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Goa is the smallest state in India, although the richest in terms of GDP. The state capital is Panaji , and the largest city is Vasco de Gama. There remains a strong Portuguese influence – it was the Portuguese merchants that conquered the area back in the sixteenth century. Goa is particularly well known for idyllic beaches and places of worship and also features a number of world heritage sites. Goa is visited in large numbers every year – by travellers from within and outside India.There are two distinct tourist seasons in Goa. Winter in Goa means a more moderate climate and those that struggle with searing heat are more likely to visit during this season. The summer sees the beach lovers descend on this coastal paradise. The climate in Goa is hot and humid for most of the year – being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian sea. May tends to be the hottest month before the relief of the monsoon rains start in June. The winter season is short, from December to February.

The volume of tourist visitors has led to very cosmopolitan atmosphere in Goa and a cultural delight. The tourism industry in Goa has meant a significant development in the nightlife. Bars, discos and nightclubs are far more prevalent than before, along with the land based and off shore casinos. A trip to Goa really does offer a huge variety of attractions. The day can be spend at historical sites, taking in the scenery or soaking up the sun on the fantastic beaches while in the evening there is a variety of options to suit all travellers.

Goa has five main rivers – the Mandovi, the Zuari, the Terekhol, the Sal and Chapora River. The Zuari and the Mandovi in particular are essential to the region as they drain nearly 70% of the state’s geographical area. These rivers are among the busiest in India, and the Mormugao harbour – on the mouth the River Zuari is considered one of the best natural harbours on the continent.

As a wealthy state, the economy in Goa is strong. Tourism is the primary industry in the state, followed by mining. Away from the coast, the land is rich in ores and minerals. Agriculture and fishing are of declining relevance, and there is some manufacturing. Many citizens of Goa work overseas and send money back to their families, which also helps the economic climate of this region.

If you are planning a visit to India, then Goa is a must see destination – no matter what your interests there will be something for you here. At FundooPoker, we have compiled useful information on many aspects of visiting this fine state.

Flights to Goa – Goa Hotels – Goa Restaurants & Bars – Goa Casinos – Entertainment in Goa

There is just one airport in the Indian state of Goa, in the village of Dabolim. Dabolim Airport was built in the 1950s by the Indian government at that time. It originally served limited destinations such as Karachi, Timor and Mozambique. It was not until the mid-sixties that the state run airline began to operate international routes.

Following the domestic terminal being built in the 1980s, there was an international terminal constructed in 1996. Dabolim Airport now accounts for the vast majority of incoming international charter flights with around 200,000 foreign tourists believed to fly into Goa every year. In recent years, flights from the UK and Russia have been particularly prevalent.

Dabolim airport also serves as a naval base and there is regular military flight training taking place. Although there are plans to move the navy from the airport and have it serve only as a civilian commercial airport, this does not seem likely in the immediate future.

The international locations that fly into Goa at Dabolim include Dubai, Kuwait, Warsaw, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London and Zurich among others. Most domestic airports also have routes into this airport. Many international flights also come in via a connecting flight from Mumbai, but direct flights have become more common with the increase in tourism in the region. The average cost of a return flight from a European city is around $1,000, though this can of course vary depending on the time of year and other factors.

Despite the increase in available flights, road and rail travel still remain very popular forms of domestic travel into Goa. In particular, the Konkan rail from Mumbai of Pune is a favourite method of getting to Goa. This fabulous route showcases some of the breath taking scenery that have made the Konkan area such a popular tourist destination.

Goa is connected via rail to most major cities in India – such as Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mangalore and Bangalore. Tickets are readily available from local travel agents – although it is advised to make bookings well in advance of travelling. During the busiest tourist seasons particularly, the trains can get full very quickly.

Buses are also available daily from the major cities in India – some of them overnight trips. Bus travel has improved greatly in India with many new buses providing a comfortable journey, however long the trip.

Once you have arranged your travel to Goa, there is so much to do and see. Make sure you read the FundooPoker guide to this region to make the most out of your visit.

Information About Goa – Goa Hotels – Goa Restaurants & Bars – Goa Casinos – Entertainment in Goa

If you are looking to make a trip to Goa, there is a range of hotels to suit everyone. Whatever the location, your preferred type of hotel or your budget, you will find a hotel to match your requirements. Goa really is a paradise for travellers and is the perfect holiday destination in India.For those that require luxury and enjoy being treated like royalty, there are plenty of 5 star hotels to offer you the comfort you want. If you are working on a smaller budget, there are several quality, cheaper hotels that still provide perfectly adequate accommodation.

If you are a beach lover and enjoy a bit of peace of quiet, some of the hotels have idyllic, private beaches that deliver tranquillity while you soak up the sun and the views. If you are want to have relaxed holiday with everything close by, you will find resorts will all the usual amenities on site. If you are looking for plenty of night life and entertainment, then there are hotels close to all the action.

One of most spectacular hotels in Goa is the Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa. This fabulous resort features a unique village style concept – set in over 40 acres of beachfront and beautifully landscape gardens. This resort is just 15 minute drive from Dabolim Airport and combines the luxury you would expect from a top class hotel with all the amenities, entertainment and attractions you could hope for in a resort. The Park Hyatt is on Arossim Beach, in South Goa.

A more homely experience can be found at the Bougainvillea Guest House, in Candolim. Located in North Goa, this area is particularly sought after location for holiday travellers. There are plenty of attractions to visit nearby, including the popular Fort Aguada. Bougainvillea Guest House is just 13km from Panaji, the state capital, and is built in the style of Portuguese colonial mansion. It is family run and owned and offers a homely experience, close to the exoctic Sinquerim Beach. Ranked by travellers as the number one hotel in Goa on the trusted TripAdvisor website, the Bougainvillea Guest house is guaranteed to offer a pleasurable stay.

A less expensive option can be found in Morjim, at the Montego Bay Village. A further distance from the airport, at around 60 km, this resort is a great option for couples and families. There are a combination of hotel rooms, log cabins, luxury tents and also a beach house. The resort lies across the Chapora River and is close to a wonderful and secluded beach. The Montego Bay Village is a highly recommended destination for travellers to Goa.

To find out more about the hotels in Goa, the following websites all offer rates and availability information and the option to book online.

(*** suggest listing two or three hotel websites that cover Goa and have an affiliate program) 

If you are spending more than a couple of days in Goa, we would strongly advise travelling around the state and staying in more than one area to fully experience all this wonderful region has to offer. Find out more what to do and see with the FundooPoker guide to Goa.

Information About Goa – Flights to Goa – Goa Restuarants & Bars – Goa Casinos – Entertainment in Goa

Goa might be one of the smallest states in India, but there is no shortage of places to eat and drink. The mix and range of eateries in Goa can really only be described as eclectic – there literally is something for everyone. No matter what your preferences in terms of type of food or the environment you like to eat in you will find a restaurant to suit.

There are sea food restaurants, vegetarian restaurants, steak houses, pizzerias and tapas bars. You will find Chinese, Greek, Italian, Japanese and other cuisines from across the world, as well as an array of traditional, local fares. You could eat out twice a day for a month across the state and still not fully experience the variety available.

One of the best regarded restaurants in South Goa is Corta’s in the Canacona district – based on the 5 star Intercontinental Resort and facing the beach. This well designed beach shack restaurant is considered a “must visit” for anyone travelling to the area. There is a nicely mixed menu, with cuisines available from all over the world. You can also experience local cooking with a fabulous range of freshly caught sea food. The menu is well suited for meat eaters and vegetarians alike and also offers a decent range of drinks and cocktails. Open for both lunch and dinner, this restaurant offers a beautiful setting, wonderful atmosphere and excellent food.

Another popular restaurant is Victors, in Candolim. You will find visitor reviews of this restaurant all over the web and all of them positive. You will have to book early to get a table here, and a lot of the dishes need to be ordered a day in advance. You can be assured of the freshest possible food, cooked to perfection and a pleasant ambience.

Compiling a list of the best restaurants in Goa is a hopeless task. We could list dozens of restaurants here and still miss off a gem or two. There really are so many to choose from, it would be impossible to visit any part of this state and NOT find a wonderful place to eat.

It’s a similar story with bars in Goa. As tourism has increased in the region, so has the number of bars. Again, the range is impressive – there are cocktail bars, sports bars, quiet bars, loud bars and all sorts. Given the wonderful coastline and the lure of the beaches in Goa, beach bars tend to dominate the nightlife. Virtually all the beaches will have a number of different bars providing an awesome setting to finish the day off with a cocktail or two.

Again, it would be impossible to list all the bars worth visiting. Whatever part of Goa you are visiting, a bit of asking around and you will find somewhere to enjoy some drinking time.

All About Goa – Flights to Goa – Goa Hotels - Goa Casinos – Entertainment in Goa

Goa is the only state in India where gambling is legal. Coupled with the growth in tourism in the area, this has resulted in a number of casinos being opened in Goa. Playing casinos in Goa is an experience in itself, as a number of the casinos are actually on large cruise ships anchored just off shore. There are also land based casinos, often part of holiday resorts.

The casino industry is really just getting started in Goa compared to other parts of the world. Many of the casinos have a range of gambling machines but limited tables. However, there is still plenty of entertainment to be had if you fancy an evening playing roulette, cards or slots machines after day sightseeing or on the beach.

Slot machines have proved very popular in casinos is Goa – like in so many casinos across the world – and most of the casinos will have a good selection of different slots. Other popular games that can usually be found include the old favourites Roulette, Black Jack and Baccarat. Poker is becoming increasingly common in casinos across the region too, although is not yet offered in them all.

Playing in a casino aboard a cruise ship is something that visitors to Goa really should try. Set against fantastic, attractive backdrops, these ships are grandly designed with sophistication and luxury very much the key words. Most casinos will also offer dinner or buffet options and bars serving a variety of drinks. There is usually a dress code so it is advisable to be dressed smart casual. Some of the casinos will charge nominal entry fees, although the hotel based casinos are usually free for residents.

The largest and busiest floating casino in Goa is the Casino Royale. This huge boat is situated on the Mandovi River and has over 12,000 square feet dedicated to gambling. The casino is open twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and often puts on additional entertainment for guests.Below is a full list of the casinos you can find around Goa :-

Casino Royale (Mandovi River) - Click Here to Read More
Casino Carnival (Mandovi River) - Click Here to Read More
Casino Pride (Mandovi River) - Click Here to Read More
Casino MV Caravela (Mandovi River)
Las Vegas (Leela Palace Resort)
Chances  (Vainquinim Valley Resort)
Winners (Goa Marriot Resort)
Hacienda De Oro (Holiday Inn Resort)
Mint Club Casino (Riviera De Goa Resort)
Goldfinger Casino (Cidade de Goa Beach Resort)

All About Goa – Flights to Goa – Goa Hotels – Goa Restuarants & Bars - Entertainment in Goa

Goa is a fantastic location that really does offer everything – beautiful scenery, idyllic beaches, wonderful climate – and there is also lots to do. The nightlife is vibrant and there are many attractions to visit. Whether you wish to laze around on the beach and soak up the sun, go sight-seeing, take in the breath taking scenery or go partying, the entertainment in Goa is plentiful and varied.

There are many restaurants and bars in Goa, so finding somewhere to eat and drink is not hard whichever part of Goa you are visiting. There are also a number of casinos in Goa too so if gambling is your thing then you have plenty of options.

One of the most attractive aspects of Goa is the beaches – there is around 70km of sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. These beaches are perfect for relaxing in the sunny climate with beautiful surroundings. Most of the beaches are lined with bars and restaurants too. You will also find a wide variety of water sports and aquatic activities available too. 

For the more historically minded, there are some fascinating places to visit. Goa is a World Heritage Foundation and there are a number of historical temples and architecture – with influences from both Ancient India and the Portuguese who settled in Goa hundreds of years ago. The population of Goa is a mixture of Hindus and Roman Catholics so you can visit both Hindu Temples and Catholic cathedrals.

Throughout the state, you can browse through and purchase a range of local goods. Locally grown food and drink is well worth a sample and there is much available in the way of hand-made items such as carved wooden furniture.

As Goa has become a more popular tourist location, the night life has got steadily more lively and there are many options for those wishing to party and dance the night away. The various clubs throughout the state offer a variety of different ambiences and music styles.

Club Tito – in Baga, North Goa, is probably the most famous night club in the whole of Goa. Tito’s is the place to visit in Goa – with an indoor night club, a beach bar and a multi cuisine restaurant. It is a very popular destination and is run by the two sons of the founder.

All in all, Goa provides something for everyone. Even though it is a small state, there is plenty to see and do and it would take a very long visit to even take in half of what this region has to offer.

All About Goa – Flights to Goa – Goa Hotels – Goa Restaurants & Bars – Goa Casinos