Goa, despite its small size, offers a wealth of experiences making it one of the most visited states in India by foreign travelers. People from around the globe are drawn to Goa due to its 80 miles of coastline, rich heritage and delicious food scene. All you need to do is start planning and researching the right tour based on your preferences and requirements. Pre-book your trip to Goa at least 5-6 months in advance for a hassle-free trip and explore the dizzying array of sights and activities of this pocket-sized paradise after the travel restrictions are lifted.
With this blog, we wish to help you plan that perfect Goa trip:

Best Time to Visit:

When the weather is pleasant and dry. Goa’s beaches are dotted with shacks serving delicious food and beverages from November to March. Shacks pack up by April or May due to extreme heat and humidity. Goa experiences monsoon from June to September. Traveling to Goa in the summers and rainy season is usually not recommended to foreign travelers.

Getting There:

Even though the Dabolim Airport is an international airport, a majority of its flights are from Indian cities. The international flights operated are usually charter flights from Europe and the UK especially in the tourist season, from October to March. Some airlines operate few regular flights to and from the Middle Eastern nations. Travelers can make use of prepaid taxis or bus shuttles to travel from the airport to their hotel. The airport is located approximately at an equal distance from the North and South Goa. One of the things you can do in Goa is to rent a car/two-wheeler. Several rental shops throughout Goa can provide tourists with car/two-wheeler on rent.

Languages Spoken:

English, Hindi & Konkani

Culture & Customs:

Goa is a lot more liberal as compared to other Indian states. There is no need for travelers to dress modestly while on a trip to Goa. So, women can wear bikinis on beaches and short dresses while traveling in the city.

Where to Stay:

Goa may be a small state but it offers a plethora of accommodation options, catering to every type of traveler. Tourists traveling on a budget can opt for budget hotels and small homestays while those wanting luxury experience can opt for 5-star or luxury hotels. Goa also caters to backpackers with many hostels offering shelter and meals. There are several boutique hotels, beach resorts and heritage properties, so essentially all you need is to think about what your needs are and take your pick!
Some top-rated hotels in Goa include Taj hotels, The Leela, Hyatt hotels and much more!

What to see & do:

Beaches

Goa is adorned with some of the most beautiful beaches in India. Travelers can choose from luxury resorts to makeshift huts and trance parties to tranquility. The beach that’s ideal for you will entirely depend on the kind of experience you wish to have. One can enjoy water sports activities and dolphin sightseeing trips as well. The Goan nightlife is relaxed with drum circles, live music, dances and jam sessions.

Some of the most frequented beaches include Agoda, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Palolem & Vagator.

Shopping

The Anjuna flea market is held every Wednesday except during the monsoon season at the end of Anjuna Beach. The market has expanded in size and attracts a vast number of people. There are over 500 stalls and is still growing. Shop for a huge assortment of goods there, but make sure you bargain. After a day of intensive shopping, you can head over to the nearby beach shacks and enjoy the beautiful sunset. The other markets like the Saturday Night Market and Mackie’s Night Bazaar, both in the Arpora Baga area, are also worth checking out.

Latin Quarter and Portuguese Mansions

In Panjim, lies Fontainhas, a neighborhood that was declared a UNESCO Heritage Zone in 1984. Winding streets and narrow lanes, quaint shops, art galleries, bakeries, and restaurants only add to the charm of the place. A tour around this neighborhood will take you back in time to the time of the Portuguese. Visit homes of some of the last surviving Portuguese families in Goa to understand their culture and traditions.

Churches and Cathedrals of Old Goa

Old Goa is scattered with beautiful churches and cathedrals, some of them are among the largest in Asia. While some of the buildings have now become archaeological museums and provide a fascinating display of Goa’s history. Two such buildings in Old Goa is the Convent and Church of Saint Francis of Assisi and Basilica of Bom Jesus. You can enjoy heritage walks and learn new facets of the history of Goa.

Walks around spice plantations

Another highlight of a Goa trip is to tour around the spice plantations in Ponda’s lush jungles. The climate in Goa makes it an ideal place to grow spices. The spice farms are open to visitors; you can take a guided tour, enjoy the scenery and relish the Goan cuisine.

Savor the Goan Cuisine

When we think about Goan cuisine, the first thing that pops in our minds is the exceptional seafood. The food scene here is diverse with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, both influenced by its Hindus, Muslims & Portuguese colonization. Xacutti, Cafreal, Sorpotel, Vindaloo and Recheado are some of the dishes popular in Goa. Other must-tries include the Goan Pao bread and pork/meat sausages or chourico.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

A trip to Goa is not just about beaches and churches. The state’s location along the Western Ghats makes it home to a wide variety of birds and animals. Goa also has good wildlife sanctuaries that are open except during monsoons

Indulge yourself in a Yoga retreat

Whether you want to go on a yoga holiday or study yoga more seriously, Goa is a great place for that. There are several yoga retreats to choose from. Most of them are located in North Goa and are open from October to May every year. These retreats focus on holistic wellness and provide Ayurvedic treatments and other natural therapies as well

Goan Night Life

Heading to Goa and wondering where go partying? While most of the action takes place in North Goa, don’t be afraid to venture further and you’ll find some of the best clubs, beach shacks, and bars.

Visit the Dudhsagar Falls

Dudhsagar is a great place where travelers can spend a day trip just enjoying the scenic beauty of this natural waterfall.

So, if you are planning a fun and relaxed trip after this quarantine period is over, then Goa may be perfect for you. Visit the beautiful beaches, savor the seafood and dive into the local culture, you will be surprised at the wonderful memories one can experience on this trip to Goa.