A holiday in Goa is a gentle introduction to India. Once a Portuguese colony, accommodation in Goa ranges from very high quality hotels to small guest houses. There is also a wide range of package holidays available ranging from hotels offering Bed and Breakfast to the great value All Inclusive properties. The main time to take a holiday in Goa is between November and April. Temperatures around this time rarely drops below 30 degrees.
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at banks, and authorised bureaux de changes. It is impossible to obtain rupees outside India, but no matter what time you arrive in India there will be an exchange office open at the airport. It is illegal to exchange money through the black market and it is advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small denominations. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMs are not generally available.
Holidays in Goa
Goa is approximately 10 hours flying time from the UK and you will only find that charter flights operate here. Most holidays in Goa will have a transfer time of around one and a half hours. Goa offers miles of beautiful, sandy beaches lined by picturesque villages. The busy markets are a lively distraction from lazing on the Goa beaches, and the area boasts some wonderful architecture and ancient temples. The local cuisine you will experience on holidays in Goa is among the best in India with some especially tasty seafood and a wide range of vegetarian dishes.
Language in Goa
Although English is generally used for official and business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by about 30 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common with the Muslim demographic. There are 16 other languages also spoken.
Nightlife in Goa
Goa offers some fascinating sights after dark. As soon as the sun goes down the beaches come to life. Most of the beach bars play atmospheric music as the sun disappears in magnificent sunsets. The nightlife here was started by the hippies who came here during the 70's. Since then, the nightlife in Goa has steadily increased and has gained in popularity. Goa is full of small restaurants that have bars too and so, almost every eatery will have a bar that serves chilled drinks and allows you to relax in peace. The most popular areas for enjoying the nightlife of Goa are the beaches. Goans believe in partying hard and one can spot many trance parties in famous beaches where people just enjoy themselves and forget the tensions of life.
