Goa

A Portuguese enclave until 1961, the region of Goa, on the west coast of India, is a world-renowned holiday destination which boasts a wide range of outstanding beaches, greenery, and historic sites. The region’s location in the tropic zone means it enjoys warm temperatures all year round, with a maximum summer temperature of 33 degrees.

Goa has a fascinating religious history, a mix of western Catholicism and regional religious traditions including Hinduism and Jainism. Religion has shaped some of the region’s most interesting historic sites, which include beautiful, well-maintained churches and temples. See, for example, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church of St. Francis Assisi, and the Shri Shanta Durga temple at Kavlem.

Things to do

For holidaymakers looking for a break from the usual stress of life, Goa really is the place to be. It has an array of spas and treatment centres to choose from, offering luxury massages and a variety of other relaxation treatments. The Ayurvedic treatments you will find in Goa focus on diet, meditation and yoga, which are all reputed to help enhance your health and well being.

Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries attract holidaymakers from all over the world. At the Salim Ali bird sanctuary, one of the most renowned sanctuaries in India, 1.78 kilometres square of mangrove forests shelter a range of birds such as the black drongo, as well as other creatures like the amphibious mudskipper fish. Other sanctuaries in the region include Bondla Forest, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary in Molem.

If you are looking for a beach holiday, then Goa has miles of golden sand for you to enjoy. You will not want to miss out on the beautiful beaches at Agonda, Palolem, Colva, Arambol and Vagator, among many others, and the beaches also host plenty of watersports. If you head further inland you will find some wonderful waterfalls, lakes and springs. One of  the region’s highest waterfalls is Dudhsagar Falls, which is a truly spectacular sight during monsoon season.

Nightlife and cuisine

As well as all its natural beauty, Goa offers plenty of opportunities for nightlife and shopping. The beaches come to life after dark in spectacular beach parties, which have to be seen to be believed, and the capital Panaji boasts a plethora of shops and local markets. Along with its shopping highlights, Goa of course has truly superb local cuisine, some of the best in India. During your stay you can sample fresh seafood, coconut and cashew nut dishes, and there are lots of dishes to suit vegetarians too. The staple diet of Goans is rice with fish curry.

Travel

If you are travelling directly to Goa by air, you will land at Dabolim Airport, which accepts flights from domestic and international airlines, from locations all over the world, including Qatar, Dubai, the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Russia. If travelling around the region by railway, you will use the two main rail lines, the South Western Railway (built in the colonial era) and and the Konkan Railway (built in the 1990s). The region's road network is well-connected, and dominated by private bus companies and motorcycle taxis.

Notable towns and cities to visit

During your stay in Goa, you will doubtless want to make the most of the various attractions and delights offered by its cities, towns and villages. Panaji (Panjim), the capital of northern Goa, hosts the Salim Ali bird santurary (see above), as well as the 16th-century Adilshahi Palace, the Goa Science Centre, and the Portuguese baroque Church of the Immaculate Conception, originally built in 1541. Margao is the capital of southern Goa, and offers a bustling market, natural springs, grand colonial mansions and a beautiful chapel. Other towns well worth a visit include Vasco de Gama, close to the beautiful beach at Bogmalo; the vibrant and bustling Mapusa, and Mormugao, Goa's main port.

With so much to do and see in this vibrant region, it is not surprising that Goa is one of India’s most popular holiday destinations. Holiday Rental Homes has a number of self-catering properties which are well-located to allow you to experience the best that Goa has to offer, at a price far below what you would pay at hotels or guest accommodation. Have a look through our selection of properties today, and start planning ahead for the holiday of a lifetime.

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