Travel Guides: All Countries / Asia / India / Goa
 |  | Destination Guide : Goa |
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| | | Party under the palms |  | Why go on holiday to Goa?
The former Portuguese enclave of Goa, one of India's gems, rightly has cult status in the travellers' lexicon. Its magnificent, palm-fringed beaches and party scene are in a part of India quite distinct from the rest of the sub-continent.
Although late night music has been banned, the party continues on the beaches, while the old town's elegant waterways and mix of Portuguese and local architecture and cultures continues to intoxicate.
How much does it cost?
As a guide, you can book a 14-day package for about £500 (low season). Return flights start at £300. Every sort of accommodation lines the beaches, from deluxe resorts to budget lodgings - there's something to suit every purse.
When should I go?
It's hot and sunny all year but avoid the baking pre-monsoon season in April and May. From October to May it offers an idyllic escape from the northern European winter. Peak season is December to February.
Summer temperatures reach a maximum of 33C (91F), min. 26C (79F); winter a maximum 31C (88F), min. 20C (68F). Rainfall from June to September is 350 cms.
Accommodation is cheapest in July-September, mid-priced in October to December and most costly from mid-December to late January.
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| | | Temples and elephants |  | What should I do there?
Goa's coastline provides endless sun-drenched crescents of sand. Parasailing, yachting, sailboarding and deep-sea diving are some of the more popular watersports.
You can also deep-sea fish in the Arabian Ocean. Add in some trips to see ancient temples, Portuguese colonial buildings, bustling local towns, bargain-packed markets, pretty rural villages and lush green countryside.
For ultimate relaxation take a cruise down the many peaceful waterways.
Which are the best resorts?
Package tourists mainly head for Calangute, Baga, Candolim and Colva - which can all be pretty lively. They have long stretches of palm-fringed beaches and all the facilities you would expect from major resorts.
Anjuna is still popular with backpacking independent travellers. Vagator and Chapora beaches are both smaller and more laid-back. Benaulim has low-key resorts and shacks which lie somewhere between the package hype and the backpacking hip.
If you want peace and quiet but also facilities, head for Arambol in the north of the region and the idyllic Palolem in the south. The 10km strip of pristine beach south of Benaulim is the most upmarket area.
What about away from the beaches?
Old Goa, now deserted, is like visiting a huge waterside museum - don't miss Se Cathedral, Bom Jesu with the remains of St Francis Xavier and the starkly beautiful Convent of St Monica.
Rice paddies, gleaming whitewashed Portuguese churches, dense coconut palms, crumbling forts on rocky headlands and elephants at the roadside create a kaleidoscope of European and Indian cultures.
Panjim's Fontainhas and Sao Tome Portuguese districts, and the town of Margao also remind you of the colonial past. Visit Mapusa on Friday when it comes alive with the pavement bazaar.
Also see: Sri Saptakoteshwar Temple at Narva, Mayem Lake, the Sri Mangueshi and Shantadurga temples for a taste of ancient Hindu culture. For a leisurely way to enjoy the views cruise the Mandovi River.
What festivals and culture can I see?
Goa has its own Mardi Gras just before Lent (Feb/Mar). Also see the Procession of All Saints around the ruins of Old Goa, and the Igitun Chalne or firewalking festival held at Sirigao Temple in Bicholim in May.
In June there are three festivals including St Peter & St Paul's when fishermen link their boats together to form stages for performers. These are just for starters - there are hundreds - check with the tourist board.
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| | | Seafood and shopping | | Where's good for nightlife?
Relax and watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea from a stool in one of the many beach bars. Visit the Kerkar Art Complex in Calangute for Indian music and dance; amongst the many bars, check out Tito's.
In Anjuna the Shore Bar keeps the beach party going; in the village head to the Guru Bar, Sonic or the Paraiso; ask locally for news of the famed Anjuna beach parties.
Chapora and Vagator have more of a backpack scene than Anjuna - Nine Bar, Primrose Cafe, Tin Tin Bar and Paulo's are favourites. Colva's south beachside stays active till late.
What's the food like?
It's some of the best seafood in India - at rock-bottom prices. Like most places in India vegetarians will be in heaven.
Goa is unusual as pork is widely eaten. A local speciality is the popular pork vindaloo and the Goan sausage chourisso, as well as the pig's liver dish called sorpotel.
Xacuti is a meat dish, bangra is mackerel, sanna are rice cakes soaked in palm booze before cooking, moira kela are plantains.
Lassi, a yoghurt-based cold drink, cools the palate after the spicy dishes and Indian beer is excellent. Feni is a local spirit made from coconut or cashew fruit - it's strong and cheap.
What should I buy?
On Fridays head for the Mapusa flea market for bargains galore. Around many resorts you'll find Kashmiri traders selling embroideries, pashminas, carpets and other high-quality goods.
Do bargain but remember that most of their products are quite pricey although infinitely less expensive than buying in the UK. Other things to buy include tin goods, spices, cloth and jewellery.
What is there for children to do?
Goa concentrates on the 18-30-year-olds market for its package tourism, cashing in on its reputation as a party place. Some hotels may have special kids' facilities but you need to check with your tour operator/package provider for details.
Tourist office
Government of India Tourist Office, 7 Cork Street, London W1S 3LH. Tel 020 7437 3677. 24-hour brochure line: 01233 211999.
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| | Available rental properties in Goa |
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| |  | | Villa Salmona
Lovely Portuguese heritage villa set in tropical garden with pool. Beautifully decorated and located in a charming village minutes from beaches.
|  | | Partial Seaview Aprtment
This is a beautiful apartment having with a partial view of the Zuari river and is perched on top of the hillock called Ocean Heights.
|  | | Breathtaking Studio Apartment
This house is a pretty, 1 bedroom Studio Apartment in North Goa, Panjim, overlooking the Mandovi River and the Dona Paula Jetty.
|  | | Bulbuls cottage
Bulbuls is one of several villas located in a select private development of villas and apartments on the fascinating island of Chorao. The residents’
|  | | Villa at Calungute Beach Goa
Large 7 Bedroom Villa set on the beautiful Calangute Beach Behind one of the original beach shack restaurants now in its seventeenth year.Minutes away
From your sunbeds and sea
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