Goa Tours & Holidays
Escorted tours of Goa
A unique culture, exquisite beaches, and some of the best seafood on the subcontinent: Goa holidays have all this and more.
India’s most popular coastal destination, the relatively small state packs a punch when it comes to things to see and do, from its astounding shoreline to the gorgeous churches and other places of worship spread throughout its landmass.
Centuries of Portuguese rule means that holidays to Goa can feel very different to other Indian trips. WIth that said, you can still indulge in other subcontinental highlights as the state is well connected - if you can pull yourself away from its astounding natural beauty, that is. Sure, it might not have the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, or the thrum of Delhi, but with a Newmarket Holidays escorted tour of Goa, you’ll be able to discover the incredible beauty of one of India’s most underrated states, all while experiencing a culture that’s as special as it is welcoming.
OUR FEATURED GOA HOLIDAYS
View our selection of Goa Holidays
- 12 Excursions Included, 30 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 1 Airport
- 15 Dates - Jan 2024 - Nov 2024
Things to do in Goa
Aside from the fantastic beach scene, there is plenty to explore in Goa, from extraordinary religious buildings to local villages.
Goa holidays can be packed full of cultural highlights, but there’s no doubt the main draw of this southwestern state is its beaches - and none are more stunning than the palm-lined Palolem Beach. This iconic tract of coast is also a great spot for taking a swim, so perfect for those scorching Goan days.
Chapora Fort is the perfect blend of history, architecture, and being wowed by nature. The hilltop structure looms ominously over the Chapora River, and is a great place to enjoy the sunset.
Goa is a state of iconic churches, but none are more important than the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an aesthetic marvel, and is considered one of the best examples of Baroque and Portuguese colonial architecture in India.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN GOA
Kick back and relax is the short answer. Goa’s many wonderful beaches and idyllic coast are its main draw – this is beach life as its very best. Among Goa’s finest beaches are Palolem, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Candolim and Arambol.
FOOD AND DRINK IN GOA
Being a coastal state, it’s no surprise that the best things to try in Goa are fish and seafood.
The peak of this marine-based cuisine is the world-famous Goan Fish Curry. A blend of various fish, coconut milk, and whatever unique spice mix the chef making the dish has concocted, no two versions of the meal you try will be the same.
While many people see Indian food as a vegetarian endeavour, in the south of the country there are plenty of excellent meat curries. Sorpotel is a red-meat (usually pork, but sometimes beef) curry that shows off the best of the Portuguese influence in Goa, and is a must-taste for anyone interested in fusion food.
After stuffing yourself silly with delicious Goan dishes, the best thing to wash it all down is the local spirit, Feni. Coming in coconut and cashew-apple varieties, it’s usually fermented in small batches by locals, so watch out as the strength can vary!
Goa FAQs
First time to Goa? Here are a few questions (and answers!) you may have...
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What is the best time to visit Goa?
Broadly speaking, the best time to visit Goa is between the winter months of November and February, when temperatures hover between 21 ⁰C and 28 ⁰C, not too hot for exploring but perfect for lazing on the beach. Between March and May, temperatures can climb as high as 40 ⁰
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What currency do they use in Goa?
The Indian rupee is the official currency of India. Visit XE to see the current exchange rate.
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Do I need to speak Hindi to visit Goa?
No, you don’t. While Hindi is India’s national language and is spoken by more than half of its citizens, English is spoken widely throughout India, especially in Goa.
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What's the food like in Goa?
Goa is famous for its sweet, creamy seafood curries, made using the freshest catch, local spices and coconut milk. Up and down the coast, beachside restaurants spill out onto the sand, with nightly barbecues. Aside from fish, pork is also very popular in Goa, especially in the form of pork vindaloo, a fiery Goan dish that was influenced by Portuguese sailors and colonists in the 16th century.
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I'm sensitive to spicy foods. Are there milder options available in Goa?
Absolutely. Goa has more than its fair share of milder dishes, including naan, butter chicken, dosa, chutneys, dahi wada, malai kofta, and more.
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Do they sell alcohol in Goa?
Goa is not a dry state, so beer is widely available and popular. However, it is worth noting there are numerous ‘dry days’ during which the sale of alcohol is prohibited, including Diwali and Independence Day.
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Is there a risk of catching malaria in Goa?The risk of contracting malaria in India varies from state to state.However, there is a low to no risk of catching malaria in Goa. To find out more, book an appointment at your local travel clinic.
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