GOA: A SHORT GUIDE FOR TRAVELERS

If you are still thinking, where to escape from the winter cold, so that it is sunny and quite accessible, go to Goa! We have already prepared a short state guide: where to go, what to expect, where and how to have fun, where to look and what to try.

Who is this article about?

Goa, without exaggeration, the main resort of India and one of the most accessible destinations for a warm beach holiday in the winter. This and earned popularity among thousands of travelers from around the world. After all, even in the most elite areas and 5-star hotels, prices are much lower than in other similar areas, and for budget tourists there are options for good accommodation in mini-hotels, guest houses (from € 5-7).

Why goa ?

Goa is not at all like the rest of India or our ideas about this country. This is a huge beautiful coast of the Indian Ocean with dozens of typical resorts and excellent beaches (about 40).

Goa is divided into two parts: the southern and northern. South Goa – is considered a more elite resort with good, expensive hotels, pensions, well-groomed areas. He is favored mainly by wealthy tourists from Europe with or without families. North Goa – a budget resort, famous for affordable accommodation, inexpensive cafes and bars, noisy parties. Here young people from all over the world love to relax.

Where to go to South Goa

Created for tourists who like to relax “beautiful” and calm. Expensive hotels, clean and well-groomed beaches, a quiet relaxing atmosphere, fewer tourists and plenty of places for secluded relaxation.

• Colva is the main tourist center of South Goa, large and lively. There are much more tourists here than at other resorts, and therefore there are many restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops. Colva is almost the only place on the South side where you can visit some parties and concerts.
• Benalulim is located not far from Colva, but is a calmer place. Here you can not find restaurants and bars, only small cafes. But it will suit sports enthusiasts: a lot of water entertainment and bike rental, and you can often see dolphins off the coast.
• Welsao, Arossim, Kansaulim, Utorda, Majorda, Betalbatim are quiet, uncrowded resorts for those who like quiet, relaxing holidays: clean wide beaches, white sand and beautiful landscapes, palm groves and fruit trees. You can’t see large groups of tourists here, and in general – the places are quite quiet.
• Cola and Dona-Paula are a couple of typical resorts in South Goa. The cola is divided into two parts: Big Cola and Small Cola. These are options for those who have a good enough bungalow and a large coastline in order to “get away from civilization”. Dona-Paula is considered a place for couples to relax.
• Mobor is a picturesque resort between the Arabian Sea and the Sal River. Mobor is famous for its expensive hotel complexes, in which world celebrities like to stay. All tourists are pleased with beautiful landscapes: small islands, ponds, sand dunes. Average prices for accommodation in South Goa:

1. 3 * – from € 35 (for double occupancy);
2. 4 * – from € 50 (for double occupancy);
3. 5 * – from € 90 (for double occupancy).

Where to go in North Goa

North Goa, perhaps the most colorful place in the South-West of India. Here is a mixture of cultures, so many young people from different countries and different parties, parties, that the head is spinning. A large area of ​​North Goa is divided into small resorts and small villages. Hotels here are simpler and cheaper, the beaches are not so clean. But here the atmosphere of complete freedom reigns. And also South Goa is popular with freelancers who move here for a few months at a time in low-cost bungalows.

Must Read: Top 10 Beaches of North Goa 

•  Calangute and Baga are two large resorts with a large flow of tourists and, as a result, crowded beaches. There are many cafes, restaurants and bars in which both tourists and residents of India sit. On the beaches there are plenty of water activities for adults and children.
• Anjuna – a place of focus of the youth party, one of the most interesting in North Goa. Famous for non-format parties and colorful public. Accommodation here is not expensive, but the coast may be unsafe for swimming due to the large accumulation of stones at the bottom.
• Arambol – even more noisy place, with a bunch of clubs for lovers of various musical styles, but above all “trance”. One of the most budgetary areas for holidaymakers, where you can live and live literally “for a penny.” However, it is not at all famous for cleanliness, often on the coast you can see heaps of garbage.
• Ashwem, Kerim and Mandrem are relatively quiet and secluded resorts in North Goa, where there are much fewer guests and much quieter at night. Places are not famous for some interesting infrastructure, except for a couple of cafes.
• Vagator is a rave region of North Goa, but more calm in comparison with the same Arambol. In the presence of just a few clubs and bars, which are hiding and resting in the evening. Vagator is located in the center of the Northern part, and therefore it is convenient for those who want to travel to other beaches and areas.

Average prices for accommodation in North Goa:

1. Bungalows – from € 10 (for double occupancy);
2. 3 * – from € 20 (for double occupancy);
3. 4 * – from € 40 (for double occupancy);
4. 5 * – from € 70 (for double occupancy).

What to see

For curious tourists, Old Goa will be a must-see, an old city famous for its architectural masterpieces, many of which are protected by UNESCO. These are ancient cathedrals, temples, basilicas, palaces, manors. The famous Cathedral of St. Catherine – the largest church in India. Worth a look and in the Palace of the Archbishops, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. More on: Old Goa Churches Details.

The reserve Bhagwan Mahavir is a unique reserve, on the territory of which there are many rare birds and wild animals. On its territory you can meet leopards, elephants, deer, giant squirrels, Indian bison, pythons, reed cats and many others. The reserve can be moved by car.

If you have few birds in Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, then you can drop in at the bird sanctuary Salim Ali – one of the best in all of India, in whose territory more than 400 species of very different birds inhabit. The greatest accumulation of birds is observed in the winter period (from November to March), when they flock for wintering. There you can also see crocodiles, jackals and flying foxes.

It is impossible not to go to the capital of Goa, the city of Panaji, rich in sights of different styles and cultures: churches, chapels, small houses, cathedrals, the Latin Quarter, parks, a couple of museums and interesting restaurants. Panaji is worth a visit for shopping lovers, there are many shopping centers and brand shops in the city.

• Fort Agaud – one of the largest Portuguese forts of Goa occupies a huge territory, where hundreds of tourists walk for hours. Here is a four-storey old lighthouse, a prison, which still operates today, as well as a modern hotel. From the fort offers a beautiful view of the ocean.
• Dudhsagar Falls – one of the highest waterfalls in India, its height – 310 meters. At the foot of the waterfall there is a small lake with cool water, in which all comers bathe. More Booking Information on: Dudhsagar Falls.

Things to do in Goa

You can go diving in Goa almost anywhere, in any part of the state. However, those experienced in this matter claim that it is good only for beginners. Since there are no particularly interesting and unusual landscapes, and the depth of the dive is very small.

Yoga Retreats & Schools in Goa

Training centers for yoga and other spiritual and physical practices in Goa abound. Classes are held in special centers and groups on the beaches, to the relaxing sounds of the waves. Check Best Yoga Retreats in Goa on Explorayoga

One of the most common entertainment in almost all regions of Goa is fishing. You can go fishing both in the sea and in lakes and rivers of the state. You can organize it yourself, inexpensively renting a boat from local fishermen (from € 0.5 for 2 hours), or go on sightseeing fishing – to catch tuna, salmon, barracuda, catfish, etc.

In Goa, as well as in almost every part of India, there are numerous spa complexes and massage parlors with unusual local relaxation methods. As well as Ayurvedic centers with a variety of methods of local alternative medicine.

Water Sports Activities in Goa:

Enjoy Jet Ski, Banana Ride, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling in Goa. Watersports activities done in goa mainely on Baga Beach, Calangute, Anjuna, Candolim etc. If you are in group, there are Water Sports Package Available in Goa as well.  In the major cities of North and South Goa there are quite a few other Watersports complexes, bicycle, scooter and car rentals, various “adventure watersports” like surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, etc.

 

Foods in Goa:

Of course, you can not ignore the local cuisine, famous for its spices and seasonings. “Biriani” pilaf made from seafood or chicken, “paratha” flatbread with baked vegetables, “Burfi” dessert made from milk, berries, coconut, nuts and saffron and many other dishes deserve to at least try them. If you do not like very spicy food, you can ask the chefs to make a more adapted version of the dish for you.

If you stay on the North side, then at least once, but you should look at local parties, the fame of which goes far beyond India, because Goa is considered the birthplace of “trance”, the direction of “goa-trance” was fixed in music. The state regularly hosts national holidays and elephant shows, of course, bright and interesting spectacles.

Tips and tricks

The best of all in Goa is to go to the “tropical winter” (from October to March) – this time is the warmest and with almost no rain.

Goa – “paradise” for those who like to bargain. The longer you, for example, rent a moped, bungalow or boat, the cheaper the daily price will be (sometimes as much as twice as much). Bargaining is also worthwhile in local markets when buying groceries, spices, souvenirs, etc.

Indian cuisine is tasty, interesting, but often very spicy and spicy, and therefore even those who do not suffer from gastric diseases, do not interfere with having various medicines with them. You should not buy ready-made meals from street vendors, and you can only drink water from bottles.

For easy travel to the resorts of Goa, it is better to rent a moped. Fast, convenient, inexpensive (rent – from € 3 per day), we need the usual rights of international standard.

With children, it is better to go to the South side, as it is considered safer, more calm and clean.

All beaches of Goa are state property, and therefore the entrance to them is free, who, where, what you do not say. You will have to pay only if you want to use additional amenities, such as a chaise lounge, an umbrella, etc. hotel or cafe, in whose property they are located.

Experienced travelers advise not to stop at any one locality, but to travel to different resorts in the Southern or Northern part, since all the beaches are very different, diverse, and everywhere you can find good and affordable places to stay.