Goa’s beaches are the perfect ending after a tour of India’s iconic landmarks.
Situated on India's west
coast in a region known as Konkan, is Goa.
It is the smallest state in India and probably one of the most tourist
friendly. Lapped by the enticing waters of the Arabian
Sea its state capital, Panaji (Panjim) is a fantastic
place to explore with a feel as much Mediterranean as Asian - a legacy of its
Portuguese history.
Goa was a Portuguese
colony until 1961 which explains its contrasting atmosphere to the rest of
India. Its history has left it with a distinctly laid-back feel making it a
highly attractive holiday destination for those who just want to chill out and
escape the hurly-burly of everyday life.
It was discovered by
travellers in the late 60’s. It was seen as somewhere away from the mainstream
and its relaxed way of life meant holidays were purely for hanging out, smoking
pot and dancing on the beach until sunrise. Today, although still attracting
hippies and backpackers, Goa is popular with the package tourism industry and
attracts young families.
Arambol beach (in the far north) is
probably the most ‘hippiest’ attracting many back-packers whereas the resort
villages of Calangute (the largest and most popular), Bagg and Candolim cater
more for the package tourist. To the south of the capital Panaji (Panjim) is
Colva, the most developed area in the south with many luxury resorts. Further
south still is Palolem, a beautiful fishing village.
It provides countless
accommodation options – from beach huts to exclusive resorts. English is widely
spoke and with the golden sandy beaches, beautiful scenery, rich culture and
welcoming people it is not surprising that approximately 1.3 million tourists
visit Goa annually.
As with many areas in
India, the summers in Goa can be stifling so the best time to visit is during
the dry, relatively cool winter months between mid-November and mid-March. During peak season, from mid-December to the
end of January, the weather is perfect, with temperatures around the 32°C mark.
The average monthly
temperatures are:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
32 |
32 |
32 |
33 |
33 |
30 |
29 |
29 |
30 |
32 |
33 |
33 |
|
Night |
20 |
21 |
23 |
26 |
27 |
25 |
25 |
24 |
24 |
24 |
22 |
21 |
You won’t find the glitz
and glamour of shopping malls and international designers on Goa. But what you
will find are lively, colourful and buzzing markets. Flea markets are by far
the most popular shopping experience in Goa. Your hotel will be able to tell
you when they are on.
The Anjuna Flea Market is
on every Wednesday and sells everything from jewellery, leather goods,
clothing, sunglasses, bags and crafts to sarongs. Just one word of warning, say
no to the professional ear cleaners!
More of a local’s market
is the Ingo’s & Mackies Flea Market which is held every Saturday night.
This is a much more vibrant affair with love music and food. Again you can pick
up practically anything here.
In Mapusa there is a
Friday spice market where you can also pick up local wines (especially port
wine in pouches), cashews and clothing. In all the major tourist areas there
are also plenty of stalls and beach hawkers selling a range of souvenirs.
Just remember – haggle,
haggle, haggle.
Most of Goa’s nightlife
radiates around its beaches. After dark the shacks and eateries come to life.
The top beaches to head for are:
Having said that, there
are several permanent venues for discos and night clubs such as:
If you are looking for
something a bit different, Goa is also the place to go for casinos. One point
to note is that although shorts and sandals are the main wear in the day time,
you’ll need to dress up if you want to have a flutter.
We have already seen there
is a vast amount to see and do in Goa. Depending on where you
stay, these can provide you with a number of excursions. Your hotel will also
be able to provide you with details of local companies that provide excursions
such as staying on a Houseboat cruising up the Mandovi River, visiting Delhi, Agra and the Taj Mahal.
There are a number of
health risks including malaria and dengue fever and you should seek medical
advice at least three weeks before travelling. Always ensure you have
comprehensive medical cover in place before travelling.
Only drink bottled water
and avoid ice (unless it is made from bottled water). Meat and fish should be
cooked thoroughly as it can often cause food poisoning. Also avoid salads and
unpeeled fruit.
Goa is relatively crime
free but you should always take care of your valuables especially when on the
beach. Just be aware that there are tough laws on drugs despite Goa’s laid-back
reputation.
