Goa

coconut groves caressing hotels of great charm

Why spend the winter in the UK when just eleven hours away there is a paradise? A stretch of coastline where, between October and April, the skies are unbelievably blue and the days long, warm and sunny. Where dolphins leap out of the sea in the early morning, and where, beyond the long sandy beaches, lie tropical gardens of flowers and coconut groves caressing hotels of great charm. This paradise is Goa.

Many first-time visitors believe Goa to be an island. An understandable mistake, as this small state is encircled by mountains, rivers and estuaries which effectively separate it from the rest of India. And it isn't just the geography that makes Goa different. Life for the animals is different too. Water buffaloes and cows wander around freely on a never-ending eating mission and most Goan village households have their own pigs, chickens and goats scratching around in their yard. The wild bird life is unbelievable. The ocean in this part of the world is still fished the traditional way, resulting in prolific fish-stocks. Plump lobsters, giant tiger prawns, pomfret and kingfisher, generally barbecued in tandoori ovens only hours after leaving the sea, are just a small sample of what arrives at your table. The local wines may be nothing special, but the Kingfisher beer served ice-cold hits the spot. Wherever you dine, from a poolside hotel restaurant to a humble beachshack, the bill is another nice surprise. The capital of Goa. Panjim, is still very much a working capital with the daily hustle and bustle of commercial life. It's fascinating to walk along the streets just looking at the wares. But if there is room in your suitcase the bric-a-brac, cashew nuts, clothing, silver jewellery and sports equipment are all excellent buys from the local markets - travel before Christmas and buy the most unusual presents at a fraction of the price you'd pay in the UK. Fantastic sandy beaches, wonderful cuisine, friendly locals, low, low prices and direct flights from the UK are all part of Goa's attraction today as a holiday destination. Goa has little crime and there aren't any 'no-go' areas for tourists. It's the ideal winter holiday destination - a place, a way of life, and an atmosphere that is addictive!