Posted on Friday, 29 December 2023

Goa remains India's go-to destination for beach fun, with a clutch of naturally beautiful beaches - including famous Palolem and Mandrem.

In such an idyllic setting, you can try a little yoga, go turtle-spotting, or simply relax on the silky sand with a good book.

Other beaches - such as Baga and Calangute - are far busier and are peopled by a more hedonistic crowd looking for buzzing nightlife.

Goa is also a magnet for history lovers, with a host of ornate churches dating back to the 17th Century when the Portuguese ruled. Indeed, if you grow weary of the tourist throngs, a day touring the state's Christian sites is sure to offer respite.

Isn't Goa a hippy paradise?

Goa's tourist industry - its largest by far - was established in the late 1960s when it became a mecca for hippies, ravers, and backpackers. Since then, such clientele has fallen out of favour with the local government.

However, efforts to dissuade the budget backpacker element in favour of higher-spending package tourists have not been entirely successful.

The free-love beach raves have been largely replaced with pounding nightclubs and bargain drinks. However, if you're seeking a night out, the coast's premier party zone - Baga beach - is anything but forgettable!

Goa's best beaches

Palolem beach

This South Goan beauty spot has long been favoured by turtles, who hatch here when the season arrives.

Alongside turtle spotting, visitors come to soak up the sun in the tranquil surroundings or catch a glimpse of the eagles that often soar overhead.

Mandrem beach

Romantic Mandrem beach is the place to take that special someone, blessed as it is with picture-postcard palms whose wide fronds nod in the warming sun.

And, because it's also a turtle nesting site, the loud parties and mass sunbeds found on other beaches are heavily restricted - helping to maintain its sleepy atmosphere.

Anjuna beach

Any remnants of Goa's hippy past are to be found on Anjuna Beach. However, the music is now electronic trance.

Alongside party-seekers, the beach attracts plenty of regular package visitors.

There's a colourful flea market every Wednesday.

Activities in Goa

Climb Dudhsagar Waterfall

Located in Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Dudhsagar Falls is India's second-highest waterfall, at 603m.

The name means 'Sea of Milk', inspired by the mighty cascades, which are at their height just after the monsoon.

To reach it, head to the village of Colem, then jump in a shared taxi (45 mins), before clambering up to the falls.

Yoga

A number of highly rated yoga retreats are situated along the coast. Among the most popular are SWAN Yoga Retreat (Assagao), Kranti Yoga School (Canacona), and Preksha Yoga (Mandrem).

Many yoga facilities are located near quieter beaches.

Watersports

If you get your thrills from water-based activities, Goa has plenty to whet your whistle.

Try white water rafting on the Mhadei River; kayaking in Palolem; snorkelling on Grande Island or Navy Island; or scuba diving on Netrani Island or Pigeon Island.

Bungee jumping, flyboarding, and eco-hiking are also possible.

Historical sites to visit in Goa

Basílica de Bom Jesus (Old Goa)

One of the most impressive and dramatic reminders of Goa's Portuguese colonial past is the Basilica de Bom Jesus.

While the church, completed in 1605, has an ornate facade fusing Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian architectural styles, most visitors' lasting memory is of seeing St Francis Xavier.

The remains of the so-called Apostle of the Indies lie in a glass-sided coffin, and could be a grisly surprise to anyone who didn't read up on the basilica beforehand!

Sé Cathedral (Old Goa)

Another monumental reminder of Portuguese rule is Sé Cathedral - the largest church in Asia.

Its somewhat lopsided aesthetic is due to the right-most tower having been demolished after a particularly powerful lightning strike.

Inside the rather plain interior is the Chapel of the Cross of Miracles.

Legend has it that in 1619 a basic wooden cross was erected by shepherds on a nearby hillside. This cross apparently grew larger over the years - so large, in fact, that when they decided to bring the cross into the then-new cathedral, it was so big that the entrance had to be widened.

 

Church-hoppers have plenty of other ecclesiastical wonders to admire in the state, including the white marble Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, and the Church & Convent of St Cajetan, which is the only domed church in Goa.

Kadamba Shri Mahadeva Temple (Tambdisurla)

Among the many old temples in Goa, Kadamba Shri Mahadeva Temple (Tambdisurla) is by far the oldest.

This 12th-century Hindu shrine is carved from stone and is located around 80km from the coast.

Reaching the Kadamba Shri Mahadeva Temple takes around 2 hours by car and 4.5 hours by train.

How to Get Around Goa

Taxis and auto-rickshaws

On arrival, chances are you'll need the services of taxis.

Auto-rickshaws (small motorised three-wheelers) also operate in Goa - but these are less common.

Motorcycle taxis

Motorcycle taxis, whose riders are known as 'pilots', are common in most parts of Goa.

Fares should be fixed, but don't be surprised if they try to negotiate a higher price.

Motorbike/Scooter rental

Many visitors opt for rental motorbikes or scooters, which cost a few pounds a day.

This can be a more economical option than taxis, whose drivers can often overcharge - especially when there are no other taxis nearby.

Accommodation options in Goa

With one of the most developed tourist industries in India, Goa has accommodation options for every need and budget.

At the more affordable end, there are backpacker hostels. These are ideal for solo travellers who want to meet other backpackers.

Family-run guesthouses are also low-cost and are more likely to get you a good night's sleep compared to a hostel dorm.

Then there are the resorts and boutique hotels, which can be pricey depending on the amenities and time of year.

And if you're visiting as a group, you can rent an entire villa.

 

When is the best time to visit Goa in 2024?

Goan temperatures are coolest from November to February (21-27). This is when most major events take place, including the Shapora Festival (12-14 Jan 2024); Goa carnival (10-13 Feb 2024); the Goa Sunsplash Festival (13-14 Jan 2024), and the Shigmo festival (Feb-Mar).

However, larger crowds and higher prices mean the shoulder months of October and March are better if you want a quieter, cheaper experience.

June to September is monsoon season when heavy rains impede most activities.

In May, temperatures can soar to 35 degrees, and are accompanied by very high levels of humidity.

 

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