GOA
OVERVIEW
Goa holds a quieter, soulful side for those who wander beyond the beaches. Embrace slow travel by cycling through the lush countryside around Aldona village, exploring the historic, pastel-hued lanes of Fontainhas in Panjim, or finding serenity on the secluded sands of Galgibaga or Butterfly Beach. Uncover the state’s charm with a spice farm tour in Sahakari, a silent kayak trail through the mangroves of the Sal Backwaters, or a traditional meal in a family home in Assagao.
GOA Travel guide
Getting to Goa
There are two airports in Goa. If you are planning your visit around North Goa, book your flights for MOPA (Manohar International Airport – GOX) and if South Goa is the destination then book flights for Goa Dabolim International Airport.
Best Time to Visit Goa
Goa is an all-year-round destination to visit. But if beaches are a must then the best time to visit Goa is during the winters between November to March. Summers (April to May) are scorching and maybe impossible to explore all places. June -September is monsoon – lush, fewer tourists with expected closure of beach shacks.
Local Food and Drinks in Goa
- Sorpotel: A simple, yet complex, layered stew. Pork (including offal like liver and heart) is parboiled, diced, and then fried until crisp in its own fat (sarapatel).
- Vindaloo: Its name derived from the Portuguese “vinha d’alhos” (wine and garlic), the authentic version is a balance of sour (vinegar), sweet (jaggery or today, sugar), and spicy (a paste of dried red chilies, cumin, turmeric, and garlic).
- Xacuti (Chicken or Lamb): A reflection of Goa’s spice-trade history. The defining feature is a labor-intensive masala of roasted coconut and white poppy seeds, combined with a complex blend of roasted coriander, cumin, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, and star anise.
- Cafreal: A vibrant green, herbaceous marvel. Chicken or fish is marinated in a paste of fresh coriander, mint, green chilies, ginger, garlic, and peppercorns, then pan-fried or grilled.
- Bebinca: A seven or seventeen layered pudding that requires immense patience. Each layer—a custard of coconut milk, egg yolks, sugar, and ghee—is baked individually before the next is poured.
- Khatkhate: A sublime, festive vegetable stew that is a symphony of seasonal produce—yam, pumpkin, drumsticks, raw banana, and five types of beans.
- Moongacho Ghassi (Yellow Moong Dal Curry): A deceptively simple, elegant curry where soaked and coarsely ground moong dal is cooked in a mild, coconut-based gravy tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chilies.
Types of Transportation in Goa
- A great way to travel is to book a bike or a cab on Goa Miles
Things to Remember When Travelling to Goa
- Light cotton clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. For monsoon: rain jacket/umbrella.
- Pay heed to warning flags on beaches; avoid swimming alone or after alcohol; some beaches have strong currents.
- Use app-based services (Goa Miles) or prepaid taxi booths; auto-rickshaws are less common but bargain firmly.
- Carry portable fans.
- Goa is more liberal but still part of India – dress modestly when away from beaches (churches, temples, local villages).
- Do not litter beaches or public spaces; avoid single-use plastic (Goa has strict anti-plastic laws).
EXPERIENCES & ITINERARIES
POSTS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the capital of Goa?
The capital of Goa is Panjim.
- What are the festivals celebrated in Goa?
1. Goa Carnival
2. Shigmo
3. Sao Joao
4. Feast of St. Francis Xavier
5. Bonderam
6. Grape Escapade
- What is the ideal duration to travel to Goa?
5-7 days are good for a trip to cover one part of Goa, but to cover both North and South Goa you will need more time.
- How many UNESCO Heritage sites does Goa have?
Churches and Convents of Goa
- Which are the villages in Goa awarded the Best Tourism Villages?
Cotigao Village
Bandora
Chorao & Chandor
Sal & Goltim-Navelim (Divar Island)