As I close my eyes and picture Goa, I imagine azure waters, sun kissed beaches, pretty fishing boats, swaying coconut trees, picturesque Churches and a Kings beer in hand. This is my hometown, the Goa I so fiercely love. Goa is a coastal gem on the Arabian Sea. A former Portuguese colony and the smallest state in India, it attracts maximum tourists. While I grew up in Mumbai, every year as kids we went to Goa for our family summer vacay. Even today I make it a point to visit Goa a few weeks each year relive, revive and refresh my senses. There are 2 parts to Goa, the buzzing, touristy and lively beaches, and the quaint, beautiful and charming country side. Journey with me as we stroll through paddy feels, old forts and pristine beaches and discover the real Goa that only few know about!
Being a coastal town, Goa is dotted with endless gorgeous beaches. Tourists typically know Goa as North and South Goa: North being the party spot, and South offering a more relaxing respite. North Goa has become a tourist hot stop with the famed beaches of Baga, Calangute and Candolim. Plenty of hotels, guesthouses, villas to suit all budgets are available. During the day the beach is covered with shacks, sun beds and water sport activities. I enjoy relaxing on one of the many sun beds in my bikini, gorging on tuna fish salad, or crispy calamari along with a Kings beer (Goan beer) with an occasional dip in the sea. For the adventurous you could try out a few of the water sports – banana boat ride, para sailing or Jet Ski. 
As the sunset paints the sky red and fishing boats sail out into the sea, beach boys replace the sun beds with chairs and tables and ready the beach for a romantic candle lit dinner along the waters. I generally return to my accommodation, freshen up and head out to hit the party circuit for some hip swaying music or a night of karaoke, or simply drinks and sheesha. North Goa offers endless opportunities to unwind and party. From the hippest nightspots like Cabanas – a disco in the hills, to Titos & Mambos the party goes on all night long. For those who prefer the bar scene, head out to Thalassa the pretty Greek restaurant on the Vagator hill overlooking the sea or hang around Cape Town café or head over to endless bars, restaurants, cafes all along the road or beach. If you happen to be in Goa during December to March, make sure to check out the Ingo’s Saturday Night Market in Arpora. It starts early evening and goes on till around 3am. There are shops selling jewellery, cigarettes, watches, designer clothes, clothes, shoes, most of them run by Russians. But even better is the huge variety of food available. I enjoy gorging on some Russian appetizers and mouth watering Belgium chocolate waffles loaded with strawberry and then head up to groove to some trance .
If this is not your scene and you prefer to relax on quieter beaches, head up further North to Arambol and Morjem or down South to Colva and Palolem . My personal favourite is Patnem beach, extreme south of Goa, where I usually spend few days relaxing in one of the beach shacks, kayaking during the day and fast asleep at night as the sound of crashing waves echos down the shoreline.
Away from the golden beaches and buzzing crowds, there is a Goa not many know, where susegad is the way of life, locals gather for the Cross feast and lush green rice fields form the landscape. Stay a while longer and discover this side of Goa.
Learn to enjoy Goa like a true Goan. While Konkani is the state language, you will find Portuguese words loosely used in conversations by the older folk, including my grandparents. Goans are generally content in life and have a relaxed laid back attitude. The word ‘Susegad’ a Portuguese word is a common word used to describe this, where most shops are shut between 1pm to 4pm, allowing the owner time to go home and take a quick siesta (nap). Allow yourself to soak in the country side and discover the Portuguese influence in day to day life. Most houses and Churches are heavily influenced by Portuguese architecture. Once you stroll around a bit, it is easy to fall in love with these pretty, colourful, roofed cottages some of which are over 400 years old and still retain their deep wells from where water used to be drawn. Every neighbourhood has a story to tell.
I come from a tiny, yet charming island called Corjuem in the Aldona district of North Goa. Our ancestral house is around 150 years old and built in typical Portuguese style. Opt to go to Aldona for a day trip, wander around the old baroque houses, visit the St. Thomas Church, which is built on a hill and soak in the beautiful landscape, watching as the ferry goes back and forth ferrying people across the river and village folk gather at the tinto (village market) to catch up on the local gossip. Head over to the Panjim bridge and watch as ships carrying iron ore from the mine to the harbour sail on the Mandovi river. Enjoy one of the many sunset boat cruises along the Mandovi, as dancers revel to Goan song and music. Spend time rambling about in the Friday Mapusa bazzar (market), as people from all over the country side get their produce to be sold. Try your hand at bargaining as you choose from a varieties of spices, fish, fruits or head over to Xavier’s café for some authentic Goan food. Reserve half a day to visit the many Churches of Goa. Goa is home to some of the oldest churches in India including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Church of Bom Jesus, dedicated to the patron saints of Goa, St. Francis Xavier, whose body is still preserved there.
Let the charm of Goa seep into you and the laid back vibe of this beautiful state rejuvenate your sense.
Getting to Goa:
- International flights land directly at Goa’s International airport, commonly known as Dabolim airport
- Alternatively several flights fly in daily from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and other major Indian cities
- From the airport, Panjim the capital of Goa is a 45 minute drive
Transport in Goa:
- Rent a bike and feel the wind in your hair as you drive through winding roads, paddy fields and discover hidden cafes. Alternatively you can also rent a car and self-drive
- Taxis are common, though make sure to fix the price before you enter
- Bus facility is available up to 7pm, and tends to be very crowded
Where to Stay:
- Depending on your preference you can choose either North Goa which is more lively and buzzing or head over to South Goa, known for its beauty and tranquillity. Plenty of accommodation available across Goa, ranging from budget to luxury hotels
- Home Stays: Opt to stay with a local family. This will be the best experience of our trip. There are several Goans who let out their house. This is ideal, as you will stay in a typical Goan villa and enjoy the hospitality and warmth of the family, as they explain to you the history of Goa and treat you like a their own
- Boutique Hotels.If homestay is not your type, opt for one of the many Boutique hotels. Choose ones with as much character and as much Goan culture as possible, to get a true feel of the place
Where to Eat:
Entire Goa is dotted with quaint, pretty, charming cafes and restaurants. Goa being a big tourist spot, you will find cuisines from across the world, especially Continental, Russian, sea food and of course local Goan cuisine.
- While Brittos on Baga beach, Souza Lobo on Calangute beach, Martin’s Goa in Colva are some of the famous restaurants, over the years they have become more commercial and crowded. My personal favourites are Cavallas on the road leading to Baga, Infantaria for breakfast, TGIF the beach shack on Baga beach, Cuba on Palolem beach and Star bar on the road to Old Goa. At night most beach restaurants will display the catch of the day, choose what catches your fancy and ask them to grill it the way you like
- As you ride your bike through the winding streets of Goa, you are bound to discover small, tiny cafes most of which are family run. Do not hesitate to stop here. Such places are hygenic and will give you an authentic Goan experience, while you chat up with the locals and understand their way of life.
- For vegans there are plenty of options to choose from as well, since all restaurant and cafes include a vegetarian menu.
What to Eat:
- Vindaloo is the hot favorite in all Goan households. This masala can be used for chicken, fish, pork, beef. Mind you, it is delicious but very spicy.
- Chicken Xacuti is yet another spicy but irresistibly tasty dish made from Xacuti masala.
- Bebinca: A popular Goan dessert. It is like a multi-layer pudding. Buy a pack to take home to your family and friends
- Ensure to try out the famous cashew feni (alcohol) and buy a packet of salted cashew nuts to take back home
Travel Essentials
- Best time to visit Goa is October to March. The weather is cool, the mood is festive and the ocean is at its best. The annual Sunburn festival is held in December. Keep in mind Goa is a major tourist spot and the week from 25th Dec to 1st Jan sees Goa at its peak and is best avoided during this one week.
- If you are someone who loves the rains, then visiting Goa during the monsoons, June – September is enjoyable: the country side is lush green, the weather is cloudy with occasional rain, and is less crowded and definitely cheaper. The festival of Sao-Joao (Saint John the Baptist) is also held in June. It is a fascinating festival where men jump into overflowing wells.
- Goa has a relaxed feel to it, through the year. So you can just about wear anything. Pack light with a few shorts and tees, cotton dresses, swimsuit, flip-flops, a hat and loads of sunscreen
- There are several restaurants and shops offering currency conversion facility.
- ATMs are available all over Goa.
Whether you’re planning a solo trip, family holiday, a quick weekend getaway with friends or looking to spend time with that special someone, Goa is the perfect holiday destination giving you the best of the party scene on the beach and the old world charm of its country side.
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