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Goa Kerala

India

A guidebook simply can’t describe the beauty, energy and serenity of these modern Indian states. Still bound by the traditions of India, they are a powerful mix of spicy cuisine, rich culture and passionate faith. With its popular beaches and easy-going hippy atmosphere, Goa is ideal for a first taste of India, while the meditative trance of Kerala’s backwaters, yoga and ayurveda, sweeps up even seasoned adventurers.

Our Travellers Guide

Beaches
A firm favourite with decades of travellers, Goa’s sandy beaches stretch along 70 miles of its coastline; from the north’s developed beach scene to the south’s more virginal shores, they’ll outshine the dreams of any beach bum. You’ll find activity, relaxation and tradition along Kerala’s shores, especially Chowara’s peaceful sands and Kovalam’s energetic Lighthouse Beach, lined with fishing boats and beach shacks.

Sports
If you want relaxation rather than recreation, these Indian states are brilliant for low-impact sports lovers. Goa’s watersports include windsurfing and sailing, while many Keralan hotels offer yoga classes and lessons in the energetic martial art of Kallaripayattu.

Local tastes
If you think you’ve already tasted India, think again, British takeaways have nothing on the exotic menus of Kerala and Goa. While traditional dishes explode with spice; fresh coconut, rice and bananas cool the flavour for tame palates. Though Kerala offers mainly local cuisine, in Goa’s restaurants you’ll find Western-style dishes jostling with Goan specialities, like tiger prawns and fiery pork vindaloo.

Evening flavour
Renowned worldwide, Goa’s nightclubs, beach parties and bars make it India’s party capital, with night bazaars around Baga offering more sedate entertainment. Kerala’s modest night scene centres around dining, with Kathakali dance shows adding colour and drama.

Best buys
You’ll find handicrafts for sale everywhere including linen, cotton and beautiful silk clothing. Carved masks, coconut shell art works, batik, leather, jewellery, gems, traditional tea and spices and Ayurvedic potions are great buys. Go to Kalutara for basket making and Kandy for jewellery. There are shopping malls along Colombo’s Galle Road and in many of the big hotels.

Live the Experience
In Kerala; sail along palm-fringed backwaters in a traditional houseboat, passing villages and paddy fields; see the ornate beauty of the palaces, temples and churches in Trivandrum and Cochin; and experience Kerala’s magnificent wildlife sanctuaries. Tearing yourself from Goa’s beaches, visit the pleasant capital, Panaji, standing as a testament to its Portuguese heritage on the banks of the Mandori River, and head to the fallen city of Old Goa, recognised by UNESCO World Heritage, where the only signs of the past lie in the cathedrals and churches.

When to go: November to March is the main tourist season, with the temperatures heating up either side. The monsoon season usually occurs between May and August.
GMT: + 5.5 hrs
Language: Konkani, Marathi, Hindi and English.
Currency: Indian rupee.
Dates for the diary: With colourful festivals throughout the year, often featuring elephants, floats, music and dancing, the most riotous fall just before Lent, including Goa’s raucous Carnival.

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