Goa....I fell in love with this place, when I visited around 2 years back, and have been wanting to go back ever since.
On my last visit to Goa, we explored parts of South Goa. This time, we divided our trip such that we spent 2 days in South Goa(Palolem) and 2 days in North Goa(Candolim)
Short Itinerary
Day 1: Bangalore - Goa airport-Utorda Beach-Palolem
Day 2: Palolem-Salaulim Dam-Agonda Beach
Day 3: Palolem-Candolim-Fort Aguada
Day 4: Candolim-Chapora Fort-Vagator Beach
Day 5: Return to Bangalore
Day Wise Itinerary
DAY 1: We started from Bangalore T2. The airport itself gave us Goa vibes!!
After landing in Goa, we took a self drive car(Baleno cost Rs. 1100 per day plus fuel).
Our first stop was for lunch at Zeebop in Utorda Beach. The restaurant is a bit pricey, but the location is superb, and so is the food. We loved their Goan fish curry and butter garlic prawns.
Next stop was our hotel in Palolem- Sobit Sarovar Portico. It is just 10 mins walk from Palolem Beach, and the hotel itself has a pool, activity room, spa and restaurant.
After check in, we went out towards Palolem Beach. However, it was raining, so we sat at Dropadi restaurant, and had light snacks while gazing at the sea.
DAY 2: After breakfast, we started for Salaulim Dam. This is one of the hidden gems in Goa, and a real highlight of our trip.
This dam looks like a whirlpool in the middle of a calm river. It doesn't have any control gates and the water just spills over, giving it a whirlpool like look.
Google maps pointed us to some other road, so just 2 km from the dam, we took the road with the signpost of Salaulim Dam, and it led us straight to this beauty. Lower down, there are gardens around the dam, which we didn't visit. There is an entry fee of Rs. 25 per adult. Children below 6 years are granted free entry.
After visiting Salaulim Dam, we went to Dunhill Resort, which faces Agonda Beach and had lunch with a beautiful sea view. This was the only place we visited again from our last trip to Goa.
We had a great time dipping our toes in the water. I find Agonda Beach to be extremely beautiful.... surrounded by green hills and one of the least touristy beaches.
Later, we went to Patnem beach. However, our car got stuck on a narrow road, and we got a small glimpse of the beach, before heading back to Palolem and having dinner @ Dropadi. We had planned to go to Cabo de Rama but we had seen it last time so gave it a miss.
DAY 3: After 2 days in South Goa, we headed to Candolim in North Goa. Our stay was in Regenta Central Imperial, Candolim. The location of the hotel is good with all restaurants and amenities close by.
After check in we headed to Fort Aguada in the rains.
There is a bit of a climb to reach the open fort area. It's just walls with a beautiful view of the sea and a towering lighthouse.
DAY 4: We went out to explore a bit of North Goa. Since we had gone during monsoon, most of the shacks were inoperative. Our first destination was Chapora fort of Dil Chahta Hai fame.
There are around 100 odd steps to reach the top. There is a vast expanse with greenery and broken fort walls. But once you reach the edge, you are greeted with spellbinding views of Vagator beach.
After Chapora Fort, we went to Anjuna to get a feeling of the area. The way to Anjuna is beautiful and deserted and the streets are winding and very narrow. So we didn't go too far till the beach. Anjuna is great if you like parties in Goa(Go after October because July-September is monsoon season and many tourist activities are closed)
We had lunch at Fat Fish, just outside of Candolim and it was great!!! We finally tasted Seradurra, the famous Goan dessert and found it to be mouthwatering.
After a late lunch, we went for shopping near Candolim Beach, and finally called it a day.
DAY 5: On our final day, we bid adieu to Goa and returned to Bangalore with some amazing memories.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Best Time to visit is from November to January, when the weather is pleasant and all tourist activities are open. However, this is peak tourist season and prices for flights and accommodation are high.
July- September is low season, and many water sports, beach shacks and other activities may be closed. However, you can visit many off beat destinations like the wildlife sanctuaries(Netravalli, Bhagwan Mahavir, Mollem), waterfalls, Salaulim Dam etc. and also enjoy beach time when it's not raining. The temperature is lower than peak summer due to rains.
HOW TO REACH
Goa has 2 airports- Mopa(North Goa) and Dabolim(South Goa). It is well connected by flights from major cities.
Goa has major railway stations at Madgaon and Vasco-da-gama.
Goa is also well connected by roads. There are buses plying from Bangalore, Mumbai and other neighbouring cities.
Goa is a place which can be enjoyed by anyone at anytime. So if you've not been here yet, plan your trip to Goa soon. If you are a Goa veteran, share your stories in Tripoto, earn credits and travel for free!!
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