INDIA

Land of temples and palaces, colourful markets and fragrant spice stalls, paddy fields and tea plantations, lumbering ox carts and a certain chaotic energy, India is a fascinating country with a simplistic lifestyle.

Set on the shores of the Arabian Sea, the Indian states of Kerala and Goa are lush and beautiful. Both offer an authentic taste of India, yet each is distinctly different. In the far south of the country, Kerala has a remarkable coastline of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals, along which small settlements of people live, farm and fish. From here the coconut, rice and spice producing lowlands lead up to tea clad hills, while the cities of Cochin and Trivandrum offer plenty of historical and cultural distractions.

With its sandy beaches, great sunshine record and liberal-minded welcoming nature, Goa has a reputation as a laid back state. Strong Roman Catholic and Portuguese influences make it much more than this, however, and you'll find an inexhaustible range of attractions from ancient ruins to grand cathedrals, colourful carnivals to exotic flora and fauna. Although the beaches themselves are good for sunbathing, the strong sea currents make most areas unsuitable for swimming. Be prepared to embrace the style of the numerous beach hawkers. Whichever region you choose, you'll find the accommodation fairly basic and the lifestyle very different from our own.

Fast Facts

Practicalities

Language: Hindi

Currency: Indian Rupees (only available on entry into India). Take US/UK Travellers cheques and keep encashment certificates to exchange currency back into sterling on departure.

Flight Time: Approx 11.5 hours from UK (Stopover in Bahrain or Abu Dhabi)

Fly From: Gatwick and Manchester

Time Difference: GMT + 5 (Goa), +5hrs 30 mins (Kerala)

Health: Vaccinations are recommended for protection against hepatitis A, polio typhoid and, tetanus. Malaria tablets and a mosquito repellent should also be taken. Please check with your doctor.

Travel Advice: Visas must be obtained from the Indian High Commission in London, Birmingham or Edinburgh prior to travelling. A six month tourist visa currently costs £30 and can be applied for by post (allow 8 weeks) or in person with a valid British Passport (34-48 hours).

Visa Offices:
London: 0207 836 8484
Birmingham: 0121 2122 782
Edinburgh: 0131 2292 144

Please note: The price of a visa is set by the relevant local authority. Although correct at time of print, they are subject to change.

Food and Drink
Whilst meals may vary from one hotel to another, visitors to Goa should be aware that a typical breakfast here consists of tea/coffee, toast and preserves.

Water
Tap water is not drinkable, avoid ice. Bottled water is widely available.

Eating Out
Typical meal for two £10 (Goa), £5 (Kerola)

Drinks
Soft drinks 50p

Please note: Water sports may not be available in early November due to sea conditions.

Your Resorts

Baga Arpora

A magnet for young revellers, this lively resort offers the classic 'hippy' experience, its main street lined with colourful stalls, shacks, music bars and restaurants. The beaches here are uncrowded and offer fabulous sunsets, but watch out for strong undercurrents, hawkers and stray animals.

50 minutes from the airport.

Calangute

Goa's liveliest resort is suited to couples and singles seeking the authentic colours and flavours of Goa. The beach, popular with hawkers and sunbathers, offers a range of water sports, but dangerous tides and undercurrents prevail. There is a wide choice of restaurants and bars in resort, with discos a short taxi ride away.

75 minutes for the airport.

Arossim Beach

With a few local bars and a relaxing atmosphere, this away from it all resort looks very picturesque with palm trees situated along its quiet, unspoilt, sandy beach. There are snack shacks on Velsao beach 1.5km away and water sports at Majorda beach 5km away.

20 minutes from the airport.

Candolim

Peaceful and scenic, Candolim is a spacious resort with simple amenities. Animals wander around the centre where you'll find a selection if international restaurants, shack and souvenir shops and one disco. Beware of strong tides on the attractive beach.

60 minutes from the airport.

Cavelossim

A laid back atmosphere pervades this well established resort, set on a lovely sandy beach and bordered by the River Sal Estuary. There is a good range of local and international restaurants and a choice of bars which occasionally host beach parties.

60 minutes from the airport.

Vainguinim Beach

Set on a private sandy beach, this peaceful, modern holiday base is the purpose built resort of the Hotel Cidade de Goa. There are few amenities outside the hotel, but the restaurants, bars and shops of the state capitol, Panjim, are just 5km away. The currents may be strong here.

50 minutes from the airport.