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Goa, a former Portuguese enclave located on India’s southwest coast, with its golden, palm-covered beaches stretching along the state’s 105 km coastline, make it a paradise for beachgoers.
But Goa isn’t just about beaches and sunshine – it’s also about its rich history, culture and delicious food. Whether you’re a history buff or a beach lover, Goa has something for everyone. Hopefully our guide will make it easier for you to decide if Goa should be ticked off your bucket list! So, lets dive in!!
Getting to goa
Firstly, we need to get to Goa! So, let’s start there,
The main airport, Dabolim, is an international hub with direct flights from many of the world’s major cities, it also has connecting flights from other cities in India, just like the newly built Manohar International Airport (MOPA) Which is already scaling for passenger expansion. Non-stop domestic flights are available from airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet, as well as Air India and Vistara. This makes Goa accessible, no matter where you plan on staying in India.
The Konkan Railway links Goa with Mumbai and other cities in India. The popular Mandovi Express, runs from Mumbai to Goa. The journey time is around 10-12 hours, depending on the schedule.
Goa is also connected to neighboring states by road. You can travel to Goa from Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore and many other destinations by taxi too. The journeys are manageable, the reason we say this is- travelling on India’s busy roads can be an eye opener for first time travelers, but you very shortly get used to what we like to term, the organized chaos!
Travelling by bus, car, or taxi will also give you a real feel for the country you simply couldn’t experience travelling by rail or flight.
When should I visit Goa?
While Goa is a popular tourist destination all year round, the winter months from November to February are when most visitors flock to the coastal state. The weather is mild with an average temperature of 25-30°C with low humidity. However, this is also the peak season, so prices tend to be higher, and it will be busier If you don’t mind the crowds.
Visiting Goa during the off-season May-September will allow you to holiday on a budget and avoid the crowds, but it’s also Goa’s rainy season 🙁 One plus point to note is that with the rains, the Landscape becomes breathtaking, with picturesque views over Goa’s lush green fields.
We would also like to mention that the beaches tend have an added air of privacy too 🙂 Although we do advise against holidaying in June, July and most of August.
If you are willing to risk the weather, you should definitely take advantage of off-season Goa holiday packages.
Also don’t forget, in planning your trip to Goa, a popular option is to time your vacation around the local festivities, they are vibrant and colorful and are sure to leave a lasting impression- oh and maybe a couple of photos for the album!
What we think?
The best time for visiting Goa will ultimately depend on your individual preference, but if you are looking to holiday on a budget and don’t mind the weather, then it’s possible Goa could provide a tranquil getaway during some of the summer’s rainier months, but if you want to witness pleasant weather and a vibrant atmosphere mixed with Goa’s famous party scene, you should definitely opt for travelling during the winter season.
What to Do in Goa?
Beaches
Goa’s palm-covered golden beaches are possibly Goa’s biggest attraction. With a coastline spanning 105 kilometers, there is so much to choose from. The commercial coastal areas, Calangute beach, Baga beach and Anjuna beach are also favorites with tourists.
The beaches here have plenty of activities to choose from, including open air massages, jet skiing and parasailing to name a few. You can even hire a beach shack! If you don’t know already, Goa’s famous beach huts attract tourists far and wide and we couldn’t write a blog about Goa without giving them a mention!
After the sunset, the vibe changes completely, and these North Goan beaches become a hub for partying, with the many restaurants, bars and clubs. It really is a buzzing place!
But for a more secluded and laid-back ambience, you could visit the serene beaches of southern Goa, Like Polem Beach, Agonda beach, Patnem beach and Benaulim beach.
Not trying to be a party pooper here, but it’s important to note that some of the beaches in the state have strong undertow and are not safe to swim in, so please enjoy your holiday sensibly and make sure to ask the locals if you’re not sure.
Sites & Activities
Goa is also home to a variety of historical sites, churches and temples. Old Goa, which was once the Portuguese state capital, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to several old edifices and monuments including the 15th-century basilica of Bom Jesus, which is a sight to behold.
Goa is also home to some of the best markets in the world, such as the Anjuna flea market, where you can shop for all kinds of items, from clothes to jewelry to handcrafted items.
There are also plenty of water sports to enjoy, such as jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and kayaking, which is possibly stating the obvious considering how many beaches this small state hosts!
Food & Drink
Goa is home to a unique coastal culinary culture, combining traditional Indian cuisine with Portuguese flavors.
Many of the local dishes are seafood-based, and you can enjoy dishes like a coconut milk-based fish curry or a sour and spicy ambot tik…yum!! If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, try the Goan crab xacuti, which is made with a blend of spices including cinnamon, nutmeg and cumin which make it a delight.
If you’re a vegetarian, you’re no
t going to miss out! Goa has a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, including the hog plum and mango curry udid
methi, which is popular
with vegetarians, as well as bhaji puri, it’s a combination of fried dough and spicy vegetable curry
that’s a big hit with the locals.
Many of the dishes in Goa do feature pork, which is a popular ingredient in their cuisine, like the spicy Goan pork vindaloo and sorpotel which are a mouthwatering treat. You can enjoy some these dishes with rice or sanna, dry rice cake and a douse of seafood pickle.
If you want to mix it up with real fusion, you should check out Gunpowder, a locally famous Goa restaurant in Assagao, or for a casual vibe try Vinayak family Restaurant in the heart of the city and enjoy your food with a cheap beer. Thank me later!
King’s beer is a popular locally made pilsner and if you’re a beer drinker, you’re definitely going to bump into that!!
but Sula is a popular Indian wine you can indulge in, whilst enjoying one of Goa’s exclusive gastronomic delights.
However, if you’re looking for a real Goan experience, we suggest you try Feni, a fermented cashew-based spirit which can also be made from coconut toddy. Where’s the bar!!
Let’s sum up the Food and Drink…
If you’re searching for a top-class local chef to dish you out a culinary masterclass or you want to drink a spirit you’ve only ever heard of after reading a travel blog 🙂 Then Goa should not be missed!! But jokes aside, there are plenty of food and drink options here to test anyone’s palette, so enjoy!
Where is the best place to stay in Goa?
It’s a difficult one to call, North Goa and South Goa each have their own allure and individual charm…
North Goa is home to some of the most popular beaches in the area, like Calangute and Anjuna Beach. It’s also host to some of Goa’s best nightspots, vibrant buzzing atmosphere and famous beach parties which are hit with travelers from all over the world!
While South Goa, which is known for its beaches too, is also popular with travelers for its wellness centers, yoga retreats and luxury resorts.
If yoga interests you-then you’re in luck! because Goa really does have an abundance of retreats to choose from! we recommend the Bamboo Yoga Retreat situated just 20 meters from Polem beach, in South Goa but there are many others so take your pick!
There are a wide variety of lodgings to choose from in Goa, ranging from the ultra-budget North Goa hostels and homestays to the exclusive resorts in South Goa.
If you’re looking for luxury hotels in Goa, places like the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa or Grand Hyatt Goa offer world-class service and amenities that will keep you pampered throughout your vacation. Or if you are looking for something equally comfortable you could try the Azaya beach resort Goa. It’s situated on Benaulim Beach, in South Goa and its famous for being one of Goa’s cleanest beaches with its long stretch of silvery soft white sand.
How to get around in Goa?
As a small state, Goa is well-connected in terms of public transport. Bus services are the most affordable way to travel around the state, connecting most of the towns and villages.
Taxis and auto rickshaws are available, but bartering is almost customary. Rental cars, bikes and scooters can be found in abundance, particularly near tourist places, but be aware, during the peak season, there will be heavy traffic.
Biking though, is a great way to explore the state’s lush green fields, so be sure to carry plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated especially during the warmer months.
Safety
Goa offers a unique combination of culture, food and beaches, however, it is important to stay safe and be aware of the potential risks, such as the strong currents at some of Goa’s beaches, which are not always safe to swim.
Although Goa is generally a safe destination, women and men should be cautious and take basic precautions especially when walking alone at night and in unlit areas. If you use common sense and plan accordingly, Goa then becomes a safe travel destination visited by countless tourists each and every year!
The most common scams tourists are going to encounter in Goa are the overcharging of products and services by a few unscrupulous vendors. Its best to negotiate prices in advance and try not to fall prey to questionable sales pitches and “special deals”. I always find that bartering is part of the charm of being on holiday, so you should enjoy the challenge!!
Let’s sum it all up!
So, there we have it, I think it’s safe to say Goa has something for everyone, it’s both a luxury and budget friendly beach paradise, with plenty of historic landmarks, water sports, culinary delights and to top it off, it has a fantastic nightlife!
We hope this guide was helpful to those who are planning their holidays to India, and in our opinion, there are plenty of reasons to visit Goa, but very few excuses not to have this majestic coastal paradise ticked off your bucket list!
However, as always, it’s best to use common sense and like so many others who have travelled before you, we are sure you will treasure your amazing memories of Goa!
