bosstrabs
I hope you aren’t planning on HINDUring this thread further Dave?

This is a serious MATAR

    TIKKA’s all the boxes this trip.

    mrrossi
    Have been looking, but not sure will Be pool weather in Feb.

    Closest seems to be Canaries, but I’ve no experience of there and have a preconception of it being a bit brits abroad!

        The Canaries are a right SPAIN in the arse.

        Mad_Cyril
        If I was you I’d definitely head to south Goa where it’s more family orientated and has loads of nice resorts to stay at.
        I wouldn’t know which are good though. If you choose Tui they have non stop flights direct from Manchester.

            Dubman If you choose Tui they have non stop flights direct from Manchester.

            Looks like they do.

            Will check South out, thanks for the intel

                Mad_Cyril
                North Goa does have some holiday resorts. But steer clear of places like Candolim, Calangute & Baga as it would be like staying in Spain.
                Up where I stay in Small Vagator it’s not so child friendly but is right between Anjuna & Chapora. There is the 5*W hotel in Chapora down by the beach which is very nice & expensive.

                  I’d probably split the holiday in two, one on the Russian side (morjim et al) for quieter more pristine beaches - maybe stay in one of those fancy beach tents or a nice Airbnb villas. La Plage (lovely French restaurant) for meals.

                  And then for a bit of hustle and bustle - Vagator, Anjuna, Baga - around those parts. You’ll want to do things like the Anjuna flea market with your daughter. Better to play it safe and do a 5 star there.

                  Your food choices are probably limited to what I would say is ‘safe’, but definitely put Gunpowder, Izumi, Larder And Folk, and Bomras on your to-dos. If my good friends have opened it by the time you’re there, check out Cafe Nola, I don’t say this lightly but the head chef is the best baker in India. If you want hardcore goan (thalis etc), I’ll give you another list.

                  Haven’t been in many years, so my info might be dated.

                  If you’re transiting through Bangalore, MC, let me know… if not, I’ll try to come out there in Feb and hopefully catch you and dubbers.

                  Also, you could put Thalassa on your list of restaurants, not sure if it’s moved locations or what post covid, but the view is spectacular and the greek food is decent. Back in the day they used to make insanely good slovakis, not sure about the quality now. Should be safe for the little one as it won’t be a massive blast of spices.

                    rhouses
                    I used to stay a few minutes from Thalassa. Its definitely moved after it got burnt down. A few years. It’s now in Siolim and is still on the coast. Brilliant Greek food.

                        Dubman Not very close to the beach, but my friends (who all migrated from Bombay to Goa during COVID), say that Siolim is the way to go for holidaying, very local and there isn’t too much riff raff. Lots of great boutique hotels there, but the beach won’t be walking distance.

                        Also, pro tip, just rent a car as legitimately as you can, I would avoid scooters with a child. And taxis will be a massive rip off.

                            rhouses I would avoid scooters with a child.

                            This is Asia, everywhere I’ve been in Asia you see whole families on a scooter, including child stood in the footwell. MC should get in on that fun, like a local.

                                rhouses
                                Yeah. Siolim is nice but there is nothing to do there. At least you can look out on the Chapora bay from Thalassa. You did mention Morjim or mini Moscow as it was called. Does have really nice long beach. Although last time I was there it had a lot less Russians. Due to the Rubel collapsing. I think it was 1 Rubel to 1 rupee. Now the new international Airport at Mopa has just opened that whole area in North Goa will change massively in the coming years.

                                    bosstrabs
                                    I ride a scooter all the time in Goa. I’ve been out in Jeep’s when my friends have hired them but it’s way to scary if you’re not used to the roads.

                                      bosstrabs Dealing with Indian traffic and huge lorries and trucks barreling at you on with barely any brakes on tiny two way roads isn’t the most fun. Instant death. Better to have a janky rented car with seatbelts.

                                        Dubman Ahh that’s true, you’re not gonna find too much action out there. Find the right boutique hotel in that area though, and you should be sorted. The local food options are also very good, from what my friends tell me.

                                            rhouses
                                            I have a mission each year which is to find the best local fish or veg Thali. I don’t recall eating anything decent in Siolim although there is a really good seafood restaurant called ‘Anand’ which is on the main road between Anjuna & Siolim.

                                                Dubman Not so much a thali, but for a goan seafood extravaganza with the freshest catch, head to Ramesh Restaurant in Anjuna. If you want tiger prawns and crab, you have to preorder the night before. And you can’t miss the mackerel and the best mussels in the world. Unfortunately Ramesh passed away last year, but his wife and daughter are now running the joint. Hidden gem.

                                                Let me get back to you on places for the thalis.

                                                    rhouses
                                                    I’ve been there a few times but only in the evening. I’m yet to try the fish Thali though.