Who doesn't plan Goa trip? Be it #GirlsTrip/#BoysTrip/#GroupTrips/#Let'sGetDrunkOrBeachifiedTrip.
When I visited Goa first time for 4 days, I knew they were never enough, then came an era of WFH, and I got my all Goa desires fulfilled. Though, some are still left for next time.
Those long roads covered by the trees, so many beaches, beautiful sunsets, early morning walks along the sea shore, seafoods, waterfalls, colorful Panjim houses and the variety of beers, I mean so many beers, I couldn't even remember all the flavors and brands, still I managed to try almost all of them (although, i gained pounds by this, but was worth it). Now, I am getting nostalgic and before I get transported into Wanderland, we can plan your Goa trip and how you can manage your transport, living, eating and sightseeing in Goa.
Goa is divided mainly in two parts, you can explore either one or both depending upon time and your preference.
For party - North Goa.
For Less crowd/calmness - South Goa.
Living -
1. If you are in group/couple, I would suggest you to rent an apartment, it's very famous there, with all the amenities like kitchen, fridge and so on. You can get it easily on Airbnb, it's cheaper, convenient and you get your own space. I will put link of my stays at the end.
2. If you are traveling solo, then staying in hostel would be best choice, you will get to meet new people, optimize your trip cost and so on.
Transport -
1. You can rent Activa/bike/car anything you prefer as this is the best and cheap mode of getting around in Goa.
2. If you don't know how to ride Activa or anything and you have money then you can book taxis, but those local taxis cost you like all the money you have, they are so very costly.
3. There is one app - Goa Miles similar to Ola/Uber we have. You can download it. Their cost is cheaper to those local taxis but they are less frequent. But, god knows you can get lucky and save your few bucks right?
4. Then there are Buses, if you don't want to spend much money on transport and you don't know Activa or anything. You will get buses almost to everywhere, you may have to change in between and ask around, but it's cheaper.
5. And, at last you can rent bike/Activa as well with pilot in it like auto or cab.
Now, what you don't want to miss in Goa-
1. Kayaking - kayaking in sea feels like out if the world, it's like there is this big blue bedsheet on sky, you are sitting on and it's bit windy, so sheet is moving slowly. I literally felt that I was flying on Aladdin's carpet with my imagination playing background song "To anotherrr Arabian nights".
Trust me it's very much safe, even if you don't know swimming, because I don't know swimming and I was scared like Shit before going in that big sea all by myself, unmonitored (My brave boyfriend was there, but I didn't count on him, if I suddenly start drowning and no boat wale bhaiya is there to save me), in small kayak boat.
But, all my fears went out of the window, once I was in the boat.
If you are in south you can go to Paloleam beach or if in North you can go to Arambol beach for kayaking.
2. Arambol sweet Water lake/Arambol beach - There is this very clean beach, with cliff-side view in North Goa. Just walk around a bit on the cliff, exploring markets, you will get another side of beach divided by stones and then another side of it, is a beautiful lake, you can walk around, swim in it, go inside the water even if you don't know swimming, as water is not deep till certain point.
3. Chorao Island - Beautiful island near Panjim. It has Dr. Salim Ali bird sanctuary in it. You can see many types of birds if you go early morning. Explore the sanctuary by boat taking you through those mangroves Forests, giving you thee feel of backwaters. And, once your boat tour is done, you can drive/walk around the island.
I would suggest you to go via your own vehicle to this island.
Go to Raibandar jetty, near Panjim, ferries are there to chorao island, which starts at 6AM, and are free of cost. You can load your Activa or cab and go there.
4. Chapora fort - I am not very fan of seeing those forts in goa with nothing inside them. And I have been to all those forts like Agauda, Reis-magos.
Particularly, I like one which was chapora, due to it's pleasant view it offers. You can hike around for 15-20 mins and reach to cliff and sit there looking at those beach waves splashing around, A very serene and picturesque view.
5. Dudhsagar Waterfall - Another beautiful place in Goa. You can go till certain point by your own vehicle then after that there are govt. Approved taxis will take you to and from waterfall. They take around 400 per person and take you in bolero and wait there for an hour and half and bring you back. You get your safety gears, which you can use if you are planning to go inside the pool. Water flowing from above made a natural swimming pool there, you can go this in your life jacket and chill.
6. Water sports - you can take either whole package or just do single single sports. I would say don't take packages, as it gives you less time for each activity and you don't get to enjoy the fully. Do Parasailing/Scuba diving/jet ski/Bungee jumping/Bumper ride.
You can extend your timing as well, you would just need to pay extra for that.
Scuba diving is done at Grande island mainly, you can book it from Thrillophilia for good costs.
7. Fontainhas - If you are in Panjim you need to take a stroll around those streets with beautiful colorful houses and rainbow color stairs in it.
The area is clean and peaceful. You can sit in any café, satisfy your hunger you got from all the walking around and take Instagram worthy pics.
8. Some unexplored Beaches - There are some unexplored beaches you should definitely try in Goa, for your morning walk, evening stroll, some quality sunbathing and ofcourse for amazing sunsets - Galgibaga Beach, Agonda Beach, Cola beach, Betalbatim Beach, Bogmalo beach, Morjim Beach, Kakolem Beach.
9. Nightlife and Casino - This is another worth trying experience. Go any casino floating on Mandovi River (Preferably Big Daddy or Deltin Royale), The food is not good though to be honest, but you can play some easy games and try your luck or just for fun or just see it (Make sure not get addicted to it 😀 or play at your own risk).
10. Take your Activa just wander around or stroll around those beautiful roads, see churches, eat Goan food, drink beers and chill.
11. Sunset - you can enjoy the sunset at any beach in Goa. I would suggest preferably Vagator/Orzan. View looks so mesmerizing, out of the world.
Where I have stayed -
https://www.airbnb.co.in/rooms/47569313?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=8a2dfe82-71f3-4245-ab20-cb9ee31ce199 - they have great wi-fi and too many cute doggos.
https://www.airbnb.co.in/rooms/4988964?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=d6f66d55-24ee-4710-b656-2b9c4deaa2ac.
https://www.makemytrip.com/hotels/libton_manor-details-goa.html
http://www.booking.com/Share-ZeRjWc
And, at the end, be a responsible traveler, avoid littering so that everyone can brag about how beautiful the place is!!
Happy Travelling, keep Safe. :)
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