Goa Travel Guide

Goa
If you are looking to combine exploring galleries, museums, spectacular temples and mosques with a beach lovers paradise, then Goa has it all. Goa is now one of the top holiday destination in India.

Goa is the smallest state in India, thus making it the easiest to explore and with the region's Portuguese past combined with traditional elements of Indian culture, it has plenty to offer. Experience a true mixture of modern shops and markets selling everything from handmade furniture and brassware to clothing, fresh spices and cashew nuts - "yes real cashew nuts" a particular favourite with the locals and tourists alike.

With the swing to tourism, Goa has accommodation that is plentiful and varied. Luxury hotels to the very highest standard are available as too are low-cost backpacker lodgings and mid-range hotels. Goa was a Portuguese colony from 1510 until December 1961, when it was annexed by India. Goa and two other former Portuguese enclaves, Daman and Diu were organized into a single district in 1965. While Daman and Diu remained a union territory, Goa was recognised as a state and became reorganised into two districts, North Goa and South Goa.

Goa is a beach lovers paradise, equally perfect for a couple of weeks of winter sun or as a stopover on a backpacking trip around Asia. In addition to its beautiful golden beaches and perfect sea, it has plenty of sights to offer, entertainment to enjoy and a unique cuisine to satisfy even the most seasoned traveller.There are plenty of galleries and museums to explore as well as some spectacular temples and mosques. At night-time, sample the delights of the MS Caravela, India's first floating casino. Or if you are young and energetic, then drop in to one of the many parties and raves that dot the coastline during the tourist season. You can even enjoy the thrills and spills of go-karting or the more sedate pleasurw of bird-watching. Go crocodile-spotting near the village of Cumbarjua, just don't get too close.

If you are staying in Goa for the full length of your holiday but fancy seeing more of India, then you can take advantage of Indias extensive rail system. Mumbai is easily accessible if you don't mind a 500 km train journey, but that is an experience in itself. You could have some fun using the buses which are plentiful even though they make many unscheduled stops to pick up anyone who might be waiting. There are plenty of rickshaws around or try one of the unique motorcycle taxis but do remember to hold on tight.

Location
Located on the west coast of India in the region known as the Konkan, Goa has a border with the state of Maharashtra to the north, Karnataka to the east and south. and The Arabian Sea forming its western coast.

Climate and when to travel
Goa, being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian Sea, has a warm and humid climate for most of the year. The best time to go to is probably between September and March, with a short cool season between mid-December and February when you will experience cool nights of around 20 °C, and warm days of around 29°C with moderate amounts of humidity. The hot, sticky monsoon takes place during the standard summer months with May being the hottest, seeing day temperatures of over 35 °C coupled with high humidity

Flying to Delhi - New Delhi
All international flights into Goa will arrive at The Goa International Airport. You can read more about the International airport of Goa including transfers to the city here >> The Goa International Airport