This is a comprehensive guide, where you’ll find all the things you need to know about Goa, insider advice, and detailed recommendations to ensure your Goa trip is nothing short of exceptional!

A view of Atal Setu in North Goa from Mandovi river cruise | Clicked by Priyanka

About Goa

Goa is one of the many amazing places in India. Goa offers much more than just partying, dancing, and night-outs. Of course, people looking for these things will find many interesting options. But for people traveling with family or looking for a perfect relaxing holiday, Goa is more than the perfect destination. Goa is a small state in western India, stretching along the western coastline. It is surrounded by two bigger states, viz, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Though it is small in size, it is full of life. I mean literally, everybody who comes to Goa will at least find a couple of things that excite them.

Goa offers lush green forest lands, serene beaches, a chill vibe, vibrant parties, adventure sports, fun-filled water activities, and much more. Food options are also versatile. You can relish Western food or traditional Goan food and believe me, both are delectable.

Goa is divided mainly into three parts; i.e. North Goa, South Goa, and Central/Old Goa. You require three separate itineraries to cover the attractions in these three parts of Goa. I recommend taking out a minimum of 5 days to cover each part so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest and be able to cover all the travel attractions. Here, I am sharing everything you need to know while planning a trip to Goa. Let’s dive into it!

The best time to visit

If you put this query in the Google search box and hit the search button -

‘best time to visit Goa’

then most people would say the ideal time is from November to February. But in my view, you can visit Goa in the monsoon months as well. You just need to make changes to your “places to visit” and “things to do”. I would say just avoid summers if you don’t like hot and humid weather.

Train stock photo

A train pic by Freep!k

How to reach

Goa can be conveniently reached by all modes of transportation. Goa has two airports, i.e. Dabolim Airport (GOI) which is located in the central part, whereas Manohar International Airport/ MOPA (GOX) is located in the northern part. Depending on your location, you can book flights to either of the airports. You can check Amazon and Trip.com for the best-discounted flight tickets. Goa has two main railway stations, viz Vasco da Gama and Margao. Train routes from cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi to Goa are quite scenic and provide an altogether different experience. You should try traveling by train during the rainy season. There are buses to Goa from various cities such as Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and Chennai which are generally overnight sleeper coaches.

Accommodation

Goa is full of hotels, and depending on your budget you will find a bunch of options. There are luxury hotels, hostels, mid-range hotels, and beach hotels and all provide comfortable stays.

Arrangaments made by Agonda Serenity Resort staff for celebrations!

Arrangaments made by Agonda Serenity Resort staff for celebrations! | Cliked by Priyanka

I have listed down a few hotels based on parameters such as location, price, and customer reviews. I am giving that list here as well -

Agonda Serenity Resort — This is one of the awesome beach hotels right on Agonda Beach in South Goa. They have wooden cottages with sea views and without a view. The resort is very clean, they have a beautiful and less crowded beach just next to the property. The staff is very helpful and friendly. Food quality, quantity, and taste are good too. If you are visiting Goa for a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary or you want to have an awesome beach-side party then they make all the decorations and arrangements very well.

Breakfast at Agonda Serenity Resort, Agonda, South Goa.

Breakfast at Agonda Serenity Resort, Agonda, South Goa | Clicked by Priyanka

Seashell Suites and Villas — This hotel is located in Candolim, at a 5-minute walking distance from Candolim Beach in North Goa. It is one of the nicest hotels in Goa. The buffet breakfast is sumptuous and keeps you full for quite some time. The staff is friendly and the rooms and premises are spotlessly clean. They also have three swimming pools inside the property and a fitness center. They have multiple room options and the villas are the best option if a larger group is going to travel.
C Roque Beach Resort — This hotel is located in Colva, South Goa. It is a beachfront property. The resort offers rooms and beach villas, along with stunning sea views and private balconies. Due to the direct access to the beach, visitors can enjoy sunbathing, water sports, and delicious local cuisine at the on-site restaurant.

Getting around

Goa is a small state and you can hire a private taxi, which costs around INR 2500–3000 per day. The best option is to go for a self-driving bike or car rental.

Goa is full of taxis and self-driving vehicles | Clicked by Priyanka

They provide various options for pick-and-drop locations. However one needs to be cautious and check the condition of the vehicle thoroughly before taking charge of the vehicle. Try to make a video from inside as well as outside that will capture dents or scratches if already present. They collect some amount as a security deposit which they return after the vehicle is handed back. But this is a very convenient and cost-effective option. Also, if you are planning to travel in big cities such as Panaji then you may try local buses or rickshaws.

Food

The food scene in Goa is diverse. Goa is a paradise for non-vegetarians, but vegetarian people also get plenty of options. Beach shacks are famous for serving fresh seafood, whereas cafes are famous for their bakery items.

Meat patties by Freep!k

Meat patties by Freep!k

Below are a few must-try dishes while in Goa:

Feni: It is an alcoholic beverage. There are two main flavors; cashew feni, which is more popular and produced from the cashew fruit, and coconut feni, derived from the sap of coconut trees.
Kokum Juice: It is a sherbet made from kokum fruit. It is a drink that provides many health benefits and keeps you hydrated during your trip.
Bebinca: It is one of the most loved traditional desserts in Goa made from coconut milk, sugar, egg yolk, and maida, flavored with nutmeg or cardamom.
Goan Prawn Curry: It is a fresh prawn curry with gravy made up of coconut and a blend of spices.
Goan Xacuti: It is a Goan curry found in veg and non-veg variants. The gravy contains a blend of spices, including white poppy seeds, sliced onions, toasted grated coconut, and large dried red chilies.
Chicken Cafreal: Chicken Cafreal is a very popular Goan cuisine that the Portuguese introduced. It is a chicken curry made by marinating chicken pieces in an aromatic green paste called Cafreal masala.
Dodol: It is a traditional jelly-like dessert made from coconut milk, rice flour, and jaggery.
Patties: These are savory pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables. They are one of the popular snack items.

Top attractions

There are so many beautiful beaches, historical sites, religious temples, churches, local markets, spice gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and other things to choose from. In one trip it is not possible to cover them all.

Cabo de Rama fort in South Goa

A view from Cabo De Rama fort in South Goa | Clicked by Priyanka

So I am listing down the top attractions that you can cover in 6–7 days if you are traveling to Goa for the first time-

Baga Beach — This beach is a bit crowded, but it is famous for water sports.
Agonda Beach — It is a calm, clean white sand beach in South Goa. One can enjoy activities such as yoga, Ayurvedic massages, canoeing, cycling, dolphin sightseeing trips, and romantic boat trips to secluded beaches from Agonda.

Beautiful rocks at Galgibaga Beach in South Goa

Beautiful rocks at Galgibaga Beach in South Goa | Clicked by Priyanka

Galgibaga Beach — It is also a white sand beach in South Goa, very less commercialized. Sitting quietly and watching the sunset is a must-do activity on this beach.
Butterfly Beach — It’s a small beach and the hills behind the beach form the shape of a butterfly, hence it is named Butterfly Beach. You can take a boat ride from Agonda or Palolem beach or trek for around 40 minutes one way, to reach this beach.

Shantadurga Temple in Ponda, Old Goa

Shantadurga Temple in Ponda, Old Goa | Clicked by Priyanka

Shantadurga Temple — Shri Shantadurga Temple in Kavale, Ponda, Goa, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Shantadurga. She is believed to be a mediator between Vishnu and Shiva. The temple combines the architectural styles of Saraswat and Roman designs.
Mangeshi Temple — This temple is around 10–12 km from Shantadurga temple. It is located in Mangeshi village in Ponda, Goa, dedicated to Lord Mangesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its elegant architecture and serene atmosphere.
Mandovi river cruise — It is one of the nice options to experience local Goan culture. They arrange for local goan songs and folk dances. If you go for a sunset cruise then the views are quite impressive. It is good to book the tour in advance, and they send all the details about the boarding point and time to your WhatsApp number.

Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa

Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa| Clicked by Priyanka

Basilica of Bom Jesus — It is one of the most famous and old churches in North Goa. Its construction was started in 1594 and it was consecrated in 1605.

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji, Goa

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji, Goa | Clicked by Priyanka

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church — It is also one of the most famous and old churches located in Panaji, Goa. It is painted in white color from the outside, and with its historical significance and breathtaking beauty, it attracts a lot of tourists every year.
Fort Aguada — Fort Aquada was built in 1612 and is located in Candolim, North Goa. Fort Aguada is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors to explore its rich history while enjoying breathtaking coastal vistas.

Jewelry at the local markets of Goa

Jewelry at the local markets of Goa | Clicked by Priyanka

Cabo de Rama Fort — Cabo de Rama Fort is located in Canacona, South Goa. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea as it is built on a cliff. The fort was under Sunda kings till 1763 and it was seized by the Portuguese in the 18th century.
Chapora Fort — It was built by the Portuguese in 1717. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding beaches and lush green forest. The fort’s rugged walls, scenic views, and breezy ambiance make it a favorite tourist attraction. It’s also known for its appearance in the Bollywood film “Dil Chahta Hai”.
Dolphin spotting boat ride — If you can go for an early morning sharing boat ride from Miramar Beach, then you can spot dolphins. They take you deep inside the sea and wait there for some time to see dolphins.

Colorful steps in Fontainhas (Latin Square) in Panaji, Goa

Colorful steps in Fontainhas (Latin Square) in Panaji, Goa | Clicked by Priyanka

Spice Garden — Spice Garden is a nice place to experience local cuisine and interact with local people. They conduct a guided tour through the spice farm explaining the significance and details of each of the spice plants. Upon arriving they offer a local welcome drink. And the local lunch is delicious too.
Fontainhas — Fontainhas is an old Latin square in Panaji, Goa. It is famous for colorful houses with wrought iron balconies, and narrow lanes which makes it the most Instagrammable place.

This is all for this article. Let me know if you need any additional information for planning your trip to Goa. I will be happy to help. Also please share this article with anyone who is planning a trip to Goa.

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may or may not earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Goa Travel Guide: Top Tips and Must-Visit Places