Guest Post: Finding the best deals to Goa in 2012

Getting out into the wild and exploring the beautiful beaches, lush creeks and fishing villages in India’s tourist state needn’t be a matter of “roughing it”. There are numerous resorts and resort-type towns that accommodate the high number of visitors who travel to the western region of the Konkan region to enjoy the rich wildlife and simple, holy temples of Goa. Some of the most successful resorts are based on or near Goa’s picturesque beaches:

Baga Beach is in the state located near the Calangute Village in the north of Goa. It’s warm, brown sands and bobbing fishing boats present an idyllic scene, while local tourism companies offer water sports such as skiing and diving. The wide, tidal estuary that empties into the Arabian Sea – known as Baga Creek – is a hotspot for tourists in the high summer seasons.

The largest beach in the state is Calangute Beach, also in the north of Goa, near the town of Candolim. This area attracts many visitors to enjoy local delights not restricted to the hotels, restaurants and adventure tours (such as dolphin viewing), but which involve the village’s ancient history. Candolim was one of the first villages to convert to Christianity during the Portuguese inquisition of Goa.

Moving in the other direction, Cavelossim is on the southernmost tip of the state and hosts the large Salcette Beach. The town also once hosted the temple of Shri Shantadurga who is the form of the Goddess Durga - a goddess who is commonly worshipped in Goa owing to her patronage towards fisher folk. The temples were traditionally built over anthills, although many were destroyed by missionaries, and the Shanta Durga was shifted from Cavelossim to Kavalem in the early 18^th Century.

Not just renowned for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife, Goa is packed with history and ancient architecture. Book cheap holidays for 2012, and explore the many facets of one of India’s most attractive states.