Goa

This has to be one of the most popular winter destinations and I’m sure if you put this on your holiday list you will understand why. Hotels are pretty basic but functional in the North and this area also offers the best choice of bars and clubs. For something a little higher in standards try the south which is a lot quieter and offers some top quality establishments. The cost of living is exceptionally low, especially if you stick to the local cuisine, so bed and breakfast is ample for board basis. Goa is very exotic and offers a fascinating mix of cultures with beautifully restored Hindu temples and grand colonial buildings set in tiny fishing villages. The beaches here are really something else with miles of golden sands scattered with beach shacks, but beware you may have to share them with Goa’s most sacred animal, the cow.

Eating Out

Local food is as you would expect, spicey and exotic and restaurants serve Indian, Goan and chinese foods spicey chicken dishes and excellent sea food. Eating out comes very cheap in Goa and a good meal can cost as little as a few pounds. Curry obviously features on nearly every menu and there are many variations available.

Places of Interest

Take a trip into the wild and visit a tiger and lion reserve, see elephants in their natural habitate, definatly one not to be missed. Take a 4 x 4 tour of a wildlife sanctury, splash through rivers to reach Dudhsager Falls where you can swim the falls and feed the monkeys.

Important Information

You will need a 10 year British passport with 6 months validity from the return date. Also you will need a visa prior to travel which you obtain from the Indian Embassy, this can take upto 3 weeks to be returned to you. Please check with your Dr re vaccinations well in advance of travelling to India.