India 2020-22 Brochure

46 For more information or to book, call 020 8423 3000 or contact your travel agent. Goa is India’s number one beach destination. As well as being famous for its soft rolling sands, it also offers pretty fishing villages, breathtaking countryside and traditional Indian culture. It also benefits from both Mediterranean and Asian influences, making it a fascinating mixture of cultures. The coastal area is divided into two, the north is teeming with life, from spice shops and local markets to restaurants and bars. The more sedate south is less developed with fishing villages scattered along the coastline. Elsewhere, the countryside is dotted with whitewashed churches, paddy fields and tropical plantations. Trivandrum is the capital of the state of Kerala and is the most popular stopping point for tourists within the region, partly due to its hillside location next to the shore. Aside from the monuments and commercial outlets, there are a number of popular beaches a few miles away. The best time to visit is from November to April, when it is drier and the temperatures are more agreeable. Goa & Trivandrum