Everything You Need To Know About Planning Your First Goa Getaway

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Photo of Everything You Need To Know About Planning Your First Goa Getaway 1/1 by Tripoto
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Goa is for everyone, whether you are looking for a great party, a relaxed weekend, a wild road-trip or even plain sight-seeing. Goa is where people come together, both like-minded and diverse; the Portuguese-influenced churches and cathedrals, cafes and casinos, and most of all its infinite beaches provide the perfect variety. There is no perfect itinerary to experience the best of Goa, because each traveller discovers their own. Despite its size on the map, Goa is larger than life and here’s a quick itinerary to get you started.

Getting Here and Around

Goa is well connected to all the major cities in India. The air fare from places like Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore to Goa is decent and could save you loads of bucks if you plan early. By road, reaching Goa is an overnight journey from nearby locations. A lot of public as well as private bus operators have numerous buses running on this route regularly. You could also hire a taxi or a private car for three days and drive all the way to Goa. If you plan to drive in your car all the way to Goa, the road trip is an absolute bliss, full of picturesque countryside, sinuous tracks, subways, valleys and hills. Even, numerous trains are available on the Goa route with major stations in Madgaon and Thivim. When in Goa, the intra state bus facility is a breeze. You can also hire two-wheelers that are available on rent at all major spots.

Day 1

Starting your Goa itinerary with North Goa will start you off with a taste of the bustling beach party scene! Goa has more than 20 beaches, so you definitely can't consider visiting all of them in just three days. Calangute beach, Baga beach, Anjuna Beach and Vagator beach are the best beaches in North Goa for first timers. North Goa also boasts of the best clubs - Tito's, Mambos, Cubana, Curlies and Love Passion Karma are usually where the party's at.

Amazing Things To Do In North Goa

Experience the thrill of water sports like parasailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, speed boat ride, scuba diving and snorkelling, banana boat ride and knee & wake boarding that are the rage on Calangute and Baga beach. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Goa during a short getaway.

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Photo of Calangute Beach, Bardez, Goa, India by Tripoto

Chapora fort, the one featured in Dil Chahta Hai, is close to Vagator beach and should be visited in the evening for witnessing a breathtaking sunset on the horizon of the Arabian Sea.

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Photo of Chapora Fort, Chapora Fort Road, Chapora, Goa, India by Tripoto

2. Anjuna Beach Resort - Rs.2,408

Photo of Everything You Need To Know About Planning Your First Goa Getaway by Tripoto

Best Rated Places To Eat In North Goa

Having lunch at Curlies is one of the best things to do in Goa, with a mesmerising view of the sea and a soothing sound of the waves in the background. They play amazing music at all times which will help you experience tranquility without any intoxicating substance! The prolific menu consists of continental, north Indian, Italian, seafood and Goan delicacies served with utmost courtesy.

Jamies is one of the most economical restaurants in Baga, yet the food quality and ambience is at par with others. It predominantly specialises in Indian and Asian cuisines. This open air paradise also serves barbeque to satiate the gourmand in you!

Day 2

Goa is not just about the beaches and clubs. The state also has an intriguing heritage which is reflected in the Portuguese architecture of attractions like Fort Aguada, Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Tomb of St.Francis Xavier and Dona Paula. Alternatively, if you believe getting lost in the beauty of tropical forests is your idea of relaxation, then Dudhsagar falls is one of the most ideal of the places to visit in Goa's southern side.

Amazing Things To Do In Goa

Start your day by visiting Fort Aguada and pondering on the graceful views from the fort and the lighthouse on all the sides. It is also an ideal location for photography as you get a glimpse of everything from an optimum altitude. One of the most panoramic places to visit in Goa.

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Photo of Fort Aguada Road, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa, India by Tripoto

Picturesque and a delight for the photographers, Dudhsagar falls are charming and refreshing! Set amidst lush green tropical forests of Goa on the Mandovi river, trekking to Dudhsagar falls is one of the adventurous things to do in Goa.

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Photo of Dudhsagar Falls, Sonaulim, Goa, India by Tripoto

Best Rated Places To Eat In Goa

Serves a wide variety of delicacies like french, seafood, continental, Spanish, fusion etc. Located in Panjim so you would cross it while you would make your way to visit the heritage buildings or the falls.

For a truly satiating dinner at a plush place you should head to this restaurant that excels in Indian, Chinese, Asian and Goan seafood delicacies. Spend some chill time here after your trip to the Dudhsagar falls

Day 3

Visit the Cavelossim beach to encounter the splendid confluence of Sal river with the sea. The beach is highly untouched and less frequented giving you a chance to breathe in the air of freedom.

Attend a full moon party that rocks Colva beach on or a day before full moon. If its unlikely to happen during your visit, make sure you head to the beach during the early hours of day, when dolphin sightings are most common.

Best Rated Places To Stay In South Goa

1. Silver Sands Beach Resort, Colva - Rs.2,645

Photo of Colva Beach, Goa, India by Tripoto

2. Hotel Colva Kinara - Rs.3,400

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Best Rated Places To Eat In South Goa

Located at a walking distance from the Colva beach, The Garden is a restaurant with a lovely ambiance and light on your pocket at the same time. They serve authentic Goan food apart from Indian cuisine. A true delight for the desi traveler.

Located on the infamous Bogmalo beach that is known for its scuba diving stint, John Seagull is an economical shack that offers you the best of platters with an enthralling view of the Bogmalo beach in the front. If you need to return to the airport or catch your train you could definitely consider having your last dinner in Goa over here as it is the closest beach to the airport, before you head back to your daily schedule.

Have you been to any of these amazing places to visit in Goa? Share your experiences, tips or find amazing things to do in Goa for a perfect weekend getaway.