india
This country is a vast and sprawling destination that has been attracting holidaymakers and travellers since the 1960s. A visit here is a rich tapestry of culture, history, food and natural wonders said by those who have been here to be a life-changing experience. The landscape ranges from silent, barren deserts to lush, tropical jungles where villagers and locals farm the soil and cook exotic, spicy dishes.
The coastline is a major attraction for holidaymakers of all sorts, with miles of powder-soft sand and expansive, ultramarine oceans bathed in tropical temperatures. There are a number of different ways for sun-seekers to spend their time. There are plenty of unspoilt bays and coves for those who want privacy and seclusion. Conversely, there are areas dedicated to partying for those who want to indulge their senses.
BackgroundGoa is the country's smallest state, being just a little bigger than Devon, offering miles and miles of stunning scenery and beaches. It was invaded by the Portuguese in the 16th Century, which has left the area with an architectural and cultural identity all of its own.
Panaji, the capital of Goa, is the place where most visitors begin their travels. It is a heady mix of Portuguese churches and ancient Goan buildings, adding to the feeling of another world. This pastel-coloured city languishes on the banks of the Mandovi River, although links to the rest of the country have been established through the high-speed railway service, linking Goa with Mumbai.
Goa boasts around 30 beaches that, although they have changed dramatically from the days of the original hippy pilgrimages, still retain a touch of the unconventional. Here, visitors will find beach traders offering fabrics and trinkets from right across the country, shading themselves from the midday sun under the shade of gently swaying palm trees.
The people are astonishingly welcoming and visitors can easily find themselves making new friends and being invited into a traditional home to share a family celebration. Public celebrations are common and colourful, offering a heady and vibrant backdrop against which to learn more about the locals and their rich, cultural heritage. In addition to the traditional lifestyle there are also modern, bustling cities, offering the best in shopping experiences and all the comforts of modern life.
Goa is an Aladdin¿s Cave of sights, sound and attractions, guaranteed to delight and fascinate visitors of all ages.
Things to do- Dudhsagar Falls is a spectacular sight, where visitors can experience the thrill of travelling across the top of the falls in an amphibious jeep. The surrounding jungles are brimming with monkeys that visitors can feed by hand
- Ancestral Goa is a hillside project, recreating ancient, rural life in miniature.
- The famous churches and convents of Goa offer a fascinating insight into Goa¿s past whilst under the influence of Portuguese rule
- Any of the bustling restaurants and bars allow visitors to experience the pungent and spicy cuisine that is unique to the region. A combination of traditional curries and Portuguese cooking, meals are a sharing and family-orientated experience.
