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Guide to Goa, India
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Goa
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Goa Goa, one of the most liberal destinations in India, where its people accept foreigners with open arms, and dont mind (sometimes actually enjoy) diverse beliefs and opinions of their cultures or others elsewhere. The landscape is scenic, with multitudes of beaches big and small, crowded and secluded. Most of the people here in Goa are Hindus, though a sizeable portion of the population is a wide range of people, from secular, to atheist, to devote Catholic or Muslim. Travelers frequent Goa for the beaches and for the sights, the societal warmth here makes you yearn to stay.
When to go:
Much of the population of Goa lives by the beach, and youll experience the best weather there and throughout much of the inner reaches of the country by visiting during the October February time period. At other times of the year, youll be dodging environmental obstacles from torrential rains to simmering heat. Though its more comfortable in winter, that means most travelers visit during that time too, so you might as well check and double check your plans and reservations to ensure you a safe and worry-free trip.
Getting there and around:
Goas international and domestic flight hub, Dabolim Airport, receives many flights direct from the UK and Germany. Otherwise, youll probably have to find a flight that stops over in Bombay, Delhi, or a few other highly-frequented Indian destinations.
Getting into Goa is simple, with your choice of bus, taxi, or car rental. Car rentals are not advised, as traffic can get hectic and its just another nuisance to have to be behind the wheel as well. Traveling around Goa is ideal if you have the license and paperwork to operate a motorcycle. The landscape and the air are ideal for open road excursions. However, if you dont carry these, then theres always the Goan taxi. We dont recommend taking the bus, unless you enjoy stuffy and cramped buses.
Attractions:
The villages up and down the Goan coastline are fantastic to visit, travel through, or even stay in each one for a few days at a time.
Start at Anjuna. Here youll find very organic people living simple lives, and there are more hippies, artists, and philosophers here than anyone else. The reason we pick Anjuna to be the first stop is its Wednesday flea market. Everything is on sale here, and you can pick up quite unique and eccentric trinkets and pieces, and even some essential items for your days in Goa. You can watch some beautiful sunsets along the beaches or from any number of relaxing outdoor restaurants. You can also walk along the beach for some time and come upon a quite cozy and less frequented spot.
The next village on your list should be Chapora. Youll find lots of coconut palm trees, and a great mix of farmyards, fishing boats and resorts. Its on the Chapora River too, so the landscape of rocky cliffs and sandy coves provides a picturesque setting for a stroll alongside the water.
Old Goa is a fantastic place to visit as well. Here you will not find many people, but the people that do inhabit this area are mostly Christian. Most of the buildings are crumbling or abandoned, but the ones that stand out the most are the churches and cathedrals. Youll find the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the tomb of St Francis Xavier exists, and the beautiful Portuguese-Gothic Se Cathedral. The Golden Bell that it holds is rung three times a day. Some of the other churches here have fantastic woodwork and intricate tiling, all worth a look.
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