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Why go? The tiny state of Goa, located half way down India's western coast, has long been renowned for its natural beauty: golden sandy beaches, coconut groves, vibrant green paddy fields and dense forests. Venture within and you will find an intriguing blend of East and West: 450 years of Portuguese rule is still evident in its mix of religion, cuisine and architecture - baroque churches and grand mansions dot the landscape. Goa has retained a laid-back feel, the people are friendly and it's relatively safe. There are some great little hideaways, ranging from simple beach cabanas to stylish small hotels and Portuguese mansions. It's good value; eating out is cheap and seafood is abundant. Combined with warm sunshine, it makes an ideal winter getaway. Any downsides? Goa has long been on India's tourist map. First it was the hippies in the 60s and 70s, then the budget backpackers, followed by the party ‘ravers’ in the 80s and 90s, and now the package-holiday maker. However, the latter are mainly restricted to Goa's North coast and it's still relatively easy to get off the beaten track and find yourself somewhere beautiful and unspoilt. If you have never travelled to Asia before, the poverty in Goa (and the rest of India) may come as something of a shock. Food hygiene, medical facilities and infrastructure are not great, although tourist development means they are better than in other parts of India. Current weather/time: In Goa:  |
Activities * Beaches - the 100km coastline offers some of the finest beaches in India; Arambol in the north (stay in romantic tents or the Captains House) and Palolem and Polem in the far south are some of the best and least spoilt. * Churches and Temples - For a sense of Portuguese Goa head to the old towns of Panaji and Old Goa with their imposing whitewashed churches and mansions. For a taste of Hindu culture, check out the temples of Ponda. * Shopping - Anjuna's weekly flea market is a Goan institution - stay as close as possible in a funky cave villa. Mapusa hosts Goa's best local market. Chic boutiques selling east meets west designer clothes and homewares are mainly in the north of Goa. * Art and music - for an insight into India's modern art scene as well as traditional music, check out the Kerkar art gallery and guesthouse in Calangute. * Yoga - Goa is one of the favoured destinations for yogis. If practising at Purple Valley Yoga why not stay next door in Rajasthani hunting tents. For a beachside option, please see Yoga and Ayurveda in Goa. * Wildlife - easily accessible wildlife sanctuaries, including Bhagwan Mahavir in the foothills of the western Ghats, are beautiful and peaceful (stay on a working farm nearby) but don't expect to spot the wild boar, sambar, deer or leopards, sheltered within. Boat trips on the coast abound to show you dolphins. * Great excursion - a 3-day trip to the awesome and magical ancient Hindu temples of Hampi, one of India's highlights. |
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