A comprehensive travel guide for Goa

Goa is the smallest state in the western part of India, but it is very popular because of its interesting past, friendly people, gorgeous coastline, and one-of-a-kind crafts.

The north of the island became a hippie haven in the 1960s and 1970s, where people could get away from their everyday lives and party. Soon, a lot of backpackers started gathering there.

It was an excellent place to start for people who were going alone in India. It makes sense that a place evolves more over time as it becomes more well-known.

People think of the North as a place with high-rise hotels, water sports, market stalls, and artistic buildings, even though it still has a party vibe.

The best time to go is from October to March, when the weather is nice and dry. This is also Goa’s tourist season. Most beach shacks begin in November. They have to depart by April or May because it is too hot and humid to stay. In the months of June through September, the southwest monsoon brings rain.

Language: Most Goans speak and understand Konkani as their first language, but many also speak and understand Hindi and English.

Rupee is the Indian currency.

The time zone in question is UTC, which stands for Coordinated Universal Time. It’s 5.5 hours later. Goa does not follow the rules for daylight saving time.

Getting Around: Auto rickshaws and cabs are the most common ways to get around. Unfortunately, the well-known Goan taxi union keeps prices high and makes it hard for app-based car services like Uber to work. In Goa, renting a motorbike or a self drive car in Goa is a common and affordable choice.

What to do in Goa

Most people are surprised when they discover that Goa has more to offer than just beaches and parties. For example, you can go on hot air balloon rides, tour historic forts, see spice plantations, visit art galleries and museums, go hiking in nature reserves, watch birds at the Doctor Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, do yoga and natural therapies, ride on a luxurious vessel along the Mandovi River, bet at casinos, see live jazz performances, and of course, shop. Tourists who like to take risks can go on these one-of-a-kind walking and electric bike trips. You can go for self drive car rental in Goa and have the best time with your family and friends.

Where to Stay

Goa has a seashore that is about 100 km long. Every beach is different, and there are many places to stay, from fancy private homes to simple beach huts. The idea could be confusing! South Goa is less developed and more laid-back than the northern region, so if you’re looking to do something, you should go there. South Goa is where most of the high-end places to stay are located. It’s great to just chill out and do nothing at Agonda, but Palolem is South Goa’s busy beach. Patnem gives you a bit of each. There are many backpacker hotels and the famous Wednesday flea market close to Anjuna beach. The trippy trance scene is still big around Vagator beach. The stretch of beach between Mandrem and Morjim and Ashwem has become very famous, and Arambol Beach is now a tourist hotspot with lots of alternative therapies. The city, Panjim, is in the middle of Goa, halfway among the north and south.

Getting There

Goa have 2 international Airport, Dabolim and Mopa Airport. Shuttle bus service, taxis and car rental at Goa airport are easily available at airports. You can also take an Indian Railways train to get to Goa. It works well for tourists on a budget and has many stops in both north and south Goa, which is helpful.

Some Useful Tips

From May to September, when hotels aren’t as busy, you can save a huge 50% on your stay.

There are a lot of cheap places to stay in Goa that don’t advertise on the internet. Going on a trip outside of the busy months, from mid-December to mid-January, you can just show up, find a spot, and bargain over the price.

You can stay in a single room or a dorm at a backpacking hostel.

In markets, make sure to bargain to get a good price.