Goa Holidays

Fort Aguada, Goa

Overview

Variously known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world. Having been the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East and West over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India.

Culture

Goans have a unique lifestyle which reflects the perfect blending of the cultural influences that they have experienced over the centuries.By nature, Goans are warm, friendly, easy going and large hearted. They live life in style and at a leisurely pace. They are passionate about dance, music and art which is in their blood and they love their food and feni.Goans attitude to life is best described by the word Susegad which means taking life at a relaxed pace and enjoy it to the full.

Cuisine

The long period of Portuguese rule, besides that of the Muslim and Hindu kingdoms, has left an indelible influence on the original style of Goan cooking and this has led to an exotic mix of truly tasty and spicy cuisine. Most people who sample Goan cuisine, enjoy this different and unique style of food which has a distinct and unique combination of spicy flavours. Goan food is simple but most, though not all, of it is chili hot, spicy, and pungent. Items made from rice, fish, and coconut abound in nearly every Goan meal.

Beaches

105 kms of Konkan coast stretches across the state of Goa providing a wide range of choice in beaches to suit everybody's needs. There are unspoilt pristine stretches of sand for the solitude seeker and then there are some with ultra modern comforts like internet cafes, massage centers, gyms, swimming pools, and night clubs. Taking the capital Panaji and the next major city Margao as base points, all the beaches can be visited in a stretch. North from Panaji lies the most famous beach of Calangute.

Climate

Goa has a tropical climate characterised by pleasant weather for much of the year with heavy monsoon rains just after the summer months from March to May. The humidity is at its highest in the summer and quite low from September to early March. The temperature ranges from a pleasant 20°C during winter to a warm 35°C in summer.

Facts

Flight Time Flight Time - Approx 9 Hours

Visa Passport & Visa - Visa required

Currency Currency - Indian Rupee

Time Zone TIme Zone - UTC/GMT + 5½ hours

Language Language
- Konkani

Goa Hotels

The Leela

The Leela, Goa

B&B from £779

A unique hotel with resplendent design, blending Eastern 13th century Vijayanagara Palace architecture and 18th century Portuguese-inspired influences.

Rooms 152
Gym
Pools 1
Spa
Restaurants 3
Kids Club
Bars 2
Adults Only
Taj Exotica

B&B from £779

This luxurious Mediterranean style resort offers excellent facilities in a tranquil atmosphere. Set amidst 56 acres of tropical gardens on Benaulim Beach in south Goa.

Rooms 140
Gym
Pools 2
Spa
Restaurants 5
Kids Club
Bars 1
Adults Only
Taj Holiday Village

B&B from £749

This beautiful Portuguese-Goan inspired resort, combines modern elegance and timeless beauty. Located in Northern Goa upon acres of palm-fringed landscaped gardens, adjacent to the Fort Aguada Beach Resort, overlooking Sinquerim Beach.

Rooms 142
Gym
Pools 2
Spa
Restaurants 3
Kids Club
Bars 2
Adults Only
Park Hyatt

Park Hyatt, Goa

B&B from £899

A luxurious hotel providing world-class facilities while capturing Goa's rich cultural heritage. Set amongst 45 acres of lush beachfront gardens & located in the most idyllic area of South Goa along the beaches of Cansaulim.

Rooms 250
Gym
Pools 1
Spa
Restaurants 4
Kids Club
Bars 2
Adults Only
Cidade De Goa

B&B from £599

A stunning resort which combines elegance with fine service in a relaxed atmosphere. Exclusively situated in a secluded cove on Vainguinim Beach in north Goa, with limited public access, 7 km from the capital, Panaji. The resort is set into the hill-side & due to the number of steps in the complex, this hotel is not suitable for the less mobile.

Rooms 210
Gym
Pools 2
Spa
Restaurants 5
Kids Club
Bars 2
Adults Only
Fort Aguada

B&B from £699

Attractively set overlooking the sandy expanse of Sinquerim Beach, the Fort Aguada Beach Resort is expertly run as part of the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, India's leading hotel group. The resort is part of a sprawling complex overlooking the Arabian Sea & is in close proximity to Sinquerim beach in Northern Goa.

Rooms 130
Gym
Pools 1
Spa
Restaurants 5
Kids Club
Bars 1
Adults Only
Radisson Whitesands

B&B from £549

A beautifully designed resort, combining Goan culture and tradition with international standards offering state of the art facilities. Ideally located on Varca beach, one of the most luxurious, exotic & tranquil beaches in Southern Goa overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Rooms 154
Gym
Pools 2
Spa
Restaurants 3
Kids Club
Bars 3
Adults Only
Holiday Inn

B&B from £549

Built in traditional grandeur with majestic architecture, the resort is a truly idyllic retreat. Nestled in 26 acres of lush green landscaped gardens on the picturesque Mobor beach in Southern Goa.

Rooms 187
Gym
Pools 1
Spa
Restaurants 3
Kids Club
Bars 2
Adults Only
Goa Marriott

B&B from £669

An ideal resort which provides a wide range of facilities and activities for the whole family, set in a relaxing atmosphere. Located along the Mandovi River, just 200 metres from the beautiful Miramar beach, which can be accessed by a walkway & steps; approximately 2 km from Panjim, the capital of Goa.

Rooms 178
Gym
Pools 2
Spa
Restaurants 2
Kids Club
Bars 3
Adults Only
Majorda Beach Hotel

B&B from £569

A renowned property offering first-class facilities for the ultimate holiday experience.Situated on the famous Majorda beach in South Goa.

Rooms 120
Gym
Pools 2
Spa
Restaurants 4
Kids Club
Bars 3
Adults Only
Coconut Grove

B&B from £649

Superbly located, nestled within a coconut grove, this small, delightful and modern property represents excellent value for money.

Rooms 36
Gym
Pools 1
Spa
Restaurants 1
Kids Club
Bars 1
Adults Only
Club Mahindra

B&B from £499

This modern, beachfront hotel with its exquisite décor and breathtaking view of Varca Beach provides a high level of comfort together with a wide range of activities. Ideal for those looking for a relaxing holiday, yet close to Margao City and Colva Beach.

Rooms 198
Gym
Pools 1
Spa
Restaurants 1
Kids Club
Bars 1
Adults Only
Dona Sylvia

All Inclusive from £749

A Mediterranean style resort offering good value for money and a wide range of facilities in a relaxed atmosphere. Spread over 26 acres of landscaped gardens along the Cavelossim Beach in Southern Goa.

Rooms 176
Gym
Pools 2
Spa
Restaurants 3
Kids Club
Bars 3
Adults Only
Osborne Resort

B&B from £419

The resort consists of 3 separate hotels, each with its own pool, restaurant and bar. The facilities of each are available to all guests. Situated in Northern Goa in Calangute Village just 800 metres from Calangute beach, which can be accessed by crossing a road, close to the restaurants & shops.

Rooms 110
Gym
Pools 3
Spa
Restaurants 3
Kids Club
Bars 3
Adults Only
Palmarinha Calangute

B & B from £469

Palmarinha, a Portuguese word meaning Swaying Palms, is an ideal and value-for-money resort for peaceful holiday in Goa. Situated near Calangute one of Goa's most busy tourist spots, the beach and night clubs are just a 10-minute walking distance.

Rooms 80
Gym
Pools 2
Spa
Restaurants 1
Kids Club
Bars 2
Adults Only
Dona Alcina

All Inclusive from £429

A large resort situated within walking distance of the serene and calm Candolim beach. This basic hotel is ideal for those on a tight budget.

Rooms 140
Gym
Pools 1
Spa
Restaurants 3
Kids Club
Bars 1
Adults Only
Colonia De Braganza

B&B from £399

Colonia De Braganza is situated in a quiet location, a short distance from the centre of Calangute. This hotel is ideal for couples and families who seek a simple but comfortable stay in this vibrant area.

Rooms 120
Gym
Pools 2
Spa
Restaurants 1
Kids Club
Bars 1
Adults Only

 

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