and listen to the latest music. Most of these pubs provide all this and more at very affordable rates.
Shopping
Any holiday to Goa would not be complete without a souvenir of your memorable visit in this magnificent paradise. The excellent local handicrafts of Goa are easily the most popular souvenir items and include brassware, terracotta, shell work, crochet, carved furniture, bamboo work, papier-mâché, etc. These are available in the Government Emporia and also shops and stalls near the popular tourist spots.
Another item which is on the list of every traveller who visits Goa is a pack of the famed cashew nuts. These are available practically everywhere. There are shops specialising in selling only cashew nuts. The nuts are available in a wide variety of tastes ranging from plain, salted and masala. The prices vary based on the quality and flavour. The charm of shopping in Goa lies in bargaining to your heart's content in markets and shops until you finally bring down the price and make the purchase a worthwhile experience.
Things To Do
Make your Goa holidays extra special by booking some of our great excursions, places are limited so reserve your place at your Welcome Meeting or contact your holiday representative to avoid disappointment.
Indiana Falls: A visit to India's second highest waterfall, a 603 metre fall of water into a pool perfect for swimming and the opportunity to spot some cheeky monkeys on the way. Take a refreshing swim in the cooling waters before enjoying a selection of authentic Goan cuisine. Afterwards visit the gorgeous Ganesh temple and admire the beautiful natural surroundings.
Some Like it Hot: A great way to see all the highlights of Goa in just one day with a trip to Goa's most visited temple, cathedral, a spice plantation, enjoy lunch on a banana plate and a chance to haggle for all the bargains in the capital City of Panjim.
Magical South: Get a chance to visit the Holy Spirit Church, known as the largest and most beautiful church in Salcete. Explore the Gandhi Market, full of wonderful goods and food stalls that should not be missed. Visit a famous distillery and then have lunch at the 213 year old Palacio Do Deao. Explore outstanding architecture and lush gardens.
Forts & Bargains: Buckle up and get ready to explore the famous forts of Goa. Become immersed in Portuguese history by visiting the largest and best-preserved bastion in Goa as well as the oldest lighthouse of its kind in Asia. Fuel up with a Goan meal at a traditional Goan restaurant and then proceed to the liveliest market in Goa, Anjuna Flea Market, where you can try your hand at haggling for a great bargain.
Wildernest: Enter a world you've never seen before. Rest in a charming cottage with stunning forest views by an infinity pool before embarking on a fantastic hike into paradise. Trails designed for various age groups offer adventure and excitement at every step. Back at the cottages enjoy a decadent dinner after some entertainment such as folk dancing or wildlife documentary films. Enjoy bird watching, waterfall exploration or jungle treks the following day before returning to your hotel.
Castaway: Enjoy a drive through beautiful villages until you arrive to a beautiful untouched beach bordered by thick forests full of gorgeous birdlife. Settle into a luxurious self-contained tent where you will be served lunch and are free to relax on the isolated beach where you can try to spot some dolphins. Tea and biscuits are served in the evening followed by a few games on the beach before sunset. Enjoy a BBQ dinner with a campfire from where you can stargaze. After a full night's rest, laze on the beach and try to spot dolphins before returning to your hotel.
Wind in the Willows: A truly unique opportunity to spend the night aboard a traditional house boat and experience the beautiful Goan countryside whilst floating along the backwaters. The boat has bedrooms with queen sized beds, toilets and showers. You can enjoy resting out on an open deck dining area or sitting area with arm chairs and coffee tables. Observe local fishermen and bakers at work. Relax with a drink while viewing spectacular temples and churches built centuries ago. Try to catch your own fish, if you're lucky you will get your own fish cooked by the boat's personal chef and served with a sumptuous dinner. Awake to a wonderful sunrise on the water before enjoying a farewell lunch onboard.
Things To See
The Lost World: An excursion full of amazing surprises. Embark on one of India's most spectacular train journeys through the western Ghats. Pass by untouched rural villages, rock cut tunnels wet with spring water and the surrounding forest which mimics imagery of the Amazon rainforest. The train also passes over the famed Dudhsagar waterfall. Enjoy sightseeing in Hampi and explore delightful temples, elephant stables, palace areas, and a panoramic view and sunset at Malyavanta Hill.
Panaji: The capital of Goa and headquarters of North Goa District, a small and charming city on the left bank of silvery Mandovi River, with beautiful red-roofed houses, built in Latin style, also boasts many modern houses, well laid gardens, statues and avenues lined with Gulmohar, Acacia and other trees. Enchanting panorama unfolds from atop Altinho (HillTop).
Vasco Da Gama: A modern, well laid out city close to Mormugao Harbour which has beautiful and extensive avenues. The air terminus of Goa at Dabolim lies on the outskirts of the city. It is also the railway terminus for passenger service on the South Central Railway.
Transport
Taxis: For tourists, white Maruti Van Taxis serve as the main means of transport between resorts. One will find them lined up outside most charter hotels, where a board invariably lists the destinations in and around the region. The fixed rate fares only apply to peak season, and at other times one should be able to negotiate a hefty reduction from the demanded fares.
Motorcycle Taxis: Goa's unique pillion-passenger motorcycle taxis, known locally as "pilots", are ideal for nipping between beaches or into town from the resorts. Bona fide operators ride black bikes with yellow mudguards and yellow number plates. Fares, which should be settled in advance, are almost half the auto-rickshaw rates.
Ferries: If auto-rickshaws are the quaint, essentially Indian, mode of transport, flat-bottomed ferries are their Goan equivalent. Crammed with cars, buses, commuters on scooters, fisherwomen and clumps of bewildered tourists, these blue-painted hulks provide an essential service, crossing the coastal backwaters where bridges have not yet been built. They are also incredibly reasonable, and run from the crack of dawn until late in the evening.