Unless you’re foolish enough to choose the two months a year when it actually rains all the time, you’re guaranteed not to see a cloud in the sky for days, and while warm enough to be comfortable in a t-shirt day and night, the temperatures will rarely reach the scorching levels of heat which can be so exasperating in other areas of the country.

Indeed, Goa has very little in common with the rest of India, and in particular, that annoying let-me-rip-you-off attitude which is common among the locals in a lot of Indian cities is kept to a minimum there, and it is actually very easy to establish good, chilled-out relationships with the locals. The thing is, while far from wealthy, the local population is doing far better than most Indians, and this definitely contributes to the cheerful mood which permeates the place.

I’m 28, and two years ago I arrived in Goa after about six weeks in the rest of India. My plan was to stop for a week, but I ended up staying there for six!

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It is easy to fall in love with Goa. What makes it such a pleasant place to be is the extremely laid-back atmosphere, which combines with long days of sunshine, nice beaches, fascinating 70s-like hippy vibes, and some truly tasty – and cheap – sticky stuff to spice up your otherwise unrewarding cigarette tobacco!

Psychedelic trance parties are very much part of the Goan legend, but in true fact, they’re no longer a pivotal element of the sublimely chilled Goan lifestyle. Surely, during the most popular months, full-moon, half-moon or quarter-moon parties can be found almost every day (the moon is just an excuse, hey), but more and more visitors seem to be there for the quietness – and they’re not disappointed.

Believe me when I say – Goa is the ultimate place where having nothing to do feels sweet. Whichever area you choose to settle down in – Anjuna for the party-loving, Arambol or others for the calm-seeking – rent a 50cc scooter for two or three pounds a day, and you’re free to roam the many attractive little spots the area has to offer.

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