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Beautiful Goa, the smallest state in India, has been on my bucket list for quite some time. The southern Indian destination has a unique, Portuguese-influenced culture, and is home to beautiful beaches, epic raves, and a friendly backpackers’ scene.
With India being such a culturally rich and increasingly accessible destination, it’s no surprise that all kinds of travelers will be planning holidays to India. The 2010 Commonwealth Games will be taking place in Delhi next month, drawing travelers from all around the world, and this year’s Games has been making headlines for their environmental sustainability.
If you’re attending the Commonwealth Games, you know what you’re getting into – an exciting, wild, nonstop celebration! But if you’d rather head south to glorious beaches in a slow, peaceful atmosphere – plus the occasional all-night party, of course – choose Goa.
Image: ArunaR
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October is the start of the cooler season in India, which makes it one of the best times of year to visit Goa. After visiting the most popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan, like the Taj Mahal in Agra or the Palace of the Winds in Jaipur, Goa provides a respite from the dusty chaos of the desert.
Goa was the site of a Portuguese outpost for 500 years, and the influence of the Portuguese settlers can be seen everywhere from cuisine to fashion, art and architecture. And while backpackers’ parties were once the premiere attraction, Goa holidays have become increasingly popular with tourists of all ages.
Image: Christopher Chan
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If you go, don’t miss the churches of Old Goa, which are among the largest and most beautiful in Asia.
Goa is easily reached by India’s excellent rail system or by direct flights on budget airlines from Delhi, Mumbai and beyond!
This post was sponsored by TravelSoon.
Really beautiful photos, love the first one.
Ah… Goa, what a beautiful place. Loved it there. Great beaches, churches, towns, people. A wonderful blend of backpackers, lost hippies, package holiday makers, local Goans and Indians from all over the sub continent making their money during the holiday season. And of course there is the food. Hmmm. That’s a story. This is where my ‘Delhi Belly’ started with a vengeance. Tried out the Lonely Planet recommended Goan Sausages. Delicious. Then quite ill on and off for the next 9 months! Meat in India, probably not a great idea. Offal in India – what was I thinking?. Didn’t detract from my enjoyment of Goa and India too much though.
Enjoyed the article and pics Kate. Brought back some lovely memories.
Gareth, I can’t believe that you were affected for NINE MONTHS! How horrible!
Very glad you didn’t hold it against India, though!
Is that Girl in ur profile pic u? Its gorgeous
Ahhhh, I wanted to visit Goa SO bad when I was in Southern India in April. Looks like such an amazing place!!! Next time I’m in India FOR SURE.
Looks amazing! MUST add this to the list of places to visit.
wow — those are truly great photos. Makes me want to go. Soon.
you selected great colorful pictures! they perfectly capture the spirit of this place – goa should be one of my next destinations 😉
Simply amazing words used to make it more wonderful and awesome! Those pics r simply magical and enchanting to look at. And thanx for this beautiful essay.I wrote it down for my school essay 😉
This place is amazing as we travel every year in summer. great pictures.
Goa is beautiful destination to explore. There are lot of places to watch in Goa and you can spend your time on swimming and taking sun bath on the beaches. People especially visit goa to enjoy the night clubs and massage offered by various resorts.