true brit,
like others have said going for the first time (of many repeats I will bet!) a package is best for peace of mind.
Unlike others though I book my hotel whilst there for the following year and bok the flights as soon as they are released with Qatar from Manchester, I don't wait for prices to possibly drop and risk not getting the dates I want.
Qatar flights miss out the Mumbai stage of the travel, flying straight into Dabolim after changing at Doha.
It's very easy to simply have a look around various hotels/guest houses whilst you are there and many do not even ask for a deposit if you book.
a search under"guest houses in candolim" etc gives you some ideas.
I wouldn't be tempted to book an apartment on line without seeing it first as I have heard some stories of non existent apts or ones that are simply not the ones in the pics.
Hotels/guest houses are a better bet until you have a chance to look around.
we are there until very early March so may even see you!