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Despite being the smallest state in India’s western region, Goa is highly sought-after because of its captivating history, hospitable locals, tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and unique handicrafts.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the island’s north developed into a hippie haven where people could escape daily life and party. Backpackers soon started congregating there.
It was a great introduction for individuals who were traveling alone through India. Naturally, a place changes more over time the more popular it gets.
Although the North continues to have a party atmosphere, it is also perceived as a region with high-rise accommodations, water sports, street markets, and cultural structures.
The ideal time to visit is between October and March, when the climate is nice and dry, as this is Goa’s tourism season. November is when most beach shacks open. The intense heat and humidity forces them to leave by April or May. Rainfall is brought on by the southwest monsoon from June to September.
Language: The majority of Goans are native Konkani speakers, however Hindi and English are also commonly understood and spoken.
Currency: Rupee (Indian).
Indian Standard Time, or UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), is the time zone in question. It is +5.5 hours. Goa is not in accordance with daylight saving time.
Getting Around: The most popular modes of transportation are autorickshaws and taxis. Regrettably, the infamous Goan taxi union maintains high prices and hinders the operation of app-based taxi services like Uber. Renting a scooter or self drive cars in Goa are common and economical option.
Things to do in Goa
The majority of people are shocked to learn that Goa offers more activities than just nightlife and beaches. This includes adventure and water sports, hot air balloon rides, cooking classes, touring historic forts, witnessing spice plantations, perusing art galleries and museums, hiking in nature reserves, bird watching at the Doctor Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, yoga and natural therapies, taking a private yacht along the Mandovi River, placing bets at the casinos, taking in live jazz performances, and of course shopping. These unique walking and electric bicycle tours are available to adventurous tourists. You can opt for self drive car rental in Goa to enjoy best with your loved ones.
What to Drink & Eat
The Portuguese had a major effect on Goan food, which is primarily non-vegetarian. The traditional food of the Hindu Saraswat Brahmin community in the state is less well-known. In Goa, rice and fish curry are a common meal. The menu typically consists of the following: ambottik (sour and spicy), recheado (stuffed), cafreal (seasoned and fried/grilled), and xacutti (coconut-based curry). Additionally well-liked are goanpao, or bread, and chourico, or sausages. For real Goan food, though, you’ll have to leave the beach shacks behind.
Feni is the unofficial state beverage of Goa and a pungent indigenous brew. It is manufactured from the sap of palms of coconut or cashew fruit. Sip it with a lime slice and tonic water or lemonade. However, stay away from cheap, commercially made feni because it smells really bad.
Places to Stay
The coastline of Goa stretches for roughly 100 km. Every beach is unique, and lodging options range widely, from opulent private homes to beach huts. It could be perplexing! South Goa is more relaxed and less developed than North Goa, so if you’re seeking for action, establish yourself there. The majority of upscale lodging options are found in South Goa. Agonda is the perfect place to relax and do nothing, yet Palolem is the busiest beach in South Goa. Patnem provides a little of each. The beach length in North Goa between Candolim, Calangute, and Baga is highly commercialized and quite busy during the summer months. Near Anjuna beach, there are lots of backpacker hostels and the well-known Wednesday flea market. Around Vagator beach is still home to the psychedelic trance scene; the Mandrem-Morjim-Ashwem beach stretch has gained a lot of popularity; and Arambol Beach is the new a tourist hub, offering a variety of alternative therapies. Panjim, the capital, is situated halfway between the north and the south of Goa.
Customs and Culture
Compared to other Indian states, Goa has more liberties. This implies that ladies can go to the beach in bikinis and short dresses. It’s not necessary to wear formal attire.
In Goa, scams are prevalent, including the well-known diamond scam. If an Indian guy approaches you for friendship, run from them. You can also be approached by someone who want to sell you drugs. Refuse to accept since sellers frequently have agreements with law enforcement. When tourists are caught in being in possession of illegal substances like marijuana, the unscrupulous police will demand money from them. The police also frequently demand bribes for moving infractions. Make sure you always wear a helmet and have your license when renting a motorcycle or scooter.
Some Important Tips
During the off-peak months of May through September, hotels give enormous savings of up to 50 percent.
In Goa, there are many of inexpensive lodging options that don’t use the internet to promote. When traveling outside of the busiest times of year, which are from mid-December to mid-January, just show up, locate a spot, and haggle over the price.
Stay in a backpacking hostel in a private room or dorm.
Look for discounted or complimentary beverages during happy hours and women’ nights at bars.
Make sure to haggle in markets to obtain a favorable price.
You should always have your vital documentation with you while renting self drive car in Goa including the rental car paperwork. You will avoid difficulties, and there is a 90% chance that you will be stopped by traffic police.
