Goa: Go Goa
Goa, one of the world’s most visited beach destinations, is perhaps India’s best known state and is also considered to be one of the world’s best holiday destinations. Goa’s tourist infrastructure is well-developed and is in line with the state’s beautiful geography and clean environs. On weekends (especially, long weekends), Goa is thronged by hundreds of urban dwellers, who come to take a dip in the sea water and soak in some sun. On less-crowded days (which are increasingly becoming rarer), Goa is ideal for long swims and walks; one can also avail of the many water sports options available at the beach.
Places to visit in Goa
Most of Goa’s 125 km long coastline is dotted with beaches, and these get crowded the more you approach the centre.
North Goa beaches include:
- Arambol
- Morjim
- Chapora
- Vagator
- Anjuna
- Baga
- Calangute
- Candolim
- Sinquerim
- Bambolim
- Miramar
- Dona Paula Goa
South Goa beaches include:
- Bogmalo
- Majorda
- Colva
- Benaulim
- Varca
- Cavelossim
- Mobor
- Canaguinim
- Agonda
- Palolem
Goa’s wildlife is among the best in the country and is very well preserved (most of it that is). Goa has a high snake population; this, however, is not a cause for worry as the reptile brigade tends to leave humans alone.
The many wildlife reserves in Goa include:
- Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
- Molem Wildlife Sanctuary
- Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
- Madei Wildlife Sanctuary
- Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
- Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary
- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
The many authentic Goan villages dotting every nook and corner of the state are also a definite must visit. These villages are perfect representatives of the idyllic laid-back Goan lifestyle that makes Goa what it is. Further, being the most-visited tourist destination in India, Goa has perhaps among the best tourist infrastructure in the country. Goa is a former Portuguese colony and as such is quite blessed with Portuguese-style colonial architecture. Goa has plenty of Portugal-styled churches and colonial era government buildings, which are in use even today. Further, there are many other beaches within the vicinity of Goa; these too make for excellent getaways.
Goa- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
English and Hindi are widely spoken in the region surrounding the Goa, and as such communication should not be a problem. Cuisine catering to all tastes and stomachs is readily available in Goa. Many tour operators cover the Goa as part of their Goa tours. The waters surrounding the Goa are rich in aquatic life and make for excellent fishing points. In some cases, diving too is a good option.
Best time to visit
Goa can be visited any time of the year. However, during the monsoons, that is, between the months of June and September, one may not be able to soak up a whole lot of sun. Further, as Goa is decently accessible from the major towns and cities of the region, it has become one of the country’s premier weekend getaways. Consequently, Goa is not so secluded during the weekends. Also, Goa gets very crowded during the months of November and December when tourists from all over the world throng its beaches. Further, even the most secluded of seafronts and beaches may not be that empty. If, however, one digs trance and beach parties, Goa is the place to be, especially during the New Year’s.
Best way to reach
- By Air: Dabolim Airport, located bang in the middle of Goa, is the most convenient airport. Dabolim is one of India’s most prominent domestic airports, and is connected via daily flights to Mumbai, Delhi, Mysore, Pune, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Chennai and Hyderabad. You get cabs right outside the airport to any destination you want to go.
- By Rail: Madgaon is one of the more important railway stations in the Indian Railways and Konkan Railways network and as such is well-connected to the major cities in the country.
- By Road: The road network within Goa is rather excellent and all the important cities and other beach resorts in the region are well connected. Local transport largely consists of non-metered auto rickshaws, unregulated and regulated buses and hitch-hiking. Perhaps, the best way to enjoy Goa is by hiring a motorbike.
- By Sea: Goa is one of the most important cruise ships destinations in India, and during the peak season many cruise ships make a visit to the region.
Accommodation
Hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are available to suit all budgets. Goa abounds in family vacation beach resorts, beach retreats, beach vacation homes, beach hotels and beach houses. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via beach holiday packages, beach tours and beach holidays. A very interesting feature of Goa is that there are many beach camps and beach resorts that dot all over the long sandy stretch. Many such beach camps and beach resorts offer private beaches that are out of bounds for outsiders.