Goa with small children -- Which area? Where to stay? What to do?

[PortAndLemon]

I'll be travelling to India with DS (will turn 4 while we're there) and DD (will be 9 months) for three weeks in January. In view of recent events have been thinking of switching plans from staying in Mumbai to staying in Goa (which we'd been planning to visit for a few days anyway).

Can anyone who's been there and done that give me suggestions on where to go and where to stay with DCs this age? As DD won't be old enough to get vaccinated we're probably looking at the higher-budget end of the market rather than getting too far off the beaten track. And I know it's high season so I need to get booking quickly...

Hopeful bump...

Wistful bump...

How about Kerala instead?

Having been to both, although many, many years ago pre dc I thought Kerala was much lovlier.

The only thing is that DH is working in Mumbai (hence why the rest of us are going out) so we wanted to be moderately close so that he can come for long weekends. But I suppose if he has to fly anyway it may not make much difference if he's flying Mumbai-Goa or Mumbai-Kerala?

Where's good in Kerala? I do like Keralan food... [shallow emoticon] and come to think of it so does DS. Or maybe we should brave Mumbai after all. I just feel a bit twitchy and not sure whether I'd be able to relax.

Thank you, by the way...

This thread is already the seventh-highest result if you Google for Goa children, so there's not oodles of information out there. Although there is an entertaining holidaytruths thread where people get into a big argument about whether it's suitable for children or not.

I agree with MarmadukeScarlet. I much prefer Kerala to Goa. Kerala is simply wonderful.

From my experience I would say that the sea is unsuitable for little ones all down that coast at the time of year you are going, so if having a swim is a vital part of your trip I would book a hotel with a pool. Sadly, that discounts my hotel recommendation!

Patsy

South Goa is nice and relaxed. Benaulim is a good place to stay with children. Have a look at indiamike.com for a wealth of information about all things Indian.

Thank you all!

the taj holiday village is lovely and the best place for kids..id gone as a child and its still ny best holiday ever..baga beach and calangute beach are the most popular and youll find a range of hotels.