Goa is a great place for family vacation: warm waters of the Arabian Sea, picturesque sandy beaches, gentle sun - ideal conditions for a vacation with kids. The main thing is to choose a suitable resort with developed infrastructure, a safe coastline, a calm atmosphere and an adequate public.

For example, the cities of North Goa are clearly not the best option: endless parties and omnipresent crowds of strange characters are unlikely to allow you to relax, and comfortable housing is a bit tight here. But in the south it is quite possible to find a cozy place where both parents and children will feel good.

The trip should be planned for the period from October to March: no rain, the sea is calm, warm during the day, but not hot, fresh at night, but not cold. In April and May it is too stuffy and humid, and from June to September the weather is cool.

Goa for the little ones

Kids don’t have to spend days and days fiddling around in the sand and splashing in the sea: excursions to nature reserves and fun in water parks will provide vivid impressions and diversify their leisure time.

Beaches

One of the best beaches in the state for children is Om: the coast is clean, the bottom is safe, the depth increases smoothly, the water is almost always warm and calm. In Majorda and Mandrem, the entrance to the sea is also gentle, the coast is covered with yellowish-white sand and framed by emerald palm groves. It wouldn’t hurt to take a look at Patnem - it’s calm, uncrowded, with a wide coastal strip and well-functioning infrastructure.

Wainiginim Beach is small but very beautiful: the sand is golden yellow and the water is dazzling turquoise. The bay is always quiet, but it is better to keep an eye on the kids: the further from the shore, the stronger the current.

Families with children also have a good time on the Bogmalo beach with amenities, sun loungers and umbrellas. It is relatively clean here, there are cafes and restaurants, the only caveat is that waves often rush onto the shore, so you should swim with caution. And if you get bored of lying on the sand, you can rent a boat and go out to sea to admire the dolphins.

Wealthy tourists prefer elite Cavelossim: on the wide sandy beaches there reigns a blessed silence so rare for Goa.

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Reserves

Perhaps, best idea for an excursion with a child - acquaintance with wildlife: children are delighted with walks in the fresh air and encounters with strange animals. Fortunately, Goa has plenty of nature reserves with pristine landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. The largest is “Bhagwan Mahavir”: 240 sq. km of lush vegetation at the foot of the Western Ghats, 53 km from Panaji. It is home to sika deer, giant squirrels, marsh lynxes, macaques, porcupines, elephants and bears, as well as all kinds of birds, reptiles and insects.

Leopards and panthers are also found in the expanses of Bhagwan Mahavir, but meeting them is a rare success.

If the baby is not yet ready for such long walks, you can take him to the Bandla Nature Reserve with an area of ​​8 square meters. km. For little guests there is complete freedom: they are taken for a ride on a mini train, entertained in a playroom, introduced to peacocks and squirrels, and even placed on the backs of friendly elephants. Predators also live in the reserve, but only in fenced areas - safety comes first.

Pond has a Butterfly Park with endemic plants and picturesque streams.

“Cotigao”, 12 km from Palolem, is home to colorful tropical birds and bizarre insects, and here you can feed curious monkeys with bananas. In "Salim Ali" on the island of Chorao there are also many birds: kingfishers, storks, herons and ducks, adjacent to otters and crocodiles. And at Mhadei Wildlife, not far from Valpoi, Bengal tigers live - it’s a pity that they are rarely shown to visitors.

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Water parks

Splashdown Goa water park (office site in English) on the outskirts of Anjuna is a whole complex of pools, water slides and other attractions for visitors of all ages. It will be a little boring for extreme sports fans, but just right for kids: no dizzying heights and crazy turns, but absolutely safe.

After the rides, you can dance at the water disco, relax on a sun lounger, or have a snack in a cafe.

Blue Whale Water Park between Baga and Arpora is much more compact: there is a single pool with one large slide and 4 small ones. For the youngest visitors there is a separate recreation area and a castle-trampoline “Finding Nemo”; for adults there is a cocktail bar and cafe, which become venues for noisy parties as dusk sets in.

The largest amusement park in Goa is Froggyland (official website in English), opened in 2015 in Nuvema. More than 10 slides of varying difficulty levels, a wave pool, a hall for dancing in the “rain”, a “lazy river” that goes around the entire territory - there will definitely be a lot of splashes. On land, you can go rock climbing, zipline, ride a mechanical bull or jump on trampolines.

Goa for older children

The history of Goa may well captivate older children, especially if it is told in the right setting: in the middle of powerful fortress walls, where it is so easy to feel like a brave conqueror or a dashing pirate. We recommend continuing your exciting hunt for knowledge in the few but very unusual museums.

Medieval forts

The most famous fortress in Goa is Aguada on the edge of Candolim Beach. Built in the 17th century to protect the Old Town and store fresh water, today it has turned into a museum, opened next door to the existing prison.

The Portuguese built Fort Korjum in the vicinity of Aldona a century later, and it has been preserved quite well: the loopholes, the coat of arms above the main entrance and the Catholic altar still keep the secrets of the past. Chapora Fort near Vagator Beach is much less fortunate: only ruins remind of its former greatness, but the view of the ocean is stunning.

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Museums

Curious boys should definitely be taken to the Museum of Naval Aviation (office site in English), located near Bogmalo beach. Planes, helicopters, fighters, amphibians, torpedoes, aerial bombs, uniforms of Indian pilots - dozens of interesting exhibits are exhibited in the open air and in a small building, many of which come from the USSR.

In Old Goa, not far from the Basilica of Bon Jesus, the Wax World Museum has been opened (office site in English). There are more than 20 wax “doubles” of ordinary Hindus, ancient deities and famous personalities: Mahatma Gandhi, Sai Baba, Francis Xavier. The most impressive work of the master Sriji Bhaskaran is the 7-meter composition “The Last Supper”.

Goa Chitra (office site in English) is a carefully recreated Goan village with traditional houses and unique artifacts: from dishes to agricultural tools that have served the indigenous inhabitants for centuries. A pleasant addition to the excursion are costume shows and folk music concerts. You can also learn more about the life of the aborigines at the Big Foot ethnographic museum with realistic sculptures depicting the everyday life of the Goans.

Our winter foray into summer was the second in our lives and the first with children. Read more about flights, meals, hotels, adaptation, medical care and the sea...

I don’t pretend to be an advanced travel writer because I don’t consider myself an experienced traveler. No special discoveries, just personal experience, which I hope will be useful for someone.

About the choice

My husband and I had already been to Goa before the birth of our children; my son then lived in my belly for the second month. Therefore, the first trip was overshadowed by toxicosis, and therefore, when choosing a place to vacation this winter, we avoided India for a long time. Of course, we considered Thailand, Sri Lanka, and the Dominican Republic, but it didn’t work out - either in terms of finances, or in terms of timing, or in terms of the amount of travel time.

After going through all the possible options, we returned to Goa: relatively inexpensive, direct flight, by charter flight lasting 6-7 hours. For the first time we opted for a voucher: it seemed a more convenient option, because the airlines offered flights only with transfers and at a fairly high price (for four people), and the price of the voucher included: a direct flight there and back, transfer, hotel accommodation (with breakfast).

When choosing, we used the services of Tutu.ru. A very convenient service for selecting tours, they work with trusted tour operators, they assure that there are no extra charges, pleasant service. Visas were obtained through them: quickly and easily. We paid everything online and waited for the documents that arrived 5 days before departure. I recommend!

About the flight

The Boeing 747 that flew along our route was large, two-story, packed to capacity. Our family was saved by the opportunity online registration(24 hours before departure) with a choice of seat and the availability of four seats side by side in the center of the plane.

We flew there at night, so the children slept most of the way. We landed in Goa at 5 am, and this is where the difficulties began. A huge number of passengers headed to the airport and were “stuck” at the entrance - they were checking for a visa. We moved slowly, the sleep-deprived children were capricious. Entering the building, I took the bull by the horns and walked with the children in an armful to the reception desk without queuing. Oddly enough, no one was outraged. True, this did not help us much, because we waited a long time for our luggage - Indians, as a southern people, do not really like to rush.

I’ll jump ahead and tell you about the return. We flew during the day, but since we woke up the children at 4 am in order to catch the transfer, we managed to put them to bed again. The rest of the time, the entertainment was food and drinks (this is a whole ritual), notebooks with labyrinths, books with coloring stickers, some cartoons, educational games on the phone, and the kids’ imagination - they either pressed buttons or worked on the “computer.” . Of course, they had to be bored and whine - without this, there was no way. However, in general, I consider the flights to be successful.

About the hotel

Before the trip, I read that there are practically no normal hotels in India, that their “three stars” do not even match our “two stars”, so I was preparing for anything. And I was pleasantly surprised. Small, quiet, cozy, clean, well-groomed, with a swimming pool and a garden - this is how Lemon Mint Svelton Manor greeted us in Calangute, North Goa.

Attentive and helpful staff, they speak mainly English, but also understand Russian. By the way, there were a lot of Russian vacationers. Room cleaning every day with linen change, two bottles of clean water daily - a compliment from the hotel.

What else? Hot water in the shower, air conditioning, but there were enough fans in the ceiling. The guides recommended using the safe, but we simply did not leave gadgets and money in a visible place, and left with our own. There were problems with WiFi - the Internet did not work everywhere or did not work at all. They escaped the information vacuum in beach cafes...

About nutrition

There is no question about what to eat for adults - the choice of dishes is very rich, cuisines are not only Indian, but also Chinese, continental, and European. The best part is the prices. One meal for four cost from 500 to 2000 rupees (which is approximately equal to the same number of rubles). A round sum was collected when ordering seafood - shark, crab, lobster, etc.

The children's diet was limited due to habits, but no one was left hungry. Seafood didn’t impress my little one as much as it did us adults. The hotel's breakfast offered a delicious omelet, cereal with milk, French fries, and chicken and vegetable sandwiches. For lunch, we ordered chicken soup with pasta, local cheese flatbread (by the way, I highly recommend it) and fresh fruit juices - strawberry, watermelon, mango, etc. from a nearby cafe. Other first courses were a failed experiment—too spicy, too greasy, too pureed. Here it comes down to taste and color, but there is a choice.

The only thing we had for dinner was French fries. We tried to diversify the diet with banana pancakes, local pancakes, and pastas, but my conservative children insistently demanded potatoes. But I knew that they were full.

The portions in Goa are large, my husband and I often ordered one for two. Well, fruits. I recommend trying local pineapples, small bananas, melons, watermelons - very juicy and sweet. Coconuts are not for everyone, strawberries are a bit sour. They offer to buy all this on the beach; I recommend washing it with drinking water first. The children ate it with pleasure.

About medical care

Going on a trip, I stocked up on medications for indigestion - Smecta, Rehydron. But, fortunately, they were not useful. However, there were some incidents - my daughter caught a cold: severe cough, runny nose, fever.

It was not possible to call the Moscow insurance company from the hotel reception to call a doctor - it was too expensive. I arranged a call back via messenger. The application was accepted, and 20 minutes later an Indian Russian-speaking (although I would say “Russian-understanding”) doctor wrote to me. It took him an hour and a half to get to us. Well, Olesya did not have a temperature at that time.

He listened, examined him, prescribed nasal drops, cough medicine and (attention!) antibiotics for three days, although no wheezing was heard. I guess I played it safe. What’s good is that he brought the medications with him, so he didn’t have to go to the pharmacy. A couple of days later the daughter was on her feet.

About the sea and the weather

Winter days in Goa are hot, no precipitation has ever been observed, and the nights are slightly cool, so there is no need for air conditioning in the room. The sea is very warm, I would say, the warmest of all in which I have ever swum. But at the beginning of our vacation there were big waves. Therefore, there was nothing to do there with the children: the waves kept trying to cover us headlong.

The little one splashed on the shore, got her feet wet, and then relieved herself in the hotel pool. In the last two or three days the sea has noticeably calmed down. Therefore, we carried the children in a circle to those places where the waves had not yet turned, and calmly swam.

They say there are less waves in South Goa. I don't know, I haven't seen it. We practically didn’t go anywhere, since any trip would be tiring for the children and our nerves. The holiday was passive, on the beach.

About the local population

Hindus are very friendly people who love white children to bits. The guide warned us that the locals might want to take photos with us, because some were coming from states where they had never seen white people.

But I couldn’t even imagine how much attention my children would receive. Every second person came up to take a photo with them, sometimes they didn’t even ask. Kiryukha, my eldest, posed with pleasure, but Olesya quickly got tired of this entertainment. Every day I had to explain more and more often that She doesn’t like it.

Despite some puritanism (women should have their shoulders and knees covered, although this does not apply to vacationers), Indians have absolutely no idea about personal space. Especially in relation to children. Sometimes I didn’t have time to look back when someone was already taking my daughter in his arms to take a photo. In general, we regularly had to repel the attack.

In addition, the locals will teach you to say “no”, or you will have to buy half of their goods - they are very intrusive. Every second person here has his own “business”, and it’s a family one - carving elephants and candlesticks from stone and wood, sewing bags, weaving jewelry, making scarves. In general, there is a good chance you will buy more than you need. What is really worth paying attention to is jewellery, jewelry (sold in small shops), and scarves. This is where decent quality comes in at reasonable prices!

About the language

The common language here is English. For Hindus, it is significantly simplified, so if you do not know the language very well, you will most likely understand what they want from you and will be able to talk about your desires. Some Indians can speak Russian - simple and primitive, but again, you can understand each other. As a last resort, there are gestures. Therefore, there is not much of a communication barrier there.

Overall, that's probably it. Despite a number of unpleasant moments, we were pleased with the trip. There is no more unsanitary place for tourists to relax than at our resorts. You don't need any additional vaccinations to protect yourself from God knows what. By the way, the children’s adaptation to summer was easy, quick and unnoticeable. It took them longer to get used to the winter we returned to. A trip to Goa with children is worth it.

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Is Goa suitable for families with children?

You may think that the famous party town of Goa is not particularly suitable for families with children. Like, hippies, young people who don't know what, parties, dirt and terrible food. But you only have to visit Goa once for these stereotypes to dispel. With children, it is still better to choose a hotel on south goa- it’s more decent there, it’s quieter, it’s very beautiful beaches with yellow sand and suitable hotels for the whole family with the necessary conditions and entertainment. And also, Goa has a wonderful climate, a lot of greenery and fruits, a warm sea - everything that will help you recharge with strength and energy.

When to bring your child to Goa?

The best time to holiday with a child in Goa is from November to May, and the peak season is December, January and February. At this time it is quite hot - around +35 °C during the day, up to 25 °C in the evening. But the sea is warm - at 28 °C. But the main advantage is that this part of the year is a dry season, there is practically no rain, and the sea is calm. By the way, during the dry season everything costs many times more. The monsoon period begins in June and ends in September. At this time it is a little cooler (25-30 °C). But these rains... In the summer months, especially in June and July, there is an unrealistically high amount of rain (there is 9000 times more water in July than in February, for example). And these are not the kind of rains that happen here (here, more can fall from the sky in one month than we have in a year). In general, traveling during these months is terribly uncomfortable, scary, and generally pointless - a lot of things (and almost everything - hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues) are closed for this period, and a complete “spleen” sets in. In addition, the sea is choppy, sometimes it’s scary to let a child go even close to the water! If your vacation falls in October, then, in principle, you can go, but there will still be rain, albeit a little. In short, we travel with the baby during the dry season and don’t forget about the hot sun: always take a hat and cream with you.

Which beach is the best for a child in Goa?

For families with children in Northern Goa is better prefer Ashvem and Mandrem, but Morjim and Arambol are also good options. Well, in South Goa, I think almost every beach is good, it all depends on your preferences.

In South Goa Beaches are very good for children Utorda, Majorda, Betalbatim. These beaches are wide, with fairly light sand, they are quiet, calm, not crowded, and also clean. But there is almost no entertainment there. For more active families, Colva and Benaulim are the most popular beaches, a 30-kilometer strip where there are a lot of package tourists. There really are a lot of people there, including Hindus. But there are many shops near the road and no noisy bars and clubs. Moreover, if you don’t want to be in the center of the fun, just move a little further, towards Benaulim or Betalbatim - there the crowds of people immediately stop, and in general, it’s not crowded there.

Benaulim much calmer compared to Colva, although still lively. A Colva for those who want to be in South Goa, and have everything useful close at hand, but not too far from uncrowded places quiet beaches, where the whole family could go for a picnic. True, again, Colva is not for everyone, but Benaulim is more universal in this regard, filled with good-natured European pensioners and Russian tourists (a little). Palolem Beach, which was nicknamed the “pearl of Goa”, is tightly built up with cafes and bungalows, and it is rather an “attraction” for tourists, although there really are corners of paradise there too. Swimming there, by the way, is a little safer due to smaller waves. Overall a very nice place with a unique atmosphere. There are also enough people there, but less than on Kolva, but the crowds are much more international. These are not lazy backpackers, but independent tourists from all over the world. There are also quite a few Russians there, and there are almost no entertainment facilities. And that's great! You can also highlight the calm Kola beach and the very quiet elite beaches of Varka, Cavelossim, Mobor.

Which hotels to choose for families with children?

Heritage Village Club Goa 4*(there is a children's pool, playground, babysitting services, bicycle rental, table tennis)

Club Mahindra Beach Resort 4*(children's pool and children's center, babysitting services)

Holiday Inn Beach Resort 4*(children's playground, children's club, babysitting services)

Taj Exotica 5*(playground, babysitting services, children's pool with water slide)

Park Hyatt Resort & Spa 5*(children's club with games room, playground, large children's pool, babysitting services)

What to feed the child?

Goa is still the most tourist state in India. Therefore, most hotels will serve you European regular food. Well, Indian cuisine... naturally, this food is very hot, very spicy. Not particularly suitable for a child. If you go to a restaurant, try to tell the chef to prepare a dish for your baby “with no spices.” As for the poisonings that everyone is so afraid of, they often occur from changes in food ingredients. Well, everything seems to be in order with cleanliness and sanitary standards in restaurants (not street food). But of course, all the rules should be followed - wash your hands before eating, drink exclusively bottled water, and it’s even better to use it when brushing your teeth.

How to entertain your baby?

Melange Water Park (Blue Lady Water Park)

Small water park between Baga and Arpora with several pools, slides and a restaurant. The entrance ticket costs approximately 200-250 rupees.

Splashdown Waterpark

A new water park in Goa, which has been operating since 2011. Located on the outskirts of Anjuna (before the night market on Calangute-Anjuna Main Road). Here you will find as many as five swimming pools, water slides and other fun. Tickets - 200 -240 rupees for children, 250 - 290 rupees for adults.

Bondla Nature Reserve

Located near the town of Ponda. Here you will find a mini zoo, a deer safari, a botanical park and observation decks for bird and animal watching. Bears, wild boars, deer, bison, elephants - you won’t find anyone here!

Cotigao Nature Reserve

The sanctuary is located in South Goa, about 12 kilometers from Palolem Beach. Monkeys, Indian bison and wild boars run around the park. And, of course, bird birds. And in general, it's very beautiful place for walks. Entrance – 5 rupees.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

The park is located on Charao Island, near the state capital of Panaji. It seems like this is the best park of its kind in the whole country. Take a canoe trip (1.5 hours) along the river and be surprised how many birds live there: at least 400 species! You will also be able to admire the crocodiles. Tickets cost about 50 rupees per person, guide services cost 1000 rupees for two (but you can bargain for cheaper).

Baga North GOA

The family-run Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Goa is located 300 meters from its own private stretch of Candolim Beach with free sun loungers and 8 km from Baga Beach. Dabolim Airport is 40 km away. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a DVD player. Resort Hotel Beach Lemon Tree Amarante is located opposite Candolim Beach, in the north of Goa. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee making facilities and Wi-Fi. It offers a SPA, fitness and Ayurvedic center, as well as a disco bar and an animation program. There is a mini club for children. One of the best hotels for families with children.

Pros: The hotel is compact, but very cozy and beautiful. Good location, there are many restaurants and shops nearby. Large swimming pool. Everything in the room is clean. There is a kettle, tea, coffee, cream. The bathroom has shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, hair dryer, etc. The shower works well. Nice friendly staff. The hotel has a pleasant citrus aroma. There are also many cafes with Russian menus near the hotel.

Cons: High prices in the hotel restaurant. Shallow pool. Small area. Quite monotonous breakfasts.

OCEAN PALMS 4*, Calangute North GOA

The hotel is located in a quiet area, away from the main road to Calangute. A short walk from the famous Calangute Beach, 45 km. from the airport, 16 km from the nearest railway station and 12 km from the capital of Goa, Panaji. The hotel belongs to the category of small family hotels and offers accommodation in rooms equipped with everything necessary (including an ironing board and coffee maker). There is a swimming pool on site. Entertainment and leisure provided aquatic species sports (diving, motorcycles, scooters), there is a fitness center, yoga is held, table tennis is available, and game consoles are available. The hotel also has a good spa, where you can also get a massage. There is a children's corner for children. In general, the hotel can be recommended for vacationers with older children.

Pros: Clean, well-groomed area - greenery, flowers. There is a gym. The pool with sun loungers is surrounded by a compact and very green area. Friendly and efficient staff. The rooms have all the conditions for a comfortable stay: ceiling fan, air conditioning, raptor, refrigerator, kettle and even an iron and board. The location of the hotel is good, a little inland from the noisy road, 5-7 minutes walk to the sea. Quite powerful and free Wi-Fi works throughout the entire territory. Outsiders are not allowed into the territory. The main contingent of vacationers are the British, Germans and wealthy Indians. There are many shops, cafes and supermarkets near the hotel.

Cons: Quite weak, monotonous breakfasts. Not all rooms have balconies. The beach is 600 m away. The furnishings in some rooms are a bit old.

RESORT DE CORACAO 4*, Baga North GOA

The hotel is located close to the popular beaches of Calangute and Baga. The hotel does not have its own beach. There are shops and souvenir shops near the hotel. In half an hour you can reach the city of Panaji, located 15 km from the hotel. Dabolim Airport is 39 km from the hotel. Resort De Coracao has 45 air-conditioned rooms equipped with plasma or LCD TV, internet, free minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, refrigerator and free in-room safe. The rooms are also equipped with bathrobes and slippers. The hotel has its own spa center with massage and sauna. There is a children's corner and playground for children. We recommend this hotel to young families with children who want to relax in comfort, but close to nightlife Candolim beach.

Pros: Modern hotel in good repair, high-level service. The hotel is located at the junction of two beaches - Candolim beach on the left, Baga beach on the right. Convenient location on the main street close to entertainment. Quite a nice area, albeit compact. Nice gym and jacuzzi. Safe in rooms is free. Breakfasts are good by Indian standards.

Cons: Fully English speaking reception. Small area. The hotel is located on the shore, and a 10-minute walk from the beach. Hotel cleaning is not regular.

SOL BESO 4*, Mandrem South GOA

The hotel is 500 meters from the picturesque Mandrem Beach and 55 km from the airport. This small boutique hotel, the first and only 4* in Mandrem, is distinguished by a unique atmosphere of relaxation. The spacious rooms are equipped with air conditioning, refrigerator, bathrobe, etc. It features a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, outdoor pool and 24-hour front desk. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout this resort. There is a playground for children. This hotel cannot boast of a developed children's infrastructure, but this does not prevent it from being popular among families with children due to good service and a cozy atmosphere.

Pros: Cozy small area. Cozy family atmosphere. Peace and quiet. Excellent breakfasts, suitable even for mothers with infants. The well-kept grounds have both an adult and a children's pool. The area and rooms are cleaned regularly. The staff is friendly and not intrusive. Mostly families relax here.

Cons: Shallow children's pool. The hotel is located on a slope. The height difference is not very convenient for mothers with strollers. The hotel is not on the first line - 10-15 minutes walk to the beach.

SANDALWOOD HOTEL & RETREAT 4*, North GOA

Sandalwood Hotel And Retreat 4* is located in the suburbs of Panaji, the capital of Goa, 7 km from the city center and 30 km from the airport. Accommodation is organized in 68 rooms, equipped in accordance with the 4* standard. In addition to a traditional refrigerator and air conditioning, rooms include a microwave, coffee maker and kitchenware. Wireless internet access is available in the air-conditioned hotel lobby. Along with a swimming pool, the hotel has a fitness club and a spa center. Children's facilities include a games room, arcade room, children's pool and strollers on request. Meals are provided in the restaurant, cafeteria and 2 bars. Smart Tourists recommend this hotel for holidays with children of all ages.

Pros: Proximity to the beach. Nice rooms, big and spacious. Delicious dishes in the restaurant. The staff is polite, courteous, patient. Cleaning is thorough every day. The beach is clean, quiet, suitable for families with children. The food is decent by Indian standards.

Cons: The location leaves much to be desired. There is not a single store, cafe or restaurant near the hotel. A river flows into the sea next to the hotel, so when it rains the sea is muddy.

FORTUNE SELECT REGINA 4* , Candolim North GOA

Renowned for its service, Fortune Select Regina is located in a tranquil location on Candolim Beach on the Goan Riviera, just off the main highway leading to Fort Aguada. The distance to the sea is 500 m, and to the airport 45 km. This is a fairly large hotel. 102 rooms are equipped with central air conditioning, minibar, tea set, bathrobes and slippers, etc. The rooms on the 4th floor have a bath, the rest have a shower. The hotel infrastructure includes 2 restaurants, a bar, a barbecue grill by the pool and a spa. There is also a gym and a spa center. For children there is a playroom and a children's area in the pool. This all-inclusive hotel is considered one of the best child-friendly hotels in the state.

Pros: Close to entertainment - cafes and bars, but at the same time away from the bustle. The hotel area is small, but well-groomed, a lot of greenery, a swimming pool with a bar. Cozy, large rooms with a huge bed. Lights in the entire room, air conditioning and fan are controlled from one remote control. There are robes and a safe in the closet for free. Food at the hotel corresponds to 4*. The hotel hosts a disco. Russian speaking staff at the reception.

Cons: The road to the sea takes 10-15 minutes. The hotel bar prices are very high, 2-3 times more expensive than on the beach.

NOVOTEL GOA SHREM RESORT 4*, Candolim North GOA

The hotel is conveniently located in Candolim in North Goa, a short walk from Calangute Beach, 40 km from Dabolim Airport and 18 km from Thivim Railway Station. Mapusa Bus Station is 9 km away and Fort Aguada is 3 km away. The ancient Goa Church is 25 km away. The family-run hotel has a restaurant and fitness center on site. The hotel offers conference facilities, a massage room, a library, a games room and a tour desk. The rooms are furnished according to categories. All rooms have Internet access, tea/coffee making facilities, etc., and in the executive class there are additionally slippers/robes, coffee machines and cosmetics. Along with a spa and jacuzzi, the hotel has a solarium, as well as a fitness center and a video games room for kids. There is also a mini club for children. This hotel corresponds to the 4* category and is perfect for families with older and middle-aged children.

Pros: Well-kept green area contrasting with the surrounding poverty. Good location. Good breakfasts. The rooms are modern, clean and regularly cleaned. The furniture and plumbing are new. The rooms are equipped with slippers and bathrobes. The hotel's convenient location makes it easy to plan a trip to any direction in GOA. Friendly staff and good service. Modern high quality SPA.

Cons: The road to the sea takes 10-15 minutes. Wi-fi is paid. Some rooms do not have balconies.

BOGMALLO BEACH RESORT 4*, North GOA

This luxurious 4* hotel by Indian standards was one of the first to be built in Goa. The hotel is located on a secluded beach a few kilometers from the airport. The hotel consists of 126 comfortable rooms with sea and garden views and 15 separate cottages. The rooms are equipped with everything you need, including an electronic safe and Internet access. Slippers are also provided. Cottages are popular among those who love privacy. Meals are provided in 2 restaurants and bars. Also on site there is an outdoor swimming pool, table tennis, a billiards room, as well as a casino - roulette, blackjack, slot machines. You can also spend time and relax in the outdoor jacuzzi, spa center and massage parlor. In the evening there is live music and a show program. A wonderful option for a relaxing holiday within walking distance of the beach.

Pros: Excellent location on the very shore in a picturesque Indian village. All rooms have ocean views. The hotel has its own beach, cleaned daily. The rooms are also cleaned regularly. The rooms are spacious and modern. Surrounded by tropical greenery. Close to the airport. Professional Ayurvedic center at the hotel. The hotel has a relaxed atmosphere. At the same time, there are numerous restaurants within walking distance.

Cons: The staff does not speak Russian. Weak breakfasts. Small area. Poorly locked safes.

HOLIDAY INN GOA 4*, Mobor South GOA

The Holiday Inn Resort Goa 5* hotel was built directly on a wide sandy beach Mobor is in the southern part of Goa, 45 km from Dabolim airport, 17 km from Margao railway station. The hotel is part of an international chain and is one of the largest hotels in the state. Accommodation at the hotel is organized in 8 villas and the main building. The rooms are equipped according to chain standards, including bathrobes and slippers. Some rooms have sea views. There are also 2 restaurants and 3 bars on site. The hotel also has a well-developed health center - a spa center with a sauna, jacuzzi, massage parlor and Ayurveda center. Sports include a tennis court, gym and yoga classes. The hotel has a large private beach with free sun loungers. Thanks to the high level of service and good food, Holiday Inn Resort Goa is a suitable place for a family holiday.

Pros: The hotel area is large and well-groomed. The hotel rooms are large, quite new, in Indian style. One of the best spa centers on the coast. Quality at affordable prices. Great service. Not bad entertainment program, evening shows, which is rare in India. Decent children's corner.

Cons: Wi-fi is available for a fee and in the lobby of the rooms. The hotel is popular among wealthy Indians, so it often hosts noisy events - weddings and corporate parties.