Once a hip hippies' hangout, and now also catering to families, Goa is one of the most popular anything-goes states in India. A former Portuguese colony, the town sports lovely churches from that era. Find a beachside room with HotelTravel.com.
The smallest state in India is also one of the most visited thanks to its relaxed resorts and idyllic beaches. Offering everything from luxurious coastal hotels to bustling markets and colonial architecture, Goa is an exciting destination for any newcomer to India, as well as a hotspot for Indian holidaymakers who enjoy the lively beach atmosphere.
Goa and its pleasant coastline make a great destination for family holidays. Most establishments are kid-friendly and have a generally welcoming attitude. Water-related activities such as snorkelling and swimming in the warm sea waters, and boat trips that explore the habitat of local creatures like crocodiles and dolphins are big favourites; while traditional song and dance performances will give them a taste of the local culture.
The frivolous atmosphere in Goa may make it seem like this beach region is basically one endless festival. But in fact, there are a lot of special events and festivals, many of which are Christian-related due to the influence of the Portuguese Catholics, something rather unique to the rest of India.
Heavily influenced by the Portuguese colonisation period in the 1500s, Goa has a lot of wonderfully preserved architecture which reflects this era. A number of forts, churches and old neighbourhoods are what give Goa its cultural depth. The beach and sea, of course, provide the natural attractions, and when put together, this town provides a rare blend of culture and outdoor recreation.
Goa’s Dabolim International Airport, located 29kms from Panaji on the coast next to Vasco da Gama, provides the easiest access to the city. There are dozens of domestic connections to the major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, where international travellers can catch a connection to virtually any city on earth. Direct international flights are a bit sparse, but there are a few charter companies that run flights to the UK and Germany. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Sahara Airlines operate most of the flights in the country from this airport.
Banks: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday
Post offices: 10:00 to 20:30, daily
Department stores and shops: 09:00 to 19:30, daily
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday; closed Saturdays
Business offices: 09:30 to 18:30, Monday to Friday; 09:30 to 14:30, Saturdays
Nice rooms, good pool and very close to the beach. You have to travel outside the hotel to get good value for money on drinks and food. Breakfast was excellent....
