goa complete tour guide

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.

pasture, low-land, buffaloes, Monsoon may not be the best time to visit Goa due to flooding

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?

A fairly empty Baga Beach - One of the popular beaches in North 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?

Palolem Beach - One of the popular beaches in South 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

Visit Baga Beach during your first time in Goa

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)

Ruins of the Chuch of St. Augustine is a fantastic spot to add to your Goa itinerary

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).

Reis Magos Fort is a hidden gem in North Goa.

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.

Visit Spice Plantations- A top suggestion for our Goa Travel Guide Blog

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.

Global Gallivanting

My complete goa travel guide: insider’s tips for 2024.

boats on goa beach at sunset - the ultimate insiders goa travel guide

There’s many Goa travel guides out there, but my insider’s guide to Goa has everything you need to know to plan your Goa holiday – I’ve been living here for over 10 years since 2015 , so I know my way around more than most!

Goa changes quickly, new places open and close every season, so I have updated this post for 2024 with all the latest information. After being closed during Covid, India is now fully open for tourism, and last season was busier than ever so its worthwhile booking ahead.

My Goa Travel Guide

In this Goa guide I’ll go through everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Goa. From when to visit, where to stay and how to get to Goa, to insiders tips on the best beaches and places to visit, things to do, restaurants, nightlife and much more.

Why Visit Goa

Goa is India’s smallest state, famous for it’s laid back lifestyle, over 101 km of sandy tropical beaches, colourful markets and legendary nightlife all infused with a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese culture.

Goa first became popular in the days of the hippie trail and has now become India’s most popular tourist destination, Goa attracts many domestic Indian tourists as well as travellers from all over the world.

Sadly, most tourists haven’t read a Goa travel guide so they don’t explore beyond the beaches and parties. This is a huge shame because Goa offers so much more to explore, from historic churches and forts to spice plantations, waterfalls and natural beauty spots.

There really is nowhere else quite like Goa and with everything from luxury resorts to cute beach huts , wild nightclubs to mellow yoga retreats – it’s not surprising that so many people love Goa.

Read More Goa Blog Posts: Why I Love and Live in Goa

My Insider’s Guide to Goa

Goa is a much bigger and more diverse state than most tourists realise. So for the best experience it’s really worth doing a bit of research and reading some a Goa travel guides and some Goa blogs like this when planning your trip, especially if it’s your first time in Goa.

I fell totally in love with Goa almost 10 years ago now and have spent many years living here, exploring every beach and corner of this beautiful state.

I’ve put together all my insider’s Goa travel tips into this Goa travel guide, from the best beaches, parties, hotels and places to visit to the best places to stay, best time to visit and much more.

I’ve tried to keep this Goa travel guide concise so if you want to know more click on the links for the full article on each topic

The Best Time to Visit Goa

When planning a trip to Goa, one of the most important things to consider is when to visit.

The best time to visit Goa is in the main tourist season in Goa runs from November – March when the weather is sunny, dry and cool (by Indian standards) and perfect for sightseeing, enjoying the beaches and water sports and the nightlife is buzzing.

Goa is one of the best places to spend Christmas and New Year. The churches are decorated for the festive season and it’s the best time to visit Goa for nightlife as there are so many parties around New Year and festivals like Sunburn.

This is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit Goa. Don’t come to Goa around New Year without booking your accommodation well in advance as everywhere gets fully booked!

Another great time to visit Goa is for the Carnival ! Join in with Goa’s biggest party as the streets of the capital Panjim (Panaji) come alive with a riot of colour and noise in mid February before the beginning of lent.

In April and May, the tourism season starts to wind down and prices drop. Goa is still dry but is almost unbearably hot, mangoes and cashews fall from the trees and the locals eagerly await the arrival of the rain.

Monsoon in Goa

No Goa travel guide would be complete without mentioning Goa in monsoon – visiting in the rainy season is a totally different Goa expereince.

The monsoon rains arrive in June and continue until September/ October and marks the off season in Goa. Many places including open air venues, beach shacks, parties, markets and beach huts close down for the rainy season. But every year more and more facilities remain open.

In many ways Goa is at it’s most beautiful in the monsoon season, although the rough seas mean its dangerous to swim or do water sports. The Sao Joao Festival in June is a fun and unique experience. But June and July see the heaviest rain with torrential downpours that can last for days, frequent power outages and flooded roads.

The best time to visit Goa in monsoon is from August to October as the rain becomes less heavy. Enjoy the lush greenery, waterfalls, fewer crowds and lower prices. Just don’t expect everything to be open and, apart from Independence Day parties , don’t expect a wild nightlife scene in the off season.

The Best Beaches and Places to Stay in Goa

The best places to stay in Goa are on the beaches and there’s no shortage of choice from busy, party beaches in North Goa to long, quiet stretches of sand in South Goa. Whether you want to stay in a Goa beach resort or a basic beach hut, staying on the beach is the best way to experience Goa and is possible whatever your budget.

No Goa trip is complete without spending a blissful day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the warm Arabian sea, enjoying the water sports, eating Goan fish curry in the beach shacks and watching a spectacular sunset.

To help you find the perfect beach in Goa for you, here’s a quick round up of the best beaches in Goa and the best hotels and places to stay there.

Deciding where to stay is probably the most important section of my guide to Goa so check out my comprehensive blog post on where to stay in Goa if you need more info.

The North is the busiest area in Goa where most of the attractions, water sports, nightlife, restaurants, markets, shops and hotels are.

The long, sandy stretch of Baga Beach, Calangute Beach and Candolim Beach are the busiest and most popular beaches in Goa with plenty of activities and beach shacks. You can try all sorts of water sports like jet skiing, parasailing and banana boat rides.

Baga and Calangute are home to the lively pubs and clubs on infamous Tito’s Lane and attractions like the Snow Park. This area is good for budget and mid range travellers and has the best range of water sports, although the beaches can get pretty crowded in the peak tourist season.

Candolim lies under the shadow of Fort Aguada and is a more upmarket choice and less crowded but still offers easy access to all the attractions which makes it one of the best places to stay in Goa.

Anjuna Beach and Vagator Beach have smaller, more rocky beaches but are good for nightlife and where you’ll find Chapora Fort, Anjuna flea market and the infamous Goa psytrance parties and raves as well as other parties to suit all musical tastes and accommodation to suit all budgets.

In the far north are quieter upcoming Morjim Beach, Ashvem Beach, Mandrem Beach and Arambol Beach. Morjim Beach and Ashvem Beach are wide, natural beaches, once a breeding spot for rare olive ridley turtles, which are now becoming increasingly popular with the influx of new techno nightclubs, trendy boutiques and luxury accommodation.

Mandrem Beach and Arambol Beach are laid back, serene long stretches of sand with mostly budget accommodation for backpackers, hippies and yoga types. Mandrem is very quiet and the nightlife on Arambol Beach is more drum circles and jams than full on parties.

Best Places to Stay in North Goa

The taj fort aguada , candolim beach.

A luxury 5 star beach resort located in the most picturesque spot on Candolim Beach underneath Fort Aguada with stunning views over the beach.

Colourful, heritage style luxury villas are nestled in tropical gardens complete with a huge swimming pool, numerous eateries and world class hospitality.

The resort is situated on an uncrowded part of Candolim beach but still offers easy access to explore all the action in Baga and Calangute.

Cavala Seaside Resort , Baga Beach

If your budget doesn’t stretch to the Taj then consider the Cavala Seaside Resort, a great mid range resort in a lovely heritage building just 3 minutes walk from popular Baga Beach.

The resort has spacious and clean AC rooms, a swimming pool surrounded by tropical greenery and an excellent multi cuisine restaurant which hosts live music nights.

Cavala is only 5 minutes drive from Tito’s Lane and is also close to the nightlife in Anjuna and Vagator.

South Goa is quieter and less developed with long, uncrowded beaches, luxury resorts and yoga retreats.

Palolem beach is one of most beautiful beaches in Goa . A white crescent beach fringed by palm trees and colourful beach huts with calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming.

The most developed beaches in South Goa are Colva beach and Varca beach. These are good places to stay with family and have plenty of budget and mid range hotels and amenities.

Majorda beach and Cavelossim beach are home to some of the finest luxury beach resorts in Goa and offer a real escape from it all. Agonda beach is also a good choice for beautiful beach front huts and is quieter than popular Palolem.

Best Places to Stay in South Goa

Alila diwa resort, majorda beach.

This elegant, Bali inspired, 5 star beach resort in Majorda has 3 excellent dining options, 2 bars, an Ayurvedic spa and luxurious contemporary rooms.

The Alila Diwa is located right on Majorda Beach, one of the quietest and cleanest beaches in Goa, and is perfect for a peaceful stay only 30 mins drive from the airport.

The highlight is the stunning tiered infinity pool that overlooks the green paddy fields. Stay in the Diwa Club rooms for the ultimate luxury and privacy.

Round Cube Beach Bungalows , Palolem Beach

Wooden cottages and beach huts located right on the beachfront of gorgeous Palolem Beach – the most beautiful beach in Goa.

There’s a variety of rooms available all with AC and private attached bathrooms. The beach facing cottages, where you can soak up the ocean views and sunsets right from your room and balcony, sell out fast.

There’s also cheaper colourful cottages just behind among the palm groves but whichever you choose, a dip in the ocean is still just a few steps from your beach hut.

Round Cube also has its own beachfront multi cuisine restaurant and bar where you can enjoy sunset cocktails and romantic candlelight dinners on the beach.

Panaji City (Panjim)

Even though Goa is most often thought of as a beach holiday destination, no guide to Goa would be complete without mentioning Panaji city, still normally referred to by its old name of Panjim, the state capital city of Goa.

While it’s not a beach resort it does have a lovely riverside setting, where you’ll find Goa’s floating casinos and river cruises, and it’s super close to Miramar Beach so if you’re looking to stay on the beach while exploring the culture of the city, the surprisingly uncrowded Miramar beach is ideal.

Located in the middle of Goa, Panjim is a good base for culture, history and nature lovers as there’s a handy hop on hop off tourist bus that connects Panaji with Old Goa and the spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries and waterfalls. It’s also not far from Goa international airport.

Take a stroll around Fontainhas, the colourful, old Latin Quarter, and visit the Immaculate Conception Church then try some traditional Goan cuisine and even Portuguese food in the restaurants and cafes.

Best Places to Stay in Panjim City

Vivanta goa, panaji.

The best modern luxury hotel centrally located in the city center of Panaji. The hotel offers a stunning rooftop swimming pool and views of the Mandovi River and Altinho.

The Vivanta is within easy walking distance to both the riverside and the old latin quarter and also boasts a spa, 24 hour gym, tour desk, several great eating options and a cocktail bar.

Welcom Heritage Panjim Inn, Fontainhas

Nestled in the heart of historic Fontainhas, staying at Panjim Inn will immerse you in history.

This charming heritage hotel offers tastefully refurbished and comfortable rooms that retain their historic character, features and furnishings. Many are complete with four poster beds and private balconies.

The Verandah Restaurant serves local and European cuisine and is a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by. Also check out Panjim Pousada , another great heritage hotel.

There’s also many budget hotels and guesthouses in Goa where you can find a basic room for 1000 – 2000 INR but many are not available to book online. If you’re visiting Goa in the peak season I’d recommend booking online in advance before you come to avoid stress and disappointment of trying to find a room when you arrive.

There’s too many beaches and hotels in Goa to mention them all in this Goa travel guide. So check out my post on where to stay in Goa for more tips.

where to stay in Goa - best beaches, areas and hotels in goa

The Best Places to Visit in Goa

From beautiful beaches and colourful markets, buzzing parties to serene yoga retreats, historic churches, temples and forts, spice plantations, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries.

There’s so many places to visit and so many things to do in Goa that you probably won’t be able to fit it all in to just one trip. That’s why many people, like me, fall in love with Goa and return every year.

There are simply too many places to mention in this quick Goa travel guide, so I’ll summarise the most popular places to visit in Goa for sightseeing and then you can check out this post for more.

The Best Places to Visit in Goa for History, Culture and Sightseeing

Fontainhas, panjim’s latin quarter.

Panjim (Panaji) is not visited by as many tourists as the beaches are but no Goa travel guide would be complete without a mention of the states pretty capital city!

Panjim is a delight to explore with it’s picturesque setting on the Mandovi river, flamboyant churches and colourful Portuguese architecture. One of Goa’s most iconic and famous sights is the elaborate white Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

Don’t miss exploring the lanes of Fontainhas , the atmospheric old Latin quarter, which is full of colourful Portuguese colonial buildings, churches, cafes, bars, goan restaurants and the Gitanjali art gallery.

The best way to explore Panjim and learn about it’s unique history is with a heritage walking tour

The Churches of Old Goa

The best place to visit for sightseeing and to learn about the history of Goa are the churches of Old Goa. This was the capital of Goa when it was under Portuguese rule. It was so grand and important that it was known as ‘the Rome of the East’ and rivalled Lisbon until the city was abandoned for the new capital of Panjim in 1843.

Only the churches are left today and have been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Highlights include Se Cathedral , the largest church in Asia, and the Basilica of Bom Jesus which houses the remains of St Francis Xavier.

Old Goa is a great place to visit if it’s your first time in Goa as it will help you to understand more about the history of Goa that makes this state so unique. The picturesque churches are also very instagrammable.

The best way to learn about the history and importance of Old Goa is by taking a guided walking tour that will really help to bring this site alive.

Fort Aguada and Chapora Fort

The Portuguese also built huge forts for defence that overlooked the ocean. Nowadays there’s not that much left of many of the forts themselves, apart from the crumbling walls, but they are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Goa due to their stunning views.

Don’t miss Fort Aguada , situated above Candolim Beach, where you can admire the impressive lighthouse and the breathtaking views out to sea.

Another popular fort is the crumbling Chapora Fort. Situated above Vagator Beach at the mouth of the Chapora River, it makes a spectacular spot to watch the sunset. It’s become quite famous since it was in the movie Dil Chati Hai .

Best Places to Visit in Goa for Nature Lovers

Spice plantations and hindu temples.

The Ponda area is Goa’s Hindu Heartland and is where you’ll find Goa spice plantations and most famous Hindu temples.

There’s a number of spice farms that you can visit to be immersed in the lush tropical greenery, learn about the plants and how many illnesses and ailments they can treat. Many have elephants that you can bathe or ride but this is cruel and shouldn’t be supported.

The family run organic Savoi Spice Plantation is one of the oldest spice farms in Goa and doesn’t abuse elephants. Most spice plantations charge an entry fee of around 500 rupees which includes an entertaining spice plantation tour, buffet lunch and a small sample of some spices.

You can combine a visit to a spice plantation with visiting some of Goa’s most famous Hindu temples like the Shantadurga Temple. The Mangueshi Temple and the Mahalsa Temple are both distinctive temples that are dedicated to Goan deities.

The best way to see the spice plantations in with a guided tour which include transport and a local lunch.

Dudhsagar Waterfall

Goa is home to many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, but the most famous place for nature lovers to visit is Dudhsagar Falls, situated in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary in the Mollem district of South Goa.

Journey through the jungle with an exciting jeep ride to marvel at India’s second highest waterfall, and watch the train pass overhead while swimming in the refreshing waters. Dudhsagar Waterfall is at its fullest during monsoon, but then it’s closed to tourists due to safety corners, and there is water all year round.

The best way to visit Dudhsagar Waterfall is with this guided tour that includes pick up from your hotel, the jeep ride to the waterfalls, a tour of a spice plantation and lunch.

If you want to immerse yourself in the jungle stay at Dudhsagar Plantation. The nature resort has its own spice plantation, nature trails and a relaxing natural swimming pool.

Best Tours of Goa

The easiest way to explore the best places to visit in Goa is by taking a day tour. Having a local driver takes all the stress out of getting around and having a local guide really brings these places to life. The best Goa tours are:

Highlights of Goa Tour

This private full day sightseeing tour will take you to explore the highlights of Goa including the capital Panaji and the charming Latin Quarter, the UNESCO listed churches of Old Goa, an informative spice plantation visit and local lunch.

Spice Plantation and Dudhsagar Falls Tour

Get picked up from your hotel and enjoy a jeep ride through the jungle for a refreshing swim in Dudhsagar waterfall. Take a tour of the spice plantations and enjoy a delicious Goan lunch.

Check out more Goa tours on Viator and Get your Guide where you can check reviews and book online.

Best Things to do in Goa

Shop at the flea markets.

Colourful stalls at Anjuna Flea Market in Goa, India

While there are endless shopping opportunities in Goa, visiting the many quirky hippie flea markets is a fun and unique experience. Don’t forget to haggle if you want to take home a bargain.

The most famous is the Anjuna Flea Market which takes place on Wednesdays on Anjuna Beach. This colourful market sells everything from hippie clothing and jewellery to Tibetan handicrafts. The Anjuna flea market was started by the hippies back in the 1970s and is now one of the popular things to do in Goa.

Another market to check out is the Arpora Saturday Night Market. This huge market is complete with live music and food stalls and is also a really good night out. There’s also a new popular Friday Night Market at Hilltop Nightclub in Vagator.

Take a Yoga Retreat or Train to be a Yoga Teacher

India is the birthplace of yoga, and Goa is one of the most popular places in the country to take a yoga class or join a week long yoga retreat. You’ll find drop in yoga classes in all styles across the state, many of which cater to beginners.

The beaches of Palolem, Agonda and Patnem in chilled out South Goa are the best places for yoga in Goa. There are also retreats and classes in Anjuna, Assagao, Mandrem and Arambol in North Goa.

My favourite yoga retreat in Goa is Bamboo yoga retreat located right on the beach front on peaceful Patnem beach in South Goa.

Many yoga schools offer month-long intensive yoga teacher training courses. Find a full list of yoga teacher training courses in Goa here.

There are also numerous other alternative therapies and workshops to try from breathwork to tai chi to sound baths and ecstatic dance.

You can also enjoy an Ayurvedic massage. Ayurveda is an ancient life science of plant based natural medicine that originated in Kerala but there are many ayurvedic treatments offered in Goa. Take a complete treatment course or just enjoy a nice, relaxing massage.

Enjoy a Panjim River Cruise and Visit a Floating Casino

Panjim’s unique floating casinos on ships anchored in the Mandovi River have become popular Goa tourist attractions.

The best ones are Deltin Royale and Casino Pride . The entrance fee covers some drinks, snacks, playing chips, music and entertainment. Try your luck on the slot machines or at games like Roulette, Blackjack, Bacarrette, Stud Poker and Rummy. Check out this article for more info on Goa’s casinos.

There’s several options for a Panjim river cruise including sunset cruises, backwater houseboat cruises, party cruises and dinner cruises with entertainment. You can book the paradise dinner cruise here. You can even book a private party boat to celebrate a special occasion.

Visit Some of Goa’s Wildlife Sanctuaries

Goa has several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The largest one in Mollem is home to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary which contains Goa’s oldest temple and Dudhsagar falls.

The Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary , near Panjim, offers a unique experience of traveling through the mangroves in a canoe to reach the bird watching tower.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, near Palolem Beach, is where you can climb up a towering tree house for amazing views over the jungle and your chance to spot wildlife.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a complete jungle resort with a zoo, deer safari park, botanical gardens and nature interpretation center. It’s located near Ponda so you could combine this with a visit to a spice plantation.

Explore the Colonial Mansions in Chandor

Chandor, in South Goa, was once the most spectacular city on the Konkan Coast . Some of the once grand colonial Portuguese mansions are now a shadow of their former glory but visiting Chandor is still an interesting place for those interested in history and architecture.

A highlight is the Menezes Braganza House which was built in the 17th century. This large house is now divided in two and you can see the contrasts between the grand and decrepit in one house and listen to the stories from the owner’s family feuds. The Figueiredo Mansion and the Palácio do Deão are also fascinating to visit.

The best way to visit the Portuguese mansions is on this South Goa Heritage Trail Tour. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to explore 3 Portuguese mansions as well the interesting Goa Chitra Museum.

If you want to immerse yourself in this unique history you can even stay in the Figueiredo Mansion which has been tastefully and lovingly refurbished into a wonderful heritage homestay.

More Exciting Activities to Try in Goa

The fun doesn’t stop at the beach, as well as watersports and boat trips there’s plenty of other exciting activities to try in Goa.

You can paraglide off the cliffs down to the beach if the conditions are right. Taking an ebike tour of offbeat Divar Island or kayaking on the backwaters is a serene way to experience a different side to Goa.

Thrill seekers might want to do a Bungy Jump and couples can treat themselves to a romantic experience of hoovering high above the palm trees with a hot air balloon ride.

Nightlife and Parties in Goa

Nightlife in Goa. Best nightclubs, pubs, raves and parties in goa

No Goa travel guide would be complete without mentioning Goa’s nightlife scene.

Goa is famous as one of the best places to party in India and one of the hottest party spots in the whole world! Experiencing Goa’s legendary nightlife scene is a must when visiting Goa.

Goa is famous for it’s psytrance parties that started during the hippie days, but nowadays there’s something to suit everyone – from beach parties and live music jams to thumping nightclubs, trendy bars, lively pubs and fun night markets.

Some of the most lively bars, pubs and nightclubs in Goa can be found on Tito’s Lane in Baga , a lively strip of buzzing bars and nightclubs just off popular Baga Beach. There’s also LPK Waterfront and SinQ nightclub in Candolim.

Anjuna and Vagator also have epic beach parties and raves, check out the famous Curlies beach shack on Anjuna Beach or Hilltop nightclub in Vagator for crazy psychedelic rave parties. Ashvem and Morjim are home to classy nightclubs and party resorts like Marbella Beach Resort.

South Goa is much quieter at night but there are silent headphone discos in Palolem and Leopard Valley is South Goa’s most happening party spot.

New Yea r in Goa is celebrated with fireworks on the beach and some of the most epic parties. Check out my tips for partying in Goa at New Year here.

There’s too many party places in Goa to mention them all in this Goa travel guide. See more of my nightlife tips here and download the Party Hunt App or check out What’s Up Goa to find out what’s on.

It’s difficult to keep a Goa travel guide updated with all the best party places as they change and move every season but you can keep up to date with what’s happening on Goa nightlife social media groups.

You should also be aware though that Goa’s parties often get shut down or limited to an early closing time. This happens for various reasons but especially around election times when code of conduct comes in.

Best Restaurants in Goa

curry and kingfisher on the beach in goa

Goa is home to some amazing restaurants, from cheap and cheerful beach shacks to fine dining restaurants that serve up delicious seafood, traditional Goan cuisine, Indian cuisine and food from all over the world.

There’s too many great restaurants in Goa to mention them all in this Goa travel guide so here’s just some of my favourites . Check out my blog post on the best restaurants in Goa for more recommendations.

You’ll find the best traditional and authentic Goan food in Panjim. Hotel Venite has been serving Goan cuisine since 1955 and is one of the most charming restaurants in Panjim’s latin quater. Sit on the little balconies and watch the world by while sampling Goan cuisine.

Another must try is Mum’s Kitchen , an award winning Goan restaurant famous for it’s seafood and for preserving traditional Goan family recipes. Viva Panjim is another top choice.

For South Indian food try Gunpowder , in Assagao, regarded as the best South Indian restaurant in Goa Experience the flavours and tastes of their curries, dosas and idlis in a classy garden ambience .

Fisherman’s Wharf , in Cavelossim, South Goa and on Panjim riverside, is one of the best seafood restaurants in Goa. Located on the waterfront with stunning sea views and delicious seafood.

sunset at thalassa goa restaurant and bar

Thalassa, situated on the banks of the Chapora River in Sioilm, is a Greek restaurant with amazing views over the water. With stunning sunsets, delicious Greek food and live performances and fire shows, it’s become one of the most famous and popular restaurants in Goa. You must book in advance in peak season to reserve your table. See their website to know more and reserve your table.

Artjuna is a super cute cafe in Anjuna that serves up great Israeli and Mediterranean dishes in a relaxed courtyard garden cafe setting.

Beach shacks are some of the best places to eat in Goa and range from cheap and cheerful to gourmet international cuisine.

Pousada by the Beach, part of the Pousada Tauma Hotel, is my top choice for upscale beach front dining in popular Calangute. Pousada serves a great selection of traditional Goan and Konkani cuisine as well as great pastas and salads in a peaceful spot right on Goa’s most popular beach.

La Plage on Ashvem Beach is a gourmet French restaurant with an amazing beach front location that is consistently regarded as one of the very best restaurants in Goa.

Zeebop is one of the most best beach shacks in South Goa. It’s location, on the pristine, white sands of Utorda make it a great place for long lazy lunch or sunset drinks. Not surprisingly the seafood is a highlight.

How Long to Spend in Goa

It’s difficult to say how long you should spend in Goa. For me, a lifetime is not enough ! The laid back lifestyle and beautiful beaches have a way of making many people want to stay forever.

There’s plenty of things to do in Goa to spend 1 or 2 weeks , but I know that not everyone has so much vacation time. As a minimum I’d spend at least 3 days in Goa just to get a taste of what Goa has to offer. 4 or 5 days in Goa is better though because then you can see the highlights of both north and south.

It’s only a few hours drive between North Goa and South Goa so for the perfect holiday you could spend a few days in both. Enjoy partying in North Goa, relaxing on the beaches in South Goa and take a day trip to Panjim and Old Goa to see everything Goa has to offer in one trip.

Follow my 3 day Goa itinerary to see all of Goa’s highlights in a short trip.

How to Get to Goa

Dabolim International Airport (GOI) is located roughly in the middle of the state and the new airport at Mopa (GOX) in the far north of Goa opened in January 2023.

Goa is well connected with most major Indian cites like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai. In the season time there are direct charter flights from the UK, Europe and Russia to Goa’s international airport.

International tourists can also fly into Mumbai’s (BOM) or Delhi (DEL) and connect to a domestic flight from there. Mumbai offers the quickest, cheapest and most frequent flights to Goa with direct flights only taking about 1 hour from 2,000 INR.

Goa is also easy to reach by rail. Trains from Mumbai to Madgaon ( Margao) the main train station for Goa take between 9 – 12 hours. Just make sure to book tickets well in advance because seats sell out quickly. The easiest way to do this online is with 12Go Asia.

Madgoan or Margao is roughly in the middle of South Goa and the closest beach is Benaulim only 5km away. North Goa’s beaches are not so well connected by rail.

Other useful train stations in Goa include Vasco da Gama (closest to the airport) Canacona (for Palolem and the far South) Thivim and Pernem (for North Goa) or Karmali (near Old Goa and the closest to the capital Panjim)

If you can’t get a train ticket there’s also buses and sleeper buses which take about 12 – 14 hours from Mumbai to Goa but the train is much more comfortable and the flight much quicker. Book at 12Go Asia.

How to Get Around Goa

The best way to get from the airport to your hotel is by using the pre paid taxi stand at the airport. Uber is not permitted in Goa.

There is an app based taxi service called Goa Miles but international tourists will find it hard to use unless you have an Indian phone number and bank account. Besides out of the main cities the coverage is not good.

There are public buses in Goa but the bus and train network isn’t really convenient for getting to the beaches or attractions. The buses connect the villages to the towns like Margao, Mapusa and Panjim but getting between beaches and attractions sometimes requires alot of changes if you wanted to get from Arambol to Palolem for example.

There’s not so many rickshaws as you find in the rest of India and still no Uber in Goa so taxis charge a ridiculous price. There is a new Hop on Hop off open air tourist bus service that connects the most popular North Goa beaches and Panjim with Old Goa and the temples and spice plantations around Ponda.

So the best way to explore Goa is to rent a car, scooter or motorbike . Most hotels and guesthouses will be able to arrange this but be careful as the narrow country roads around the beaches were not built for so much traffic.

International tourists will need to show an international driving permit as well as their normal driving license if stopped by the police.

How to Get an Indian Visa

Nearly all nationalities (apart from citizens of Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives) must apply for an Indian tourist visa before arriving.

An E-Visa is available for most nationalities including the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand and most European countries, but you do need to apply online before you travel to India. Get your e-visa on the official government website here.

Covid Entry Requirements

As of 22nd November 2022 India is fully open for international tourists and all covid-19 restrictions have been removed.

International arrivals no longer need to submit an online self declaration form or upload a vaccine certificate or negative covid test here before departure. It’s best to stay up to date and check the latest covid news and arrival guidelines here

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Best description of Goa Goa is best in December & january Specially from 25 dec to 2 january

Actually this is the busiest time and worst time to visit Goa because of the high prices and traffic jams. There are parties at other times of the year anyway

Thanks for the goa You included everything. Keep travelling

Awesome post! Goa is just an amazing travel destination, I really like to this article it’s very interesting and informative. The pictures are very beautiful, thanks for your amazing travel guide. Your photos are mind-blowing.

Also E-Visa has been restored for Uk vistiors as from Dec 2022

What about the last two weeks of Oct? Do you recommend Goa? Are shaks opened yet? And parties?

Late October is a bit of a gamble – it could still be very rainy so the beach shacks and parties don’t normally open until late November – early December.

Thanks for the guide Anna. This year I missed Goa Trip but not next time.

That’s a shame – hope you get to visit Goa again soon!

GOA Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

Gorgeous Goa is India’s smallest state stretching along the shores of the warm Arabian Sea. It has been a jewl in the crown of Indian tourism since the 1960’s attracting hippies and sun-seekers each winter.

Goa (like all of India) is a place of celebrations and you’re bound to experience a festival or parade sometime during your stay. The wonderfully festive province of Goa will remind you that there’s always a reason to celebrate (ie, you are alive)!

Its rich cultural history and lush forests make it a wonderful place to explore and there are some great guided tours on offer. If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend your time in Goa, you’ve come to the right place because we’ve put together the ultimate Goa itinerary.

Need some info about visiting Goa? Then read on!

A Little Bit About This Goa Itinerary

Where to stay in goa in 3 days, day 1 itinerary in goa – panjim & old goa, day 2 itinerary in goa – anjuna party time, day 3 itinerary in goa – arambol, what to do with more than 3 days in goa, best time to visit goa, how to get around goa, plan a trip to goa – what to prepare, faq on goa itinerary, final thoughts.

When you talk about backpacking India , you’ll quickly hear all about Goa, which is undoubtedly one of the most laidback and beautiful places in the entire country.

Whilst Goa is India’s smallest state, it is still nevertheless a state and is as big as some small countries. This itinerary covers the entire state from North to South and with several incursions inland. Therefore, to execute this Goa itinerary in 3 days you will need to change accommodation a few times.

The good news is that finding places to stay in Goa is pretty easy wherever you are. There are loads of guest houses, party hostels , hotels and homestays all eager for foreigners to crash – it is usually as simple as turning up in town and asking around.

The itinerary does leave time for changing accommodation and moving around and has also been designed to be flexible enough to adjust to suit your own needs. In terms of traveling around Goa, the bus system is very cheap, but rides can be long and very uncomfortable. Therefore if you have the budget, we suggest taxi’s – if you book ahead and haggle you can cover even large distances for well under $30.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Goa 3-Day Itinerary Overview

Goa Itinerary Day 1- Old Goa | Spice Garden | Panaji Tiatre
Goa Itinerary Day 2 – Vagator Beach | Foot Massage | Paddle Boarding | Trance Party
Goa itinerary Day 3 – Querim Beach | Sweet Lake | Yoga Session | Drum Circle | Ecstatic Dance

Let’s get this straight, Goa is a State. Whilst it is India’s smallest state it is still bigger than a lot of countries. You need to choose where to stay in Goa very carefully as it will inform your experience and will affect your Goa itinerary hugely.

Goa is roughly divided into North Goa and South Goa. North Goa has a few more famous attractions than South Goa so if you’re wanting to spend some time doing typically touristy things then North Goa is a great place to start!

Most visitors opt to stay in a beach town or village. The prime ones in the North are Anjuna & Arambol for hippies & backpackers, and Baga beach and Calangute for package tourists. In the South, Palolem Beach & Agonda and Candolim are popular. There are Airbnbs in Baga , Calangute & Candolim but very few in Arambol & Anjuna.

If you don’t want to be near the beach then there are a few nice towns and cities set further back inland, Goa Airbnb listings tend to provide a nice variety of options to choose from.

Panjim is a nice city in the Northern Goa region! It’s home to many gorgeous old Portuguese mansions and some good art galleries.

Best Hostel in Goa – Folklore Hostel

Situated in Vagator, Goa Folklore Hostel can only be described as a home away from home! With communal spaces that encourage interactions and facilities that you provide everything you need, there’s no better place to spend your stay in Goa if you’re looking for a hostel experience!

What’s more? If you don’t want to leave your furry friend at home, feel free to bring them with as the Folklore hostel is pet-friendly!

Best Airbnb in Goa – 2 Bed Lotus Villa @ Tito’s Street

This quirky and comfortable villa in Goa is located in the heart of the party district. With Bardez’s best beaches and hottest clubs within walking distance, you won’t find a better Airbnb in Goa.

Best Budget Hotel in Goa – Crystal Goa

This quaint hotel offers everything you’ve come to expect from a hotel, plus an incredibly tranquil setting! The restaurant and bar on the property are also a great place to dine during your stay in Goa. But don’t worry, should you feel like lying in and having a lazy morning, breakfast will be delivered to your door! Crystal Goa is located in Palolem in South Goa so perfect for those who prefer peace to partying.

Best Luxury Hotel in Goa – Vivanta Panaji

This incredibly beautiful luxury hotel is located right in Panjim center! But convenience is not its main drawing card.

A 24-hour gym and spa might have something to do with it! As well as the fact that the hotel is pet-friendly. This is very rare to find in such a luxurious venue! Live music is provided every night so there is no shortage of entertainment at the Vivanta Panaji!

For the first day of our 3 day Goa itinerary we are gonna base ourselves in Panjim or Panaji, the Goan state capital. Whist this city is inland, away from the lush beaches, it is one of India’s cleanest and most pleasant cities. It abounds with beautiful old colonial mansions and is well situated for executing day 1 of our itinerary.

10:00 – Old Goa

Old Goa is the former Portuguese Colonial capital. It was once considered a great city of the world rivalling even Lisbon itself I’m terms of its wealth, culture and beauty.

Most of Old Goa has been lost to the ravages of time but thankfully, enough has survived to justify a visit. The Dom Jesus Basilica is perhaps the grandest Christian temple in the whole of Asia. Then there are the ruins of the old Church of St Augustine. which blend into the Goan jungle like a level from Tomb Raider.

Old Goa can easily be explored in a day or even in half a day. The issue is getting there as it is about 20km away from the beaches. You can book a private or a bus tour from any travel agent in pretty much any resort which will leave in the morning and drop you back home after dark.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus Church is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Although the building is very rustic, it’s incredibly beautiful too. A church may seem like a strange place to visit while staying in Goa, India. But because Goa was colonized by the Portuguese for so long, many Hindus converted to Catholicism over this period of time. This is one of Goa’s best places to visit in 3 days.

A solid option, is to join an electric bike tour so you can really explore the jungles and roads!

Cost – Most of the sites here are free
How Long Should I Spend Here? Half a day
Getting There – Old Goa is about 30 minutes drive from Panjim. I recommend getting a taxi or joining a tour bus

15:00 – Sahakari Spice Farm

At the Sahakari Spice Farm , you’ll get the chance to take in the incredible fragrance of the beautiful spice farm! These lush plantations are not all there is on offer at the spice farm though.

During your tour, you’ll be shown how to climb the trees and swing from palm to palm! If any guest on the tour is brave enough to give it a try, they’re encouraged with enthusiasm. This often creates a lot of laughs among the tour group!

For those interested in a more relaxing form of entertainment, you will be treated to a folk dance by some of the female laborers and children who live on the farm. These often contain lots of color and excitement!

How Long Should I Spend Here? 90 minus is plenty
Getting There – It’s a 20-minute ride from Old Goa. Get a cab.

18:00 – See a Tiatr Production

The Hanuman Theatre in Mapusa is home to some of the most incredible Tiatr! Just like Broadway there are many different types of Tiatr that take place, these all have different names and contain different entertainment elements (dancing, singing, etc.)

To be honest, it doesn’t really matter which you decide to go see, they’re all great and can be enjoyed whether you understand the words or not.

The word Tiatr comes from the Portuguese word ‘Teatro’ – meaning theatre. As you know by now, Goa is heavily influenced by the Portuguese because of its previous colonization by Portugal.

Cost – $1.45
How Long Should I Spend Here? 2 hours
Getting There – Get a taxi back to Panaji and then either walk or take a Tuk-Tuk to the theatre

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

For day 2, we’re gonna head for the beaches. Pack your bag into a taxi, or jump on a bus towards Anjuna. Whether you decide to base yourself in Anjuna or Vagator is fine.

10:00 – Relax on Little Vagator Beach

Once you’ve checked in to your new digs, hit the beach!

Although it’s free to relax on the beach, if you’d like to make use of the loungers that line the beach, you’ll have to buy something from the restaurant. This isn’t a bad deal at all, cause trust me, you’ll want to be there a while! You can have drinks and food brought to you.

While lying back on your lounger, it’ll be hard to miss the many cows that stroll past and sit on the beach alongside you. There’s nothing to be scared of though, they are very peaceful creatures!

Due to the Hindu culture in Goa, it’s illegal to kill or harm these beautiful creatures. This means that you’ll find them roaming the streets and congregating in open areas – such as the beach.

Cost – Free – but bring money for food and drink
How Long Should I Spend Here? A good few hours
Getting There – Depending on where you are staying, either walk, get a cab or hire a scooter

14:00 – Foot Massage on The Beach

After all your gallivanting around you’ll be doing during your trip, you’ll be in need of a great foot massage! Luckily for you, they offer them right on the beach – along with a variety of other treatments. So it’s about time you put your feet up and enjoyed some good ol’ relaxation!

Be sure to ask around for the best price before settling on a masseuse, some tend to charge a lot less than $6!

Cost: Bater hard and it will by anywhere between $2 – $5

14:30 – Sea Rafting

After all that relaxing, I’m sure you’re down to try something crazy. How about a bit of sea rafting?

After about half an hour of training on the beach, you and your team will be ready to hit the waves! Don’t worry, your guide will be with you to lead you every step of the way! The waves can be a bit daunting at first, but once you’ve caught your first wave, you won’t want to stop!

Be sure to head up the beach for some beers at one of the many beach shacks that call this beach their home.

Cost: $6.50
How Long Should I Spend Here? 60 minutes is usually enough
Getting There – It’s on the beach

17:00 – Dinner at Artjuna

Artjuna is one of my favourite spots in Artjuna. It is a cafe with spacious grounds where you can spend the whole day for a price of a few coffees. The food is proper decent offering a mix of Indian food, vegan grub and a few Israeli specialities.

Other excellent dinner spots include Sakana in Vagator (delicious, pricy, sushi) or you can just hit up on the beach shacks like Curries for a fish tandoori.

Cost: $5 – $10
How Long Should I Spend Here? 60 – 90 minutes. Service takes time in India
Getting There – Walk, ride or jump a cab

18:00 (Onwards) – Attend a Goan Trance Party

Goan Trance (latterly Psytrance) is perhaps Goa’s greatest gift to the world and you absolutely should not miss the chance to experience a Goa Trance party first-hand. The scene emerged in and around Anjuna in the early 90’s and reached worldwide fame with “Goa parties” popping up all around the world.

The music itself, is a fast, intense and utterly trippy form of electronic dance music. If you have never heard it before, it may be a bit much for you but bear in mind that it is a sound best heard in altered states . There’s a reason Goa ranks as one of the best places in the world to party !

There are trance parties most nights during high season (Nov – Mar) but the scene is curtailed a bit during election years. My personal picks are Shiva Valley (Anjuna) on Tuesday nights and the occasional, underground parties organised by The Trip Foundation in and around Arambol. The parties start after sunset (around 18:00) and go on until well after sunrise the following morning.

Another great venue is House of Chapora (Chapora is a 10 minute aside from Anjuna). I particularly recommend following Pandora Collective who are organising 2-3 great parties each week all across North Goa – there Instagram handle is @pandoracollective.

Hilltop (Anjuna) attracts the big names but is a bit over-priced and soulless but still the Sunday afternoon sessions are nice if you want to be in bed early.

Cost: $0 – $10
How Long Should I Spend Here? All night!
Getting There – Get a taxi. Walking at night in Anjuna can be risky

For day 3, we’re heading North across the river up towards Arambol. If you stayed out all night partying, either skip over the morning section of this itinerary or sack it off altogether and spend today hanging out in Anjuna’s German Bakery.

10:30 – Ride to Querim Beach

For a taste of true paradise, you must make the 30 minute scooter ride North from Arambol towards Querim (Keri) beach. Keri is a small village set in the mangrove forests and is home to one of North Goa’s quietest beaches. You can rent a sun longer, order food and drinks from the shacks or even rent a surfboard.

As well as exploring the beach, the ride itself is also worth savouring. There is little traffic in and around Keri and plenty of back roads that lead through the forest to explore. Bring a bottle of water and sun cream and simply enjoy the experience of being in the riding seat watching beautiful Goa pass by.

How Long Should I Spend Here? 3 hours minutes including the ride
Getting There – Rent a scooter and ride. Wear a helmet as the road does pass a police checkpoint.

13:00 – Fish Thali at the Thali Shack

Just by the first, main park on Arambol beach, there is a completely unassuming looking little shack (a man selling coconuts sit’s by the door). Whilst you may be tempted to walk right past, don’t; because it offers the best and possibly cheapest Thali’s in Arambol.

A Thali is a big silver tray filled with rice, veg and a few different types of curry. The options are Veg, Chicken or Fish – the latter is particularly sublime.

14:00 – Visit the Sweet Water Lake in Arambol

The Sweet Water Lake is a freshwater lagoon with a source that originates in the Goan Jungle. The Sweet Water Lake is warmed by a natural hot spring, so going for a swim is a must in the late evening!

The Lagoon is surrounded by luscious greenery, overhanging thick jungle branches, and coconut groves. Steam rises slowly from the lagoon, making it a beautifully picturesque scene to take in, and the perfect place to snap some pics for the gram!

There is a beach just a short walk from the lagoon that is only accessible by foot. There are loads of shack’s and restaurants selling classic Goan food.

How Long Should I Spend Here? 60 – 90 minutes
Getting There – Walk here from Arambol beach – it is the only way!

15:00 – Join a Yoga Session

I once checked the notice board in Arambol and realised that there is a yoga class taking place somewhere in town, at every minute of the day. Arambol is a proper yoga Mecca and churns out newly qualified yoga teacher like Yale & Oxford churn out future venture capitalists and war-mongers.

Therefore you won’t have to try too hard to find a Yoga class. Either check the notice board, ask around or ask any slender, toned yogini you encounter.

17:30 – Sunset Drum Circle & Market

Every evening on Arambol beach, the place to be is the drum circle. It is literally a circle where anybody can come, bring a drum and bang it. Whilst the sound is (for me) a bit tedious, it is nevertheless a very pleasant gathering and attracts the Goa freaks who come to congregate.

From here, walk down to the sunset market where you can barter for hand made jewellery, post cards and other wares.

Cost: $4 – $8
Getting There – Most sessions are within walking distance from the beach

19:00 – Ecstatic Dance at The Source

Dance is a way of life in Goa. Whilst you may be exhausted from last nights trance session, I guarantee your legs will still summon the energy for one more boogie! Ecstatic Dance is a giant sober (no drugs or alcohol) party that takes place around a giant Banyan tree at the source.

You may initially need some time to get over your inhibitions (dancing sober?!) but you’ll soon get into it. Ecstatic Dance is massive fun, don’t miss it. If this is your first time in Goa, then its time to embrace your inner hippy!

How Long Should I Spend Here? Stay as long as your energy lasts
Getting There – Walk from the beach or get a taxi

21:00 – Late Dinner at Aladdin’s

Aladdin’s is one of Arambol’s best restaurants. It has massive menu ranging from bar-bq, Indian classics and some very interesting vegetarian dishes. It is quite pricy for Indian standards but worth it for a treat.

How Long Should I Spend Here? Until they throw you out!
Getting There – Walk from the Source – bring a torch though as the way is dark

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Goa

Tiswadi is the best place to stay if you’re visiting Goa for the first time. Home to the capital city, Panjim, Tiswadi is where you’ll find most of Goa’s cultural sights, the vibrant Latin Quarter, and charming Old Goa.

Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.
Explore Fontainhas, Goa’s Latin Quarter full of colonial character, cobblestone streets, and vibrant, and colourful houses.
Be amazed at Sé Cathedral, the largest church in Asia measuring more than 76 meters long and 55 meters wide.

If you are planning a trip that is longer than 3 days in Goa, then here are a few things you need to add to your itinerary for the rest of your trip.

Arpora Night Market

The Saturday night market in Arpora is a true Goa institution. It is a weekly mega market where you can barter hard for incense, jewellery, stones, gods, clothes, sheets and wonderful things you probably don’t even know exist!

As well as being a shoppers delight, the market has plenty of food stalls and a few bars mixing Techno into the early hours.

All of the above said, the word on the street is that the sun is setting on the Arpora Night market. Apparently the conduct of management has forced a lot of boutique owners and niche designers away and they can now be found at the Hilltop Friday Night Market instead. The Night Markets are amongst the best things to do in Goa in 3 days.

Visit Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Near Ganjem

The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary contains a mini zoo so that children and adults alike can see the animals up close. Plus, it has a massive deer park, which means that the deer can roam freely in their natural habitat! It also contains a botanical garden and a rose garden, for those who love flowers!

Here you’ll be educated about the animals and the bird life, as well as the vegetation found in Goa! This is a trip that will intrigue nature-lovers, so be sure you don’t miss out!

It’s only 38 kilometers from Margao.
There is a jungle resort containing tourist cottages on the property, just in case you want to stay the night.
There are plenty of different attractions, so you’re bound to find something that will suit your taste.

Visit Brahma Karmali Temple

The Brahma Karmali Temple is one of the oldest temples in Goa! The temple attracts a lot of devoted worshippers from around the region. Based in Carambolim, this temple is said to have played a pivotal role in Goa’s struggle for freedom. Many sessions were held in the building by a member of Congress during the time of struggle.

Learning about the fascinating history of this temple is spiritually moving, and exploring the temple grounds is a wonderfully relaxing experience!

This temple is named after a nearby town – Brahma Karmali.
The main idol inside the temple is said to date back to the 12th century.
Visiting and exploring this temple is absolutely free.

Hike to Hivre Waterfall

This waterfall is a great place to visit for nature-lovers and adventure junkies alike! During the hike to the waterfall, you will walk along a narrow pathway through the forest. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful river creeks that wind their way through the forest.

The locals that visit the waterfall are always friendly and helpful, and don’t mind guiding tourists to the waterfall with them!

Hivre Waterfall is popular amongst locals and tourists alike so it’s often busy, especially on weekends.
The waterfall is located only 14 kilometers from Valpoi City.
You will need to travel through the Thane village to get to the Hivre falls!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Goa is definitely a seasonal destination and best experienced during the Northern hemispheres winter. The crowds flock to Goa between November and February when the weather is perfect. If you come off-season, not much may be happening. The high summer months are best avoided altogether as this is when monsoon hits.

During peak tourist season in Goa, the beaches are the place to be! The water is perfect, there are nightly parties, and it never rains. As the monsoon season in Goa approaches though, the beaches become more and more empty.

However if you’re not a beach bum, then the rainy season can be equally as beautiful! During the summer in Goa, mist rises over the plantations and fields, and rain cleans the cities, leaving them smelling fresh and new. Visiting India during June will also allow you to attend the Sao Joao Festival, which is one of the coolest celebrations in Goa .

There are a number of Goa transport options available depending on where in Goa you are, where you are going and what you want to do. For example, beach towns and cities themselves are pretty easy to walk around. However, to get between them you will need an engine. Tuk-Tuk’s (Rickshaws) are available in some parts of Goa but are banned from a lot of the Northern tourist hubs. Taxi’s are easy to find but Goa’s are expensive by Indian standards.

Renting a scooter is the most popular transport method. They can be rented anywhere in Goa easily and cheaply.

Hiring a tour guide with a vehicle is also a good idea for tackling some of the suggestions on this itinerary.

Whether you’re a solo traveler or traveling with your posse, there’ll be plenty of activities to keep you occupied on your trip to Goa! Here’s just a few that you shouldn’t miss out on!

Travel in India does carry with it a set of risks and Goa is no exception.

The biggest danger is the endless raft of scams which are played on unsuspecting foreigners and of which there are too many to list. Other than this, never leave your valuables unattended and always lock your room.

Be very careful of bad drivers whether you are riding a scooter or simply a pedestrian. If you are riding a scooter, always wear a helmet.

Be careful when swimming whether in the sea or the delta as under-currents can be deadly, especially at night. Use lots of sunscreen and drink plenty of bottled, mineral water. Food hygiene is generally pretty good in Goa but use common sense.

Women travellers sadly need to be extra careful as each year they are the victims of rape, assault and even murders in Goa. Take great care at night and try to travel in a group whenever possible. Avoid dark, unlit areas as much as possible. If you are riding your bike at night, do not stop in lonely areas ( you may be being followed ). Be very careful in or around Trance parties, be mindful of what you consume and watch your drinks like a hawk.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Goa

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Goa itinerary.

How many days do you need in Goa?

Despite being India’s smallest state, Goa is packed with incredible experiences and attractions. We recommend visiting for 3-5 days minimum to make the most of it.

What should you include on a Goa 5 day itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these awesome places to visit in Goa: – Old Goa – Sahakari Spice Farm – Braganza House – Sunset Drum Circle & Market

When is the best time to visit Goa?

November-February offer the best weather for exploring Goa. March and April also get warm and have smaller tourist crowds.

Is Goa worth visiting?

Absolutely. From the verdant forests and stunning shorelines to the vibrant food and buzzing festivals, Goa is a very popular destination among travellers.

Goa is the perfect place for your next holiday destination! With white sandy beaches, a rich cultural history and some great architectural beauties, there isn’t a single thing you could possibly miss out on!

Its beautiful landscapes are begging to be explored and the culture that surrounds every building in Goa is worth learning about! No matter what time of year you choose to visit, there will always be something going on in this province. From festivals and parades to cultural ceremonies, there’s never a dull moment in Goa!

It’s a great place to travel whether you’re with your crew or a solo traveler. The safety of this beautiful province adds to the appeal of Goa for solo travelers. Be sure you’re not the only one missing out on the amazing experience of visiting Goa, India! And be sure to add a few of these great activities to your Goa Itinerary!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Suzanne Borders

Share or save this post

I’m confused – you have this article but also this warning people away from Goa? https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/is-goa-still-worth-visiting/

Where is the Braganza mansion (that you have mentioned close to Arambol). All search results only point to Menezes Braganza mansion in Chandor, South Goa.

Yes you are right. The Braganza mansion is in South Goa which is nowhere near Arambol at all. The writer who created this piece clearly had a moment of confusion. We have rectified the copy.

The typical mindset of western people. “watch your drinks like a hawk” hahaha! I hope you share some positivity also. Please teach your countrymen about Indian hospitality which is sorely missing in your country. I would love to read a blog about the USA itinerary mentioning “watch out for f…ing racists”

Personally I absolutely love Goa (Psytrance!!!!), have spent several months there and cannot wait to visit again. However, the FACT is that Goa can be very dangerous for women and there is no point in denying this – it doesn’t help anybody.

FYI – I am not from the US so cannot comment on American hospitality.

Good work on the blog, very helpful 🙂

This makes me want to rush to goa right now. Amazing blog

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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.

Pinterest graphic for travel guide to Goa

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

Insider's Travel Guide to Goa - Places to visit in Goa - forts

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

Kesarval waterfall in offbeat places in Goa

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

Insider's Travel Guide to Goa - Places to visit in Goa - 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

Offbeat Places in Goa - Heart-shaped lake

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

Insider's Travel Guide to Goa - Things to do in Goa - Casinos

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

Insider's travel guide to Goa - Things to do in Goa - B:Live e-bike tours

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

Goa travel guide - Vagator beach, North Goa

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

Travel guide to Goa - Goa beaches - Anjuna beach, Goa, India

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.

Where to eat in Goa inside a Goa travel guide

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.

Things to do in Panjim - events - Goa carnival

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!

Goa travel blog posts by The Spicy Journey

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…

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Goa Travel Guide: The Complete Itinerary of North and South Goa

A psychedelic blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, alleviated with the shimmering sun, moon, azure sea and beaches, gleaming sand, seafood, beer, festivals and spirituality, Goa is India’s perfect beach capital. Although the small state in India, the lush green landscape and the golden coastline make Goa the most attractive place in the World.

From couples to friends and from solo backpackers to Group travellers, Goa has magical moments and diversified life for everyone. North to South and summer to winter Goa has different beauty in every season and at every location. If you opt for clear glittering water and beaches North is the main attraction but the South has its own charm with Portuguese houses, chapels and calm alleys. This tiny city gives a variety of options to the foodies in terms of Veg and Non-veg preferences. So, if you want to explore the complete Goa, here is the complete itinerary of North and South Goa.

Table of Contents

History of Goa

It is said in Hindu Mythology, that Goa is connected with Dasavathar of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu in his Parasurama Avatar made the area of Goa. He won the war against the Kshatriyas and proclaimed Goa as the place of the Brahmins. From that point forward to the fourteenth century, Goa had been a significant Hindu strict site. Toward the start of the fourteenth century, Islamic intruders took control of Goa but, didn’t run it for long. Since Goa was a port locale, it pulled in the Vijayanagar to rule and its waterfront regions were utilized by dealers to import Arabian ponies from the Middle East.

Toward the start of the sixteenth century, European powers began to arrive in India and it was not some time before Goa was heavily influenced by the Portuguese around the same time, Christianity ministers driven by Saint Francis Xavier entered India. His powerful influence destroyed many Shiva temples to convert people to Christianity one of the temples is the Basilica of Bom Jesus and other ruins of temples are still very much there in South Goa. Goa was heavily influenced by the Portuguese for 4 centuries and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. During this time, the Goan culture disintegrated to adapt to western culture and a unique lifestyle was born. Before the finish of 1961, the Indian Army took control of Goa and the Portuguese left the nation. The Goan populace didn’t need to be added to Maharashtra and in this manner, they were announced as a union territory.

Best Time to Visit

Goa has incredible season variations around the year. There are some seasons which is so pleasant but crowded and costly and some are a little offbeat but less crowded and pocket-friendly. You have to decide which season you would like to pick.

The Best Season (November – February): This is the best season for a party, chilled beer, mild and comfortable weather and a perfect beach getaway. You can find most of the crowd, foreigners in this season also can cherish the festivals like Sunburn, New Year, Christmas etc. So the price gets higher in every aspect so book your hotels in advance since this is the peak season and prices of accommodation go way higher than you would imagine.

Summer (March-May): The season of extremely hot and humid. Prices are relatively cheap and the crowd are less this season.

Monsoon (June – October): My personal favourite season though rains hit goa and turn it into a rainy place. Most of the beaches are closed and because of the rain, most of the hotels are surrounded by bushes. I visited Goa in August and found it extremely pretty as the lush green Countryside, less crowded Sea beaches and cleanest roads make it so beautiful. The price is reasonable and a great option for budget travellers to explore Goa in a perfect way.

How to Reach

The tiny State is nestled between Maharashtra and Karnataka and is always on top priority in terms of beaches and holiday purposes. A lot of crowds often come from different parts of the country and abroad to enjoy a relaxing holiday here. Keep the Crowd in mind, Goa offers an extensive way to reach the destination via Air, Rail, Road and Water.

By Air : If you opt to Goa by airway then the nearest international airport is located at Dabolim. Dabolim airport is situated at a distance of almost 29 kilometres away from Panaji. This international airport is well connected with the major domestic cities as well as international major cities like the U.K. and Germany as well.

By Rail : It is quite easy to reach Goa via railways as there are a few railway stations in Goa located in Margao and Thivim. The main railway station is known as Madgaon and Vasco-da-Gama which is connecting South Goa and Thivim is the main station that connects North Goa easily. These railway stations are well linked with Mumbai and then other parts of the country as well.

By Road : Clean roads are accessible and well-connected to different cities. The bus services are also good here in the city. Anyone can easily commute via cars, and cabs too. The roads are beautiful and give a surreal view.

By Cruise : One of the Luxury affairs is to commute to Goa from Mumbai via Cruise. There are a few services available and also you have to book in advance, the price is really costly.

Where to Stay

There are so many hotels, resorts , homestays, hostels and BnB available here and you have to decide exactly which part of Goa you want to stay in. Generally, South Goa is idle for those who want to spend a private vacation far away from the crowd and North Goa is best described for Nightlife, crowd, shopping, and beaches and is apt for party-orientated people.

I stayed in the North part and it was pretty reasonable with one private beach ( but it was closed due to the monsoon). There are plenty of beaches, markets, nightclubs, most of the crowd in the north part and you can consider it too. The stay options are also varied according to your budget and seasons. Let’s say the good hotels or resorts are very reasonable in the offseason but yes in the main season there are a whole lot of options available according to the pocket and the ranges are from INR 600 to INR 40K plus.

South Goa is calm with a blend of vibrant colourful Portuguese culture, churches, chapels, beautiful walking alleys, splendid cafes, and amazing greeneries everywhere with a few mind-blowing beaches just perfect for a peaceful vacation where you can relax your days at any cafe while sipping your favourite drink with a book or just to walk in any colourful alley while holding the hand of your love. In the South part, stay options are also available according to your budget and trust me you can find every option like a hostel, resort, hotel and BnB according to the pocket.

What To See in North Goa

Beaches are not to be missed in north goa.

Goa is called the paradise of beaches. There are almost 50 beaches you can find here and almost 21 beaches are in North Part. Surprised ?? Yes, I was surprised too to read that rest of the 29 beaches are in the South part but not every beach is accessible there and most happening beaches are considered in North Goa.

The famous beaches not to be missed in North Goa are Arambol beach(my hot favourite), Mandrem Beach, Ashwem Beach, Morjim beach (the cleanest one and also called little Russia), Chapora beach, Vagator beach, Anjuna beach, Baga beach (Crowed beach) and another famous my favourite beach is Calangute beach. There are so many more beaches you can explore but these mentioned names are really not to be missed as there are a lot of differences you can see at every beach like Arambol has the most spectacular sunset whereas Anjuna has the rocky part to explore and so on. These beaches are placed like a necklace of the northern coastline with tons of shacks buzzing with life, serving lip-smacking delicious food from Konkan cuisine to Portuguese dishes with cocktails, beers and mocktails to go along; Goa’s beaches make your dream come true at any cost.

Places to visit in North Goa

If you are a traveller who wants to explore every nook and corner like me then you must visit :

Chapora Fort : Chapora Fort first appeared and got famous in the movie Dil Chahta Hai. This ancient fort in North Goa offers surreal views of the Arabian Sea. The fort is located on top of a hillock with slopes on all sides, and though it is almost in ruins, the government started refurbishing the fort to make it worth it again.

Fort Aguada : Lighthouse in a fort; who wants to miss this ??? Yes, you can be mesmerised by the view and the lighthouse of Fort Aguada.

Apart from that, there are plenty of Chappels and churches surrounded by the Northern region, just walk down the roads and enjoy your moments.

** I have made a video on my trip, which describes every small thing in North Goa, You can check it here

What To See in South Goa

Beaches of south goa.

South Goa is rather dulcet, with serene beaches like Colva, Miramar, Palolem and Galgibaga (famous as a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles) which are simply away from the world, but really worth paying a visit if you are looking for some peace and calm ambience. There are other beaches also situated in the South part but most of them are not much clean and not accessible.

Gems of South Goa

The South part has really blessed with lush green beauty and some amazing places to visit.

Spice Plantation : India is often called a “Land of Spices” and the Tropical Spice Plantation is proven that term with its huge variety of spice species. Based on 130 acres of land, only 2 acres are allowed for tourists to explore. This place is worth a visit and the ticket charge includes a welcome drink, lunch and a guide charge also.

If you visit this tour you can get to see the Indian hospitality, where you will be greeted with garland and a lemongrass welcome drink. Also, this educative tour will provide you with the perfect knowledge of different spices such as Cocoa, Turmeric, Vanilla and a lot more. The aroma of the spices, the greenery and the eco-friendly nature with the surreal walking view will surely provide you with the feeling of a Green Paradise.

Basilica de Bom Jesus : The UNESCO heritage site and the famous church in South Goa where you can see the mortal of Saint Francis Xavier still remains in a coffin. Also, you will not find any single cross inside, as it is said that this church was built on a shiva temple and henceforth no cross had been established in the church. Many people or architects came but they did not get the success to put a cross over there.

Dona Paola : I can say it’s a spot to sit and chase the sunset or just walk around the nearby stalls.

** I have made a video on my trip, which describes every small thing in South Goa, You can check it here

A One-Stop Guide for Shopaholic People

Goa has so many local markets where you can easily get a lot of souvenirs, beach hopping dresses, accessories and many more at a very cheap price. Sometimes you have to bargain a lot to get the product else this is a great place for shopaholics.

Some Activities you should Try

Well, if you are an adventure nerd then you should try these activities for fun :

Water Sport
Water Gliding
Casino and gambling
Dolphin Watch
Windsurfing

(Based on my Personal Experience)

Make sure you carry a good amount of cash as there are a few ATMs available in Goa.
Be careful with your phone. My phone got damaged due to moisture (even if it did not hit the water )
Don’t throw empty beer cans, bottles, or packets anywhere or in the water. Use a dustbin for that
Don’t taunt or make any offensive comments towards foreigners, hippies or anyone. Be a responsible traveller.
Not every fish items are good in taste. Try first then order.
Cab charges are very high, better go for renting a bike or cab option.

Showered with beaches, lush green roadside views, coconut trees, and rivers Goa have something to fall in love with again and again….

64 thoughts on “ Goa Travel Guide: The Complete Itinerary of North and South Goa ”

i went there nearly 20 years ago. I loved Palolem! Great post!

That is a very informative and nicely penned down article. I am gonna bookmark this one. Though, I still am waiting for my first GOA trip 🙁

Indeed Goa has everything for everyone. Beautiful place and your detailed description is just awesome. Keep writing this kind of articles. Very helpful I must say.

I visited Goa in 2017. Generally, I love the mountain more but Goa is something special. I stayed in Sernavatim Beach, less crowded. I liked the fact that hard drinks, foods are quite reasonable. Literally, back into those days while reading the article. Nice and detailed post.

I visit goa before 5 year and spend 3 days overthere. These 3 days i enjoyed a lot. I eat seafood first tome overthere. I always miss those days but in winter again i planned for goa… thanks for your article its help me lot

Goa is love. I visit there every alternate year – sometimes for work, other times for leisure.

Thanks for sharing this elaborate itinerary.

Goa is one of my favorites when all you need is to just relax, rest on the sun and keep your mind off all the troubles around you.

Now that’s such a lovely, informative and detailed post. Totally bookmarking it for my next Goa trip

Good gracious, there are so many things to do in Goa and still not get over with it.

I would love to spend my lifetime here.

Goa is a beautiful destination with golden beaches, reminisces of Portuguese culture and laid back as well as electrifying city vibes to spend vacation. Goa is in my bucket list for long time.Thank you for sharing all the useful guides on travel and shopping in Goa.

I have told my husband Goa is the one place I wish to visit after lockdown. Loved your post and there is never ever enough of Goa you can get. Lots to see and do yet

When I visited Goa recently I saw the south side. It’s more peaceful and has some of the oldest restaurants… Those are legendary and worth every penny.

Wow missing goa with friends. Always love arambol never been on sunset bit looked wow. Well penned ya

I have been to Goa and like the vibe of the place. I must admit I wasn’t aware of the history in this much depth, thanks for sharing.

Really very informative blog for Goa.. nice information

its an amazing post and u must be amazed to know, I never visited Goa. it’s on my list for long. this time will definitely try for it.

Wow what a detailed blog. Loved every bit of it

Have always placed goa on the top of my bucket list even after being there once. Had my tickets for April 2020, sadly the pandemic didn’t let me visit the magical land again. I so feel like going there rn to get some fresh air after reading this.

That’s some of the best advices for Goa you gave here .. I am honestly itching to go to Goa and spend some chill time out there ..I have not yet been to South Goa beaches .. it’s a great detailed post .

I haven’t been to Goa. I did have plans for Goa in this year. Unfortunately! Probably next year now. Goa plans don’t work out so easily.

I’ll get in touch with you once I decide down to visit there.

Oh! How I miss Goa! Now, even more. We usually visit Goa, have fun and chill around, but do not think about its history much. Thanks for sharing that information here. Your pictures are definitely giving me wanderlust.

A very apt description of GOA, a go-to itinerary. Really lived the pictures.

This is the perfect post one would need during monsoons. I’ve always wanted to visit South Goa and visit during the rains, but alas! Hopefully soon 🙂

Hi Pamela, wow, this is an amazing read. It’s rare to see people write about the history of Goa. Also, I did explore south goa and its beaches. It’s amazingly clean and less crowded.

I absolutely love Goa. I have been there thrice and I have had so much fun. But I would still say that I have explored that place very less. This guide is awesome and it gives all the details. Will bookmark this for future reference.

Thanks for sharing detailed information about the place. Goa is in our bucket list from very long. And hopefully we are planning to visit soon. I am bookmarking this post for future reference.

Goa is always on the planned list and yet gets cancelled at the last moment. Let see if anything happens soon. And honestly this is the first time I am reading the history associated with Goa. I had no idea if Parshuram linked to the place. Great to know such details.

Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.

Quite detailed and informative, especially now as more and more people are travelling to Goa after lockdown. A combination of NOrth and South and all details in one place is just fab

Thanks for sharing detailed post on Goa. Goa is in our bucket list from very long but every time something happened on the last moment. But we would love to visit Goa and we are planning to visit this year only.

Goa is really a beautiful place. I like south Goa much more, it’s scenic and quiet. But it was a revelation to know that Goa was formed by a Vishnu avatar. Interesting!

That’s a well described and detailed guide. I had never heard about the spice plantation in South Goa. Definitely going to refer to this blog when I plan a trip to Goa.

Goa never fails to reveal a new side whenever you visit. We travel again to Goa to revel in its multiple personalities. Our favourite haunt is of course South Goa. We find the beaches of South Goa quieter and more secluded. The churches of South Goa too are magnificent. Your post gives a birds-eye view of North and South Goa.

I have been to Goa a few times now and I know its absolutely amazing especially the beaches. I would love to go there and stay for a few months. Hopefully some day.

Extremely well documented and a detailed blog of Goa. This will surely be handy for people planning to travel to Goa. Bookmarking for my next visit.

Been to Goa two years back and I was nodding head in agreement to your post. We also visited the Spice plantation along with beaches, it was truly amazing experience.

That tip about being careful with phone is so funny. My bestie just returned from Goa crying that she dropped her phone into the water, and it was completely dead.

Goa looks like a beautiful part of India. I would first go to Arambol beach. The Portuguese architecture sounds so charming and definitely adds an edge to the area. Hopefully I can visit one day!

I would want to take advantage of the beach, so I wouldn’t want to visit during rainy season. Interesting to hear about the Portuguese influence.

I read a lot about Goa, but nobody’s mentioned the number of beaches there. I think I will have fun spending time on the beaches while in Goa. Of course, I won’t skip visiting and searching for Portuguese influence in the city.

I recently traveled to GOA for the first time and really liked South Goa since I am not a party animal. My favourites places are Divar Island, Old Goa, Butterfly Beach, Majorda beach, Morjim beach.

Goa is such a beautiful place. I have been there many times and I am again going in January. I have not seen so many of these places, I think I will add some of these for my next visit. Thanks for this list.

I heard many good things about Goa and I’m fascinated by how similar and so different the North and South are. One part is with lots of beaches, nightlife, and shopping, while the other part has a more rural vibe. Nevertheless, both attract the traveler in me. Your post made has triggered my excitement to travel in Asia again!

Goa is a place that you can never tire of. And not just for its beaches but its history, quirky museums and wildlife too. Every time I get there, I discover something new. South Goa is the part that I really like the most!

Goa is absolute bliss for me and I can visit the place as many times you allow me to go. I am a beach baby I love watching the waves taking turns in its own ways and goa plantations last time impressed me immensely and how can I forget the Goan dishes which are just absolute delicious.

Great curation. Good checklists and tips. Sharing this with friends who swear they know Goa! I’m sure they will also find something new to explore.

God is a fab place to visit and one visit isn’t enough. I have been there many times and this travel guide is indeed very helpful for people travelling there.

Goa is a lovely travel spot, suitable for all age groups. Travel single or group its fun anyways.

Goa has been one of my favourite destinations and always has something new to offer. This post brought back so many childhood as well as honeymoon memories!

I have to bookmark this post as I am shamelessly admitting that I haven’t visited Goa… not once. Now my confusion is clear about South n north cuz whenever i ask some people say go to north n some South. Your detailed account is quite helpful Pamela and I loved the little bit on history… was absolutely ignorant of the pre-history aspect. Great pics too!

You posts are always detailed and have all the information in one place. No need to search anywhere else. I have visited Goa many times but I am surely saving this.

My first visit to Goa was last year. All the memories came flooding back with your post. You share everything. It’s a vivid virtual experience totally.

Thank you for such a comprehensive post. All information one could need in one single post. I will definitely be exploring those I missed next time I visit Goa.

Now that’s such a lovely, informative, and detailed post.; though we visited Goa around 18yrs back, some places are new to me. I am bookmarking this post for future visits.

I have visited Goa twice & enjoyed both seasons. Iam not a party person so i found the Nov visit very crowded in terms of traffic while exploring the city.

Such a great trip you’ve had to Goa! The place looks amazing and of course, sunsets looks amazing anywhere, everytime. The food also looks so sumptuous! A tourist destination indeed for a great time!

Its been 12 years that I have been to Goa. We had a wonderful trip and I had been to most of these places you have mentioned.

Very well written post. I will bookmark it for my trip to Goa sometime in the near future!

It’s been 3 months since I haven’t been there… I love your itinerary… As a tourist if you view it is lovely… I loved the pictures too.

Goa is one of my favourite places to Visit in India. You have shared all needed information to enjoy Goa

I have been togoa twice but both the times stayed in South Goa , so this time I will stay and explore north goa which has beaches with lots of water activities.

Thank you so much, This came up when it is required. I am planning a Goa trip with my sisters and freinds. I am saving this post for my reference in planning our Trip. 🙂

What an exhaustive and comprehensive guide to Goa! Really exciting! I have visited Goa 4 times till now and every time we find something new to explore!

I have visited Goa twice and both the times I have stayed at North Goa. Your itinerary is so exhaustive with every checklist in place and every detail shared. My favorite beach is Vagator. We tried visiting Butterfly beach but since we had gone in rainy season the waybto Butterfly is by boat and it was closed off.

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Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

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Top Things to Do

Best Beaches

Yoga Retreats and Wellness Resorts

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Your Trip to Goa: The Complete Guide

Let's face it. Most people visit Goa for the beaches and parties. However, there's plenty more to experience. The Portuguese occupied Goa for about 450 years until the Indian Armed Forces finally drove them out in 1961. The state was also a significant destination on the 1970s hippie trail. As a result, it's quite unlike anywhere else in India and has a distinctly different culture. This Goa guide will help plan your trip.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit: Goa's tourist season runs from October to March, when the weather is warm and dry. Most beach shacks open in November. They pack up by April or May due to the extreme heat and humidity. The southwest monsoon brings rain from June to September.
Language: Konkani is the native language of most Goans, however, English and Hindi are widely understood and spoken.
Currency: Indian rupee.
Time Zone: UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) +5.5 hours, also known as Indian Standard Time. Goa does not observe daylight saving time.
Getting Around: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are the most common methods of transportation. Unfortunately, the notorious Goan taxi mafia keeps fares high and prevents app-based cabs such as Uber from operating. There is a state-run, app-based taxi service called GoaMiles . The Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus is an inexpensive way of reaching Goa's tourist attractions. Hiring a motorcycle or scooter is popular and affordable.
Travel Tip: The monsoon season in Goa is ideal for spending time in the state's mountainous interior hinterland. White water rafting is possible.

Things to Do

Most people are surprised at how many things there are to do in Goa apart from the beach and nightlife. This includes water sports and adventure activities , hot air ballooning, cooking lessons, exploring old forts, seeing the spice plantations, browsing museums and art galleries, bird watching at Doctor Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, hiking in the nature reserves, yoga and natural therapies, cruising along the Mandovi River in a private yacht , betting at the casinos , listening to live jazz music, and of course shopping. Active travelers can go on these off-beat electric bicycle tours or walking tours .

Three of the main things to do in Goa are:

Hanging out at the Wednesday flea market at Anjuna beach, Friday Goa Collective Bazaar at Hilltop near Vagator, and Saturday Night Market at Arpora (between Anjuna and Baga). These markets are seasonal.
Wandering around Old Goa and the Fontainhas Latin Quarter .
Touring the Portuguese mansions in South Goa .

Find out more about the top places to visit in Goa and cultural things to do in Goa beyond the beaches .

What to Eat and Drink

Goan cuisine was influenced mainly by the Portuguese and is predominantly non-vegetarian. Lesser-known is the traditional cuisine of the state's Hindu Saraswat Brahmin community. Fish curry and rice is a ubiquitous staple in Goa. Common types of dishes you'll find on the menu are xacutti (coconut-based curry), cafreal (marinated and fried/grilled), sorpotel (stew), recheado (stuffed), ambot tik (sour and spicy), and vindaloo (fiery curry marinated with garlic and vinegar or wine). Goan chourico (sausages) and pao (bread) are popular as well. However, you'll need to venture away from the beach shacks to get authentic Goan food.

Feni is Goa's pungent local brew and the unofficial state drink. It's made from cashew fruit or the sap of coconut palms. Drink it with tonic water or lemonade and a slice of lime. Avoid cheap, commercially produced feni though, as it has a distinctively unpleasant smell. Instead, try and get your hands on some home-distilled feni ( Dudhsagar Plantation Farmstay makes their own). Or, a bottle of premium Big Boss or Cazulo feni. It's now possible to go straight to the source of Cazulo feni, as the company has opened its cellar in the Cansaulim foothills for tours and tastings. Call 8605-008-185 to book. Joseph Bar in Panjim's Fontainhas Latin Quarter crafts some innovative feni cocktails. On the beach, King's beer goes well with a curry.

Explore the best Goan cuisine restaurants for all budgets and hottest bars and beach shacks in Goa .

Where to Stay

Goa's coastline extends for about 100 miles. Every beach is different , and there are so many types of accommodations ranging from beach huts to luxury private villas. It can be confusing! If you're looking for action, base yourself in North Goa because South Goa is relatively undeveloped and laid-back. Most of the luxury hotels are situated in South Goa. Palolem is the most happening beach in South Goa, while Agonda is ideal for chilling out and doing nothing. Patnem offers a bit of both. In North Goa, the Candolim-Calangute- Baga stretch of beaches is especially commercialized and gets super crowded during peak season. Backpacker hostels are prevalent near Anjuna beach, and the famous Wednesday flea market takes place there as well. The remaining psychedelic trance scene exists around Vagator beach, the Mandrem-Morjim-Ashwem stretch of beaches has become quite trendy, while Arambol beach is the new traveler's center with a wide range of alternative therapies. Capital city Panjim is centrally located between north and south Goa. Its Fontainhas Latin Quarter is an atmospheric neighborhood to stay in a restored Portuguese mansion.

Discover Goa's best homestays, budget accommodations, and yoga retreats, and wellness resorts .

Getting There

Goa has one airport. It's an international airport that operates out of a military airbase in Dabolim, roughly equal distance from Goa's north and south beaches. Most people take a prepaid taxi from the airport to their hotel. There's a counter in the arrivals terminal where you can book and pay. A shuttle bus service also runs from the airport to Panjim, Calangute, and Margao. It can be booked online here or at the airport.

Indian Railways train is another option for getting to Goa. It's handy for budget travelers, and conveniently has multiple stops in north and south Goa. The stretch from Mumbai to Goa along the Konkan Railway is particularly scenic. Here are the best trains from Mumbai to Goa .

Culture and Customs

Goa is more liberal than other states in India. This means women can wear short dresses and bikinis on the beach. There's no need to dress conservatively.

Scams are common in Goa, including the infamous gem scam . Beware of any Indian guys who try to befriend you. People offering to sell you drugs may also approach you. Don't accept, as dealers often have arrangements with the police. The police are corrupt and will extort money from tourists found in possession of illegal substances such as marijuana. The cops often demand bribes for traffic violations too. If you hire a motorcycle or scooter, make sure you carry your license with you and wear a helmet at all times.

While Goa has a reputation for being a party hub there are very strict drug laws. Those caught with drugs could face jail times of 6 months to 30 years and there is no option for bail.

Money-Saving Tips

Hotels offer huge discounts of up to 50 percent during the low season from May to September.
There are many budget accommodations in Goa that don't advertise on the Internet. If you're not traveling during peak season (mid-December to mid-January), turn up and find a place and negotiate the rate.
Stay in a dorm or private room in a backpacker hostel.
Keep an eye out for happy hours and ladies' nights at bars for cheap or free drinks.
Make sure you bargain at markets to get a good deal.

Encyclopedia Britannica. "Portuguese India."

Goa Tourism Development Corporation. "Languages."

Goa Tourism Development Corporation. "Laws."

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12 Irresistible Luxury Private Villas in Goa for Groups

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Palolem Beach Goa: Essential Travel Guide

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[email protected]

Ind: +91 9205558801.

A complete Goa travel guide, what to see and where to go!

by Indiator

February 5, 2018, in beaches india , things to do india , tour and travels india, no comments.

Every year, Goa sees a large number of International tourists and is popular for its beaches, shacks, nightlife, churches with historic architectures. Being the smallest state in the country, Goa is known as the nation’s popular tourist destinations. Divided into North Goa & South Goa, North Goa serves as a place for happening parties while South Goa will take away from the monotonous life and is calm & serene.

Best time to visit Goa

One can travel to November to February, these are the peak season and based on Christmas Holidays, you can celebrate the festival & the New Year in Goan style around beaches & shacks. Also events like Goa Carnival, parades take place during Feb-March.

Weather in Goa

Goa is known for its pleasant weather throughout the year. June to September is the heavy rainfall season while months from October to March is pleasant and attracts tourists. December is considered the peak season and mostly the place is packed with tourists during New Year. April & May are hot and sees the increase in humidity.

Place to visit in Goa

The presence of the beautiful beaches in Goa is what makes it a major tourist attraction. Experience the sands and the nightlife in Goa and gorge upon traditional South Indian dishes.

Beaches in Goa

Around 30 beaches are spread across Goa and each beach has its own charm and speciality. Facing Canacona Island, Palolem beach is famous for its parties and silent discos. Morjim & Ashvem beaches are home to Olive Ridley turtles and you will find the cleanest shallow waters here. Anjuna Beach is located a walk away from Chapora Fort & the Albuquerque Mansion and offers a variety of water sports that will give you an adrenaline pump. Calangute beach is the most famous beach and always packed with tourists. You can enjoy staying in shacks and partying out in clubs at night. Other beaches that must be visited include Baga beach , Arambol , Mandrem & Assagao .

You can head to South Goa for calm beaches such as Colva , Palolem and Galgibaga and relax inquietude.

Chapora Fort: Built on Chapora river, this historical monument also got captured in the Bollywood movie “Dil Chahta Hai”. You can view the Vagator beach and glimpse of the Arabian sea from this fort.

Basilica de Bom Jesus: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this old church is popular in the Roman Catholic world. It holds the remains of missionary Saint Francis Xavier. The church is around 400 years old and has precious stones carving.

Food & Fun:

Known for its diversity, Goan food includes fish curries, fruit rice and other seafood. A unique blend of Portuguese heritage and traditional Indian cooking is seen in the food of Goa. There are plenty of restaurants, vendors, shacks that will provide you authentic Goan food.

Party it out:

If you happen to visit Goa during November – February, you will witness the most popular festivals and many other parties happening every night. Anjuna beach hosts the most dreamy parties with music, drinks and quirky activities, so one can let hair down and enjoy.

Shop till you drop:

Goa will also fulfil the desires of Shopaholics as it has many flea markets and night bazaars. Some of the flea markets are Anuna Flea Market (footwear, jewellery), Mapusa Market (Dried and Fresh Fish, Spices, Pickles, Goa’s famous ‘chouricos’ sausages, Antiques, Textiles, and Handicrafts) Panjim Market (cashew nuts, spices), Calangute Market ( trinkets, carpets).

How to commute?

Goa is well-connected by roads and taxis can be rented in advance. Most people go for hiring cars and motorcycles and explore Goa on their own.

Visit Goa for Portuguese old charm, Goan traditional food, beaches and for partying your heart out. You can visit www.indiator.com for exciting Goa tour packages .

Suggested Tour Packages

Indiator is a Noida based travel company pioneered in providing tour packages and airport transfer service in India. The offered tour packages range from Honeymoon, Excursion, multi-day, group tour, etc. Its 24/7 service availability and instant booking confirmation is highly appreciated.

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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.

7 Epic Days in Goa | Goa Travel Itinerary and Guide | Best Things to do in Goa, India

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Goa Travel Guide (Updated 2023)

Top tours & things to do in goa, 1. beaches galore.

Goa boasts an impressive coastline that stretches over 100 kilometers, harboring some of the most beautiful beaches in India.

Whether you’re seeking the lively atmosphere of Baga Beach or the serene tranquility of Palolem Beach , each stretch of sand in Goa has a distinct personality.

Fulfill your beach bum dreams by indulging in water sports, soaking up the sun, or simply unwinding with a good book and a refreshing drink.

Don’t forget to witness mesmerizing sunsets that paint the horizon in shades of gold.

2. Historical and Cultural Treasures of Goa

Goa’s rich history and cultural heritage are evident in its numerous ancient monuments and awe-inspiring churches.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Goa, home to the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, both architectural wonders that reflect Goa’s Portuguese influence.

Wander through the narrow lanes of Fontainhas, Goa’s Latin Quarter, where vibrant colored houses and quaint cafes envelop you in a charming European ambiance.

Immerse yourself in Goa’s unique blend of Indian and Portuguese culture by attending a traditional Fado music performance or indulging in authentic Goan cuisine.

3. Old Goa Heritage Walks

Discover the colonial charm and rich history of Goa by taking part in the captivating Old Goa Heritage Walks.

Stroll through the narrow lanes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore its remarkable architectural treasures, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and numerous other churches adorned with exquisite Portuguese artistry.

4. Spice Plantation Tours:

Immerse yourself in Goa’s aromatic world by embarking on a remarkable spice plantation tour.

Explore sprawling plantations where you can witness the cultivation of exotic spices like cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and more.

Take a guided walk through the plantation, marvel at the lush greenery, and learn about the cultivation techniques and medicinal properties of these spices.

5. Experience the Wildlife and Nature of Goa

Goa is not just about beaches; it also offers breathtaking natural beauty that will captivate every backpacker’s heart.

Embark on an adventure to the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to an abundance of wildlife and lush tropical forests.

Explore the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, where you can spot elusive creatures like leopards and Indian bison.

Don’t miss the exhilarating Dudhsagar Falls, a majestic four-tiered waterfall set amidst verdant greenery.

6. Enthralling Nightlife in Goa

Goa is renowned for its non-stop party scene, attracting party animals from across the globe.

Experience the pulsating beats, vibrant lights, and electrifying atmosphere of Goa’s famous clubs and beach shacks.

Dance till dawn at iconic venues like Club Cubana and Tito’s in North Goa or explore the laid-back vibe of the Anjuna and Vagator beach parties.

Goa’s nightlife offers something for everyone, from euphoric music festivals to intimate live music performances along the shores.

7. Unwind and Rejuvenate in Goa

If you’re seeking a more tranquil experience, Goa has just the right spots for you.

Head to the peaceful and secluded beaches of Agonda or Morjim, where you can relax in hammocks, practice yoga, or meditate amidst the soothing sound of the waves.

Treat yourself to rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages or indulge in holistic wellness retreats scattered across the state.

Goa’s serene ambiance and holistic healing centers provide the perfect escape to unwind and rejuvenate your senses.

8. Dudhsagar Waterfall Tour

A visit to the majestic Dudhsagar Waterfalls is a must-do in Goa. Embark on an adventurous safari through the scenic Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park to witness the breathtaking beauty of these awe-inspiring falls.

Cascading from a height of around 310 meters, Dudhsagar Waterfalls enthrall visitors with their picturesque vistas and invigorating ambiance.

Best Hostels to Stay in Goa

1. wonderland hostel, anjuna beach.

Located in Anjuna and highly recommended by top-ranking websites, Wonderland Hostel offers backpackers a cozy and welcoming environment.

With its vibrant interiors, dormitory-style rooms, and low-cost beds, this budget hostel is perfect for socializing and making new friends.

Close to the famous Anjuna Beach and flea market, travelers can indulge in the local Goan culture without spending a fortune.

2. Zostel Goa, Calangute Beach

Known for its friendly atmosphere and budget-friendly prices, Zostel Goa in Calangute is a popular choice among backpackers.

Offering comfortable dormitory beds, clean facilities, and a lively common area, Zostel Goa provides an excellent opportunity to interact with fellow travelers.

Moreover, its proximity to Calangute Beach and the vibrant nightlife of North Goa makes it an ideal base for exploration.

3. Jungle by thehostelcrowd

Nestled amidst the lush greens of Palolem, Jungle by thehostelcrowd is a highly recommended budget stay for backpackers seeking tranquility.

This eco-friendly hostel offers cozy private cottages and dormitory rooms, allowing travelers to blend with nature’s serenity.

With yoga classes, bonfire nights, and its proximity to Palolem Beach, this budget stay promises an unforgettable experience without digging deep into your pockets.

4. Roadhouse Hostels, Arambol Beach

Situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Arambol, Roadhouse Hostels is a popular choice for budget-conscious backpackers.

Boasting comfortable bunk beds, clean facilities, and a friendly ambiance, this hostel provides guests with an opportunity to meet like-minded travelers.

Its strategic location near Arambol Beach, popular shacks, and cafes makes it a top recommendation on both Google and Bing.

5. Pappi Chulo Hostel, Anjuna Beach

If you’re looking for an eccentric budget stay, Pappi Chulo Hostel in Anjuna is an excellent choice. With its colorful rooms, rooftop bar, and spacious common areas, this hostel offers backpackers an unforgettable experience.

Its close proximity to Anjuna Beach and famous party spots charms guests from around the world. Pappi Chulo Hostel perfectly blends affordability with a vibrant atmosphere.

When to Visit Goa?

The best time to visit the mesmerizing coastal haven of Goa is the winter season, spanning from November to February . The weather during this time is pleasantly cool, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 28°C (70°F to 82°F). Goa’s beaches come alive with breathtaking sunsets, making it a perfect haven for beach enthusiasts.

However, if you prefer quieter surroundings and wish to evade the tourist crowds , plan your visit to Goa during the shoulder seasons – October/early November or March/April . These periods, outside the peak tourist seasons, offer a tranquil experience while still providing favorable weather conditions.

Best Beaches & Neighborhoods for Backpackers in Goa

Known for its vibrant nightlife, Anjuna is a must-visit destination for backpackers seeking a lively and energetic atmosphere.

The area is famous for its legendary Wednesday Flea Market, where you can find everything from handmade crafts to unique clothing items.

Additionally, Anjuna boasts stunning beaches that offer a great opportunity to relax and soak up the sun.

Just a stone’s throw away from Anjuna lies the charming village of Vagator. This area is known for its picturesque cliffs, which provide breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.

Add to the mix some trendy beach shacks, vibrant music festivals, and you have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable backpacking experience.

If you’re seeking a serene and laid-back atmosphere, Arambol is the ideal place for you. This quaint village offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The highlight of Arambol is undoubtedly its stunning beach, which is lined with numerous beach shacks offering fresh seafood and chilled vibes.

Don’t forget to catch the mesmerizing sunset drum circles that take place here regularly.

Life in Palolem moves at a slower pace, making it an excellent spot for backpackers looking for relaxation.

The palm-fringed beach is postcard-worthy, and visitors can enjoy various watersports activities or simply unwind in one of the many beachfront hammocks.

For a unique experience, take a boat ride to witness the playful dolphins that reside in the nearby sea.

For those who enjoy a mix of tranquility and a vibrant nightlife, Baga is the perfect compromise. This popular tourist spot is known for its beach parties, water sports, and a wide range of budget accommodations.

Enjoy a stroll along the lively Baga Beach, indulge in some Goan cuisine at the many beachside restaurants, and dance the night away at one of the happening nightclubs.

Is Goa a Safe Destination for Travellers?

Goa is generally considered safe for tourists, with a low crime rate compared to other Indian states. Measures have been implemented by local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors, including heightened police presence in tourist hotspots, beach patrols, and surveillance systems.

Nevertheless, it is always advisable to exercise the same level of caution and vigilance as you would in any tourist destination around the world.

How to Get around in Goa?

To make the most of your time here, it is essential to navigate the region efficiently and explore all that it has to offer. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to get around Goa, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable trip.

The easiest way to reach Goa is by air. Goa International Airport (Dabolim Airport) is well-connected to major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, as well as international destinations.

Upon arrival, you can conveniently book a prepaid taxi or opt for a car rental service to reach your desired destination within Goa.

Train Travel

Goa is well-connected by rail with the rest of India, offering a scenic journey through picturesque landscapes. Major railway stations in Goa include Madgaon Junction (also known as Margao) and Vasco da Gama.

Several trains operate daily, providing a comfortable and affordable mode of transportation.

Public Buses

The state-run Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) operates a vast network of buses, making it an economical way to get around Goa.

These buses connect various regions within the state, including popular tourist destinations like Panjim, Mapusa, and Calangute.

The bus fares are reasonable, and the frequency is quite good, making it an ideal option for budget travelers.

Taxis and Rickshaws

Within the city and popular tourist spots, you will find numerous taxis and auto-rickshaws readily available.

Negotiate the fare before embarking on your journey to ensure a fair price. It is advisable to opt for prepaid taxi services, which are easily available at airports, railway stations, and bus stands, to avoid any unforeseen hassles.

Self-Drive Rental

Exploring Goa at your own pace is a fantastic opportunity. Several rental agencies offer cars, scooters, and bikes for hire, allowing you the freedom to explore the region independently.

Ensure that you possess a valid driving license and adhere to traffic rules while enjoying the scenic routes Goa has to offer.

Goa’s picturesque locales are not limited to the mainland; the state also boasts several islands worth exploring.

To reach these islands, you can take advantage of the ferry services available. From Panjim and Old Goa, ferry rides are available to Divar Island, Chorao Island, and others, providing a unique perspective of Goa’s natural beauty.

Let Yourself GO!

Goa is an incredible travel destination that effortlessly blends nature, culture, and adventure. From pristine beaches to historical treasures, exciting nightlife to serene hideaways, Goa has it all.

Remember to explore beyond the popular tourist hotspots, as the real essence of this coastal paradise lies in its hidden gems and unique experiences.

Prepare yourself to embark on a journey that will leave you yearning to revisit Goa time and again. Happy backpacking!

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Join us in celebrating the spirit of Goa – a place where relaxation meets adventure, where tradition blends seamlessly with modernity, and where every moment is an opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime.

Discover Goa’s captivating beauty and vibrant culture. From its golden beaches to its historic forts and mouthwatering cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this coastal paradise. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Goa has it all. Start your journey today and let Goa’s charm and warmth embrace you.

Practical Tips for a Memorable Goa Tour

Book your accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season.
Respect the local culture and traditions, especially while visiting religious sites.
Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and carry insect repellent, especially during outdoor activities.
Bargain politely while shopping in local markets.
Opt for cashless transactions for

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🌴 Your Goa Guide- Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Goa Plans is your personalized guide to exploring the rich tapestry of Goa’s beaches, culture, cuisine, and beyond.

📅 Customized Itineraries: Craft your dream itinerary with our intuitive planning tools. From sun-soaked beaches to cultural landmarks, every moment in Goa can be tailored to your preferences

🍽️ Culinary Delights: Discover the diverse flavors of Goa’s cuisine. From spicy seafood curries to sweet bebinca, indulge in an array of delectable treats.

🗣️ Local Insights: Gain insider knowledge from locals and experienced travelers who share their tips, recommendations, and stories, ensuring you have an authentic experience

Places you should Visit

Mangeshi temple goa to visit famous places

Mangueshi Temple

Portuguese House

Dudhsagar Waterfall

Best time to visit goa.

The allure of Goa as a year-round destination is attributed to its tropical climate, yet specific months hold heightened popularity due to their delightful weather and vibrant ambiance. The zenith of tourist influx encompasses the period from November to February, characterized by pleasantly cool and dry conditions. Conversely, the monsoon stretch spanning June to September imbues the landscape with a lush, verdant allure, forming an opportune juncture for aficionados of nature and economical voyagers to uncover Goa’s treasures.

Ultimately, the optimal juncture to embark on a Goa tour hinges on individual predilections and priorities. For those who revel in exuberant revelries and thrive amidst a dynamic milieu, the winter months, replete with festivals and events, might emerge as the preferred selection. Conversely, should tranquility and an economically prudent escapade be the goals, the off-peak seasons could seamlessly align with such aspirations goa tour.

Adventure Activities in Goa

bungee jumping

Enhance your Goa tour with exhilarating bungee jumping adventures. Discover the ultimate adrenaline rush on your Goa tour

Jet Ski in Goa adventure activites goa tour plan

Rev up your Goa tour with jet ski adventures. Glide over pristine waters and experience high-speed thrills on your Goa tour!

Parasailing

Soar to new heights during your Goa tour with parasailing adventures. Experience the ultimate thrill in Goa’s picturesque skies!

Scuba diving

Dive into the beauty of Goa on your tour with scuba diving. Explore vibrant underwater worlds and create unforgettable memories.

Best Things to do on Goa Tour

Beach bliss.

When you think of travel in Goa, pristine beaches come to mind. Baga Beach, a hotspot for travelers, offers vibrant energy, water sports, and delectable seafood. Calangute Beach, nearby, is perfect for thrill-seekers with parasailing and jet-skiing. For a laid-back experience, head to Anjuna Beach, famous for its mesmerizing sunsets and eclectic flea markets.

Cultural Exploration in Old Goa

Delve into Goa’s rich history and culture by exploring Old Goa. Wander through narrow lanes lined with centuries-old Portuguese churches, including the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Bom Jesus. Don’t miss a sensory delight with a spice plantation tour, where you’ll discover the flavors that make Goan cuisine special.

Adventure Amidst Nature and the Western Ghats

Goa’s lush hinterlands offer captivating adventures. Visit Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of India’s tallest, for jungle treks and jeep safaris. Trekking in the Western Ghats provides breathtaking vistas, while the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary offers wildlife safaris.

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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.

Old Goa: UNESCO heritage sites: Velha Goa

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.

Cows on the baga beach: only in India: strange things about Goa

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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 🙂

A Complete Travel Guide to Goa for First-Time Visitors

With 35+ sun-kissed beaches, bright skies, lengthy shores, vibrant nightlife, and the best seafood, Goa attracts visitors from across the globe. Known as a coastal paradise, it is a perfect honeymoon destination, a getaway for friends & family, and an amazing spot to spend the weekend. Its rich heritage, friendly locals, and tropical climate make it an exotic vacation destination. For people visiting this versatile and charming state for the first time, here are a few tips. Check this extensive travel guide to Goa and make your Goa trip unforgettable.

Table of Contents

This Goa travel guide includes:

Best Places to Visit

Things to do in Goa

Goa’s best beaches
Popular eateries
Reasonable shopping spots
Suitable time to visit

Best Places to Visit in Goa

Tito’s street.

A trip to Goa is incomplete without witnessing its happening nightlife. Enjoy the legendary night out at Tito’s street, one of the best clubs in Goa. Located near Bagha beach, this club attracts crowds from all over the world. Its prime location and top-notch service are the two perks that make this club a party hub. The place has two levels: one is the dance floor and the second is the sitting area where people enjoy their food and drinks. Tito’s street is a popular hangout spot that is worth your time and money.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Located on the Mandovi river, Dudhsagar Waterfalls is one of the tallest water cascades in India. This four-tiered waterfall structure is a must-see site situated on the Goa-Karnataka border. The water falls from nearly a height of 1017 feet worth every ounce of effort put into reaching there. The lush green jungle and the beautiful white water will make you fall in love with this natural beauty. Whether with friends or family, Dudhsagar waterfalls are something that you should not skip going to.

Goa is blessed with plenty of beaches ranging from lively party destinations to serene & peaceful ones. These foreshores are crowded with Indian and foreign tourists throughout the year. North Goa offers the most happening beaches with a pinch of hippy culture, karaoke bars, and cheap alcohol. The best beaches of North Goa are Baga, Anjuna, Arambol, etc.

While North Goa beaches are well-known for their exciting and energetic nightlife, South Goa beaches are peaceful. These are the best choice for people wanting a cut-off from the world. Some famous South Goa beaches are Colva, Palolem, Galgibaga, and more.

Goa’s heritage is highly influenced by Portuguese culture. However, the state was also ruled by a Muslim emperor Adil Shah who built several forts in the state. Some forts were modified and some remained the same. These forts show the rich custom and architectural significance of Goa. These forts are spread across the state both in the northern and southern regions. The well-known forts in North Goa are Chapra Fort, Aguada Fort, Tiracol Fort, etc. The most popular fort in South Goa is Cabo De Rama Fort. All these illuminating buildings reveal stories of the bygone era and are great examples of astounding infrastructure.

Enjoy Water Sports

Goa is a perfect holiday destination for people searching for peace or thrill. With serene and picturesque spots, Goa also offers ample opportunities for adventure lovers and enthusiasts to explore the waters. There are various water sports such as underwater diving, catamaran sailing, jet skiing, and parasailing that people can try out.

Play in Goa’s Casinos

Goa has some exceptional avenues that must be on your bucket list. Visiting Goa’s casinos is the best way to indulge in a carefree and fun nightlife. These casinos offer several games such as slots, poker, flush baccarat, etc along with unlimited food and drinks. Most of these casinos offer an entire package including entry, buffet, and drinks. Goa’s best casinos are in Panjim where you can cruise on the high seas if you want to enjoy gambling.

Take Heritage Walks

There are several heritage sites, significant spice plantations, and Goan caves to walk through. History buffs and nature lovers can roam around these places and soak the essence of these beautiful sites. The heritage walk is a great way to get an authentic experience of Goan history and culture. Some of the most popular sites to wander around are Savoi Spice Plantation, Sahakari Spice Ranches, Tropical Spice Plantation, Fontainhas Heritage, and more.

E-Bike Tour

Want to ditch car tours and explore the beauty of this popular tourist attraction? Try E-Bike tours to explore the hidden gems of Goa. It’s one of a kind experience to travel on these battery-operated bikes. These tours let you witness the mesmerizing sites of Goa, taste scrumptious food, and enjoy the art and music.

Best Beaches in Goa

There is no better place than Goa to see the beautiful and hypnotic beaches. The place is filled with a bounty of beaches with roaring waves, golden sand, and a brightly shining sun. From happening parties to calm surroundings, these seashores give the best revitalizing experience ever. Some of the best beaches in Goa are:

Baga Beach, North Goa

The first beach that this travel guide to Goa includes is Baga. It is one of the happening seashores in Goa loaded with party crowds, music, water sports, fine dining restaurants, bars, and clubs. Dolphin cruises and water sports like parasailing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, kite surfing, and jet skiing are the major attractions of this foreshore.

Candolim Beach, North Goa

Candolim is the nearest beach (1-hour journey) from Goa international airport. This beach is one of the longest ones in Goa with a classic stretch of sand lined by beach shacks and cafés. It is comparatively less crowded & quieter and offers various water sports to spend a fun vacation.

Agonda Beach, South Goa

Agonda beach is a great honeymoon destination in Goa. This quiet, calm, and pleasant location is perfect to spend some time with your partner, friends, or family. Its smooth and consistent waves make it a suitable place for surfing too.

Palolem Beach, South Goa

Enclosed by a thick forest of coconut palms, Palolem is another off-beat attraction in the state. The beach is known for its picturesque views which attract tourists the most. Its temporary coconut huts, shacks, rustic rooms, and lounge chairs make a lifetime’s worth of memories.

Best Places to Eat in Goa

The delicious seafood boasts the vibrant culture, pristine beaches, and warm hospitality of Goa. The coastal culinary and local flavors are perfect to make your dining experience even more appetizing. Goa houses many restaurants and cafés to taste the rich flavor of Goan food. Some of the best places to eat in the state are:

The Fisherman’s Wharf
Luna’s Ristorante
Zeebop by the Sea

Where to Shop in Goa

Shopaholics can get the most exotic jewelry, hippie dresses, and cool hats on Goa’s streets. From MMC markets to high-end stores, this state has it all. Its flea markets, night bazaars, street shops, and malls are filled with people wandering around for shopping at reasonable prices. Here are some of the best places to shop in Goa:

Anjuna Flea Market
Arpora’s Night Market
Mapusa Friday Market
Baga Market
Panjim Municipal Market
Mackie’s Night Bazaar

Best Time to Visit Goa

There are two main seasons to visit Goa: October-April and May-September. Between October and April is the best time to relax on the beaches, play water sports, and witness the most popular festival, Sunburn with extensive Christmas and New Year celebrations. May to September is the time when the beaches are nearly empty and the prices of hotels become too reasonable to stay.

Final Words

A trip to Goa is thrilling yet relaxing. This travel guide to Goa shows the spirit of the state, its fascinating seashores, dazzling restaurants, and fun activities to do. Therefore, plan your Goa trip to this smallest state in India with the most popular attractions now!

Make your trip even more budget-friendly by booking the cheapest flights to Goa . Indian Eagle, an online ticketing company, offers various direct and layover flights at reasonable prices.

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Goa Travel Guide: The Complete Itinerary of North and South Goa

Goa is India's ideal beach city. It is a kaleidoscopic fusion of Indian and Portuguese cultures, soothed by the glistening sun, moon, turquoise sea, beaches, dazzling sand, seafood, beer, festivals, and spirituality. Despite being a small state in India, Goa has the most beautiful scenery on earth because of its golden coastline and lush green surroundings.

From couples to friends, and from solo backpackers to group travelers, Goa has magical moments and a diversified life for everyone. From north to south and summer to winter, Goa has different beauty in every season and at every location. If you opt for clear, glittering water and beaches, the north is the main attraction, but the south has its own charm with Portuguese houses, chapels, and calm alleys. This small city offers a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for foodies. So, if you want to explore Goa in its entirety, here is the complete itinerary for North and South Goa.

History of Goa

According to Hindu mythology, Goa is associated with Lord Vishnu's Dasavathar. Lord Vishnu, in his Parasurama Avatar, made Goa. He won the war against the Kshatriyas and proclaimed Goa as the place of the Brahmins. From then until the fourteenth century, Goa was a significant Hindu holy site. Toward the start of the fourteenth century, Islamic intruders took control of Goa but didn’t hold it for long. Because Goa was a port, it was ruled by the Vijayanagara Empire, and its waterfront areas were used by dealers to import Arabian ponies from the Middle East.

Photo of Goa Travel Guide: The Complete Itinerary of North and South Goa by Pamela Mukherjee

As European nations began to colonize India at the beginning of the sixteenth century, Goa quickly came under the influence of the Portuguese. Around the same time, Christian ministers led by Saint Francis Xavier entered India. His powerful influence destroyed many Shiva temples to convert people to Christianity; one of the temples is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and other temple ruins are still very much there in South Goa. Goa was heavily influenced by the Portuguese for four centuries, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. During this time, the Goan culture disintegrated to adapt to western culture, and a unique lifestyle was born. Before the end of 1961, the Indian Army took control of Goa, and the Portuguese left the nation. The Goan populace didn’t need to be added to Maharashtra, and in this manner, they were announced as a Union Territory.

Best Time to Visit

Goa has incredible seasonal variations throughout the year. There are some seasons that are so pleasant but crowded and costly, and some that are a little offbeat but less crowded and more pocket-friendly. You have to decide which season you would like to pick.

The Best Season (November–February): This is the best season for a party, chilled beer, mild and comfortable weather, and a perfect beach getaway. You can find most of the crowd, and foreigners in this season can also cherish festivals like Sunburn, New Year, Christmas, etc. As a result, prices rise in all areas, so book your hotels ahead of time because this is peak season, and hotel prices are much higher than you would expect.

Summer (March-May): Despite the extreme heat and humidity, prices are relatively low and crowds are smaller during this season.

Monsoon (June-October): My favorite season, though rains turn Goa into a rainy place. Most of the beaches are closed, and because of the rain, most of the hotels are surrounded by bushes. I visited Goa in August and found it extremely pretty, as the lush green countryside, less crowded sea beaches, and cleanest roads make it so beautiful. The price is reasonable and a great option for budget travelers to explore Goa in the perfect way.

How to Reach

The tiny state is always a top priority in terms of beaches and holiday purposes. A lot of crowds often come from different parts of the country and abroad to enjoy a relaxing holiday here. Keep the crowd in mind; Goa offers an extensive way to reach the destination via air, rail, road, and water.

By Air: If you travel to Goa by air, then the nearest international airport is located at Dabolim. Dabolim airport is situated at a distance of almost 29 kilometers from Panaji. This international airport is well connected to major domestic cities as well as international cities such as the United Kingdom and Germany.

By Rail: It is quite easy to reach Goa via the railways, as there are a few railway stations in Goa located in Madgaon and Thivim. Madgaon and Vasco-da-Gama are the main railway stations that connect South Goa, and Thivim is the main station that connects North Goa easily. These railway stations are well linked with Mumbai and then other parts of the country as well.

By Road: Clean roads are accessible and well connected to different cities. The bus services are also good here in the city. Anyone can easily commute via cars and cabs too. The roads are beautiful and give a surreal view.

By Cruise: One of the luxury affairs is to commute to Goa from Mumbai via cruise. There are a few services available, and you also have to book in advance, the price is really costly.

Where to Stay

There are so many hotels, resorts, homestays, hostels, and B&Bs available here, and you have to decide exactly which part of Goa you want to stay in. In general, South Goa is best described as a private vacation away from the crowds, whereas North Goa is best described as a party destination with nightlife, crowds, shopping, and beaches.

I stayed in the north part, and it was pretty reasonable, with one private beach ( but it was closed due to the monsoon). There are plenty of beaches, markets, and nightclubs. Most of the crowd is in the north, and you can consider it too. The options for lodging vary depending on your budget and the season. Let's claim that good resorts are really affordable in the off-season (from INR 500 to INR 3000), but in the main season, there are a wide variety of choices offered, ranging from INR 2000 to INR 40K plus.

South Goa is serene, with a vibrant, colorful Portuguese culture, churches, chapels, beautiful walking alleys, splendid cafes, and amazing greenery everywhere, as well as a few mind-blowing beaches just perfect for a peaceful vacation. You can relax your days at any cafe while sipping your favorite drink while reading a book, or simply walk in any colorful alley while holding the hand of your love.

What To See in North Goa

Goa is called the "paradise of beaches." There are almost 50 beaches you can find here, and almost 21 are in the north. Surprised ?? Yes, I was surprised to learn that the remaining 29 beaches are in the south, but not all of them are accessible, and the most happening beaches are in North Goa.

Arambol Beach (my personal favorite), Mandrem Beach, Ashwem Beach, Morjim Beach (the cleanest and also known as Little Russia), Chapora Beach, Vagator Beach, Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach (crowded beach), and another famous and personal favorite beach is Calangute Beach.

Places to visit in North Goa

If you are a traveler who wants to explore every nook and corner like me, then you must visit :

Chapora Fort

Fort Aguada

Apart from that, there are plenty of chapels and churches surrounded by the northern region; just walk down the roads and enjoy your moments.

I have made a video of my trip, that describes every little thing about North Goa. You can check it out here.

What To See in South Goa

South Goa is rather dulcet, with serene beaches like Colva, Miramar, Palolem, and Galgibaga (famous as a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles), which are simply away from the world but really worth paying a visit if you are looking for some peace and calm ambience. There are other beaches also situated in the south, but most of them are not very clean or accessible.

Gems of South Goa

The south has really been blessed with lush green beauty and some amazing places to visit.

Spice Plantation

Basilica de Bom Jesus

I have made a video on my trip, which describes every small thing about South Goa, You can check it here

A One-Stop Guide for Shopaholic People

Goa has so many local markets where you can easily get a lot of souvenirs, beach hopping dresses, accessories, and many more at a very cheap price. Sometimes you have to bargain a lot to get the product; otherwise, this is a great place for shopaholics.

(Based on my Personal Experience)

Make sure you carry a good amount of cash, as there are a few ATMs available in Goa.

Be careful with your phone. My phone got damaged due to moisture.

Don’t throw empty beer cans, bottles, or packets anywhere or in the water. Use a dustbin for that.

Don’t make any offensive comments toward foreigners or anyone else. Be a responsible traveler.

Not every type of fish is delicious. Try first, then order.

Cab charges are very high, better go for the rent-a-bike or cab option.

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A Complete 7-day Itinerary and Guide to Goa for First Timers
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. Basilica of Bom Jesus. Old Goa Churches: Start with Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the following churches in this order: St. Augustine Church Ruins.
My Complete Goa Travel Guide: Insider's Tips for 2024
No Goa travel guide would be complete without mentioning Goa in monsoon - visiting in the rainy season is a totally different Goa expereince. The monsoon rains arrive in June and continue until September/ October and marks the off season in Goa. Many places including open air venues, beach shacks, parties, markets and beach huts close down ...
The Ultimate 5-Day Itinerary for Goa: A Complete Guide
With its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and irresistible cuisine, Goa has rightfully earned its reputation as a top-notch travel destination. Whether you're a sun-worshipper, an adventurer, or a culture enthusiast, this 3-day itinerary for Goa promises to immerse you in a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences.
GOA Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024 Guide)
Day 1 Itinerary in Goa - Panjim & Old Goa. 1.Old Goa, 2.Spice Garden, 3.Panaji Tiatre. For the first day of our 3 day Goa itinerary we are gonna base ourselves in Panjim or Panaji, the Goan state capital. Whist this city is inland, away from the lush beaches, it is one of India's cleanest and most pleasant cities.
Insider's Guide to Goa: The Ultimate Goa Travel Guide
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 ...
Goa Travel Guide: Complete Itinerary of North and South Goa
Goa Travel Guide: The Complete Itinerary of North and South Goa. A psychedelic blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, alleviated with the shimmering sun, moon, azure sea and beaches, gleaming sand, seafood, beer, festivals and spirituality, Goa is India's perfect beach capital. Although the small state in India, the lush green landscape and ...
Goa Guide: Planning Your Trip
Planning Your Trip . Best Time to Visit: Goa's tourist season runs from October to March, when the weather is warm and dry.Most beach shacks open in November. They pack up by April or May due to the extreme heat and humidity. The southwest monsoon brings rain from June to September.; Language: Konkani is the native language of most Goans, however, English and Hindi are widely understood and ...
A complete Goa travel guide, what to see and where to go!
Private Anjuna Flea Market Tour with Local Guide. Crocodile Spotting and Spice Plantation Tour on Private Basis. Private Tour of Museum Bazaar and Lunch with Goan Family at Portuguese Manor House. Private Dolphin Watching Tour A Fun Filled Day Excursion in Goa. Private Murudeshwara Temple Tour with Lunch.
The Best of Goa
Contents [ hide] The Best of Goa - 7 Day Travel Itinerary. 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. Best Resort in Goa | India.
Backpacker's Guide to the Eclectic Vibes of Goa (Updated 2023)
Goa Travel Guide (Updated 2023) Goa. Known for its picturesque beaches, vibrant nightlife, and fascinating mix of Indian and Portuguese culture, Goa offers a unique and unforgettable experience for every backpacker. Top Tours & Things to do in Goa 1. Beaches Galore.
Goa Tour Discover Goa's Beauty Unforgettable Guided Goa Tour
Discover Goa's captivating beauty and vibrant culture. From its golden beaches to its historic forts and mouthwatering cuisine, there's something for everyone in this coastal paradise. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Goa has it all. Start your journey today and let Goa's charm and warmth embrace you.
Ultimate Goa Travel Guide for the First Time Travelers!
Quick & useful Information about Goa travel: 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.
A First Timers Guide to Goa, India (2024 Edition)
A First Timer's Guide to Goa, India. By: Angie Briggs. 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 ...
The BEST Goa Tours and Things to Do in 2024
Our most recommended things to do in Goa. 1. Panaji: Heritage Walk through Goa's Latin Quarter. Meet your guide at the Panjim Head Post Office near the Mala district of Panjim. Walk through the lesser-known but culturally-rich Fontainhas area of Goa, the oldest and largest Latin quarter in Asia. See heritage homes, appreciate Portuguese ...
The BEST Goa Tours 2024
Our most recommended Goa Tours. 1. Panaji: Heritage Walk through Goa's Latin Quarter. Meet your guide at the Panjim Head Post Office near the Mala district of Panjim. Walk through the lesser-known but culturally-rich Fontainhas area of Goa, the oldest and largest Latin quarter in Asia. See heritage homes, appreciate Portuguese architecture ...
Full Day Private Guided Goa Tour
Highlights. Explore Old Goa, once the administrative capital of the Portuguese empire in the East, on this private full-day tour. Tour the Sahakar Spice Farm, the Se Cathedral, the Shree Mahalsa, and much more. Basilica of Bom Jesus. Built in the 16th century, this magnificent building.
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Tour in Panaji (Goa), India: "Great tour and great guide. Spent a wonderful day in Goa and learned a lot about city. Mario was very welcoming, knowle,..." Graham Bailey - Dec, 2023 About ToursByLocals. 5,181 Guides in 170 Countries! 2,438,228 Travelers Served! Learn More about how ToursByLocals works ...
Travel Guide to Goa for an Unforgettable Trip
A Complete Travel Guide to Goa for First-Time Visitors. By. IE Author - February 8, 2023. 19167. 0. Source: freepik. With 35+ sun-kissed beaches, bright skies, lengthy shores, vibrant nightlife, and the best seafood, Goa attracts visitors from across the globe. Known as a coastal paradise, it is a perfect honeymoon destination, a getaway for ...
Goa Travel Guide: The Complete Itinerary of North and South Goa
Goa Travel Guide: The Complete Itinerary of North and South Goa. Goa is India's ideal beach city. It is a kaleidoscopic fusion of Indian and Portuguese cultures, soothed by the glistening sun, moon, turquoise sea, beaches, dazzling sand, seafood, beer, festivals, and spirituality. Despite being a small state in India, Goa has the most beautiful ...
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Full description. Visit all the landmarks of Goa on this cultural and heritage sightseeing tour. Travel comfortably from one landmark to the next with a friendly local guide in a private air-conditioned car. Trace the history of Goa from its capital city and beautiful places of worship. Start your day with an early pick-up and head towards Panjim.
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Hi All-Are you looking for Goa tour Guide with full and detailed information then this video will surely help you to take you through Beautiful North and Sou...
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GOA TRIP PLAN | GOA TOURIST PLACES | GOA TOUR | GOA VLOGS LATEST| GOA TRAVEL VLOG 2023I hope You will like the video ...Make sure to like , comment & subscri...

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

Guide to Goa For First Timers

How to reach Goa?

Bus, Cab and Car

Which area to stay in Goa?

How to get around Goa?

The perfect 1 week Goa Itinerary: North and South Goa

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

Day 1: Beach, Water sports, Party

Day 2: Cliffside Restaurants, Fort, Sundowner, Party

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

Day 4: Nature and Heritage

Day 5-6: South Goa – Beaches and relaxation

Day 6: Beaches and Viewpoints

Day 7: Butterfly Beach and Palolem/Agonda Beach

Tips to Stay Safe in Goa

Wrapping up

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Global Gallivanting

My Goa Travel Guide

Why Visit Goa

My Insider’s Guide to Goa

The Best Time to Visit Goa

Monsoon in Goa

The Best Beaches and Places to Stay in Goa

Best Places to Stay in North Goa

Cavala Seaside Resort , Baga Beach

Best Places to Stay in South Goa

Round Cube Beach Bungalows , Palolem Beach

Panaji City (Panjim)

Best Places to Stay in Panjim City

Welcom Heritage Panjim Inn, Fontainhas

The Best Places to Visit in Goa

The Best Places to Visit in Goa for History, Culture and Sightseeing

The Churches of Old Goa

Fort Aguada and Chapora Fort

Best Places to Visit in Goa for Nature Lovers

Dudhsagar Waterfall

Best Tours of Goa

Highlights of Goa Tour

Spice Plantation and Dudhsagar Falls Tour

Best Things to do in Goa

Take a Yoga Retreat or Train to be a Yoga Teacher

Enjoy a Panjim River Cruise and Visit a Floating Casino

Visit Some of Goa’s Wildlife Sanctuaries

Explore the Colonial Mansions in Chandor

More Exciting Activities to Try in Goa

Nightlife and Parties in Goa

Best Restaurants in Goa

How Long to Spend in Goa

How to Get to Goa

How to Get Around Goa

How to Get an Indian Visa

Covid Entry Requirements

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Best Luxury Hotel in Goa – Vivanta Panaji

10:00 – Old Goa

15:00 – Sahakari Spice Farm

18:00 – See a Tiatr Production

10:00 – Relax on Little Vagator Beach

14:00 – Foot Massage on The Beach

14:30 – Sea Rafting

17:00 – Dinner at Artjuna

18:00 (Onwards) – Attend a Goan Trance Party

10:30 – Ride to Querim Beach

13:00 – Fish Thali at the Thali Shack

14:00 – Visit the Sweet Water Lake in Arambol

15:00 – Join a Yoga Session

17:30 – Sunset Drum Circle & Market