Goa, India

Compiled by FatPassport's travel experts

Relaxed Indian state with an abundance of options
Goa, India

Likes: Choice of beautiful beaches and a warm Goan welcome
Dislikes: Beach vendors and beggars
Many Travelers? Huge Tourist Crowds

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 arguments found elsewhere in the country, will recharge their batteries here for a while.

Common to all destinations in Goa is a laidback ambience 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 has 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 – although you should still expect plenty of beach vendors and professional beggars.

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.

Palolem and Arumbol are more basic beaches with less organised activities. These beaches are better suited to the long-term budget traveler, and are a favourite 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.

It should be noted that not all of the beaches are safe for swimming. There are strong currents and riptides offshore, and a significant number of people drown in Goa each year. Check for warnings where you are staying, and try to stick to swimming in beaches that are patrolled by lifeguards. As with elsewhere in India drink only bottled water; and check with cdc.gov as to which inoculations and malaria prophylactics you will need prior to travel. Spicy foods can cause problems to stomachs that are not used to them.

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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