Indian Holiday Guide
The subcontinent of India lies in southern Asia, between Pakistan, China and Nepal. To the north it is bordered by the world’s highest mountain chain and the south is covered in tropical rain forests and bordered by beautiful beaches. India is a country of immense diversity – culturally as well as geographically. A huge number of religions, traditions and languages make up this vibrant and chaotic country.
Modern India is a place where contradiction and contrast co-exist. India has embraced technology whilst simultaneously cherishing the tested and traditional. Farmers can be found using ancient methods to earn their living, whilst minutes away state-of-the-art factories produce gleaming cutting-edge gadgets that are sold across the world. And it is this industrial development that has put India well and truly on the international map. But it’s also a country where many things haven’t changed for hundreds of years and certain parts seem strangely removed from the twenty-first century.
Two of the most popular visitor destinations in India are Kerala and Goa.
Kerala
is located on the coast of southern India. It is renowned for its lush vegetation, tranquil beaches and breathtaking mountains. Kerala offers a rich and alluring culture that embraces many different religions and influences. This is an excellent destination for experiencing the real India in stunningly beautiful surroundings.
Goa
in comparison, has a more European feel. The invasion of the Portuguese in 1510 brought with it a Mediterranean influence that can still be seen today. Like Karala, the beaches and scenery are description-defyingly beautiful. Goa has everything the holidaymaker could want, with a healthy sprinkling of Indian exoticism and mystery.
Please note
In India the monsoon season generally runs from May-October. Please refer to the Useful Information section of this guide for weather patterns and travel advice.
Both Goa and Kerala have abundant beaches. You can choose from developed beaches, with their facilities, restaurants and high level of maintenance, or deserted stretches of sandy paradise.
Baga Beach
A small fishing seashore lined with thickets of shady palm trees that provides a stunning view against the playful sea waves
Anjuna Beach
known for its infamous full moon parties, lies 8km west of Mapusa. Since the 1970s, it has been on the top favourites list of tourists a hippy hangout. indian holidays.
Bambolim Beach
is small and clean and gloriously unspoilt.
Thirumullavaram Beach-Kollam
This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town.
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There is an infinite variety of cuisine to be found across India that varies greatly between regions and ethnic communities. The large Hindu population means that many dishes are vegetarian, but chicken, mutton and fish are widely used outside of Hindu communities. Curries range from the bland and subtly flavoured to the insanely hot.
Kerala is home to a number of cuisines. Broadly speaking, curries flavoured with coconut milk are the most common here but, as in the rest of India, you are never too far away from an mouth-watering experience. Many people eat with their hands in this region (the right hand only, to use the left is considered rude) but don’t worry if you can’t get used to it. Cutlery is generally available and it is perfectly acceptable to request it.
Goan cuisine revolves around fish, curry and rice. However, here again, a vast range of flavours and delicacies are on offer. The long period of Portuguese rule has left its mark on Goan cooking styles and lead to the creation of some unique dishes, particularly seafood dishes such as prawns, lobsters, crabs and clams.
In both regions there is a world of difference between home and restaurant cooking. When eating out traditional cuisine is limited to a few dishes and many restaurants specialise in food from outside of Indian. Chinese food is widely available, as are many western dishes, but be warned, old favourites may have been spiced up. For example scrambled egg is often cooked with onion and chillies.
TOP TIP: If you really can’t give up chips for the duration of your stay remember that they are called `Finger Chips’ in Kerala.
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Weather Patterns and Travel Advice
Adverse weather patterns, such as hurricanes, cyclones, typhoons, heavy storms and high winds may affect your chosen destination at certain times of the year.
Whilst we endeavour to give you accurate information, the information we give about temperatures, rainfall and hurricanes you could expect during your holiday are guides only and we cannot guarantee good weather. Tropical storms and hurricanes are unpredictable and, should they happen, will inevitably interfere with hotel facilities, water sports, electricity and water supplies and drainage systems.
