Goa, a Vacationers Dream Paradise, a one time Portuguese Colony in India. Besides inviting sand-strewn beaches, Folklore, intermingling cultures, and symptoms of "Old World" living, -think a "CURRIED" lifestyle and envision a likewise "SHANGRI-LA", Garca Branca, with its creature comforts - three fully equipped air conditioning/Panka units, complemented by all the modern accoutrements to boot. Add an Exercise room and... More

We were a bit concerned by the lack of Tripadvisor reviews for this B&B since last April but a quick email to Carlos and his detailed response gave us the confidence to book and we are glad we did. Carlos and Merlyn made us so welcome in their wonderful Goan house and gardens from the moment we arrived until our... More

In a higgledy-piggledy environment, with no regard for building codes, cleanliness or sanitation, and with the highest density of cars, scooters and motorbikes in the subcontinent of India hogging narrow winding roads, parts of GOA resemble a shantytown or slum. Against this forbidding backdrop, far from the madding crowds, traffic chaos and pollution, is a microcosm of the Bavarian penchant... More

From the moment Carlos collected us from the airport, nothing was too much trouble or effort. If you want to stay in a traditional Goan house with a Goan family and experience excellent Goan food and hospitality then this is the place. Carlos, Merlyn and their staff allow you to experience all that is excellent about Goa. As a family... More

Why is it great? Well, accommodation (spotlessly clean, spacious and comfortable with a great verandah); setting (the house itself, the lovely gardens, the wetlands at the back of the property); location (inland, rural but still accessible - 20 mins or so - to the beaches, other attractions of South Goa); the hosts (Carlos and Merlyn are friendly and welcoming, helpful... More

Carlos, Merlyn, Gigelle and their staff offer a welcome and hospitality that is second to non. Carlos is an entertaining raconteur with a story suitable for every occasion. For our first visit to South Goa, the countyside location proved to be just right. Gentle morning strolls along quite country lanes to the village worked up an appitite for lunch back... More

We chose this amazing place to introduce us to India and wanted the chance to stay with a typical goan family and experience their way of life for a few days. It completely exceeded our expectations. Any fears we initially had melted away within 5 minutes of meeting Carlos when he came to collect us from the airport. We were... More

We stayed at the Garca Branca for 3 nights during November-December 2011. We found the Garca Branca to be one of the highlights of our month in India. Everything about our time at the Garca Branca was to our convenience—Carlos made sure we had everything we needed—information, comfort, food, etc—so that our time at his homestay was of the highest... More

Garca Branca makes you feel that there is more to Goa than sun-kissed beaches, water sports, cheap booze, wild parties and beach-side shacks. Nestled in a posh & quiet Goan residential neighborhood, Garca is ideal if you want to experience the quieter side of Goa - Colva beach, Madgaon town, Palolem, drive through Western Ghats etc. The stay at Garca... More