Once a simple, seaside retreat strung with resort hotels, Goa is graduating to a destination with a range of sophisticated lodging and world-class dining options aimed at the tasteful traveler.

Apart from Bangkok, Goa is the only other beach destination in South Asia that offers as much bang for your buck. Its serene beaches, exquisite crumbling architecture, vibrant nightlife, spa & yoga, distinct colonial charm and an openness seldom seen anywhere else in India, Goa looks and feels starkly different from the rest of the countryl.

The smallest India state is a tiny emerald cradled between Arabian Sea and Western Ghats, which is what lends a vast natural beauty it boasts of.

Goa is also the perfect of cultural equilibrium and does the balancing act between contemporary and traditional with charming ease. Its modernity is evident in the party scenes, luxury hotels, spas and restaurants while the rustic charm of Old Goa is brilliantly displayed in its Churches and Cathedrals and traditional villages reminiscent of its Portuguese legacy. Goa is a surprise, no matter how many times you have already visited it!

Goa tours
Churches and Cathedral of Goa: Colonial legacy of Old Goa, a designated World Heritage Site

The tourist paradise, Goa is the ideal place for tourists to spend their vacations underneath the sun and rolling waves, by the palm fringed beaches. With a number of deluxe 5 star hotels and resorts in Goa coming up at some of the most breathtaking locales, tours to Goa has an upper hand over other destinations not just in India but around the world. The most appealing aspect of Goa is the romance which suffuses the environs drawing romantic couples and honeymooners alike from around the world.

Goa India
Sun and sand paradise Goa

Top Reason Why you should go to Goa

Beaches in Goa

Goa is regarded as a tropical paradise with an array of beaches draped along Arabian Sea coast. With an unparalleled languidness and cosmopolitan hospitality, beaches of Goa are irediscent beacon drawing millions of tourists from around the world.

Some of the most visited beaches by tourists in the city are Baga, Anjuna, Calangute, Majorda, Colva, Bogmalo, Vagator, Dona Paula, Miramar and Sinquerim.

Holidays in Goa
Glittering beaches of Goa are its most appealing aspect when it comes to Goa tours and holidays

Rustic Charm of Old Goa

Old Goa was once compared with Lisbon and London back in 1500s. Crumbling architecture which includes scores of Cathedrals and imposing Churches, some of which are largest in Asia, are reminiscent of the bygone splendor of this once fabled city.

A visit to Old Goa is a must if you are looking for a glimpse into the colonial legacy of Goa evident in its streets, building, culture and exquisite landmarks.

Goa tourism
Old basilica Bom Jesus in Old Goa: A part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Goa

Nightlife

Besides hotels in Goa and suave bars and restaurant, one of the most attractive aspects of Goa is its happening nightlife which is almost absent in other parts of India. Rave parties in Goa are synonymous with hippie culture.

Goan trance scene is all about dancing under the stars or outdoors through the day, surrounded by Goa’s enthralling beauty and energized by music, nature and good vibes.

goa tour packages
Goa is known for its vibrant nightlife and rave party scenes

Hotels & Romantic Getaways in Goa

Owing to the irresistible allure of Goa which draws millions every year from around the globe, a number of deluxe properties from renowned name from hospitality industries have mushroomed in Goa. An array of luxury 5 star hotels in Goa of international standard and blending the best of east and west offer indulgent stays to the guests in this sun and sand paradise.

Goa is a favored destination of honeymooners and couples and these hotels are perfect avenues to provide flame to the romance of the lovers evident in their strategic location, pampering amenities and impeccable hospitality.

And it doesn’t take away anything from those who can’t afford 5 star hotels, there’s a hotel in Goa for every budget and every occasion. Besides budget hotels and plush beach resorts in Goa, options of apartment and home stays are also available for the discerning travelers.

Goa hotels
Goa is one of the most preferred honeymoon destinations and romantic getaway in India

MonumentsBasilica of Bom Jesus, St. Catherine’s Chapel, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and Church and Convent of St Monica are some must visit attractions of Goa.

The Churches and Convents of Old Goa are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site and had been influential in spreading both faith and the Portuguese style of architecture in Asia.

These grandiose structures and remnants of humanity in the Old Goa which once was compared to Lisbon itself is one of the most distinctive and appealing feature of holidays in Goa.

Or you may also want to have a look at the Best Winter Honeymoon Destinations in India or check out our post on ultimate romantic holiday ideas in India.

Sunburn Festival

The Sunburn Festival is THE event to be at and is the most anticipated party in this part of the world. Sunburn 2013 will be the seventh edition of the franchise and will feature live performances from some of the hottest pop and rock celebrities.

The 3 day festival will be held on the 27th, 28th and 29th of December on the Candolim Beach, North Goa. Slated to perform this year are Afrojack, Mark Schulz, Quintino, Pete Tong, Gold Fish and Mark Knight, among others.

Sunburn Festival in Goa

Needless to say, the Goa Sunburn Festival is high on revelry and goes on continuously for 3 days without break, with partygoers enjoying the sheer clubbing madness the festival offers. Tickets to the Sunburn Festival are available online on the official website.

Planning your trip to Goa

One of the most important determinants of unforgettable holidays in Goa is to plan for your vacation in advance. Goa can be very crowded during some seasons and it is almost impossible to find accommodations in any of the luxury hotels in Goa.

On some special occasion such as Christmas and New Years , hotels in Goa are booked a year in advance. Also Goa is divided into several tourist zones, each having their own distinct flavor. This is the time when you should start planning your trip to Goa especially hotel booking.

A travel expert goes a long away in planning that perfect holiday for you tailored to your requirements. So if you are planning to travel to Goa, plan away and have a great time in this tropical sun and sand paradise.

Contributed by Gaurav Kumar