Indian Ocean: Goa
A magical half-moon crescent cut into the side of India, Goa is a truly exotic destination, where endless sunshine peeps through leafy palms onto fine sands and warm seas. The region's glorious beaches spread for over 66 miles along a pristine coastline and each sweep has its own distinct character. Goa is also steeped in history with grand colonial mansions, whitewashed churches and ornate Hindu temples sitting harmoniously alongside tiny fishing villages. Whether you choose to hit the beach resorts and while away lazy days beneath the sun or join a cultural tour to take in the magnificence of the Taj Mahal, you'll be treated to a holiday like no other where every sight is individual and every experience is unforgettable.
Beaches
Warm the soles of your feet on the long tropical expanses of white sand as you stroll slowly towards the gentle blue waves of the Indian Ocean. There are so many fantastic beaches to choose from in Goa that you may have trouble deciding where to go. Amambol boasts two lovely beaches and a small freshwater lake, while further down the coast Morjim lays claim to a long, almost deserted, sandy stretch. Baga, Calangute and Candolim, meanwhile, are popular with tourists and well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and beachfront restaurants. Cavelossim harbours great empty stretches of blinding white sand, while Palolem is Goa's most picturesque beach with its picture-perfect horseshoe bay.
Eating out
For 450 years, Goa was a Portuguese colony and as a result the local cuisine has incorporated Portuguese flavours and cooking styles into its culinary creations, adding a spicy, Indian twist here and there. Curries are particularly popular, among them the much celebrated vindaloo, which derives its name from the Portuguese words for its main ingredients, vinho -wine - and alhos - garlic. Creamy coconut milk, hot chillies, piquant spices and fiery peppers are dominant features of most dishes including camarao cafreal, prawns in a coconut and herb sauce, galhina indad, spicy roasted chicken pieces, and ambot-tik, a sizzling fish curry cooked with tamarind. Goa's most renowned tipple, meanwhile, is feni, a strong concoction distilled from coconut sap or cashew juice. If curry and spice isn't your thing, don't worry, most of the hotels offer international dishes for those with Western palates.
Nightlife
If you want to experience Goa at night time, head to the beach bars where you can party until dawn. Come sundown, things really hot up around Anjuna and Vagator with bars and cafes staying open until the early hours of the morning. Much of the nightlife has a Western feel due to the large amount of Europeans that come here, and you won't be short of people to talk to. The hotels often feature themed nights where local beer, music and dancing are proudly offered up for your entertainment. A great way to spend an evening in Goa is to take one of the many sunset cruises along the Mandovi River, many of which begin from the bottom of Mandovi Bridge.
Shopping
As well as sightseeing and sampling the local cuisine, another great way to enjoy the charm of Goa is by strolling around the many shops and markets. Cotton, silk, precious stones, paintings and wood carvings are generally exquisitely made and inexpensive. In northern Goa, Mapusa's main event is the vibrant weekly market. Savour its delicious aromas of fish, meat, spices and chillies as you shop for local specialities, unusual souvenirs and colourful beachwear. Meanwhile, once a week the sleepy village of Anjuna is transformed by Goa's biggest market with stalls selling everything from spices to saxophones.
