About Goa Holidays - This beach destination is on everyone’s wish list! But what is the quickest way to get to this tropical paradise? It's simple. All you must do is choose from a plethora of Thomas Cook India’s Goa Holiday Packages and make amazing memories that you will cherish for lifetime. At Thomas Cook India’s website, you will find plenty of Goa Tour Packages and all you must do is select the one according to your preferences. Right from a Goa tour lasting 3 nights and 4 days to a luxurious holiday of 7 nights and 8 days, every Goa trip is what you make it. Whether you are looking for a pocket friendly trip starting from INR 10,999 to a premium Goa holiday that costs about INR 41,005 both with and without travel costs, every vacation to Goa is personalised according to your comfort and requirements.
Goa tour packages curated by a team of travel experts at Thomas Cook India will make your Goa holiday a memory of a lifetime. Every aspect of your Goa holiday is carefully designed taking into consideration the unique requirements, diverse interests and budget of every individual. Right from accommodation to sightseeing choices and transportation to meals, every aspect of your Goa holiday is planned carefully. What’s more? These Goa tour packages are available from all major cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Cochin.
Also, if you are looking to understand more about Goa then visit our Goa tourism section which covers everything about Goa like the Things to Do in Goa, Best Times to Visit Goa, Places to Visit in Goa and much more.
Goa Holiday Packages
About Goa
If sitting at a shack, sipping on a chilled beverage and unwinding is what you desire then Goa is the place for you! When it comes to Goa the first things that come to mind are golden sandy beaches, leisurely wavering palm trees, the nightlife and calm yoga retreats. Situated along the west coast of India, Goa is one of the smallest states in the country. This beachside gem of India has a 100 km long coastline which stretches across the whole state. Along the coastline are numerous beaches that have fallen into mass tourism.
Calangute, Candolim and Baga are some of the beaches which are quite famous. But Goa is not only about beaches. It is, as one would say a small package with a lot of surprises. It is also an ultimate party destination. In other words, Goa basically knows how to throw a party and make the people visiting there go bonkers. Along with parties and nightlife one can also enjoy adventurous activities and watersports here. And how can you forget the local delicacies which is like a treat to your taste buds. Goa is famous for its seafood and cashew nuts.
Walking down the lanes of Goa, you will come across some pretty coloured vintage bungalows and fancy marketplaces to suffice the shopaholic in you. Warm people, pleasant climate and elegant houses make Goa a place of interest. Whether you are planning for a long vacation with friends or desire a holiday with your family, Goa is one location that fits in all.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Goa is from mid-November to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the sky is clear. It is the perfect time to unwind at the beach and explore the beautiful state. During December, Goa witnesses some major celebrations like Sunburn, Christmas and New Year. The winter season in Goa is marked with several carnivals, parades, parties and festivals. During winters, the restaurants and streets are decorated with lights and tinsels. As winter is the peak season in Goa, it’s advisable to book flight tickets and accommodations way prior.
Alternatively, if you wish to indulge in some water sports or simply just laze around at the beach, Summer proves to be the best time to visit Goa. Spend considerably less money for accommodation and travel during Summers as it is an off season. If you wish to indulge in some yoga retreat and massage therapies, summer afternoons are the best time to keep you hale and hearty. Also get a chance to witness some amazing festivals like Shigmo - a street festival that portrays Goan culture in the form of folk dances and music, Easter, Grape Escapade - a wine festival, India Bike Week, the Goa Heritage Festival and much more!
How to reach Goa
Traveling to Goa is an easy affair as it is accessible to air, rail, road and sea route. The following ways can be considered while travelling to Goa.
By Air
There is only one airport in Goa that connects all domestic and international destinations which is the Dabolim airport. It is situated near Vasco da Gama and is located about 29 kilometers from Panaji. Travelling to Goa with Thomas Cook India’s Goa tours is an easy affair as you can board a flight from all the major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Kolkata and Chennai.
By Rail
Traveling to Goa by rail system is just perfect compared to other options of mobility as there are two main railheads located in the state which are Vasco da Gama and Madgaon. Goa is well linked by other parts of the country due to an extensive rail network Vasco da Gama railway station is located about 29 kilometers away from Panaji while Madgaon station is distanced about 38 kilometers away from Panaji. From the railheads, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Panaji.
By Road
In addition to the Air and Rail, an individual can hire a private car or take a bus from nearby cities like Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore. You can take the NH4 route which is well maintained and extremely smooth while traveling to Goa from these cities. Steer your wheels through NH14 if you wish to travel to Goa from Mangalore. The road routes are well connected for a peaceful travel.
By Sea
Goa can also be reached by sea route. There are some ships that cover the route from Mumbai to Panaji.
Places to visit in Goa
Despite being a beach hub, there’s many other things to do in Goa ranging from visiting beautiful historical churches to adventure activities, ayurvedic retreats, culinary classes and much more. Here’s a comprehensive list.
Panaji or Panjim
Surrounded by clear waters all around, Panaji is the Heart of Goa. Home to some beautiful churches and serene beaches, Panaji is the most mesmerising place in Goa. This city is the best place to soak in the culture of Goa and know more about the history of this beautiful state. Alluring hillocks, towering monolithic structures and Portuguese inspired architecture are the possessions of this wonderful city. Panaji’s streets are decorated with glowing gulmohars and acacias which add to the bright, sunny aura of this city. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fort Aguada, Goa Archaeological Museum, Reis Magos Fort and other stunning sites are just a few things from a list of experiences Panaji has to offer.
Baga beach
Wish to swim along beautiful fishes and explore the underwater life? Your wish will come true at this beautiful soft sand beach. For the adventure junkie in you, there is a list of water sport activities you can indulge in at this alluring beach. Goan delicacies, ayurvedic spa, small food stalls and shacks, amazing nightlife, night sky full of stars and a great shopping experience are just a few things from a big list of activities you can do at Baga beach.
Dudhsagar waterfalls
Dudhsagar, which means ‘sea of milk’, is a gorgeous waterfall which is located on the Goa-Karnataka border. This unparalleled beauty creates an illusion of milk gushing through the mountains. Surrounded by lush green forests and emerging from the top of a crescent shaped valley, the view of this place is magical and mesmerizing. The whole scenario paints a beautiful canvas that will stay in your mind forever. The sound of birds chirping, and the rushing sound of water adds to the beauty of this place.
Velha Goa
Blessed with some astonishing Portugese-style churches, tall forts and modern museums, Velha Goa is one of the most iconic landmarks in Goa. Understand more about the rich and cultural past of Goa and interact with the locals get to know about the history of this beautiful city. With quaint and bright coloured houses, local street places to shop for some pretty souvenirs and lip smacking Goan delicacies to eat - Velha Goa proves that Goa is not only about beaches!
Anjuna
This little paradise is a blend of unique attractions, diverse cultures and lifestyles, stunning soft sand beaches, warm people and mouth-watering cuisines. Blessed with spectacular beaches and lush green landscapes, Anjuna welcomes everyone with open arms. This small village is dotted with ancient churches and it’s the best place to try some scrumptious local delicacies on your Goa holiday. Beautiful sunsets, flea markets, wonderful swimming and sailing experiences and welcoming locals - Anjuna is your go to place to create some amazing memories!
Calangute
Do you wish to relax and chill during your Goa Holiday? Calangute is just the place for you! The ‘Queen of beaches’, as it is famously known, welcomes you with its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife and exciting culture. With a plethora of water sports offered by this beautiful destination, all your adventure cravings will be fed. And oh, how can you forget to try the famous Goan delicacies and freshly brewed beer? With beaches decorated with fancy stalls and shacks, towering palm trees swaying by the wind and beautiful shells on the sand bed for your collection, Calangute is the perfect place to relax and chill.
Vasco da Gama
This old town is an epitome of Portuguese architecture and heritage. Dotted with soft sandy beaches and historical monuments, Vasco da Gama is a fusion of calm and culture. With a dazzling nightlife, fancy marketplaces and scrumptious delicacies to treat your taste buds, Vasco da Gama is an all in one package. Whether you choose to laze around at the beach or indulge in some water activities, all your wishes will come true at this beautiful location. When in Vasco da Gama, you can visit the Sahakari spice farms where they organically grow spices, fruits and herbs.
Candolim
Home to vibrant resorts and a glorious beach, Candolim comes in with a lot of surprises. Soothe and relax your body, mind, and soul with Ayurvedic massages from the experts. Thrilling water sport activities, soft sandy beaches and a chance to spot some alluring dolphins are some things this place will surprise you with!
Food in Goa
Goa is basically a blend of culture, colour, zest and heritage. The goan cuisine plays a very important role in depicting that. Goan food is one of the major crowd pullers in the state. Due to the Portuguese colonialism in the past and the existing communities of Konkani, Hindu’s and Catholic’s, Goan food is basically an influence from all these communities. Goa has an assorted platter and some of the grubs that one should try are mentioned below.
Seafood
Goa is blessed with a long coastline, which brings in an opportunity for fishing and an abundant supply of fishes. Seafood like prawns, sharks, lobsters, crabs, pomfret fish, clams, mackerels, mussels, and oysters is used to make a variety of curries, fries, soups and pickles. The combination of fish curry and rice essentially forms the staple food of Goa and can be called the traditional Goan meal. This tangy and spicy curry gives the perfect experience of Goa’s food traditions and culture. Also, one should not miss savouring fish fry with a glass of wine under the moonlight along the calm and alluring seashores of Goa.
Variety of Meat
From pork to mutton, chicken to beef Goa has it all. People from the Catholic, Konkani and the Portuguese community enjoy all these varieties of meat in Goa. One of the favourite chicken meals in Goa is the Chicken Cafreal. Originating from Africa, this dish has been brought to Goa by the Portuguese. This is spicy chicken made from coriander, lime, green chillies, peppercorns and mint. Cooking this in the traditional goan way gives it an additional smoky taste which provides a completely out-of-the-world experience.
Bebinca
Traditionally served during Christmas, Bebinca is one of the most enjoyed desserts of Goa. It is a multi-layered cake made from egg, fresh coconut milk, sugar and pure ghee. Eaten hot or cold, this confection is always appetizing.
Things to do in Goa
While the run of the mill sightseeing included in most Goa tour packages will introduce you to the most popular places in Goa, you can add a few experiences to your Goa holiday package maximizing its value. Here’s a few activities you can partake in to see a different side of Goa.
Chill at a shack at Anjuna beach
Indulge yourself in some scrumptious seafood and sip on a chilled beer at hippie shacks at Anjuna beach. Take a stroll through the streets and shop for some pretty souvenirs at the night flea markets. Splurge at a night bazaar and go for a beach party and dance until dawn at Anjuna beach. Take a walk on the white sandy beach and unwind during your Goa holiday.
Explore the underwater life at Baga beach
Learn the art of scuba diving and swim along some beautiful creatures of the sea. Indulge in water sports like jet skiing, motorboat ride, banana boat ride, river cruise and dolphin rides to feed the sport junkie in you. Calm your body and soul by taking an ayurvedic spa. Laze around at the beach, soak up in the sun and sip a chilled beverage at Baga beach.
Get a bird’s eye view at Calangute beach
If adventure is what you crave, try paragliding at Calangute beach. Indulge in sports like skiing and surfing at this beautiful beach or simply go for a swim. Party your night away at this amazing destination and sip on some world class drinks. Soak up in the sun and watch the beautiful sunset at Calangute beach
Witness amazing churches
Seek some blessings at St. Cajetan Church in Velha Goa. Walk down the lane of Goa’s history at this beautiful monument. Know more about the old tales and stories interacting with the locals. Check out some awe-inspired Italian paintings and the Corinthian columns at this domed church during your Goa trip.
Chill and thrill at the Candolim beach
For an adrenaline rush, try out some amazing water sport activities like water skiing, windsurfing and parasailing at Candolim beach. Go on a cruise and spot some dolphins swimming in the blue waters of Goa. Relax your mind by indulging in a yoga retreat. Engage yourself in meditation at this serene beach and feel the cool breeze hit your face.
Paddle your way through
Need a fun filled, thrilling adventure to engage yourself in? Don’t worry, kayaking is just what you need to do. Head to Vasco da Gama and engage yourself in a great activity. Eat some lip-smacking delicacies at local eat outs and go on a retail therapy at the marketplace. Shop some spices and herbs at Sahakari spice farms and watch the beautiful site of elephants taking a bath.
Take blessings at Shri Bhagvati temple
Visit this ancient temple of Goa and seek blessings at this peaceful place. Hire a boat and take in the serene views around the temple. You will be surprised to listen to different birds chirping around this locality. Go on a retail therapy and chop for some fancy handicrafts and souvenirs during your Goa holiday.
