Goa holidays

Things to do

• Journey back in time and visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and magnificent cathedrals in Old Goa. Visit a typical Goan spice plantation. Cruise down the Zuari River, spotting the remarkable Indian Mugger crocodiles. Drive into dense jungle to discover the beautiful Dudhsagar Waterfalls, listening to gushing waters as you relax with a picnic, but be prepared to share your lunch with the monkeys. Take a three day tour of north India's highlights, taking in New Delhi, the fascinating city of Agra and the amazing Taj Mahal.
• Capital Cruise - Approx. £27
• Waterfall Wonders - Approx. £19
• North India (3 nights) - Approx. £550

Explore your destination

Wet and Wild

A fabulously fun adventure, our best-selling tour takes you into scenic foothills for a 4x4 safari of a wildlife sanctuary. You'll bump over boulders, splash through streams and cross log bridges en route to Dudhsagar Waterfalls, where you'll swim in fresh waters and feed cheeky monkeys.

prices from approx. £22pp (adult)

child prices may be available, speak to your First Choice Representative in resort

Dolphin Discovery

On this trip, you'll sail along the Mandovi River on board a luxury yacht and watch dolphins playing against a beautiful backdrop. You'll see the Governor's Residence, Reis Margos Fort and the Aguada Jail on this exciting voyage.

prices from approx. £26pp (adult)

Jungle Book

On this overnight adventure, you'll have the chance to feed, wash and even ride the elephants at Shanti Camp.You'll go on a fascinating nature trek and unwind at a yoga session at the local temple Tambdi Surla.

prices from approx. £80pp (adult)

Please note: for further details, please speak to your Representative in resort. This is an example guide only and excursions and prices will be subject to change according to season, availability and demand.

Highlights

• Haggling for a bargain in Goa's colourful markets, with the scents of multi-coloured spices and sounds of traders showing off their woodcarvings, knick-knacks and soft sarongs
• Feeling on top of the world as you sway through the forests on an elephant ride at Shanti nature reserve
• Looking up at the Portuguese architecture of Old Goa's cathedral and churches, now a World Heritage site just east of Panaji, the town captures Goa as it was in the early 16th century
• Making a splash with thrilling watersports, like parasailing and windsurfing, on Goa's beaches, with the best waves at Calangute, Baga, Miramar and Bogmalo
• Watching crocodiles laze on the muddy banks of the Cumbarjua canal near Panaji, as you sail by in a canoe
• Exploring Goa's capital city of Panaji, with leafy promenades lined with red roofed houses, pretty churches, historical palaces and fantastic souvenir shops
• Dozing off as you enjoy Ayurvedic treatments like Indian massages using traditional herbal concoctions
• Cruising along the Mandovi River and watching a dreamy pink sunset on your Goa holiday
• Adding a tour to your holiday with a week discovering India's most famous sights, exploring Old and New Delhi, the Taj Mahal and the Pink City of Jaipur
• Getting out your binoculars on your Goa holiday, as you birdwatch along Goa's rivers and in its wildlife sanctuaries; around Baga River is a particularly good spot

Food and drink

Bursting with flavours, Goa's cuisine is an explosive blend of Portuguese flavours and Indian spices.

In the northern resorts of Calangute, Baga Beach and Candolim, you don't have to go far to find a restaurant, with Goan, Chinese, Italian and Portuguese to choose from, with the south's resorts promising your taste buds just as many options.

Seafood dishes are really popular, so it's worth planning a special evening out to enjoy tiger prawns or lobster at a beach-shack restaurant.

You'll also find India's best fish curry here; if it's a little bit spicy for you, wash it down with refreshing lime sodas or hit the spot with local Kingfisher beer.

If seafood's not your thing, pork vindaloo and other meat dishes, like spicy Portuguese sausages or 'chouricos', have also become Goan holiday favourites.

Evening Flavour

With the hippies making it the playground in the 60s, Goa's famous party vibe is still just as good as in its heyday.

The pièce de resistance is Goa's full moon beach parties on Anjuna's shores. Party people dance from midnight till dawn to chill-out music, with local fire jugglers heating up the vibe.

In Calangute and nearby Baga, you'll find plenty of pubs and bars to spend holiday evenings, with discos in some of the hotels. If you just fancy sipping cocktails by the sea, head to the quieter beach bars of Goa's other resorts or enjoy live music and shows in your hotel.

Shopping

Getting into the hustle and bustle of Goa's markets is an essential holiday experience; at Anjuna's Wednesday night flea market, you'll find hundreds of market traders holding fort at stalls decked with jewellery, woodcarvings, T-shirts and sarongs.

For a change of scene on a Saturday night, head for Mackies Bazaar in Baga, where live music and jugglers entertain as you attack the inviting food stalls with gusto.

Fragrant spices, vegetables and fresh fruit are perfect to pick up from local markets, as well as cashew nuts if you fancy a snack as you browse.

Local weather

Information

Language: Konkani and English. Currency: Rupee. Standard GMT: + 5.5 hrs. Indian Tourist Office: 7 Cork Street, London W1S 3LH. Tel: 020 7437 3677. www.india-tourism.com

A visa must be applied for prior to departure. Departure and tourist taxes of 500 rupees and $5 per person have been included in the price.

Travel money

Indian Rupee

You can get commission-free foreign exchange on currency notes and travellers cheques at most First Choice Travel Shops and Holiday Hypermarkets.