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Goa - From £485
From Gatwick
10/12/2010
For 14 nights
Bed & Breakfast
Based on 2 sharing
Goa - From £509
From East Midlands
15/04/2010
For 14 nights
Bed & Breakfast
Based on 2 sharing
Goa - From £599
From Heathrow
05/04/2010
For 28 nights
Bed & Breakfast
Goa - From £599
From Heathrow
04/03/2010
For 21 nights
Bed & Breakfast
Based on 2 sharing
Goa - From £679
From Manchester
30/01/2011
For 21 nights
Bed & Breakfast
Goa - From £749
From Gatwick
05/11/2010
For 28 nights
Bed & Breakfast
Based on 2 sharing
Andrew Fielding (age 41), Hays Longhaul Travel Expert says...
"The first time I went to Goa I came home in a bit of a daze! It was like no holiday I had experienced before. One thing I knew was that I had to explore more and have been back several times since. The people are easy to get to know and very friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious and the cost of living offers excellent value for money!"
"The beaches are really exceptional, some are busy, but venture a bit further a field and your rewarded with some untouched gems! The food is great but don't expect it to be like your local takeaway back home it's far better and the curries made with fresh spices are so fragrant it makes our's seem dull in comparison, the fishing boats also come directly in on the beaches in Baga and Calangute so the fish is never fresher."
"Once there you can opt to take a trip to Agra and the Taj Mahal or explore the Capital of Goa Panjaim. If you are looking for somewhere that offers more than just 2 weeks on a beach and is a gentle introduction to India then Goa is an excellent choice. North Goa's busy resorts and Beaches offer bargain Goa holidays yet down in the South quieter 5 star Goa holidays are found. One thing is for sure I will be back again soon!"
Holidays in Goa
Goa is situated in southwest India with miles of beautiful white sandy beaches, rich green fields, scenic mountains and fast flowing rivers. Centuries as a Portuguese colony combined with traditional Indian culture make Goa rich in history. The region has something for everyone with a lively, vibrant and bustling North and quieter, idyllic, more tranquil areas to the South.
Places of interest
Panaji is the state capital and no holiday to Goa is complete without a visit here. The Portuguese influence can be seen here in the cobbled streets which are lined with colonial villas, impressive churches and stylish cafes. Old Goa was the state capital until 1843 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historically drenched attractions include the biggest church in India, St Catherine’s Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus which houses the remains of the Patron Saint of Goa.
A visit to Dudhsagar, one of India’s highest waterfalls, is also a must!
Activities
Spend a night aboard the ‘Floating Palace’, the famous Kerala rice boat. Admire the stunning scenery as you sail along the Goan backwaters and enjoy the superb cuisine before catching the breathtaking sunset.
Take a trip to the nature reserve where you can visit the elephant training school and see the famous Indian tigers at the Tyavarekoppa Tiger Reserve. Also look out for lions, deer and peacocks.
The Taj Mahal in Agra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is a sight not to be missed. Combine your holiday in Goa with a 4 day tour of India’s cities of Delhi and Agra where you will see amazing sites including Old and New Delhi, the Red Fort, Raj Ghat and of course the magnificent Taj Mahal.
For further ideas to make your trip unique call our friendly knowledgable travel experts who are happy to tailor the perfect trip to suit you.
Nightlife
Nightlife in North Goa is very lively with numerous bars and nightclubs, particularly in Baga which is the liveliest resort. Many beach shacks remain open with music and fireworks.
South Goa is quieter than the North and the low-key nightlife consists of beach shacks, village restaurants and hotel entertainment.
Shopping
Visit the flea market on Wednesday in Anjuna or the Saturday night markets at Baga and Arpora. There are plenty of bargains to be had and bartering is essential - and part of the fun! Panaji has a good range of shops from international brands to local boutiques. Best buys are silks, cottons, jewellery and spices.
Local Customs
The main religion of Goa is Hinduism. However Goa is famed for its religious harmony and Christianity, Islam and Sikhism are also practised here.
If you are going to the beach then be sure to pack your swim suit as nudity is strictly prohibited!
Service charges are not typically included in bills and it is customary to tip waiters 5-10% of the bill.
Food & Drink
Indian and Goan cuisine is exotic and delicately spiced. The speciality dish is fish curry and rice and is the staple diet of the locals! You will also find a whole host of international cuisine including English, Italian, Chinese, Mexican and French. A typical meal for two costs around £10.
Useful Information
You are required to get an Indian Visa in advance of travel, for more information click here.
Language
Hindi is the national language of India however English is widely spoken in Goa.
Currency
The currency in India is the Indian Rupee which is only available upon entry into India. Take US/UK Travellers Cheques and be sure to keep any encashment certificates as you will need these to exchange any leftover rupees back to sterling before you leave the country. Visa and Mastercard are also widely accepted and there are many ATM machines.
Flight time
Approximately 10 hours from London. Regional departures are available upon request.
Time difference
GMT + 5 ½ hours
Health
For current vaccination information and general travel advice from NHS Direct please click here.
© 2010 Hays Travel Ltd
