Goa Climate

Goa Holidays
Resort

Goa
All You Need To Know

Highlights

Explore the history and rich culture of Goa by taking one of the trips bookable through your Holiday Rep which include: Dudhsagar WaterfallsA great day out to the fresh sparkling waters of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Just watch out for the monkeys who are sure to try and pinch your lunch! (About £19; full day)

Jungle BookAn overnight stay in Shanti, which is a tiny hamlet located in the core of the forest near the 14th-century Temple of

Lord Shiva in Tambdi Surla. Enjoy lunch before mingling with the locals and experiencing the lifestyle of the Hillbillies hamlet. Dinner is served around the bonfire, followed by a nature trip lit with fire torches. The following morning enjoy visiting many interesting places whilst journeying back to your hotel. Stops can include the local school, bakery or cashew nut factory. (About £69; pre-bookable with a £10 deposit)

Taj Mahal TourIf you don't want to miss out on the fantastic Taj Mahal then this optional 2 night/3 day tour is available. No trip to

India would be complete without seeing the Taj. (About £565; pre-bookable with a £50 deposit)

Capital CruiseVisit old Goa with its historic buildings. Bargain hunt in the copy shops of Panjim and then take dinner on a dhow at sunset along the Mandovi River . (£28)

Back to NatureStay on a beach overnight or 2 nights in royal tents. Wake up to the sea lapping on the shoreline. Dinner is served round the campfire under the palm trees. (Overnight £38 or 2 nights £62)

Hampi - The Forgotten EmpireTravel out of Goa and visit the forgotten capital of Vijayanagar Empire: 26 sq kms of ruins protected by the Tungabada River . Founded in 1336, this is an area where stones tell history in silence. Great value! (2 nights/3 days £48)

Goa is a truly exotic destination, where endless sunshine peeps through leafy palms onto fine sands and warm seas. Encompassing a fascinating mix of cultures, Goa enthralls the senses. Grand colonial buildings, Hindu temples and restored Christian churches sit beside tiny fishing villages. In India every sight is an individual and unforgettable experience. From the staggering spectacle of the Taj Mahal (available on one of our tours) to the vibrant markets bustling with activity, you'll be mesmerised by this country's undeniable beauty.

Goa is renowned for its seafood and its cuisine is much more varied than Indian fare available in Britain , spicier too. Hotels offer many international alternatives for those with Western palates. As well as sightseeing and sampling the local cuisine, another great way to enjoy the charm of Goa is by strolling around the many shops and markets. Cotton, silk, precious stones, paintings and wood carvings are generally exquisitely made and inexpensive.

However you decide to spend your time in this unique country, a friendly atmosphere and warm welcome awaits you.

Scooped into the side of India , Goa is a tropical paradise of pristine beaches, sparkling smiles and a landscape painted with colour where east sits along side west.

India is fascinating and rich in culture‚ however do be prepared to see extreme poverty on the streets. Alcohol will not be served if elections are taking place.

Sightseeing

The diverse influences that Goa has been subjected to have created a host of sightseeing opportunities. Old Goa stands as a testament to the huge Portuguese presence that once dominated this idyllic part of India before the British came along. Said to rival the splendour of Lisbon in its prime, the convent of St Francis of Assisi and the church of St Augustine should not be missed.

Beaches

Warm the soles of your feet on the long tropical expanses of white sand as you stroll slowly towards the gentle blue waves of the Indian Ocean . There are so many fantastic beaches to choose from in Goa that you may have trouble deciding where to go. Chapora boasts a patchwork of coconut palms and a small village, more like a chaotic farm than a fishing community. Anjuna beach is the kind of place where you can engage in mellow contemplation of the world while the sun sinks into the ocean.

Shopping

As well as sightseeing and sampling the local cuisine‚ another great way to enjoy the charm of India is by strolling around the many shops and markets. Cotton‚ silk‚ precious stones‚ paintings and wood carvings are generally exquisitely made and inexpensive.

Meals

Goa's delicious cuisine is much more varied and spicy than Indian fare available in Britain although hotels offer many international alternatives for those with Western palates. Coconut features in almost all dishes, either in the form of a paste or milk, or alternatively you can buy your own fresh coconut to enjoy on the beach. Other ingredients that crop up regularly are Goan chilli and pepper which tend to be used in meat and fish dishes, such as delectable prawn curry.

Nightlife

If you want to experience Goa at nighttime, head to the beach bars where you can party 'til the sun comes up. Much of the nightlife has a western feel due to the large amount of Europeans that come here, and you won't be short of people to talk to. The hotels often feature 'African Nights' where local beer, local music and local dancing are proudly offered up for your entertainment.