A travel guide for your Goa trip
When you see Goa, you probably picture a serene seaside getaway with views of shining sands and blue waters against the backdrop of a sparkling sun. The golden shoreline of the beach capital of India, which faces the glittering oceans, is surrounded by a verdant landscape. Despite being the smallest state in India, Goa is one of the most popular travel destinations in the country.
Travelers usually associate Goa with two names: North Goa, which is the place to go if you want a holiday that truly “happens,” and South Goa, which is better for a more laid-back getaway from your busy life. Goa has all the elements for the ideal holiday dish, whether you’re planning a family vacation, a fast weekend escape with pals, or you just want to spend some special time with that someone special.
Famous Places to Explore
Beaches: Goa is home to more than 25 fantastic beaches, ranging from lively party spots to quiet, uncrowded beaches. Goa’s beaches complete your vacation experience. North Goa offers lively beaches like Baga, Morjim, Arambol, Calangute and Anjuna, which encircle the northern coastline and are home to a plethora of vibrant shacks serving mouthwatering Konkan cuisine along with accompanying cocktails and mocktails.
With its tranquil beaches like Colva, Palolem, and Galgibaga (known for being an Olive Ridley turtle nesting site), South Goa is a more laid-back destination that is definitely worth a visit if you’re seeking some peaceful time away from it all.
Chapora Fort: Dil Chahta Hai is the film that made Chapora Fort famous for the first time. This historic fort in North Goa overlooks the Arabian Sea from every direction and provides breathtaking views of the nearby Vagator beach. Visitors continue to stand where Bollywood stars previously stood despite the fort’s near total ruin! The fort is perched atop a hillside with slopes on all sides! You can opt for self drive cars in Goa to visit this amazing fort.
Goa’s Basilica de Bom Jesus is a highly regarded Roman Catholic church in Old Goa that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mortal remains of the missionary Saint Francis Xavier are one of the biggest draws for tourists visiting Goa. You will be in complete wonder as soon as you walk through the magnificent interiors.
Things to do in Goa
Enjoy some water sports: windsurfing, diving, parasailing, jet skiing, and catamaran sailing will make you feel like an explorer as you test the waters. In Goa, particularly in North Goa, there are a lot of water sport providers. You can spot them by looking for the cluster of boats and water scooters parked in one area of the beach.
Take a dolphin-spotting excursion: In the Mandovi River, dolphin viewing excursions are a well-liked pastime. They are particularly well-liked at Sinquerim beach, which is next to Fort Aguada. Operators collect visitors in groups of four or six, who board a boat and travel a few kilometers out into the water to observe the dolphins swimming around.
See if you can win at a casino: You should put a trip to one of Goa’s many casinos on your itinerary since the destination offers some amazing opportunities for gambling. The casinos provide a variety of activities, including poker, roulette, slots, and flush baccarat, in addition to live entertainment and sometimes limitless food and drink. Even if you’re not much of a gambler, taking a high seas cruise is a wonderful way to unwind. You can visit a few casinos, including Casino Carnival, Casino Royale and Caravela and Casino Pride.
Best time to visit Goa
The ideal period in Goa to unwind on the beaches and engage in other outdoor activities is from mid-November to mid-February. In addition to lavish Christmas and New Year celebrations, Goa has one of its most well-known festivals, Sunburn, in December, drawing thousands of tourists from all over the world. Since this is the busiest time of year and rates are sometimes much higher than you would think, you might wish to book your travel and accommodations in advance.
March to May: This is the season of increased temperature, choppy seas, and hot, muggy weather. The fact that Goa is not very congested at this time is a plus. If, on the other hand, you’re hoping to find peace and quiet and want to spend three or four days in Goa with your significant other, the cost of hotels and house stays becomes far too affordable.
From mid-June to October: Goa hosts celebrations all across the island to welcome the rains that fall during this time. July through September is an excellent season to visit Goa if you appreciate the monsoon and the verdant landscape that the Rain Gods transform it into. June also sees the celebration of Sao-Joao, which is Saint John the Baptist’s fertility feast. It’s a unique ritual where guys plunge into overflowing wells to retrieve bottles of feni, the local alcoholic beverage. You can think about car in Goa rent to beat the monsoon in Goa.
How to reach Goa
By Air: Goa have 2 international airports, Dabolim and Mopa Airport. Daily flights are available from Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Bangalore, providing excellent connectivity. You can hire taxis or self drive car rental Goa airport outside the airport.
By Train: Madgaon and Thivim, Goa’s two main railheads, are well-served by trains that originate in various parts of the nation.
By Bus: Goa has a variety of private and public bus companies that provide choices for both intra- and inter-city transportation. Among the government initiatives that are based in Panaji, Madgaon, and Vasco Da Gama are KSRTC, MSRTC, and KTC. Neeta Tour & Travels, Paulo Travels, and Naik Tours and Travels are a few examples of private bus companies. Goa has regular bus service from major towns like Pune and Mumbai.
Getting Around
Taxis: The majority of Goa’s roads are in good condition and well-connected, and finding affordable taxi and rental car prices is not difficult. Taxis can be hired directly from the airport or train station, or reservations can be made in advance through tour operators or taxi rentals.
Self drive: Rent a car in Goa or a motorcycle for personal use is a common way to get around Goa. This is among the greatest and most affordable ways to take a self-guided tour around the beach capital. Simply obtain a two-wheeler or four-wheeler by providing identification, then embark on the ultimate Goa adventure!
