Goa is one of the most outstanding holiday destinations on the globe with an abundance of sun-kissed beaches, beautiful coastlines, a stunning nightlife, and a vibrant lifestyle. Every year, tourists from all over the world flock to this beachside destination to explore its various colors dipped across 50+ beaches spanning the gysy culture of North Goa and the serenity of South Goa. This is a place that has abundant experiences for different types of tourists and guests from the romantic tourists to the adventurers. Guess what, you can even explore some of India’s top-rated schools for the best yoga teacher training in Goa.
IN THIS GUIDE, WE WILL DISCUSS THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW TO MAKE YOUR VACATION SAFE AND BLISSFUL.
GETTING A VISA FOR GOA
Since Goa is an Indian union territory, you need to get a visa for India. As of now, India does not offer visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry to non-Indian citizens, but there is a facility of eVisa and you can apply for it online. It is more or less hassle-free and does not require prolonged waiting or standing in the queue at the airport like you do when you get a visa on arrival. You can check the option of iVisa for a simpler alternative since the govt. of India website for eVisa is not that functional or smooth.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GOA
Since India experiences a variety of seasons owing to its position on the map, Goa has various seasons too ranging between low tourist seasons to the peak of tourist season.
Less Visitors: May to Mid-September
Peak Season: October to February
Super High Season: November to December
KEEP YOUR DOCUMENTS SAFE IN A SLING BAG
There are two ways to keep your important documents such as driving license, visa and passport safe when travelling to Goa, India. Either carry these along with you wherever you go. Just make sure these are kept safe in a fanny bag or a sling bag. An alternative is to keep the original documents safe in the hotel room’s locker. You can carry soft copies of the documents in your phone.
WHAT TO PACK?
Pack light, but pack well. Look into the current weather conditions and the travel guidelines before beginning to pack. Some of the essentials that are must-have in Goa are a pair of funky slippers, sunblock lotion. Beach wear, cotton dresses, sarongs, shorts, etc. Also carry a mosquito repellent next to your first-aid box when you are traveling to Goa.
WHERE NOT TO STAY IN GOA?
There are several amazing stay options in Goa, including the bed and breakfast places, five star hotels, beach resorts, hostels and many more. Most tourists rarely look beyond the basics such as Calangute and Baga. You can book other places that are less crowded, Panjim being one of those where the cruise casinos are located.
WHERE TO STAY IN GOA?
If you are travelling during the peak season, then it is better to make the booking in advance so that you do not have to hanker for a place to stay when you are here in the middle of nowhere and most good places here get booked much before Goa reaches its peak season. You can even stay at a recognized residential 200 hour Yoga TTC in Goa to follow yoga amid the beauty of Goan resplendence.
DO BUDGET TRAVEL FROM THE AIRPORT
If you are on a budget travelling to Goa, then the real challenge begins at the airport where there are no autos (tuk tuks) in sight and the cabs are expensive. In such a scenario, you can save some money by booking a cab from the prepaid booking counter for taxi services at the exit gate of the airport.
BEST WAY TO EXPLORE GOA
Since the public transport is not that frequent in Goa, especially in offbeat zones, it is better to rent a vehicle like every other tourist does. You can rent a car or a scooter to explore the city like a free-spirited being. You can get a scooter for Rs. 300 a day. Just make sure you are carrying your international driver’s license.
SEAFOOD IS LOVE WHEN IT COMES TO GOA
If you love seafood, then you are most likely to love Goan food as well. If you enjoy Indian food on occasions and the spice is something you love, and then do remember to give Goan food a try. You can try a goan fish curry with steamed rice for a complete Goan taste.
HOW TO AVOID GETTING RIPPED OFF?
Goa has sparkling flea markets that buzz with shoppers bargaining to get the best price for the products they want to buy. It is simple, in Goa, the better you negotiate, the better price you get. As a rule you can start with a higher price and then haggle half way through.
FIND THE BEST PARTIES IN GOA
Goa is the place where psychedelic trance was born and since then, the place is a famed party destination across the globe. You can find some of the best parties at Anjuna and Vagator regions.
BE SAFE IN GOA
Goa is known for safety across the globe when it comes to the local life or the tourists’. Just do not push it deliberately. For instance, do not leave your drinks unattended or leave your belongings anywhere. When you are stuck somewhere, do talk to a local for help.
It is important to respect the local culture and lifestyle just like visiting any other destination or country. Do not litter on the streets or drive while sloshed at a party. Enjoy the vibrant vibe of Goa and keep smiling.
