Goa Holidays

If you’re ready for a little retail therapy, get your haggling skills dusted off and head for Anjuna market where you're sure to root out a bargain or two. Alternatively, the Saturday night markets in Arpora are well worth a visit, offering both local and Western wares, live music, plenty of food and cocktails to wash it down with.

As the sun falls below the horizon, Vagator beach morphs into a trance heaven, where full moon parties are rife and partygoers flock from all over to dance to the latest rave tunes. Kick off your flip-flops, feel the sand between your toes and lose yourself in the music as you look out across the Arabian Sea.

Take a jeep trip to this beautiful area situated on the Mandovi River (roughly 35 miles away from Panaji), in the peaks of the Western Ghats. It’s idyllic during monsoon season, when white torrents of water run down the cliffside and culminate in a deep green pool. There are a couple of other pools to enjoy here, too.

You can find a wealth of temples, churches and convents scattered around Goa, but the oldest one is concealed within the dense jungle and only survived Portuguese rule because of its great hiding place. Mahadev Temple of Tambdi Surla has been around since the 12th century, and is 40 miles away from the Goan capital of Panaji.

Food is enjoyed fully in Goa, as it is throughout India. The scents, spices and flavours of authentic cuisine will attract and tantalise even the most seasoned travellers. So whether its a classic fish curry rice, a morning bhaji-pao (bun with a thick curry), or a zesty vindaloo with its infusions of wine vinegar and garlic, the Indo-Portuguese influence is a treat for the taste buds.

Once the sun goes down Goa's night scene wakes up with neon lights, party music and plenty to eat and drink. There is something for everyone to enjoy here, so whether you want to wine and dine in the local restaurants, go to a beachside bonfire BBQ night or party at the bars and clubs, Goa has got it covered.