Let’s face this. Let’s face it. For beaches and parties, most people visit Goa. There is much more to experience, however. The Portuguese occupied Goa in 1961 for approximately 450 years until they were finally expelled by the Indian Armed Forces. 1 On the 70s hippie trail, the State was also a major destination. As a result, it is quite different from anywhere else in India and has a very different culture. This guide from Goa will help you plan your journey.
Planning Your Trip
Best time for visits: from October to March the tourist season of Goa is warm and dry. In November most beach huts open. Because of extreme heat and humidity, they pack by April or May. From June to September, the southwestern monsoon brings rain.
The notorious Goan taxi mafia has unfortunately kept its costs high and prevents the use of app-based cabins such as Uber. There’s a GoaMiles, a state-run taxi-based app. The Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus is a great way to get to the attractions of Goa. Leasing a scooter or motorcycle is popular and inexpensive.
Travel tip: Goa’s monsoon season is an ideal time spent in the mountain hinterland of the state. It is possible to raft white water.
Things to Do
Most people are surprised by the number of things Goa does besides the beach and the nightlife. This includes water sports and adventures, hot air ballooning, cooking lessons, exploring old forts, watching spice groves, navigating museum and art galleries, watching the birds at the Sanctuary of Doctor Salim Ali, walking around nature reserves, natural therapy, cruising on a private yacht along the Mandovia River, watching, listening to live jazz music and other activities. These off-beat electric cycling tours or walking tours are open to active travelers.
Three of Goa’s main tasks are:
Set off to the Anjuna beach flea market on Wednesday, Goa collective bar on Friday at Hilltop close to Vagator and Arpora Saturday night (between Anjuna and Baga). This is a seasonal market.
Walking through Old Goa and the Latin Quarter of Fontainha.
- South Goa tours of the Portuguese mansions.
What to Eat and Drink
Goan cuisine has primarily been influenced by Portuguese and mainly non-vegetarian cuisine. The traditional cuisine in the Hindu community of Saraswat Brahmin is not so well-known. In Goa is a ubiquitous staple of fish curry and rice. You can find xacutti (coconut based curry), cafreal (marinated and grilled), sorpot (stew) and recheado (filled), ambot (sour and spicy), and vindaloo in common types of food on the menu (fiery curry marinated with garlic and vinegar or wine). Goose (sausage) chourico and pao (pain) is also very popular. However, you will have to get authentic Goan food from the beach shacks.
Feni, the local brass of Goa, is an unofficial state beverage. It is made of cassava fruit or cocoa sap palm. Get a slice of lime or tonic water to drink. However, avoid cheap feni, which are produced commercially, as the smell is unpleasant. Try to get your hands on some homemade feni (Dudhsagar Plantation Farmstay makes their own). Or, Big Boss or Cazulo feni’s premium bottle. The source of Cazulo Feni can now be directly visited, because the firm opened its cellar in the foothills of the Cansaulim region for tours and degustations.
Where to Stay
The coastline of Goa extends for approximately 100 miles. There are various kinds of housing, from beach huts to luxury private villas, every beach is different. It could be misleading! You are looking for action because South Goa is relatively undeveloped and relaxed. Base yourself in North Goa. South Goa is home to most luxury hotels. Palolem is South Goa’s most occurring beach, while Agonda is perfect for relaxation and nobody else. A bit of both Patnem offers. The beaches of North Goa are mainly sold out and are crowded in peak season at Candolim-Calangute-Baga. Hostels for backpackers are prevalent near Anjuna beach and there is also the well-known Wednesday Flea market. The rest of the trance scene is around Vagator Beach, and the beach area of Mandrem-Morjim-Ashwem is trendy while Arambol Beach is a new center for travelers with a wide range of other therapies. Panjim’s capital city is central between Goa’s south and north. Its Latin Quarter of Fontainhas is a beautiful neighborhood in a restored Portuguese house.