Goa, India

Compiled by FatPassport's travel experts

THE beach destination in India
Goa, India

Many Travelers? Huge Tourist Crowds
Likes: Nice beaches, relaxed place
Dislikes: Beach vendors and beggars

Goa is India’s smallest state, and can be found on the west coast about 250 miles south of Mumbai. Travelers come here specifically to enjoy the great beaches and enjoy some rest and relaxation.

The state offers a number of different towns and beaches along its coast. The visitors to these beaches vary wildly, so it’s best to do a little research prior to your visit and decide which one will suit you best. Some visitors will come to Goa on a short holiday of a week or two; others stay for the whole season; and many long-term travelers yearning for a rest from the daily rigors found elsewhere in the country will recharge their batteries here for a while.

Common to all destinations in Goa is a laid-back ambiance that is lacking elsewhere in India, particularly the north of the country. While the majority of India succumbed to British Imperial rule, Goa’s colonial leaders were from Portugal, and the relaxed Mediterranean ethos seems to have rubbed off on the Goans. The state is less stressful than the rest of the country, and the region is much better suited to inexperienced travelers with less tolerance of hassles.

At the package-holidaymakers’ end of the scale you have the likes of Baga Beach, Dona Paula and Calangute, where you will find heavily developed resorts, a wide range of watersports and other activities, and enthusiastic nightlife. Prices here may well be out of the range of budget travelers, although the towns can be easily visited from other places in Goa. There are also a couple small casinos here.

Palolem and Arumbol are more basic beaches with less organized activities. These beaches are better suited to the long-term budget traveler, and are a favorite haunt for those who spend the winter in Goa. Anjuna is the domain of the full-on hippie – many of whom have been regularly visiting Goa for decades. Somewhere in between are Benaulim and Candolim beaches, not as hectic as some, but still with plenty of amenities.

Goa has 60 miles of coastline, and many more beaches than are mentioned here. The roads are exceptionally good for India, and many visitors hire motorbikes to explore the state (make sure your insurance covers you, as accidents do happen). If you have the time, check out a few different beaches. Wherever you choose to go, expect beautiful beaches and a warm welcome.

High season here runs from about November to February, and with good reason: Comfortable temperatures and beautiful blue skies. The rainy season runs from June to August, and some places will close during this period.

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