Give it a Goa

If you fancy a sizzling break this winter, the hot tip for this year has to be Goa.

Forget winter breaks where there’s a good chance of a shower — Goa guarantees a winter warmer and a chance to explore the Indian subcontinent without the dreaded Delhi belly.

And it really does have something for everyone. If you’re after exploring and excursions — no problem. Or if you just want to relax on a different beach every day — coming right up.

The Goa shoreline is spectacular — powder-fine sandy beaches lined with palm trees and warm, clear water.

If you really want to get away from it all try Morjim or Mandrem beaches — reminiscent of the Caribbean with just a sprinkling of sun worshippers.

For more excitement head to Calangute beach, for watersports, cool bars and the locals wandering by selling wares. If you fancy more of a shopping challenge then head to one of the markets to bag a bargain.

Ingos and Mapusa are both busy, vibrant bazaars selling everything from silver jewellery to traditional handicrafts.

But my favourite was Apora, run by hippies who first came to Goa in the Seventies. It’s a magical labyrinth of stalls, eateries and entertainment held at night when it is much cooler making it a very chilled-out experience.

Goa is also a fabulous place to take children. Local kids will play football and cricket with young tourists for hours.

There are also lots of fabulous excursions. At the incredible waterfalls at Dudhsagar, children can swim in lagoons and feed the resident monkeys.

And they can have elephant rides, go tiger-spotting, and sleep in a mud hut at the wildlife sanctuaries — the stuff of real adventures. The food is a unique blend of Indian cuisine with a Portuguese influence.

Fresh fish, squid, prawns and lobster are available in all the restaurants and the fabulous fish curries are a specialty.

And a slap-up three-course meal for two will cost you under £20. For nightlife head to Baga, with its trendy beach shacks, clubs, bars, and a hectic nightlife.

Calangute also has a great selection of restaurants, bars and pubs open until the early hours.

Just watch out for the local drink Feni, made from fermented cashew. It could drive you nuts!

Website Link : http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2001330003-2006180563,,00.html

Posted By : Mr. Kevin Taylor, UK on 24/09/2006