Goa is India’s smallest state, well-known for it’s laid again way of life, over 101 km of sandy tropical seashores, vibrant markets and legendary nightlife all infused with a novel mix of Indian and Portuguese tradition.
As India’s hottest vacationer vacation spot, Goa attracts many home Indian vacationers in addition to travellers from all around the world. But most vacationers don’t discover past the seashores and events which is disgrace as a result of Goa gives a lot extra to discover from historic church buildings and forts to spice plantations, waterfalls and pure magnificence spots.
There actually is nowhere else fairly like Goa and with the whole lot from luxurious resorts to cute seaside huts, wild nightclubs to mellow yoga retreats – it’s not shocking that so many individuals love Goa.
My Goa Travel Guide
Goa is a a lot greater and extra various state than most vacationers realise. So it’s value doing a little bit of analysis when planning your Goa journey so that you’ve the very best expertise, particularly if it’s your first time visiting Goa.
I fell completely in love with Goa virtually 10 years in the past now and have spent a few years dwelling right here, exploring each seaside and nook of this lovely state. I’ve put collectively all my insider’s Goa journey ideas into this Goa journey information, from the perfect seashores, events and locations to go to to the perfect locations to remain, greatest time to go to and way more.
I’ve tried to maintain this Goa journey information concise so if you wish to know extra click on on the hyperlinks for the total article on every matter
The Best Time to Visit Goa
When planning a visit to Goa, probably the most essential issues to think about is when to go to.
The greatest time to go to Goa is within the essential vacationer season in Goa runs from November – March when the climate is sunny, dry and funky (by Indian requirements) and ideal for sightseeing, having fun with the seashores and water sports activities and the nightlife is buzzing.
Goa is likely one of the greatest locations to spend Christmas and New Year. The church buildings are adorned for the festive season and it’s the perfect time to go to Goa for nightlife as there are such a lot of events round New Year and festivals like Sunburn. This can also be the busiest and most costly time to go to Goa. Don’t come to Goa round New Year with out reserving your lodging properly prematurely as in every single place will get totally booked!
Another nice time to go to Goa is for the Carnival! Join in with Goa’s largest social gathering because the streets of the capital Panjim (Panaji) come alive with a riot of color and noise in mid February earlier than the start of lent.
In April and May, the tourism season begins to wind down and costs drop. Goa continues to be dry however is nearly unbearably scorching, mangoes and cashews fall from the timber and the locals eagerly await the arrival of the rain.
Monsoon in Goa
The monsoon rains arrive in June and proceed till September/ October and marks the off season in Goa. Many locations together with open air venues, seaside shacks, events, markets and seaside huts shut down for the wet season. But yearly an increasing number of amenities stay open.
In some ways Goa is at it’s most lovely within the monsoon season, though the tough seas imply its harmful to swim or do water sports activities. The Sao Joao Festival in June is a enjoyable and distinctive expertise. But June and July see the heaviest rain with torrential downpours that may final for days, frequent energy outages and flooded roads.
The greatest time to go to Goa in monsoon is from August to October because the rain turns into much less heavy. Enjoy the plush greenery, waterfalls, fewer crowds and decrease costs. Just don’t anticipate the whole lot to be open and, aside from Independence Day events, don’t anticipate a wild nightlife scene within the off season.
Read extra about visiting Goa in monsoon
Where to Stay in Goa
Deciding the place to remain in Goa is basically essential as every seaside resort, metropolis and space has a unique vibe and can enchantment to several types of travellers.
Whether you’re seeking to social gathering the night time away with pals, take a romantic {couples} journey or a household pleasant vacation yow will discover the right place to remain in Goa.
There’s a wide selection of lodging in Goa, from luxurious resorts, personal villas and yoga retreats to mid vary and price range motels, backpacker hostels and seaside huts.
But first you might want to resolve the place to remain in Goa. That’s the onerous half! My recommendation is to do a little analysis into the completely different locations after which yow will discover the perfect resort for you in your chosen location.
I made this map of Goa that will help you see the place the most well-liked seashores and cities are situated in relation to Goa worldwide airport and Madgaon prepare station.
Goa Map
The Best Beaches and Places to Stay in Goa
The greatest locations to remain in Goa are on the seashores and there’s no scarcity of selection from busy, social gathering seashores in North Goa to lengthy, quiet stretches of sand in South Goa.
No Goa journey is full with out spending a blissful day stress-free on the seaside, swimming within the heat Arabian sea, having fun with the water sports activities, consuming Goan fish curry within the seaside shacks and watching a spectacular sundown.
To make it easier to discover the right seaside in Goa for you, right here’s a fast spherical up of the perfect seashores in Goa and the perfect motels and locations to remain there.
If you want extra information try my complete weblog submit on the place to remain in Goa.
North Goa
The North is the busiest space in Goa the place a lot of the sights, water sports activities, nightlife, eating places, markets, retailers and motels are.
The lengthy, sandy stretch of Baga Beach, Calangute Beach and Candolim Beach are the busiest and hottest seashores in Goa with loads of actions and seaside shacks. You can strive all types of water sports activities like jet snowboarding, parasailing and banana boat rides.
Baga and Calangute are house to the full of life pubs and golf equipment on notorious Tito’s Lane and sights just like the Snow Park. This space is nice for price range and mid vary travellers and has the perfect vary of water sports activities, though the seashores can get fairly crowded within the peak vacationer season.
Candolim lies beneath the shadow of Fort Aguada and is a extra upmarket selection and fewer crowded however nonetheless gives quick access to all of the sights which makes it top-of-the-line locations to remain in Goa.
Anjuna and Vagator have smaller, extra rocky seashores however are good for nightlife and the place you’ll discover Chapora Fort, Anjuna flea market and the notorious Goa psytrance events and raves.
In the far north are the quieter seashores of Morjim, Ashvem, Mandrem and Arambol. Morjim and Ashvem are broad, pure seashores, as soon as a breeding spot for uncommon olive ridley turtles, which at the moment are changing into more and more standard with the inflow of latest nightclubs, stylish boutiques and luxurious lodging.
Mandrem and Arambol are laid again seashores with principally price range lodging for backpackers, hippies and yoga varieties however the nightlife scene is extra like jams and drum circles than correct events.
Best Places to Stay in North Goa
The Taj Fort Aguada, Candolim Beach
A luxurious 5 star seaside resort situated in essentially the most picturesque spot on Candolim Beach beneath Fort Aguada with gorgeous views over the seaside.
Colourful, heritage model luxurious villas are nestled in tropical gardens full with an enormous swimming pool, quite a few eateries and world class hospitality.
The resort is located on an uncrowded a part of Candolim seaside however nonetheless gives quick access to discover all of the motion in Baga and Calangute.
Cavala Seaside Resort, Baga Beach
If your price range doesn’t stretch to the Taj then contemplate the Cavala Seaside Resort, an incredible mid vary resort in a stunning heritage constructing simply 3 minutes stroll from standard Baga Beach.
The resort has spacious and clear AC rooms, a swimming pool surrounded by tropical greenery and a very good multi delicacies restaurant which hosts reside music nights.
Cavala is just 5 minutes drive from Tito’s Lane and can also be near the nightlife in Anjuna and Vagator.
South Goa
South Goa is quieter and fewer developed with lengthy, uncrowded seashores, luxurious resorts and yoga retreats.
Palolem is one among most lovely seashores in Goa. A white crescent seaside fringed by palm timber and vibrant seaside huts with calm turquoise waters excellent for swimming.
The most developed seashores in South Goa are Colva and Varca. These are good locations to stick with household and have loads of price range and mid vary motels and facilities.
Majorda and Cavelossim are house to a number of the best luxurious resorts in Goa and provide an actual escape from all of it. Agonda can also be a good selection for lovely seaside entrance huts and is quieter than standard Palolem.
Best Places to Stay in South Goa
Alila Diwa Resort, Majorda Beach
This elegant, Bali impressed, 5 star seaside resort in Majorda has 3 glorious eating choices, 2 bars, an Ayurvedic spa and splendid modern rooms.
The Alila Diwa is situated proper on Majorda Beach, one of many quietest and cleanest seashores in Goa, and is ideal for a peaceable keep solely 30 minutes drive from the airport.
The spotlight is the gorgeous tiered infinity pool that overlooks the inexperienced paddy fields. Stay within the Diwa Club rooms for the last word luxurious and privateness.
Round Cube Beach Bungalows, Palolem Beach
Wooden cottages and seaside huts situated proper on the beachfront of attractive Palolem Beach – essentially the most lovely seaside in Goa.
There’s quite a lot of rooms accessible all with AC and personal hooked up bogs. The seaside dealing with cottages, the place you may absorb the ocean views and sunsets proper out of your room and balcony, promote out quick.
There’s additionally cheaper vibrant cottages simply behind among the many palm groves however whichever you select, a dip within the ocean continues to be just some steps out of your seaside hut.
Round Cube additionally has its personal beachfront multi delicacies restaurant and bar the place you may take pleasure in sundown cocktails and romantic candlelight dinners on the seaside.
Panaji (Panjim)
Panaji, nonetheless usually referred to by its previous identify of Panjim, is the state capital metropolis of Goa. While it’s not a seaside resort it does have a stunning riverside setting, the place you’ll discover Goa’s floating casinos and river cruises, and it’s near Miramar Beach.
Take a stroll round Fontainhas, the colorful, previous Latin Quarter, and go to the Immaculate Conception Church then strive some conventional Goan delicacies and even Portuguese meals within the eating places and cafes.
Located in the midst of Goa, Panjim is an effective base for tradition, historical past and nature lovers as there’s a helpful hop on hop off vacationer bus that connects Panaji with Old Goa and the spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries and waterfalls. It’s additionally not removed from Goa worldwide airport.
Best Places to Stay in Panjim
Vivanta Goa, Panaji
The greatest fashionable luxurious resort centrally situated within the metropolis middle of Panaji. The resort gives a surprising rooftop swimming pool and views of the Mandovi River and Altinho.
The Vivanta is inside straightforward strolling distance to each the riverside and the previous latin quarter and in addition boasts a spa, 24 hour health club, tour desk, a number of nice consuming choices and a cocktail bar.
Welcom Heritage Panjim Inn, Fontainhas
Nestled within the coronary heart of historic Fontainhas, staying at Panjim Inn will immerse you in historical past.
This charming heritage resort gives tastefully refurbished and cozy rooms that retain their historic character, options and furnishings. Many are full with 4 poster beds and personal balconies.
The Verandah Restaurant serves native and European delicacies and is a stunning place to take a seat and watch the world go by. Also try Panjim Pousada, one other nice heritage resort.
There’s additionally many price range motels and guesthouses in Goa the place yow will discover a primary room for 1000 – 2000 INR however many aren’t accessible to e-book on-line. If you’re visiting Goa within the peak season I’d advocate reserving on-line prematurely earlier than you come to keep away from stress and disappointment of looking for a room once you arrive.
There’s too many seashores and motels in Goa to say all of them on this Goa journey information. So try my submit on the place to remain in Goa for extra ideas.
The Best Places to Visit in Goa
From lovely seashores and vibrant markets, buzzing events to serene yoga retreats, historic church buildings, temples and forts, spice plantations, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries. There’s so many locations to go to and issues to do in Goa that you simply most likely gained’t have the ability to match all of it in to only one journey.
There are just too many locations to say on this information, so I’ll summarise the most well-liked locations to go to in Goa for sightseeing after which you may try this submit for extra.
The Best Places to Visit in Goa for History, Culture and Sightseeing
Fontainhas, Panjim’s Latin Quarter
Panjim is a delight to discover with it’s picturesque setting on the Mandovi river, flamboyant church buildings and vibrant Portuguese structure. One of Goa’s most iconic and well-known sights is the frilly white Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
Don’t miss exploring the lanes of Fontainhas, the atmospheric previous Latin quarter, which is stuffed with vibrant Portuguese colonial buildings, church buildings, cafes, bars, goan eating places and the Gitanjali artwork gallery.
The greatest solution to discover Panjim and study it’s distinctive historical past is with a heritage strolling tour
The Churches of Old Goa
The greatest place to go to for sightseeing and to study concerning the historical past of Goa are the church buildings of Old Goa. This was the capital of Goa when it was beneath Portuguese rule. It was so grand and essential that it was often called ‘the Rome of the East’ and rivalled Lisbon till town was deserted for the brand new capital of Panjim in 1843.
Only the church buildings are left immediately and have been declared a UNESCO world heritage website. Highlights embody Se Cathedral, the biggest church in Asia, and the Basilica of Bom Jesus which homes the stays of St Francis Xavier.
Old Goa is a superb place to go to if it’s your first time in Goa as it can make it easier to to know extra concerning the historical past of Goa that makes this state so distinctive. The picturesque church buildings are additionally very instagrammable.
The greatest solution to study concerning the historical past and significance of Old Goa is by taking a guided strolling tour that may actually assist to carry this website alive.
Fort Aguada and Chapora Fort
The Portuguese additionally constructed enormous forts for defence that ignored the ocean. Nowadays there’s not that a lot left of most of the forts themselves, aside from the crumbling partitions, however they’re a number of the hottest vacationer sights in Goa as a result of their gorgeous views.
Don’t miss Fort Aguada, located above Candolim Beach, the place you may admire the spectacular lighthouse and the breathtaking views out to sea.
Another standard fort is the crumbling Chapora Fort. Situated above Vagator Beach on the mouth of the Chapora River, it makes a spectacular spot to look at the sundown. It’s develop into fairly well-known because it was within the film Dil Chati Hai.
Best Places to Visit in Goa for Nature Lovers
Spice Plantations and Hindu Temples
The Ponda space is Goa’s Hindu Heartland and is the place you’ll discover Goa spice plantations and most well-known Hindu temples.
There’s quite a few spice farms which you can go to to be immersed within the lush tropical greenery, study concerning the vegetation and what number of diseases and illnesses they’ll deal with. Many have elephants which you can bathe or journey however that is merciless and shouldn’t be supported.
The household run natural Savoi Spice Plantation is likely one of the oldest spice farms in Goa and doesn’t abuse elephants. Most spice plantations cost an entry charge of round 500 rupees which incorporates an entertaining spice plantation tour, buffet lunch and a small pattern of some spices.
You can mix a go to to a spice plantation with visiting a few of Goa’s most well-known Hindu temples just like the Shantadurga Temple. The Mangueshi Temple and the Mahalsa Temple are each distinctive temples which can be devoted to Goan deities.
The greatest solution to see the spice plantations in with a guided tour which embody transport and a neighborhood lunch.
Dudhsagar Waterfall
Goa is house to many nationwide parks and wildlife sanctuaries, however essentially the most well-known place for nature lovers to go to is Dudhsagar Falls, located within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary within the Mollem district of South Goa.
Journey by way of the jungle with an thrilling jeep journey to marvel at India’s second highest waterfall, and watch the prepare move overhead whereas swimming within the refreshing waters. Dudhsagar Waterfall is at its fullest throughout monsoon, however then it’s closed to vacationers as a result of security corners, and there may be water all 12 months spherical.
The greatest solution to go to Dudhsagar Waterfall is with this guided tour that features decide up out of your resort, the jeep journey to the waterfalls, a tour of a spice plantation and lunch.
If you need to immerse your self within the jungle keep at Dudhsagar Plantation. The nature resort has its personal spice plantation, nature trails and a calming pure swimming pool.
Best Tours of Goa
The best solution to discover the perfect locations to go to in Goa is by taking a day tour. Having a neighborhood driver takes all of the stress out of getting round and having a neighborhood information actually brings these locations to life. The greatest Goa excursions are:
Highlights of Goa Tour
This personal full day sightseeing tour will take you to discover the highlights of Goa together with the capital Panaji and the charming Latin Quarter, the UNESCO listed church buildings of Old Goa, an informative spice plantation go to and native lunch.
Spice Plantation and Dudhsagar Falls Tour
Get picked up out of your resort and luxuriate in a jeep journey by way of the jungle for a refreshing swim in Dudhsagar waterfall. Take a tour of the spice plantations and luxuriate in a scrumptious Goan lunch.
Check out extra Goa excursions on Viator and Get your Guide the place you may verify opinions and e-book on-line.
Best Things to do in Goa
Shop on the Flea Markets
While there are infinite procuring alternatives in Goa, visiting the numerous quirky hippie flea markets is a enjoyable and distinctive expertise. Don’t overlook to haggle if you wish to take house a discount.
The most well-known is the Anjuna Flea Market which takes place on Wednesdays on Anjuna Beach. This vibrant market sells the whole lot from hippie clothes and jewelry to Tibetan handicrafts. The Anjuna flea market was began by the hippies again within the Seventies and is now one of many standard issues to do in Goa.
Another market to take a look at is the Arpora Saturday Night Market. This enormous market is full with reside music and meals stalls and can also be a extremely good night time out.
Take a Yoga Retreat or Train to be a Yoga Teacher
India is the birthplace of yoga, and Goa is likely one of the hottest locations within the nation to take a yoga class or be part of per week lengthy yoga retreat. You’ll discover drop in yoga courses in all kinds throughout the state, lots of which cater to rookies.
The seashores of Palolem, Agonda and Patnem in chilled out South Goa are the perfect locations for yoga in Goa. There are additionally retreats and courses in Anjuna, Assagao, Mandrem and Arambol in North Goa.
My favorite yoga retreat in Goa is Bamboo yoga retreat situated proper on the seaside entrance on peaceable Patnem seaside in South Goa.
Many yoga colleges provide month-long intensive yoga trainer coaching programs. Find a full record of yoga trainer coaching programs in Goa right here.
There are additionally quite a few different different therapies and workshops to strive from breathwork to tai chi to sound baths and ecstatic dance.
You can even take pleasure in an Ayurvedic therapeutic massage. Ayurveda is an historic life science of plant primarily based pure drugs that originated in Kerala however there are various ayurvedic remedies supplied in Goa. Take a whole remedy course or simply take pleasure in a pleasant, stress-free therapeutic massage.
Panjim River Cruises and Floating Casinos
Panjim’s distinctive floating casinos on ships anchored within the Mandovi River have develop into standard Goa vacationer sights.
The greatest ones are Deltin Royale and Casino Pride. The entrance charge covers some drinks, snacks, enjoying chips, music and leisure. Try your luck on the slot machines or at video games like Roulette, Blackjack, Bacarrette, Stud Poker and Rummy. Check out this text for more information on Goa’s casinos.
There’s a number of choices for a Panjim river cruise together with sundown cruises, backwater houseboat cruises, social gathering cruises and dinner cruises with leisure. You can e-book the paradise dinner cruise right here. You may even e-book a personal social gathering boat to have fun a special day.
Visit a Wildlife Sanctuary
Goa has a number of wildlife sanctuaries and nationwide parks. The largest one in Mollem is house to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary which incorporates Goa’s oldest temple and Dudhsagar falls.
The Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, close to Panjim, gives a novel expertise of touring by way of the mangroves in a canoe to achieve the hen watching tower.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, close to Palolem Beach, is the place you may climb up a towering tree home for superb views over the jungle and your likelihood to identify wildlife.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a whole jungle resort with a zoo, deer safari park, botanical gardens and nature interpretation middle. It’s situated close to Ponda so you may mix this with a go to to a spice plantation.
Explore the Colonial Mansions in Chandor
Chandor, in South Goa, was as soon as essentially the most spectacular metropolis on the Konkan Coast. Some of the as soon as grand colonial Portuguese mansions at the moment are a shadow of their former glory however visiting Chandor continues to be an fascinating place for these thinking about historical past and structure.
A spotlight is the Menezes Braganza House which was constructed within the seventeenth century. This massive home is now divided in two and you’ll see the contrasts between the grand and decrepit in a single home and take heed to the tales from the proprietor’s household feuds. The Figueiredo Mansion and the Palácio do Deão are additionally fascinating to go to.
The greatest solution to go to the Portuguese mansions is on this South Goa Heritage Trail Tour. You’ll be picked up out of your resort and brought to discover 3 Portuguese mansions as properly the fascinating Goa Chitra Museum.
If you need to immerse your self on this distinctive historical past you may even keep within the Figueiredo Mansion which has been tastefully and lovingly refurbished into a beautiful heritage homestay.
More thrilling actions to strive
The enjoyable doesn’t cease on the seaside, in addition to watersports and boat journeys there’s loads of different thrilling actions to strive in Goa.
You can paraglide off the cliffs all the way down to the seaside if the circumstances are proper. Taking an ebike tour of offbeat Divar Island or kayaking on the backwaters is a serene solution to expertise a unique aspect to Goa.
Thrill seekers would possibly need to do a Bungy Jump and {couples} can deal with themselves to a romantic expertise of hoovering excessive above the palm timber with a scorching air balloon journey.
Nightlife and Parties in Goa
Goa is known as top-of-the-line locations to social gathering in India and one of many hottest social gathering spots in the entire world! Experiencing Goa’s legendary nightlife scene is a should when visiting Goa.
Goa is known for it’s psytrance events that began throughout the hippie days, however these days there’s one thing to go well with everybody – from seaside events and reside music jams to thumping nightclubs, stylish bars, full of life pubs and enjoyable night time markets.
Some of essentially the most full of life bars, pubs and nightclubs in Goa will be discovered on Tito’s Lane in Baga, a full of life strip of buzzing bars and nightclubs simply off standard Baga Beach. There’s additionally LPK Waterfront and SinQ nightclub in Candolim.
Anjuna and Vagator even have epic seaside events and raves, try the well-known Curlies seaside shack on Anjuna Beach or Hilltop nightclub in Vagator for loopy psychedelic rave events. Ashvem and Morjim are house to elegant nightclubs and social gathering resorts like Marbella Beach Resort.
South Goa is far quieter at night time however there are silent headphone discos in Palolem and Leopard Valley is South Goa’s most occurring social gathering spot.
New Year in Goa is well known with fireworks on the seaside and a number of the most epic events. Check out my ideas for partying in Goa at New Year right here.
There’s too many social gathering locations in Goa to say all of them on this Goa journey information. See extra of my nightlife ideas right here and obtain the Party Hunt App or try What’s Up Goa to seek out out what’s on.
Best Restaurants in Goa
Goa is house to some superb eating places, from low-cost and cheerful seaside shacks to tremendous eating eating places that serve up scrumptious seafood, conventional Goan delicacies, Indian delicacies and meals from all around the world.
There’s too many nice eating places in Goa to say all of them on this Goa journey information so right here’s simply a few of my favourites. Check out my weblog submit on the perfect eating places in Goa for extra suggestions.
You’ll discover the perfect conventional and genuine Goan meals in Panjim. Hotel Venite has been serving Goan delicacies since 1955 and is likely one of the most charming eating places in Panjim’s latin quater. Sit on the little balconies and watch the world by whereas sampling Goan delicacies.
Another should strive is Mum’s Kitchen, an award successful Goan restaurant well-known for it’s seafood and for preserving conventional Goan household recipes. Viva Panjim is one other best choice.
For South Indian meals strive Gunpowder, in Assagao, thought to be the perfect South Indian restaurant in Goa Experience the flavours and tastes of their curries, dosas and idlis in a cultured backyard atmosphere.
Fisherman’s Wharf, in Cavelossim, South Goa and on Panjim riverside, is likely one of the greatest seafood eating places in Goa. Located on the waterfront with gorgeous sea views and scrumptious seafood.
Thalassa, located on the banks of the Chapora River in Sioilm, is a Greek restaurant with superb views over the water. With gorgeous sunsets, scrumptious Greek meals and reside performances and hearth reveals, it’s develop into probably the most well-known and standard eating places in Goa. You should e-book prematurely in peak season to order your desk. See their web site to know extra and reserve your desk.
Artjuna is an excellent cute cafe in Anjuna that serves up nice Israeli and Mediterranean dishes in a relaxed courtyard backyard cafe setting.
Beach shacks are a number of the greatest locations to eat in Goa and vary from low-cost and cheerful to gourmand worldwide delicacies. Pousada by the Beach, a part of the Pousada Tauma Hotel, is my best choice for upscale seaside entrance eating in standard Calangute. Pousada serves an incredible collection of conventional Goan and Konkani delicacies in addition to nice pastas and salads in a peaceable spot proper on Goa’s hottest seaside.
La Plage on Ashvem Beach is a gourmand French restaurant with a tremendous seaside entrance location that’s constantly thought to be one of many easiest eating places in Goa.
Zeebop is likely one of the most greatest seaside shacks in South Goa. It’s location, on the pristine, white sands of Utorda make it an incredible place for lengthy lazy lunch or sundown drinks. Not surprisingly the seafood is a spotlight.
How Long to Spend in Goa
It’s troublesome to say how lengthy it is best to spend in Goa. For me, a lifetime isn’t sufficient! The laid again way of life and exquisite seashores have a approach of creating many individuals need to keep without end.
There’s loads of issues to do in Goa to spend 1 or 2 weeks, however I do know that not everybody has a lot trip time. As a minimal I’d spend no less than 3 days in Goa simply to get a style of what Goa has to supply. 4 days in Goa is healthier as a result of then you may see the highlights of each north and south.
It’s just a few hours drive between North Goa and South Goa so for the right vacation you may spend just a few days in each. Enjoy partying in North Goa, stress-free on the seashores in South Goa and take a day journey to Panjim and Old Goa to see the whole lot Goa has to supply in a single journey.
Follow my 3 day Goa itinerary to see all of Goa’s highlights in a brief journey.
How to Get to Goa
Dabolim International Airport (GOI) is situated roughly in the midst of the state and a new airport at Mopa within the far north of Goa is because of open in 2023.
Goa is properly related with most main Indian cites like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai. In the season time there are direct constitution flights from the UK, Europe and Russia to Goa’s worldwide airport.
International vacationers can even fly into Mumbai’s (BOM) or Delhi (DEL) and hook up with a home flight from there. Mumbai gives the quickest, most cost-effective and most frequent flights to Goa with direct flights solely taking about 1 hour from 2,000 INR.
Goa can also be straightforward to achieve by rail. Trains from Mumbai to Madgaon (Margao) the principle prepare station for Goa take between 9 – 12 hours. Just be certain to e-book tickets properly prematurely as a result of seats promote out rapidly. The easiest method to do that on-line is with 12 Go Asia.
Madgoan or Margao is roughly in the midst of South Goa and the closest seaside is Benaulim solely 5km away. North Goa’s seashores aren’t so properly related by rail.
Other helpful prepare stations in Goa embody Vasco da Gama (closest to the airport) Canacona (for Palolem and the far South) Thivim and Pernem (for North Goa) or Karmali (close to Old Goa and the closest to the capital Panjim)
If you may’t get a prepare ticket there’s additionally buses and sleeper buses which take about 12 – 14 hours from Mumbai to Goa however the prepare is way more comfy and the flight a lot faster. Book at 12 Go Asia.
Getting Around Goa
The greatest solution to get from the airport to your resort is by utilizing the pre paid taxi stand on the airport.
Unfortunately, public transport in Goa isn’t the perfect. The prepare community isn’t actually handy for attending to the seashores or sights neither are the native buses.
The buses join the villages to the cities like Margao, Mapusa and Panjim however getting between seashores and sights generally requires alot of adjustments when you wished to get from say Arambol to Palolem.
There’s not so many rickshaws as you discover in the remainder of India and nonetheless no Uber in Goa so taxis cost a ridiculous value. There is a new Hop on Hop off open air vacationer bus service that connects the most well-liked North Goa seashores and Panjim with Old Goa and the temples and spice plantations round Ponda.
But one of the simplest ways to discover Goa is to lease a automobile, scooter or bike. Most motels and guesthouses will have the ability to organize this however watch out because the slim nation roads across the seashores weren’t constructed for a lot visitors.
International vacationers might want to present an worldwide driving allow in addition to their regular driving license if stopped by the police.
How to Get an Indian Visa
Nearly all nationalities (aside from residents of Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives) should apply for an Indian vacationer visa earlier than arriving.
An E-Visa is obtainable to 156 nationalities together with the USA, Australia, New Zealand and most European nations, however you do want to use on-line earlier than you journey to India. Get your e-visa right here.
All worldwide arrivals additionally must submit an on-line self declaration type and add both a vaccine certificates or unfavorable covid check right here earlier than departure. Check the newest covid information and arrival pointers right here
Be conscious that E-Visas are presently not accessible for residents of the UK or Canada who might want to get hold of a daily/paper Indian visa by way of VFS. You want to use on-line and attend an appointment in individual. However the ready time to get an appointment within the UK is presently about 1 month. So apply properly prematurely, but additionally bear in mind that the visa is legitimate from the date of challenge not the date of entry.
More Goa Travel Guides
So that’s it for this Goa journey information – I hope you discovered it helpful! I’ve many extra Goa weblog posts and Goa journey guides that will help you plan your journey to Goa:
Offbeat locations and issues to do in Goa
A Guide to Goa’s Nightlife and Parties