Bambolim Holidays

Chilled-out sands

A slight departure from the busier resorts of Baga and Calangute, North Goa's Bambolim is an easygoing locale. Its Arabian Sea waters are shallow enough for paddling, and the sands of this Indian seashore invite long, lazy days. Refreshments are always well within reach thanks to beachside bars.

Head to the wild

The impressive Dudhsagar Falls are under a two-hour drive away, and certainly worth the trip. Visit during monsoon season for a spectacular water display from India's second tallest waterfall. Be sure to stop by the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary while you're there – Bengal tigers and black panthers pad silently through natural thickets here.

Dusk till dawn

There's enough in Bambolim to keep most people going, but hardcore dancefloor junkies can jump in a taxi for 30 minutes to up-all-night Calangute. Here, the cocktails flow into the wee hours, and DJs spin on until sunrise. By day, too-cool surfers replace the party crowd.