The maximum foreign tourists visit Goa situated in Western part of India every year. Goa attracts all types of visitors from all over the world due to its most scenic and attractive sea beaches, churches, temples, bars, and the gardens. Goa is covered under the union territory and not covered in any States of India. Goa has become an international airport and there are direct flights to Dabolin, Goa from London, Birmingham, and other European cities. The round trip tickets are also issued with stay of around one week in Goa beaches on all inclusive basis by many airlines.

Goa can be reached by train from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and other major cities of south like Bangalore and Chennai. There are many flights from Mumbai for Dabolin, Goa. It takes around one hour to reach Goa by flight from Mumbai. There is also a hover craft service available from Mumbai that takes around 5 hours to reach Goa. This hover craft travels on the sea. This ride offers the unique opportunity to all the tourists to enjoy a small cruise. There is a River Mandovi at the capital city of Goa, which is called Panji. Panji is full of sea beaches, beautiful lush green forests, and gardens. There is a historical fort of Agwadi on the bank of River. This fort is worth visiting to view its unique architecture. There is an ancient light house near this fort. The famous sea beach of Calgud is located here. Almost all the visitors make sure to visit this lovely sea beach. The other place to be seen here is Mayom Lake. There is a facility of boating in this lake. The boating in this beautiful Lake in the evening hours is the most pleasant experience. There is a Mountain of Prayolponda near the city of Panji. There is a most famous temple of Lord Shiva, which is known as Shrimangesh temple. The temples of Shantadurga and Shri Ramnathji are also worth visiting here at Goa. The point at which the River Mandovi meets the Arabian Sea is really breathtaking. The tourists can exactly reach this point by boat. This meeting point is located at the Miamhar beach. This is the best beach of Goa. Don Paolo is the next beach to be seen here. There are many churches to be seen here. The famous church of St. Xavier's is situated here. The dead body of St.xaviers is taken out for holy darshnas every four years since last 120 years. The people still say that the body of the Saint is still fresh as at the time of death, and have not decayed even slightly after these many years. what to see in India

The old Goa is located 6 miles away from Panji. There are some famous churches here to be visited. The famous temple of Lord Malikarjun and Monika Math are good tourist attractions. There is a water fall, called Dudhsagar here in old Goa. The water falling in this fall is white like milk and hence, this fall is named as Dudhsagar fall. This fall is 1800 feet tall and presents the most beautiful scenic site of the nature. There are lots of water sports available at Goa sea beaches for the tourists. The beaches of Goa remain full of tourists all throughout the year. However, the maximum rush is during the Christmas India holidays in December. Make sure to book your hotel accommodation in advance if you are likely to visit Goa during this period.

There are many hotels and resorts available at Goa for the tourists ranging different per day. The resorts can be booked from any major cities of India tours through the travel agents or on line. I would suggest booking your hotel accommodation based on past experience of some of your friends or relatives. It would be adequate if you stay for around 5 to 6 days here to enjoy all the attractions of Goa. The drinks are available in all the varieties at Goa. The famous alcoholic drink of feni is really worth trying during your visit to Goa. Though, the taste of feni is very bitter and is not liked by many tourists, it needs to develop a taste for it. There are many bars and restaurants at Goa in all the corners of the city. The evenings are really enjoyable as it is a time for drink, dine, and dance with every body. Some serious concerns have been raised regarding the safety of foreign tourists at Goa recently. However, based on my own experience, I feel that Goa is absolutely safe for all the tourists. But it is recommended to avoid visiting the lonely places with the total strangers at late night hours.

Goa is a paradise of sea beaches that you can visit at a very reasonable charges with little advance planning. Why not to try it during your next visit to India? Find more on India tour packages

Tips for planning a trip to India including the best places to visit in India, the best times to go to India and advice for travelling around India on public transport.

Most travellers make the mistake of trying to see too much of India in too little time. Travelling around the country takes time and too much travel from one place to another in India will leave anyone exhausted. It is impossible to see everything in a few months so some planning is required.

Places to Visit in India

South India has tropical beaches, Hindu temples, vibrant cities and spicy food. Rajasthan in the West of India offers beautiful old palaces and forts as well as camel safaris in the desert. Many travellers spend months in the gorgeous Himachal Pradesh valleys, surrounded by the magnificent Himalayas. For those who really love the mountains, Ladakh is the place to go for stunning mountain scenery, high-altitude lakes and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Few want to leave India without seeing the Taj Mahal in Agra, and the holy cities such as Varanasi attract Hindu pilgrims and tourists. But between all these amazing destinations is thousands of miles of bad road, and some very slow trains.

There are so many places to see in India that it can be difficult to decide where to go. If time is limited, it is best to stick to exploring one region. One can easily spend months travelling around South India alone and still only see a small part of it. Most tourist visas allow a maximum stay of six months, which gives enough time to see a little bit of the North as well as a little bit of the South India tour.

Travelling in India is an experience in itself but can be hard work, and although it is good to have a plan, any schedule should not be too tight. In India anything can happen and it can happen very fast, from violent political demonstrations to a statewide strike that stops buses and trains for a day or two. There are areas in India that might be unsafe for tourists from time to time, especially in Kashmir.

Best Times to Visit India

The best time to visit South India is from November to March. The southwest monsoon starts from the Keralan coast in June and moves up to cover most of the country by July. It finishes by November, but the northeast monsoon still rains on the east coast and surrounding areas from October to December.

Those who don't mind some rain can get great discounts in India's hotels during the rainy season. Many beach resorts close for the monsoon but some, such as Palolem in Goa, are open around the year.

In November and December nights can still be cool even on Goa's beaches but daytime temperatures are pleasant. Further north, however, winters get cold, and Delhi can be a surprisingly cold place to arrive to in December.

Around March it starts to get hot again and by May temperatures have become almost unbearable in south and central India. April and May are the months when most visitors move north to the mountains and hill stations, and this is the start of the high season in Himachal Pradesh and surrounding areas. The northernmost part of India, Ladakh, opens for tourism in May and the road from Manali to Leh is only open between May and October.

Best Ways to Discover India Tours

Domestic flights cover many destinations although airlines are raising flight prices in India blaming increased fuel costs.

Train travel in India can be either an interesting experience and a great way to see the country and meet local people, or a complete nightmare in a hot filthy carriage filled with twice as many passengers as should be humanly possible. Tickets for cheaper classes are very cheap but travelling in the pricier air-conditioned classes makes a long train journey much more enjoyable. First class tickets can be almost as expensive as flying.

The Volvo Bus network connects many cities and is a comfortable, fairly fast way to travel by coach in India. Local buses are cheap but uncomfortable and stop every couple of minutes. There are also private buses that connect many cities and tourist destinations.

For shorter trips and sightseeing it makes sense to rent a car with a driver. And of course there is the possibility of renting a motorbike.

The colourful and vibrant turbans of Rajasthan are a feast for the eyes and have important cultural and symbolic significance.

The turbans of Rajasthan are considered by many to be the most impressive in all of India, providing a startling contrast to the arid desert backdrop of the region. Rajasthan alone is believed to be home to one thousand different styles and types of turban in an array of colours and designs.

Many names are used to denote the different styles of headdress in existence, such as pagari and safa -which are the more elaborately adorned of the turbans. According to the Lonely Planet, the average turban is around nine metres long, but a pagari extends up to 24.5 metres, while a safa is generally shorter and broader.

Cultural Significance of the Turban

Donning a turban is a matter of social importance for the men-folk of Rajasthan. They are an essential part of traditional dress, worn proudly not just on special occasions but often as a day-to-day celebration of life. The colour, style, and manner in which a turban is tied can denote the wearer's social status or caste, giving away specifics such as where he lives and what he does for a living. Rajputs, who are members of the Hindu warrior class, prefer the safa style, while businessmen generally wear the pagari style.

The average Rajasthani man wears a mono-coloured turban, while the more distinguished members of society will be seen sporting styles that boast an array colours and designs appropriate to the occasion. It's believed that the bigger the turban, the more important the person.

Symbolic Importance of the Turban

According to the Lonely Planet, it's thought that the turbans of Rajasthan were originally worn to protect the wearer's head from evil spirits. During battle they also provided protection from swords, axes, and other weapons. Saffron coloured turbans were the choice of the warrior, as this colour was believed to signify chivalry. In medieval times orange also represented chivalry and valour and turbans of this hew are still worn today to mark the occasion of marriage. Certain colours are reserved for mourning and condolence, such as white, khaki, blue, and dark maroon.

When two men exchange a turban, it's thought to symbolise a bond of honour and friendship. To knock off or defile another man's turban is considered a huge insult. When the father of a household dies, his heir will wear the deceased's turban in a gesture that signifies his taking on of the responsibilities as head of the household.

Modern-day Practicalities of the Turban

As well as having important cultural and symbolic significance, turbans of Rajasthan also serve many modern-day practical purposes. They provide the wearer with protection from the harshness of the desert sun and can serve as headgear against any unfortunate mishaps. Turbans are also used as bedding or ropes to draw water from a well, and they can then filter sand from this water.

Turbans are always worn by a groom during his marriage ceremony, but these days many young men, particularly in urban areas, are reportedly turning their backs on the traditional headdress seeing it as a symbol of rural patriotism. But for the weary-eyed traveller and decorative-wear aficionado, the Rajasthani turban continues to provide a welcome diversion for the sight and senses. Find more on Rajasthan Rural Tourism and Holidays in Rajasthan also Rajasthan Holiday Packages

Seeing a tiger in its natural environment can be a huge thrill and is a much sought after experience by visitors to India. Here are the Top 3 best places to spot one.

The Bengal Tiger is India's regal national animal. Sadly the number of tigers in India has been declining over the years, particularly due to the threat of poachers. India now has 25 tiger reserves, located in national parks across the country, under Project Tiger. The tigers roam free in these protected reserves, and visitors are able to take guided jeep or elephant back safaris through the park with the hope of seeing them.

The safaris take place in the early morning from sunrise, and again in the afternoon until sunset, from October to July. Those who can bear India's scorching summer heat will also have an excellent opportunity to see tigers by visiting in April or May, when the animals come out in search of water. The chance of seeing a tiger greatly depends on the size of the national park and the number of tigers. The following parks offer visitors the best chance of spotting a tiger.

Bandhavgarh National Park

While it can be surprising to see a tiger in some of wildlife tours India national parks, it would actually be a surprise not to see a tiger in this one! The park is one of the smallest in India but it also has the highest density of tigers. There's one tiger for around every 4.5 square kilometers of area that's accessible to visitors. As well as tigers and other animals, the park has some incredible scenery of dense Sal tree forests, green valleys, and rocky hills.

Bandhavgarh is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India, an overnight train ride from Delhi or a 4-5 hour drive north east from the nearest airport in Jabalpur. The nearest train stations are Umaria, 45 minutes away, and Katni, around 2.5 hours away. The park's out of the way location is a drawback, but the chance of seeing a tiger makes the journey well worthwhile.

Entrance to the park is by jeep and visitors can hire their own from the nearby town of Tala, or make arrangements with a tour operator. Expect to pay around 3000 rupees ($75 USD) per jeep for a safari, including the hire charges, park entry fee, and guide. Each jeep can fit up to 6 people and is assigned to one of four routes through the park. Elephants are also available for tiger tracking in the mornings or treks into the forest in the evenings.

Ranthambore National Park

Not only is this park the second best place for tiger spotting in India tours, it also has a rich history complete with an historic fort that was built in 994 AD. The park is located on the Great Boundary Fault and comprises steep rocky hills, dry deciduous forest, and grassy open meadows, lakes and rivers. It's home to around 30 tigers, in addition to a diverse range of other flora and fauna. The density of tigers is also relatively high at this national park, with visitors often seeing a tiger within one or two visits.

Ranthambore is located in India's desert state of Rajasthan, around 180 kilometres from Jaipur. It can easily be reached by train from Jaipur, Delhi or Agra, with the nearest railway station being in Sawai Madhopur, 11 kilometers away. Unfortunately, this park's accessibility also makes it a very popular destination and entry to the park is highly regulated.

Private vehicles are not admitted, and the Rajasthan Tourism Department provided jeeps usually book out months in advance during the peak season from December to March. These can be reserved over the internet at the Rajasthan Tourism Department website. Expect to pay around 800 rupees ($20 USD) for a seat in a jeep or 400 rupees ($10 USD) for a seat in an open air truck (called a canter) during peak times. Elephant rides are not available at this park.

Kanha National Park

This park also offers a good chance of seeing a tiger, although two or even three visits are likely to be necessary. The park is one of the biggest in India, with a core area of 940 square kilometers and surrounding area of just over 1000 square kilometres. Rudyard Kipling's classic novel, The Jungle Book, was set in this national park which is rich in vegetation and wildlife.

Kanha is also located in Madhya Pradesh in central India, with the closest airport and railway station being Jabalpur. Similar to Bandhavgarh, the park is a 4-5 hour drive from Jabalpur, but in a southerly direction. In addition to going on a jeep safari through the tiger reserve, it's possible to drive from one side of the park to the other as the park has two entrances - one at Kisli and the other at Mukki. The Kisli entrance is the most popular and has the most flora and fauna.

Visitors shouldn't miss taking in a sunset from the Bamni Dadar plateau or exploring the surrounding forest in the park's buffer zone. Jeeps can be hired from the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation at either park entrance for around 700-900 rupees ($18-22 USD) per day. The entrance fee to the park for a safari is 2000 rupees ($50 USD) per jeep, and the cost of a guide is 150 rupees ($4 USD).

Experience Rajasthan Holidays commonly situated in north-west India has spectacular forts and palaces filled with magical history and art, cultural men in turbans, elephant safaris, and luxurious hotels on lakes. Rajasthan is one of those must-see places filled with architectural masterpieces, exciting history, and wonderful art. The State's palaces and forts conjure up images of pitched battles and tiger hunts led by Maharajas on elephants, and followed by legions of Rajput warriors and servants.

Pink City of Jaipur and the Jantar Mantar Observatory

Jaipur Holidays commonly called the 'pink city' due to the colour of the buildings in the old part of the city. Lonely Planet India notes that "Maharaja Ram Singh ordered the buildings to be painted pink in honour of a visit by the English Prince of Wales in 1876". Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and was established by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727 after moving from his former capital of Amber, 11kms to the north.

Jai Singh had a deep interest in astronomy and commenced the Jantar Mantar Observatory in 1728. "The observatory contains 14 major geometric devices that measure time, predict eclipses and track stars in their orbits." The Jantar Mantar is also of interest because of its elegant architecture and layout. Children will enjoy playing here for many hours.

Diwali Festival of Light

The Diwali Festival of Light is a Hindu festival held in India every year for a fortnight in October-November. It is celebrated across the subcontinent regardless of religion. Many public buildings are strung with thousands of lights and it is exciting to drive around Jaipur at night to view this magnificent spectacle. Diwali translates as "a row of lamps and for Indians a burning lamp is a constant reminder of an illuminated mind".

Amber Fort and Palace - Elephants, Snake Charmers and Monkeys

The exquisite Amber Fort and Palace is easily accessible for day trips from Jaipur. Lonely Planet India states that "the complex was begun in 1592 under the supervision of Maharaja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of the Emperor Akbar's army". The fort and battlements are built along a hilltop providing an excellent vantage point to observe an advancing army. On arrival at the parking area below the fort visitors are greeted by a team of elephants with their handlers (mahouts). One may also have a close encounter with snake charmers and their cobras, if so inclined. Bikaner Holidays

Visitors can walk up the hill or take an elephant ride to the Amber Fort. The fort is home to many mischievous monkeys who love nothing better than to mimic human behaviour. While the monkeys are very entertaining, they have been known to bite people who get too close to them. Indian guides at the fort regularly remind visitors to take photos at a safe distance from the monkeys.

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur Holidays- Turbans, Howdahs and Moustaches

Jodhpur in Western Rajasthan is known as the 'blue city' for the colour of the houses and other structures near the immense rocky outcrop on which Mehrangarh Fort is built. Commenced by Rao Jodha in 1459, Mehrangarh is an architectural and engineering marvel, with beautiful pavilions filled with art. There are also galleries containing exquisite howdahs which Rajput royalty sat in when riding their elephants. These pieces alone reveal the immense wealth of the Maharajas of Rajasthan, not to mention their fabulous palaces.

The male guides at Mehrangarh wear traditional Rajasthan dress, complete with 9 metre (29.5 feet) long turbans, which they unwind to the delight of visitors, with typical Indian panache. The guides, along with most Rajasthan men, also sport fantastically long twirled moustaches and earrings in both ears, adding to their considerable mystique.

Udaipur - City on a Lake: Shopping, Restaurants and Sacred Cows

Udaipur Holidays are perhaps the loveliest of the cities of Rajasthan. Built around Lake Pichola, Udaipur has countless laneways which take you to fascinating shops selling spices, saris, food, furniture, carvings and much more.

There are many good restaurants catering for all budgets and providing great places to watch the passing throng on the laneways. Cows, sacred to Hindus, also wander along the paths adding to the hustle and bustle of people, carts, donkeys, motorbikes and cars.

Boat trips to the islands on Lake Pichola and James Bond

The James Bond movie Octopussy was filmed in Udaipur with some of the action taking place in the magnificent Lake Palace Hotel on Jagniwas Island. While casual visitors to the hotel are discouraged, it is possible to go there for lunch or dinner, if the hotel is not full. Another palace is located on Jag Mandir Island, also on Lake Pichola. Small tour boats leave regularly from the City Palace jetty (Bansi Ghat). The palace contains a museum and immaculately landscaped courtyards full of fragrant frangipani trees.

After travelling for 3 weeks in Rajasthan I can highly recommend visiting this stunning location to experience its cultural heritage, dramatic landscape, welcoming people and excellent range of accommodation. The state is a photographer's dream and you will leave India with a pictorial library to remind you of this exciting country. The best time to visit Rajasthan is from October to March when the weather is cooler and before the monsoon begins.