Goa Hotels

Paint-peeling shacks half hidden among lush greenery, rambling stretches of white beach, sounds of the surf merging with gentle trance rhythms and a fascinating fusion of centuries-old European mansions and churches with Hindu temples and bazaars, Goa has long been known as a stress-free corner of India.

Party with the crowds in Baga-Calangute or hang with the hippies of Anjuna. Emptier white sands stretch beyond Arambol in the north and Palolem in the south. Om beach, over the southern border into Karnataka, is claimed to be the most beautiful in India.

Absorb Portuguese history with a wander round Goa's capital, Panaji, the churches of Old Goa and the 16th century Portuguese colonial mansion of Braganza House in the village of Chandor. Spot kingfishers at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary or wild boar at the Bondla,Molen and Cotigao wildlife sanctuaries. Brave the backwaters for a "crocodile cruise".

Swim beneath the roaring Dudhsagar Falls near Karnataka, especially after monsoon. Clamber through the ruins of Fort Aguada for a sunset over the Arabian Sea, or relish unpopulated white sands by exploring the coast on foot. Morjim's darker sands are home to Olive Ridley turtles.

Surf at Bambolin or Dona Paula Bay, or explore the rich underwater marine life and shipwrecks around Grand Island and Angria Bank, 200km away by speedboat. Commune with your soul through yoga and meditation, on offer along much of the coast.

Goans love cashews, coconuts, spices, and seafood, with fish curry a staple. Portuguese influence lingers in chicken calfreal (marinated and dry-fried) and Goan sausage. Sweet teeth will adore the seven-layered coconut pudding bebinca , while the local feni (coconut or cashew spirit) takes some stamina to down. Local wines are increasingly more palatable.

Join the party in Baga-Calangute or dance to trance under a full moon, or even a ‘black moon' in Anjuna. Christmas and New Year is party season everywhere, and most beach bars join in the fun.

Bargain hard for bamboo carvings and hand-crafted brassware from Goa, goods from all over India and Tibet, and European designs and logo rip-offs at the enormous Anjuna flea market every Wednesday. Splash out in Calangute's chi-chi design and export furniture shops, including Casa Goa. Panjim's government Craft Complex sells local crafts, including terracotta works.