ASIA GOA DESTINATIONS I
t’s India – but not as you know it. Goa’s palm tree-lined coast
and fantastic beach resorts have made it popular with British travellers, but there’s more to India’s smallest state. Inland lies a landscape of
spice farms and river valleys, while 450 years of Portuguese rule left magnificent churches, colonial mansions and tasty Indo- Portuguese cuisine. And with the new e-Tourist Visa available up to four days before departure, planning a trip to India just became a whole lot easier.
w SELL: COAST, CUISINE AND CULTURE “Goa is a fantastic add-on for beach time after a touring itinerary,” says Nikhil Chhibber, Western & Oriental’s India product manager. “There’s good
connectivity to other cities in India such as IndiGo Airlines’ new route from Varanasi.” Boasting more than 65 miles of
coastline, Goa’s beaches are its biggest attraction, with budget, boutique and luxury resorts along the whole stretch, and plenty of opportunities for watersports and beachfront dining. “North Goa continues to
provide the majority of our sales,” says Ann Ashley, Thomas Cook’s regional product manager for the Middle East, Far East, Africa and Indian Ocean. “We’ve also seen growth in family holidays, and more than half our bookings are for 14 nights or more.” North Goa beaches such as Baga, Calangute and Anjuna found favour with the hippy and party crowd in the 1960s, but the scene has mellowed
It’s worth suggesting B&B stays for clients who enjoy trying local cuisine
over the years and this stretch has room for everyone, with a range of resorts and hotels, plus less-crowded options at Candolim and Mandrem. South Goa is generally quieter.
Starting south of the inland town of Margao, it ranges from the 12-mile white-sand Majorda beach to the headland of Cabo de Rama, taking in the sandy beaches of Agonda, Varca, Colva, Cavelossim and Mobor in between.
Away from the beach, explore
Panjim and Old Goa’s colonial architecture, historic forts, churches and Hindu temples. Then there’s the food. Many local restaurants are within walking distance of hotels, serving fresh seafood and delicious Indo- Portuguese dishes – it’s worth suggesting bed-and-breakfast stays for clients who enjoy trying local cuisine. Intrepid Travel’s 15-day Real Food Adventure
8 October 2015
travelweekly.co.uk 53
PICTURES: ALILA DIWA GOA; VIATOR; SHUTTERSTOCK
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