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Maybe India isn’t the first destination that occurs to you when you’re searching for a winter holiday in the sunshine. Places like Cancún, the Balearics and Canaries are perhaps more obvious choices, especially for Brits who have spent the previous few months wrapped up in their winter woollies! But Goa, which is in the west of India in a region known as Konkan, receives the largest numbers of beach-going tourists –from home and abroad– out of any state in the whole country. If your curiosity has been piqued, look at winter sun holidays with Thomson to find a rate that suits you.
Why spend winter in Goa?
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Booking a holiday to Goa from Britain is a good opportunity to escape the worst of the winter weather and enjoy Goa’s mild, tropical temperatures (between 21 °C and 28 °C daily) and clear skies. Try to avoid the monsoon season in the summer months, however; the beach isn’t much fun when it’s raining cats and dogs.
How much does it cost to fly to Goa?
More expensive than flying to Europe owing to the distance, Goa flights are better booked off-peak to reduce costs. The flying time from Gatwick is approximately nine-and-a-half hours, and it’s definitely worth looking into package deals that include flights and accommodation to save a few quid. Once you get there, your meals, transport and entertainment tend to be relatively inexpensive.
Where are the best places to stay in Goa?
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Tourism is focused on the Konkan Coast, which is typified by its glittering white-sand beaches and palm trees (usually coconut or betel nut). Divided into North and South Goa, every region has popular beaches that provide accommodation on a scale from five-star luxury resorts to isolated beach huts – it just depends what suits you. One thing that’s standard across all Goan destinations is the laidback atmosphere and natural beauty, epitomised in the gentle rivers, ornate temples and lazy days. However, one can spend time with their family and friends to celebrate various popular goa festivals
What are the must-see destinations in Goa?
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One of the most unique things about Goa is its history; it was under Portuguese rule for nearly 500 years and it’s kept those connections in many ways, for example, through its religion. As a result, Goa hosts some of the most beautiful temples and churches in the country. The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa in the north and Mahadev Temple in the north east (this 12 century Shaivite temple is the oldest in the country) are two notable examples.
Great for a range of visitors from families with small children to backpackers looking for a party, Goa’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere is all-encompassing. Add it to your list of winter sun spots for this festive season and you’ll soon understand its seductive charm.
[Click here to see a list of must visit places in Goa]
