Goa’s legendary allure is its white sandy beaches and glittering blue seas. Goa may be ones of India’s smallest states, but it is also its richest! A bustling conglomerate of culture and history that dates back almost 20,000 years, its character has been primarily shaped by its days as a Portuguese colony and trading point. Goa boasts a heady blend of colonial heritage and Indian culture mixed with modern Western influence. Expect herds of cows wandering through incredible historic and religious architecture. Goa’s unique culture can be found in its own delicious cuisine, fashion and even sweet coconut liquor! Lap up this free-spirited destination with the easy charm of friendly locals, laid back beachside afternoons, or at evening tropical beach parties.
Indulge your senses with a Spice Plantation visit and savor an authentic Goan-Hindu vegetarian meal. Walk, lead by a local person through the farm comprising ‘dry land’ crops (timber trees, medicinal plants, mangoes, peppers, cashew) and ‘wet land’ crops (spices, betelnuts, coconuts, papaya, chickoo, love apple). See rural settings, traditional Goan organic farming methods, and lunch in typical Goan mud-pots and banana-leaf ‘plates’, while heady spice aroma’s tickle your taste-buds!
Enjoy vibrant Goan markets held on different days of the week. Delight in the Anjuna Flea market, reminicent of ‘Hippie days’, find interesting handicrafts, get tattooed, stroll the colorful maze of humanity and watch the sunsets. The Saturday night Arpora market is the place to see and hear Goa’s most talented live musicians; taste blends of International, Indian and fusion cuisine and shop. Visit the traditional Friday market at Mapusa where craftsmen and farmers come to sell the products.
Drive to Dona Paula, overlooking the magnificent harbor of Mormugão, towards Panjim via Miramar Beach. Once a fishing village, today’s Panjim infuses old charm with typical Portuguese architecture visible along the River Mandovi. Visit the Panjim Church, Palácio Patriarcal (Bishop’s Palace), Palácio Idalcão (present Secretariat) and Basílica of Bom Jesus where the remains of St. Francis Xavier are entombed in a silver casket. Identify sights and smells at the fruit and vegetable markets.
Experience world famous Goan sunsets across the coastline of endless stretches of tree lined beaches. Your very own personal boatman will fetch you and take you on a romantic boat ride in the Arabian Sea. Leisurely sip sparkling champagne, munch on savory canapes (served by your very own maître d’), cruise amidst a romantic pinky-orangy sky backdrop and among playful, high-spirited dolphins…an ideal leisure trip!
Start the day by visiting North Goa’s Panjim with the Latin quarter Fontainhas and the fruit and vegetable market, proceeding towards Old Goa with its Portuguese style Churches and famous Hindu Temple – Mahalsa. Continue on to a spice plantation for an authentic Goan-Hindu vegetarian lunch. Then drive to South Goa to see the palatial Menezes Braganza House in Chandôr. Drive through Margão and then head back to your hotel.
Places: Bangalore (1 day) → Mysore (2) → Chikmagalur (2) → Hampi (3) → Badami (1) → Goa (3) → Mumbai (1)
Tour Highlights: The Bull Temple, Bangalore Palace, Vishwesharaiya Museum, Maharajahas Palace, Chamundi Hills, Vrindavan gardens, Ranganathittu Bird...
Ideal For: Beaches Heritage & Culture Nature & Landscapes
Places: Delhi (2 days) → Agra (1) → Jaipur (3) → Goa (5) → Mumbai (2) → Mumbai (2)
Tour Highlights: Red Fort, Humayuns Tomb, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, India Gate, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur...
Ideal For: Beaches Heritage & Culture
Style: Resort
Infused with traditional Goanese design, the Alila (meaning 'surprise') Diwa Resort is the hallmark of style, relaxation, hospitality.
Style: Beach Resort
The Park Hyatt Resort and Spa in Goa is a world-class resort that creates the magic and romance of a luxury boutique hotel on a 45 acres lush beachfront property.
Style: Boutique
The Presa di Goa is a unique country house that has been restored and furnished in the Portuguese colonial style, with the simple opulence and grandeur of a bygone era still remnant.
Style: Beach Resort
The Taj Exotica is a fine property that showcases the trademark of good hospitality and professionalism atypical of the Taj Group.
Style: Beach Resort
Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa stands testament to Goa as its first and oldest luxury hotel, boasting a wonderful location overlooking Candolim beach.
Style: Beach Resort
The Leela Goa effortlessly combines modernity, the Portuguese heritage and the splendid 13th century Vijayanagara Empire temple and palace architecture to give a luxurious, world class resort par excellence.
Style: International
The O Hotel Goa is a beautiful resort located on Condolim Beach, close to Fort Aguada, Taj Holiday Village, Kingfisher…
Style: Beach Resort
The Vivanta by Taj-Holiday Village is located in the welcome seclusion of North Goa especially for guests who want a…
