What a Goan tourist needs to know. Holidays in Goa: what tourists need to know about traveling to India. Which resort to choose

The standard of living in Goa leaves much to be desired, in small villages you are almost certain to see garbage, not very tidy residents and a deplorable level of neglect. But this is not a plague-ridden area, people on the streets are not lepers, infection does not fly in the air. And it’s unlikely that you will climb into the wilds of civilization. Well, you already know that you need to wash your hands and not drink tap water.

Myth No. 2. Hotel service is so-so

Photo: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock. com

No, that's not entirely true. In North Goa there are many small hotels of two or three stars and really mediocre service (they will not be cleaned every day, the air conditioner may break down, and they will not rush to you when you call). People come here to party, so if the hotel has a bed, it's already suitable.

If comfort and attention from the staff are important to you, South Goa is for you- four to five star hotels and European level service. Here you will find complete relaxation and helpful staff.

South. Top 3 hotels on Ostrovka:

• : double rooms from 6190 rub./night*;
• : double rooms from 10,590 rub./night;
• : double rooms from RUB 17,390/night.

North.Top 3 hotels on Ostrovka:

• : double rooms from 2999 rub./night;
• : double rooms from RUB 8,671/night;
• : double rooms from RUB 10,790/night.

Myth No. 3. All Goa beaches have snow-white sand and crystal clear water

Photo: Lena Serditova / Shutterstock. com

Alas, this is not the case everywhere. In order for the beach to look like the picture, you need to keep an eye on it, so heavenly beaches- this is in the South, where holidays are more expensive and the infrastructure is better. There are beaches in the North, but they don’t pretend to be picturesque.

Beaches of North Goa

• Terekol: one of the few deserted beaches North Goa.
• Mandrem: along coastline there are many natural pools, the water in them heats up quickly- It feels like you are bathing in fresh milk.
• Small and Big Vagator: Bigknown for its incendiary parties, Maly- more secluded and wild beach, with rocks and bays.
• Ashvem: Idyllically tranquil place, great for kite surfing.

Beaches of South Goa

• Bogmalo: a modern and very touristy beach with many cafes and bars serving excellent seafood.
• Benaulim: the beach is famous for schools of dolphins that periodically delight vacationers with pirouettes.
• Varca and Cavelossim: golden sand, lots of palm trees, and luxury hotels all around.
• Palolem: the most south beach, where you can find the same snow-white sand, azure water and peace.

Myth No. 4. All food is fiery and spicy, you will have to starve

Photo: Erofeenkov / Shutterstock. com

No, you won't have to starve. Goa is adapting to the influx of tourists from all over the world; owners of cafes and restaurants often warn about particularly spicy dishes and offer a European menu. And some establishments even serve borscht, okroshka and dumplings. True, according to the author's recipes.

If you went to a remote village and went to a local eatery, the chance of eating something and breathing fire is very high, so be careful. Well, if you are really afraid of not being able to cope with the local cuisine, book a hotel with meals included - for example, half board (breakfast + dinner).

Myth No. 5. The most fun is parties to Goa trance music, there is no more entertainment

Well, of course not. Goa trance- a trend in electronic music that originated here in the late 1980s. You can see trancers at one of the beach parties, these parties are not legal and you can meet very strange personalities there, but it’s interesting to watch from the outside. If this action does not interest you, here are some iconic places where you can while away the evening.

• Deltin Royale Casino, Panaja- floating casino in the capital of Goa, beautiful lighting turns on in the evening, and you will never miss the ship with the casino. It doesn’t matter if gambling isn’t your thing, come listen to live music and have a cocktail.
• Club Cubana, Arpora - one of the popular nightclubs, from the roof of which a magnificent panorama of the city opens. There is an entrance fee, but drinks are included in the ticket price. The club has several spacious rooms and a swimming pool.
• Night Market, Arpora- best place to learn how to haggle and see what local sellers have to offer. You can find a lot of things: music CDs, embroidered scarves self made, tea, souvenirs, spices. When you're fed up with shopping, switch to the food court and street concerts.

Myth No. 6. Goa - small province, nothing to see there

No matter how it is! Goa is a very special state of India with amazing nature and a colorful mixture of cultures. Write down what you need to see.

• Chapora Fort: This defensive fortress- Portuguese heritage of the 17th century. From the hill there is a view of Indian Ocean and the coast. Travelers have a tradition- arrive at the fortress at sunset last day and spend the sun.
• Church Square, Panaji: The main attraction is the snow-white Church of the Virgin Mary, and nearby there is a cozy garden that the locals adore.
• Dudhsagar Falls: This multi-level waterfall is one of the top 100 high waterfalls peace. It is no coincidence that the name is translated as “Milk Ocean”: due to the contrast with the dark stone, it seems that the water is milky white.
• Sahakari Spice Plantation, Ponda: To make the most of your time, book a tour right away. They will take you around the plantation and tell you what and how it grows here. For entertainment, they will ride elephants and teach you how to climb palm trees. Then there will be a lunch break and you will be treated to dishes with homegrown spices. You can buy the spices you like right there in the shop.

Traveler's reminder

Photo: Pavel Laputskov / Shutterstock. com

When is the best time to go?

June to September is the monsoon season in Goa, so visit between October and May. These are the winter months, the temperature is comfortable, up to +30°C, so there is no sweltering heat, you can drive around the surrounding area and swim.

Is it difficult to get a visa?

Elementary. You can apply for an Indian visa on the visa center website. The e-visa takes 4-10 working days to prepare, then you download it, print it and go to the airport. This visa gives you the right to stay in the country for no more than 30 days.

What is the currency in Goa?

Local currency - rupees The rate is very tempting: for $100 you will get 6,808.01 rupees (1 USD = 68.02 INR as of 01/27/2017). For residents this is a fortune, so at first everything will seem too cheap. But don’t be fooled, soon you will begin to distinguish between cheap and very cheap.

How to navigate?

By moped or scooter- safe and convenient way for transportation, you can also rent an autorickshaw. If you don't plan to travel a lot- order a taxi, this is the case when it won’t cost you a pretty penny.

Header photo: SOUTHERNTraveler / Shutterstock. com

People who visited India are divided into two categories: those who did not like their vacation and those who dream of returning here. In order to get the most out of your vacation, you need to prepare a little for the trip. Choose a place, a beach in Goa, find out the main features of the region, about the possibilities independent travel and protect yourself and your health as much as possible. Although it is believed that “everything that happens in Goa happens when and when it is needed.”

When to go
The season in Goa lasts from October to April. Then the intense heat and rainy season begins.
Before the trip.
The very first thing that strikes you upon arrival in India is the dirt and poverty on the streets. Some people live with entire families in makeshift huts, cook on the street, over a fire, and small children play right there. There is garbage and a stench on the roads, which makes you uneasy at first, but over time you get used to it and stop noticing it. Some lucky people will be lucky enough to see Indian children relieving themselves, right on the road, sometimes even in the direction of travel.
Our advice. The first few hours “ooh, ahh”, and then just ignore it all. Over time, you will stop noticing it. Let go of the situation and start relaxing. Don't be nervous about trifles, this is Goa!

Where to go.
We lived in different places North Goa, we drove along several beaches and came to the following conclusions.
Calangute. There are a lot of Hindus, especially during the New Year season. Among the vacationers there are also Europeans. To take a break from annoying Indian photographers, you should walk further from the main entrance to the beach, where the stairs are located. It will be much calmer at 300-400 meters.
Arambol. The northernmost beach of Goa. There are many Russians, Israelis and Italians here, many of whom are creative individuals. A little further north is fresh lake and a river that flows straight out of the jungle. In this jungle there is a famous sacred tree, where modern hippies live. The path to the tree is trodden, it starts from the right of the lake. Along the way there is a place with white clay, people smear themselves with it. And even further we met a local sorcerer who lives in this jungle and plays the singing bowl. The spectacle is fascinating!
Mandrem and Ashvem are almost like one village. The beach here is very good, wide, clean, with white sand. There are also many Russians here. There are not many souvenir sellers and there are almost no cows on the beach. These places are suitable for families with children.
Morjim has already become a Russian village. Every restaurant has a menu in Russian, but the prices are the highest in Goa. Also suitable for family holidays.
Anjuna still retains the spirit of hippie Goa. On Wednesdays, Anjuna hosts a daytime fly market. Night life also saturated. The night bars Curlies, Hippies, Lilliput and many others are located here. By the way, if you come to the clubs from another place, try to enter the party from the beach, because there may be a fee at the entrance from the street.
Vagator has one of the most beautiful sunsets. Which can be observed by climbing to the top of the mountain where the fort was located. During the day, the view from there is no less impressive. Vagator is home to the famous juice center and numerous night bars.
These are the main beaches of North Goa, where the infrastructure is well developed and life is raging.
We also went to the city of Mapusa. When traveling by bus to some beaches, you need to change trains here. In Mapusa there is a Friday market - a colorful place, and we also visited the Maruti temple. This is the orange building on the second ring along the main road. We made wishes there, which later came true. A monk sat in the temple, surrounded by incense, flowers and saucers. He called us over and gave us some “porridge” to eat and, as we thought, read prayers. It was nice.

If you are going to Goa. Part 2. Transport and safety.
“The place where wishes come true” - this state was nicknamed by travelers who fell in love with India. And this is true, the main thing is that your thoughts are pure and your heart is open to the intoxicating magic of Goa.

Transport in Goa.
Many tourists, as well as long-stayers, rent motorbikes, a very convenient means of transportation. But in the first days I was amazed by the traffic on the roads. Rules traffic there is no! And traffic lights too. The priority goes to the one who manages to honk the horn first, and broken and dented cars are rare. Well, how can you not believe in magical powers?!
Taxis are cheap here, but it's always worth bargaining. At night or at holidays prices are being reduced reluctantly. With the same taxi driver, one day he managed to reduce the price by 3 times, and on another day he did not give up a single rupee.
And loved by us public transport. Buses to other beaches usually go through Mapusa. But there are also direct connections between nearby villages. There is no cash desk and no schedule. Inscriptions about the route are usually on the windshield, but this is not a guarantee. It's better to ask the conductor. This is such a smart guy, a barker who loudly calls for people to board his bus. Transport departs as passengers fill. Indian music plays all the way, and the driver's seat is decorated with figurines of God and garlands of light. Unforgettable feelings. But I advise you to get on an empty bus so that you can sit down, because there will be more stops along the way and there will only be more people. The fare cost 10-15 rupees. One day we were seated on the panel next to the driver. And he and the conductor decided to brag about it among their friends. So we stopped at a gas station first, and they showed us around, then we went to the store, and along the way we stopped at a couple of places and they proudly introduced their white passengers.

In Mapsa it is worth visiting the Maruti Temple http://www.friby.ru/listing/maruti/, here we made wishes that came true.

Goa is considered one of the most clean places in India. During our vacation, there was an incident at the hotel. The woman had a transfer to Delhi and, in those few hours, managed to get poisoned. Cases of poisoning also occur in Goa. And to avoid this, you need to maintain hygiene.
Our advice. Always wash your hands with soap before eating. And, above all, use antibacterial gel. Try to take hot food that has been exposed to temperature. Pay attention to the sanitary condition of the cafe, but keep in mind that you should not look for perfect cleanliness here. When traveling, be sure to take a first aid kit with medications for indigestion, diarrhea, aspirin, antiseptic, as well as a plaster, bandage and other necessary medications.
Take the issue of storing money in a hotel very seriously. Do not leave large amounts of money in easily accessible places, even in closed room. If the hotel has a safe, use it instead.
For the rest, trust your heart. Maintain harmony and love for others and the magic of Goa will not leave you.

We have to bargain
Especially in the early days, when you have not yet tanned and have not acquired typical Goan clothes. It is to the Hindus as red is to the bull. You are not yet aware of prices and they will be able to earn more from you than usual. Always bargain! Start with prices that are a third of the stated cost. Although I hear more and more often that Asian countries are increasingly reluctant to lower prices. In any case, bargain, but without much fanaticism. Don’t forget that by Russian standards small amounts of money can turn out to be large sums for locals.
Our advice. First, make friends with the seller or taxi driver. Tell us about yourself, where you are from, what you do, about your family, and how you like India. Ask about his family, life in general. After this, you move from the category of “just a tourist” to the category of “almost a friend.” They start calling you a friend and want to help, and willingly give in to the price. But you shouldn’t abuse this and deceive people. After all, sometimes in life you need to spend more to get the main prize. They bargain everywhere here: markets, street stalls, shops, with taxi drivers, and even in restaurants for fresh seafood. Once we even managed to bargain for a drink in a disco bar.

Recently, cases of attacks on girls have become more frequent. Therefore, it is necessary to take maximum security measures. You should not wear swimsuits outside the beach, avoid dark, unlit places in the evening, and also carry a flashlight with you, by and large, it is not recommended to be alone, report any inappropriate behavior of a man to the police, and be on guard against suspicious people strangers.

Sunset
The most important view of Goa is the sunset. Every evening from 18.00, many people come to the beaches to watch an unforgettable sunset. This is the perfect time to make a wish. But be careful, because in Goa all wishes come true!

I recently wrote, in the same article, I promised to prepare a small reminder for independent travelers, which should make packing and living in Goa a little easier. It's time to keep the promise.

I want to start with what is correct to say in Goa, since it is a state, not an island, surprisingly, not everyone knows this. Thus, I advise you to get rid of the grammatically incorrect “holiday in Goa” as soon as possible and boldly go to this curious area. The northern part of Goa is a very populated tourist area, with a lot of Russian-speaking tourists, winterers, long-stayers and businessmen. Local Indians (Goans) already understand Russian quite well in markets, shops, cafes and the beach, so you shouldn’t worry too much. When you need it, they will understand you.

I came across a lot of similar articles on the Internet, and they really turned out to be useful, unfortunately, many were written quite a long time ago and have partially lost their relevance. However, having trusted them, we rather “played it safe”, so they did no harm. On the other hand, I didn’t find a single complete manual; in the end I had to work with many sources, the information in which was also duplicated. Therefore, I will try to cover as much as possible the most important issues related to a trip to Goa, but at the same time I will write concisely and to the point.

A general article on all the necessary aspects of a holiday for a traveler going to India may also be useful:

Packing our bags for India in Goa 2016

I want to start with the fact that it is possible and advisable to prepare at home in order to less overshadow your long-awaited and so:

• Backpack. Or something similar that would be convenient to go shopping on a bike or take things to the beach. A practical and useful thing in Goa, and throughout Asia, if you prefer to travel on a two-wheeler without a trunk, and it’s more convenient to carry your belongings without having to carry them in your hands
• Copies of documents for a trip to Goa. Be sure to make several copies of your civil and Indian visa, driver’s license, travel insurance if you decide to buy it, electronic tickets. Carry one copy with you, including in, in case you lose your main luggage. You can take photographs of these documents on your smartphone, at least with a driver’s license the local police will do just fine, as long as you have an open category A (a motorcycle is drawn). By the way, we were advised to simply add a motorcycle to the image of our license in Photoshop, and tell the police in Goa that the original is at home and we are afraid of losing it.
• Travel insurance to India. Safety and health come first, so don’t skimp on insurance. A timely purchased insurance policy will allow you to receive compensation for a vacation that was spoiled due to no flight or loss of luggage, will help you get back the money spent on treatment and will be stored like a real talisman. Before applying for an Indian visa, we took out insurance in case of refusal, because by that time we had already purchased tickets. Therefore, I recommend not skimping on security.
• Photos. Most likely, you will still have photographs after, so you can take them with you, take them separately - there is not much point. Since we didn’t need them, but the circumstances are different, they are needed to purchase a tourist SIM card, as well as some copies of documents, but this is easily done, more on that later.
• First aid kit for the road. WITH Take with you, with a main focus on antibacterial and digestive products. If you are afraid of malaria, then a week before your trip and throughout the trip, as well as one or two weeks after, you can take one doxycycline tablet per day. This is a weak antibiotic that will not cause much harm to your health (if taken along with any probiotic), but it will help malaria bypass you. Although, when traveling to Goa during the high season, you are unlikely to face this disease. In any case, consult your doctor before taking antibiotics. By the way, a lot of medicines are produced in India, the prices of which will pleasantly surprise you, so, perhaps, it’s not worth recruiting a lot from dear Russia, but on the contrary, it makes sense to think about it.
• Cosmetics and protective equipment. In general, all this can be bought on the spot, but in order to immediately run to the sea upon arrival, it makes sense to take sunscreen with protection of at least 25, and a small cosmetic bag to touch up your makeup in the evening. Although very soon, having imbued with the spirit of Goa, the need for all this will disappear. Cosmetics, again, are much cheaper in India, and the quality is high, so don’t overstuff your suitcase.
• Insect repellents in Goa. There is no need to bring large quantities, since India has its own good products, which sometimes work better than proven domestic ones, but you can buy them for the first time. However, you will have to buy the remedy for termites and ants on the spot almost immediately upon arrival.
• Flashlight. The road from the beach, and in many places in Goa, at least in the northern part, is dark and unlit, so to save your feet, it is best to have a small LED flashlight and a supply of batteries or rechargeable batteries. In addition, by illuminating your path, you can calmly avoid all sorts of unpleasant animals that you don’t want to step on.
• Change for the road. Be sure to prepare some dollars in small bills, they will come in handy both on the plane if you want to buy lunch during the flight, and when changing at the airport upon arrival, at the extortionate rate, on the way to your vacation destination in Goa.
• Padlock (like a barn lock). The door locking system in India was a little surprising at first, but it is easy to explain, because... allows you to lock the house with your own lock, and the owners do not have to change the keys after each vacationer. As they say, the sheep are well-fed and the wolves are safe, or vice versa, here who feels like who.
• Products that are missed in Goa. Officially, the import of meat and dairy products, as well as cereals into India must be declared, but no one does this. But many tourists, especially winterers, bring delicacies: cheese, sausage, seeds, herring, caviar, buckwheat, chocolate, vermicelli - i.e. those products that cannot be found here in the usual quality and at reasonable prices during the day
• Things and suitcases. Usually people arrive with empty bags and take trunks home, including clothes. So take the essentials or your favorite ones, but still buy a lot of things. If you take a large empty suitcase, you will have something to carry your gifts back with. You can also buy it on the spot - I remember the story of one of my friends, how he bargained for two days in Goa for one spacious suitcase - well, this is also an element of exoticism.
• Women's clothing. India is a country of strict views; it is not customary to expose your legs and shoulders much, so out of respect for foreign culture, do not wear miniskirts, shorts and any tight underwear if you want to be treated well. Short clothing is unsafe for riding a bike in the heat and generally not practical. In Goa, of course, people are more accustomed to the sight of tourists, but if you are coming to experience the spirit of India, then you should not irritate its residents, they, of course, will remain silent, but at best they will write you down as a woman of easy virtue.
• Other little things. Shampoos, oils, soap, gel, powder, etc. there is a large amount of local production here, natural and cheap, so you only need a maximum supply for the first day or two
• Money in Goa. The Indian Rupee has a relatively stable exchange rate to the dollar, so if you are not confident in the sharp growth of the ruble or, on the contrary, there is a fear of its further fall, then it is better to immediately exchange dollars and go with a pre-calculated budget. By the way, the ruble traditionally grows in the spring, so we took a minimal supply of cash.
• Plastic cards. This is the best replacement for a mountain of cash, a relatively safe and profitable means of storing money. The main thing is to set limits correctly and have several cards from different banks and payment systems. The question is also relevant in Goa, it is always relevant: with a stable ruble exchange rate (when was this the case?), cash dollars are profitable, even with double conversion, but right now a card is more profitable for me. By the way, this and the previous point can cover all the others, because with money it is very easy to rest lightly. On the other hand, I know several examples where people in India got by with virtually no money, so who goes for what?
• Spare phone. If you come for the whole season, then it makes sense to use a cheap old mobile phone, since due to the humidity and sand, not every smartphone can survive six months in Goa. Besides, you shouldn’t show off expensive equipment unnecessarily in front of poor Indians

Instead of ending

Perhaps this is where we can finish the first part. I really hope that I haven’t forgotten something especially important and worthy of attention, as a last resort, I’ll add it. In addition, there is a place in the comments, not only for questions, but also for forgotten answers. The best advice I’ll add this article from the comments or prepare a separate one if I have enough material. When using this memo, do not forget that in it I draw conclusions based on own experience, including writing about things that I myself forgot about when getting ready and regretted upon arriving in Goa. I hope my mistakes will become a lesson to someone. In general, we’re packing our bags and taking a bold step to India, and I’ll tell you what to expect upon arrival. Good luck on your trips, perhaps India won’t scare you either, at least the prices are very reasonable, both for accommodation and travel, However, check it yourself.

All beaches of South and North Goa are free. Sun loungers with umbrellas, as a rule, belong to restaurants and cafes. To use them, you need to order at least a bottle of water.

When to go

The tourist season lasts from November to April. From the end of spring, it begins to rain at the resorts of the state and continues until mid-autumn. To save money on your vacation, you need to come in October or May, when the beaches are not yet crowded with people, hotel prices have not increased, and the weather is/is still suitable for swimming and sunbathing. In the summer, Goa is only interesting to lovers of spiritual practices, who generally do not care at what temperature to comprehend the wisdom of Ayurveda.

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North Goa

First of all, people come here for emotions - unbridled fun and drive from dancing until you drop in nightclubs. They say there is powerful energy here and it is easy to achieve “enlightenment” by meditating at sunset to the sound of the waves. In between Goa trans marathons and sitting in the lotus position on the shore, tourists enjoy sunbathing and swimming in the pleasantly warm water of the Arabian Sea.

Most hotels in North Goa are mid-range, affordable for budget travelers, although there are a couple of five-star ones. Quite a bit of budget options The accommodations are located near the beaches. Restaurants, cafes and bars are “stuck” along the entire coast, and even in a godforsaken village it’s difficult to stay hungry. The menu has everything that our tourists love: seafood, fresh tropical fruits, adapted Indian dishes and even Russian dumplings with borscht. The prices are ridiculous, the portions are decent.

From water activities diving available, boat trips, surfing and fishing.

The resorts of North Goa have their own specialization. The largest and most exciting parties take place in the nightclubs of Anjuna. But the beach there is far from ideal, and is also noisy and crowded. In quieter Arambol and Candolim you can sunbathe in a relaxed atmosphere. Russians prefer to settle in Morjim. Local Indians have already mastered the Russian language quite well, so it is not even necessary to speak English.

Cows on the beaches of North Goa are not uncommon. These sacred animals also roam the streets unhindered and lie anywhere. So don't be surprised.

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South Goa

This part of Goa is for tourists who come for a relaxed and respectable holiday. There are many 4 and 5* hotels operating on an all-inclusive basis, a clean and well-groomed coastline with white sand and a well-developed infrastructure.

The resort of Majorda with 30 km of beaches is considered the most popular. But it is crowded, and the ubiquitous cows and dogs are regular visitors. Europeans choose the quieter Varca and Cavelossim, surrounded by luxury hotels. One of best places considered to be Dona Paula. It is very loved by Bollywood directors who film their soap operas here.

South Goa is preferred by family tourists. There are fewer parties and rowdy young people here, although it cannot be said that after sunset there is a curfew and everyone goes to bed. Cafes and bars always have an interesting evening program: ethnic concerts, shows, discos.

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Where to go

You can diversify your lazy holiday and admire the heritage of the colonial era in Panaji. The city's brightly colored Fontaines district is the most attractive. It is lined with houses that are an interesting synthesis of Portuguese and Indian styles. For architectural impressions, they also go to Old Goa, where there are a couple of Baroque churches from the 17th and 18th centuries and the ruins of an Augustinian monastery.

Well, for Indian flavor, there is a direct route to the night market in Arpora - there you can buy souvenirs and watch colorful fire shows, while at the same time treating yourself to exotic delicacies.

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Have you decided to have a fun, tasteful and, if possible, inexpensive holiday somewhere on the seashore? Did you go on vacation in late autumn or winter, and you still want warmth, sun and palm trees on the ocean shore? Then a holiday in Goa is your option. But before you go anywhere, you need at least the slightest idea of ​​the place where you are going. Nightlife, attractions, cuisine and just helpful information- you can find all this on our website website

Geographical location and climate

Goa is the smallest and most prosperous state in India. It is located in the southwest of the Hindustan Peninsula and is washed by the Arabian Sea.

Goa state on the map of India

The climate is subequatorial and can be divided into 3 seasons a year:

• the “rainy” season, when the climate is humid and hot (from June to October);
• relatively warm and dry (November to February);
• very hot (March to May).

The most favorable time to visit Goa is from October to March.

South or North Goa?

North Goa - movement, drive! This is a place for fun night parties and noisy beach parties. Here you will find night and day markets, old Portuguese forts. People involved in various “spiritual practices” like to come here. There are many inexpensive and quite good hotels. But despite all this, you can find a secluded place and calmly dream about something of your own. Mostly groups of young people who want to have a fun and varied vacation go to North Goa.

One of the beaches of North Goa - Vagator

South Goa offers a calmer atmosphere, romance, magnificent nature and uncrowded beaches. Hotels and restaurants are quite expensive, even by our standards. Holidays in South Goa are popular among wealthy Europeans. Newlyweds also love to come here Honeymoon. But if suddenly, while relaxing here, you get bored with the quiet and calm atmosphere, you can always go to live in the north.

South Goa - Palolem Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches Indian coast

Both parts of Goa are worth visiting; each of them has its own merits. And you can always find housing based on your desires and wallet size in both South and North Goa.

Accommodation

If you come on vacation on a package tour, and its price includes accommodation in the hotel of your choice, then this issue is not relevant to you. But when you are in Goa, you very soon begin to understand that you want to visit many places, and being tied to one hotel is a little burdensome. Therefore, it is better to fly here on your own and choose accommodation directly on the spot. All beaches are beautiful in their own way, and on each you can stay in a luxurious villa or find shelter in a modest bungalow made of palm leaves, which has a bed, shower and fan. They will always come up to you and offer you a place to live. Bargain, Indians usually offer a price 2-3 times higher than the one they are willing to accept.

You can rent one of these houses right on the beach in Arambol

The doors of the villas are always open for their guests

Food in Goa

In Goa, both in South and North, there are many different cafes, restaurants and shakes where you will be fed deliciously and very inexpensively. At first, you want to try everything - from various seafood delicacies to mysterious overseas fruits. Over time, this ardor cools down and you simply choose what you liked this moment. You can go to a fish or food market, pick up various goodies there and cook (well, if you know how, of course) everything yourself, or, if you don’t want to bother, give everything to the nearest restaurant, and there, for a reasonable price, they will do everything for you in the best possible way.

Sights of Goa

Dudhsagar waterfalls: Very a nice place I recommend visiting it with your child. This waterfall is the second longest in India. At the foot of the waterfall there is a lake with clear, cold water. In hot weather, you just want to dive in there and not go out as long as possible. There are a large number of monkeys in this area, which you can feed with various delicacies. To get to the waterfall you need to take jeeps that will take you through the wild jungle, and then about 15 minutes on foot.

Dudhsagar Falls - a natural wonder of Goa, India

Lotus Mahal - a gazebo for the wives and concubines of the ruler of the empire in Hampi

Old Goa (Olg Goa) — former capital the entire state. It is located 10 km from the current capital of Pananji. Known for its vintage Christian churches, built during Portuguese colonial rule. Today, all buildings, buildings, Catholic cathedrals Old Goa is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Facade cathedral Xie