So, now is as good a time as any to visit Goa, and see this beautiful holiday destinatioon through fresh eyes. The beaches still offer more room to move than you will find anywhere else in South Asia. Even the “hippy hordes” who thrust Goa into the world spotlight in the early 70s are conspicuous by their near-absence, and those who remain have become “model citizens”.

Getting to Goa is also easier than ever before. The new Konkan railway, which links Bombay and Kerala via Goa, has been complemented by a number of new budget airlines.

Goa’s tourism scene has recently undergone some drastic changes, particular in South Goa. Souhern Goa is now “graced” by a Park Hyatt,  Holiday Inn, Radisson White Sands and a Grand Intercontinental Hotel. The Oberoi has opened a lavish resort at Bogmalo Beach; Taj Hotels and the Marriott Hotel Chain have set up in North and Central Goa respectively, and the Goa Renaissance Resort is a new establishment at Varca Village, Salcete; the Renaissance is even thinking of establishing a “Sun City”, along the lines of the well-known and well-over-the-top South African prototype.

So..get there SOON!!