Parties and drugs are the first things when it comes to Goa. You may have heard lots of people saying “Hippy heaven” when describing Goa but I like Goa because it is quiet and cleaner than the other parts of India. Here is a small Goa travel guide for those who like to learn more about daily stuff.
Short info: Goa was the calmest and cleanest part of India I saw. Fly into Dabolim or the new Mopa airport, rent a scooter to get around, stay in the north around Arambol if you like a laid back hippie vibe, and plan your trip between November and February when the weather is at its best.
Note: I wrote this guide after the time I spent in Goa in 2017. Prices, transport options and places like the No Name Free Hostel may have changed, so please check the latest information before you go.
Cycling to Goa from Mumbai
I started cycling from Mumbai and arrived in Goa after a long bike trip. Goa is very beautiful with its unique atmosphere full of people from all around the world. Since the parties are there every single night and free for foreigners, tourists love Goa. Also local people in Goa are much more friendly and kind.
Accommodation in Goa
Since lots of tourists prefer to stay in Goa, there are lots of hostels as well. It offers quite cheap accommodation opportunity with hostel prices starting from 2 dollars. It is also possible to rent a room starting from 600 Rupees per night. So I highly recommend you to use Airbnb to decide your stay in Goa. Airbnb helps you to find the best hostel with the perfect price and it also helps you to find a unique house if you are looking for a comfy stay. You can both find a hostel for $5 and a villa with a pool for $20.
How to get to Goa
Goa now has two airports, Dabolim (GOI) in the south and the newer Manohar International Airport (GOX) at Mopa in the north, which is closer to beaches like Arambol. Both have frequent domestic flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and other big Indian cities, and there are some direct international flights, mostly from the Gulf. You can also reach Goa by train or bus from Mumbai or Bangalore. Since the best time to visit Goa is between November and February you may want to make your reservation earlier in order to find a cheap ticket. This is one of the most important tips in this small Goa travel guide.
Transportation in Goa
Most people ride scooters and motorbikes in Goa. The traffic here is much better compared to the rest of India, so it is safer to ride here. You can rent a bike for 200 Rupees a day which is approx. 3 Euro.
There are also buses running between Keri, Arambol, Anjuna and Panjim but it is a little hard to understand their schedule. However, you still need a private vehicle to go to beaches and some touristic parts of Goa.
Places to visit in Goa
Old Goa
Old Goa is the historical part of Goa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Basilica of Bom Jesus and Church of St. Francis of Assisi
Basilica Of Bom Jesus and Church of St. Francis of Assisi are the most famous places visited by thousands of people every day. It is free to visit churches. There is a museum in the St. Francis of Assisi and entrance fee is only 10 Rupees.
Panjim (Panaji)
Panjim is the capital of Goa. It is a city center which you can find almost everything. There is also one church which is very popular. Panjim is only 10 kilometers away from Old Goa.
Beaches of Goa
Goa is very famous for its beaches. This is one of the reasons for high tourist population. It is possible to swim in all the beaches in Goa. The most famous ones are Vagator Beach, Paradise Beach, Anjuna, Arambol and Keri Beach.
Arambol
We spent most of our time in Arambol. It was only 4-5 km away from our hostel and we were going to Arambol almost every day. There are lots of shops, restaurants, hostels and markets here. Please be careful when you are buying something. Sellers are starting from high numbers but eventually they reduce their price almost 4 times lower. If they start with 600 Rupees it means you can buy it for 200 Rupees. When you don’t like the price and start walking away, the only thing you will hear will be “What is your price”
Arambol Beach is a very big and touristic beach which also means it is pretty safe. Every night there is a sunset bazaar starting after 4 pm and drum circle starting around 7pm in the beach. People are mostly playing drums and dancing all night long.
Banyan Tree in Arambol
There is a road that goes into the jungle from Arambol Beach. After walking for 15 minutes there will be a big banyan tree welcoming you. This is one of the best places you can ever visit in Arambol. There is also Baba living in the jungle so don’t forget to bring him some fruits.
No Name Free Hostel
Did you know there is a free hostel in Goa, India? Ankit and Elissa came up with this awesome idea and now they are hosting people from all around the world in this lovely place they decorated with volunteers. “The idea of creating a crowdfunded “Free Hostel” came when we merged our wish to open a structure in Goa and our passion for travelling/backpacking. We wanted the travellers to be freeminded from the money aspect and get straight to what we are most interested in: his stories.” they said.
What does the hostel offer?
“We basically offer a bed, for a period the traveller only decides. The purpose is also to make him feel at home during these times he is so far from his landmarks. This lead to quality human interactions, thanks to the natural and less stressful environment, and the contact created between everyone who stays here is quiet special. So we offer a bed opening a chance to experience the feeling of a home far from home and a family you had never met.”
What I did in Goa
I had so much fun in Goa. I met many people from all around the world, shared my adventures, listened to their stories. For the short distances I travelled with my bike but for the long distances I hired a scooter mostly. Every morning and every night I practiced yoga in the temple just next to the hostel. I stayed in No Name Free Hostel for a month and helped them with the management of the hostel.
I visited Redi Fort which amazed me with its unique nature and awesome view. Redi Fort is actually in Maharashtra state but pretty close to Keri Beach. It is free to enter and since there are not so many people visiting here it is full of peace.
Planning a bigger trip? Have a look at my Mumbai travel guide, my tips for train travel in India and my best India routes for short trips.
Goa travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Goa?
November to February is the most popular time, with dry and pleasant weather. From June to September it is monsoon season and many beach shacks close.
How do I get to Goa?
You can fly into Dabolim Airport (GOI) or Manohar International Airport (GOX) at Mopa. There are domestic flights from all major Indian cities, and trains and buses run from Mumbai and Bangalore. I arrived by bicycle after cycling from Mumbai.
How do you get around in Goa?
Most people rent a scooter. When I was there it cost about 200 rupees a day. Local buses exist but their schedules are hard to follow, so a scooter is much easier for beach hopping.
Is Goa safe for tourists?
In my experience Goa felt calmer and safer than many other parts of India, and the traffic is lighter. Busy beaches like Arambol stay lively until late. As anywhere, keep an eye on your belongings and be careful with your drinks at parties.
Follow me on instagram! https://instagram.com/melkeontheroad
Thank you for sharing such a well-rounded guide to Goa that goes beyond the usual tourist attractions. This post offers a refreshing perspective on Goa, showcasing its tranquil side beyond the usual party scene. The tips on affordable accommodations and unique places to visit, like Aranbol Beach and the Banian Tree, provide valuable insights for travelers seeking a more authentic experience. I appreciate the emphasis on local interactions and the suggestion to explore historical and cultural sites.