Viva La Goa!

Goa is westernised and laid-back, captivating and refreshing. Popular with the international travellers, this little state is thronged by thousands of visitors, throughout the year. The beaches look spectacular - clean and long stretches of golden sand and sparkling clear water. Laced by acres and acres of coconut palms, this beautiful ex-Portuguese colony is a respite from the hectic frenzy that is characteristic of Indian metros. As well as the Goa hotels, the beach-side shacks are a famous hang-out, offering good food, great company and the latest in music. DJs from all over come to Goa to share their passion and tourists simply love this non-stop party that is so unique to Goa.

Goa is without doubt one of the most interesting regions in the world to visit. From its long and winding coastline to the calm of the local villages and countryside - everything will enthral you.

There are many great places to stay when in Goa. Hotel staff are friendly and always willing to help. You can also use our map to find a hotel in Goa based on its location. Come to Goa and admire the eclectic architecture, take part in the colourful Carnival, go bargain hunting at the Anjuna flea-market, listen to the noisy din at the Mapusa market, capture beautiful snapshots of the typical Goan scenery, visit the renowned relic of Saint Francis Xavier at the Bom Jesus Basilica. Party-holics will love this free state and nature lovers will have much to rave about. Goa does certainly offer a trip of a lifetime.

Almost every home has a courtyard lined with coconut palms and each family member has their little tale to share. By and large, Goans are affable, hospitable, engaging and truly very talkative! Many Goa hotels are close to some of the many local markets, which are a vibrant place, where people come from far and wide to sell their wares. The unique products on display are well worth the trip.

Goa is easily accessible by road from other cities in India like Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore (Karnataka) and Mumbai. Comfortable overnight bus services link these cities to Goa, with the buses arriving in Goa each morning. Around India, there are many great places to check out. Many flights arrive in Mumbai. After taking in the city, you can head down the amazing coastline by bus to Goa via Pune, continuing further south to picturesque Kerala. There are also many highlights in surrounding areas like Chennai.

Like most places in India, and in many hotels in Goa, the roosters are your natural wake-up alarm and the bright sunshine is warm and enveloping. Street lights aren't always very reliable, so check your headlights before you wander out into the night, so you avoid hitting a stray cow!

Get started with some loca advice from the staff in your luxury hotel. In Goa, the unique and the peace-loving, nature-loving, monsoon-loving Goans are a truly 'unique species'. The people will open up their hearts and homes and be more than pleased to explain the many routes you could take to get to one single destination! The children are avid cricket-fans and the men love to sit around chatting into the late afternoon. Women are pious and hospitable. Goan families are strong units, more colourful and anglicised than any other state in India.

Goa is well known for its dive sites located in the vicinity of Grande Island, near the coastal city of Vasco Da Gama. These sites range from 12- 6 metres in depth and are rich in marine life. The sea adjoining the coast is dotted with many varieties of soft and hard coral, and shipwrecks, providing a natural habitat for these marine species. On a normal day, visibility varies from 5-6 metres, enabling you to catch a glimpse of schools of reef fish and other forms of life that thrive here.

In addition to local dives, many dive centres in Goa offer PADI courses, and also arrange dive expeditions to the nearby Netrani Island (Pigeon Island) located in the adjacent state of Karnataka.

The main dive season in Goa falls between October and May, when the climate is moderate and the waters are clear. During the monsoons that last from June till October, the temperature of the waters in this region average at about 28 degrees, and the visibility is poor.  If you plan to explore the dive sites, plan your trip to Goa during the diving season.

Life in Goa is lived to the fullest extent, away from the maddening stress of the metropolitan cities. Many hotels in Goa are a great starting place to experience the parties, carnivals and grand food banquets prove that love of life is a top priority. A holiday to Goa is truly a unique travel experience. Go Goa!

This Goa Hotel Booking service is proudly run by the team at Nikkis Tourism & Commercial Services Pvt Ltd - owned and operated by Ashok and Muriel Doshi.