Goa Tourism and Travel Guide

Famous for its beaches, parties, Portuguese heritage and "Susegad" or relaxed lifestyle, Goa is the smallest state in India in terms of area. Where to go in Goa? When in India’s sunshine state, be prepared to fall in love with sandy beaches, palm-fringed shores and beachfront Portuguese bungalows. Goa will never fail to entice you with its landscapes peppered with paddy fields, coconut groves, windy cliffs and riverside forts. North or South Goa? While South Goa is a haven for tourists seeking quiet days spent by the tranquil seaside, North Goa is known primarily because of its bustling shacks and legendary nightlife. From the umpteen number of places to visit in Goa, a few that most definitely shouldn’t be missed are the Fontainhas – India’s only existing Latin quarters, the 17th century old Bom Jesus Basilica; to revel in a little bohemian spirit, the vibrant Wednesday flea market at Anjuna Beach, and Dudhsagar – one of India’s highest waterfalls. But if you’re here simply to unwind, there’s no dearth of things to enjoy. What to do in Goa? Starting with spotting a dolphin or two at the Palolem beach, marveling at the routinely glorious sunsets at Chapora fort, taking leisurely strolls through the mossy ruins of St. Augustine in Old Goa or simply soaking in the salty tropical breeze with platefuls of butter garlic prawns, bebinca and a few too many rum and cokes, with a side of jazz and Konkani music. Wondering how much a visit to Goa will cost you? Goa tourism has made it easier for all kinds of travellers with a daily budget between Rs.3000 to Rs.5000. If your budget is tighter, read on to see what Goa tourism offers to its budget travellers and also for a fair breakdown of your expenses in Goa.
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Virtual Goa Tour: Pictures & Videos

These top-rated photo-blogs and videos will transport you to Goa's serene beaches, without leaving your home! Take a trip to the party capital of India through these mesmerising shots!

Best Time to Visit Goa

November to February is the best time to visit Goa and explore Goa tourism if you want to enjoy the best part of Goa’s weather.

Peak season is from mid-November to mid- February when the weather is comfortable, cool and pleasant. Shoulder season is from mid-June to October when Goa tourism is at its most beautiful. The rains come down on the state during these months and while the countryside becomes a lush green, the clubs start brimming with people and raging parties. Off-season is the time between March to May when the temperatures soar and the prices of the hotels and homestays drop. This is the time when Goa tourism is at a low and you may get some quiet days, away from the touristy crowds.



Budget for Goa

For Budget Travellers: INR 600 - 1200 a day

  • Accommodation in hostels and guesthouses: INR 200 - 800 (up to INR 1200 in peak season)
  • Food in beach shacks and street eateries: INR 200 - 400
  • Public Transport in buses and autorickshaws: INR 8 - 40
  • Motorbike rentals: INR 200 - 400
  • Sightseeing (museums etc): INR 10 - 50

 

For Mid-range Travellers: INR 1000 to INR 3000 a day

  • Accommodation in mid-range hotels and resorts: INR 600 - 2000
  • Food in mid-range cafes and restaurants: INR 400 - 700
  • Local transport in local taxis or car rentals: INR 400 - 600
  • Snorkelling and Diving packages: INR 1500 and upwards

 

For Luxury Travellers: INR 6000 and upwards

  • Accommodation in 4* or 5* hotels: INR 4000 and upwards
  • Food in upscale restaurants and bars: INR 1000 and upwards
  • Local transport in cabs: INR 400 and upwards
  • Sightseeing of Goa tourism, Guided Tours, Kayaking: INR 1000 and upwards

Top Attractions in Goa

The land of sand, surf, and sunshine has been a favourite among travellers from around the world for quite some time. There is nowhere in India quite like it. Goa tourism is the primary source of income for residents of Goa. Not just domestic tourists, Goa is visited by tourists from all over the world. Since Goa tourism focuses on its pristine beaches, local shacks and delicious cuisine, you’ll find lots of things to keep you busy in Goa. Besides the beaches, you can explore the city’s churches, marvellous forts and museums which equally contribute to the growing popularity of Goa tourism. Good food is another thing that majorly contributed to Goa tourism. The blend of Indian and Portuguese influences is reflected in the architectural marvels of Goa tourism.

 

 

North Goa is the most famous area of Goa tourism. Known for its energetic nightlife, Goan delicacies, flea markets, crowded beaches, and shacks, North Goa tops the list. Apart from the enthusiastic crowd and pretty shacks, North Goa beaches are also famous for different water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides. North Goa is the happy place of Goa as it offers you a variety of things to do and a lot of different places to see apart from just lazing around the beaches. It offers something for everyone and has been the driving force for Goa tourism.

 

South Goa is the other half of Goa that offers a tranquil atmosphere to its tourists. It is filled with appealing beaches, less crowded than the beaches in North Goa. It is a perfect area for a relaxing vacation. Though South Goa tourism doesn’t offer as much as the places in North Goa do, its calmness and peaceful vibes will make up for everything. South Goa beaches are much whiter and cleaner than the beaches in North Goa and Goa tourism has gradually picked up here. Cotigao wildlife sanctuary, Cabo de Rama Fort and Dudhsagar falls are some of the must-visit places in South Goa.

 

Cola Beach, Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Betul Beach, Arambol Beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Vagator Beach, Fort Aguada, Dudhsagar Falls, Church Square are some of the recommendations by Goa tourism.

 

Read this article for more info on North Goa vs South Goa.

Offbeat Places in Goa

Apart from the stunning beaches, there are a lot of things to see in Goa tourism such as its heritage, sightseeing attractions, nature & parks, dolphin watching tours, architecture & museums, wildlife & bird sanctuaries. These are the major tourist attractions in Goa and the topmost contributors to Goa tourism. Opt for a HOHO tour for a comfortable and enjoyable sightseeing experience of Goa tourism. Make sure you visit the beautiful Chorla Ghats located at the border of Goa, filled with Tropical Forests. The ‘hill station’ feel will definitely make you forget the beaches. Also, explore Querim beach, Bird Sanctuary, Harvalem Falls, Naval Aviation Museum, Museum of Goa, Arvalem Caves, and Our Lady of the Mount are some of the recommendations by Goa tourism.



Best Places to Eat in Goa

One of the most popular elements of Goa tourism is the local cuisine in the state. Try some lip-smacking delicacies at The Black Sheep Bistro, Zaffran, Purple Martini, Martin’s Corner, Antares and Pousada by the Beach.

Some of the best places to try Goan cuisine are The Fisherman’s Wharf, Kokni Kanteen, Viva Panjim and The Lazy Goose. Don’t forget to have some mouth-licking desserts at Maracas, Porvorim, Iceberg, Margao, Marc Brown Corner, Panjim and Brittos, Baga.



Where to Do Water Activities in Goa

One of the biggest attractions for Goa tourism is the plethora of water sports offered in the state. The most popular beach in Goa for water sports are - Calangute Beach, Candolim Beach, Baga Beach, and Sinquerim Beach.

 

Beaches in Goa are the major tourist attractions of Goa tourism and the most beautiful beaches in India. Not just the beauty, they top the list in terms of other things like thrilling water sports, relaxing beach shacks, quality time with friends and family and exotic food. Another good thing about these beaches is, they offer you something new every time you visit Goa.

 

The most popular beaches in Goa are Baga, Anjuna, Calangute and Candolim. Since Goa tourism is more developed for mainstream tourists in North Goa, the beaches here are more crowded. You can opt for Parasailing at Calangute Beach, Banana Boat Ride at Baga Beach, skiing at Calangute Beach, Snorkeling & Scuba Diving at Grande Island, Kayaking at Aguada River, Flyboarding at Vagator Beach and Speed Boating at Calangute Beach.



Things to Do in Goa

Listed below are some of the Goa tourism things you can try:

Enjoy Goa’s nightlife at Tito’s at Baga, Curlies at Anjuna, Brittos at Baga, Thalassa near Vagator Beach, Monkey Valley at Chapora.

Experience water sports- Scuba Diving, Parasailing, Jet Skiing, Banana Boat Ride, Snorkeling in Goa.

 

Goa attractions: The efforts of Goa tourism has led to an increasing number of tourists every year who wish to explore the city for its food, beaches, shacks, water sports, forts and flea markets. Contributing to Goa tourism in North Goa are attractions such as Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Calangute Beach, Vagator Beach, Fort Aguada and Club LPK whereas major South Goa attractions include Colva Beach, Benaulim Beach, Agonda and Dudhsagar Falls. The main things to do in Goa are water sports, two-wheeler ride, trying your luck at the casinos located on Mandovi River and sightseeing.

 

Goa adventure: One of the main things and the biggest contributor to Goa tourism is water sports. For all the adventure lovers out there, in India, Goa is the best option to experience water sports activities. With beautiful views, plenty of expansive seas with golden sand and fancy shacks, indulge in water sports activities like parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat, scuba diving, snorkelling, and windsurfing on Goa beaches. Other than water sports, Goa also offers many other adventure options like hiking, trekking, crab catching, dolphin spotting, cycling, etc.

 

Goa nightlife: No one should miss Goa’s nightlife. The clubs and shacks here offer live performances and it’s a major draw for tourists from around the world who are contributing to Goa tourism. In fact, nightlife in Goa has played a huge role in making Goa tourism popular among Indian as well as foreign travellers. Party in Goa at these happening places- Curlies, LPK Waterfront, Hill Top, Tito’s lane, SinQ, Bora Bora, Chronicle, La Calypso’s Club Blue, Café Lilliput, Leopard Valley and Shiva Valley. Visit these clubs in a group to make the most of Goa parties.

 

When we talk about nightlife in Goa, the first thing that our mind processes is, partying at the pubs. Yes, it is one of the craziest and happening things to be done in Goa, but you will be surprised to hear that Goa nightlife has much more to offer you. If you want to spend some time under the sky, gazing at the stars with your loved ones, then go camping in floating tents to experience the quieter and calmer environment. Another interesting thing included in Goa tourism is just to have a bonfire with your people on the beaches if you want to avoid loud music. Some of the other options include silent party, theatre shows, Goa on wheels and flea markets.

Where to Stay in Goa

Goa travel suitable for family, friends, couples and honeymooners.

Confused about ‘where to stay in Goa?’ Goa has a variety of options for accommodation like hotels, apartments and villas. But apart from these places, Goa has the best beach resorts in India. Also, you can choose a resort as per your budget as Goa has a resort range starting from 5-star resorts to normal resorts. The 5 star and 4-star resorts in Goa offer a lot of facilities like beachfront, swimming pool, wifi, airport shuttle, bar, family rooms and complimentary breakfast whereas the other resorts in Goa offer basic facilities.

 

Owing to an increase in Goa tourism, the state now has all categories of hotels, from luxury to mid-range to budget hotels. Choose a hotel that fits your budget the best. Most of the luxury hotels in Goa usually provide Wi-Fi, parking, airport shuttle, air-conditioned rooms, swimming pool, breakfast, free parking, spa and wellness centre, bar whereas, in mid-range hotels, you might not get all these facilities. You can also plan a stay at 5 star or 4-star resorts in Goa if you don’t want to stay at a regular hotel.

 

Find the best hand-picked budget hotels in Goa and travel smart on this vacation. Spend your beachside vacation at budget hotels in Goa and stay without a dent in your wallet. Located at some of the most exotic locations, these budget hotels in Goa could be your smart pick for the next vacation.

 

Travelling with family or a group of friends and want an independent stay? A homestay has become a good option for travellers and has also led to an increase in Goa tourism. If you choose a homestay, you have the whole apartment or flat to yourself. You can cook, party, chill and do whatever you want to, keeping in mind the norms defined by the owner. Some of the top homestays in Goa are Bella Villa, Blue Balloon and Holiday Star Home. Most of these homes are well equipped with furniture, tv, utensils, balcony, swimming pool, refrigerator, induction, microwave and also, housekeeping facilities.

 

Hanging out with friends or travelling solo? Goa introduces you with an irresistible option. Catering to its budget travellers, Goa tourism has tons of budget options. There are a lot of good hostels in Goa like Jungle, Summer and Happy Panda. There are dorms as well as separate rooms in these hostels. You can choose a room according to your needs as most of the hostels have single, double sharing and triple sharing rooms. If you plan to stay in dorm then you get to meet and interact with other people as there are many people from different places staying in a dorm. Also, staying in a dorm is a cheaper option if you are looking for a budget trip. The hostels in Goa, India are made as per the needs of the tourists.

 

The best area to stay in Goa is Baga in North Goa, whereas you should opt for Benaulim in South Goa if you want to avoid crowds.

 

Best resorts in Goa:

  • 5-star resorts in Goa- Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Leela, Seashell Suites and Villas
  • 4-star resorts in Goa- MamaGoa Resort, and Amour Resort

 

Hotels in Goa, India:

  • Good beach hotels in Goa- Grand Hyatt, and The Park Calangute
  • Top hotels in Goa- Vivanta Goa and The Diwa Club

 

Hostels in Goa, India:

  • Top hostels in Goa- Craft Hostels, Footloose Hostel and Woke Hostel
  • Budget hostels in Goa- Rainbow Lining Hostels and Sturmfrei Hostel

 

Homestays in Goa, India:

  • Boutique homestays in Goa- Villa La Gitana, and Villa De Arte
  • Top homestays in Goa- Olaulim Backyards and Casa Menezes

How to Travel to Goa

Goa Airport: Goa Airport or Dabolim Airport (GOI) is the airport in Goa.

 

Flights to Goa: Goa tourism aims to make travelling easier for visitors. There is flight connectivity from almost all the cities in India to Goa that maintain Goa’s tourism.

 

Goa Railway Station: There are several railway stations in Goa like Canacona, Karmali, Kulem, Madgaon, Pernem, Sanvordem Curchorem, Thivim and Vasco da Gama.

 

Trains to Goa: Visit Goa through train if you want to have a budget Goa tour visit as there is train connectivity from almost all the cities to Goa.

 

Goa Bus Station: Goa has many bus stations. The major Goa bus stations are Panjim, Margao and Mapusa bus station.

 

Buses to Goa: If you want to visit Goa by road, there are frequent buses to Goa from several nearby cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad.



Written by Ishita Ralhan, an in-house Tripoto writer. Not one to say no to road trips, Ishita enjoys coffee, shoes and good company. When she’s not writing, you can find her dancing or swimming. Follow her to ignite your wanderlust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Goa airport is in the South of Goa.

Panjim is approximately 30 km away from Goa airport. When you arrive at Goa airport, you can board a taxi or book one instantly from the Goa tourism taxi counter outside the airport.

Taking a taxi is slightly expensive but hassle-free. Or, walk your way to the bus junction near Goa airport and board a bus to Vasco Bus Terminus. From there, take a shuttle to Panjim. This route will cost you less but is tiring.

Located in the tropical zone, Goa witnesses a warm and humid climate during the major part of the year. With very little variation in the basic seasonal weather, average Goa temperature is 26°C to 29°C. The sky remains clear during mid-March. However, the days are hot and humidity increases as we enter the month of April. May is the hottest month in Goa and Goa tourism is at an all-time low. June marks the onset of Monsoon season and Goa receives heavy rainfall during July and August. Goa temperature has major fluctuations during August, and humidity rises to 90%. The temperature becomes pleasant as September ends, with clear skies on the onset of October. October has dry and warm weather with relatively lesser humidity. Winter in Goa begins from late November and last till February, this season is favourable for Goa tourism. The nights are cooler and Goa temperature drops down to 20°C during winters.
Best time to visit Goa is between November to March, when Goa temperature is balmy and cool for exploring Goa city.

Most of the part of Goa city is well-connected by roads. Thus, hiring a taxi or self-drive cars is good for getting around Goa. You can hire a taxi from Goa tourism taxi counters at Goa airport and railway station. Getting around Goa on a motorbike or scooty is also a reliable choice. This is one of the most economical ways to tour the Goa city at your leisure. Carry your Identification proof for hiring a self-drive car, scooty or motorbike.

Goa is a popular tourist destination in India. If you are wondering fabout what to see in Goa, you should know that there are an endless number of things to see in Goa. Some of the best Goa attractions are Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, and Candolim Beach - all of which are integral parts of Goa tourism. If you have time and want to know what to see in Goa, you can visit Arambol Beach, Fort Aguada, Chapora Fort, Vagator Beach, Colva Beach, and Vasco. In case you want to know other things to see in Goa, you can check out our 'Places to Visit in Goa' section. Must go places in Goa include enjoying nightlife at Baga and Candolim, and casinos on River Mandovi. Some of the best tourist places in Goa are in North Goa, so, stay in North Goa if you want to stay near touristy areas. However, if you want to experience the calmness and peace of the city, you should visit South Goa. There are endless Goa travel places and Tripoto's travel guide can help you plan a suitable trip.

Apart from beach and party galore, Goa tourism offers some of the best beach shacks for foodies. If you're looking for north Indian and continental cuisine, then you must visit Curlies at Anjuna, Brittos at Baga, Villa Blanche at Vagator, Café Chocolatti at Candolim, and Martin's Corner at Betalbatim in Goa. Try out French cuisine at La Plage at Ashwem. While in Goa city, you should also visit Thalassa at Siolim, Sublime at Assagao, and Bean Me Up at Vagator for Chinese, and Mediterranean food along with salads. For the best seafood and traditional Goan cuisine, visit Cape Town Café at Baga Goa beach. You can check out Goa's map to locate these Goa beach shacks to satiate your stomach when in Goa city.

Goa Tourism is growing with the help of reliable tour operators. We have shortlisted these top tour operators for the best places to visit in Goa and things to do in Goa.
HOHO Goa - 7447473495, Goa Darshan Tour & Travels - 9689189615 and Sunny Holidays Goa - 9326555333 

Goa has a lot of stunning places that you must visit on your trip to Goa. If you are wondering about the best places to visit in Goa, then you must explore Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Candolim Beach, Vagator Beach, Sinquerim Beach and Anjuna Beach. These beaches are known for their breathtaking vistas and a huge number of shacks which serve lip-smacking Goan cuisine. Parties are also held at these beaches frequently, and world-renowned DJs become a party of those psychedelic nights. These parties are among the best things to see in goa and have given a boost to Goa tourism. If you like natural landscapes and would like to know what to see in Goa, you can visit Dudhsagar Falls, Harvalem Falls, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Some of the lesser-known spots contribute to off-beat Goa tourism and add to the state’s popularity. If you are a history lover, we have a list for you regarding where to go in Goa. You can get acquainted with the Portugal influences by visiting tourist attractions in Goa like Fort Aguada, Chapora Fort and Cabo de Rama. You can go on a shopping spree at Anjuna Flea Market. Experience the religious fervour in Goa by visiting the best tourist places in Goa like Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church.

Goa has 3 main places - North Goa, South Goa, and Panjim, consisting of various types of accommodation options for different types of travellers. In fact owing to the growing popularity of Goa tourism, now travellers can choose anything from high-end to budget options. Also, your purpose of stay in Goa will help you choose the best places to stay in Goa. If you're looking for a vibrant Goa beach experience, then North Goa is a good choice. Panjim will offer you a cultural touch along with various water sports. If you wish to relax and spend time peacefully, then South Goa is the place for you. Thirdly, if you're travelling with a group, then you can look for homestays and villas in Goa city. This will help you to save money and enjoy the trip at your leisure. Furthermore, the duration of your trip also affects the choice of the best places to stay in Goa city. Based on these factors, you can figure out where to stay in Goa. You can look out for hostels if you're travelling for more days with less number of people. Check out the detailed information on best hotels in Goa at Tripoto that will definitely help your purpose.

Holiday Inn, Goa is a famous beach hotel in Goa located near Mobor Beach in Cavelossim at Salcette. Holiday Inn is one of the best goa tourism hotels and is listed amongst the top hotels in Goa city. This hotel in Goa also offers a non-alcoholic welcome drink for greeting the travellers. Some of the activities at Holiday Inn includes Aqua Zorbing, Pool Table, Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis and more. Facilities and amenities offered by Holiday Inn, Goa provides access to swimming pool, well-equipped gym area, luggage room facility, safe deposit locker in the room, Wi-Fi and more. Being one of the best places to stay in Goa, Holiday Inn is a disabled friendly hotel that provides wheelchairs for disabled people.

Goa tourism offers a wide number of experiences for travellers visiting Goa city. Check out this list of the best places to visit in Goa and things to do in Goa.

Visit Calangute beach, explore history of Fort Aguada, try out Deltin Royale Casino, discover the famous fort: Chapora Fort, explore Basilica of Bom Jesus, visit Pandava Caves and Arvalem Waterfall, seek divine at Mangeshi Temple, witness natural beauty at Dudhsagar Falls, take sunbath at Ashwem & Arossim Beach and shop at Arpora Night Market.