Goa

If you're planning a trip to Goa, you might already have quite a fondness for the culture and cuisine of India. However, this stretch of the great country's western coast has also been influenced by colonial history as much as its neighbours on the map, scattered across the Arabian Sea.

The Indian state of Goa is bursting with spectacular coastline, dense green forests and rivers running towards the abundant Arabian Ocean, the habitats for an amazing array of wildlife. Whether you're basking in the sun on a white sand beach or trekking inland, you're sure to spot some exquisite members of the animal kingdom.

Goa might be India's party capital, but it wasn't always so. The nightlife scene here has had a lot of TLC over the years, stemming from the hippies that caught wind of the destination's gorgeous beaches and laid-back lifestyle. Cue the waterfront parties and the birth of a new music style called Goa trance, which continues to leave its mark on modern electronic music to this day.

Although most famous for its relaxed beach life and seemingly endless sunshine, Goa takes the superb tradition of the market days of India to the next level. It's one aspect of a holiday here you're always wise to keep in mind, especially since these bustling bazaars are a spectacle of colour, aroma and sound. Here are a few recommended flea markets to round off your trip.

If you're planning a big India escape, a Goa holiday is a fantastic opportunity to see the sunny side of the great country's beachfront life. Yet even within the fairly small 100-kilometre stretch of Goa's shoreline, a few key differences exist.

The Dudhsagar Falls are among the most magnificent natural sites in Goa, drawing visitors from near and far to see them in all their massive, frothy glory. It can be a little tricky to reach them, but once you take in the broccoli tops of the surrounding deciduous forest and all 310 metres of milky white water, you'll be glad you did.

The spectacular coastline of Goa has far more to offer visitors than a great view. There are water-based activities for just about everyone here, and with high temperatures year-round, the sea is where you'll want to be. From awe-inspiring boat tours to adrenaline-fuelled watersports, check out our top picks for water lovers below.

India might be a monumentally-sized country, but Goa is a tiny spot on its western shores. This is actually a huge benefit as Goa's small size makes daytrips in and around its main holiday sights that much easier. And with such a vast and varied history and scenery, you're going to want to do some exploring.

Away from its bustling beaches and seafront bars, the state of Goa offers holidaymakers an abundance of peaceful nature trails and scenic cycleways to explore.

Goa's capital Velha Goa, also known as Old Goa is a cultural treasure chest, with so many spectacular buildings to explore that it was once known as the Rome of the East.

All UK residents planning a holiday in Goa need to have a visa. The application process has been simplified and Brits who are holders of UK passports and are British citizens can apply for an eTourist Visa, e-TV, from the Indian High Commission.