Goa

Apart from its dazzling palm-ringed beaches and famous—some would say infamous—party vibe, this erstwhile Portuguese colony is also known for its wealth of historic mansions and churches (Roman Catholicism still flourishes in Goa), lively markets, and endless stretches of green rice paddies and coconut-palm groves. Whether you're seeking somewhere secluded or a place to party all night, Goa has beaches to suit all moods.

How to Get There
The Dabolim airport, around 18 miles (30 kilometers) south of Panaji, the state's capital, is Goa's hub for domestic flights, including from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai. The airport also services some international charter flights from the UK and Europe. Goa is also serviced by interstate bus and train lines.

How to Get Around
An extensive local bus network operates throughout the state. Taxis are another option. Some towns have motorcycle taxis (they have a yellow-colored front mudguard), which are quick and cheap. Autorickshaws also operate in a number of centers. Many travelers planning to stay in Goa for more than a week or two rent a motorcycle (rental prices increase during the peak tourist season, December–mid-January); bring along your international driver's license. Bicycles can also be rented in most towns.

Attractions
Goa's gorgeous beaches have long been a magnet for travelers from around the globe. The most popular northern beaches include Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, and Arambol. The lesser-known Asvem, Morjim, and Mandrem beaches may offer a more mellow experience. The southern beaches, which generally are quieter than those to the north, include Colva, Bogmalo, Benaulim, Agonda, Varca, Palolem, and Patnem.

The former capital of Portuguese-administered Goa, Old Goa has a number of wonderful colonial-era cathedrals and churches. Must-sees include the Se Cathedral (Old Goa's biggest church), the Basilica of Bom Jesus (which houses the tomb and remains of St. Francis Xavier), and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.

Overlooking the sea, the 17th-century, Portuguese-built Fort Aguada is worth visiting not only to see its remains—which include a large moat—but to enjoy its panoramic views.

You can briefly experience the old Portuguese lifestyle with a visit to the sublime Braganza House, located in the village of Chandor (not far from Margao). There is no admission fee; donations at the end of your tour help maintain the 17th-century building.

Although it's mega-touristy, the bustling Anjuna Flea Market, which started out as an informal hippie market, is still lots of fun, packed with stalls selling beach bags, T-shirts, spices, bedspreads, sarongs, silver jewelry, and more. The market takes place in Anjuna every Wednesday.

Places to Eat
Goa has oodles of restaurants and bars, from simple beach shacks to fancy French and Italian restaurants; seafood is the focus of many menus. The restaurants mentioned below offer a representative selection.

The unpretentious, beach-fronting Souza Lobo has long had a sterling reputation when it comes to seafood. Whether it is calamari, fish, tiger prawns, lobster, or mussels, this place grills, bakes, sizzles, and fries them all with pizzazz. Apart from being delicious, the prices are also appetizing. Calangute Beach, Calangute.

For a special night out, Fiesta is heartily recommended. Specializing in Italian food, this classy place has a romantic feel to it, thanks to the outdoor setting in a landscaped garden. The food includes some of the best homemade pizzas and pastas to be found in Goa. After dinner, pop across the road to party at Tito's nightclub. Advance bookings for Fiesta are highly recommended. Tito's Road, Baga; tel. +91 (0)832 227 9894.

If you're staying in Vagator, try the wholesome Bean Me Up, a "soya station" that serves inventive vegetarian fare, including tasty tofu-based dishes. House No. 1639/2 Deul Vaddo, Vagator village.

The Sea Pearl Hotel, in Colva, has scrumptious seafood preparations, from grilled pomfret (a type of flat fish) to butter-garlic prawns. Off Colva Beach Road, Colva.

Those based in Palolem or Patnem can enjoy an alfresco breakfast or lunch at Home, an immensely relaxed beach shack where you can sink your toes into the sandy floor as you devour yummy European-inspired dishes. Patnem Beach, Patnem.

Places to Stay
Goa is choc-a-bloc with places to stay, spanning all price brackets. You can also rent furnished apartments, which are worth considering if you plan to stay for a month or more. The following is just a small selection of the many praiseworthy guesthouses and hotels to be found in Goa.

Most travelers base themselves near the prime beaches. Top-end offerings in Sinquerim, the southern end of Candolim, include two luxury Taj resort properties, the beachside Taj Holiday Village and the neighboring Fort Aguada Beach Resort. They are both exceptional: The former, comprised of luxury cottages and villas, has more of a resort flavor; the latter, Fort Aguada Beach Resort, also features cottages and villas, and lies by the ramparts of the 16th-century Fort Aguada. The hotels share a number of amenities, including fine restaurants and a world-class spa. Sinquerim Beach; tel. +91 (0)832 564 5858.

In Calangute, one of the better mid-range places is the Hotel Golden Eye. Its biggest attraction is its location along the beach. The rooms are well kept; the pricier ones are larger and better furnished. Calangute Beach; tel. +91 (0)832 227 7308.

The three-star Hotel Silver Sands Beach Resort in Colva offers respectable rooms, many with a pool or sea view. Some rooms can be a bit on the small side but are otherwise comfortable enough. There are two eateries: Sand Pebbles (Indian and continental food) and Crossroads (a poolside coffee shop). For a cold beer, head to the hotel's bar, Intoxication. Colva Beach; tel. +91 (0)832 278 8099.

The sea-fronting Sterling Vagator Beach Resort falls in the mid-range category. It has a selection of pleasant Portuguese-inspired rooms and cottages set among palm trees. All rooms are equipped with color televisions, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and mini-bars. On site are a pool and restaurant. Vagator Beach; tel. +91 (0)832 227 3276.

The mid-priced Palm Grove Cottages, in Benaulim, offer cottage-style accommodations in a lush garden. It's worth paying a bit more to get one of the newer rooms. The restaurant serves Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine. Off Vasvaddo Beach Road, Benaulim; tel. +91 (0)832 277 0059.

If you wish to visit Goa state's capital, Panaji (formerly called Panjim), you can't beat the character-filled, mid-priced Panjim Inn. This 19th-century building features Old World-style rooms with four-poster beds, as well as a relaxing balcony restaurant. The same proprietors run the nearby (equally good but smaller) Panjim Pousada, which has an art gallery downstairs. 31st January Road, Panjim; tel. +91 (0)832 222 6523.

General Tips for Goa
Accommodation rates skyrocket at the height of the tourist season (between December and mid-January), so it is worth planning a visit to Goa outside these months.

Drugs remain an issue in Goa's beach communities and penalties for drug use or possession, even for small amounts, are severe. For more information, and other safety tips for Goa, visit this website.

For More Information
Goa Tourism Development Corporation
Go Goa