Due to the easy access to other beaches, such as Baga and Candolim, as well as its proximity to the state capital Panaji, it’s home to a range of hotels in north Goa, giving you plenty of accommodation options.

Before you head off to explore Goa’s other hidden gems, here are a few things to do in Calangute on your holiday.

Hit the beach
Calangute is certainly not a quiet sandy stretch, but it is home to a wide range of amenities, including sun beds, sun shades, restaurants, shops and more besides. If you simply want to lie back and enjoy the weather shortly after arriving in Goa, this is as good a place as any to go.

As it runs for 7 km, even when it’s busy you’ll be able to find somewhere to settle down and enjoy the sunshine. Grab a cool drink or some food from one of the vendors and just soak up the atmosphere.

Sample local cuisine
Both the beach area and the town of Calangute itself are not short of restaurants where you can try a host of different Goan dishes – as well as more international fare if you’re not brave enough to sample the local delicacies. Unsurprisingly given its location on the coast, seafood is an important part of many of the authentic meals, so make sure you don’t miss out.

Temptation Shack, located on the beach, serves basic but delicious food, including barbequed calamari and tiger prawns. If you’re looking for something a bit more formal, try Electric Cats on Baga Road, which offers a variety of seafood, or head to Pousada by the Beach, where you can choose from both Indian and international cuisine.

Try some water sports
If you tire of lounging in the sun and want to get active, there are many water sports you can try, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. Water skiing, parasailing and jet skiing are among your options. You can also learn how to windsurf, although the wind is only strong enough and blowing in the right direction in the afternoons.

Of course, there’s nothing to stop you simply taking a dip in the waters of the Arabian Sea, if you’re not feeling up to having a go at anything more energetic!

Discover the local art gallery
While much of the attention is, understandably, focused on the beach, it’s worth heading into the town for a few hours to seek out some of its attractions – one of which is the Kerkar Art Gallery. The establishment exhibits pieces by Subodh Kerkar, a local artist who still lives in Goa. He specialises in using different media for his work, so you can expect to see a collection of paintings, photos and sculptures as you wander around the gallery.

Pay a visit to St Alex Church
Churches are an important part of Goa’s heritage and they hark back to the era of Portuguese rule that lasted for more than 400 years. In Calangute you’ll find St Alex Church, which is characterised by its two large towers and a central dome. Step inside the place of worship and you’ll be greeted by seven altars, each one dedicated to a different religious figure.

As per the Notification issued by the Government of India (Ministry of Finance), effective 1st April 2012 the service tax applicable increased from 10 to 12 %.

The net effect due to the latest service tax increase will result in the following:

Service tax on accommodation will increase to 6.18%  (earlier it was 5.15%)

Service tax on Meals will increase to 3.71%  (earlier it was 3.09%)

Service tax on Transportation will increase to 4.95% (earlier it was 4.12%)

As a result total tour package cost will increase to 3.09 % (earlier it was 2.58%)

Also please note that there is a definite chance of further escalation in fuel prices; we will let you know as updates will become available.

In a related matter, in recent railway budget passed by government, there is a hike of 30% on fares in 1A/C & 2 A/C tickets effective 1 April.  This will be applicable on all future tickets to be booked and also on already confirmed tickets.

The Golden Triangle

Tours of India often include what’s known as the Golden Triangle. This is basically a collection of three of the most popular places to visit, and it’s a particularly good option if you’re making your first trip to India and want a broad introduction to the country.

So, what is the Golden Triangle exactly? It’s made up of the capital city, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur – all of which are home to attractions that should grace every serious traveller’s list.

Of course, since it’s the capital city, it’s no surprise Delhi’s one of the top places to visit. While you’re here, make sure you explore both New Delhi (which was built by the British to make a new seat for the government) and Old Delhi. Discovering the differences between the two – like the wide streets of New Delhi and the narrow of Old Delhi – is a really interesting way to start your trip.

The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur’s main draw is its amazing buildings. Don’t miss the chance to see the huge Amber Fort – which was once the local seat of power – and the Palace of the Winds, which is also known as Hawa Mahal.

Perhaps the most famous of all India’s attractions, the Taj Mahal is an absolute must-see. You’ll find it in the third part of the Golden Triangle, Agra, where it was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Kerala’s backwaters

One of the most interesting things about India is the fact it’s so diverse in everything from landscapes to customs. That’s why taking a trip to Kerala’s backwaters should be on every traveller’s itinerary.

Made up of lagoons, rice fields, canals and lakes, the Kuttanad backwater region provides a wholly different experience of the country. It’s best travelled by converted rice barge, so bear that in mind when putting together your travel plans.

Ranthambore National Park

When you think of India, it’s practically impossible not to think of things like painted elephants and, of course, tigers – and it’d be a shame to travel all the way here and miss out on seeing them in the flesh. If you’re particularly keen on watching big cats on the prowl, there is no better place than Ranthambore National Park. What makes it stand out from other spots is that it’s relatively small – this means the population is quite dense, which gives you a better chance to see tigers.

Thar Desert

India is famous for the organised chaos of its big cities, so it’s nice to experience a different side to the country. One of the best ways of doing this is camel trekking in the Thar Desert (which is in Rajasthan). This is about as big a contrast as you can get to the urban areas – expect an incredible stillness, and to see nothing more than the odd mud-hut village for as long as you’re here. It’s a good idea to stay out here overnight, if you can – there’s nothing quite like seeing the night sky from the desert.

Volunteering overseas is a great thing to do on a gap year, as it means you’ll be giving something back to the areas you visit, as well as participating in an incredibly rewarding experience.

There are several projects you can get involved with in Jaipur if you’re happy to spend a bit of time in the city, allowing you to fully explore its stunning streets and assist some of the locals at the same time!

Community work

If you love spending time with children, helping them learn and aiding their development, joining one of the community projects in the city will be right up your street. One of the best things about choosing this sort of scheme is the sheer variety of tasks you’ll be able to do.

A main focus is to give families some support with their childcare, so you’ll probably get thrown in at the deep end and be expected to help look after a group of excitable children! It’s loads of fun, though, and you can play games with them, as well as get involved with improving their education.

Some of the community groups in Jaipur also teach local women new skills that they can use in their everyday lives, or that can help them find work. This is highly rewarding and, if you think your knowledge could benefit this aspect of the project, make sure you speak out.

Many people – not just the children – want to learn English, so you’ll also be encouraged to help out in the classroom and put your language skills to good use with groups of all ages. One of things that will impress you most about your students is their willingness to learn; it really makes you appreciate the education system we have back in the UK!

Help out at a theatre group

If you’ve got your heart set on working with children, your best bet will be to get involved with one of the community theatre projects. This will allow you to engage the local kids, build their enthusiasm about performing arts and just have a lot of fun.

It’s a two-way street, though; while you’ll be helping to get them up on the stage, they’ll be teaching you a host of their own traditions and folklore at the same time, so you’ll leave Jaipur feeling as though you’ve really got to grips with one aspect of Indian culture.

Work with elephants

It’s not all about working with people, and if you’re more comfortable when surrounded by wildlife, a scheme in Jaipur that allows you to care for elephants will suit you down to the ground. You won’t actually be based in the city – you’ll be working with the community in the nearby village of Amber. The locals here keep elephants to give rides to tourists who visit the Amber Fort and your duties will involve cleaning, feeding and even massaging these gentle giants.

The elephants are well-cared for by their owners and this is a unique opportunity to get close to these majestic creatures. Caring for them involves more than just making sure they’re fed and watered: you’ll get to play with them and help give them a daily massage when they return from work! This really is one of those once in a lifetime opportunities.

Where can I help?

As you might expect, there are lots of communities in India that can benefit from a bit of assistance and you’ll be able to choose from projects in various locations all over the country.
Jaipur, Goa, Kerala and the Himalayas are just a few of your options, so you’ll have plenty of choice about where you spend your time working in India.

You’ll also be able to pick between helping in local schools, doing outreach projects within the area you are based or assisting on building schemes to ensure people have clean, hygienic and well-constructed homes.

If you have experience in a particular discipline, it’s a good idea to go for an initiative where your expertise can be put to good use! Similarly, if you think you might want to train as a teacher, for instance, it’s certainly not going to hurt to spend time working with kids and improving their education.

How long do the projects last?

You’ll usually be able to work on community initiatives in India for anywhere between two and 12 weeks, giving you plenty of flexibility about where you go and how long you stay.
As India’s such a vast country with so many contrasting landscapes, you may decide you want to assist in more than one place, travelling in between. This is not only a great way to see a bit more of this incredible nation, but it also gives you a unique opportunity to really get under the skin of the places you visit.

What will be included as part of the work?

When you book on to a scheme to work abroad, you’ll usually have your accommodation and food provided for you for the duration of your trip. Pick up from the nearest airport is also part of the service in many cases, while you’ll have a team of permanent staff on hand to help you settle in.

Don’t worry that you’ll be busy every day; you’ll have plenty of free time in which to explore your new surroundings. Many of the projects that focus on schools or children’s homes will only operate Monday to Friday, so you’ll be able to spend your weekends visiting the local sights or simply enjoying time with your new friends.

When to travel

When you should visit India will largely depend on whereabouts you are planning to go, as the weather varies massively from the north to the south of the nation.
That means it’s vital you do your research to find out the best time of year to suit you. Contact the operator of the project to see if there are certain periods when they especially need volunteers and check out what other travellers have said about the climate in the destination you’ve chosen.

Cultural differences

While India is a wonderful place to visit, it is worth noting there are some areas where it’s best to cover up. Certain parts of the country are still quite conservative, especially where women are concerned, so it’s sensible to wear tops with sleeves that cover your shoulders and upper arms, as well as long skirts or trousers rather than shorts.

You might also want to carry a headscarf with you in case you visit any locations where you’re required to cover your hair.

Meanwhile, if you’re dining with the locals, you’ll probably be using your hands rather than cutlery. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly both before and after your meal and only use your right hand – even if you’re naturally left handed – to pick up your food.

Palolem Beach is probably one of the most popular of the Goan beaches for backpackers. It’s shaped like a crescent and the sands are soft to the touch. You can find cheap hotels, but many prefer to stay in the coco huts that are set up every year. The scene is calm, although it’s growing in popularity. Luckily for the sleepers, the rowdy nightlife is quarantined on the southern stretch of beach. Palolem Beach is the furthest south of Goan seashore.

Anjuna Beach was the home of the hippies, many of whom would arrive via the Hippie Trail. Nowadays their mark has been left on the popular scene, and every Wednesday there’s a crowded flea market along the beach as well as blasting trance music. Nearby you can find the Chapora Fort and Albuquerque Mansion. Anjuna, along with Calangute Beach, is one of the beaches you’ll want to check out to get an idea of what it must have been like during the hippy exodus years.

Calangute Beach is probably the most popular beach in Goa. It used to be more tranquil, but these days it’s incredibly crowded with national and international tourists alike. This is the beach to check out if you want a crazy time and lots of crowds. Being the most commercial of all Goan beaches, you’ll find tons of sun tanning beds lined up one after the other. Where Calangute Beach finishes, Baga Beach begins. In Baga you can find all water sport activities and a heck of a lot of nightlife options. These beaches also have the best fine dining.

Chapora Beach is where you’ll find the trance parties that you might have associated with a trip to Goa. All night rave parties are common, especially in Disco Valley. You’ll notice that the beach is divided into three sections, one dominated by Indians, one by Italians and one by Israelis. The drastic cliff that terminates where the sand begins makes this one of the more aesthetically pleasing beaches in Goa.

Mandrem Beach is in the far north of Goa, along the coast of the village of the same name. This beach is different from the rest in that it is where you go to get away not only from the noise, but from tourist facilities as well. You won’t find many hotels here. For big resorts make sure to check out Morbor, Varca and Cavelossim beaches. Mandrem Beach is for feeling tranquil with the sea and the surrounds. There’s also a nearby Portuguese Fort.

Video features barley water mill, milling tsampa. Ingeniously set to grind only few grains at a time, the water mill is located in an isolated and desolate landscape of high altitude desert, far away from a nearest house.

Delhi: Imperial Hotel
www.theimperialindia.com/
Imperial room

Agra: ITC Mughal Sheraton
www.itcwelcomgroup.in
Mughal Chamber

Samode: Samode Palace
www.samode.com/
Deluxe room

Jaipur: Hotel Devi Ratn
www.deviresorts.in
Executive suite

Jodhpur: Hotel Raas
www.raasjodhpur.com
Luxury Room

Nimaj Chhtrasagar Camp
chhatrasagar.com/
Deluxe Tent

Deogarh: Deogarh Mahal
www.deogarhmahal.com/
Deluxe room

Udaipur: Taj Lake Palace
www.tajhotels.com/
Luxury room

The trains on that line are still not operating. Therefore any clients traveling to or from Sawaimadhopur (en route to Ranthambore National Park) would not be able to take the trains. For this reason we are operating on alternate routes for travel between Agra and Jaipur and v.v. as well as Agra/Sawaimadhopur.

We are sending Cars as follows:
Agra – Jaipur route: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Bharatpur – Mahua – Balahedi – Abhaneri – Sikandra – Dausa – Jaipur. Total distance 285 Km, approx. 07 Hrs (Jaipur to Agra & Agra to Jaipur). This route allows us to bypass the troubled area where the road is blocked. The extra distance is only 35 Kms, leading through villages following single lane road.

We are sending our ACC Coaches as per the following Route:
i) Agra – Jaipur (Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Bharatpur – Deeg – Alwar – Jaipur); Total 320Km/07Hrs (Jaipur to Agra & Agra to Jaipur)
“alternatively”
ii) Agra – Jaipur (Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Bharatpur – Nadbai – Khelndi – Rajgarh – Bandiqui – Sikandra – Jaipur); Total 325 Km/07 Hrs (Jaipur to Agra & Agra to Jaipur).

We assess current situation & the day of closure in various towns by Gujjar community is taken in to account, and than only one of the two routes above is suggested. In both of these routes almost 90 minutes of extra driving time is required with almost 70 Kms extra is involved.