travel advice goa

• YouTube Channel
• Travel Resources

Goa Travel Tips: 13 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting

by Drifter Planet | Jun 26, 2016 | Goa , India , Most Popular Blog Posts

Travel Tips to get the most out of your Goa visit

I’m sure by now you know that I absolutely LOVE Goa . I love it so much that I spent many hours a few days back in my attempt to create the most detailed guide on the internet to North Goa ! 

In the past few years, I have seen many Goa travel tips on different websites that say things like “carry sunscreen” or “carry comfortable flat sandals or flip flops”.

Yes, these tips are correct but don’t you think they are pretty darn obvious? 

Of course, if you’re visiting a beach destination, you’re going to have to carry sunscreen and flip-flips.

Anyway, I want to help first-time Goa visitors and have decided to share a little more insight about things you need to keep in mind before visiting Goa. Here are some essential Goa travel tips to help you get the most out of your visit to this glorious destination.

Travel Tips for Goa

Table of contents, 1) visa for goa.. umm india.

Based on the volume of people who visit my website from other countries, I feel it is necessary to add information for obtaining a visa for India in this article.

If you don’t know this already – I’m married to a German and he often applies for a tourist visa to visit India. India doesn’t offer a visa-free entry OR a visa on arrival but you can apply for an eVisa. Sadly the government-run website for an eVisa for India or a general tourist visa for India is not so simple to use and usually gives errors on things as simple as picture upload.

Based on the number of painful hours my husband has spent on the Indian embassy’s eVisa website, I highly recommend you make things simpler for yourself and check iVisa . We availed their service when we were in the Philippines and it really made things simpler for us.

Click here to check your visa requirements for India

2) Goa High Season – When NOT to Visit Goa

Goa doesn’t just have high and low seasons, but it also has peak and moderate seasons. Here are some more details:

The low season is from May to mid-September, the High is from November to the middle of December and the peak is from the middle of December to the middle of January.

Avoid visiting Goa during the peak season because you will waste a lot of time in traffic jams.

If you must visit during this time, try to find the most secluded beaches. Chances are, even those beaches will not be secluded during the peak season.

During the New Year and Christmas time, many city folks from all over India (especially Delhi , Mumbai, and Bangalore) visit Goa.

3) Where Not to Stay in Goa

I have mentioned this before and I want to mention this again – Goa offers way more than Calangute – Baga – Candolim or Anjuna beaches. Trust me, these above-mentioned beaches are definitely some of the most crowded ones and no longer have a “Goa vibe”.

For more details about where to stay, check out my post about North Goa Beaches and beyond.

4) You DON’T need to book a place to stay in advance, unless…

Unless you’re visiting very late at night and don’t have time to hunt for a bed, or you’re visiting at peak season, which is December 20 to January 5, I’d recommend you not to prebook your place.

Most travel websites will brainwash you into booking a room because they sell rooms on their websites or on a commission basis. If you book in advance, you miss out on places that don’t advertise on the internet but only through word of mouth.

5) Save money from Goa Airport to your hotel

If you’re visiting Goa, most likely you’re going to arrive here by flight. Unlike most of India, tuk-tuks are not so easily available in Goa.

The cost of traveling in Goa is usually low except the taxis are expensive and unfortunately that’s the only mode of communication you will find at the airports. However, there is a way you can save money on your taxi fare.

At the prepaid taxi counter queue just at the exit gate of the airport, just ask around and try to find fellow travelers who are heading in your direction. Most likely, you will easily find people to share a taxi with for your destination. This has always worked for me!

6) Reaching Goa Airport by Bus

It is possible to get to the airport by bus. From North Goa (let’s say Morjim), take a tuk-tuk (or taxi) to Silom or Mapusa bus stand, and from there catch an express bus to Panjim (Panaji). From Panjim, you need to catch a bus to Vasco and it will drop you 2 KMs away from the airport.

Make sure you let the bus driver know that you have to reach the airport because there’s no proper bus stop where they will drop you off. Do this only if you’re ready to walk with your luggage.

Keep in mind that the last bus from Panjim to Vasco departs at 7 and the queue behind the ticket counter is usually massive, so take out an extra 30 minutes or more for this.

Similarly, if you’re in South Goa (let’s say Agonda), you need to take a tuk-tuk to the nearest bus stand and then take a bus to Margao Bus Terminal. From Margao, board a bus (or Kadamba shuttle) to Vasco. Try finding a bus that goes from Maragao to Vasco via Majorda. Again, make sure you inform your driver that you need to get to the airport so that he can drop you to the nearest point.

Do this only if you have a lot of time before your flight. It took us 4 hours to travel from Vagator to the airport by bus. Looking back, it isn’t worth the hassle but those were my backpacking days when I had a lot of time and hardly any money.

7) Best Way to Explore Goa

If you like walking, you will only be able to explore your beach area and around. If you want to explore further, I’d recommend you rent a scooter.

Exploring Goa on a rented scooter is the best and the most affordable option. These scooters are usually available for INR 300 – 500 per day.

Please make sure you carry your driver’s license because there are many checkpoints. It is possible to rent cars too but many spots can only be accessed by scooters or on foot.

8) Where Not to Swim in Goa

In Goa, certain areas are marked by red flags which means it’s dangerous to swim there. The sea will appear to be calm but the undercurrents are powerful and dangerous. If you go inside, you will be transported to the open sea much faster than you can swim.

These are the situations when people drown because they try to fight to current in their panic. Most likely, you will see a lot of people in the water already but please follow the rules and don’t be an idiot.

Oh and on a side note, don’t swim in the stretch of ocean in front of Curlees and Shiva Valley of Anjuna because I have personally seen people puking in that water after Anjuna’s crazy parties.

9) A tip about Goan Food

Do you love Indian food? You’re going to LOVE Goan food. However, keep in mind that the Goan curries are spicier than most of the Indian curries.

If you can’t handle spice, make sure you inform your restaurant staff to go easy on the chilies. I love spicy Goan food but San can’t handle the chili overdose.

10) How not to get ripped off

Shopping in Goa is fun because of the variety of things that you can buy. Lamps, incense sticks, swimsuits, clothes, jewelry, tea, spices, fruits – almost everything that you will possibly need will be available on the streets.

While grocery stores have fixed prices, street shop vendors will hike the price when they see that you’re not a local.

To avoid getting ripped off, you need to learn how to haggle like a pro. As a rule of thumb, cut the quoted price in half and then negotiate your way to a middle figure. Do not forget to smile when you do this.

If you find something unique at a high price, most likely it’s handmade, and maybe it’s worth the price, so just buy it.

11) Find the best parties in Goa

Ok, so you have heard that Goa is the birthplace of psychedelic trance and you want to experience a typical old-school Goa trance party. But how to find the best PsyTrance parties? Well, stay in the Vagator area and just follow the music. There is usually a party every night.

Ask around and you will find out. When you reach the party and if you ever get hungry, you will definitely find affordable snacks right outside the parties.

Outside every party are rows of Ammas (older mother-like women) with stoves selling cheese omelet buns, burgers, cigarettes, water, and tea. These Ammas usually know where is the next party so just ask them.

12) Be Safe in Goa

While Goa is safer than most of India and perhaps many parts of the world, it doesn’t hurt to take typical safety precautions. Trust your instincts and don’t accept drinks from strangers. When in doubt, head to the nearest shop and contact a local to seek help.

13) Respect the Culture, the Nature and Goa way of life

Yes, Goa is perhaps the most open-minded destination in India and the locals are liberal. But please don’t treat their home as your “nonstop party on the road” destination.

I don’t know why I’m even typing this but I feel it’s my responsibility to inform you that you should cover yourself a little more than what you do at the beach if you end up visiting any of the churches.

Please don’t leave your trash on the beach. If you find any, just pick it up and put it in the nearest dustbin. Oh and don’t forget that most of the shacks (beach bar and restaurants) are run by families and you should not expect a five-star service. Appreciate what you get and don’t forget to smile.

Enjoyed these Goa travel tips? Why not share with a friend? If you live in Goa or have visited it a few times, why don’t you add your own tip in the comments?

Pin to save the post for later

You may also like:

North Goa – Beaches and Beyond

Goa Flea Markets

Why I love Goa and Keep Going Back

Things to do in  Hampi

11 Hippie Destinations in the Himalayas

Related Posts:

Thanks for the tips!!

I have a confirmed booking at ITC Fortune Select Regina, Candolim, Goa. Three Deluxe room for 3 days (13th Dec to 16 Dec ‘18). Price Rs 6500 per night stay(all inclusive price including breakfast). Anyone interested may contact me ( 9099022989). Actually it a group booking but 3 of our colleague are not joining due to last minute unavoidable reasons. It’s a 4 Star property at beautiful Candolim beach.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hello Travelers!

Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

I love European city breaks, nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I have a think for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.

Not sure where to start? Start with some of my most popular posts .

Pin It on Pinterest

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Drifter Planet

A Complete 7-day Itinerary and Guide to Goa for First Timers

This guide to Goa is perfect for those of you planning to travel there for the first time, as it talks about the best time to visit, how to reach Goa, popular beaches in North and South Goa, where to stay for your first visit, and how to get around. Also included is Goa itinerary for 7 days.

Goa is a tropical paradise with endless white and golden-sand beaches lined with swaying palm trees. This small state in the southwestern region of India is unlike any other, with its laid-back culture balanced by its thriving nightlife. But that’s not all there is to Goa. It is a land of soothing bike rides, fascinating world heritage sites, plush resorts, friendly hostels, delectable seafood, and various forms of spiritual practices. It is definitely the most popular destination in India amongst Indian and international travellers (after the Taj Mahal, of course), as it has something for everyone.

Guide to Goa For First Timers

What is the best time to visit goa.

March-May : These are the summer months when Goa gets unbearably muggy, with temperatures touching 40ºC (104ºF).

June – September : During these monsoon months, Goa becomes lush green. It is relatively quieter than other months. Most shacks are temporary structures that are dismantled during this period and water sports aren’t going on. But this is a charming time in Goa overall, with plenty of restaurants and activities to keep you entertained.

November–February : Winter is the peak season here. Goa, being a coastal area, is balmy while the inland parts of the country go through typical winter temperatures. The sun is always out and the cool sea breeze blows through from time to time. December is the busiest month as Goa hosts the Annual Sunburn Music Festival, which attracts people from all over. Plus, people flock in to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s holidays at this party destination.

Verdict: For your first time in Goa, you should visit during the season, Mid-October to Mid-March , so that you can see all that Goa has to offer. The shacks will be open, beach stays will be available in South Goa and the weather will be pleasant. However, the prices will be higher than any other time of the year.

How to reach Goa?

Goa’s international airport is situated at Dabolim, near Vasco Da Gama, and there is also a new airport in North Goa, Manohar International Airport. You can land at either of these and hire a taxi to your hotel/hostel.

While most cities in India have an organised cab service like Uber and Ola, Goa has  GoaMiles  ( now also an app) that can pass for Goa’s very own Uber. We’ve used it a few times and found cabs at a good rate. You can also opt for the taxis lined up on the road outside the airport (be prepared to bargain and ensure to set prices before the start of the trip) or prepaid taxi stands at airports that have a set price. You can always ask at your accommodation if they provide airport transfers but these might turn out to be more expensive.

Local buses in Goa are significantly cheaper but also very inconvenient, as you would have to change multiple vehicles to get to your destination in Goa. Use the local bus only if you’re on a super low budget.

Bus, Cab and Car

You can also opt to reach Goa by overnight bus or cab from major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Hyderabad in India. If travelling by bus, Mapusa would be your de-boarding point for North Goa , Panjim for Central , and Margao/Canacona for South .

You can book your bus via Redbus .

We’ve driven it down from Pune a few times now and once from Hyderabad. The road is full of potholes as you get closer to Goa. But you’ll cross ghats and waterfalls. It is beautiful!

Goa is also well connected by train to the rest of India. The main train stations are Vasco da Gama (central), Margao (south) and Thivim (north) .

Which area to stay in Goa?

Goa is divided into North and South Goa, with its capital, Panaji (popularly known as Panjim), located around the centre. For your first time in Goa, it can be confusing to decide where to stay, as different corners of the state offer different experiences. In this itinerary, you’ll be staying in both North Goa and South Goa .

Baga, Calangute, Candolim or Anjuna : This is a good option for your first time in Goa, as the area is very central, so all places to see would be close to you.

However, please note that these beaches aren’t best, as they’re the most popular in Goa. Every Tom Dick and Harry visit these beaches so the crowd is also such. However, your purpose of staying around this area is different. You’re here to enjoy the water sports, the parties, the food and maybe even shop a little.

A little further north is Anjuna. While it is not the best location to stay for this itinerary, this area has come up a lot in the past few years, so you’ll find a lot of  must-visit restaurants in Goa  around this area.

Stay Options:

Casa Cenica (2BHK in Arpora) Onastay  (2BHK in Candolim) Casa De Mezzanine (Beautiful 1BHK in Arpora) Jade by CasaFlip (2BHK in Anjuna) Beach Villa With Private pool (luxury) Canary By CasaFlip (1BHK in Anjuna).

Palolem or Agonda: For your first trip to South Goa, you should stay at one of these two beaches and explore other beaches nearby. These beaches have restaurants but yet maintain a relaxed vibe so you can enjoy time on the beach. Remember that you should only stay in South Goa beaches beach from October to March as the huts and shacks are mostly dismantled before the monsoons and built back up when the monsoons get over. Click to  know more about South Goa Beaches .

Stay Options: Jardim-a-Mar (Agonda Beach- I’ve stayed here twice) Simrose (Agonda Beach – this one is often open all-year round) Agonda Serenity Beach Villa (has a jacuzzi on porch at Agonda Beach) Agonda Island View (Agonda Beach) BunkNBrew (hostel in Palolem)

How to get around Goa?

Taxis are expensive in Goa and not ideal for getting around and sightseeing. Buses are quite cheap but again, inconvenient. Instead, opt for a scooter or motorbike for the duration of your stay in Goa. There is no better way to get around, as it will give you the utmost freedom. The best bit is that it is inexpensive at about Rs. 500–800 a day, depending on the season (off-season or peak), type of bike (scooters like Honda Activa, low-end bikes like Bajaj Pulsar or high-end ones, like Royal Enfield) and your haggling skills.

If you don’t want to ride a bike or moped, you can hire a car . Most offer stick shifts so if you don’t know how to drive these, finding an automatic may not be easy. However, we have always managed to find one and so should you. Economy cars usually cost about Rs. 1000–1200 per day but may go up depending on the season.

You can get a bike or car on hire easily by talking to your accommodation host or hotel.

The perfect 1 week Goa Itinerary: North and South Goa

The Goa experience is different for every individual depending on their style of travel. It’s never a one size fits all because there is simply so much to see and do. We have stayed in Goa for 2 months and have yet not seen it all. Your personalised Goa itinerary would largely depend on what you enjoy – nature, culture, beaches, partying, etc. In this 7-day Goa itinerary, we’ve tried to include a bit of everything so you can get a true feel of the different sides of Goa and decide for yourself which aspect of Goa you enjoy the most!

Day 1-2 North Goa – Watersports, Shopping, Partying

Stay near the Baga Beach/ Arpora area. Despite being crowded, it is close to a lot of North Goa tourist spots you’ll be visiting. And also, hire a scooty, bike or car. You’ll need it to get around. Prior reservations for restaurants are needed!

Day 1: Beach, Water sports, Party

• Reach Goa and check into your hotel or Airbnb
• Rent a vehicle
• Calangute Beach for lunch at Pousada by the Beach
• Water sports and sunset at Baga Beach
• At night go partying at Hammerz (popular music) in the Baga Area or Las Olas (Bollywood music) at Baga Beach. Or both as they’re close by! Start at Hammerz and end at Las Olas.

Day 2: Cliffside Restaurants, Fort, Sundowner, Party

You don’t need to do all of these things mentioned below. Select the ones you wish to do based on your preferences and how much time you have. I’d recommend not partying till late this night so you can be fresh to explore Goa the next morning.

• Wake up late this day since you’ve partied the previous night
• Lunch:   Titlie OR Antares OR Casa Playa at Little Vagator or Felix OR Artjuna or Vinayak at Anjuna.
• Shop: Now go shop at Anjuna Flea Market!
• Explore Chapora Fort (The movie ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ was shot here so expect it to be crowded)
• Stay for sunset or go for a sundowner to Thalassa closeby
• Dinner at Ida in Vagator
• Party at one of the following – Soro (Siolim) or Romeo Lane (Little Vagator).

Day 3-4: North Goa – Culture, Heritage and Nature

Day 3: culture and heritage.

Head for a day trip to Panjim and Old Goa . On this day, you’ll get a good glimpse of Portuguese influence on Goan heritage.

Old Goa Churches : Start with Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the following churches in this order:

• St. Augustine Church Ruins
• Basilica of Bom Jesus (the most renowned)
• Convent of Santa Monica and The Museum of Christian Art (optional but good)
• Se Cathedral
• Church of St. Cajetan
• Viceroy’s Arch
• Our Lady of Mount Chapel (optional- for panoramic views of the Panjim area)

Going on a tour will help you make the most of your time and understand the significance of Old Goa and its churches. It is highly recommended. We’ve taken several tours by this company and loved all of them.

Lunch : Head for either a local Goan lunch at Kokni Kanteen or Cafe Al Fresco By Cantina Bodeg a for continental food. Both are close to your next stop.

Fontainhas : After lunch, take a walk in Fontainhas, Asia’s largest Latin Quarter, which has lanes lined with houses built in the colonial style and painted in bright shades of red, yellow, green, and blue. We highly recommend seeing this area on a Latin Quarter walking tour; only then will you truly be able to appreciate the history and architecture. However, if you don’t wish to take a tour, start your walk at Maruti Mandir or Phoenix Springs, ending at the Church of Immaculate Conception. See the colourful houses, click a lot of photos at the colourful wall of Old Quarter Hostel, buy some Azulejo tile décor at Velha Goa Galleria, admire the white façade of St. Sebastian Chapel, and have some bebinca (Goan Dessert) at Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro .

Evening: Get drinks and small bites at Antonio@31 or head for a full-fledged dinner at Black Sheep Bistro . Please check the prices of these restaurants beforehand to see if they fit your budget and make reservations beforehand. You could also go for a fun Pub Crawl instead.

Night: Later you could head to a Deltin Royale Casino (buy tickets online for the best deals) OR go back home to rest for an early morning the next day.

Book Tours in Goa

Day 4: Nature and Heritage

Chorao Island and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary : Do this either on a tour or go by yourself. You’ll have to take a ferry from Ribandar. Don’t miss the famous Mangrove Broadwalk. It is beautiful. We haven’t been here yet but can’t wait to go!

Lunch: Lazy Goose , Nerul. Reserve the table with the lake view if you can.

Depending on the time you start the day, see one/two of the following attractions. Choose one museum and one fort:

• Houses of Goa Museum (do this only after a walking tour of Fontainhas; otherwise, nothing will make any sense) OR Museum of Goa (modern art tinged in Goan history).
• Aguada Fort (great for sunsets but crowded) OR Reis Magos Fort (relatively less known and beautiful).

Have dinner in the Candolim, Calangute, or Baga area. There are plenty of good restaurants.

A Reverie : Fine Dining Toro Toro : Continental/Goan Yazu – Pan Asian Beach Club: Asian

Day 5-6: South Goa – Beaches and relaxation

Day 5: spice plantations, iconic restaurants, relaxation.

Now, head to South Goa. Stay at Agonda or Palolem Beach- both are fantastic beaches for your first time in Goa.

But on your way, you have the option of making a few stops.

• Sahakari Spice Plantation: Wonder why the Portuguese were so fascinated by Goa? The answer lies in the tantalising smell and flavours of spices like Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves, Allspice, Cumin, etc. See how these spices grow and learn about them. End with a local buffet lunch at the plantation. I found the experience very interesting and learned a lot. You can buy the ticket on reaching there.
• Iconic Restaurants: If you’re not in the mood for the above, stop at Martin’s Corner or Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch. They are both very renowned.

Check into your hotel and use this day to do nothing and just relax on the beach, see the sunset, etc. Otherwise, you could also choose to head to Sundowner Palolem (Bar) for a sundowner!

Day 6: Beaches and Viewpoints

Today is going to be a long day of beach hopping.

Cola Beach: Start your day at Cola Beach. It’s a bit of a hike down to the beach. You can even take the jeep to the beach to save time and effort but it’ll cost a bit. Cola Beach is famous for its lagoon, where you can swim and kayak. You can have lunch here before heading to your next stop.

Kakolem Beach: This beach has a waterfall. Yes, you read that right. ( you can skip this beach if you’re running short on time or want to take it a bit slow).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Modi & Trisha – Travel Couple (@trywanderingmore)

Cabo De Rama Fort and Cabo De Rama Viewpoint for sunset . Both are gorgeous spots with fantastic views – you’ll love the sunset here. You can also choose to have a meal and drink at the Cape Goa restaurant near the viewpoint before heading back to your hotel.

Day 7: Butterfly Beach and Palolem/Agonda Beach

• Butterfly Beach : It’s a beautiful secluded beach. You can hike it to the beach or go via boat but I’ll suggest going as early as possible to avoid crowds.
• Palolem/Agonda Beach : For lunch head to either of these beaches that you’re not staying at. At Palolem, you can have lunch at Dropadi by the beach and at Treetop Tava or Zest (vegan cafe) at Agonda. Walk around the beach later afterwards.

Depart for home this evening or the next morning!

But do not forget to book your tours in goa before you get there!

Tips to Stay Safe in Goa

This guide to Goa would be incomplete if I didn’t mention tips to stay safe there. Goa is really welcoming and local-friendly. But because it is a  thriving party location and has people travelling from all over, you should take care of the following, especially if you’re a woman.

• Don’t hitchhike.
• If you’re a woman travelling solo, preferably rent a car. If you’re a woman travelling in a group, bikes will do. 
• Always get a video of the vehicle hired to avoid being ripped off on returning the vehicle.
• Don’t go out with people you don’t know and never go to parties alone.
• Watch your drink.
• Try to stay vigilant, even when drunk.
• Some Indian men can assume friendliness as flirting. 
• Be cautious of theft at your accommodation. Huts can easily be broken into.
• Drugs are available abundantly in Goa. Avoid getting stuck in the middle of a drug racket. 
• Avoid drunk driving. It is being monitored by the police more strictly than before.

Don’t let these scare you. I (Trisha) have  travelled solo to Goa  and also with my girlfriends and had an absolutely fantastic time. Most of these tips should be adhered to anywhere in the world. Here is a complete list of  ways to stay safe while travelling alone .

Wrapping up

Goa is a place that you can never get enough of. With each visit, you discover something new – a secret beach, a quaint café, a shack with amazing music, a magnificent fort, and so on. We have visited Goa about five times for short periods – with different people, as different people in different phases of our lives, or wanting something different from our trip- and Goa has never let us down. We are sure you will be taken by the charm of Goa and not want to leave just like the hippies in their heydays. Hope you found this Goa Travel Blog useful and have an amazing first trip to Goa. Tell us how it went!

This blog post on the ‘Travel Guide to Goa for First Timers’ has affiliate links that enable us to earn a small commission when you make a purchase, with no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and activities we like and those that might interest you. If you like any suggested product, do buy from the given links.

1 thought on “A Complete 7-day Itinerary and Guide to Goa for First Timers”

Amazing blog!!Thank you for sharing with us.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

A First Timer’s Guide to Goa, India

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

Even though Goa is the smallest state on the Western coast of India, it is one of the most popular due to its rich heritage, warm and friendly people, tropical climate, scenic beaches and exotic handicraft.

Back in the 60’s & 70’s, the North of the island became a hippy-haven, a place to escape everyday life and quickly became somewhere for backpackers to hang out and party.

For people travelling India alone, it was the perfect introduction. Naturally, the more popular a place becomes, the more it changes and over time.

The North now seems to be associated with high-rise hotels, watersports, street markets and cultural buildings but it also still retains its party-vibe.

Goa was recommended to us by someone when we were holidaying in Morocco, so we carried out some research on which was the best resort to stay – North or South?

Table of Contents

Quiet Cavelossim

Dudhsager falls & spice plantation, peaceful palolem, our final evening in goa, travel facts for goa, india, other attractions, a small selection of the best beaches:, pin it for later.

We tapped Goa onto the end of a week touring the Golden Triangle and were looking for something quieter, relaxing and less developed – with all this in mind, we were advised to head South and chose Cavelossim Beach at the Dona Sylvia Beach Resort .

To ensure the area doesn’t become monopolised with high-rise hotels in the North, the resorts around Cavelossim are not allowed to be more than two storeys high.

The grounds are in a beautifully tranquil setting, filled with trees and pretty flowers, including my favourite – frangipani!

The sand at Cavelossim beach was white, soft and crunchy – it felt a little like snow underfoot (only warmer!). On our first day we relished in feeling the warm refreshing Arabian sea lap against our toes. We watched crabs dart across the beach and watched locals trying to sell their wares.

They attempted to coax us into their beach shacks but after all the haggling in Rajasthan we simply wanted to relax and walk – shopping would come later.

Whilst we were in Goa, we celebrated our 2 nd wedding anniversary so we headed to the beach for sunset with a bottle of champagne. The sky turned from pastel peach to oranges then pink – it was the perfect end to our special day.

The Goan’s are renowned for their fine multi-cultural cuisine and we both absolutely loved the culinary masterpieces served up at the resort every single time we dined.

They whip up everything possible with various types of veg and we piled this high onto our plates – this is unusual for us, we love our meat!!

Outside the resort was a small road with shops and a few bars. We always had fun talking and joking with the locals, they really made us feel part of the community and quickly recognised our faces.

One night we stopped for a beer and cocktail at the Jazz Inn which, bizarrely, had a big frangipani tree growing through the middle of it! We grooved to the cool tunes played by the DJ who was also a Bob Marley impersonator from Birmingham, England.

We had a great chat with him and discovered he spends 6 months a year in Goa.

On one occasion we caught an auto-rickshaw as a taster of true India, it was hilarious! We laughed the entire journey!

The night sky was pitch black and our vehicle barely lit the way with its tiny headlamps – goodness knows how he could see! It was loud, crazy and filthy dirty, my hair looked like a scarecrow when we finished! The driver was so proud at how quickly we had reached our destination!

We had to shower when we were back to our hotel as we felt so disgusting – but the journey was well worth it!

Dudhsager Falls (pronounced dud-sager) means “sea of milk” and is located in Colem, two bumpy hours on a coach from where we were staying.

To reach the falls, we were transferred into an overland jeep for the final 45 minutes of the journey and we drove through 3 lakes (very cool!) followed by a 10 minute walk over stones and boulders.

We stripped off to our bathers and gingerly inched our bodies into the freezing cold fresh water – obviously after a few minutes of swimming and we were acclimatised, it was OK but it was rather crisp for those first initial moments!

Big fish swam alongside us and people threw pieces of banana for them to eat – oh yes – fish …eating bananas!

We swam over to the cascading falls and felt its power as the spray hit our face, it was beautiful. We had some free time here, so we chilled on a rock listening to the roar of the tumbling water – music to our ears!

Considered to be one of the best beaches in Goa, Palolem was an hour’s taxi drive from our resort.

It is an idyllic white crescent beach naturally blessed with palm trees lining the shore, calm turquoise sea and colourful beach huts. It definitely had a laid back vibe and we watched as fishermen gathered their nets on the beach – all very picture-postcard.

We had travelled here to enjoy the beach, and whilst sitting down for an hour, a few sellers asked if we wanted to buy anything, and when we declined they left us alone.

This made it such a pleasure to relax and we understood the lure of why a backpacker would spend weeks here – purely to enjoy the simple, chilled life!

After taking a peaceful stroll along the shore, we sat in a beach bar sipping a cold drink and just looking at the view, we wanted take time to soak up the ambience and really “feel” what this place was all about.

So to sum up Palolem – it really is a tranquil slice of paradise!

As the sun set on our last evening, we sat on the beach and reminisced at how magical our time had been.

Even though the sun had disappeared, there was such a nice atmosphere we chose to stay a few hours.

We listened to the music playing, danced on the sand and watched the high tide lap against the beach tables.

People lit paper lanterns and set them adrift into the sky. We watched as they faded into the distance forming an orange dot on the skyline, noticeably different to the gleaming white of the stars.

It was the best way to end our magical trip.

• A tourist visa is required for most nationalities but there is an e-visa scheme to apply online.
• The International Airport is in Dabolim on the west coast roughly in the middle of the state.
• 4 languages are spoken – Konkani, English, Marathi, Hindi
• Seasons: November – March – dry and cooler (by Indian standards). April & May it is unbearably hot and June – Sept/October have the monsoon rains.

Other Things to Do in Goa

We were attracted to Goa purely because someone recommended it! We had already looked at the Golden Circle tour with tiger safari, so Goa was the natural place to add-on.

Incidentally, whilst staying here, tour operators do give the option for overnights trips to visit the Taj Mahal and for tiger safaris.

You can book transport to come to and from Goa ahead of time by using the popular website, Bookaway .

• Panaji/Panjim – The capital full of historical Latin & Portuguese culture
• Bom Jesus Basilica –(for St. Francis Xavier tomb)
• Wildlife Sanctuaries – Bhagwan Mahvir (of which Mollem National Park is a part) or Cotigao Lamgau Caves
• Spice plantation visit (there are many all over)
• Casino cruise
• If you’re hanging out in Goa, head further south and check out the cool state of Kerala. Backwaters, surf and tonnes of cool things to do!

Markets In Goa

• Anjuna Flea Market (every Wednesday)
• Arpora Night Flea Market
• Mapusa Market (every Friday)

Angie Briggs

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

Top 10 Things to Do in Mumbai, India

Refusing to ride: the real story behind elephant tourism in india, india’s rat temple – karni mata temple in rajasthan, related posts, 88 thoughts on “a first timer’s guide to goa, india”.

Thanks for the guide Alesha and Jarryd. This year I missed Goa Trip but not next time.

Nice post goa is the perfect destination for a explore beach and staying in beautiful hotels and resort with a beach view are the best combination for stay in goa.

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed the article 🙂

As awesome i am expecting from your blog

very informative blog!

Hey, nice thank you for this great information.

Glad you found the information helpful. 🙂

Hey Angie Briggs, Thank you for all this information and The way you explain the things was so commendable, I just went to goa it was so helpful for me and the resort where I stay was so amazing.

Happy to help. Glad you had a great time. 🙂

Goa is a stunningly beautiful city with a kind and inviting population that draws visitors from all over the world. a fantastic article! Goa appears to be a fantastic place to visit. I’ll be adding this to my long list of fantastic places to visit. Thank you for providing this information.

A delightful read. Goa is undoubtedly one of the best destinations to visit for anyone visiting India for the first time. Its laid-back charm and beach settings are quite alluring and would make you want to stay forever!

Thank you for your comment. 🙂

It is Informative and engaging at the same time. Really liked the content you included. On top of that pictures were lovely and gave a feel of Goa.

Glad you liked the article. Thank you

A very nice blog such a great place to visit. And I also share with my family.

Thank you so much

Wow!! You definitely have the art of story-telling. The way you have written and the flow in which you have written is mindblowing. A very well-written and informative blog. I really liked the Travel Facts and Other Things To Do in Goa section. Also, I would like to know if you visited any theme parks in Goa? I am looking forward to take my family to a theme park.

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed the article.

Thanks for sharing the article it is really informative to get knowledge about the place.Goa is the best place to relax yourself. You have posted beautiful pictures to explore goa without any hesitation.keep sharing the post.

Thank you so much 🙂

Nice blog on first-timer. Explained very well. I have visited Goa. Really, an amazing place for beaches, parties, waterfalls. Best time to visit Goa is from December to February. All the great festival happens in this time like sunburn, goa festivals, and new year celebrations.

Wonderful post ! it is very interesting and informative post, I really enjoyed to read this. Visiting for these places you can take the help of Bharat Taxi for taxi service.

Thank you so much. 🙂

Very well written blog. I have been to Goa a few times myself and I think the blog covers the essence and spirit of the lace quite well. Informative at the same time entertaining read. Please share more pictures if you have. I have written a Blog on Goa trip as well. Please check it out

Thanks for your comment Sonali.

Goa is one of my favorite travel destination, the best place to relax. Such a lovely post! So glad to see you added spice plantation, it is still not very known.

Glad you liked the article. Thanks 🙂

Goa is an interesting sea beach and it’s amazing. I love the marine drive there.

Your guide was impressive and mind-blowing photos.

Thank you so much. We appreciate it.

Thanks for giving a brief description on Goa .

Last some day I thinking where to go for a mini vacation and I reached on your blog. After reading blog I decide to plan a trip to Goa for next week,

Thanks for sharing amazing goa blog.

Glad we could help. Have a great time Karan.

This is a great blog as a first impression. Am living in Goa for the last 5 months and it has been a very immersive time for me here. There are plenty of people who are choosing to leave the fast-paced city lives and move to the sunshine state 🙂

Very nice blog. You share a grateful information about travel in India. Thanks!

Heyy you guys! this was an amazing article, I am from Goa, and glad you enjoyed your trip! as a student I am doing a research study on the hospitality industry in Goa, for which i’m taking input from various people like, who traveled to Goa, from Goa and so on. I would be delighted if you share your personal experience as tourists in Goa. Please answer these questions below: 1. Did you feel your trip went out of budget? 2. Were there any problems faced by you, like in your hotel stay? 3. Would you prefer coming back to Goa?

Thank you. This would be a great help!

Hi Anushka, thank you for reading the article. This article is a guest post from Angie from Feet Do Travel. Hopefully she will be able to help. All the best

https://www.feetdotravel.com/contact-the-feet.html

Hi i want to come There ,could you guide me

Awesome post. Last i trip to goa its is very pretty place.Its make more memorable to us!..I just remain that moment while read this blog. Thanks for sharing!

Hi Ryan, thank you for reading. Glad it bought back memories. 🙂

A very interesting post as I also familiar very little about Goa, but now I have added this to my list of places to visit.

Thank you. Glad you liked it. 🙂

I really love this place while reading your article I got excited and remembering my Goa trip Thanks for sharing Keep posting.

Would love this for our family! It looks a wonderful place to visit there.

Hope you all get there one day. Happy travels. 🙂

What a Great post! Goa likes an amazing place where I can enjoy a lot. I am adding these places on my list where I want to Goa. thanks for sharing the best information. The photos are also great.

Thank you for reading.

Nice post. it is a very useful post. I like very much. Thank you for your sharing.

Glad it was helpful. Thank you

Wow this is nice blog sites. Very interesting blogs. I reallly like your traveling images. Thanks for sharing.Really a wonderful post. Thanks for posting such an informative & useful post with us. keep posting & inspire us like this post.Amazing pictures and very interesting article….. Thanks a lot for giving proper tourist knowledge and share the different type of culture related to different places. If you are planning for your holiday and searching for the beautiful place to spend your time then you can wander around this vibrant city. Nice pictures & very helpful information to Goa. Thanks to sharing this blog…..!!!

Thank you so much. Glad you liked the article. Thanks for your comment.

Happy to know that you liked Goa. Its perhaps time for another visit. There is a lot more to see and do here. Come back soon 🙂

Thanks for your comment Jane. It definitely does sound like Angie had a great time. Jarryd and I will have to check Goa out one day. 🙂

This is quite helpful. And that picture of the waterfall is amazing 🙂 Keep sharing more.

Thank you so much. Angie wrote a great article for us. 🙂

My friends and I booked a yacht from rediscovery cruises in April.. We had the best time ever!!! The staff took really good care of us.. We were served chilled beers and light snacks. All in all it was an amazing experience. Will definitely recommend them to anyone.Thanks to sea water sports

What a trip. Sounds like you had a great time. 🙂 Thank you for your comment

Great. I like your article and I have never been there so I am planning to visit there very soon on my upcoming vacation. Thanks for sharing the information.

Thank you so much. We hope you have a great time on your next visit. 🙂

Very well explained the unknown things about goa.

I’m going this month on Feb’18 28th. join there.

Thanks for reading Arun. Angie wrote a great article for us. We can not wait to go. We hope you have a great time and happy travels.

Nice description about our own Goa. But you should come back for New year’s eve party to enjoy the real goa.

Thanks so much. We’d love to visit Goa one day. Angie wrote a great article for us. 🙂

Inspiring blog, will be visiting in this November. It would be fun if someone likes to join us.

Thank you so much. Sounds great. Have a great time Edgar, 🙂

Thanks for sharing, definitely inspires to go and explore! We will be traveling to India this year, will stop by there and stay for a bit, Looks like a graet place to hang out for a while. How as Wifi there? We will need that if we want to stay longer… Thanks!

Thank you so much Julian. Not too sure about the Wifi as Angie wrote this awesome guide for us. We do have a few friends who live there and are bloggers. They have never complained about it but then again they most likely have their own connection. I am so sorry we could be more help. Have a great trip.

I’ve met a few travellers who only have good things to say about Goa, but I’ve never been myself. I know it used to bit a hippy spot but that’s about as far as my knowledge goes, oh and it was featured one of the 2nd Bourne film at the start. Angie has given an excellent account and detailed write-up.

Hi Barry, that was our knowledge also (hippy place). Until we met someone who lived there and told us more about Goa. We have never been either and would like to one day. Angie has definitely made us want to go. Hope you get there soon mate. Happy travels.

Angie is such a great writer! What ever she writes down, it always consumes me in a good way. After reading her stories of various places in the world, I feel like I need to go to every single one of them right now! Ha! Same goes with this one and Goa. Can’t wait!

Indeed she is. She really takes you to the place and makes you feel you need to be there. We were very lucky to have her write a post for us. Happy travels Kreete. 🙂

I have been reading a lot about Goa lately. Looks like a great place to explore. Love those beautiful falls!

Thanks Lisa. It does seem a lovely place. Angie wrote a great post for and and has indeed made us want to go too. 🙂 Happy travels

Stunning photos and gave me a very good insight into a part of India I would really love to visit when I eventually make it out there. I have heard of some of the places you mention but you’ve really brought them alive with your photos! Thanks for sharing!

A great post – we have considered Goa as friends have recommended it but it’s fab to find out all this information – Palolem looks like paradise! Beautiful photographs

Thank you Tracy. Angie wrote a great post for us. Glad you found it useful. Happy travels

What a great post! Goa looks like an amazing place to spend some time. I’ll be adding this to my very, very long list of great places to go. Thanks so much for sharing – will pin this for later too!

Thanks so much Jenn. Angie wrote a great guide for us. We can’t wait to visit this area of India too.

Goa has been near the top of our list for a long time and we are thinking of making it our summer destination this year. We have heard that the monsoons make everything greener!

It looks absolutely stunning – especially Dudhsager Falls. One of my favourite things in the world is swimming in a waterfall plunge pool and listening to the water beat down.

It does, doesn’t it. We can not wait to visit India and Goa is on our list. Waterfall swim is so magical. Thanks for your comment Karianne.

A very informative post as I too know very little about Goa, but now I have added this to my list of places to visit. The photos are great !

Thank you so much. Angie wrote a great guide and she definitely can take a great shot. 🙂

As someone who knows very little about India and Goa, this was great. Palolem looks really relaxing and I like that the beach vendors aren’t too pushy. Surprisingly, I had heard of the Dudhsager Falls before somehow and they’re definitely somewhere I’d like to visit. Beautiful photos Angie!

Thanks for your message David. We have never been to India. Can’t wait. Definitely a great post by Angie and beautiful photos. 🙂

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Insider’s Guide to Goa: The Ultimate Goa Travel Guide

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from any qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

This article is an insider's travel guide to Goa, India that contains a comprehensive Goa travel guide for first-time visitors as well as returning visitors to Goa.

Goa is a phenomenal beach destination that is a crowd favourite among Indians and foreigners alike. Even though Goa is known for the buzzing beaches, cheap alcohol, raging parties, and scores of people thronging towards the beaches, this is just a tourist's perception of Goa. The real Goa is a much more laidback, serene and not to mention, hauntingly beautiful place.

Thus, having lived in Goa for over 13 years now, I've put together my insider's guide to Goa in order to show you the real Goa - one that is known to tourists and also, the other side which is known to locals. I hope you enjoy reading my comprehensive Goa travel guide.

Additionally, if you have any queries or if you think I missed out on something, feel free to drop a comment below or reach out to me via direct messaging on Instagram ( @thespicyjourney ).

Table of Contents

Insider’s Travel Guide to Goa

My insider’s travel guide to Goa contains all the information about Goa that will help you plan your entire Goa trip on your own. I understand that as a first time visitor, doing research on a particular location can get overwhelming. And so, I've put together all the information on Goa in one place for you.

This Goa travel guide has information on all the beaches, places to visit in Goa, a list of extra activities you can indulge in, references to offbeat things to do in Goa, nightlife, flea markets, and lots more. So without further ado, dive right in.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Basic Info about Goa

How many days to spend in goa, how to reach goa, best time to visit goa, goa trip cost, where to stay in goa.

• Goa Toursim Hotels

Budget Hotels in Goa

Goa beach shacks, resorts in goa, getting around goa, what to wear in goa, best places to visit in goa for sightseeing, things to do in goa - list of activities, best beaches in goa, where to eat in goa, nightlife in goa, goa flea markets, events and festivals in goa, goa travel itinerary.

• Insider's Travel Guide to Goa
• Language : Konkani is the local language of Goa. Apart from that, English is widely spoken here. Keep in mind that locals aren't well-versed in Hindi.
• ATMS : There are ample ATMs in the cities. However, finding ATMs may be difficult in the villages and in areas farther away from the main cities.
• Petrol Pumps : The situation with petrol pumps is the same as that with ATMs.
• Currency Exchange : You will find counters at the Goa International Airport and various exchange shops in the cities as well as in the tourist hot-spot areas.

The answer depends on how much of Goa you want to see. In order to explore all of Goa in-depth, you will need at least 10-14 days in Goa. However, you can cover the major sightseeing spots in Goa within 3-4 days.

My personal suggestion is that you should spend 5-7 days in Goa to get its feel and cover some of the major sightseeing spots, beaches and everything else that Goa has to offer.

Goa is the most popular beach destination in India. Thousands of tourists - local as well as foreigners arrive in Goa on a daily basis. Thus, Goa is very well connected by flights, trains and road.

Goa has one airport - the Goa International Airport which is located at Dabolim in South Goa. The Goa airport has direct flights flying between Goa and major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kolkata, to name a few. Furthermore, the airport connects Goa to many international cities as well. Both Panjim and Margao cities are located at a distance of roughly 27 km from the Goa airport in opposite directions.

Goa has 3 main railway stations - Margao, Vasco-da-Gama and Thivim. Margao railway station in South Goa is the main hub which is connected by an extensive railway network to other parts of India. Margao or Madgaon railway station to Panaji is a distance of roughly 37 km.

One can very easily find buses to Goa from metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad etc on the redbus website. Moreover, there are state run buses such as Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC), Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) between Goa and neighbouring states of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Alternatively, taking a road trip to Goa from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu is an option that many tourists prefer to take. The drive to Goa is scenic and there are many beautiful stops along the way.

Goa has two main seasons - the tourist season (also known as the “on” season) between October and April and the monsoon season (or the “off” season) from May to September.

The dry or the “on” season is the best time to visit Goa. This is when beach shacks are set up across most beaches in Goa, lots of events and festivals going on and the entire place is a gala feast. Plan a Goa trip during the “on” season if you want to attend events, parties and meet other travellers.

On the other hand, the monsoon season is a time when most of the Goa beaches are nearly empty and there’s very little going on. This is the time to visit Goa is you’re looking for greenery and peace and quiet.

So how much will a Goa trip cost you? The answer completely depends on how flexible your budget is.

If you’re looking to make a budget trip to Goa, then staying at hostels, eating at authentic Goan restaurants and taking local buses to get around Goa will save you a whole lot of money.

If you have a mid-range budget then you can very easily find budget and mid-range hotels in Goa. You can hire a two-wheeler instead of a cab and eat at mid-range restaurants.

On the other hand, if you're willing to splurge then you can stay at a nice resort, eat at upscale restaurants and travel around Goa in a hired cab.

Goa, being a popular backpacking destination, has many-a backpacker hostels scattered throughout the state. Most hostels in Goa are located in North Goa - near Vagator, Anjuna, Candolim and Arambol. Similarly, there are hostels at the popular beaches in South Goa as well. A bed in a dorm will typically cost between INR 400 and INR 800.

Goa Tourism Hotels

If you’re looking for hotels that provide the bare minimum comfort and amenities on a limited budget, then look into the Goa tourism hotels. There are hotels run by the state government located in Panaji, Old Goa, Calangute, Mapusa, Colva and a few other places in Goa. Book rooms at the Goa tourism hotels on the GTDC website .

Despite Goa being a popular tourist destination in India, there’s no dearth of budget hotels in Goa. You can find budget stays in every location in Goa - be it South Goa or North Goa. One way to look for budget hotels in Goa is on a site like booking.com. If not that, you can even find rooms on airbnb at low costs. Sign up to Airbnb using my referral code to get a juicy discount on your first stay.

Find hotels in Goa on Booking.com

O3 Beach Resort, Palolem Beach, Goa

The Goa beach shacks are a ubiquitous choice of stay in Goa. While beach shacks can be found at almost every beach in Goa, it’s the Palolem beach shacks that are predominantly popular in Goa. Read my comprehensive breakdown of the Palolem beach huts in my blog post on Palolem beach.

Check availability at O3 Beach Resort on Booking.com

The infinity pool at Doubletree by Hilton, Panaji, Goa

While North Goa has quite a few resorts, I highly recommend staying at a resort in South Goa. This is due to the fact that South Goa sees a fewer number of visitors as compared to North Goa which makes staying there all the more peaceful and serene. That being said, there are peaceful hotels in North Goa as well. Take Doubletree by Hilton Panaji for example (shown in the picture above). This hotel, located on the outskirts of Panjim, has sweeping views of the Goan rivers and islands as seen from the infinity pool and rooms. Moreover, the two restaurants here serve all sorts of International, Indian and Goan cuisine.

Check availability at DoubleTree by Hilton Panaji on Booking.com

Hiring a two-wheeler is the most popular and budget-friendly way to get around Goa. it’s a well-known and unfortunate fact that taxi prices in Goa are sky-high. This is the reason why renting a two-wheeler is an affordable and rather fun way to see Goa. A scooter typically costs INR 200-250 for a day whereas renting a motorbike such as Royal Enfield for a day will cost above INR 300. In case you need a taxi service at affordable rates, install the GoaMiles app to book a taxi instantly.

Unlike most of North India, you have the freedom to wear whatever you like in Goa. There are no restrictions on clothing items when it comes to choosing what to wear in Goa. While at the beaches, you can wear a bikini and shorts or short skirts, while sightseeing you can wear maxi dresses, knee-length skirts, trousers and fancy tops. Read my handy little guide on what to wear in Goa for women and girls.

1. Visit the Forts in Goa

Before the Portuguese invaded Goa in the 1500s, Goa was under the rule of the Muslim ruler Adil Shah. While Adil Shah built a number of forts for himself, after the Portuguese takeover, they modified some forts to suit their needs. Thus every fort in Goa has a rich cultural and architectural significance. Chapora Fort , Aguada Fort , Tiracol Fort, and Reis Magos Fort are the forts located in North Goa. On the other hand, Cabo de Rama Fort is a well-known fort located in the South Goa district. Each of these forts offers spectacular views of the ocean. While Chapora fort and Cabo de Rama fort don’t have any timings, since they are cliff-top ruined forts, Aguada fort and Reis Magos fort are open from the morning till 5.30 pm in the evening. Tiracol Fort, on the contrary, has been converted to the Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel . You can book a stay here to live in a palace, dine with insane ocean views and to escape the hustle-bustle of the crowds.

Check availability at Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel on Booking.com

2. Take a Ferry Boat to an Island

Divar Island near Old Goa

Most tourists coming to Goa think of it as a beach destination. While this may be true, there is lots more to do in Goa that’s beyond the beaches. There are two main islands in Goa - Divar Island and Chorao Island . Both of these islands can be reached by taking a ferry from Ribandar, which lies on the road between Panaji and Old Goa. Chorao Island is famously known for the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. You can hire a little boat, watch the mangrove, spot birds and enjoy a languid boat ride in the Goan rivers.

3. Explore Waterfalls

Dudhsagar waterfall , located on the Goa-Karnataka border is a 4-tiered, 3-streamed, 320 m high waterfall. Apart from being surrounded by a lush forest, the waterfall also contains natural pools to wade into the waters. You can reach the mighty Dudhsagar waterfalls by either completing a trek to the bottom of the walls or by going via the government-approved jeep rides that start from Molem. The waterfall has been named after its milky appearance and is a worthwhile day trip from Panjim, which is located 60 km away. Other than that, there are tons of other smaller, albeit beautiful, waterfalls scattered across Goa.

4. See the Churches

Goa was under the Portuguese rule for over 450 years from the 1500’s until 19 December 1961. Due to this reason, there are striking churches scattered all across Goa. While the Panjim church and the Old Goa church are the two famous churches in Goa, it’s the offbeat ones that steal the heart away. The Mae De Deus church and the Siolim riverside chapel are both exquisite and worth exploring!

5. Visit Old Goa

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6XRlrtDVYY/

While Old Goa may be known for the Old Goa church, there is, in fact, a lot more to do in Old Goa that only the locals know about. Whether it’s a hilltop chapel with a view of the river and islands, a hauntingly beautiful ruined church complex or a restaurant right next to the river, Old Goa has lots waiting to be discovered. You can take a half-day trip to Old Goa from Panjim, which is the closest city. Take a look at my post on all the places to visit in Old Goa to discover the hidden gems of Old Goa!

6. Go Sightseeing in Panaji

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv_uUgmDBkh/

Panjim or Panaji is the ever-lively capital city of Goa. While one might wonder if there’s hardly anything to do in Panjim, as a matter of fact, there are lots of things to do in Panjim. Whether it’s the famous Panjim church , Dona Paula jetty , Miramar beach , the chaat street of Miramar, the colour burst region of Fontainhas , there are so many popular as well as offbeat things to do in Panjim. Read this travel guide to Panjim city  which  contains all the top places to visit in Panjim, events, festivals and lots more.

7. See Salaulim Dam

Did you know that Goa has an extremely scenic dam called the Salaulim dam hidden away? This dam is the perfect example of a duckbill spillway, is surrounded by a botanical garden where you can indulge in a picnic and is located on the river Salaulim, a tributary of the Zuari river. Panjim to Salaulim dam is a distance of 61 km while Margao to Salaulim dam is a distance of 26 km. If you’ve explored Goa many-a-times and are looking to see a different side of Goa, visit this dam and enjoy the picturesque drive along the way.

8. Explore Offbeat Goa

Lately, more and more people are inspired to explore Goa beyond the beaches. Consequently, people are driven to explore offbeat places in Goa - such as the temples, the lesser-known churches, islands, lakes etc. If you too are keen on exploring another side of Goa, take a look at this blog post on the 17 best offbeat places in Goa . 

1. Goa River Cruise

The Panjim river cruises that originate at the Santa Monica jetty in Panjim city are a great way to spend the evening cruising in the Goan rivers. The cruises usually last an hour, there are food and drink stalls present and an entertainment program which includes local dance performances. You can book tickets with various cruise companies online or book directly at the booking counters present at the jetty. Do note that it gets crowded in the evening so be prepared to wait in a queue. It’s ideal to take a cruise at 6 pm in order to catch the sunset from the boat.

2. Visit a Casino in Goa

There are lots of casinos, to indulge in a night of carefree fun, that are located in Panjim city. Most of these casinos have a package that costs approximately INR 2500 per person that includes a buffet dinner and a few complimentary chips to get you started. The ports of all the casinos of located on the main road of Panjim (DB road). You can buy your tickets right here, catch a boat to the casino and come back the same way.

3. E-Bike Tour

Want to ditch the car or motorbike and cycle around the quiet lanes of Goa? B: Live runs e-bike tours in many places all across Goa. These e-bikes are battery operated and they come with an accelerator which means that you don’t have to pedal the bicycle if you don't want to. The bikes can even go up a hill with great ease and comfort to the rider. Check out the B: Live website to choose an e-bike tour of your liking. What’s more, each tour comes with an authentic Goan experience, snacks and a tour guide who will assist you throughout the duration of the tour.

4. Heritage Walks

If you’re the one who prefers to walk around and soak in the essence of a place, then a heritage walk is the way to go for you. You can take all sorts of heritage walks which give you an authentic experience where you will learn about the history of Goa, gain an insight to the Goan culture and go back with a wealth of knowledge about Goa. Perhaps the most popular and the most loved heritage walk in Goa is the Fontainhas heritage walk . You can take a look at some of the heritage walks in the Airbnb experiences section.

5. Yacht Party

If you’re the kind of person who likes to throw lavish parties or add a magical touch to special occasions, consider renting out a yacht for a few hours. Depending on the kind of package you choose, you can get food, drink and entertainment services on board along with a wait staff. These yachts come in different budgets for all kinds of occasions ranging from birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, wedding functions to office events, social gatherings etc.

South Goa Beaches

The South Goa beaches are the laid-back beaches in Goa. As someone who has been living in Goa for over 13 years, I prefer the South Goa beaches as opposed to the North Goa beaches because of the lesser crowds and the pristine nature of the beaches. Read my guide on the South Goa beaches to explore the tranquil beaches in Goa.

North Goa Beaches

While the South Goa beaches are peaceful, the North Goa beaches are always a happening place to be at. Whether it’s a taste of the hippie culture, the best beach shacks, karaoke bars and beach clubs, you’ll find it all at the North Goa beaches. Take a look at some of my personal favourites as well as the crowd favourite North Goa beaches:

1. Arambol Beach

Did you know that Goa was a raging hippie paradise back in the ’70s? The first hippies arrived in Goa in the 1970s and settled onto the North Goa beaches of Arambol, Vagator and Anjuna. While Vagator and Anjuna are more commercialised tourist beaches, Arambol still retains the hippie spirit. Whether it’s vegan cafes, yoga centres, hippie stuff (you know what I mean), you’ll find Arambol to be the perfect hippie paradise even today. While you’re at Arambol, do not miss other great nearby beaches of Ashwem, Mandrem and Morjim, which are less popular but equally beautiful.

Read my complete travel guide to Arambol Beach, North Goa (opens in new tab).

2. Vagator Beach

In case you’re looking for a beach that has a hippie touch yet commercialised to the extent that you’ll find nice places to stay and good restaurants and cafes nearby, Vagator should be the beach of your choice. Vagator is a bustling area that’s known for the very famous Chapora fort aka the Dil Chahta Hai fort. You’ll find lots of hotels, hostels, upscale restaurants, cafes, shops and everything else in close proximity to the beach.

3. Anjuna Beach

Anjuna beach is yet another one of the North Goa beaches that’s on the way to becoming highly commercialised (read: Baga beach). Anjuna has some of the best restaurants and cafes in all of Goa. You can easily spend a whole day in Anjuna just eating at the beachside restaurants or exploring cafes nested in the tiny lanes of Anjuna.

My insider’s guide to Goa would be incomplete if I didn’t touch upon this extremely important subject. When it comes to trying food in Goa, there’s no one list that anyone can prepare. Goa is home to so many wonderful restaurants and cafes, with new places coming up regularly that it’s hard to keep track of all the places to eat in Goa.

Nonetheless, I’ve put together 3 rough guides to Goa’s food scene. Of the three, this list of the best North Goa restaurants and cafes is perhaps the most popular of them all. Coming to Panjim city, check out this guide to the best restaurants in Panaji city . Finally, if you’re in the vicinity of the airport and need to refuel, take a look at the best restaurants near Goa airport . 

Goa has a raging nightlife that consists of nightclubs, beach clubs, karaoke bars, pubs. Pool parties, rave parties and everything else in between. There are plenty of nightclubs in the Baga-Candolim region such as LPK , Titos , etc that play Bollywood and Punjabi hits to cater to a North Indian crowd. Meanwhile, places like Favella and Soro are much classier establishments that come with a dining experience along with foot-tapping English hits. Moreover, they even have themed nights every once in a while.

Coming to Panjim city, Soho and Cafe Mojo  are the favourite pubs among the locals.

Going down south, Silent Noise in Palolem is well-known for the Saturday night parties where you dance to music while wearing headphones. In any case, you’ll find nightlife in Goa quite easily at almost every corner.

Apart from boutique stores and beach-side markets, there are quite a few flea markets in Goa. When it comes to the most popular Goa flea market, the Arpora Saturday night market tops the list. This market is held every Saturday night during the “on” season in Arpora which is located close to Anjuna and Calangute. This market has everything ranging from clothes, bags, jewellery, shoes, art and handmade artefacts. Furthermore, there are performances such as fire eaters and dancers along with live music and plenty of food stalls to choose from. Apart from this, there are lots of other markets like the Anjuna Wednesday flea market that are set-up in the tourist season.

The Goa Carnival is one of the most popular events to take place in Goa. The carnival parades are held at multiple Goan cities like Panaji, Margao, Vasco-da-Gama, and Ponda over a span of a few days late in the month of February. 

IFFI (International Film Festival of India) which is held every year in the state capital Panaji sees many movie screenings and talks attended by Bollywood as well as local celebrities. 

Coming to art festivals, Serendipity Art Festival is as big as it gets. This festival is held in the month of December at various venues in Panjim city.

While there are many events music festivals held in Goa, Sunburn , which is held late in December, is the most famous of them all that sees well-known international DJs and singers perform.

Even though this is a complete Goa travel guide to let you plan your own Goa trip, I do have a suggested itinerary for you. While I strongly suggest spending AT LEAST a week in Goa, tourists choose to spend anywhere between 2 days to months in Goa.

If you’re on a quick weekend trip to Goa, check out these places to visit in Goa in 3 days . This itinerary covers all the basics of Goa within 3 days. On the other hand, if you have more time, spend your time exploring the popular beaches and places in Goa like Arambol, Vagator, Anjuna, Panjim, Old Goa, Agonda and Palolem at the very least.

Did You Enjoy my Insider’s Guide to Goa?

If you liked reading this insider’s travel guide to Goa that I’ve put together based on my experiences of living in Goa, follow me on my social media handles  Instagram , Facebook , Pinterest , Twitter to receive quick updates and be the first one to know when I release a new blog post!

I have seen quite a bit of India but never been to Goa – looks amazing and I think I must really make a plan to go soon! Such a lovely post with such good tips 🙂

This guide is so informative- it’s great to read about Goa from someone who has lived there for so long rather than just visited. Saved for future travels 😀

Nice post!! It is really very informative content for everyone as there is many different information about the place to take decision to travel to goa with lot of memories of place which is unforgettable.

Great post and informative guide…thank you!?

Anjuna Beach is my favourite place in goa. Thanks for sharing this information to us.

Thanks for this info. I would like to add what i personally love about goa are the water sports.

Pingback: 15 amazing photos that will instantly tempt you to plan a Goa Trip! - Couple of Journeys

very useful post ,,,,these guide are very informative….thanks for sharing…

Comments are closed.

Orange Wayfarer

Culturally Immersive & Responsible Travel

Ultimate Goa Travel Guide for the First Time Travelers!

About this blog: This travel guide to Goa will list out all the practical travel tips to the Coastal state of West India, and the country’s most beloved beach destination. If you are traveling to Goa for the first time, you will ideally find all the answers related to Goa travel in this article! If you do not, ask away in the comments section please!

Read all the posts on Goa Travel here!

Traveling to Goa is often hailed as a sign of attaining adolescent in India. Her long stretched coast line promises a new kind of free. Once a part of the iconic Hippie trail that flourished all the way from Europe to Nepal, Goa gave birth to a “New Found Land”, where you can just be, drifting away from the prejudices and societal niceties that bind you beyond logic can reason wish!

You do not visit Goa just once. You want to live there, get drunk on the intangible elixir that Arabian Sea serves with salty breeze! I visited Goa on a long weekend trip from Bangalore. I revisited Goa with another set of friends, in between a lot of failed Goa trip planning which are an incumbent part of Indian Millennial’s growing up experience! Then life happened and I visited Goa multiple times for “work”, I mean for travel blogging.

Each time, I visit, Goa opens a new chapter from past, while siting glorious nature by side.

• Language spoken: Konkoni, Marathi. Largely understood- English and Hindi.
• Famous for Beautiful beaches, water-sports, night-markets, sea food, yoga, nightlife
• Safer place to travel to for solo women in India
• It is a tiny state. Prosperous and with higher literacy rate. One of the leading tourist destinations in India.

How to reach Goa (by car/train/flight)

Goa is well connected with the rest of the country. Especially, multiple hour-long flights fly daily from Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay) to Goa, India’s financial capital. I prefer train journey to Goa as the route is particularly scenic!

Train journey by Konkan Railways!

Madgaon (MAO) and Vasco Da Gama (VSG) are the two major railway stations that connect Goa with rest of the country. If you are traveling to Goa from Bangalore or southern parts of India, I highly recommend taking a ride through Konkon railway. You shall see Dudhsagar falls for a fraction and mist shrouded lush green jungle everywhere will greet you to the land of Goa.

Fly into Dabolim Airport, Goa

Dabolim (GOI) is a domestic airport which is yet to receive international flights unless you are flying on a charter plane from somewhere in Russia. That is how Russians fly into Goa, in style. However, domestic carriers like Air Asia, Indigo, Spice Jet have multiple flights to Goa from morning 6 am to 11 pm at night.

Also keep in mind, Dabolim is an army airport serving the naval base of Indian Military and photography is restricted here. In Goa, a new airport is on the make to accommodate increased tourist footfall and should be operational by 2020.

Bus to Goa from nearby states

Overnight bus runs from nearby states and takes you to the connecting hub at Kadamba Bus station. From Bombay or Pune, traveling to Goa by bus is a last minute budget option. Bangalore to Goa bus is there too, however it runs for a painful 11/12 hours and stops are sparse. Bus journey in India do not have attached tpilets.

Goa Central bus station is located at the heart of Panaji. You can further change bus for North or South Goa or rent a car. Public bus ply in Goa till 6 pm and then frequency slows down, especially for the longer routes till Margao etc.

Road-trip to Goa

NH 66 passes through the Western coast of Indian peninsula and runs through Goa. Roads are a pleasure to drive. However you need international licence to drive in India (in case you are not Indian passport holder).

On new year eve or long weekends, there had been multiple reports of roadblocks with excessive traffic. Monsoon may cause road blockage due to mild flooding as well.

Public Transport in Goa

Kadamba line has recently hit the Goa roads. The Aircon bus runs from Panaji to tourist town of Arambol and Calagute. They also have hourly connectivity with Dabolim airport. Prices are close to INR 100 and Kadamba busline in Goa is the safest transport option.

How to rent a bike in Goa

You can also hire bikes, cars by depositing your licence. Do not forget to get a photo of the license which will can be further used at police check points on the road if any.

Bikes or cars are generally driven on the left side of the lane everywhere in India. Traffic rules are strict. Drunk driving is a punishable offence.

Also read about the most beautiful beaches of Goa . You may explore some of them in a long weekend vacation to Goa as well!

Best Time to Visit Goa

Famous for beach-life, Goa is best enjoyed under the bright sun. Winter is literally non existence.

Usually, tourist season in Goa spans from November to wee end of March. April is when school in India are closed for summer and you are likely to see plenty of domestic families traveling to Goa. Come every long weekend, millennial Indians working in nearby cities head to Goa to chase the grand sunset on Arabian sea. That crowd does not disperse when during monsoon.

The winter months in Goa usually have a very pleasurable moderate weather. They neither make you shiver under the blanket, nor force-feed challenging humidity. Summer can be different though, with a bright sun scorching everything on its way.

Monsoon in Goa

Monsoon in Goa is painfully beautiful. Raindrops drizzle from the straw huts and hinterlands turn lush green, complementing a swelled up river Mandovi. But Arabian Sea takes up a dangerous form, with most of the beach being off limit to swimmers. Watersports are usually closed during monsoon. Beach shacks are extinct.

Head to Goa during monsoon, if you love nature. However for the postcard perfect Goa where golden sand beaches stretch out till the horizon, dotted with coconut groves, you need to wait till dry month of winter.

Many beach huts and beach shacks are usually closed during monsoon. Be cognizant of the fact, relentless rain may also cause violent undercurrent in the sea.

Festivals in Goa

Be it a reminiscent of 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule or rich heritage of locals who find mention in epic tales of Mahabharat, Goa has no dearth of festivals and celebrations. It is worth planning your trip around one such festival in Goa. Watch out for the colorful costume, specific food, people letting there hair down and being a part of the merry procession, irrespective of cast and creed. It is beautiful.

Narkasur : Post Diwali, Narka Chaturdashi celebration where good triumphs over evil is manifested. It resembles that of Bhoot Chaturdashi or Dakini Jogini in Bengal , which we worship during Kalipuja when the rest of the country celebrates Diwali.

Viva Carnival : The Catholic festival, often compared to Mardi Gras, or even Rio carnival, that starts from Fat Saturday ( Sabado Gordo ) and end on Fat Tuesday, is a grand celebration where floats, parades, masked dance and other cultural identity find a way of expression. It is celebrated in Panaji and sort of reminds me of “Bisarjan Carnival” of Durgapuja, Kolkata .

New Years Eve: 31st December. Goa brings in New year in style with beaches beaming with color, elaborate fireworks and music.

Music festival in Goa : Supersonic, Sunburn.

Also read: Ramadan Foodwalk in Hyderabad!

Where to stay in Goa

I keep saying Goa as a tiny state. However, it takes at least 7 days to cover all the coastal region and hinterlands of Goa. You will still not see everything, but at least scratch the surface.

It is imperative, where you choose to stay in Goa, can actually make or break the experience.

Let me break down possible tourist accommodation options in Goa in three broad categories. Those who love to party and want to taste every pleasure Goa offers to tourists, must choose Baga or Calangute . Those who love offbeat stays and serenity, can choose between further North or South Goa. Panaji is the capital with plenty of old world charm. But who lives in Panaji when holidaying in Goa? It is good for a day trip.

North or South Goa, how to choose where to stay : this question can be compared with who came first, chicken or the egg? Here, let us look at the pros and cons of each area. I have stayed in these places personally and sharing feedback basis on my experience.

Staying at Baga/Calangute

Pro: Almost everything is available. You name it and you get it. Multiple bike rentals, car rentals, accommodation options, budget hostels, central bus station, public transport, bustling nightlife, cheap and quirky cafes. Nice beach, but…

Con: … the beach is super crowded. Especially, if you are in Baga on a weekend. Prices are on the higher end. Beach shacks are aplenty on season but charges painfully high price.

Staying at Arambol/Ashwem (extreme North Goa)

Despite a Cyclonic storm, I loved my experience of staying at the Yab Yum Beach Resort, Goa. It was right next to the hidden Ashwem beach and away from the buzz of a world moving, changing at a lightening fast speed.

Pro: Offbeat destination, often entire stretch of beach to yourself, away from where stag groups travel hence safer option for a solo woman traveler.

Con: Lack of water sports and limited activities. Not a bustling nightlife around.

Also read: Top 12 Cultural experiences in Goa!

Staying at South Goa

In south Goa, Colva, Benaulim, and Varca has multiple luxury resorts and upscale stay options. Further down south, Agonda and Patnem has better tourist infrastructures.

Pro: Offbeat, serene place, less crowded, beautiful lagoon style beaches, authentic local experience. Best for slow travel and exploring.

Con: Further away from central location. Long drive from airport/train station. Pricier in some cases. Less activities.

Book a stay in G oa: check reviews and best prices here!

Alternative stays in Goa

Goa also houses a world class wellness resort at Divar Island, where tranquility finds a new name. Check out my review of Mercure Devaaya Resort and choose it for a complete detoxing (7 spiritual) holiday in Goa!

Also read: 7 days in Shillong, where I lost my heart!

How Many Days are Good for Goa

Those who stay close-by, visit Goa for 3/4 days for a quick relaxing holiday by the beach. In reality, Goa deserves a longer stay, preferably between one week to 10 days. The state, in its short geographical span, holds numerous beautiful places of interests, each of which merits a visit.

With friendly locals, good connectivity and decent internet, Goa has emerged as an obvious choice for digital nomad hot spot in India. Slow traveling, living by the beach, great cafes and regular interaction with creative artists, Goa promises all of these and more. I have seen western families traveling to Goa with kids and their homework pile and solving mathematics by the beach. It felt surreal to some extent. Our summer vacations were ll about visiting Dadu and learning English grammar in the afternoon by the “ parar pukur “, local pond!

Top Things to Do in Goa

Goa is lauded as the beach capital of India. There are countless beautiful beaches in Goa, with Baga being one of the longest in entire world. They are sometimes hidden by a cliff, sometime out in the open. Some beaches in Goa are protector of lagoon. Some of them emerge with tidal waves. Beach hopping is what you must do when in Goa.

My pick for top 5 beaches in Goa!

• Cancolim Beach: the best in North Goa. The crowd is decent. Shacks were nice. Restaurants close-by were serving delicious food. Nightlife is good too.
• Ashwem beach: The best looking beach with white sand and blue sky as the backdrop. Located by the cliffs hence a bit hidden from the outside world. private and sky. No shack nearby.
• Vagator beach: Best looking beach as you get a perspective from the cliff. Chapora fort is located close which is an amazing place to catch the sunset!
• Colva beach: The only beach in Goa where I found translucent clear water despite heavy crowd During independence day. There is a shack close by where they serve Bengali meal too! I think it was named a Sonar Bangla. Local fishermen’s boat create beautiful photo ops at the Colva beach.
• Palolem beach: One of the best beaches in South Goa. It is coming up fast with many activities, local markets and food joints close by.

Also read: A complete guide to wildlife safari at Masaimara, Kenya!

Goa beyond the beaches!

However, there are tonnes of offbeat things to do in Goa . They span from cultural exploration to adventure activities.

1. Explore Old Goa. Velha Goa . It houses Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, both UNESCO World Heritage site.

2. Explore colorful neighborhood of Fontainhas , a piece of Portugal at the heart of Goa!

3. Take a day trip to the mighty Doodhsagar falls. Be cognizance of the fact that only local cars take you to the top. Only a limited number of car gets permit everyday hence it is best if you start your day early.

4. Sinquerim beach is the hot bed for all the water sport activities in Goa. Water sports are subject to a clear weather day. Parasailing, jet ski and banana boat are the most fun activities in my opinion.

5. Birding at Dr. Salim Ali Sanctuary is one of the prized experience in Goa. If you have time, I suggest take a day off to Dandeli wildlife Sanctuary and watch the pied piper hornbills in North Karnataka.

Yoga in Goa

Plenty of Yoga Teacher training school and Yoga retreats have come up in Goa. I stayed at the Devaaya resort and has taken part in Sunrise Yoga sessions which was uplifting holistic experience. Do not forget to pack a few yoga mats in your Goa bound luggage because there is nothing more refreshing than starting an active day on a beach.

Nightlife in Goa

There is no dearth of option in Goa, if you are a social animal. From night long trance parties to casino to nightclubs, central Goa usually stays abuzz with events for the whole night!

• Play at one of the casino cruise when in Goa. I went to Delyin and I liked the experience despite sort of meh food.
• LPK (Love Passion Karma) at Nerul is one club with decent crowd. Club Cubana is nice too.

Money Matters

Goa can be traveled in a shoestring budget. Goa can easily turn into a luxurious trip if you are in a mood to splurge. Options are wide and endless!

Night clubs, Casino, fine dine restaurants like Thalassa are few of the high class places to visit in Goa. For luxury stay, go with the Taj Aguada.

Like the rest of India, cash is the king in Goa, especially when you are buying from local markets or eating at the street side joints. Cash will make you and the seller happy. However card and in some cases digital wallets (think PayTM, much like M-pesa in Kenya or google Pay) works too.

Stay Connected: Wifi in Goa

Goa is well connected with most prominent Indian network (think Airtel, Vodaphone, or more recent Jio). However, I have seen network drops as you proceed towards obscure interior of the state.

Most of the hotels and beach side cafes provide decent wifi to get some work done, if not streaming a Netflix series.

Tracing back the Hippie trail from olden Goa!

The ghost of 70s hippie trail is yet to give Goa a respite. A typical hippie with grunge deadlocks and deep understanding of empty meagerness of life is a rare find. What you can find is a lot of western travelers tucked away at the fringe end of North and South Goa beaches. Think Arambol. Think Mandrem. Think Patnem.

Arambol is famed for the evening drum songs on the beach.

Souvenir Shopping in Goa

The iconic flea market of Anjuna and the likes of it which have mushroomed in recent times sell a number of interesting stuff. Though it may feel like a bargain, I tell you a bitter truth. I have bought/seen similar silver anklets or beaded necklace for lesser price at Gariahat market, Kolkata . Buy jewelry only if you are not heading to Kolkata in near future!

Bargaining in Indian local market is an art by itself. I usually start from 1/3rd of the initial quote. It may yield a good buy or sometimes I have to let it go.

Flea markets in Goa in earlier days used to sell imported goods which were off limits by virtue of a socialist state. Now that the entire globe is one village and we are swimming in a globalized market, most of these products make their way from China.

I usually sky away from these souvenir shops unless I am on the lookout for a quick swimwear. My favorite souvenirs from Goa are:

• A bottle of Feni
• Kunbi saree
• Musical instruments
• Bibinca cake
• Bottle of Kokum Juice
• Spices, especially black pepper and bird’s eye chillies
• Azulejos: Handpainted tiles of Goa

I Know. I am inching towards a life sans hedonism!

Arpora night market is a famous addition. So are the Sunday night markets. There are aplenty in Goa.

Stay safe when in Goa!

Goa is a safe place to travel to.

You may come across few rare news of violence against tourists in Goa. To be honest, I have traveled in Goa during a natural calamity (Cyclone Kyarr) and was scared of pack of dogs more than unknown male.

I was traveling solo. Even when I was traveling with friends, Goa was a safe place.

It is not the locals of Goa, but people traveling to Goa that create problem. Stay AWAY if you spot a group of male friends.

If people want to click a selfie with you, and come close with that excuse, strictly deny. This has escalated into unpleasant consequences in past. If you are making new friends and drinking with them, be very very cautious, irrespective of the new friends’ gender. Traveling from Central Goa to North (say Baga to Ashwem/Arambol) may turn out to be a tricky choice if you are a solo woman. I would suggest, try to pack your day by sunlight, especially if you are traveling alone and do not have a private vehicle.

Uber does not work in Goa. They have an app named Goa Miles. It works. Sometimes, it does not. It is a bit tricky. You should always have a plan B.

Mosquito and insect repellents are must when you are packing for Goa. Mosquito bites can make you susceptible to Malaria, Dengue apart from unpleasant looking rash.

When you discover an empty beach, be careful while approaching the bush or jungle nearby. Poisonous snake may call it home! yes, I have encountered a Cobra when in Goa. I am still alive and writing this blog post so do not panic!

Responsible Travel Tips for Goa

The Single Use plastic menace in Goa!

Beaches in Goa goes through surging plastic pollution, littering and other vices during tourist season. I have seen plogging party arranged by local communities at Arambol however there is no permanent solution to it. Plastic is hardly recycled in Goa.

Each coconut you buy, comes with a straw which put me off to no end. Traditionally, coconut juice is drunk in India from the shell itself. A few droplets will drench your shirt but that’s the beauty of it. Straws have emerged as the new devil.

Try to be mindful when you consume and stay away from accepting that extra single use plastic. Small things like carrying own tiffin-box for a take away counts in the longer run too!

Wildlife in Goa

Goa is largely saved from the vices of animal riding, say horses or camels on the beach. There are cows on the beach in abundance but they cohabit with humans, and work on the field on season, with the farmer. India remains largely an Agriculture based economy.

The only time I found disturbing proximity to animals were when local fishermen approach you for Dolphin tours. They will basically chase the dolphins in their natural habitat. I say leave it to your luck. I met dolphin in Goa when I was on a water bike. It came, pranced along by the side and swam alongside for 5 minutes before disappearing. What a blissful experience!

Support the local artist in Goa

Goa has a thriving artist community. Multiple art gallery dot the street side of Baga and calangute. Make sure you visit one and support the artist by buying her creation. Goa also has beautiful checkered print Saree, also known as Kunbi Saree. I think they add value to any collector’s wardrobe.

Alcohol & Drug in Goa

Due to relaxed taxation policy, alcohol is cheaper in Goa than other states in India. The local moonshine, Feni, has earned a GI tag and is a must try when in Goa. However drunk driving is a punishable offence by law, anywhere in India. Buying alcohol in Goa and taking is to other states can also draw ire of the authority. Do check with your flight/transport provider.

Drug consumption is punishable offence in India. Ganja/weed is sometimes sold on the beach by some over enthusiast chaps, which is an illegal act by itself. Of course it can lead to what happened to Saif Ali Khan in Dil Chahta Hain. Find out at your own risk!

Also read: Kaziranga, home to India’s one horned Rhino populace!

What to wear in Goa

Wearing a bikini/swimsuit in Goa: Yay or nay?

Beaches in Goa are more relaxed in dressing code compared to other Indian beaches. I have personally worn bikini in the following beaches and did not attract unwanted male stare/attention: Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Vagator, Colva, Arambol, Ashwem. Palolem is cool as well.

If you are staying by a beach-side resort, you can generally venture out in the sea in a bikini. When you are walking in the city, or going to eat at restaurants, please do NOT wear swimwear. It is not acceptable.

Hinterlands of Goa is made of traditional Indian households where modest clothing is encouraged. You will not stand out and can easily use public transport if you wear something that covers shoulder and knees. Carry a stole as that will help you to stay safe from the bright sun, fight back humidity and enter temples or churches if any.

Public toilet in Goa

Depending on the hotel you choose, you are likely to encounter a western toilet for a mid-budget to luxury route. For a more budget friendly option, Indian style toilet may make an appearance. It is does, learn to use the mug. In this part of the world, we do our business with water. If you want your tissue bad, I suggest carry some in the purse.

Pin it for later!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the  disclosure  post. If you have liked the article, you may support it by buying using these links without any extra cost to you.

Let’s stay connected on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Twitter ! You may also consider joining my mailing list. I send travel and photography related emails only once a month!

34 Responses

Wow – clearly we need to put Goa on our Asia bucket list! Thank you for the very informative post.

Wow! What a comprehensive guide! I’ve only visited once some 25+ years ago! I’d love to go again with kids that age ?. I’ll save your guide to use it later

I will be heading to Goa soon. Am glad I came across you post!

Wonderful Pictures!! Goa is a great place where you can enjoy your trip with anyone like your family or friends, loved your blog. Goa being the most attractive place where all love to visit to have a peaceful vacation.

Wow,very nice blog and it is a comprehensive article which is very clearly explain and with the help of it we can explore it in well mannerd way.

Wow, very nice blog. we can explore it in a well manner way. Thanks for Sharing this info.

Goa is just treat to visit, as it has many events, places, festivals and many more to come across. Multiple beaches you mentioned where we can visit.The party we can enjoy, especially the goan food which goa is known it etc this all attract the visitor to go their and you have perfectly explained in your blog.

As soon as everything gets back in place i so wanna pack and head up to goa asap.

“Wow!!- Goa is Damn cool! It’s high up on my bucket list And The pictures is amazing and It’s really beautiful catching Content – Thanks for sharing all this great information. Glad you had a tremendous time there

Great tips for non locals. Goa is a must visit destination, it’s on my (long) list now.

I was amazed by the fact that information provided by you in this blog is so helpful ,

Keep it up!

Thankyou for such a wonderful article

Thanks for providing

I have been to goa a couple of cases then again there is so a total lot larger to find out there. Thanks for sharing the article.

i read your blog on goa it was very creative and innovative also go through our website

Thanks for sharing such a piece of wonderful information. Your knowledge about the topic is great please keep sharing.

Very valuable information, it is not at all blogs that we find this. Goa is my favorite place.

Thank you for a wonderful article about the destination. It provides a entirely new perspective about Goa, the dream destination.

This article is giving me such nice information and also when it comes to travel there are several options for transportation. I live in Mumbai, and I love to travel in India and the best mode of transport is car rental in India. Prince Hire Cab Service is best car rental provider in Mumbai.

Being a Goan, I am proud of my city. Thank you the great article.

The details as per the heading is useful for the Goa debutants, and I felt they are pretty much useful and specific which would help travelers save money and time

Wonderful post. and you Nice used words in this article and beautifully post it. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for writing such an informative essay about the destination. It gives a whole new perspective on Goa, the fantasy vacation spot. The excursion was fantastic, especially the banana ride, which I thoroughly liked. The best things to do in Goa were scuba diving, jet skiing, and snorkelling while admiring the splendour of the underwater marine life.

Thanks for writing this great article for us. I have gained good stuff from this website. Looking forward to your next article. I am happy to share this post to my friends. Keep it up.

Thankyou so much for this amazing information, The way you explain the things was so commendable, It really help me out in Goa and one of the best part in Goa except all the parties and beaches was the place where i stay Resort Rio it was so good to stay in Goa not because of the service but every great place is so close like the baga beach, Nightclubs and the flea markets.

I like your blog post and and I really appreciate this blog post also it is according to the niche and we are the travel peoples and like to travel across the world & also try us.

Great article and I would like to visit goa after this article. it’s valuable

Found your post interesting to read. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting.

After reading this article I will plan a trip to Goa…. Thanks for sharing this information with us.

Nice Blog…. This is really amazing. Great information about goa

Amazing blog!!Thank you for sharing with us. We provide Car rental services in Goa. Convenient & affordable to your advantage.If you are looking for Self Drive Car Rental in Goa , do contact us.

Goa is always a best place to enjoy. Everyone needs a break from this day to day work and have to enjoy the life. Those who dont know where to travel, just head over to Goa and if dont know hoe to enjoy just read this blog.

Nice and detailed information

Amazing blog!!Thank you for sharing with us. We provide Car rental services in Goa. Convenient & affordable to your advantage.If you are looking for Rent a Car in Goa , do contact us.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• 10 Tips For First Time...

10 Tips For First-Time Visitors to Goa

India Writer

India boasts countless tourist destinations, but for millions of travellers each year, Goa is the favourite . This smallest state of India has a bit of everything – architectural landmarks, sun-kissed beaches, water sports, bustling flea markets, lively nightlife , delicious food and laidback vibe. So, if you’re heading to India’s sunshine state for the first-time, here are a few tips.

Do not stick to the popular beaches.

With a huge coastline spanning 105 kilometres (65.2 miles), Goa is blessed with a plethora of beaches . Baga, Vagator, Candolim and Calangute are the popular beaches and crowded to boot, while there are plenty of unspoilt and unexplored beaches, where you can relax in peace and solitude. Some of them include Kakolem beach, Galgibaga, Hollant beach, Velsao, Ashwem beach, Mobar beach and Butterfly beach.

Practice caution at the Goa beaches

Point to remember : Goa is quite relaxed when it comes to bathing suits and it’s common to see people with bikinis on the beaches. However, it is important to note that nudity on beaches is not allowed and even punishable under the law.

Also, some of the beaches in Goa (mainly, North Goa) have strong rip currents, especially during monsoons. Such beaches are marked with red flags, which mean that swimming in these can be dangerous, as the high tide can sweep you out to sea. So, heed the warnings and signs, and do not venture into the sea without consulting the lifeguards.

Savour Goan cuisine

Through years of colonisation, many cultures have influenced the cuisine of Goa, creating a fusion of Portuguese, Brazilian, Arab, French, African, Konkan, Chinese, Malaysian and Malabar flavours to tantalise the tastebuds. So, on your trip to this enchanting beach town, do savour the Goan cuisine : Goan fish curry, pork vindaloo, bebinca (Goan dessert), sorpotel, etc. Do not leave without trying the local liqueur, Feni , a spirit made of coconut or cashew nuts. Sample this local specialty in limited quantity, as it is a strong liquor that will get you high real quick.

Explore on two-wheels

The best way to see the sights and soak up everything India’s smallest state has to offer is on a bike/scooter. The roads in the state are well-maintained and safe, so biking around won’t be a hassle. Bikes are easy and cheap to rent, at around INR 250 ($3.83) – INR 800 ($12.27) per day, depending upon the season (off-season or peak) and type of bike (Honda Activa, Bajaj Pulsar or high-end ones, like Royal Enfield). However, rates can drop considerably if you’re renting for more days. Before finalizing a bike, do take it for a test run – check if it is in good condition, brakes are functional, etc.

Point to remember: Always carry your driving permit with you. Helmets are mandatory, so make sure to get one along with your bike. And, no need to pay extra for it, as it’s already included in your daily rent.

Go scuba diving, jet skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing, banana ride, power-scooter riding, knee-wakeboarding etc, or take some yoga experiences from one of the many yoga retreats available up and down the coast. Goa is a perfect spot for trying all this stuff and do not leave without ticking a few of them off the list.

Go beyond the sea and sand

While many visitors are drawn to the beaches, this certainly doesn’t represent the state in its entirety. There’s lots more to see and do here than just that – centuries-old churches and temples, museums, forts, spice plantations, caves, wildlife sanctuaries, and more. Here’s our list of things to do and see in Goa that will help you plan your itinerary.

Also, Goa is home to a truly spectacular countryside that is worth taking time to explore. Goan villages dotted with old Portuguese-style houses, lush paddy fields, spice plantations, waterfalls and quaint environment can be found at the countryside. The best way to explore it is by bike – take a ride along the lush vegetation and the scenic Portuguese houses, and watch a typical day in the countryside unfold.

Explore both North Goa and South Goa

Both North and South Goa have their own appeal. It is highly recommended to explore both the regions as they have plenty to offer visitors. We recommend you move your way north to south. Tick off all the North Goa attractions, and then further move to the peaceful South Goa and make a trip to Vasco Da Gama and Old Goa that are home to centuries-old monuments, churches , temples, museums and islands. Check out this guide on what to expect in North Goa and South Goa .

You might also like: How to escape tourist crowds in Goa

Play the bargaining game right

Goa has some of the best flea markets and haggling is a part of the experience at these markets. The first price point offered is definitely not the last, so play the bargaining game right. You can find some real bargains here, such as handicrafts, spices, wooden artefacts, carpets, etc. which make for a perfect souvenir.

Say ‘No’ to drugs and do not drink on beaches

There’s a good chance you’ll be invited to beach parties and raves. Keep in mind that many such parties have drugs in circulation. It is worth noting that, by law, possession, consumption or trade of drugs in the state is illegal. And, if caught, you’re sure to land up in jail for nearly 10 years, along with a hefty fine. So, say NO to any such invitation and drugs. Err on the side of caution.

Also, drinking in public places in Goa, especially on the beaches is banned and may land you in jail. So, do not indulge in such an activity.

Remember some basics

Pack wisely.

Yes, it’s sun, sea and sand – so pack beachwear, flip-flops, crocs, hats, shades, sunscreen and lightweight clothes. Avoid too much bling and pack some conservative clothing for your temple and church visits. For some more packing tips, click here .

Keep an eye on personal stuff

This may seem like common sense, but it’s a tip which needs to be highlighted. While you’re relaxing on the beach or shopping, keep an eye on your items, as pickpockets lurk here.

Cash is king

Many small shacks, bars, restaurants and shops do not have credit card machines. So, always have some cash on you (but not too much, though!), or familiarise yourself with the ATMs in your area, so that you can withdraw money easily.

Book accommodation in advance

There are plenty of backpacker hostels and hotels (both budget and luxury ) in Goa, it is better to book them in advance, especially during the long weekends and winter months, as things can get more crowded and expensive.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

See & Do

How to spend a week in maharashtra.

Guides & Tips

How to spend 10 days in madhya pradesh, india.

The Best Places to Travel in November

The Top Things To Do And See In Jaipur

5 Delicious Indian Dry Bean and Lentil Recipes

Photo Journal: 10 Photos From Jaipur's Ganguar Festival

Film & TV

Embrace the barbie spirit by visiting the world's most colourful cities.

Top Tips for Travelling in India

This Homestay Could Help Save Rajasthan’s Nomadic Camel Pastoralists

Simran Lal, Founder of Nicobar, On How She Launched Her Lifestyle Brand and Tips On Travelling to India

Fun-Filled Travel Experiences to Boost Your Serotonin Levels

A Guide To Madhya Pradesh’s Tiger Reserves

Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 1663119
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

26 Goa Travel Tips: Important Must-Knows for Your Goa Trip

This website contains no sponsored content. The content is written entirely on my own and is based on my personal experience and extensive research. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the  disclaimer  for more information.

Travelling to Goa soon? In this post, I am going to share with you the Goa travel tips that you absolutely need to know before you travel to Goa.

The tips are in random order but comprehensively cover everything you need to know about

• Commuting within Goa
• Renting a car or a scooter in Goa
• Shopping in Goa
• Drinking and eating in Goa
• Planning your Goa itinerary
• and many more aspects associated to Goa travel

All the tips contain detailed insights based on my 20+ trips to Goa. So if you want your trip to be magical but not challenging and fun but not frustrating, make sure you read the article thoroughly!

(You can thank me later… I will tell you how!)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please read the  disclaimer  for more information.

Goa Travel Tips: Everything you need to know before your Goa trip

1. book your taxi at the airport prepaid counter or using the goamiles app.

As soon as you exit Goa airport, you will notice hundreds of pick-up placards and dozens of cab drivers calling you out.

Don’t pick the first driver who approaches you as he will definitely take overcharge you.

Instead, choose one of the options below:

• Book a prepaid taxi from the prepaid taxi counter just before you exit the Goa airport. Expect to wait for about 10-15 minutes for your prepaid taxi to arrive. The benefit of booking a prepaid taxi is that the charges are fixed and you don’t have to worry about getting ripped.
• Download the Goamiles app on your phone and book a cab once you’re ready to exit. Goamiles is a Government app that lets you book a cab online the same way in which you would book an Uber. The rates are usually much cheaper than local drivers and at times even cheaper than the prepaid counter. The only caveat – you may have to wait for a cab to be available for booking.
• Prebook your cab online – this option would be a bit expensive but it would ensure that you have a cab ready the moment you’re ready to leave from the airport. In any case, this option often works out cheaper than booking an airport pick up from your hotel (Especially if you’re staying in 4+ star property)

See airport pick up options here

2. Carry your ID cards for renting a vehicle

To rent a vehicle in Goa, you need the following ID cards

• two Government issued ID card and
• a valid driving license

Also a practice that I find rather annoying is that of depositing your ID card like your PAN, Aadhar Card or Passport with the bike rental shop for the duration of your rental.

So it would be prudent to carry two Government ID cards – one to be kept as a deposit and the other to show at bars and clubs requiring age verification.

Make sure you get a written acknowledgment of the deposit of your Government ID card to avoid issues later.

3. Understand how huge Goa is

Many people who have never visited Goa imagine it to be like any other tourist destination in India – i.e. they believe it to be a small town or a city.

But what you must remember is that Goa is a state. Even though it is one of the smallest states in India, it is still much bigger than a regular tourist town in India.

In fact, the vertical length of Goa is approximately 105 kilometres and its approximate width is 60 kilometres.

Thus, you can never ‘cover’ all of Goa in one trip. You will have to mostly cover only a small part of Goa in one trip or divide your time in Goa wisely between North and South Goa to make the most of your trip.

As a first-timer in Goa trying to visit major tourist attraction, understand that you will spend a considerable amount of time commuting between places.

In my digital travel plan Goa: Planned for You , I have created a full itinerary to cut down your trip planning process.

All you have to do is follow it!

Goa: Planned for You

A handy digital travel plan that includes

• Specially curated stay recommendations
• restaurant suggestions
• a day-wise break-up of things to do
• a fully interactive Goa map
• special insights and lots more!

4. Rent a two-wheeler to make the most of your trip

Given how huge Goa is, the best way to cut down on time spent travelling is by renting a two-wheeler.

Two-wheelers are perfect

• for riding through the narrow interior roads of Goa
• for avoiding traffic jams in main cities like Panjim or Madgaon
• to cut down overall costs as a typical per day scooter rental only costs INR 400 and petrol in Goa is also much cheaper than most Indian states.

The roads in Goa are also in good condition for most parts of the year.

The only time when riding a scooter won’t be a convenient option is during monsoons.

Foreigners not used to riding in India can safely initiate themselves in Goa as there is hardly any traffic in the internal roads in Goa. Once you build confidence, you can then venture on the highways and in main cities.

You can also get fancier, bigger bikes on rent. Expect to pay a higher rent for these.

I personally prefer a scooter over a bike for its storage space.

5. Practice caution when getting a vehicle on rent

It is very common for tourists to take a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler on rent when in Goa.

But to avoid getting in any kind of rental troubles later, check the following

• the condition of the vehicle you are taking on rent. It is advisable to take a good-quality video recording of the vehicle you plan to take on rent before you make a payment in respect of the same. Make sure you capture all dents, scratches and damages to the vehicle.
• the vehicle you’re taking on rent is a tourist vehicle i.e. one with a yellow number plate. White number plates are private vehicles and you will be penalized for taking those on rent.
• The quantity of petrol in the tank. Most vehicles will only come with just about enough petrol to take you to the nearest petrol pump.

6. Check reviews on multiple platforms before you book your hotel

Goa is one of the prime most tourist destinations in India. As a result, there is cut throat competition amongst hotels, hostels and homestays.

To lure customers into booking the hotel, a few hotels have been known

• to put false photos on websites or
• put photos of superior rooms only or
• put super edited photos

Tourists have faced difficulties on account of such scammy behavior.

To avoid getting into such situations, please

• check tourist photos of a hotel
• read reviews across multiple booking platforms
• book a hotel recommended to you by an expert or someone who has stayed at the property in the recent past.

I faced a similar issue on one of my trips when I booked a highly-rated hotel only to find multiple cockroaches in my room. It was a horror!

After that, I have exercised tremendous caution when booking hotels in Goa. To avoid getting into trouble, I book all my stays in Goa using Booking.com which allows free cancellation.

7. Book a taxi outside your hotel

Booking a taxi for sightseeing or for pick up and drops to the nearest station often proves to be much more expensive.

This is because hotels are not allowed to hire their own drivers.

Most hotels use the services of local taxi drivers from their area and thus charge a surcharge or extra commission to you.

To save money, directly approach a taxi driver waiting outside your hotel.

The only minor inconvenience caused to you is that you will have to carry your luggage outside as the taxi driver that you’ve booked directly won’t be allowed entry inside the hotel premises.

(As ridiculous as this may sound, that’s exactly how Goa works!)

8. Be prepared for massive crowds in touristy Goa

Many a times when people read that some areas in Goa are crowded, they don’t fathom the degree.

So let me help you get an idea.

The tourist side of Goa i.e. areas between Candolim and Vagator are massively crowded.

• Thousands of tourists throng the beaches in this area at any given point in time.
• Most of the restaurants are full and you will need to wait to get a place.
• Every inch of party clubs is packed with people

If you are someone who absolutely can’t stand such massive crowds, please avoid visiting touristy areas on weekends (in particular long weekends).

The crowds in touristy Goa recedes considerably on weekdays.

9. Bargain hard everywhere

Like all tourist destinations, if you want to maximise the return on your buck, bargain hard.

Don’t hestitate to bargain at

• flea markets
• street shops
• vehicle rentals
• tourist taxis
• tour operators
• watersport vendors

Put your shameless haggle pants on and start negotiating from at least 60% of the price quoted and then go upwards.

Probably the only places where you won’t be allowed to bargain is at cafés and restaurants.

10. Pack light and shop locally

As I have stated in my (soon to be published) article on what to pack for a trip to Goa , it’s is best to pack light for a Goa trip.

You can find lots of shops selling clothes, swimwear, sarongs, jewellery, hats and other accessories near all beach and tourist areas.

Plus, all the areas have

• grocery stores
• medical shops and
• liquor shops

So it is best to buy stuff that you need on reaching Goa and pack as lightly as possible.

This saves space in your luggage as well as proves to be economic especially for longer stays in Goa.

Don’t plan a hectic trip (you’ll miss the real beauty of Goa)

11. Skip tourist attractions that don’t interest you

Let me be honest with you-

As much as I recommend visiting the tourist places in Goa, in my opinion, they hardly encapsulate the essence of visiting Goa.

The essence of Goa lies in experiencing

• a laid-back way of living
• a live and let live way policy where there is a lot more social acceptance to practices otherwise frowned upon in the country like drinking, partying, dressing less conservatively, etc.

Unfortunately, a mere visit to a tourist attraction hardly let’s us experience this beauty of Goa.

Therefore, if visiting churches, museums or forts doesn’t interest you, it’s okay to leave those places out of your itinerary.

12. Explore as many offbeat places as possible

Goan tourism has grown extremely commercial over the years. This has resulted in slow damage and loss of charm of prime tourist attractions like

• Fort Aguada
• Chapora Fort
• Old Goan Churches
• Calangute and Baga beaches

To enhance the quality of your visit, include as many offbeat locations in your itinerary as possible.

Some recommendations are

• Tambdi Surla temple
• Bondla Wildlife sanctuary
• Mahavir Wildlife sanctuary
• Less touristy beaches like Cola beach, Patnem beach, Talpona beach, Betalbatim beach etc.

13. Try out street food and local bakeries

While Instagrammers may be populating your feed with the trendiest restaurants and cafés all around Goa, the real magic lies in its local street food and bakeries.

Local street food and bakeries in Goa offer absolutely delicious yet inexpensive food.

For breakfast, eating freshly baked food at a bakery feels much more satiating than eating at a fancy eatery.

For main meals too, you can safely rely on streed food joints that serve Poi, Ros Omelette, Xacuti, Goan Chilly Chicken, Samosas, Bhaje and Patal Bhaji and Wada. The food is super filling and hardly puts a dent in your pocket.

The food sold here is also classic Goan food that you won’t get to taste in other bigger food joints.

14. Be ready for food overdose

When in Goa… you eeeaaaaaat!

It’s so difficult to limit your portion sizes thanks to the sheer variety of delicious food that surrounds you.

From seafood specialities to a fish thali to continental cuisine to baked goods, it is safe to label Goa as a foodie’s paradise.

The intake of main meals is further loaded with occasional drinks, juices, finger foods, coffees and desserts.

So, in short, be ready for some calorie overload.

15. Don’t accept random stuff from strangers

The consumption and distribution of drugs is a serious legal offence in India. The law prescribes a very harsh punishment that includes rigorous imprisonment for the same.

Yet, cases of illegal distribution and consumption of drugs repeatedly come to light as Goa police cracks down on offenders.

Don’t accidentally fall prey to such crimes.

• Accepting anything from strangers
• Visiting a stranger’s room
• Attending parties hosted by people you don’t know

16. Don’t be tempted to drink irresponsibly

Alcohol is available all across Goa. From liquor shops, to restaurants to beach shacks, you can find liquor easily.

But don’t be tempted to drink irresponsibly.

• you aren’t drinking and driving
• you have made arrangements of being dropped back to your accommodation if you are planning to get drunk at a late night party.

17. Beware of common scams

Like every major tourist destination in the world, Goa has its share of scamsters looking for innocent tourist preys.

Here are a few common scams

• Owner of the vehicle secretly damaging the vehicle rented to you to stake a claim at the deposit.
• Selling you a boat ride promising a certain distance or time and then finishing it off much sooner
• Guaranteeing a dolphin watching experience when in fact there is hardly any likelihood of dolphin spotting
• Paying for a permanent tattoo and it getting washed away in a few days
• Showing high-quality cashews from the window of a packet but the rest of the packet being filled with spoilt cashews.
• Claiming to sell top-quality spices and tea to foreigners which then turn out to be fake or of extremely low quality
• A friendly-stranger chatting with you and singing songs with you at the beach and then forcing you to pay for his performance

On top of this, there are many scams where people looking to engage in illegal activities like drugs and prostitution are duped. But the only way to protect yourself from such scams is by not indulging in any activity that’s illegal as per the laws of the land.

18. Don’t travel with a pocket full of cash

I think in today’s age of technological advancement, not travelling with a pocket full of cash should be a no-brainer.

Why attract the risk of being robbed when you could be transacting digitally, right?

So to avoid being pickpocketed or robbed in Goan tourist areas, don’t walk around with a loaded pocket.

There are plenty of ATMs in all tourist areas. Most commercial establishments also accept digital payments and cards.

19. Embrace slowness

Goa takes the meaning of ‘slow’ to a whole other level.

People in Goa don’t hustle and that’s evident from

• shops and restaurants remaining shut in the afternoons (Don’t worry, beachside shacks and popular joints remain open)
• shopkeepers taking their own sweet time to get you what you need
• Taxi drivers and autorickshaw drivers driving at their own pace (i.e. slowly)
• Dispensaries and offices opening by 10 am and shutting down before 6 pm + take an afternoon break.
• Restaurants and cafés taking time to serve you your food

You will also notice the laidback attitude in all walks of life.

You will rarely find rickshaws queueing up at railway stations or airports early in the morning, in the afternoon or after sunset.

If you have a flight or a train to catch at odd hours, please book your commute in advance.

Finding someone on the streets at odd hours is nearly impossible.

Basically, if you want something done fast or need some urgent assistance, you are in the wrong region.

The only way to cope with this slowness of lifestyle is by embracing it and planning around it.

20. Protect your skin

I have written extensively about the damage sunrays can cause you in Goa in my article on what to pack for a trip to Goa.

I have learned the hard way by getting my skin burnt to the point of the sunburnt skin flaking and peeling off. But you can learn from my mistakes.

Please do the following to protect yourself from the harsh sun

• use an SPF-50 sunscreen like this one
• wear good sunglasses (avoid buying the cheap ones you get at local street-side shops)
• wear a hat or a cap (buy locally – good variety at affordable pricing)
• drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
• avoid direct sunlight in outdoor areas in the afternoon
• wear comfortable, light cotton clothing

Likewise, expect mosquitoes and small insects in many budget rooms and beachside accommodations. Carry a good skin cream and mosquito repellant to protect yourself.

21. Choose to stay longer

As I told you earlier, Goa is not another tourist town.

It’s an entire state and the only way to do justice to it is by

• planning a long trip to Goa
• planning multiple trips to Goa where you explore different sides of Goa everytime

Doing this will get you closer to the beauty of Goa, make you understand its culture and its way of life.

A rushed trip to Goa that covers tourist places and leaves no extra time is the worst way of exploring Goa.

22. Buy drinks from a liquor shop

I have let you in on this trick in my article on 12 useful ways to visit Goa on a budget . But let me quickly summarise it for you here-

Alcohol is cheaper in Goa but only if you buy it at a local liquor shop.

Popular restaurants and pubs serve alcohol at rates comparable with major Indian cities. Drinking here will cause a hole in your pocket.

So be smart and buy drinks from a liquor shop and enjoy it with your friends and family at your hotel or hostel.

23. Opt for street-side shops to buy clothing (instead of flea markets)

Goan flea markets are truly one of a kind. They are weekly and have a certain attractive vibe to it. The most famous flea markets in Goa are

• Anjuna flea market (Wednesday only)
• Night Bazaar at Vagator (Friday only)
• Saturday Night Market at Arpora (closed following the pandemic, could reopen shortly)

While these places sell some truly exquisite clothing and jewellery items, I think that they don’t justify their once a week tease.

Most of the clothes sold at these markets are found in street-side shops (Especially in the everyday market that sits near Anjuna). Buying at street-side shops proves to be beneficial for two main reasons

• it’s often much cheaper
• damaged items are easier to replace or return as the shop is available on all days and not just once a week.

Plus, you also save on the entry fee charged by some flea markets by shopping from local street-side vendors instead.

24. Dress modestly at temples and churches

Just because Goan dressing standards are not as orthodox as many other places in India does not mean that you are allowed to disrespect local culture.

Goa is home to some of the most beautiful and religiously symbollic temples and churches.

Do not enter these religious institutions skimpily dressed.

Avoid wearing sleeveless clothing, deep neck tops or clothing that’s above your knees.

25. Save maps offline

Goa, in general, enjoys excellent network coverage. But there are still a few regions where you won’t get any connectivity. These areas include

• some routes leading to Cabo de Rama
• Cola beach and nearby areas
• portions on the highway near Uttorda and Majorda
• approach road towards Dudhsagar falls.

If you are using Google Maps or Maps to navigate, you may risk getting stuck in such regions.

Always save maps offline when covering major distances by road.

26. Wear night driving glasses for riding on Goan roads at night

Riding a two-wheeler in Goa is a fun experience, except at night. At night, when you ride from one place to another you will notice a number of small flying insects. (I wish I knew the name of these insects). My husband was troubled by these insects as they would enter his eye and make riding extremely difficult.

This problem is particularly faced on the highway connecting North Goa to South Goa.

Wear night driving glasses to beat this issue.

Final Thoughts

I have tried to pour all my experience of travelling to Goa in a long helpful listicle. I am sure you found it helpful. Is there something you would like to add? If yes, please leave a comment down below.

Travelling to Goa soon? Read my other articles on Goa:

• 17 best areas to stay in Goa: A comprehensive guide – read article
• 46 kickass things to do in Goa: An ultimate guide – read article
• The best places to visit in North Goa: A 3-day guide – read article
• The Ultimate 5-day Goa itinerary – read article
• How many days are enough in Goa – read article

In my readymade digital Goa travel plan, I recommend where to stay, where to eat and what to do to suit your travel style . Check it out here .

GOA: PLANNED FOR YOU

Benefit from our expertise in Goa. Save hours of trip planning effort, save thousands of rupees on travel agents and kill trip planning overwhelm.

Get access to the best Goa trip plan with specially curated stay recommendations, restaurant suggestions, day-wise break-up of things to do, a fully interactive Goa map and much more in a single downloadable pdf.

Save for later!

TOP TRAVEL RESOURCES

Here is a list of our favorite travel resources- the ones that I absolutely swear by when planning almost every trip. Go through this list to plan a hassle-free trip and save a lot of money!

Flight Booking: Check the availability of tickets, the best time to fly, and the cheapest fares on Skyscanner . You may also find a cheap flight via CheapOair

Accommodation: I absolutely love booking through Agoda . In most countries and particularly in Asia, I often find the best fares on Agoda. But I also love the no prepayment and no cancellation fee policy of Booking.com . For cheap accommodations and hostels, nothing beats Hostelworld .

Car Rentals: You may find and rent an appropriate car via RentalCars . It’s hassle-free and reliable.

Guided Tours: I absolutely love GetYourGuide for local sightseeing tours, walking tours, history tours, and food tours. The booking process is seamless, and the tours are super affordable. But in Asian countries, I prefer Viator or Klook for their affordably priced tours.

Lounge Access : Get Priority Pass – my personal favorite card that gives me unlimited access to premium airport lounges all over the world

Hey, if you found this post helpful, share it with more people or buy me a coffee !

Vrushali Ketkar is a lawyer turned travel blogger. She has travelled to 14 countries. She travels like a regular working woman with family. Her lawyer-level research skills make her a destination expert and help her get the most out of my trips. Today, her travel articles and videos help thousands of people across the world plan their trips to various parts of the world.

Similar Posts

10 Things to do in Goa with Kids: Useful Ideas & Insights 2023

Want to travel to Goa with your kids and wondering what all you could do? In this post I…

Best South Goa Itinerary (for 1,2,3,4,5 days in South Goa)

South Goa is one of the most beautiful regions in India. Below is my detailed South Goa guide to…

North Goa vs South Goa (for Parties, Couples and Families)

Wondering where to stay on your Goa trip and want the exact difference between North Goa and South Goa?…

Goa Itinerary for 5 days: The Most Reliable Goa Trip Plan

Every time someone asks me to recommend a Goa trip plan, I perform a little jig in my head!…

32 Offbeat Things To Do in Goa: Upgrade your Goa Experience

Searching for offbeat things to do in Goa? Here’s an epic guide on the best offbeat things to do…

A Solid List of All the Things to do in Anjuna & Vagator 2023

Planning to stay in Anjuna or Vagator? Wondering what are the things to do in Anjuna and Vagator?In this…

• Destinations

Goa Travel Tips - 10 Tips for First-Time Visitors

• October 11, 2021

India has countless must-visit destinations, but Goa continues to be one of the favorites. The perfect beach town attracts every type of visitor – couples, solos, groups, families, party lovers, hippies, etc. and is equally popular amongst Indian and international travelers. People do not visit Goa just once. They keep coming back again and again – for bachelorettes, honeymoons , celebrations, sightseeing, partying, relaxing, boozing, weekend trips, and lots more. The popularity of the smallest state in India is not surprising. Goa has something for everyone – exquisite beaches , water activities, beach shacks, wildlife sanctuaries, architectural landmarks, late-night parties, bustling flea markets, mouth-watering cuisine, luxury hotels, and laid-back vibes. If you are planning to visit Goa, go through these tips so that you can enjoy your stay in the sunshine state to the fullest.

1)  Best time to visit Goa

Goa experiences a tropical climate and winter is literally non-existent. The best time to visit Goa is from November to February as the weather is just perfect with pleasant temperatures and less humidity. It’s also the party season and the town is abuzz with music festivals like Sunburn and Supersonic. Book in advance if you don’t want to make a big hole in your pocket. It is better to skip the last week of December as room rates skyrocket and the city is packed with tourists. March to May is the summer season in Goa and definitely, the worst time to visit Goa.

Monsoon falls between June to September and the temperatures are moderate but it can be very humid with heavy rainfall. But it is still a good time to visit the region as Goa is the greenest during this season. All the rivers, lakes, & waterfalls are full and spectacular and there can be no better time to explore the waterfalls, sanctuaries, & spice plantations. However, beaches become inaccessible and water activities & beach shacks are not operational. October gets better, as rains stop and things start opening up in prep for the coming high season.

2)  Traveling within Goa

Goa is huge and traveling from one point to another can be tricky. Uber and Ola are not available in Goa and taxis are quite expensive. GoaMiles is the government’s licensed app-based taxi service. However, the interface is quite basic and it’s not easy to find a cab. If you are able to book a cab on the app, it is a good option to reach your accommodation from the airport. The government has also fixed rates for auto-rickshaws. cab drivers (it’s still on the high side), but many of them don’t follow the pricing and ask for an exorbitant amount. If you are comfortable with the idea, you can opt for bike taxis. They are very affordable and easy to spot. The city is not very well-connected by buses.

One of the best ways to explore Goa is to rent a bike/scooter. Bikes are cheap and easy to rent and they will give you the freedom to explore as you desire. They can be rented for as low as Rs.250 per day. The other option is to rent a car, but that would be more expensive and you won’t be able to access many nooks and corners of the city. If you decide to self-drive, always carry your driving license, make sure you are sober, and don’t break any traffic rules. If you are a foreign traveler, you will require an International Driving License to drive in India . Don’t trust Google Maps blindly.  In case money is not a constraint, you can hire a private chauffeur-driven car to take you around.

3)  Explore North Goa and South Goa

Wherever you may decide to stay, explore both the regions of Goa – North, and South. North Goa is crowded and known for its scintillating parties and crazy nightlife, while South Goa is preferred for its secluded beaches, serenity, and relaxed vibes. Both of them have their own appeal, so give yourself time to visit both districts. Beaches in North Goa like Calangute and Baga host vibrant parties almost every night and are immensely popular. This region has the Old Goa settlement and you will have a chance to visit the top tourist places of Goa. If you are looking for secluded beaches, offbeat experiences, local flavors, and some peace, you should be spending more time in the South of Goa. Beaches like Palolem, Agonda, Colva, Benaulim, and Cavelossim are a few of the best beaches in South Goa. Vasco Da Gama and Old Goa are the added attractions in the South.

4)  Things to Pack for a Goa Trip

Goa is called the ‘land of sun, sea, and sand’, so pack accordingly. Beachwear, hats, sunglasses, scarves, sarongs, sanitizer, flip-flops, sandals, sunscreen, mosquito repellants, beach towels, etc., are the must-haves. Stick to one-piece swimsuits if you are going to public beaches. It is never really cold in Goa, so always go for kinds of cotton, linens, and other lightweight clothing. Skip body-fitting clothing as the weather is hot and humid mostly. Pack some conservative outfits for the churches, mosques, and temples. If you wish to enjoy the amazing Goan nightlife, you will need formal outfits and shoes.

5)  Explore the different Beaches in Goa

With a coastline spanning more than 100 km, Goa has countless beaches, and you are spoilt for choice. The beaches are known for their shacks, nightlife, watersports, and hippie vibes. Besides these lively beaches, there are many unspoiled and rustic beaches that look gorgeous with their translucent clear water, golden sand, weird rock formations, and lava rocks. Don’t restrict yourself to popular beaches like Calangute, Candolim, Vagator, Morjim, Colva & Baga. They are beautiful but crowded. If you want some tranquility and solitude, add beaches like Anjuna, Kakolem, Aschwem, Hollant, Cavelossim, Mobar, & Butterfly to your itinerary. Beaches in South Goa have calmer waters whereas beaches in the North have a bit more waves. 

6)  Go beyond the Beaches

Goa is India’s ultimate beach destination, but there are lots more to Goa. Don’t spend all your time beach-hopping. There are many off-beat places to explore. Goa has beautiful countryside peppered with spice plantations, lush paddy fields, gorgeous waterfalls, & Portuguese-style houses. Visit Old Goa with its quaint churches, wildlife sanctuaries, museums, forts, and lots more. UNESCO Heritage sites like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, St. Cathedral, and the spectacular Doodhsagar Falls are definitely worth a visit.

7)  Don’t miss out on Nightlife

Goa has amazing nightlife and is known for its pubs, bars, clubs, and night-long parties. Central Goa is alive with trance parties, casinos, and nightclubs till the wee hours of the morning and you can dance the night away. However, you should be vigilant while partying, especially if you are a woman . Don’t accept drinks from strangers and never leave your drinks unattended. Call for help if someone is harassing you. Possession and consumption of certain drugs and intoxicants are illegal in Goa and may lead to rigorous punishment. So, be aware and vigilant at all times.

8)  Follow the rules and protocols

Goa is very liberal compared to the rest of India, but you should respect the local culture. When visiting religious places, proper decorum should be followed. Cover your heads and shoulders while visiting temples, mosques, & churches. Public display of affection in public places is still frowned upon. Nudity is not allowed on Goan beaches and is even punishable under the law. Don’t litter and leave trash on the beaches.

Some beaches in North Goa have strong waves and undercurrents, especially in monsoons. Keep a lookout for red flags, warnings, and signs as the high tide can sweep you out into the sea. Always embark on water sports under proper guidance and use the life jackets available. If safety procedures are not followed, things can quickly go out of hand. Public smoking and consumption of alcohol in public/beaches are prohibited in Goa. While tasting local liquor like Feni and Urrak, dink slowly with caution as they are potent. Do not drive any vehicle on the beaches as it is prohibited by the law.

9)  Savor the Local Cuisine

Goan cuisine is one of the best in the country. It is a mix of Portuguese, French, and South Indian cuisine. Seafood is the local specialty and must not be missed by people who relish it. Goan fish curry, vindaloo, sorpotel, and Bebinca (Goan dessert ) are very popular. The Goan curries can be spicy, so request the chef to go easy on spices while ordering curries. Always drink bottled water after checking that the seal has not been broken.

10)  Money Matters

Your budget might be shoe-string, mid-range, or high-end – Goa will not disappoint. There is no dearth of beach shacks, homestays, hostels, villas, wellness retreats, boutique hotels , heritage properties, & budget hotels in Goa. W, Fort Aguada, Leela Goa, Taj Exotica, and ITC Grand are a few of the best high-end resorts in India. Try to book a place near the beach for the best experience. Don’t miss out on the flea markets and night markets in Goa. The products (wooden artifacts, lamps, incense, jewelry, handicrafts , spices, etc.) are sold at very affordable prices, but be ready to use all your bargaining skills. Government Emporiums are good options if you are looking for quality and genuine products.

Be careful about pickpockets and never leave your luggage unattended. Cash is the preferred currency in local markets and street joints. Do not carry too much cash with you and don’t flash valuables or large sums of money. Use ATMs to withdraw money as often as possible. Cards and digital wallets like PAYTM and Google Pay also work in most places. Beware of touts who are lurking in tourist places looking for their next target.

Follow these tips and you are in for a memorable vacation in a beach town in India. And I am sure Goa will be added to your list of favorite destinations

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

You may also like.., europe bucket list, travel tips for senior travelers, switzerland itinerary for 7 days.

Top Travel Tips For Goa

A land of enchanting diversity, India offers an extraordinary tapestry of experiences. From ancient cultures and magnificent palaces to historic gems offering a tizzy of sights and sounds, there’s magic in them all.

The popular beach capital of India , ironically the smallest state in the country, Goa is one of its biggest draws. Promising a memorable escape, this coastal paradise is home to over 30 luscious beaches. Add to that, its fascinating history and vibrant nightlife, and it’s no wonder why Goa is so popular. What further sets it apart, are unique Portuguese influences on Goan culture, owing to colonisation over five centuries. If India is on your bucket list, you must travel to Goa to discover its many facets and unique offerings. These travel tips for Goa will help make your holiday unique and wonderful. 

Palolem Beach, Goa

Whether you’re a family travelling with kids, a group of friends seeking adventure or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, Goa is always a good idea.

Best time to go

While Goa is often called the Sunshine State, locals will contend that the rainy season (June-Sep) is when it is at its striking best. As the crowds dissipate, you’re surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and lush greenery everywhere. Witness the rush of rippling streams and cascading waterfalls , as you bask in the cool, breezy interiors.

Travel tips for Goa: Choose whether you want action or tranquillity. Visit Goa during winter (Nov-Feb) for the best New Year parties and Christmas festivities. Or be surrounded by lush greenery in Goa’s monsoon months. Explore ancient cathedrals, experience choral services minus the crowds, or mingle in Christmas markets. Catholics form one-third of the population dating back to the Portuguese days. 

Summer months (March-May) are hot and humid. However, a silver lining is that this time offers respite from the crowds. Have a splashy time at the beach with a variety of water sports or treat yourself to refreshing coconut water.

How to get there

You can take a train or flight to Goa from any major city in India, including Mumbai, Bangalore, New Delhi, Chennai and Cochin. Dabolim Airport (the main airport in the state) is 30km from its capital Panjim. Ask the Elite Concierge to arrange luxury ground transfers to take you to your villa.

The drive from Mumbai is also very scenic, in case you wish to hire a chauffeur-driven car and explore the western coast of India.

How to get around

Getting around Goa is easy with various transport options. Local taxis and self-driving cars are available, though driving on Indian roads can take a little bit of practice. Renting a scooter or two-wheeler is popular among tourists, offering the most convenience and flexibility. You can use these for short distances and close-by places accessible via country roads.

Here’s a travel tip for Goa – hire a chauffeur-driven luxury car via the Elite Concierge to explore the best that Goa has to offer. Why compromise on luxury when it’s available at your fingertips?

Where to stay — In the lap of luxury

An amateur mistake is booking unsuitable accommodation in Goa . Like most popular destinations, you can end up with never-ending queues for sun loungers and buffet meals if you book a busy resort.

For a truly relaxing experience, book a private villa for your group when you travel to Goa. Luxuriate in comfort, away from the crowds. Wake up to the hum of the ocean, get a tan by the pool and ease your aching muscles with an in-villa massage. If that’s not all, dig into sumptuous Goan food whipped up by your very own private chef. Our attentive staff and concierge team will take care of your every need. From local spots to hidden gems, you don’t have to worry about a thing. This is the best way to experience Goa. From the comfort of a luxurious private villa .

Glasshouse On The Bay

Estate de Frangipani

Colina – Villa D

Other travel tips for Goa:

• Always carry a pair of sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Pack swimwear that dries easily.
• Goa is more liberal than most other parts of the country but India remains a slightly conservative country. You may be more comfortable wearing a one-piece swimsuit on public beaches, while bikinis can be worn within your villa.
• Make copies of your visa, passport and all essential documents and keep them handy with you.
• Avoid scams and touts. Make sure you book your tours via the Elite Concierge or your Villa Manager who only use accredited, properly-vetted services and agencies.

Come, and experience the joy of India’s beach capital. Book a luxury villa with Elite Havens and witness Goa’s magical allure firsthand.

Share this story

Related posts.

5 Fabulous Seminyak Restaurants for a Memorable Evening

Ultimate Thailand Shopping Guide: Phuket & Koh Samui Special

How to Get To Niseko, Japan in 2024

Goa Monsoon and Its Unabashed Beauty

About Us • Privacy policy and cookie statement • Terms & conditions • Contact Us

© Elite Havens Group 2022. All Rights Reserved.

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• An Absolute Post-Covid Travel Guide To Goa: Updated Goa Tourism Guidelines In 2024

23 Mar 2023

If the most dreamed-of holiday in India had a name, it would probably sound a lot like Goa. From clear water beaches with exotic activities and themed events, and a vibrant mix of modern and traditional culture, Goa is as close to a dream paradise as you get. An ancient Portuguese colony, it boasts a historic charm, and offers many adventure sports, unwinding, and a dose of delicious Goan food. Since the declaration of a national lockdown in March, Goa has been one of the most anticipated destinations that travelers couldn’t wait to visit, a feeling most of us share. Goa tourism guidelines has been released by the state tourism ministry to ensure the safety of travelers as well as local residents. 

Read the detailed post-Covid travel guide to Goa below for your post-pandemic travel planning.

Goa Travel Advisory During Covid-19

Are you looking for quarantine rules in Goa ? The state of Goa is inviting more travelers by opening up its tourism industry slowly but the key priority is the safety and wellbeing of both the travelers and the residents. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that as a part of Unlock 4.0, they have removed the mandate to carry a negative Covid-19 test but all the other restrictions such as compulsory face mask, social distancing, and sanitization of public places are still in place. Here’s a list of some of the other important Covid-19 guidelines issued by the state of Goa that travelers must follow:

• The passenger must have completed both the dosages of vaccination.
• All the visitors must have the Aarogya Setu App downloaded with an updated status of ‘Safe’.
• All domestic and incoming travellers must undergo thermal screening.
• Symptomic travellers will need to take a PCR test and stay in isolation if needed.
• Casinos, cinema halls, schools, colleges, weekly markets, as well as shops are now open and running.
• Beach shacks are open for serving customers with full capacity.
• The Baga-Calangute beach belt is open for travelers.
• Air transportation remains open for domestic flights to and from Goa.
• Domestic buses are operating on normal routes but with a full capacity.

Must Read: 18 Things To do In Goa In December For A Happening Vacation

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Goa is from November to April when the weather is ideal for relaxing on the popular beaches and the temperature averages between 20 to 30 degrees celsius.

How to Reach

The Goa state government has removed all travel restrictions to allow the influx of tourists from all parts of India. The authorities have also introduced rules for travelling to Goa and also charge a fine for those who are not wearing their mask during commute/entering the border. The passengers will be photographed and fined for their actions.

• Travelers can take a flight from the closest airport to The Dabolim Airport or Goa International Airport to reach Goa.
• Trains are operating regularly to Goa and you must check the availability on the IRCTC website before booking.
• If you are planning to travel by road, you can hire a car or drive yourself from the state border to your accommodation.

Suggested Read: 9 Best Islands Of Goa For An Offbeat Trip To India’s Favorite Beach Town

Getting Around

There are multiple modes of transportation available for travelers who want to go around Goa. You can rent a bike from travel dealers for an affordable price, hire auto-rickshaws, take private cabs for a more comfortable journey and also travel by ferry. Make sure that you follow all the Goa tourism rules carefully for a safer travel experience.

The following are the locations where ferry services are available. Please note that some of them may not be functional yet due to the pandemic.

• Betim to Panaji
• Old Goa to Divar Island
• Querim to Tiracolor
• Cavelossim to Assolna

Places To Visit In Goa During Covid-19

With countless beaches, seamless crystal blue waters, and mesmerizing local suburbs that exudes culture, Goa offers many delights to those willing to explore. Ever heard that “big things come in small packages?” This axiom certainly fits best to Goa, a land of limitless possibilities and a soothing escape for travelers.

As Goa has reopened, the way we approach travel might have changed but the beauty of the places remains the same. If you are planning to make a trip, make sure you don’t miss out on Palolem Beach, Baga Beach, Panaji, Goa Velha, and Calangute.

Suggested Read: 9 Hotels In Goa That Offer World-Class Facilities To The Guests And Travelers!

Things To Do In Goa During Covid-19

With soft sand, clear water, and enjoying beachside conversations with your friends and family, Goa is an absolute favorite destination for autumn and winter travelers. If you are looking for reasons to trade snow with sand, there are many things to do in Goa like Cafe hopping, water sports, Goan food tour, night bazaars, and more.

While participating in organized events like water sports or food tours, safety is the most important factor to keep in mind. As businesses are opening, the state is taking all the precautions to make sure that the travelers are safe when they experience Goa. As a traveler, you can check with your concerned facility and ask for Goa tourism rules , safety gear, and more before your departure.

Accommodation

The state of Goa has removed all the travel restrictions imposed during the lockdown and travelers no longer need to book a stay in advance. From short stays to week-long vacations, you can enjoy your time in Goa by choosing to stay at some of the most amazing hotels and Airbnbs. All hotels are now following the Goa travel rules mentioned by the authorities after reopening which includes a deep sanitization process during and after every guest, limited capacity of beds, closure of community areas like pools and gyms, and contact tracing.

Here is a list of measures that the state of Goa has for the hotel industry:

• Temperature screening at hotels
• Sanitizer availability at the hotel and inside all the rooms
• Disposable gloves mandatory for hotel staff at bar and restaurant
• Contact tracing forms at every hotel

Suggested Read: Canyoning In Goa: Experience An Adrenaline Rush Like Never Before!

Restaurants

The hospitality industry in Goa is reopening but the safety of the travelers and staff remains a key priority. While some of the most popular street food outlets and restaurants in Goa are back to normal functioning with a limited capacity, many of the food outlets have moved to delivery-only or takeaway facilities. Food franchises are also operational and open for customers with social distance seating and disposable cutlery to avoid any transmission.

What To Pack

A post-Covid trip to Goa calls for a smart packing list that would accommodate all your belongings and save space for safety essentials like an extra bottle of sanitizer or a PPE kit. Here’s Travel Triangle’s comprehensive list of things to pack:

• Clothing for moderate weather and two beach-friendly outfits
• A pack of disposable face masks or 2-3 reusable face masks
• Sanitizer for personal use
• Sanitizing solution for outdoor/surface use
• A personal PPE kit that will include a face shield, sanitizer sachets, and a pair of disposable glove for flight, train, or any kind of commute
• Slippers, hats, sunscreen, and other beach essentials that you may need

Suggested Read: 13 Excellent Places To Visit In Goa In July For A Soothing Vacay

Travel Checklist

• Book your travel and accommodation in advance.
• Talk with your hotel/Airbnb about their sanitizing facilities and the Covid-19 related precautions they are taking.
• Download the Arogya Setu app on your mobile phone.
• Try to get tested before your travel and keep the Covid-19 negative certificate handy during your commute.

Further Travel Tips

• When at the beach or visiting an attraction, make sure you follow the safety marks on the floor or walls of the place for social distancing.
• If you are using the ferry services, make sure they are not overcrowded.
• People over the age of 65 or children under the age of 10 are advised not to undertake non-essential travel.

Further Read: 6 Picnic Spots Near Goa That Are Epitome Of Art And Culture!

As we slowly recover from this pandemic, safety must remain our primary concern while traveling. This post-Covid travel guide to Goa is your one-stop solution for trip planning and itinerary. If you are looking for something more than a post-Covid travel guide to Goa , let us help you put together your dream Goan trip with our customized packages.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist, or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

People Also Read: 

Essentials For Travel During COVID Times Mount Everest To Reopen For Climbers Road Travel During COVID-19 Times

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Goa open for tourists?

Yes, the state of Goa is currently open for domestic tourists and travelers from all parts of the country. As per the Unlock 5 guidelines announced by the government, travelers no longer need to show a Covid-19 test or book accommodation in advance. You can easily travel from your home state by just undergoing a temperature check at entry points.

Is it safe to travel to Goa during the Coronavirus pandemic?

Yes, it is safe to travel to Goa only if you are traveling in a small group while following the state-issued advisory. As experts are warning to be cautious against the spread of the virus in cold weather, here are some precautions you must follow if you travel: When going outside, in public transport, or visiting tourist attractions, wear a suitable and fitted face mask that covers your nose and mouth. Always carry hand sanitizer with you and check with your hotel if they are providing you with regular sanitation facilities. Avoid touching any unsanitary surfaces and keep a pack of disposable gloves handy if needed. Avoid going to crowded places and if you are planning to visit any temples or marketplaces, make sure you maintain social distancing.

Are the casinos in Goa open for tourists?

Yes, you can try your luck in some of the most popular casinos in Goa from November 1st, 2020. All the establishments are ordered to operate at 50% capacity and follow the state government protocol thoroughly to ensure the safety of the visitors and staff.

Recent Posts

5 Mesmerising Places To Visit Near Aguada Fort For A Delightful Experience

55 meilleurs endroits à visiter à Goa pour de splendides vacances en 2023

5 Places To Visit In Mapusa That Are A Must-Explore In 2023

14 Amazing Things To Do In Goa In Monsoon Will Be Your Best Trip In 2023

Bangalore to Goa Road Trip: A Comprehensive Guide For Your Next Getaway

Sri Lanka Travel Guide for a Revitalizing Vacation

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• Goa »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

The Best of Goa | 7 Day Travel Itinerary + Guide

Welcome to the Ultimate Goa Travel Guide , designed to help you make the most of your 7-day adventure in the beautiful Indian coastal paradise, of Goa. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, or cultural experiences, Goa has something to offer everyone, and this 7 Day Goa Travel Itinerary and Guide , has it all. In this Goa Travel Guide, we’ll provide you with a suggested 7 Day itinerary to explore the best of North Goa, South Goa, and Panjim, along with key insights on the best time to visit Goa, must-visit places in Goa, offbeat experiences to do in Goa, and the best resort in Goa, India.

Day 1: Arrival in North Goa

Day 2: explore north goa, day 3: road trip from north goa to south goa, day 4: discover offbeat things to do in south goa, day 5: dive into south goa, day 6-7: immerse yourself in panjim, coconut creek resort | bogmalo, goa, feni and tapas food trail in old latin quarters, fontainhas heritage walk, e-bike tour to divar island, attending a drum circle, visiting salaulim dam, 7 day goa travel itinerary – summary, share this:, the best of goa – 7 day travel itinerary.

• Start your journey by arriving in Goa, preferably during the best month to visit Goa, which is typically between November and March, offering pleasant weather.
• Prefer to land at the Manohar Parrikar International Airport in MOPA, as you’ll be c hecking in into your accommodation in North Goa, known for its lively atmosphere and bustling beaches. Check out the Best Hotels in North Goa here and save upto 50%.
• Pro Tip – Make your life easy, by pre-booking a Rental Car in Goa. The vehicle can be picked up at the Airport, and make sure to do a proper visual inspection, and even take a video, before taking the keys. Car Rentals in Goa start for as less as ₹ 1400 – 2000 / day.
• Spend the evening at any of the famous beaches in North Goa, such as Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Arambol Beach, famous for its nightlife and beachside shacks.
• Begin your day with a visit to the historic Aguada Fort / Chapora Fort, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
• Head to Anjuna Beach to experience its bohemian vibes and browse the flea market. 
• Enjoy traditional Goan cuisine at Vinayak Family Restaurant and Gunpowder in Assagao. These are some of the Best Restaurants in North Goa , that you should definitely check out.
• Head to any of the popular beach clubs of Goa such as Mayan Beach Club, Thalassa Goa, Purple Martini, Titlie Goa for an epic sundowner.
• If possible, attend a drum circle.Attending a Drum Circle is one of the best things to do in Goa, and these Drum Circles are organised regularly on Arambol Beach, Morjim Beach, Anjuna Beach among others. Just ask the locals, they’ll be able to help you with the latest information.

PS – Useful Travel Resources that will help you plan better for your Trip to Goa

• Book the best Goa Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
• Book your Accommodation in Goa on Agoda or Booking.com
• Book your Goa Car Rentals on Go Goa Car Rentals or Ezee Car Rent
• Book your flights at the cheapest rates on Kiwi.com
• Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
• Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to Goa, and lounge for free at Premium Airport Lounges
• Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in Goa
• Check out from your North Goa accommodation and head to South Goa, which is less crowded and known for its tranquillity. 
• We recommend the Coconut Creek Resort near Bogmalo Beach. The resort, is one of the best in Goa, India;  has an inviting swimming pool, it’s surrounded by greenery, has an amazing in house restaurant serving the best dishes of Goa, and is just a 3 minute from Bogmalo Beach, which is a relatively cleaner and less crowded beaches of South Goa.
• Head out and experience the best Goan dishes such as Chicken Xacuti, Prawn Vindaloo, Pork Sorpotel, at Martin’s Corner or at Fisherman’s Wharf, which are some of the Best Places to Eat in South Goa.
• Explore offbeat destinations in South Goa, near Bogmalo Beach, such as Kesarwal Spring Waterfall and the Heart Shaped Lake.
• Visit the Paul John Distillery and do the distillery and tasting tour. Its one of those experiences, that might as well turn out to be one of the highlights of your trip to Goa. However, do enquire beforehand, and confirm the slot timings for your visit.
• Head further south to experience the calm at Majorda Beach, and the less touristy Cabo Da Rama Beach and Cola Beach and lagoon. If weather permits, enjoy a beautiful sunset from any of these beaches.
• Enjoy a traditional Goan Seafood Thali at any of the local eateries and pair it up with some Goan Feni – the local liquor made from cashew and coconut.
• Put the location on Google Maps as Salaulim Gardens, and head to one of the most beautiful and underrated tourist attraction in Goa – The Salaulim Dam. Even though, it’s a bit far from other popular sights in Goa, the drive to Salaulim Dam is very beautiful and the untouched beauty of the dam, makes it worth the effort of going the extra mile.
• If weather permits, also check out the famous Dudhsagar Waterfalls, which also happens to be one of the tallest waterfalls in India and one of the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in India , nestled in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Enquire about all the information required to explore Dudhsagar Waterfall from the reception desk of your hotel in South Goa.
• Drive back to your South Goa hotel, and just relax by the pool. Enjoy a delectable dinner spread at the in house restaurant of your South Goa hotel.
• Check out from your South Goa Hotel and head to Panjim, the charming state capital.
• We recommend staying near Miramar Beach, or in the heart of Panjim – The Old Latin Quarters, in a heritage property. Check out the Best Hotels in Panjim here and avail upto 50% discounts on your booking.
• Spend your days in Panjim, exploring historic sites like the Fontainhas Latin Quarter, the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, and the Reis Magos Fort, and the nearby Divar Island. 
• Do the Fontainhas Heritage Walking Tour by Make It Happen Goa , to know more about the history of the iconic Old Latin Quarter of Panjim.
• Discover the beauty of Divar Island, by doing an E – Bike Tour by B:Live E – Bike Tours Goa , and combine the adventure of cycling with the ease of cruising .
• Take a cruise along the Mandovi River and enjoy the vibrant Goan culture.
• Go on a culinary adventure by joining the Feni and Tapas Trail by Make It Happen , and try out some yummy crafted Feni based cocktails, along with Goan and Portuguese inspired food dishes, at some of the Best Restaurants in Panjim.
• Try out your luck at any of the many famous Casinos in Panjim. Gambling is legal in Goa, if you didn’t already know.
• Goan Cashews
• The Goan Spices
• Homegrown Gins produced in Goa – Tickle Gin, Satiwa Passion Hemp Gin, Udaipur Gulaab Gin, Pumori Small Batch Gin, Matinee Gin, among others.
• Other Goan liquors – Cabo Rum, Goan Feni and Port Wine.
• The Portuguese inspired azulejos tiles.
• Edible Goan souvenirs – Goan Pork Chorizo Sausages, Bebinca, Prawn Balchao and Mackarel Molho (Goan Pickles)
• Mario Miranda’s Goan Themed paintings / fridge magnets.
• Departure from Goa (by flight, train or bus) in the evening of the last day of this 7 Day Goa Travel Itinerary.

Best Resort in Goa | India

The highlight of my Trip to Goa has to be the beautiful experience at Coconut Creek Resort Goa , where the staff literally went above and beyond to make my experience memorable. 

Welcome to Coconut Creek Resort | Bogmalo, Goa

Here are 5 Reasons that make Coconut Creek Resort near Bogmalo Beach, stand out in the list of the Best Hotels and Resorts in South Goa, India.

Apart from the stay, the highlight was the epic Goan culinary experience that Chef Aniket took us on. We tried some of the best Goan local dishes such as Chicken Xacuti , Pork Sorpotel , Prawn Curry , Lamb Chops , a variety of local Goan fish delicacies , and the famous Goan Caramel Pudding.

Coconut Creek Go a is without a doubt one of the Best Resorts in South Goa , India ; and is still one of the hidden gems. 

If you are heading to Goa, I would highly recommend you to make Coconut Creek Goa as your base, and explore the best of Goa from here. Staying at Coconut Creek Goa, might very well turn out to be one of the highlights on your 7 Day Goa Travel Itinerary as well.

Book your stay at the Coconut Creek Resort in Goa, by clicking here . Make sure to book it in advance, as this resort in Goa, India; runs fully booked, specially in the season, which is from October – March.

5 Unique Experiences to tick off in Goa

Dive into the culinary heritage of Goa with a Feni and Tapas Food Trail in the Old Latin Quarters. This experience combines the delightful flavours of Goan cuisine with Goa’s iconic spirit, Feni. Start your gastronomic journey at a traditional tavern/bar, where you’ll be introduced to Feni, a locally distilled liquor made from cashews.

Stop at local eateries and restaurants to try some unique Feni based cocktails, and savour a variety of tapas-style dishes, each bursting with flavours that reflect Goa’s culinary diversity. From seafood delights like prawn resois to vegetarian options like mushroom xacuti, you’ll indulge in a wide range of Goan specialties.

This food trail in Goa not only offers a delectable blend of culture and cuisine, allowing you to experience Goa through its flavours, from traditional to contemporary, all in the heart of the historic Latin Quarter; but can turn out to be of the best experiences in Goa during your 7 Day Trip to Goa.

Use the code “AMMIH10” to get a flat 10% discount on the Feni and Tapas Trail and Fontainhas Heritage Walk and other awesome experiences, such as the Latin Quarter Food Trail, Old Goa Heritage Walk, Campal Heritage Walk, Chronicles of Divar Island with Lunch, among others by Make It Happen Goa. 

Click Here to Book Your Experiences with Make It Happen Goa.

Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Goa by embarking on a Fontainhas Heritage Walk. Fontainhas, located in Panjim, is the Latin Quarter of Goa and one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in the state.

This guided heritage walk takes you through winding streets lined with colourful Portuguese-style houses adorned with artistic azulejos (hand-painted ceramic tiles). As you stroll through the narrow lanes, you’ll be transported back in time, learning about the Portuguese influence on Goan architecture, culture, and lifestyle.

Your knowledgeable storyteller will share fascinating stories about the heritage homes, quaint chapels, and local traditions. This immersive experience allows you to soak in the charm of Fontainhas, providing insights into Goa’s unique blend of European and Indian influences. It’s a perfect way to appreciate the Goa’s cultural diversity and architectural beauty.

L – Taken during the Fontainhas Heritage Walk 

R – Taken during the Divar Island E – Bike Tour

Experience the serene beauty and tranquil landscapes of Divar Island in an eco-friendly and exciting way with an E-Bike tour. Divar Island, located in the Mandovi River, is known for its lush greenery, traditional Goan villages, and idyllic countryside.

Your E-Bike adventure begins with a short ferry ride across the river from Old Goa to Divar Island.

Once there, you’ll hop on an electric bicycle, a sustainable mode of transport that allows you to explore the island without harming the environment. Pedal through narrow roads flanked by paddy fields, explore charming villages, and interact with friendly locals.

Highlights of the tour include a visit to the Our Lady of Compassion Church, enjoying scenic viewpoints, and taking in the peaceful ambiance of the island. The E-Bike tour provides an offbeat and eco-conscious way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and culture of Divar Island, making it a memorable and sustainable adventure in Goa. So make sure to add the Divar Island E – Bike Adventure on your 7 Day Goa Travel Itinerary.

Immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats and positive energy of Goa by attending a Drum Circle. This unique and vibrant experience takes place at various beaches, cultural centers, and open spaces throughout Goa.

A Drum Circle is a gathering of people who come together to play percussion instruments, creating mesmerising and spontaneous music. These gatherings are not only about music but also about community, connection, and creative expression.

As the rhythms intensify, you’ll find yourself in a trance-like state, dancing and swaying to the hypnotic sounds. It’s a fantastic way to connect with fellow travellers and locals, experience Goa’s vibrant arts scene, and enjoy an evening of music and free-spirited fun.

PS – Just search for Goa Drum Circle on Instagram or Facebook to get to know about the different drum circles happening and the locations.

Escape the usual tourist crowds and head to Salaulim Dam, a hidden gem nestled amidst the Western Ghats in South Goa. The Salaulim Dam is one of Goa’s lesser-known attractions, offering a serene and picturesque setting surrounded by lush greenery.

The dam not only serves as a water reservoir but also provides a peaceful atmosphere for nature enthusiasts. You can visit the dam to take in breathtaking views of the reservoir and the surrounding hills. The best time to visit is during the monsoon season when the dam is at its fullest, creating a mesmerising spectacle of cascading water.

Visiting Salaulim Dam is an offbeat experience that allows you to connect with Goa’s natural beauty and offers a refreshing change of pace from the more touristy destinations. You can combine a trip to Salaulim Dam with a visit to Dudhsagar Waterfalls – One of the tallest waterfalls in India.

Whether you’re interested in history, food, or eco-friendly exploration, these unique experiences in Goa offer something special for every traveller, allowing you to connect with Goa’s heritage, cuisine, and natural wonders.

Day 1 –  Arrival in Goa | Stay in North Goa | Try some local Goan cuisine | Relax by the beach

Day 2 –  Explore any of the famous forts – Aguada / Chapora / Tiracol Fort / Reis Magos Fort | Sundowner at any of the famous Goa Beach Clubs | Attend a Drum Circle

Day 3 –  Head to South Goa | Try out local Goan food at any of the Famous Restaurants in Goa | Check in to any of the Best Resorts in South Goa

Day 4 –  Discover offbeat locations in South Goa | Explore Cola Beach and Cabo de Rama Beach | Catch a beautiful sunset 

Day 5 – Visit the Dudhsagar Waterfall | Drive to Salaulim Dam | Visit the Paul John Distillery  

Day 6 –  Divar Island E – Bike Tour | Go souvenir shopping | Feni and Tapas Trail

Day 7 –  Fontainhas Heritage Trail | Day at leisure | Departure from Goa

We hope, that you found this Goa Travel Guide containing the 7 Day Goa Travel Itinerary covering the best of North Goa, South Goa, and Panjim, to be helpful. Remember to plan your visit during the best months to visit Goa (October – March), for the most enjoyable experience. Whether you’re looking for beachfront relaxation, cultural immersion, or vibrant nightlife, Goa has it all.

Use this Goa Travel Guide as a roadmap, to plan your trip to Goa, and to create unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise.

Pin this Goa Travel Guide with a recommended 7 Day Goa Travel Itinerary and SAVE it for the future.

Also, if you like reading the content I create and curate, I will be really thankful if you could take a moment to

LIKE | COMMENT | SHARE and SUBSCRIBE 

Also, if you’re on Facebook, I would love to have you as a part of 

the Eat Travel Live Repeat Travel Community

Subscribe via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to theETLRblog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address

1 thought on “The Best of Goa | 7 Day Travel Itinerary + Guide”

Cars in Goa is one of the leading car rental company in Goa. We service Goa airport, railway stations, Margo, Panjim, South Goa and north Goa. We provide Car rental services as well as coach and bike rental services. For Families or individual, we provide Self Driven Car Rental in Goa at a very affordable prices.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign me up for the newsletter!

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Kale by LyraThemes.com.

Privacy Overview

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

India-Pakistan border area

FCDO advises against all travel within the vicinity of the India-Pakistan border, except for at Wagah where travellers can cross the border.

Jammu and Kashmir

FCDO advises against all travel to the region of Jammu and Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar, and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway), except for:

• travel by air to and from the city of Jammu
• travel within the city of Jammu
• travel within the region of Ladakh

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur.

In April-May 2023 violent ethnic clashes broke out across Manipur, including in the state capital Imphal. Curfews and other restrictions have been imposed in many parts of the state. There may be transport disruptions. Internet services may be limited and restrictions might be imposed at short notice.

You should:

• avoid protests or large gatherings
• follow the advice of the local authorities and your travel company
• monitor local media and follow any curfew restrictions

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel to these regions .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and potential expenses in an emergency.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

Global Gallivanting

My goa travel blogs – an insider’s guide to goa.

Whether it’s your first time in Goa or maybe you come every year, its worth reading some Goa travel guides and blogs before coming so that you can get the most out of your trip to Goa.

I’ve been living in Goa for over 10 years now and have written alot of Goa travel blogs so you’ll find many articles here on my blog about the best things to do and places to visit and my life in Goa.

Here you’ll find a list of all my Goa travel blogs. Read on to find out what it’s like living here and learn why they say ‘ It’s Better in Goa ‘  

Why I Love Goa

Tropical Goa is the smallest state in India but also the most laid back and the most popular with tourists, both from India and all over the world. Goa is famous for it’s amazing beaches and nightlife, but there’s so much more to explore here.

There really is something for everyone in Goa, from luxury hotels and world class fine dining restaurants to mellow yoga retreats, to adventure sports to wild all night beach parties, to cheap and cheerful beach huts and hippie flea markets.

Most tourists flock to Goa in the Winter months to enjoy sunny days, blissful beaches, yoga retreats, fresh seafood, spicy curries, vibrant markets, wild nightlife and much more all infused with the special and captivating blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures.

Monsoon brings a totally different side to Goa, with lush green fields and no crowds – there really is nowhere quite like Goa!

Although Goa is the most westernized and touristy state in India, there is still so much to explore and love, and the best parts are usually away from the main tourist hot spots, zipping through paddy fields fringed with palm trees and white washed Portuguese churches and discovering quieter beaches.

Many people, like me, love Goa so much they decide to stay long term. To help you get the best out of your time in Goa I’ll be sharing my experiences and insider knowledge in my Goa travel blogs.

Here’s a List of All My Goa Travel Blogs

Start exploring goa with:.

The Ultimate Goa Travel Guide

Where to Stay in Goa – Best Beaches, Hotels and Places to Stay 

The Best 3 Day Goa Itinerary 

1 Week North Goa Itinerary 

A Backpackers Guide to Goa  

How to get an E visa for Goa

Blog posts about where to stay in Goa:

My Goa beach guide: How to find the best beach in Goa for you  

The Best Places to Stay in Goa – for all beaches and all budgets  

The Best 5 Star Resorts and Luxury Hotels in Goa  

Luxury Private Pool Villas in Goa for an unforgettable holiday  

The Most Luxurious Beach Huts in Goa

The Best Boutique and Heritage Hotels in Goa  

Amazing Private Luxury Villas to Rent in Goa  

The Best Backpacker Hostels in Goa  

Blog Posts about things to do in Goa:

Best nightclubs, raves and party places in Goa  

Offbeat Places and things to do in Goa – beyond the beaches and parties 

The Best Yoga Retreats in Goa 

A Guide to Yoga Teacher Training Courses (YTT) in Goa

3 best markets you can’t miss in Goa  

My Favourite Restaurants in Goa  

How to visit the Taj Mahal from Goa  

Posts about living in Goa:

Why I love living in Goa 

A day in my life as a travel blogger living in Goa  

The downsides of living in Goa 

The reality of being a digital nomad in Goa  

The cost of living in Goa  

How to rent a house in Goa on a budget  

My little house in Goa (video)

Posts about Goa in monsoon:

A Complete Guide to Visiting Goa in Monsoon

The pros and cons of visiting Goa during monsoon season  

Where to stay in Goa in monsoon

More Goa Blog Posts

5 books to read about Goa’s hippie history  

Documentaries to watch about Goa’s hippie past  

Can you really find yourself in India?

The Insider’s Guide to Goa E Book!

Download the Insider’s Guide to Goa E Book  to take all the insider’s tips for Goa along with you on your trip!

This 169 page ebook is the most comprehensive book about Goa out there written by is my friend and top Goa travel blogger Rachel from Hippie in Heels  who has lived in Goa for almost 5 years.

This guide is packed with all her amazing insider knowledge and local tips for Goa.  Get it here. 

Got an idea for more Goa travel blog posts I should write?

Let me know in the comments.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Goa Travel Guide 2024: How To Travel Within Goa, Clothing, and Safety Tips

Goa is one of the best places to visit in India and offers activities for all kinds of travelers. From exploring the ruins of Old Goa to watching dolphins in the Arabian Sea, there are a lot of things to do here.

And in order to enjoy it, you need to plan your trip to Goa carefully. This is why I have prepared this Goa Travel Guide.

In this travel guide, you will find all the information such as the history of Goa, how to travel in Goa, tips for responsible traveling in goa, ATM availability, and more.

An In-Depth Travel Guide For Goa

When to visit goa.

Goa is famous for its beaches and experiences a tropical climate, making winter the best time to visit the state. The tourist season in Goa lasts from November to March when the weather is moderately pleasurable.

If you plan in any other months, you will find the sun too hot or too much humidity in the area which makes traveling in Goa miserable for the visitors.

Summer is absolutely the worst time to visit Goa but the monsoon period is great for exploring the natural side of Goa. At this time, the Arabian Sea becomes dangerous and the beaches become inaccessible to visitors.

However, if you want to enjoy the waterfalls, lagoons, national parks, etc. in Goa, then the monsoon is a good time to visit. Do remember that beach shacks, huts, and several water activities are not operational at this time.

How to Travel in Goa

Once you have reached Goa, the next thing that you have to figure out is how to travel in Goa. This is extremely important because Goa is huge and going from one point to another often takes 45-60 minutes.

Thankfully, Goa has plenty of both private and public transportation options. So, you can consider your budget and preference while choosing the best mode of transport in Goa.

Public transportation includes buses that link all the major villages and towns of Goa. And hired transport options include auto-rickshaws, prepaid taxis, taxi bikes, car rentals, scooty, and more.

Here are a few ways that you can travel to Goa to explore this beautiful city.

Travel To/From Dabolim Airport

A lot of people are not aware of this but a local bus runs Dabolim International Airport to Vasco Da Gama. I have taken this bus which takes around 20 minutes to reach Vasco Da Gama Bus Stand and costs approximately 20 INR.

From Vasco Da Gama, you can get buses to Madgaon (for South Goa) or Panjim (for North Goa).

Where is the Bus Stop at Dabolim International Airport?

The bus stop at the airport is on the main highway to the right side of the airport exit doors. Once you get out of the airport, turn right and walk downwards towards the highway.

As soon as the public road begins, turn left and you will find a few local buses parked here that will take you to Vasco Da Gama.

How to Reach Dabolim International Airport?

If you want to reach the Dabolim Airport then you can take a shuttle from Panjim to Vasco Da Gama or the airport. From Vasco Da Gama, you have a couple of local buses going to the Airport every 10-15 minutes. And the whole thing would cost you barely 50 – 80 INR.

Budget Options

Bus Cost: Approximately INR 10 for 2-3 km Bicycle Rental Cost: INR 150 – 300 per day Ferries Cost: Free

Bus Service in Goa

Buses are the cheapest way to travel in Goa and connect all the villages and towns in this state. You will find amazing bus service in Goa to connect North and south parts of the state

You would not get a direct bus from South Goa to North Goa, it is still possible to explore the entire city using buses.

One thing to remember is that Madgaon and Panjim are two major bus stations in Goa. You will get buses to most of the places from here. Here is a little detailed route by bus if you want to reach these places:

• Madgaon Railway Station – From Madgaon Railway Station, you get a local bus to the Madgaon Bus Stand. It usually takes 15-20 minutes to reach the bus stand and costs around 20 INR.
• From the Madgaon Bus Stand, you get buses to South Goa like Colva, Benaulim, etc. You also get a bus/shuttle to Panjim from here.
• You will also get shuttles from Panjim to Madgaon which will take barely 45 minutes to reach and will cost you about 80 INR.
• Baga Beach – Once you reach Panjim, you can take a bus to reach North Goa like Baga, Candolim, etc. One thing to remember is that these buses usually take time but will cost you just 20-50 INR.
• Panjim – You will get a bus to Panjim from most of the places since it is a major point in Goa. Although, in some cases, you might need to change the bus at one point.
• Arambol – If you want to reach Arambol, then you will first need to take a bus to Morjim from Panjim. From the Morjim bus stand, you will need to take another bus to Arambol. In total, it would take you around 2 hours to reach Arambol from Panjim in a bus.

Shuttle Buses are quick and don’t stop at all the bus stops. So, if you are heading to the airport or the railway station then shuttle buses are the best way to travel.

Bicycle Rental

If you are traveling in Goa in the high season (December to February), then you can easily find bicycles to rent here.

You can rent bicycles daily or weekly basis and will find plenty of bicycle rental shops all over Goa.

If you are planning to stay for a month or more, then you can also ask for discounted rates on the bicycle.

Two-Wheeler Taxis in Goa

Another great option for local traveling in Goa that I became aware of during this year’s trip was the two-wheeler taxis also known as motorcycle taxis or pilots. In these taxis, you sit as a pillion rider behind a motorbike rider and reach any place for a fixed amount.

This is affordable and a great option for solo travelers who are planning a budget trip to Goa.

When you are traveling to other islands from the mainland such as Divar Island, Chorao Island, etc., you will need to take a ferry.

Thankfully, government-run ferries operate on such routes and don’t charge anything from the tourists or the locals.

Mid-Range Options

Taxi Cost: INR 8 – 10 per km or more Auto Rickshaw Cost: INR 7 per km or more Car or Scooty Rental Cost: INR 800 – 3000 per day for a car, INR 200 – 500 per day for scooty

Cabs and Taxis

If you want comfort and convenience and money is not an issue, then you can rent a cab in Goa.

However, this is definitely an expensive way to explore Goa. Generally, drivers charge an outrageous amount for a trip that might not be suitable for budget travelers.

The government has fixed prices for auto-rickshaws and cabs but a lot of drivers don’t follow this pricing. You can either pre-book them or flag them down on the road.

Prepaid Pricing – One thing to keep in mind is that the government has set prices for the different routes in Goa for the tourists. You can ask the driver to show you this official pricing before you agree to the price mentioned by them.

Dabolim Airport to Panjim – This will easily cost you about 1000 – 1500 INR so rent a cab in Goa sparingly.

Goa Miles – To rent a cab in Goa that is affordable, you can download the Goa Miles app. Generally, you find cabs and taxi bikes that will cost almost half of what they would normally charge you.

Rented Self-Drive Cars/Bikes

One of the best things to do in Goa for an easy and convenient trip is to rent a car/two-wheeler. You have a lot of rental shops throughout Goa which will give you a car/two-wheeler on rent.

A self-driven car will generally cost you around 1500 INR for a 7-seater in the off-season and weekdays. However, if you visit this city for a long weekend or the peak season then expect to pay around 2500 – 3000 INR for a 7-seater car.

As for the scooty, you can get it for 200-400 INR for a day throughout the year. One thing to remember is that make sure you ask for all the essential papers and helmets when renting the car/scooty.

A lot of times, they might rent you a car that doesn’t have required papers for driving around the entire Goa or you might not have a helmet for all the riders on the scooty.

Luxury Option (Private Driver)

If money is not a constraint for you, then you can rent a car with a private driver for your Goa trip. The cost of the private chauffeur will depend on where you made the booking.

However, the cost of renting a cab with a driver for 8 hours or a full day can range between 3,000 – 5,000 INR inclusive of driver fee, car, and fuel.

Since this is a full-day service, you should use it when you are planning a full day of sightseeing. If you are going to be traveling for just a couple of hours, you are better off choosing a taxi service.

For reliable and safe service, make sure you book a cab with a private chauffeur at the airport or through your hotel.

How Many Days to Stay in Goa

If you stay close to Goa, then a 3 to 4-day relaxing vacation by the beach would be perfect for you. But if you are traveling from cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur, etc., then you would easily need 5-6 days to soak in the beauty of this state.

Honestly, Goa deserves a longer vacation as there are numerous places to explore here including churches, waterfalls, beaches, and forts. I would suggest a week to a 10-day long trip to Goa.

In the past couple of years, Goa has become a popular hub for digital nomads and slow traveling due to its good connectivity and fair network.

There are several beachside cafes and accommodations where the visitors stay to work and enjoy the beachside views. If you are looking for a work-from-home location in this pandemic, then Goa is a good choice to consider.

What to Do in Goa

Goa is beautiful with a lot of things for guests to do around here. So, whether you are a nature lover or a beach lover, you will easily find something to engage in.

Here are a few things that you could do on your Goa trip for enjoying a wholesome experience here.

Beach Hopping in Goa

Goa is known as the beach capital of India and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A few of the beaches are either hidden behind a cliff or they are protecting a lagoon which makes them even more beautiful to explore. So, if you are in Goa, you have to do beach hopping.

A few beaches in Goa that you cannot miss out on are Vagator beach in North Goa, Miramar beach in Panjim, Palolem beach in South Goa, Colva beach in South Goa, and so on.

Explore Old Goa

Apart from the beaches, there are a lot of offbeat places to explore in Goa too including Old Goa. In Old Goa, you will find a lot of beautiful churches and heritage sites to check out.

One such place that you must visit is the Basilica of Bom Jesus and St. Cathderal, both of these are UNESCO Heritage sites and have beautiful architecture to admire.

Check out the Waterfalls

There are a lot of amazing waterfalls to check out in Goa, both big and small. So, make sure that you set aside time for those as well. If you don’t have the time, then just make sure that you at least cover the Dudhsagar waterfall for which you will need the help of a local.

There is a limited number of cars allowed near this waterfall so, make sure you start early in the day to visit this waterfall.

Experience Nightlife in Goa

Of course, when we are talking about Goa, we have to talk about its amazing nightlife. If you love parties and crowds, then you have a lot to cover in Goa. There are so many bars, clubs, night-long parties to attend here, and usually, you will find a lot of such events happening in Central Goa.

So, you can go and enjoy the casino experience at Deltin Royal or groove to the Bollywood music in Love Passion Karma in Nerul, there are very low chances of you running out of party places to explore around here.

Do Yoga in Goa

If you are looking for a relaxing trip to Goa, then you can even join a yoga retreat here for daily yoga sessions. These yoga sessions can be quite uplifting and will help you relax properly. Trust me, it is quite refreshing to start an active day on the beach with a yoga session.

Try Watersports

Apart from the above-mentioned activities, Goa is quite famous for water sports as well. From dolphin watching to scuba diving, you have a wide range of water activities to do around here. You can even join a scuba diving course in Goa and learn how to dive on the Grande Island nearby.

So, if you have always wanted to try water activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing, banana boat ride, snorkeling, diving, etc., then Goa is a good place to try it out.

Festivals in Goa

There are several unique festivals in Goa that are either a remembrance of the 450 years of Portuguese rule or celebrate the rich heritage of the locals.

You can plan a trip to Goa during this time to enjoy the food, colorful costumes, and all the fun events that are carried out during such festivals.

Music Festival – There are many music festivals held in Goa throughout the year, out of which Sunburn and Supersonic Music Festival are the most popular ones to attend.

New Year’s Eve and Christmas – During Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the beaches and cafes in Goa are brimming with colors and music. This is a great way to celebrate the New Year or Christmas spirits of the year.

Narkasur – After Diwali, locals of Goa celebrate Narka Chaturdashi which is the manifestation of good triumphing over evil. In this festival, giant demon effigies dance through the streets of Goa before they are burned to show the triumph of good.

Viva Carnival – This is a Catholic festival that begins from Fat Saturday and lasts till Fat Tuesday. Similar to Mardi Gras or Rio Carnival, this festival includes a grand celebration involving parades, floats, masked dances, and more.

Goa’s Party Scene

A lot of visitors come to Goa expecting the famous trance parties but are disappointed when they have the mainstream clubs to entertain themselves.

For pure hippie vibes and to dance to techno music, you can find several clubs in Goa, especially Anjuna and Vagator.

But if you are looking for parties where thousands of people dance, then you would need to attend a music festival in Goa or plan a trip during Christmas or New Year’s Eve.

What and Where to Eat in Goa

Goa is famous for seafood so if you are a non-vegetarian, then you can try the seafood dishes over here. A popular Goan dish to try would be Vindaloo that tends to be spicy but ultimately delicious.

Apart from that, you also need to try the Fish Curry meal here that usually includes fried fish, dal, roti, and a few other local items. You can find this meal in most local dhabas and eating stalls for 80 – 100 INR and it is quite filling as well.

Another great dish to try in Goa is the famous Bun from Café Bhosle in Panjim. This is a small, fluffy, and sweet bun that is fried and is served with chickpeas. It tastes quite yummy and will cost you around 50 INR for a plate.

You will find a lot of cafés here as well that serve delicious baked goods. One of my favorites is Café Al Fresco in Goa that is a Portuguese house converted into an art gallery and a bakery.

Here, you get pizza, croissants, cheesecake, and other delicacies to enjoy with a calm and relaxing ambiance. There are several rooms here that have been turned into display rooms for different kinds of artifacts and creations. So, if you have some time at hand, do visit this place in Panjim.

Another place that I would highly recommend you to visit is the Joseph’s Bar in Panjim where you can get the local alcohol Feni and some local snacks such as well.

They have seafood snacks too which are delicious and the entire vibe of this bar is quite amazing. You can meet lots of locals around here and hang out with them for an amazing time.

There are several normal restaurants and dhabas in Goa where you can enjoy a meal for 100 – 300 INR per person.

If you don’t mind spending, then you will find loads of good and high-end restaurants along with fast-food chains here that serve good food and will cost you 300 – 500 INR for a decent meal.

Stick to small food shacks and do read the menu before you start ordering. Also, make sure that you do try the Fish Curry meal here for 100 – 150 INR. The meal is filling and is the best way to taste the Goan cuisine.

Souvenir Shopping

There are several iconic flea markets in Goa such as the Anjuna Flea Market, Arpora Saturday Night Bazaar, etc. where they sell interesting items to the tourists.

From anklets to beaded necklaces, you can get it all here for a reasonable price. But you need to be adept at bargaining.

Although most of the jewelry, clothes, and footwear that are sold here can be bought from Sarojini Market in Delhi, there are a few unique things to buy here.

You can get the famous local alcohol – Feni, a bottle of Kokum juice, Goan spices, special Cashews, Azulejos – hand-painted tiles of Goa, and local sweets such as Bebinca Cake as souvenirs from Goa.

Accommodation Options in Goa

Goa is not a tiny state and easily requires 7-10 days to properly explore the sights that it has to offer. This is why you must choose the right place to stay in Goa as it has a big impact on your experience here.

If you love to party and want to enjoy all the experiences and activities that Goa has to offer to the tourists, then choose accommodation in Baga or Calangute.

For those who love offbeat locations and a peaceful environment, places in extreme North and South Goa are good choices.

And if you wish to explore Old Goa and learn more about the history of this state, then Panjim would be the ideal place to stay in Goa.

ATMs in Goa

If you traveling to Goa on a shoestring budget, then you will need to carry cash to pay the local street vendors, bus conductors, etc. So, carry enough cash that you can pay the street vendors.

There are a few places that accept PayTM, Google Pay, etc. also these days but don’t be completely reliable on those platforms.

Since Goa is a popular tourist destination, there are a lot of ATMs scattered throughout this tiny state. However, during the long weekends, a lot of these ATMs tend to be empty and there are huge queues outside the ATMs to withdraw cash.

To avoid such a situation, make sure that you pay using your card wherever possible such as clubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, etc., and keep the cash for paying for the rentals, activities, and other things.

This way, you won’t end up without cash where you need it the most and won’t have to waste time on ATM queues during your Goa trip.

Network Availability in Goa

In terms of Network availability, most of the networks work in Goa. But Vodafone, Jio, and Airtel networks work the best in Goa.

However, this network can be patchy at many locations as well so, you might not have any Internet or Calling signal on your mobile phone for a while.

Most of the hotels and cafes offer decent Wi-Fi to get your work done even if you cannot stream Netflix with it.

Safety in Goa

Goa is a relatively safe state to visit in India but there are a few things to keep in mind when you are traveling here.

Swimming in Goa

Firstly, be careful when you are swimming in Goa. A lot of beaches have vicious sea currents that can easily drown tourists. Generally, this happens because the tourist is drunk or high.

So, stick to beaches that have lifeguards or are safe to swim. Avoid swimming during the monsoon season as it can be extremely dangerous.

Women Safety

One bad thing about Goa is that eve-teasing and catcalling are quite common here. But that’s not even the worst part.

There have been complaints from women that their obscene photos are clicked without their permission or men try to begin a conversation with them when they are not interested.

This is why it is advised for solo female travelers or female friends to avoid going to remote places alone or accepting food/drinks from strangers in Goa.

Sunstroke and Mosquito Bites

Apart from that, you are likely to suffer from sunstroke or suffer from mosquito bites when you are traveling in Goa.

Make sure you carry a hat and good sunscreen with high SPF value to keep your skin protected.

For protection against the mosquitoes, use a mosquito repellent cream or spray and try to keep a covering with you to cover your exposed skin during the evening to stay safe from mosquito bites.

Clothing in Goa

Of course, when you are planning a trip to Goa, you might wonder what you should wear here. Thankfully, Goa is a little relaxed in terms of clothing and one can easily wear dresses, skirts, shorts, etc. here.

One of the best things about Goa is that you can wear almost anything when you are traveling here. Bikinis and swimsuits are common on the beaches and you can wear them freely on Colva, Vagator, Arambol, Palolem, etc. beaches.

Furthermore, if your hotel or resort is located on a beach, then you can relax and enjoy yourself in a bikini as the beach area is usually kept private for the guests to enjoy.

The only place where it is not normal to wear a bikini or swimsuit is in restaurants or the streets of Goa, so dress a little carefully over there. You can wear dresses, skirts, etc. while exploring around Goa with no worries.

Apart from that, there are many churches and traditional places in Goa where you would need to cover your knees and shoulders to enter.

If you are traveling in a bus, then do carry a stole or scarf to avoid standing out and getting ogled at. A stole will not only protect you from unwarranted stares but will also keep you safe from the bright sun and keep your body cool in the humid climate.

Budget for Goa

One of the best things about Goa is that it can easily be traveled on a shoestring budget. But if you are in a mood to splurge, then it can easily turn into a luxurious trip as well.

On my 4 trips to Goa now, I have been able to manage my month-long trips in 15,000 – 20,000 INR inclusive of my travel from Delhi to Goa, stay, food, activities, and transportation in Goa.

Generally, a 5-day trip to Goa can cost you around 4,000 – 6,000 INR if you are on a budget trip. This cost can increase if you choose luxury resorts and dine and party at the best places in Goa.

Goa has become too crowded after it has evolved as a tourist destination but there are still a lot of unexplored places around here.

Most people stay in North Goa for party scenes but if you want to experience Goa in the Goan style, then explore Old Goa and South Goa. It is quite peaceful around there and you have a lot of lagoons and hiking trails to explore in South Goa too.

Honestly, Goa is one of those places that have something for all kinds of travelers. So, whether you are looking for a fun place to party or a quiet beach to reflect on your life, Goa has it all.

I hope this Goa travel guide helps you plan your trip to Goa too so that you can have your once-in-a-lifetime trip here.

Related posts

Rann Utsav Tent City Complete Guide 2024: Types of Tents, Cost, and More

15 Best Places to Visit in Sikkim For First-Time Visitors

Trek Requirements: How to Pack for a Trek

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Amazing blog!!Thank you for sharing with us. We provide Watersports & Adventure trips. Convenient & affordable to your advantage.

Amazing blog!!Thank you for sharing with us.

FootLoose Dev

Travel blog by an Indian travel blogger.

Goa Travel Tips: 5 Useful Tips To Plan Your Trip Better

Wondering where to stay in Goa? Or what’s the best time to visit Goa? Read these useful Goa travel tips and plan your holiday better!

When it comes to top travel destinations in India like Goa, writing a travel guide or travel tips becomes literally challenging. I mean there is so much to see and do in Goa that compiling it all in a list is a tough task.

And then, there are all those striking dissimilarities between different parts of the city to add to the struggle.

So yea, writing a few travel tips for Goa, and claiming them to work everywhere is impossible.

Useful Goa Travel Tips

But attempting the impossible, here are a few useful Travel Tips for Goa that I carefully gathered during my one-month journey. No matter where you stay, these travel tips will help you throughout your trip.

And if you are interested in visuals here’s a video from my Youtube channel …

Best Way To Travel In Goa: Hire A Scooter

As I said in one of my previous articles where I talked about Different Beaches Of Goa – Goa is massive. So, to make sure you see most tourist highlights in the least possible time, you need to have your own vehicle. Hence, rent a scooter.

Renting a Scooter in Goa is neither expensive nor hard. You can find one at nearly every corner of the city. Just ask any local around you and they will either direct you to a shop 100m away or hand over their own scooter to make a few quick bucks. Speaking of the cost, however, at most places you can find an automatic 150cc scooter for 300 Rupees a day.

Having your own vehicle will give you more freedom than you can imagine. When I stayed in South Goa, I rented a scooter for only 3 days, and I explored more places in 3 days than my entire 2 weeks in the town put together.

Since my idea of holidaying in Goa was to only laze around and relax I didn’t need a scooter. But if you’re visiting for just a few days, and want to explore more in less time, having your own rented scooter is a must.

Where To Stay In Goa

Goa can vaguely be classified into two territories: the crowded North Goa and the peaceful South Goa. Though it doesn’t mean that the entire North is crowded and bustling, most of it, in fact, is. Similarly, most of South Goa is peaceful.

Having said that, if you’re one of those people who are looking for peaceful beaches, head to South Goa.

I had personally spent most of my time staying at one of the South Goa beaches. My three favourite beaches in Goa are Cola Beach, Kakolem Beach, and Agonda Beach .

If, however, you are looking for an intense party scene and vibrant and louder surroundings, Baga, Candolim, and Calangute Beach would be my top three suggestions for you.

Book A Place In Advance

I know I rarely advise booking a hotel in advance, but today is an exception.

Because Goa is a popular destination, booking a place in advance makes sure you don’t run out of places on your preferred beach. If you’re visiting during the peak holiday season, book your accommodation at least two weeks in advance.

Again, if you’re looking for quiet beaches or a neighbourhood that is literally isolated, Kakolem Beach in South Goa is your kind of place. If, however, you want something more happening, head to Palolem Beach. Do a little research before you travel to find a locale best suiting your taste.

Out of my previous experience, I can particularly suggest Hotel Sonho Do Mar located at Agonda Beach. You can also try Baga River Villa which offers a luxury stay on Baga Beach . Baga Beach and Agonda Beach are two real gems of North and South Goa.

Best Time To Visit Goa

Goa can be an expensive destination during the winter months of December, January, and February because of the peak tourist season. And perfect weather is the reason behind it.

Winter months invite waves upon waves of tourists. Naturally, prices for everything – from food to accommodation to local taxis – surge. Summer months (when a 40-degree Celsius temperature and 80% humidity) on the other hand, are just too unfavourable to travel. So, what is the best time to visit Goa? I say monsoon. During monsoon, the weather is not too harsh and the prices are not too high.

The average temperature during monsoon is between 25 and 30-degree Celcius. And because not many people visit Goa during monsoon, hotels and flights aren’t very expensive.

Another reason to visit Goa during monsoon is its lushness. The city is at its greenest during the monsoon. The rivers are all full, and so are the lakes and ponds. The waterfalls look all mighty and alive. Dudhsagar Falls, a famous landmark is simply breathtaking during the monsoon.

So, if you will ask me, monsoon time remains the best time to visit Goa.

Don’t Just Keep Drinking Beer

Most people (particularly if I talk about North Indians) spend their Goa holiday mean visiting the same beach-shack and drinking the same beer every day. I remember when I visited Goa a few years ago with a bunch of college friends we did the same thing. We spent almost a week there and did not see anything beyond the beach we stayed at. We would go to the same place every evening, get super drunk, only to spend the following morning sleeping and resting in our hostel. But during my previous solo-trip, I found that Goa has more beyond beer and beaches.

Apart from comparing different beaches, and exploring a few historic forts, there are adventure activities like scuba diving, parasailing, jet-ski and more. I was surprised to know that I could even try Hot Air Ballooning in Goa .

I mean I understand that partying and experiencing nightlife is a thing to do in Goa but the fact that there is so much more to see and do there cannot be disregarded. So experience Goa beyond just getting drunk every evening, and you can thank me later!

How To Travel To Goa

The best way to travel is by flight. Flights remain pretty decently priced from the most prominent cities in India like Delhi and Mumbai. It is only during the peak winter season that the price of flights can really shoot up. To travel from Goa airport to the city, you can hire a cab from the prepaid taxi stand. There are no Ola and Uber in Goa which is a little disappointing.

Typically, a Delhi to Goa flight costs somewhere between 3 to 7 thousand Rupees.

If you are a little short on budget, travel in Indian Railways. I have personally travelled from Delhi to Goa on a train and the experience was great. It is possible to travel on a train from Delhi to Goa for less than 1000 Rupees in sleeper class. If you want a little more comfort, book a seat in a 3AC class. Trains generally take around 25 hours between Delhi and Goa.

If you’re coming from Bangalore or Pune or Mumbai — that is not over 600km from Goa — you can even travel in a Bus. You can find luxury overnight buses from all major towns that cost around 1500 Rupees. Travelling on a bus is a lot less hassle than travelling on a train. Tickets are moreover readily available.

If you’re driving and coming from Pune or Mumbai, read this Mumbai to Delhi Coastal Road Trip Itinerary .

And now, a video from my Youtube Channel to help you (visually) understand things better…

From where to stay in Goa to how to travel, these are the few top tips I tell people from my one-month trip. All in all, it’s a beautiful destination as you don’t mess it up by overdrinking. There isn’t a lot to see and do!

Here are my recommended Top Tourist Destinations in Goa, Guide 

What are some good Spots in Goa that you can visit while your trip?

It’s Really good. I like your article, This Content is very useful for me and i hope it will be useful for all users. Thank you very much for sharing this article. I got more information

Goa is the best place to relax and chill out your holiday and explore it.

Thats a detailed and very informative article about GOA. Great job, Dev.

Hey Dev, I think everyone can relate your blog where you talked about beer and beer if one visited Goa during college days and this is true in my case. My gang always used to plan Goa trips and think of spending the whole night drinking and dancing. Those were some wow days. Such a wonderful blog. I am a vlogger and a techie who loves to make vlogs. I love to share my experiences through my vlogs.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Goa in October: weather and travel tips

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• goa-weather-october-travel-tips

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Dre Roelandt

updated 26.10.2023

October ushers in a transformative period in Goa , where the landscape rejuvenates after the monsoon's embrace. As the rains bid adieu, the state emerges in all its glory, offering travellers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Here’s our guide to the weather in Goa in October.

Is October a good time to visit Goa?

Air & sea temperatures in goa in october, can it rain in goa in october, what about the crowd & cost, unforgettable, fully customisable goa itineraries.

• What to do in Goa in October

Planning your October trip to Goa

Tailor-made travel itineraries for india, created by local experts.

13 days  / from 1800 USD

A Trek Through Ladakh's Markha Valley

Trek through the Markha Valley, taking in the jaw-dropping Himalayan landscape, camp in traditional mountain villages, and discover hilltop monasteries. This unique journey combines the culture of the Buddhist faith with the natural beauty of the mountains and the hustle and bustle of Delhi.

15 days  / from 2745 USD

Rajasthan: The Land of Kings

Experience the Land of Kings in luxury.This trip around Rajasthan takes you to Jaipur's palaces, sacred pilgrimage sites and deep into the desert hills. Breathe in the excitement of Delhi and visit the Taj Mahal. Then come nightfall, lay your head to rest in former royal palaces and magical forts.

6 days  / from 785 USD

The Holy City of Varanasi

The flat, sunburnt plains of the Ganges River are India's breadbasket: a densely populated area, it is home to many of the country's greatest sights. See Delhi and all its treasures, then fly to Varanasi, the most sacred stretch of the Ganges and one of India's most intense and atmospheric places.

October marks the beginning of the post-monsoon season in Goa, making it an appealing time to visit this coastal paradise. October is an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter, less crowded Goa experience, as it falls just before the peak tourist season.

Ready to explore India?  Embark on your dream trip hassle-free with the help of our India travel experts.

Sunset at Agonda Beach in Goa © Shutterstock

The weather in Goa in October is characterised by a transition from the rainy monsoon season to a more pleasant climate. Air temperatures range from 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F), providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The sea temperature remains warm, hovering around 28°C (82°F), making it ideal to relax on Goa beaches and enjoy water sports .

Convinced to go? See our fully customisable India itineraries .

Dudhsagar waterfall in Goa, India © Shutterstock

October marks the end of the monsoon season in Goa, and while the rains gradually recede, there is still a possibility of occasional showers and overcast skies. The intensity of rainfall decreases significantly as the month progresses, making early October more likely to experience rain than the latter part of the month. 

However, it's essential to keep in mind that the weather in Goa in October can be unpredictable during the transitional period. 

Not quite sure when you want to go? Read up on the best time to go to India .

India elephant © Shutterstock

October in Goa is a unique time when the tourist season is just beginning to awaken from its monsoon slumber. This means that crowds are significantly smaller compared to the peak season, making it an excellent choice for travellers who prefer a quieter and more tranquil experience.

As for costs, October generally offers more budget-friendly options for accommodation and activities. Many hotels and resorts offer discounts and special deals to attract early-season visitors. Restaurants and beach shacks often have lower prices, allowing you to savour authentic Goan dishes without breaking the bank.

Set on taking a trip this autumn? Read up on the best places to visit in October .

Palacio do Deao near Quepem. Goa. India © Shutterstock

Ready to see Goa? With our tailor-made trip service, you don't have to spend hours researching to take your dream trip. Let us take care of the planning and booking. Our trips are crafted by local India travel experts and are completely customisable to your wants and needs. Here are a few of our India trips.

• A Trek Through Ladakh's Markha Valley (13 days): Experience a unique journey through the Markha Valley, immersing in Himalayan beauty, traditional villages, and hilltop monasteries, blending Buddhist culture with Delhi's vibrancy.
• Kerala – God’s Own Country (11 days): Southern India offers sensory delights, from tea plantations to vibrant spice markets, a houseboat journey through the Kerala backwaters, and relaxing beach days to conclude the trip.
• Gems of India & Taj Mahal  (15 days):  Experience the sensory delights of Southern India, with lush tea plantations, vibrant spice markets, a Kerala backwaters houseboat trip, and relaxing beach days.

Or browse more India itineraries .

Cola Beach, Gao, India © Shutterstock

What to do in Goa in October 

As October ushers in the post-monsoon season in Goa, the state comes alive with its natural beauty. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Indian beaches , explore the vibrant local culture, and indulge in delicious Goan cuisine. Here are some exciting activities to consider during your October visit.

Enjoy wildlife safaris

Goa is not just about beaches; it also boasts lush greenery and diverse wildlife. Take a wildlife safari in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary or Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary to witness unique flora and fauna. Keep your camera ready for encounters with deer, monkeys, and various bird species.

Explore Chapora Fort

Explore the iconic Chapora Fort, perched atop a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea. Famous for its appearance in the Bollywood movie "Dil Chahta Hai," the fort offers stunning panoramic views. Wander through its ancient ruins and capture memorable moments with the sea as your backdrop.

Cruise on the Mandovi River

Set sail on a memorable cruise along the Mandovi River. Enjoy live music, traditional Goan dances, and the beautiful sunset. It's a fantastic way to relax and soak in the tranquil ambience while immersing yourself in Goan culture.

Go on a culinary adventure

Indulge in a culinary journey through Goa's diverse cuisine. Try fresh seafood at beachside shacks, relish traditional Goan curries, and discover the flavours of this coastal haven. Don't miss out on local specialities like vindaloo, xacuti, and bebinca.

India, Goa, fish curry served with boiled white rice © Shutterstock

Discover some of the best things to do in India for more inspiration, and start planning your trip with  The Rough Guide to India . 

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of organising your trip? You can just browse our customisable India itineraries or talk to our local travel experts .

Related articles from the blog

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Content Editor at Rough Guides.

• Coasts & Islands
• Festivals & Events
• Travel Tips
• Travel Advice
• Inspiration

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Travel advice for India

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to India

• Mumbai, India
• Culture and Etiquette in India
• How to get a visa to India
• Eating and drinking in India
• How to get to India
• Getting around India: Transportation Tips
• Travel Health India
• Maharashtra, India
• Shopping tips for India
• Travel Tips India for planning and on the go
• Sports and Outdoor activities in India
• Best time to visit India

Find even more inspiration for 66 here

Ready to travel and discover india, get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Itineraries
• Travel advice