The best goa resorts in india. The best resorts in India. Which Goa resort to choose. Hotels and accommodation

Goa is a resort state on the southwest coast of India. Goa is more than a hundred kilometers of golden beaches with coconut palms on the shore, these are noisy parties on and comfortable hotels on, these are old Hindu and Portuguese temples, these are the bright colors of the night market and an incredible palette of taste in a plate of seafood generously seasoned with curry...

Goa is a state of delight, where whole families come "for the winter" or just once having visited, they return again and again.

Weather

Goa is a year-round resort, the air temperature here does not fall below +20 °C. There are three main seasons: summer, winter and munsun (rainy season). Moonsun starts in June and lasts until September, winter (tourist) lasts from late October to early April, summer - from May to September.

Months are the best time to visit Goa October to March. The air temperature at this time ranges from +21 to +32 °C. At this time, there is no stuffiness and exhausting heat, which begins in April.

Hotels

There are many hotels in Goa of various categories - from luxurious hotel complexes with a huge territory to small hostels with a single proud star in. "Stars" are very conditional and are very different from European ones. In Goa, as in Thailand, most tourists stay in two- or three-star hotels.

Hotel features

Resorts

The state of Goa is divided into three parts - Northern, Central and. They differ greatly from each other in the level of service and a set of entertainment. is considered a respectable resort where wealthy Europeans rest; chosen by budget travelers and creative youth; Central Goa combines the properties of other parts of the state and is a major transport hub: there are an airport, a railway station, a port, and bus stations.

north goa

Large spacious beach, many nightclubs and bars, there is an interesting flea market.

The beach is spacious, there are several bars. There are parties in the evenings. Rest is suitable for noisy companies and active youth. Located farthest from the airport.

1.5 km away from the sea. Lots of expensive comfortable hotels. Suitable for tourists with children.

A wide beach with volcanic sand, separated from the village by a river. Relatively quiet resort, suitable for families with children.

The oldest resort in all of Goa. Suitable for any type of holiday. The beach is wide and there is a river nearby.

Popular with creative youth. Known for its nightly parties. There are several beaches, with a rocky shore.

The most famous beach of all Goa and the most popular resort. Large range of hotels

Quiet resort with expensive hotels. The beach is sandy, wide, right on it stands the Portuguese fort of Aguada. Located closest to the airport.

Situated between two rivers. Accommodation of tourists is mainly in bungalows.

Quiet resort with good infrastructure. Popular with Russian tourists.

A small quiet village with budget hotels and a clean beach.

Small village next to the airport. Very clean white sand beaches, mid-range hotels.

Large resort with spacious beaches and a good selection of hotels. Quiet place, suitable for relaxation.

A secluded village with a very good level of service in hotels. Spacious clean beach suitable for families with children.

A popular resort with good infrastructure and budget hotels.

Popular resort. Suitable for families with small children. Located closest to the airport.

A resort with good infrastructure and expensive hotels. Surrounded on three sides by water.

One of the most beautiful beaches in all of Goa. Located farthest from the airport. One of the most expensive resorts.

Small village with a beautiful beach. Very quiet resort, suitable for lovers of solitude

Attractions

Acquaintance with Goa among tourists usually begins at Dabolim Airport, in the city of Vasco da Gama. The city is named after the famous discoverer-navigator. The Portuguese heritage is well preserved in this Indian state and there is always something for tourists to see.

Both in and in have their own set of attractions. Excursion routes are organized to all the sights, they are conveniently accessible from any corner of Goa.

For example, in Old Goa(city in) beautiful cathedrals, ruins of churches and narrow streets have been preserved. In Panaji, the capital of Goa, you should definitely wander around the old district of Fontainehas and see the architectural complex of Largo da Igreja. The Portuguese forts of Aguada and Alorna are also at the top of the list of attractions in Goa. The fortress of Aguada is located on the outskirts of Candolim beach - after sunbathing and swimming, you can look at this ancient stronghold.

On Wednesdays and Fridays in Goa, grandiose markets. On Friday, you need to go to Mapusa to bargain and buy plenty of bright clothes, souvenirs, painted plates, spices, incense and a lot of what your heart desires. There is a flea market in Anjuna - it opens every Wednesday in the early morning and rages until sunset.

The largest Christian temple in Asia - the cathedral Cathedral of Saint Catherine (Old Goa). The relics of the baptist of Asia, St. Francis, can be seen in the Basilica of Jesus, one of the most famous churches not only in Goa, but throughout India.

The most popular excursions in Goa - in spice garden "Savoy" and to the waterfalls. Spice plantations are not only interesting, but also very informative, and also delicious, because every tourist will be sure to be fed with dishes generously seasoned with curry and fragrant herbs. There are a lot of spice plantations in Goa, "Savoy" is located 23 km from the capital of the state of Panaji. Dudhsagar waterfall overthrows streams of water from a height of more than 300 meters! It is also called the "milky ocean" - for the white color of the water. The waterfall is located in the eastern part of Goa, you can get to it in a few hours by bus.

In the Cotigao Reserve, you can wander through the multi-story jungle. The reserve is located 12 km from the beach in.

Goa has many centers ayurveda where you can create your own healing program with herbs, massages and potions based on natural ingredients.

Transport

Most tourists rent bike and roam around the state. For rent, you will need to leave a deposit in foreign currency (from 60 to 200 dollars). A driver's license is rarely required. Traffic in Goa, as in all of India, is chaotic, so we recommend that you brush up on your driving skills in advance and be extremely careful on the roads. There are almost no gas stations in Goa, gasoline can be bought from hand in roadside tents and shops (sold in ordinary water bottles).

Those who do not dare to ride a bike in India use the services Taxi. Taxis are quite expensive, all areas are divided between taxi drivers. Almost no one has a counter.

Another option for moving between Goa resorts is bus. This message in India is very developed, buses call even in the most remote villages. Travel in them is very cheap (from 5 to 40 rupees), locals use it with pleasure. The amount of the fee depends on the distance of the trip. The buses are old, they have no air conditioning, the windows are protected by bars (from monkeys).

There is no direct communication between the resorts of Goa, you need to go with a transfer at the bus station (in Mapusa, Panaji or Margao). The buses do not have numbers, the route is written in the local language, but the conductors and drivers loudly announce the direction at the bus stops. By the way, there are no stops in the usual sense, the bus stops on demand anywhere. Intervals of buses - on average 1 time in 15 minutes.

A trip on an Indian bus is like an attraction - a bright old bus rushes through the jungle to Indian music, the conductor jokes with passengers, women in bright saris laugh ...

Goa bus stations

Souvenirs

Most of the souvenirs that tourists bring from trips to Goa are ethnic. Often they buy saris (national Indian women's clothing) and bloomers (loose pants), textiles (bed linen, bedspreads, towels), jewelry with gems, incense sticks, henna. A good souvenir will be spices, toothpaste with red pepper, natural cosmetics brand "Hymalaya". Sandalwood and ebony deity figurines start at $3.

Lamb stewed in milk with curry, meatballs in spicy yogurt, chicken in orange sauce with herbs are popular. famous for its abundance of vegetarian dishes, such as rice cakes or curried lentil dumplings (dosa and samba). Vegetables are served with curry and rice.

Seafood and fish in Goa are incredibly popular. Fish is fried on fire, baked in dough, stewed in curry yoghurt... Try maylai - shrimp with constant curry and coconut. Perfectly refreshing in the heat is the drink dhai - curdled milk with spices. Alcohol is sold freely in Goa, local “moonshine” called “feni” is made here - this is fermented coconut juice and cashews.

Good to know

• All tourists arrive at Dabolim Airport. The flight from Moscow takes approximately 7.5 hours.
• Time in Goa is 2.5 hours ahead of Moscow.
• In Goa, Indian Konkani, Portuguese and English are spoken.
• Sockets in Goa do not differ from Russian ones.
• The currency in Goa, as elsewhere in India, is the rupee. There are 100 paise in one rupee. In January 2020, 1 rupee is equal to 87 Russian kopecks.
• From India to Russia, you can take out duty-free no more than 3 liters of alcohol per person who has reached the age of 18, up to 5 liters - with the payment of a fee.
• Thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits bought in the markets. Drink only bottled water.

Everything you need to know about going to Goa in 2020! Reviews of tourists, pros and cons. Prices for tours, hotels, food. The best resorts and beaches. Useful tips.

Goa is the smallest, most Europeanized and most touristic state of India. After a vacation in Goa, someone is imbued with eternal love for him, some even leave to live, and you can’t lure someone else with gingerbread. We will tell you everything you need to know about your vacation in Goa, and you decide whether to go there or not.

When is the best time to go to Goa

High season. According to reviews, the best time to go to Goa is November to March. The peak season, when the state is crowded with tourists and prices skyrocket, is December-February. The weather is perfect: almost no precipitation, comfortable humidity. Water temperature +28...+29°С, air temperature during the day +33...+34°С, at night about +22...+24°С. It can be chilly in the evenings by the sea, so take a light sweater with sleeves.

Low season. Some go to rest in Goa in the low season - so you can save money and relax in silence. For example, in April the weather is still good, it only gets hotter and the wind intensifies, and there are already fewer tourists.

This is the high season weather in Goa (Photo © Sergi Hill / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Tours in Goa in 2020

Prices are for two people with departure from Moscow.

The most expensive vacation in Goa is for the New Year and Catholic Christmas. Prices jump sharply, and the minimum prices for tours to the cheapest hotels 1-2 * cost from 90 thousand rubles per week, and in 4-5 * - from 150 thousand!

Much cheaper in January: a week-long vacation in Goa in budget hotels costs from 40 thousand, in 4-5 * - from 90 thousand. Prices for vouchers for 11 nights are only slightly higher - by 10-20 thousand, and sometimes they are the same price as tours for a week!

In February and March, vouchers are a little more expensive: a week in inexpensive hotels - from 45-50 thousand rubles, in 4-5 * - from 70-90 thousand rubles.

Advice. Always compare the cost of tours for a week and for 11 days - sometimes the prices are the same or the difference is small. Also look for last-minute tours - there are especially many of them in Goa.

How much are tickets to Goa

Minimum prices for air tickets to Goa from Moscow and back in winter and spring - 23-28 thousand rubles per person. Flying from St. Petersburg is almost twice as expensive - from 42 thousand rubles. In the range of 42-45 thousand rubles are tickets from Voronezh, Novosibirsk, Kazan, Perm, Krasnoyarsk, Ufa and Samara.

Insurance. Before traveling to India, we advise you to buy a medical policy for your peace of mind. Take out insurance on sites or - they compare prices from all major insurance companies. You can choose a policy according to the parameters you need and the best price. The policy costs from 450 rubles for 10 days.

Do Russians need a visa for Goa?

Yes, a visa is required. It can be obtained online, upon arrival (if you fly on a tour) or issued in advance. According to reviews, most tourists draw up e-visa in Goa online is the easiest and most convenient solution. You send documents and pay the fee, and you will be sent a document by e-mail, which you need to print and show to the officer at the airport. Valid for 60 days. Price - $100 + $2 for card payment.

South or North Goa - what to choose?

North and South Goa are very different! Find out how to choose the best resort.

south goa: expensive and quiet rest. South Goa is almost 2.5 times larger than its northern counterpart in terms of area and 3 times in length of coastline. There are excellent sandy beaches, clear water and mountains. In the reviews, tourists advise families with children and those who want privacy to go to South Goa - there are fewer people here, but hotels are mostly expensive.

north goa: budget and party rest. In the north of the state, there are beaches with grayish sand of volcanic origin, not as beautiful as in the south. The infrastructure here is better developed, there is more choice of housing - from luxury hotels to cheap guesthouses. And if lovers of secluded relaxation prefer the south, noisy parties and nightlife are seething in the north. Mostly unpretentious audience comes here, their goal is entertainment. It was this part of the state that was once chosen by hippies in the 60s of the last century.

Formerly a hippie vacation spot, now it is a popular crowded beach with hotels and restaurants. Locals like to visit Calangute, it is never empty. Around - palm groves, at the entrance rises the dome of the temple. There is also an art gallery with works by local artists. According to reviews of holidays in Goa, the main drawback of this beach is a lot of crowds and the obsession of local merchants.

Candolim beach

The beach is clean and not as crowded as Calangute. It's just that the descent to it is quite steep. Candolim is considered more prestigious: locals rarely come here, more often foreigners.

According to tourists, this beach in Goa is very fond of Indians and families come to relax. Basically, they crowd at the main entrances, so move 200-300 meters to the side - there are fewer people there.

Betalbatim beach

Well suited for family and relaxing holidays, several hotels and shacks on almost 1.5 km of sandy strip. The most popular among our tourists is Nanu Resort Goa.

This beach is loved by Russians. Prices on Morjim are higher, but the infrastructure is developed - new bungalows, excellent restaurants, always well-groomed territory. The wave is good for surfing and kiting. All hotels are located in a green area a kilometer from Morjim.

Arambol beach

A beach with fine sand of white and golden color, around - cottages and huts. There is also a yoga center here. Arambol is popular with surfers and hippies, but the place is quite calm and peaceful.

Ashvem beach

Ashvem is calm and not crowded. Shallow warm backwater and shacks with varied cuisine. According to reviews, relaxing on this beach in Goa is better for romantics and families with children.

(Photo © Natesh Ramasamy / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)

Goa hotel reviews and prices - 2020

Hotels in South Goa are better than hotels in the north. But in North Goa there are many budget housing. The range of housing prices in the state is huge: you can rent a double room from $8 per night to $400-500 and even more.

There are many hotels here - choose for every taste! The cost of a simple double room near the coast starts from $8-9 per night, many accommodations are in the range of $10-30. Pay attention to hotel ratings and reviews - this is especially important in India.

Prices for hotels in Goa in high season 2020 for double occupancy:

Bad hotels. Tourists left a lot negative reviews about the Valentines Retreat in Candolim: old furniture and bathroom, poor food and poor service, it is better not to use laundries. Complain about the hotel The Golden Palms Colva 4 * - poor service, worn-out furniture, unpretentious food, which in the summer due to the influx of Indian tourists becomes too spicy.

Food prices in Goa - 2020

According to reviews, prices in Goa pleasantly surprise tourists, they are so low here: a portion of soup costs 50-60 rupees, rice with chicken 100-150 rupees, shrimp - 150 rupees, tea - about 30 rupees, juice - from 50 rupees. True, for a lobster you will have to pay at least 1200 rupees. .

The main catering establishment is a beach shack (shek). Kitchen shed with everything you need, in front of it - a terrace and tables for visitors. So primitive, but so delicious! There are dishes of Indian, Chinese, European cuisine, definitely seafood, chicken, rice, juices.

In reviews of food in Goa, tourists call Cafe Maitree in Arambol the best and frankly expensive - check the price of the dish in advance. If you feel homesick, go to Home Cafe Dacha in Arambol where you can eat for 300-500 rupees. Rainbow Bar is popular in Morjim - tasty, inexpensive, good service, the average check is 500 rupees.

Find out where else you can inexpensively relax and live.

Quite small, it is territorially divided into two parts - North and South Goa. The resorts of North Goa are very different from those of South Goa in terms of pricing policy, level of infrastructure, tourists who prefer one or another coast of India, and other criteria that should be discussed in more detail.

The best resorts in South Goa

The beaches of South Goa are very exotic, have white sand, beautiful nature in the surroundings, and also differ from their northern counterpart in more expensive hotels, high prices and vacationers who are not used to spending money. The hotel complexes of the southern coast are as close as possible in terms of service level to European expensive chain hotels, as often stated by numerous reviews of tourists. There are much fewer vacationers in this part of India than in the north, so the beaches are not crowded, they are distinguished by a calm and measured atmosphere.
Consider the most famous and popular resorts in the south of Goa, about which only positive reviews can be heard.
Resort Majordawhose beach line stretches for a distance of about 30 kilometers, is considered one of the best in India. Despite the fact that the sand of these places leaves much to be desired and does not have a pleasant yellow tint (it is rather gray), the nature here is beautiful, and the palm thickets and fruit groves framing the beach, occasionally descending to the water itself, completely make you forget about small disadvantages of the resort area. The Majorda resort consists of 11 small villages with a single beach area. There are good road connections between the settlements, and public buses run daily.

The busiest and noisiest among the quiet resorts of southern Goa is Colva, the oldest and largest resort, preserving the colonial style, replete with fishermen's huts. The most crowded is the central beach. "Zest" Colva - sea restaurants, standing on stilts - like huts on chicken legs. The cuisine here is amazing, and there is also a bit of nightlife at the Ziggis and Splash clubs. Among vacationers in Colva, young people and couples without children prevail, although other categories are found.

Majorda

The most exotic resort of South Goa, local beaches are surrounded by coconut palms and other outlandish plants. Holidays in Majorda are calm, but not devoid of activity. Here you can ride on water "devices", play tennis, volleyball, and also taste the fish that you choose. Be sure to try pastries, they are made according to old recipes - with coconut milk.

The narrowest resort in South Goa, but also the most respectable. Stars, politicians and oligarchs like to relax here, including Bill Clinton and Paul McCartney. Still, the location of the resort is a spit with white beaches, surrounded by water on three sides. Most of the establishments in Mobor can be safely classified as luxury.

In a sense, it is the “brother” of Mobor, where mostly respectable people rest. It is quiet, cozy here, dolphins come to visit, you can go on a boat to the sea and taste the freshest seafood that the fishermen will catch before your eyes. Tourists also have the opportunity to fish themselves, and then order dinner prepared from their own catch.

Palolem

This resort is called the "pearl" of the state. Fluffy sand, calm sea - warm like fresh milk, an abundance of palm trees framing the beaches, nice people from all over the world - all this makes you come back here again and again. Due to the popularity of Palolem, it can hardly be called secluded, but it is still quieter here than in the north of Goa. In addition, there is a chance to go trekking, diving, canyoning and snorkeling, as well as communicate with dolphins (although you will have to ask the local sailors to take you to the dolphins by boat, but the inhabitants of Palolem willingly agree, because such a "trick" is their pride).

This part of the state of Goa is the most developed in terms of entertainment, dating, leisure activities and excursions. In the 70s, this area was called the Mecca for hippies. Although those times have passed, the resort area has acquired a different look, has become more comfortable, but most of the tourists arriving in North Goa are young people who love drive, fun, rich relaxation and nightlife. Tourists differ in terms of income, but they agree on the main thing - addictions. There are vacationers and older ones - former hippies, creative personalities and other lovers of life on the move. Join, it will be interesting and fun.

The most Russian resort in India, jokingly referred to as the "Russian village". And this, in fact, is true - almost 80% of vacationers in Morjim are Russians, and some of them live here on a permanent basis, subsisting on rented housing in their homeland. Why is the resort so in demand by compatriots? Why not? Large and yet moderately crowded sandy (no stones) beaches, a gentle, kid-friendly entrance to the sea, a warm atmosphere (there are many couples with babies), no fuss, excellent and inexpensive cuisine, and the opportunity to go windsurfing - what else do you need, to turn life into a permanent holiday?!

If you love partying, then you need to head to Arambol, which is the "epicenter" of entertainment for hippies, freaks, junkies and other outrageous youth. Here you can watch and show, moreover, right on the street, various performances, arrange themed gatherings, do yoga (the local famous yoga center, by the way, belongs to one of our compatriots). The local beach is long, you can find quite secluded corners. Housing - budget, mostly bungalows. There is a round-the-clock party in Arambol, but you will have to look for drinking and dancing, and deluxe rooms in neighboring resorts. However, what is happening here is much more interesting.

Mandrem

"Neighbour" Arambol is a quiet "oasis", where mostly couples with babies and parents rest. This is facilitated by a gentle entrance, the absence of rocks and stones on the beaches, perfect cleanliness and a spacious coastline. The infrastructure here is good: there is a market, an exchange office, a pharmacy, cozy restaurants. Many tourists who have arrived in Tandem are fond of meditation. If you want a dance party, head to neighboring Anjuna or Vagator (the road along the sea will take no more than 20 minutes one way).

Closes the top three hippie resorts Calangute, who was once (in the 60s) the leader among their own kind. You will not find peace here, but extraordinary acquaintances, meditation, yoga, massage - more than enough. There are also karate courses. However, Calangute is not only famous for relaxation sessions, here you can also “break away” at a disco, buy souvenirs (traders at every turn), and also enjoy amazing Indian cuisine. Do not expect special comfort - there are few hotels, the beach is not distinguished by pristine cleanliness, but a settlement in a bungalow or a guesthouse will cost moderately, and you will have a lot of money left for entertainment and shopping. For young people - that's it!

This resort is located in the center of North Goa and is famous primarily for its dance orientation. Despite the imperfection of the local coast (stones, steep descent into the sea, dark sand), Vagator is loved by many, because it is especially beautiful here, nature seems to be frozen in a wild state and there are few people. Accommodation at the resort is comfortable, the restaurants cook wonderfully, you can dance until you drop - why not, if you are energetic, love everything unusual and want to recharge with vivid impressions?!

Anjuna is actually Vagator's "twin". There are also not the best beaches, but fun, a lot of dancing, fun, laughter and unusual emotions. This is one of the rare Indian resorts where you can see a goa trance party. Tourists in Anjuna are moderate, you can even find secluded places on the fluffy sand. With the exception of Wednesday, when merchants and tourists from virtually all over the state come to the village - stock up on souvenirs, outfits and other goods at the famous Flimarket market - the largest in Goa.

The resort abounds with married couples with heirs, because there are comfortable living conditions and there are nannies who entertain crumbs of different ages. Meanwhile, local bungalows and villas are no less popular than large hotels. Aguada is beautiful, cozy, has a good beach and you can walk through the tropical garden, but it’s a bit tight with nightlife, you have to go to neighboring resorts.

The least crowded resort of North Goa, but this does not mean that it is cheap. There is little housing in the resort, so even for renting a bamboo hut you will be charged a decent amount. As they say, you have to pay for silence. Those who want to enjoy solitude, fluffy sand of an unusual dark color, picturesque landscape and local idyll - more than enough, local authorities are not keeping up with the pace in terms of building hotels. Often, tourists who love Ashvem act wisely, making a knight's move - they live in neighboring villages, and come here to relax on the beach. You can follow their lead. The highlight of the Ashvem beaches is white tents with comfortable sofas, where you can enjoy Ayurveda, massage during the day, and parties in the evening.

Sinquerim is known for the oldest beach in Goa, which has been given the status of a reserve. However, the venerable age does not prevent the beach from always keeping its “brand”, for example, offering water entertainment at the level of respectable European resorts. If you want to wallow like seals, and if you want to tighten your shape and recharge your drive, you can go surfing, snorkeling, diving, parasailing, and play volleyball. The service in Sinquerim is impeccable, the infrastructure is impressive, but the prices are appropriate. The beach is not very wide (due to the sand coming ashore from under the famous “River Princess” wreck), but it is comfortable, quiet, not crowded. However, experienced travelers claim that the local authorities will soon deal with the ship.

It is said that the beach in Candolim is the most beautiful in Goa. The resort is replete with decent hotels, shops and restaurants - more expensive than in neighboring resorts. But for such a service it is not a pity to pay more, you will see for yourself. Resting here is a special pleasure, because there is a chance to "get acquainted" with dolphins. They say that Candolim is more like South Goa in terms of atmosphere. There are plenty of couples with children, however, due to the steepness of the descent to the water, parents with little peanuts choose other villages. The highlight of Candolim is a crystal clear pond with huge red lotus flowers. The most beautiful pictures from the rest are obtained in this place. Try it yourself!

Baga

Baga is the "cradle" of local tourism, since it was here in the 20s of the last century that the first vacationers arrived from other countries. True, then most of them were hippies, but now they are travelers of different strata and ages. Pleased with the range of local prices for accommodation and meals: you can find both budget options and luxury services. Baga is famous for its fish restaurants, as well as French and Italian cuisine. One of the brightest entertainments in Baga is a nightly fish barbecue, moreover, fish freshly caught from the sea is used. The resort is also good in terms of shopping, at least in comparison with its "brothers". Every Saturday evening a fair is held in Baga. It cannot be called the largest in Goa, but you can find exclusive souvenirs and replenish your wardrobe with colorful outfits. The beach in Baga can hardly be called large, but a wonderful river flows through the village, in which you can also swim. Children adore her. And experienced tourists insistently advise parents to visit one of the disco-old-timers of the state - the Tito`s nightclub, which appeared almost 45 years ago and has not lost its popularity to this day.

Which goa resort did you like? Or maybe you want to go around a few or even all? Your right, you definitely won’t have to regret such a decision, you’ll see!

The resorts of South Goa are not at all a bustling India, as in the northern part of Goa, because here you will not see crowds of people on the beach, young people having fun. Here is light, almost velvet sand, which is constantly cleaned. Rest on local beaches will give you a mix of peace and exotic at the same time. So, which beaches in Goa are definitely worth a visit? Read more about this.

How to get there

Usually planes arrive at an airport called Dabolim. From here to the place where the location of the popular resorts of South Goa, it is best to go by taking a taxi. The order of transport is carried out at the airport counter, where you can find out the prices for it.

Of course, you can also use public transport. First you need to get from Dabolim to the village of Vasco da Gama. This can be done with an autorickshaw. Further from Vasco da Gama they go by bus to the capital city in the district called Panaji. Then tourists have to get on intercity flights to the Margao junction, and then from this point you can go by autorickshaw to the resort that you need.

South Goa transport

In the southern part of the region, people ride bicycles more than motorcycles, as in the north. The local places are more flat, tourists like to enjoy the view of palm trees on the way to the beach.

If you want to experience the Indian flavor even better, you have the opportunity to chat with the people of Goa using the bus service.

Is it possible to rent a car?

The resorts of South Goa (a description of which you will find below) allow you to rent both motorcycles, bicycles, and a car. But if you expect to see polite drivers on Indian roads, then the local car culture will clearly disappoint you. Here it is customary to honk loudly and cut, so it can be difficult for tourists to drive a car in this region. You can rent a vehicle with a professional driver, but the cost is quite high. For that kind of money you can ride a taxi all day long.

Beaches and popular resorts

If we talk about specific places, then the resorts of South Goa (the list is given below) include many tourist centers. We will tell about them further.

Dona Paula (Goa) is a beach that couples in love especially like to come to. According to local legend, it was named after the daughter of the vice-governor, who, out of grief, jumped into the sea from one of the rocks. She did this because she could not stand the separation from her beloved, whom she was not allowed to see, because he was an ordinary fisherman. This beach has a chic sports club where you can practice water sports.

"Benaulim" (Goa) - these are calm beaches, next to which you can stay in inexpensive hotels. However, this is a rather expensive resort for the average tourist. This place is located near the town of Colva. Goa is perfect for a relaxing holiday. Therefore, here everyone will find something to their liking. "Benaulim" (Goa) is located between the river Sal and the coast of the Arabian Sea.

The most inaccessible beach is considered to be "Betul". This is a place that tourists get to by boat, but it is here that you can try the most delicious mussels in the area.

Colva (Goa) is one of the main tourist centers throughout South Goa, but it is here that you can find an inexpensive hotel and dine in affordable establishments where travelers like to watch entertainment shows in the evenings.

Truly luxurious hotels are located on the strip of coast, which is considered the beach "Palopem". This is one of the best and most famous places in the world. This beach is perfect for a comfortable, truly heavenly vacation.

A long spit of sand called "Mobor" is surrounded by water, so many tourists come to see the beautiful islands and dunes. Don't be upset if you see a sign on one of the beaches stating that it is private property. All land off the coast in India is state, municipal property. Therefore, you can safely relax on the beach.

Souvenirs from Goa

In North Goa, you can buy a lot of souvenirs that will remind you of the atmosphere of warm and mysterious India on cold autumn evenings. Local color is the main commodity, which, as they say, is "in use" in this region. Many tourists buy national costumes (saris and traditional pants), home-made fabrics, and bedspreads embroidered with decorative elements. Bags made of genuine leather, cosmetics of natural origin, and aromatic products are also popular here. In addition, in local shops, sellers offer to buy inexpensive metal jewelry (mainly bronze and silver).

Local kitchen

Basically, the local resorts are popular due to fish delicacies and seafood. Here you can try fresh dishes and dishes prepared according to special recipes from mussels, octopuses, squid, shrimps; eat oysters, lobsters, etc. As for fish, in Goa you can choose from tuna, shark, lamprey, etc. As a rule, seafood is fried, baked and served in combination with vegetables. The sauce is also out of place.

If you are wondering what you can eat in Goa, then on the beaches, locals sell tortillas that are stuffed with vegetables, chicken and fruits.

What to do and what to see in South Goa?

The main attraction of the region is Old Goa. A visit to the ancient capital is included in the list of must-do activities for tourists. There are many architectural monuments in the historical center of the city. Travelers especially like the Church of St. Catherine, visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus, etc.

If you love scuba diving, you will love the island called Bath, where you can see reef creatures in clear water.

Those who prefer outdoor recreation can enjoy a sightseeing trip to Dudhsagar. This is a high waterfall, and near it there is a plantation with spices, which tourists also willingly visit.

In addition, travelers like to travel to a protected area called Kotigar. Here, rare species of Indian birds and animals live under centuries-old trees. Tourists expect to see wild cats, but they are not frequent visitors during the day. However, do not despair, because you can look at monkeys or a wild boar.

Not far from the site on which the Bogmalo beach is located, there is a museum complex that tells visitors about military aviation. There are models and mock-ups of various vehicles, as well as samples of uniforms for Indian pilots during the war.

Fans of architectural and historical monuments will love the most ancient temple in the region. Mahadeva is dedicated to the great Shiva, and he was carved from granite around the 13th century. There is also the Museum of Crosses in South Goa, where you can look at ancient crucifixes and crosses, represented by a huge collection.

Weather

What is the best time of the year to visit here? What is the difference between the climatic conditions in the north of the region and in its southern part? In fact, the weather is almost always the same. It may be hard to believe, but the natural conditions of North and South Goa are almost always identical.

How long is the holiday season? It starts in October and ends in May. It was then that Russian and European vacationers came to South Goa. Daytime temperatures here rarely drop below thirty degrees Celsius, and the water warms up to twenty-six at any time of the year.

The most popular among vacationers is the period that begins in November and ends in February. But even then the humidity level is about seventy percent. Do not come here in the summer and early September, because at this time it rains in South Goa, and you are unlikely to be able to soak up the beach or explore the city's attractions.