Goa Tourism

Why visit Goa?

Goa is a unique escape that offers something special. Whether it is a lazy day on the sand, a fascinating wildlife exploration, a cultural element, heart racing adventurous activity, or a slice of geographical wonder you won’t find elsewhere. So if you are looking for an inspiration to set your mood to finally book a ticket to Goa, we have picked five reasons for you to visit Goa this year.

Relaxing environment

This has the number one reason why so many people travel to this lovely place. You might find beaches at many other places in India, but the cosmopolitan crowd and ‘nobody gives a damn’ attitude of this place attracts the people most. Nobody is judging you for anything, and you can have a hell of fun time with your friends, family, or even alone. You can just spend an entire day sitting beside the sea while sipping on your favorite drink.

Beaches

Now, there can be many other places with beaches in India, but if you are looking for the one with safe and calm waters, Goa has some of the most serene shorelines in India. While most popular ones can be really crowded, some beaches in the far south or even far north are unspoiled. Mandrem and Ashwem in the north and Palolem and Agonda in the south are some of the least crowded beaches in Goa. There are around thirty beaches lining the state, so you will definitely find a place for yourself.

Food

If you are traveling to Goa, try out the Goan Cuisine that offers delectable local flavors with a hint of Portuguese influence. You can try different types of seafood, rice, and coconut-based dishes that are mouthwatering.

There is nothing better than trying out the freshly cooked seafood or even Dosa while you wait for the sun to go down. Bistro, Cafe Cotinga, Curlies are just a few names where you can splurge on your favorite dish or let your taste buds try out something new. You can also try out some offbeat restaurants in Goa like Ku, Mum’s Kitchen, and Bean Me Up. You will be surprised how the aroma of a meal can overpower your sense of being.

Architecture and Colorful Streets

Goa bears some of the most magnificent churches that tell about the prowess of the architectural expertise of people from history. The streets are filled with colorful and beautiful residences that speak a lot about the influence Portuguese left on this place. The quiet roads are fun to travel on, and you can just hire a cab or scooter to explore the nearby villages, spice plantations, and some unconventional places at travel on your own terms.

Pulsating Nightlife

Whether it’s clubs, bars, pubs, festivals, or anything else, Goa has it all. Nightlife in Goa is not for the ones with strict curfews, but if you want to enjoy Goa with its fun late-night parties, hungover mornings, and one hell of a good time, Goa offers endless options. Everything here is beautiful and including the wine and beer.

You could even find some places offering the cheapest cold beer with a great ambiance that allows you to enjoy Goa at its best. Who knows you might decide to show some of your moves on the dance floor? Some would even call this party culture overhyped or overrated, but you know it’s not, once you are here.

Best time to visit Goa

Goa is our country’s marvel that captivates each individual with terrific beaches and unique culture. It has been attracting people, especially youth from all around the country. It is one of the most desirable places to go-to in the bucket list of most of the people who are planning to travel.

Now before you decide to hit the road, make sure that you have got all your facts right and know the best time to visit Goa. Although Goa is never dull, some seasons have the advantage due to better climatic conditions and festivals that are celebrated during certain months.

Goa receives most of the tourists between the months of November to March due to Christmas and New Year’s celebration. However, do not be discouraged to visit Goa during the offseason. You can steal some holiday deals at really cheap prices, which you will find at exorbitant prices in the peak season.

Monsoon season can also offer you the opportunity to indulge in some beautiful treks and excursions. So if you are a nature enthusiast, do not miss this season.

If you are finding it difficult to decide, we have put all the details for you below –

Peak Season

The months between October to March are packed with tourists. The climate during this time is pleasant and beaches remain cooler. Also, the festivities charms people into planning the holiday during this time of the month. All the hotels and restaurants provide all the facilities and despite being expensive,  you will be able to enjoy some of the best concerts and festivals during this time of the year.

Needless to say, December and January can be really overwhelming due to the amazing party scene during Christmas and New Year’s Eve. You can witness one of the craziest events where both national and international DJ’s will compel you to rock your body all night long.

Best Months – mid-December to mid-January

Climate – Temperature around is time is about 30 degrees Celsius with a relative humidity that ranges from 33% to 85%. It is the perfect time to go for some adventure sports and sightseeing without worrying about the weather. There is hardly any chance of rainfall at this time of the year.

What you should be planning to do?

Goa is at its full charm during peak season. However, if you are looking for a quiet place, you will be disappointed. Still, if you do want to search for someplace where you can spend your trip in isolation, try some of the unconventional places that most of the travelers miss when they come to Goa. Nevertheless, if you are here to be the part of the crowd and enjoy the Goan culture to the fullest, this is the best time to witness it.

Things you can do –      

• Enjoy unique beaches and dazed ambiance.
• Visit some of the most magnificent churches of this country and get a chance to spot the most celebrated Christmas festival.
• Indulge in the colorful merriment of the Goa Carnival
• Tap your feet in the celebrations of Mando festival and have a scrumptious food at the Feast of Saint Francis Xavier.
• Don’t forget to enjoy some of the adventurous activities like snorkeling and deep-sea fishing.
• Other activities can be visiting a casino, tasting one of the best and authentic wines, visiting spice plantations, or simply shop around and bargain to steal some deal at cheap prices. 

Off-Season

Budget holiday trips are in trend these days and many solo travelers are finding ways to travel to different places and still managing to do it with style without putting a hole in their pocket. One of the best ways to save a lot of money on hotel bookings and airplane tickets is to travel to the place in an offseason. Everything during the offseason is ridiculously cheap and you might as well get even a luxurious hotel at a discounted price.

Also, Goa is way less crowded at this time and you can actually enjoy isolation at one of the most popular beaches which otherwise would be brimming with people.

However, the downside to this season is the hot and humid climate and absence of festivities and activities that are available only during the peak season.

Off-season months – May to September

Climate – Climate is at its worst during these months. The month of May is the hottest and June onwards, the combination of humidity and high temperature make it hot and sweaty. However, the rainy season that starts from June puts down the temperature to some extent and you will be surprised how well the rainy Goa can treat you with its amazing greenery and cold breeze.

What you should be planning to do?

Goa is a place where the party never stops. While most of the clubs in the offseason are hibernating and have minimal activity, there are some places that organize parties and fun activities during this season. Some popular beaches like Calangute and Baga remain open throughout the year and will not disappoint you with the quality of their services.

Things you can do –

• Witnessing the sun going down the sea never gets boring and out of season. You can still enjoy the breeze and the sparkling sand with your loved ones.
• Try different delectable dishes from Goan cuisines and explore some amazing food joints in Goa, surprise your taste buds with ‘I have never had something like this’ kind of meal. Have you ever heard of Curly’s on Anjuna or Britto’s on Baga? If not, why not go and find out yourself?
• Know about the Goan culture by participating in the Chikhalkar festival. It’s a local festival celebrated in Marcel. Similarly, Sao Joao is another fun festival that is remarkably colorful and you would be compelled to tap your feet on the tunes of the local music. Did we mention you get to get drunk on feni and jump into ponds?

Rainy Season 

Rain gods put relief on Goa’s soaring high temperature and make the overall weather bearable and to some extent, even pleasant. Although you cannot venture into seas due to high swell in the sea, you can certainly enjoy the rivers that come out of its dormancy during this time of the year. Also, it is the best time to witness nature blooming to its zenith making you feel like you have entered a luxury to trip to heaven. Again, the crowd is way lesser than it is in the peak season, allowing you to actually enjoy your own company in peace.

Rainy months – Between June to September

Climate – The cool drops of rain puts down day temperature to 30°C. Nights can be much cooler with a temperature between 22 degrees to 24 degrees Celsius. It rains about 325 cms and rains almost every day during this time.

What you should be planning to do?

Monsoon brings out the best of Goa’s biodiversity, the waterfalls are at its full, rivers are exuberant, and the landscape turns more colorful with a green background. Rain brings out the vibe of romance and juvenility in the atmosphere. So, why not explore something different?

Things to do? 

• Explore some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the rainy season. Trek through the forests and hear about some amazing stories of the jungle from locals.
• Get your heart racing while rafting through the waves of the river. The rains are only going to double your excitement as water swells up during monsoons.
• Although you can’t enter the sea when it’s rough, you can enjoy the view from a distance and take in the breeze breaking the silence of the place.

Water sports season

 If you are looking for some adventure, Goa can be the right vacation spot for you. In Spite of a pretty laid-back atmosphere, there are many adventure activities that will compel you to scream your heart out. The months between October to May are pretty neutral in terms of weather. Rain is long gone, and the sea is calm enough to be safe for adventure activities.

Water sports activities

If you are planning to indulge in some adventure activities, make sure you go through our list –

Scuba Diving – Dive into the sea to explore the marine life and experience a whole different view of nature. Scuba Diving is available at Bats island and Grande Island.

Parasailing – If you want to fly, let Goa give you wings. Fly high to the extent that you can view the entire coastline and experience the thrill of the magnificent sea below you.

Water Skiing – Sliding through the waves of the sea can be quite an exhilarating experience if you are into water skiing. Let nothing stop you from enjoying the best moments of your life.

Swimming – How about simply relaxing while swimming through the tides? Nothing can be better than enjoying a warm and gleaming day that includes stroking your best moves in the open seawater.

There are a lot more activities like kayaking, banana ride, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, etc.

The most popular beaches in North goa are :

• Calangute Beach
• Baga Beach
• Anjuna Beach
• Arambol
• Vagator
• Morjim
• Candolim
• Sinquerim
• Ashwem
• Dona Paula
• Miramar

Famous Beaches in Sout Goa Are

• Majorda
• Colva
• Palolem
• Agonda
• Bogmalo