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Mainly known for its white sands, Goa shows us the tropical side of India yet it still houses some fascinating history. From the busy north to the Old Goa to the relaxing south, there is something for everyone in the smallest state in India. The Portuguese heritage is the backdrop to a long, sumptuous coastline in a region filled with character and charm. Whether you want to relax by a beach shack, surrounded by golden sands and dipping your feet in the water or immerse yourself in the colonial history, attend vibrant markets and see some wildlife, the choice is yours. While the beaches are private and relaxed, the state itself is traditional and conservative, so when heading out on day trips or visits be sure to dress comfortably but be respectful of the customs.
A dream Goa holiday is closer than you think thanks to Travelbag’s excellent range of superb value 3 star hotels and resorts. Exceed your expectations without exceeding your budget with a Travelbag selected 3 star resort, many of which are located just steps from a golden sand beach.
Discover the exotic paradise of Goa with an unforgettable stay in a 4 star hotel and resort overlooking the Arabian Sea. Travelbag offers only the very best 4 star hotels and resorts for your pleasure, which means you can be certain of excellent quality, comfort and service at excellent rates.
Discover the exotic paradise of Goa with an unforgettable stay in a 4 star hotel and resort overlooking the Arabian Sea. Travelbag offers only the very best 4 star hotels and resorts for your pleasure, which means you can be certain of excellent quality, comfort and service at excellent rates.
Goa is a year-round destination; often used as the final stop of a tour around India, it is also popular with sun worshippers throughout the year. The temperature remains similar throughout the year with May, the hottest month, boasting an average of 30ºC and the coldest month of January posting averages of 25ºC.
Monsoon season, which starts in June, is often the time that visitors avoid as the hot summer temperatures meet the clouds and rain as the moisture turns the countryside of Goa into a lush green space that is perfect for colourful plant life. Not ideal for the beach, but it does bring the state into a wonderful haven for other activities.
The temperatures drop in the evenings but it is still never cold. The tourist season is noticeable here and runs from October through January, with the beaches filling up again for the warmest weather in May.
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Three of the best beaches are Palolem - this stretch crescent beach was a hidden gem 15 years ago but has slowly but surely become a magnet for holidaymakers. It’s a spectacular spot with increasing development but still keeps a low-key nightlife. Agonda – A quieter beach, north of Palolem, it boasts beautiful views for postcard-perfect photos and while the sea isn’t ideal for a swim it is an perfect setting for a romantic, sunset walk. Patnem – Found to the south of Palolem, this is a small, friendly and quiet option. The beach is characterised with the backdrop of various shacks, where you can sometimes find live music in the evenings.
Relating to the fact that Goa was a solitary outpost of Portugal for hundreds of years, many refer to the region in this manner. The crumbling architecture left behind by Portuguese heritage, along with a cuisine refined by flavours of the European country are mixed with the remarkable landscape and vibrancy of this charming area. The dense forest found at the Western Ghats mountain range slowly meanders through lush valleys before ending at the beach. For the wildlife lovers, Goa has been referred to as a twitcher’s heaven and a short hop to Mollem National Park can see you in the jungle on the hunt for leopards, crocodiles and monkeys. Take in the views at the Church of Our Lady of the Mount and taste original fusion cuisine.
Relax on the beautiful beaches and enjoy the heritage of the former Portuguese colony. Historic sightseeing can be done as you take in the Se Cathedral, the largest church in Asia, and Basilica of Bom Jesus, both built in the 1600s, before landing at Dona Paula Beach, nicknamed Lovers’ Paradise. If you’re looking for great views of Old Goa, then make sure the Church of Our Lady of the Mount is part of your checklist. Sat atop a steep hill, it offers wonderful vistas of the Mandovi river, the Konkan railway and the old city. Goa is best known for its 36 beaches. The north is very popular among tourists and better for a lively beach party destination while the south adopts the quiet and calm approach and is perfect for a romantic picnic, a little paddling and just getting away from it all.
Prodham bhookt, magi mookt – ‘You can’t think, until you’ve eaten well’ is what the Konkani-speaking locals say, and the cuisine here is divine. As you can imagine, the heritage of South Indian and Portuguese is found within the fusion foods that tend to incorporate chillies, coconut, rice, spices and vinegar. Curries are commonplace and xacutis, cafrials and vindaloos (which originated here) are all worth a look but each have a spicy twang, or more. Religion, and vegetarianism, means that beef and pork tend to be off the menu but chicken and lamb are widespread on menus. Raves and a nightclub scene began when Western backpackers started to descend on Goa and while there is a relaxed atmosphere during the day, you can find a party in the evening. Vagator and Baga beach are good places to start and the fiery local liquor of Feni.
Goa is hot and humid, so pack light with natural fibres that will be comfortable in this climate. The first things you need to get in are your beachwear: everything from a swimsuit to cover-ups to sun hats and sunglasses to sunscreen are essential for the blistering heat. On your feet, a pair of comfortable sandals and more relaxed flip flops may well be all you need during your visit but be sure to pack long-sleeves for the evening when it cools off slightly. This also helps in your battle against mosquitos and other insects; it is advisable to pack insect repellent. Elsewhere, you could use a backpack for day trips, torch for the evenings and all of your medical supplies. That said, the pharmacists are well stocked in Goa and you should be able to buy anything you need.
Want to find out more about a holiday to Goa? Or how to incorporate a few days here into your tour of India? Call us today to speak to one of our travel experts and find out more about our tailor-made holidays. Here’s some essential information:
- Capital – Panaji is the capital of the state of Goa
- Currency – Indian Rupee
- Language – Hindi and English
- Time Zone – GMT+5:30
- In places of worship you need to wear long skirts or trousers and, on occasion, a headscarf so consider these.
At Travelbag we take the stress out of booking your dream Goa holiday. We offer a variety of ways to book your UK to Goa flights safely and securely. Ring our travel agent hotline on 0207 001 5237.
The duration of your stay is more than 60 days, but don't worry that's fine. We just want to make sure you get the best possible price.
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