History of Goa India

Goa is well known for a relaxed holiday destination in India. A native of goa is called Goan. Goa is divided into two districts North Goa and South Goa. The capital of Goa is Panaji and the largest city of goa is Vasco Da Gama.

Fort Aguada

Fort Aguada

History of goa India is well available on Wikipedia

Highlights:

Capital: Panaji

Area: 3702 Square kilometers,

Language: Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, Kannada, Malayalam, Telegu, English

International Airport: Dabolim Airport,

Railway Station: Margao and Vasco-da-Gama,

Attractions: Beaches, Nightlife, Watersports, Surfing, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Parasailing, Hot air Balloon, Festivals, Local Markets.
Seasons:

  • Winter Season ( November, December, January, February )
  • Monsoon Season ( June, July, August, September )
  • Summer Season ( March, April, May, October )

Best Time: Winter Season ( November, December, January, February )

Average Budget: 3000 INR / Night for 3 Stars hotels, 10,000 INR / Night for 5 Start hotels

Why Goa is a Famous tourist spot?

Tourist Spot

Tourist Spot

Goa is famous for its beautiful beaches, budget hotels,  watersports, festivals, nightlife, and safety. Goa is divided into two famous places North Goa and South Goa. You can choose to go according to your holiday type.

North Goa vs South goa

50 beaches are in goa and Beaches of North goa is famous and explored than South Goa. Calangute is one of the famous and crowded beaches. Anjuna and Arambol are an attraction for foreign tourists.

Both North and South goa is good for holiday vacation. But if you are going the first time to goa then you should go to the North goa. North goa is much crowded than south goa so if you like solitude vacation then choose south goa.

Beaches

29 beaches are in South Goa. South goa beaches are clean, empty and seriate coconut tree gives you a real touch of nature. A long seashore is empty where you can feel the freedom to enjoy and relax with your mate.

21 beaches are in North Goa. North goa beaches are amazing for the party and watersport lovers. Beaches are full of music, dance, events, beer, and resorts. If you are traveling in a group then North goa beach is best for you.

Star Hotels

Most of the star hotels are in South goa like Taj Exotica, Leela(7 stars),  Cidede-de-Goa, Club Mahindra, Majorda, Hathi Mahal, etc.
North Goa is rocky. 5-star hotels are Sterling, Taj Holiday, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort, Radisson, ITC grand, etc. There are many small hotels also which are good to stay near the beach.

Sightseeing

South goa has a beautiful view of nature and miles of empty seashores. Clean serene beaches, coconut trees and in monsoon nature make south goa more green. Dudhsagar waterfalls, Bondla wildlife sanctuary will amaze you with natural beauty.

In North Goa, you will have popular places like Chhapora fort, Aguada fort, Churches Temples to visit. But in the season it is very crowded. Being a party place North Goa is the first choice of the youngster and Party lovers.

Partying and Nightlife

South Goa has limited options for you if you are a party person and like nightlife. South Goa is for relaxing, exploring nature view and for peaceful beaches.

North goa is best for partying and nightlife. Hip Parties, Big wine shops, Bars, Clubs, Casinos make north goa party place for overnight. If you are energetic and love the crowd and late-night partying you must visit north goa.

Watersports

North goa is best for watersports on beaches. Compare to North Goa, South goa has limited options for watersports. Calangute and Baga beaches have many offer for kayaking, windsurfing, jet-skiing, parasailing, banana ride, water surfing. In South Goa Majorda, Colva and Mobor are best for Water gliding, jet skiing, Ringo rides, surfing, banana boat riding, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving etc.

Relaxing Holiday

For relaxing holiday south Goa is a paradise for you. If you want to read, write, no crowd, no traffic and be in nature with quiet places then go to  Betul, Cola, Patnem, Galgibag beaches in South Goa

In north Goa, the quietest place is Keri which is called Querim also is best for you but it is so far and located near the border of state Maharashtra.

Shopping

Anjuna Flea Market (North Goa), Mapusa Market (North Goa), Calangute Market (North Goa), Mackie’s Night Bazaar (Arpora Baga Road), Baga Market (North Goa)

Palolem beach market (South Goa), Colva Beach Market (South Goa)

Safety

Both North and South goa is safe for all Indian and Foreigners. Both for Solo and Family holiday there is no reason to worry about unpleasant things for your vacation. Some general safety precautions you need to follow for accessive drinking and transportation late at night.

Explore North Goa

Beach Fort Goa

Beach Fort Goa

North Goa is a great combination of beaches, bars, and beer. Beaches are crowdy and are the attraction for foreign and Indian tourists because most of the best things to do and see are in North Goa

Discos and Clubs keep open overnight and parties keep going on. The day is an attraction for watersports lovers and sip your beer on the beach while relaxing below the umbrella while watching the large view of the sea.

Calangute and Baga Beach are famous in north goa where eat and drink are easily reachable and many options for water and land adventures are available.

Cities / Town of North Goa

  • Agaçaim, Arambol,
  • Baga, Bambolim, Bandora, Batim, Bicholim, Borim,
  • Calapor, Campal, Candolim, Carapur, Chimbel, Colvale, Cumbarjua, Curti Velha,
  • Guirim,
  • Kasarpal, Khandola,
  • Latambarcem,
  • Madkai, Maem, Mapusa, Mardol, Mashel,
  • Old Goa,
  • Pale, Panaji, Parcem, Patradevi, Penha de França, Pernem, Ponda, Porvorim,
  • Queula,
  • Reis Magos, Ribandar,
  • Saligao, Sanquelim, Savoi Verem, Socorro,
  • Taleigão,
  • Valpoi

Famous City of North Goa

  • Panaji,
  • Mapusa,
  • Ponda

Beaches of North Goa

  • Arambol Beach, Ashwem Beach, Anjuna Beach
  • Baga Beach,
  • Calangute beach, Candolim Beach, Caranzalem Beach, Chapora Beach, Coco Beach,
  • Dona Paula Beach,
  • Kalacha Beach, Kegdole Beach,
  • Mandrem Beach, Miramar Beach, Morjim Beach,
  • Ozran Beach,
  • Querim Beach,
  • Siridao Beach, Sinquerim Beach,
  • Vagator Beach, Vaiguinim Beach

Top 10 beaches of North Goa

Explore here for more information about famous adventurous activities, watersports, forts, and temples of North Goa.

Explore South Goa

Mobor

Mobor

South goa has a unique feeling for its beautiful beaches and nature view. Isolated beaches appeal to family and newlywed couples for a peaceful holiday.

When you are in South goa you can enjoy the private party on the beach, Cuisine, Luxury hotels, and dolphin chase. If you are eager to dive in deep The Grande Island is best for scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing.

Explore wildlife sanctuaries like Mahavir,  Waterfall like Dudhsagar, Beautiful churches and some historic places like Chapora forts, Aguada Fort  in South Goa.

Cities / Town

  • Aquem
  • Benaulim, Betul, Borda,
  • Canacona, Cavelossim, Chaudi, Comba,Cuncolim, Curchorem, Curtorim
  • Davorlim, Dramapur
  • Farmagudi, Fatorda
  • Gogol
  • Khandepar
  • Loutolim
  • Margao, Mobor, Mormugao
  • Netravali, Nuvem
  • Poinguinim
  • Quepem
  • Raia, Rivona
  • Sancoale, Sanguem, Sanvordem
  • São José de Areal
  • Varca, Vasco da Gama, Verna

Famous City of South Goa

  • Vasco City

Beaches of South Goa

  • Agonda Beach, Arossim Beach,
  • Baina Beach, Betalbatim Beach, Betul Beach, Benaulim Beach, Bogmalo Beach,
  • Cansaulim Beach, Cavelossim Beach, Canaiguinim Beach, Cabo de Rama Beach, Colva Beach, Cola Beach,
  • Dharvalem Beach,
  • Galgibag Beach,
  • Hansa Beach, Hollant Beach,
  • Kakolem Beach,
  • Mobor Beach, Mojorda Beach,
  • Palolem Beach, Patnem Beach, Polem Beach,
  • Rajbag Beach,
  • Sernabatim Beach,
  • Talpona Beach,
  • Utorda Beach,
  • Varca Beach, Velsao Beach

Top 10 Beaches of South Goa

Explore here for more information about famous adventurous activities, watersports, forts, and temples of South Goa.

Top 10 Places to Visit in goa

Top 10 things to do in Goa

Images of Goa

To find amazing images of places like beaches, forts, temples, churches, markets, in a gallery. Explore goa images here.

Videos of Goa

Videos of Chapora forts, Calangute beach, Candolim beach, Waves are available on Goa Video gallery.

What to Eat?

Just like the tourist places, about Goa serves you plenty of options to gratify your taste buds. Goan Fish Curry, Xacuti, Cafreal, and Bebinca are some of the must-have foods for non-vegetarian.

Vegetarians will be a little disappointed but still, sol kadi, Veg Cafreal, Veg Xacuti, and Cucumber cake can’t be missed.

Methods of traveling within Goa India

The best way to explore the beauty of Goa is to hire a two-wheeler.  Most of the tourists prefer this option only as it is inexpensive, easy and lets you witness the heritage and beauty of Goa uninterrupted.

Local buses are also inexpensive option to travel within Goa. Hiring AC cabs are usually not preferred as they are pretty expensive.

Travel tips for Goa

  • If you are traveling to Goa for the first time then don’t forget to pack loads of sunscreen, hats, and body lotions. Apart from golden sand, its beaches are famous to give you sunburns as well.
  • Bikini-clad ladies are very common on Goa. So, understand the fact well in advance and plan accordingly.
  • If you are traveling with elders of your family then it is better to avoid crowded beaches.
  • Beware of touts. You will find them in plenty. Stay away from the people who claim to offer you anything and everything.
  • Don’t befriend to strangers and never get a drink offered by any stranger.
  • Keeping too much cash could be a problem. Better to stick to plastic money.
  • Don’t forget to keep your ID’s handy.
  • Though Goa offers you cheap alcohol, it is not suggested to get to high.
  • If you are looking to explore the nightlife of the Goa and visiting for the first time then it is better to go to trusted places only. Cafe Mamo’s and Tito’s club are safest options in north Goa while Silent Noise Club and Leopard Valley are great places to experience the hippy nightlife of Goa.
  • If you a shopaholic then ditch the shopping malls of Goa and go to the flea market. You will surely get some stuff. However, to grab a great deal, you need to have impeccable negotiation skills. Anjuna market and Arpora market in North Goa are some great places to shop.

Accessories to carry with you, while traveling to Goa

  • Sunscreen
  • Hats & scarves
  • Goggles
  • Flip-flops
  • Mosquito repellent
  • First aid box
  • Beachwear
  • Power bank
  • Hand Sanitizer

Weather

The weather of Goa is tropical in nature. It won’t be too hot and too cold during any part of the year. There are no as such harsh winters here. Thus, the main seasons of Goa are summer and Monsoons.  The average temperature varies between 32 to 36 degree Celsius during summer, while in Monsoon, the mercury will be around 28-30 degree Celsius.

Days of Goa are usually hot and humid while evenings are pretty pleasant and cool.

Languages

The local language of Goa is Konkani. Other than this, almost very Goa resident is well versed in English as well. A small population also knows Hindi, and Marathi and Portuguese.

Geographic Location

Goa is located on the west coast of India and is sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and Western Ghat hills. There are two regions in Goa: North Goa and South Goa. Each region has its own cultural, geographical, and historical significance.

How to reach Goa

Reaching to Goa is as easy as sipping a soda. Well, all thanks to its great connectivity to all major Indian cities.

By Air

Goa has its own international airport Dabolim at Vasco da Gama.  One needs to hit the road for 29 km pleasant journey from the capital of the Goa, Panaji.

By Train

If you are traveling via train then also you can reach here from any part of India. Margo and Vasco da Gama are the two major railway stations to reach Goa.  If you want to have a luxurious train travel experience then Mumbai CST – Karmali Tejas Express is just the right pick for you.

By Bus

Goa State Transport Corporation also offers well-connected bus facility from Maharashtra and Karnataka state.  The buses run on various schedules and drop you at Kadamba bus stand in Panaji from the respective state bus stands.

Do's and Don'ts for Goa

Before you actually pack your bags to visit this fabulous destination, read these do’s and don’ts and enjoy a wonderful holiday.

Do’s

  • Do explore the heritage of Goa along with its beaches.
  • Do try out the local dishes.
  • Do prior booking for accommodation during peak seasons.

Don’ts

  • Don’t litter the beaches.
  • Don’t hire the AC taxis.
  • Don’t carry too much cash.
  • Don’t get swindled.

People ask about Goa

Why Goa is famous?

Goa is famous for its beaches and beer. Goa is a hippy land which is popular for the endless party, watersports, architectural arts, relaxation, and delicious Goan food.

Where north goa is famous for its crowd and nightlife while south goa is famous for relaxation, beautiful solitude beaches.

View more about Goa

What is the best time to visit Goa?

Winter and Monsoon season is good for goa. The best season is the winter season between November to March. Winter season is the high season of Goa so if you are planning for Goa tour book your ticket early.

Book Goa packages

How many days are enough for Goa?

3 Nights / 4 Days trip is good for goa. 1 day for North Goa 1 day for south goa, 1 day for the city, nightlife, and markets and 1 day for beaches and relaxation after a late-night partying.

You will miss something on your tour all the time. Goa has many things to draw visitors to come again and again. Watersports, beaches, forts, markets, nightlife, casinos, clubs and much more adventurous activities which are not possible to visit on a holiday trip.

Explore top beaches and adventurous activities of Goa.

Where should I go if I visit Goa first time?

North Goa should be your first place if you are planning for a Goa trip the first time. North goa has everything worth to visit.

North Goa is a place where the party never ends, Casinos and bars are always ready for late-night thrash, big wine shop and markets are easily available.

Complete guide of North Goa.

What is the budget for goa?

Per person budget for 3 stars hotels is INR 3,000 / Night and for 5 stars luxury hotels are INR 10,000 / Night.

It is also better to stay in homes with Goans and enjoy their local dishes. Goans are very caring, helpful and honest.

More about goa hotels

North Goa Map

South Goa Map