Beaches & Cathedrals
Goa known for its beaches, backpackers and mix of portuguese and indian culture. Liberated from portuguese rule in 1961 it is now the 25th state of India and a major tourist destination.
Split into North and South Goa, go north for markets and parties and south for less developed areas and the luxury hotels.
How to get there and Transportation
By Air - Air India flies to Kuwait and the UAE, Qatar fly in from Doha otherwise most flights come in from Mumbai. Domestic connections to Delhi, Chennai, Jaipur, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune.
By bus - mainly from Mumbai and Punei
By Train - from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kochi
Getting around
Bus - cheap way to travel
Hop on Hop off - run by tourist office with english speaking guides
Car- private hire with driver - ask a hotel

Best time to Visit
Mid November to mid February is the best time to visit.
Where to stay
Taj Exotica Resort and Spa
The W - Vagator
Ahilya By the Sea - Nerul
Alila Diwa - Majorda
Vivenda Dos Palhaços - private guest house
What to See


Churches and Cathedrals
Tom Jesus Basilica - built in 1605 and has the remains of St Francis Xavier, a patron saint of Goa
Se Cathedral - built in 1619 one of the largest churches in Asia with 14 altars.
Church of St Francis of Assisi - built in 1661 and has an adjoining seminary.
Main Beaches
Candolim and Sinquerim - north Goa - india’s answer to Benidorm
Colva - pretty but now full of trash and stray dogs
Calangute - top beach but now crowded
Morjim - beautiful preferred by russian tourists
Tanshikar Spice Farm - personalised tours of an organic working farm
Where to report animal cruelty in Goa
Restaurants
Bomra - burmese food - Candolim
The Black Sheep Bistro - Panaji
Gunpowder - Goan food - Assagao
La Plage - french cuisine - Mandrem
A Reverie - muti cuisine - Calangute
Elevar - fusion - Ashvem Beach
Palacio Do Deao - Goan cuisine - Quepem
Baba Au Rhum - cafe food - Anjuna
Shopping
Mapusa Market
Bebel - clothing and accessories
Jade Jagger Beach Boutique
Malini Ramini - clothes - Calangute
Artjuna - leather products
Fara - designer boutique
Beach Candy - supporting artisans
Miss Monkey - bold designer clothing
Miriam Strehlau - casual designer clothing
Sacha's Shop - Panjim
White Brick Wall - stocks designers
Janota - shoe designer
Flames - designer clothes - Thalassa
Conclusion
Personally I was disappointed, not what was expected and tourism has had an effect, there was a huge amount of rubbish everywhere, the beach although beautiful was covered with oil and the food was nothing to write home about. To be fair it was end of season, a lot of places has closed down, we found only one market and the hotel was not up to standard. The churches etc did not interest us so sightseeing was short and sweet. I would compare to coming to Phuket and staying in Patong which would put you off coming back for life so I perhaps would consider returning at a better time of year, in a nicer hotel and area.
Goa Tourist Board
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