Goa holidays

One of the main reasons people come to India, is to try the food. With tons of western versions of its most famous dishes, nothing tastes as good as the flavours in Goa. Often part of the backpacker trail, its food and drink prices are extremely affordable too. Beachside shacks, fine dining restaurants and leafy terraces – eateries come in all forms here. There are a few specialities you need to try during your trip, such as – xacuti, balchao and vindaloo. However, if you’re not a fan of curry the fresh seafood is out of this world. For a gourmet experience with a Portuguese and Goan food fusion, The Beach House takes recipes from traditional families and turns them into culinary masterpieces. Found in Candolim, its open-air setting is a bonus on those balmy Goan nights.

Souza Lobo is another must-try, not to mention its location on one of the state’s most famed beaches, Calangute. The daily queues are an indication of the quality of cuisine with the masala fish fry proving particularly popular. Celebrated for having the best nightlife scene in India, north Goa sees the biggest shindigs. Baga Beach has more of a mainstream feel with hotspots like Club Tito and Cafe Mambo attracting a stream of revellers. Over at Anjuna Beach, it’s all about trance music with Shiva Valley and Curlies getting everyone in the party mood. Candolim Beach, on the other hand, has more of a commercial clubbing vibe.

Goa’s beaches are a real mixed bag, from lively party shores to laid-back isolated stretches and expanses lined with amenities including snack shacks and flea markets. Calangute Beach is one of the state’s busiest sand spots, not to mention it’s also the largest. Here, you’ll find a vast collection of sunloungers leading all the way to the start of Baga Beach, which is known for its array of watersports and dolphin spotting excursions. For laid-back days spent bathing on the sand, Benaulim in the south is a low-key stretch which is also a fishing hotspot for many locals. Anjuna Beach is another popular choice with many backpackers flocking here to experience its flea market, which takes place every Wednesday and has become a must-visit in Goa. Once the home of hippies, it’s psychedelic vibes are still felt today.

From the party mad north to the sedate south, Goa has multiple personalities. There’s never a dull day in Goa – meet elephants in their natural habitat, focus on your mind body and soul with a yoga session or take a houseboat tour to discover the local way of life. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a glimpse into the past you can always seek out its stunning colonial architecture. The beaches are one of the main draws here as is the Saturday market, while the almighty Dudhsagar Waterfall and spice plantations should be on everyone’s itinerary.

Admire the jaw-dropping beauty of Dudhsagar Waterfall: Nicknamed the ‘Sea of Milk’ by natives, it is the second highest waterfall in the whole of India at an impressive 603 metres in height. Off-road vehicles will take you to this natural wonder, hence its jungle location. With plenty of opportunities to swim in the flowing waters, don’t be surprised if you see a monkey or two swinging in the surrounding trees. Those not wanting to take a dip, the sights alone are worth the trip – there’s something mesmerising about watching the foamy cascading waters amid vast greenery.

See what Old Goa has to offer: If you’ve come to Goa for a bit of culture, then a trip to Old Goa is essential. Once the richest and largest city in the whole of Asia, not to mention the capital of Portuguese India from the 16th to the 18th century, the spot’s century-old buildings remain relatively unchanged from its affluent days. It also comes with a UNESCO World Heritage status, which is hardly surprising with its plethora of sights from churches to cathedrals. There is so much to see here including Basilica of Bom Jesus, a fine example of Baroque architecture and Se Cathedral, which takes the title as the largest church in Asia. The Archaeological Museum is just as fascinating with artefacts representing its Portuguese rule.