a) It gets warm March onwards. Days are hot, evenings are utterly pleasant though (in March)
b) Do not mix up South and North Goa. If you want to explore North Goa (more happening, lots of crowd, lots of clubs and party places) - stay in Baga, Anjuna, Calangute etc. For experiencing the serenity of south Goa - stay in Palolem/Agonda
c) Incase you are looking to rent a CAR, please do contact Zain travels (Ping me for their contact details). We have a first hand experience and from what I have read on other forums, they are probably the best and totally hassle free.
d) Driving is a treat in Goa with the beautiful roads
We (Husband and I) made an amazing 3-day trip to Goa in march 2015. We chose to stay in Colva (which is in South Goa). We booked a yellow-plate wagonR (Were charged 1200 per day and petrol is cheap in Goa - so totally worth it). We drove along the length of Goa in the 3 days. We went 50 kms up North till Anjuna and around 45 km down south upto Palolem.
Goa is a foodie's heaven. Food is inexpensive , so is the alcohol. Two of the good places we had food in: Fisherman's wharf (Salcete), Black Sheep Bistro (Panjim).
Details on our trips is in the individual places itinerary.
After reaching Dabolim airport, we got our car-on-hire (a yellow-nameplate WagonR) dropped off at the airport. We had booked our hotel/resort at Colva beach, so we started driving and not surprisingly, it was a pleasant drive. Acacia palms resort right on Colva beach is a good option if you are looking for a nice stay, big comfortable room, a nice pool etc. It is ~100m from the main colva beach. Colva beach is a white-sand beach. Not too many shacks. This place is probably the only beach towards the south where you'll find all sorts of water sports. Of course, it doesn't get crowded like Baga or Calangute not is as happening. There are quite a few good eating options available around the beach.
Fisherman's wharf is located in Salcete along the Sal river in South Goa. We drove from our resort at Colva to Fisherman's wharf and the drive was around 16 km through narrow roads. Nonetheless, a pleasant drive since the roads were empty and were in perfect condition (very alluring to us since we are used to driving in Mumbai). The restaurant was easy to locate (near Leela). We reached at around 9 pm. The place is huge and has ample seating capacity. It was relatively warm since it was outdoor seating. But the table by the river and the pretty decor made up for it. Will I call it romantic - YES! There was live music and guests were also dancing along to it. But the music was stopped after 10.30 pm. Fisherman's Wharf is known for its food everywhere and this place was no exception.
One of the most happening beaches of Goa. Full of life and buzz. You'll find a lots of shacks along the beach stretch, most famous - Britto's. Also, one of the roads leading upto the beach is the famous Tito's lane. This beach has all kinds of water sports. Best suited for evening. You'll find yourself being approached my numerous temporary tattoo makers, foot masseuse etc.
"Happening" !!! to say the least. Saturday night market near Anjuna is one of its kind. It's huge, it's bright and colorful, it's full with people from all across the globe. Must see. You get all sorts of fare, plus there are live bands playing, plus there is alcohol, plus world food ! This place is a carnival in itself. There's free parking. Go with a lot of time in hand....it starts at around 8 pm and goes uptill early morning. You should know how to haggle, incase you decide to buy.
Almost towards the southernmost tip of Goa. This is probably one of the most scenic beaches in India. Palolem has got quite a few shacks around on the beach which is really narrow with the sea coming upto the shacks. There are shack accommodations available (incase people want to stay right ON the beach). This is probably the only beach in Goa that offers kayaking experience. Later in the evening, when the sun is down and it is dark, the candle lights in the shacks and the soothing music, the sound of the waves splashing and the totally inexpensive beer - makes it a traveller's paradise.
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