Goa
Goa is well known as a holiday destination and is particularly known for its wonderful beaches. What is not as well known is that Goa is much more then a backpackers destination with a beach shack culture. It is now becoming increasingly appreciated for its boutique hotels set away from the tourist hot spots, either on the beach or inland amongst the paddy fields and spice plantations. It is these hotels, together with the unique cuisine, the history and culture that we are excited to offer you.
This small, former Portuguese colony has a rich cultural heritage that sets it apart from the rest of India, in fact it only became part of the Indian Union in 1961 well after India gained its independence from the British in 1947.
Locations
North Goa
↓
↑
Known for its beaches like Calangute, Baga and Anjuna, North Goa is perfect for everyone from a watersports enthusiast to a keen partygoer. With Goa’s laid back charm included North Goa also has a vibrant nightlife offering you a range of bars, clubs and live music venues.
South Goa
↓
↑
Offering a sense of quiet from its counter part of North Goa. South Goa allows you to experience natural beaches, laid back atmosphere and a culture filled counterpart. We think that South Goa is perfect if you are looking for a tranquil escape from reality. From secluded coves to fishing villages and lush landscapes. South Goa is a lovely area of India to visit.
old Goa
↓
↑
This is the original capital of the Portuguese colony with a magnificent complex of cathedrals, churches and monasteries in a small area. The central area contains two of Goa’s most important religious monuments: the Basilica de Bom Jesus and the grand Se Cathedral, thought to be the largest church in Asia.
Beaches
↓
↑
Goa has some of the best beaches anywhere in the world making the whole Goan coast a popular tourist destination. There’s a beach to suit everyone from the lively, happening Anjuna Beach in North Goa to the isolated, peaceful Agonda Beach in South Goa. Our advice is to stay in a boutique hotel secluded from the shack and flea markets of the beaches but be close enough to be able to sample this culture. Alila Diwa hotel, although too big to be called ’boutique’ is perfect in this respect as it has a shuttle service taking you the short way to and from the beach when ever you are ready.
Cuisine
↓
↑
Goan cuisine is distinctive and delicious. Fresh fish and seafood is widely available and transformed into hot fiery curries with spices grown locally in the inland plantations. Vindaloo originates from Goa and do try chouris pao (local spiced pork sausages served in Goan bread). Wash this down with feni, a local spirit made from either cashew or coconut and end with a delicious Bebinca layer cake served with vanilla ice cream. Divine…
Panjim
↓
↑
Panaji or Panjim became the capital of Goa in 1759 after a series of epidemics hit the original capital of Old Goa. Panjim has a number of leafy avenues with the original colonial buildings, many with balconies and painted yellow, ochre, green or indigo with a white trim – in keeping with the old Portuguese building code. We can recommend staying at the Panjim Inn Hotel and a number of wonderful places to eat. Cruises along Panjim’s Mandovi river are also popular.
Dudhsagar Falls
↓
↑
A hidden gem Dudhsagar Falls
Spice Farm Tour
↓
↑
Hotels
Discover the wonderful variety of places to stay in India; including some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, intimate boutique hotels bursting with local character, charming homestays where you’ll have a chance to interact with local families, converted forts & palaces, fabulous lodges and heritage havelis.
Alila Diwa - Goa
Ahilya By The Sea - Goa
ITC Grand - Goa
Taj Exotica - Goa
W Goa
The St. Regis Goa
Beleza by the beach - Goa
Goa Tours
Below are a selection of our favourite sample itineraries that we have created based on our experiences of travelling extensively throughout India. As with all our tours, every aspect can be tailor-made to your individual requirements.
Main Citys: Panjim
Airports: Goa International
Local Language: Konkani and Marathi
To experience the unique Indo-Portuguese culture, food, architecture and wonderful boutique places to stay both by the fabulous beaches and inland villages.
There are two distinct seasons in Goa:
- November to May is hotter and there is almost no rainfall.
- June, July, August and into September it is cooler with substantial amounts of rain
Panjim:
| Month | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max °C | 32 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 32 | 33 | 33 |
| Min °C | 20 | 21 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 56 | 861 | 853 | 622 | 237 | 111 | 35 | 2 |