According to Hindu mythology, Goa magically appeared when the God Vishnu fired his arrow into its sands. With over 66 miles of beaches Goa lies on India’s west coast right on the edge of the Arabian Sea. For 450 years Goa was a Portuguese colony so the influences are a unique blend of Indian spice and Portuguese flavour. Goa is a vivid mixture of white washed Catholic churches, Hindu temples all mixed with the colours and aromas of the busy street markets.

Of course, we have only scratched the surface. Indian holidays offer much more than we have room to talk about here, including safaris, jungle adventures with tiger spotting excursions, sun-drenched white beaches, desert landscapes and mountain ranges that will take your breath away. Package holidays in Goa can be split into two camps – north and south. The north is considered Goa’s party heartland. Everything is in walking distance – you can spend the day on one of the beaches at Candolim, Arpora or Baga, nip back to your hotel for a quick change, and then hit one of the local bars. In the south, things move at a much slower pace. The beaches around Arossim, Cavelossim and Sinquerim are quieter, and more spread out. Come evening, it’s more about nightcaps than nightclubs.

Shopaholics will love cheap holidays to Goa to check out the colorful markets and bazaars. And can buy tailor made clothes and shoes for a fraction of the UK price. Jewellery is a lot cheaper in India too from precious gem stones to individual pieces of gold and silver, design you’re own and the jeweler will be happy to oblige.Browse all inclusive Goa holidays in 2012 at Holiday Hypermarket to find accommodation and flights to India’s tourism capital.