Holidays in Goa: What are the best places to visit?

Goa has some of the best beaches in India, a tropical climate with a lot of sunshine, and a relaxed vibe that makes it an easy landing place in India. Goa attracts sunbathers, families, Europeans on two-week Goa package deals, backpackers, party people and expatriates from around the world. Most tourists come here for the beaches, but there is a lot to see and do from wildlife sanctuaries to spice plantations.

Things to do in Goa

Hotels
Goa has more than 100 kilometres of white sandy beaches. Everyone has their favourite beach in Goa and there is accommodation for all budgets, from the basic guesthouses and cheap Goa hotels to Goa villas and five-star spa resorts. Many of the hotels that cater for package tourists are in North Goa around Calangute and Baga and in South Goa around Colva and Benaulim. Palolem has recently become one of the most popular beaches in Goa but it still offers some cheap accommodation. Food
One of the best things about Goa is the food. You can enjoy fresh seafood, international foods and food from different parts of India, and there are some excellent restaurants. Spice farms
Once you have had enough of beach life, take a trip to one of Goa’s spice farms and find out how exotic spices from cinnamon to chilli are grown. Several spice plantations in central Goa, around Ponda, arrange tours for visitors and also sell spices.
History
You can also visit Velha Goa (Old Goa) and explore Goa’s Portuguese heritage. Goa was once a Portuguese colony and in Old Goa, just outside Goa’s capital Panaji, you can admire colonial architecture, churches and museums. Day trips
For a day trip, take a river cruise along the River Mandovi. Several travel agents in Goa offer short or long cruises on the river. If you have time, visit one of Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries, the Cotiago and the Bonda Wildlife Sanctuaries are homes to elephants and other animals and a diverse bird-life, and they are great destinations for day trips.

Planning to travel Goa?

Seasons
The high season in Goa is from November to February and it peaks around Christmas and New Year, when accommodation prices can double or triple and flights get expensive. The best Goa deals can be found early in the season in October and November, or at the end of the season in March. April and May are the hottest months and the monsoon season lasts from June to September. Some Goa beach hotels close for the monsoon season but many stay open, and Palolem in South Goa stays open around the year.