Goa is referred to by the Sanskrit name Gomantak, which means fertile land. But the name “Goa” was given by the Portuguese. By area, Goa is the smallest state of India and also the top holiday destination. Every year, international and domestic tourists visit it because Goa is famous for its white sand beaches, nightlife, parties, water sports activities, ancient forts, beautiful churches, and, most importantly, its cheap alcohol, dry fruits, and best seafood. In this article, I will cover everything you need to know before visiting Goa.
Divisions of Goa and Transportation
Goa is actually divided into two zones: North Goa and South Goa. Note that North Goa is a very happy place with very few crowds. So, if you like peaceful beaches, then North Goa is for you. On the other hand, if you like crowded places and parties, then you should visit North Goa. If you like both, then you must tour the whole of Goa. Goa is very well connected by road. You can come to Goa by the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway. There are no online rent cab services in Goa, so maximum tourists rent cars, bikes, scooters, etc.
By airways, Goa’s nearest airport is Goa International Airport (Dabolim Airport). And from the airport, North Goa is at a distance of 30 km. From the airport, you will get local taxis and cars for rent. You can use the link www.goamiles.com. There are two railway stations in Goa. The first one is Vasco da Gama, which is near the traveling airport. The second railway station is Madgaon Railway Station, which is at a distance of 30 km from Panjim. From here, you can also rent bikes and cars.
For scooter rent per day: 400-500 Rupees Car Rents per day: 1000 – 4000 Rupees (Depending on Model and CC) You just need to keep your ID card, PAN Card, or passport with you. While taking the vehicle, make a video so that there is no problem while returning. And wearing a helmet is compulsory in Goa, or else you will be fined 1000 rupees.
Accommodation Options and Tips
You will get many hotels in Goa. You can choose whatever you like. I will give you a tip. If you are taking a hotel near the beach, then the price will be higher, and if you rent a hotel a little far from the beach, then you will get many budget hotels. On the first day, you can visit Morjim Beach. There are no parking fees here, and it’s 30 km away from Panjim. Morjim beach is also known as Turtle Beach in Goa because here, the olive ridley species of turtles are nesting. The beach got its name because of the Morjin village. I don’t know what is on the shore of the sea which brings happiness to everyone’s face and fills the heart with peace. There are no signboards on the beach, so you can enter from anywhere from the road to beaches.
The beaches in the north contain black sands compared to the south. You can visit Goa anytime, but the best season is from October till May. You should avoid the rainy season. A tip for you all: Must bring your sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun rays. You can get a sunburn without this.
Next, you can go to Arambol Beach. Here, for two-wheelers, you have to give 20 rupees and 40 rupees for four-wheelers. Arambol beach is 10 km away from Morjim beach. It is the favorite beach of the Russians. It is a huge beach, and most of the time, it remains crowded. And here, you can do water sports activities. This beach is very safe for swimming and surfing. This beach is famous for the maximum sunset. So, if you are coming here, you must see the sunset. And to rest, there you will get many beach beds.
I highly recommend you to visit Xo Xo hostel. It is 3.5 km away from Anjuna Beach. You can book here online too. Per day, I had to give 1300 rupees. It is a unique hostel that is hut-shaped. This hostel is recommended for solo travelers and young backpackers. There are also places for couples, but it will cost up to 3000 to 4000 rupees per day.
Exploring North Goa Beaches
Anjuna Beach is another beach where you can enjoy water sports activities. You can enjoy the nightlife of Anjuna beach and explore the free market. Must-try the coconut water on this beach. Baga beach is 5 km away from Anjuna beach. There is enough good parking space for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Baga beach is the most crowded beach of North Goa. This is famous for its water sports activities where you can have a banana boat ride and also parasailing as well.
Don’t miss out on Goa’s nude beach, Ozran Beach, near Anjuna. This beach is relatively less crowded and exceptionally clean. It’s popular among foreigners, but remember that photography and videography are not permitted here.
Aguada fort is 10 km away from Baga Beach. On the entrance of the fort, there are many shops. You can do shopping from there. For foreigners, the entry fee is 300 rupees. This fort is open from 9 am to 6 pm. This fort was built by the Portuguese in 1612. There is also a lighthouse in the fort which was made in 1864, and it is one of Asia’s oldest lighthouses. The bottom part of the fort was made into a jail which was known as Aguada jail. And now there is a museum in its place. Movie shootings often happen here.
At a 3 km distance from Aguada fort, there is a beach called Sinquerim Beach. This is the lower part of Aguada, and here you will see many food stalls. It is also famous for water sports activities. Candolim Beach is half a kilometer from Sinquerim beach. This beach remains crowded in the evening because people want to enjoy the sunset here. There are also many hotels nearby where you can stay.
Nightlife and Activities in North Goa
If we talk about nightlife, then undoubtedly the nightlife of Goa is the most exciting. The lighting and music here create a good party environment and ambiance. There are two best nightclubs in Goa. The first one is Tito’s Bar and Club, which comes in the Baga Beach lane, and it is one of the oldest clubs and restaurants here. The entry fee here is 2000 rupees. In second place comes Café Mambos, which is also in the same lane. It is very famous for international and Indian DJs. You can also remove your tiredness with a fish spa for only 200 rupees. By doing a fish spa, your blood circulation will be good. In this process, the fish eat the dead skin of your feet. At first, it feels tickly, but after 30 seconds, it becomes so relaxing. So definitely try it.
Historical Sites in North Goa
The next destination on our list is old Goa. Old Goa is 12 km away from North Goa. There are two churches famous in old Goa which are facing each other. The first one is Se Cathedral and the second one is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Church timing is from 7.00 AM to 6.00 PM. Se Cathedral church has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This church was built in the 16th century. This is one of the largest churches in Asia. There is a giant bell, and it is famous by the name of the golden bell all over the world. And the church is exactly in front of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is a 400-year-old church and is also included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. And the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are still here. After seeing the churches, you can visit the Wax Museum, which is at a 500-meter distance from the church. The fee here is 100 rupees. This museum has statues of all the famous personalities of the world.
Evening Delights and Relaxation
Next, you can go to Miramar Beach, which is 15 km away from this museum. It is the longest beach in Goa and located in Panjim, which stretches for two kilometers. Dona Paula Beach is 4 km away from here. If you go walking, then you can go within 20 minutes. You can do shopping here too. The name of this beach is named after a woman named Dona Paula. Dona Paula was a kind woman who fell in love with a fisherman, but her father didn’t accept her marriage with the fisherman, so she jumped from a cliff and committed suicide on this beach. Bambolim beach is next to this beach. The beach is very less crowded, and it’s a very relaxing and peaceful beach. There is no shop here or any water sports activities. If you are thinking of staying near this beach, then Bambolim Beach Resort is the best option.
Southward Journey and Beach Exploration
North Goa to South Goa is sixty km. The first beach of South Goa is Arossim Beach. And the sand of the beach is very white. If you don’t like crowded places, then South Goa beaches are the best options for you. Majorda beach is 5 km away from Arossim beach, and it is known for its sunrise and sunset, and the relaxing ambiance here attracts tourists a lot. Here the crowd is a little bit higher, and you can enjoy seafood here. Lovers beach is 3.5 km away from Majorda beach.
This name is given by locals because many couples come here in the evening. The Betalbatim beach is famous for its sunset and sunrise, and it’s a magical beach because it glows at night. Due to the presence of bioluminescent algae inside the water which causes the water to shine at night and looks blue. So must-visit this beach at night. Colva beach is 5 kilometers away from Betalbatim beach. It is famous for its food, and here watersports are very cheap compared to other beaches.
Alcohol Options and Fun
Alcohol in Goa is very cheap. You can buy alcohol, whiskey, beer, etc., from Yamuna Wine Mart in Panjim, which is very famous.
Do visit one of Goa’s oldest bars, Joseph Bar, which is so iconic that you must try their chilled craft beer priced at 120 rupees. Enjoy the nearby colorful streets of Goa known as Fountainhas Lane and capture plenty of photos.