Come December and the 'susegad' land of 'choris pav' and 'feni' (local specialties) undergoes a startling transformation to become a 'hot-n-happening' destination and quite literally one big party zone. When asked to pen a piece on the party scene in Goa I was more than willing to do so. For the past five years the festive season to me, had just been a stressed out blur of nights merging into days as the leisure activity manager of Taj Exotica. Here was my chance not only to reacquaint myself but also indulge in some 'wild-on' partying while previewing what one can expect from Goa this December. more All roads seem to lead to Goa and almost every chartered flight too. While flight tickets are on everyone's wish list, these are among the most elusive to obtain during this period next only to train tickets, which once again are next to impossible to come by. This leaves party animals the only other option of driving down to Goa from different parts of India. And if you haven't booked your hotel rooms in advance at least you'll have a roof to sleep under; the roof of your car that is. That's right! I am talking about the frenzied period from December 20th to January 5th, which is at the absolute peak of the pay season, when every one from heavy weight industrialists to models, film stars, corporate head honchos and the likes head on to Goa for their annual binge of hard core partying. Add to this who's who list some thousands of 'average Joe's' peppered with the usual smattering of ever present foreign tourists and what you've got is a huge cauldron of hearty revelers. Goa's party scene caters to a plethora of interest's right from the psychedelic rave parties to the traditional ballroom dos. Copyright 2006 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd. All rights reserved throughout the world

A shopping delight with posh fashion hubs and local markets alike, Goa offers a wide range of choices in all aspects of quality, price and variety of goods. Goa’s local handicraft items made of brass, shells, bamboo and papier-mâché work well as souvenirs. These are readily available at the Government Emporia as well as at shops and stalls at popular tourist spots. Don’t forget to pick up a pack of the famed cashew nuts that are available in a range of flavours with the price varying based on quality. It is a fascinating experience to shop in the traditional markets of the Goan towns and villages where the ethnic culture provides a glimpse of the typical Goan way of doing business. The Mapusa and Anjuna flea markets are lively spots where souvenirs, beachwear, trinkets and handicrafts are sold, in which lies the charm of shopping in Goa, where bargaining is an essential part of the whole experience. Night bazaars are also fast catching on with Ingo’s in Arpora and Mackie’s in Baga being the hottest spots to head to on a Saturday night. You don’t really need to buy anything if not in the mood...simply enjoy the experience! Enjoy good food, performing artistes and of course, beer!

As the sun goes down Goa Nightlife heats up. Prepare yourself for a great nightlife in goa! There are plenty to choose from. You can sit and listen to the sounds of live entertainment, or dance the night away at one of the hottest clubs. Regardless of your pleasure, you are sure to have the time of your life.Goa has a more liberal attitude to goa nightlife than most places in India, but nightclubs are pretty much for tourists - both wealthy Indians and foreigners. For some time the only nightclub in Goa was in Calangute, and it's in this area where you'll still find the majority of Goa's Western-style nightlife - although it's gradually extending to Candolim and Arpora.