Holidays in Goa are not only a warm sea, bright burning sun, luxurious beaches and colorful tropics. Goa embodies the best features of Indian and European culture. Life here is unhurried. You will be able to feel relaxation and serenity. This is an ideal place for those who need a complete and comfortable rest. For everyone who has been to goa, this place is something personal and special. After all, there is everything you need here: from calm, cozy deserted beaches to noisy entertainment areas. A large number of interesting and rich excursions are organized in Goa, which will tell you a lot about the culture and life of the country.

Rest here is possible throughout the year due to the mild climate. But from June to September it rains, which brings tropical monsoons. Both in winter and in summer, the temperature varies from + 23 ° С to + 33 ° С.

Those who gravitate towards an active "party" vacation should choose the northern regions of the island, in the central one the rest is of a mixed type - an ideal option for those who do not know exactly what they want from the upcoming vacation. In the southern part, life is more solid and measured, there are a large number of luxury hotels, comfortable comfortable beaches. Everything here personifies comfort and sophistication.

The length of Goa's beaches is over 100 kilometers. Centers for water sports are organized on the coast. Diving will give you extraordinary sensations and impressions. This is an opportunity to see real sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, exotic fish, walk through the underwater coral cities. In addition to a juicy tan, beaches and the sea on the island, vacationers are engaged in self-improvement, rejuvenation and weight loss. For this, Ayurveda centers have been created, where qualified specialists will give a lot of useful advice on the basics of a healthy lifestyle, talk about proper nutrition, and teach you how to relieve stress and tension. All dishes served in cafes and restaurants are made from natural products.

Another type of recreation is sightseeing. As a rule, tourists visit Panaji, enjoy the picturesque view of the mysterious Dudhsagara waterfall with a lake containing crystal clear water. They go to see the spice plantations, ride elephants, hunt crocodiles in the mangroves of Kumbarhua and Mandovi. Goa, like other regions of India, has a rich cultural heritage, a large number of architectural monuments.

Markets are regularly organized on the island, where you can buy souvenirs for friends and relatives, arrange cheap shopping. Prices here are much lower than those charged by street vendors. Remember that it is prohibited to export spices, tea and local port abroad. Many people come here to enjoy the culinary delights of the local cuisine. Perhaps the main distinguishing feature is the abundance of spices. In local restaurants, you can order a huge freshly caught fish, which will be cooked in front of your eyes. Drink it with local fenny alcohol, and you will get an indescribable sensation. It is impossible to accurately determine the prices for holidays in Goa. They may vary depending on the area of ​​the island, hotel, resort and additional services that you will use during your trip.

The quality of your vacation depends on its organization. Without knowledge of the matter, you can lose a lot of energy, money and time and not get what the island could give you. Therefore, it is very important that professionals are engaged in the formation of the route. Please contact the specialists of our company. We will arrange for you the best vacation in Goa.

Goa is an amazing resort on the west coast of India, striking with the beauty of its sandy beaches. This is a real paradise where Indian exoticism and traditions of Western Europe are surprisingly intertwined.

Goa stands on seven rivers that are navigable all year round. In the center of the coast, near the port of Vasco da Gama, there are two islands - St. George and Bogmalo, near which divers take place. Goa amazes with its natural diversity, here and the jungle and mango thickets, spice plantations and magnificent waterfalls, lakes and islands.

Interesting moments in the history of Goa

Goa was founded in the 3rd century BC, as evidenced by the monuments of Hindu history found here.

In 1312 the Muslims invaded Goa for the first time, but in 1370 the army of Harihara of the First Vajayanagar Empire drove them out. For about a hundred years, Goa was the most important port of this empire.

In 1510, Goa was captured by the Portuguese, who were attracted here by the desire to seize control of the Asian spice market. Since then, for several centuries, Goa has been the main intercontinental trading base in all of southern Asia. From then until 1961, representatives of the Portuguese crown ruled here.

In 1961 the territory of Goa was liberated by the political movement for independence.

Climate and weather in Goa

The climate in Goa is tropical, in the north turning into a tropical monsoon. The rainy season lasts from June to the end to the end of September. The ideal time to relax is from October to February.

Goa attractions - what to visit

Pananji is the capital of Goa. The city is located on the Mandovi River. The appearance of Pananji was very much influenced by Portuguese influence. Narrow streets, a square with a church, houses with balconies overhanging the street, many cozy cafes - all in Portuguese style. The symbol of the city is the statue of Abbot Faria, who was born in Goa and died in the castle of If.

One of the architectural monuments of Pananji is the Church of the Immaculate Conception, which was built in 1541 and for some time served as a kind of beacon for sailors.

Other attractions are the architectural ensemble of Largo de Igreja, the chapel of St. Sebastian, the Secretariat building.

Old Goa is a magnificent city a few kilometers east of Pananji. UNESCO declared Old Goa "heritage of mankind".

Here is the Cathedral of St. Catherine - the largest Christian temple in Asia and a wonderful example of Renaissance architecture, built in 1510 by the Portuguese in honor of the capture of Old Goa on St. Catherine's Day.

Another attraction of Old Goa is the world-famous chapel of the Basilica of Jesus, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture.

Mapusa is the main city of northern Goa. Here is the famous Maruti temple, erected in honor of the god Maruti, the son of the wind god. Also in Mapusa you can see the Christian Church of St. Jerome, built in 1594. There are fairs at the end of each week in Mapusa, and carnivals and festivals on holidays.

The Church of St. Francis Xavier was built in 1520 and rebuilt in 1663 as the Archbishop's palace.

Ponda is the largest city in the eastern part of Goa, around which there are many Hindu temples, the most interesting of which are Mangesh, Mahalsa, Shantadurga.

Dudsagar waterfall is one of the highest in India, the length of the water flow is 603 meters. At the foot of the waterfall, you can swim in the crystal clear waters of a small lake.

In February every year, for three days and three nights, the whole of Goa lives in the rhythms of the carnival. The slogan of the holiday is to eat, drink and have fun. If you are lucky enough to get to Goa during this wonderful event, be prepared for the fact that it is better to go out into the street in clothes that you do not mind throwing away, because one of the favorite pastimes of local youth is pouring paint on each other and those around them.

Holidays in Goa - what to do

There are several Ayurvedic medicine centers in Goa. The aim of the Ayurvedic method is to strengthen the body's immune system, prevent and treat diseases using natural medicines that do not give side effects. The Ayurveda Centers also offer a special program for weight loss and facial skin care. Be sure to take a seven-day course of massage and body cleansing Panchakarma, known for over 2,500 years.

There are 12 diving bases around the islands of Bogmalo and St. George. The diving season in Goa is from October to April - the monsoons are favorable, the water temperature is 25-30 ° C.

The underwater world of Goa is extremely beautiful and rich - sea turtles, electric rays, tuna, barracuda, sharks - just some of the vibrant fauna of this region.

Goa is the coast of crazy open-air parties. Here such a musical direction as gao-trance was born, which is now considered one of the most progressive and intelligent in modern electronic music. Even without being a trance lover, once at such a party, you probably will not be able to remain indifferent to the mystical action you have seen.

Population, language, religion of Goa

Goa is home to about 1.5 million people. The main language here is Konkani, the Karda and Marathi dialects are also widespread, almost the entire population speaks English.

According to religious beliefs, the population of Goa is divided into Hindus (80%), Muslims (14%), Christians (2.4%), Sikhs (2%), Buddhists (0.7%) and Jains (0.5%).

Travel Tips

Bargaining is a must in Goa. On the street, goods are sold at free prices. Fixed prices for goods can only be found in supermarkets and shops, where a "fix price" sign is hung.

Be sure to buy Indian tea and spices, which are very cheap here, Goan port, which is sold in bottles or bags.

There is a flea market in Ajuna on Wednesdays. Here you can buy amazing mirrors (Rajasthani mirror), national bedspreads, Kerala wood carvings. In the crowd you will meet wandering musicians, jugglers, snake charmers.

In the souvenir shops of Goa, you will find many ceramic products, each of which can rightfully be called a work of art, as well as amazingly beautiful jewelry made of sea shells and coral.

Cozy cafes and restaurants are located along the entire coast. Freshly caught fish will be cooked here right in front of your eyes. And with the fish you will be served a strong aromatic "Fenny" made from cashew nuts.

The most popular form of transport is taxi, which is quite cheap. It's better to bargain about the price before driving. It is convenient to take a rickshaw for short trips.

For independent trips, a motorcycle is often rented. The car is usually rented complete with a driver. To rent a car without a driver, you need to pay a very large deposit.

Be sure to take personal hygiene products, medicines for intestinal disorders, a flashlight or candles with you to Goa (electricity is sometimes turned off here).

Excursions to the Goa resort

Eyes of the Tiger

The tour begins with a 5-hour bus ride from Goa to Udipi, Karnataka State. The city is very picturesque and famous for its temples. Hotel accommodation.

Golden Triangle

The excursion allows you to get acquainted with the outstanding architectural monuments of the Mughal era and the Rajput state of the northern part of India.

Goa beauties

Departure from the hotel after an early breakfast. Arrival at the forest camp, accommodation in tents, which are equipped with shower and toilet, lunch.

Early evening is the best time for a refreshing cup of tea or coffee. Here you can also learn how to cook national Indian dishes. Then eat them yourself ...

Desert Island Cruise

A boat trip to an uninhabited island located off the southern coast of Goa. Landing on a deserted white sand beach. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing.

Backwater Adventure

A boat trip through the mangroves along the backwaters of the Zauri River and the Kumbardzhu Canal in the natural habitat of crocodiles, which swim in large numbers next to the boat or bask on the shore.

Time travel

Drive from Panaji to Old Goa, which is called Eastern Rome. The city was founded by Adil Shah in the first decade of the 16th century, but a few years later in 1510 it was conquered by the Portuguese Afonso de Albuquerque.

Humpy

The tour takes us from eastern Goa through farms and tribal settlements to Karnataka state. Here in the heart of the Deccan plateau lie the ruins of the ancient capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, the city of Hampi, built in the 14th century. The empire was one of the most powerful. She traded actively with the Arab East and Portugal. Unfortunately, the colossus found itself on feet of clay and fell, torn apart by internal turmoil, under the onslaught of Muslim conquerors. But the city of Hampi, where numerous, both preserved and partially destroyed, monuments speak of the high skill of the people who created them, and the deep love of this people for their land.

Temples and spices

Drive to the largest island of Goa - Tiswadi to visit two temples built in the architectural style common in the early 18th century, the so-called "Mahalsa and Mangeshi" - a wonderful mixture of Portuguese architecture with the art of Indian artisans.

Goa resort, one of the most famous resorts in the world, is very popular with tourists. Various types of recreation and excursion programs are one of the main components of modern recreation. Like most resorts in the world, Goa Resort can provide a different level of relaxation at a variety of prices. This resort has both fashionable hotels and budget hotels.

If you are tormented by the question "Where to rest?", "Where to spend your vacation?" Then perhaps the Goa Resort will be the perfect place to relax.

Tatiana Solomatina

Which beach and resort to choose in Goa?

Good day, dear friends! I present to your attention a brief overview of the resorts in Goa. I visited some of them personally, some were told by my friends, so I allowed myself to describe all the beaches of Goa. However, this is just my point of view, draw your own conclusions, there is a lot of information.

Goa is a great choice for a beach holiday. There are gorgeous sandy beaches, warm, clear sea, comfortable sunny weather in season. However, all the beaches of Goa have their own characteristics, and if you do not know about them in advance, your vacation can be ruined thoroughly. We will talk about this in this article.

The state of Goa stretches along the sea for about 100 km. There are many beaches, some have the names of coastal villages, but it is very difficult to determine where one beach ends and another begins, especially in South Goa.

The state is nominally divided into two parts, north and south. The northern part is more lively and prices are much cheaper here. In the South, it is calmer, the beaches are cleaner, but the rest is more expensive. While this is of course a general characteristic, there are always exceptions.

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According to legend, the first European to set foot on the land of Goa - the Portuguese Afonso Albuquerque - wanted to exclaim "Wow!" The colonialists immediately made Old Goa the capital of Portuguese India, recognizing that the buildings they discovered surpass in beauty all the temples of the previously subordinate East. By that time, the history of India was already more than 4 thousand years old. The small Indian state was under the yoke of Europeans for more than 400 years - until the middle of the 20th century, but at the same time it did not lose its identity, and it is difficult to imagine a freer land now.

People go to Goa mainly for beach vacations and Ayurveda - all diseases of the "big city" here are very quickly cured by local masseurs and other healers. The excursion program of Goa is not rich, from local attractions are interesting the Dudhsagar waterfall, the village of Hampi with a bunch of ancient ruins, and water walks and fishing are popular among outdoor activities.

Hotels and guesthouses located in South Goa are considered expensive, and not only by Indian standards. They are popular with wealthy Europeans and wealthy Indians. The exact opposite - North Goa, relatively inexpensive, noisy and democratic - in the 60s. this place was chosen by hippies and so they stayed there. Today, in the numerous villages of North Goa, mostly party-goers from America and Europe settle, thanks to which these regions have become famous throughout the world.

How to get to Goa

Goa became a tourist destination not so long ago, about 50 years ago, when hippies began to arrive on the coast by circular routes - by land and sea. In the mid-1960s. Dabolim Airport, the only air hub in the state, has opened its doors for international travelers. Since then, the Dabolim terminal annually receives about 200 thousand tourists from Europe and Russia. The travel time from Moscow is 7-9 hours, the cost of tickets is from 325 USD round trip.

Find Flights to Goa

By train or bus

Some tourists get to Goa by train. To do this, you need to fly to Mumbai and take a train to Goa there. This option is attractive for its cheapness - tickets to Mumbai are usually significantly cheaper than directly to Dabolim, even taking into account the cost of a train ticket. The train runs 9-13 hours, before buying a ticket, check if there is a stop at the station you need. There are also trains to Goa from Delhi, but the journey will take about 30 hours, and the savings are quite dubious.

South Goa Resorts

• Dona Paula, Bogmalo, Colva, Benaulim, Palolem, Cavelossim, Mobor, Majorda.

What to try

Some tourists are wary of Indian food for fear of the abundance of spices. However, the cuisine of Goa is as Europeanized as possible and the least spicy in comparison with the rest of the country, so you can safely try it. However, while vacationing in Goa, it is really worth taking some precautions: drinking water only from a bottle and not buying food from street vendors.

Seafood is a kind of visiting card of the local cuisine. Crabs, shrimps, lobsters, molluscs, octopuses, sharks, squids, lobsters, etc. Grilled or in the oven, in coconut milk or semolina - the fish menu of even a small restaurant is usually quite varied. But meat, especially beef, they do not like to cook here, and in some places they do not know how, since a cow is a sacred animal for the Hindus.

Pay attention to the Indian version of pilaf - "biriani". The dish is prepared from rice and meat, chicken or seafood and tastes quite hot due to the abundance of spices. When placing an order, do not forget to emphasize - "spicy note".

Another interesting local dish is sizler: garnish and meat (or fish) are fried on foil or in a frying pan and spread on cabbage leaves. The whole secret of the original taste lies in the signature sauce, which is different for each chef.

Tortillas in Goa are prepared so masterly that they are often served as a main course. Paratha flatbread is baked with ghee and sour cream, and then served with spicy vegetables. Garlic or cheese "naan" (other tortillas), in turn, are inimitable with tomato soup.

Many Indians adhere to the laws of Ayurveda - the "science of life", according to which it is enough just to eat right to stay young and healthy for a long time.

Another popular dish among tourists is “paneer tikka” - traditional cheese cubes rolled in spices and fried on a grill. Paneer can be prepared in dozens of other ways and is healthy and very popular in India.

Bean or lentil soup "dal" is also appreciated by tourists for its aroma and unique taste. This vegetarian dish, flavored with herbs and spices, is a daily food for most Indians.

Most Hindus are vegetarians, in some restaurants and cafes (especially for local ones) there are no meat dishes in principle, and local chefs have no equal in the art of cooking vegetables. Try sabji, a vegetable mix flavored with spices.

The local desserts may seem overwhelmingly sweet, but they are definitely worth a visit. Burfi, a milk fudge, which may contain berries, coconut, nuts, saffron, rose water and other ingredients, has a very delicate taste.

Goa cafes and restaurants

Cafes and restaurants in Goa are at every step - they love and know how to cook deliciously here. Sheks are especially popular with tourists - tiny shacks that line the beaches during the tourist season. These are local fast food restaurants - there is not much choice of dishes, but everything is cheap and tasty.

Shek food can be ordered directly to the beach lounger, and the prices in such establishments are very affordable - soup costs about INR 120-150, shrimp - from INR 400, a cooked shark will cost INR 700-800. For drinks - juices and smoothies (by the way, very tasty) - give about 100-120 INR. It may seem that the conditions for cooking in the shek are quite unsanitary, but stomach problems are rarely complained about here. Each outlet owner values ​​his reputation, and rumors of stale shrimp and dirty dishes spread along the coast very quickly.

Restaurants in Goa delight with a variety: literally everything is served here - from Indian curries to schnitzels with blood. However, it is better to give preference to local cuisine, local chefs do it best, although there are also quite a few Italians with pizzerias here.

The average bill in an ordinary Goan restaurant is 1200-1600 INR, a dinner with alcohol for two will cost from 2000 INR.

The best photos of Goa

Entertainment and attractions

Old goa

The city of Old Goa, built by the Portuguese colonialists in the early 16th century, is one of the most visited places in the state. First of all, it is famous for its architecture - over the centuries, Europeans built magnificent cathedrals here, which are now included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The cathedral of St. Catherine, the largest Catholic church in India and one of the largest in Asia, attracts special attention of tourists and pilgrims. There is a chapel of the Miraculous "growing" Cross, which was carved by a local shepherd in the 17th century .. According to legend, the Savior appeared on this crucifix to the shepherd, after which the monks decided to erect a chapel around the cross. And it miraculously increased during the construction to the size of the Calvary cross. They say that the relic is growing to this day, heals the sick and grants wishes.

The Archaeological Museum of Goa belongs to the complex of the Cathedral of St. Catherine; it is located in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Each of the museum's galleries is dedicated to a different historical period of the state. The museum exhibits artifacts from prehistoric times as well as items from the Middle Ages and modern times.

The Basilica of Merciful Jesus (Bon Jesus) in Old Goa is also a center of Catholic pilgrimage, because the relics of the Spanish missionary Francis Xavier are kept here. During the three years spent in southern India, the preacher built about 40 temples, and after his death he was canonized and received the status of the patron saint of Goa.

One of the most beautiful and memorable temples in Old Goa is considered to be the functioning church of St. Cayetan. The building has been restored, so the appearance of the temple is really impressive. In it, you will see a wooden platform covering the old well. According to some historians, this well is the only thing that has survived from an ancient Hindu temple that once existed on this site.

Fortress structures

As you know, Goa was under the influence of European expansion for a long time, Portugal recognized India's sovereignty over the state only at the end of the last century. In an effort to strengthen their positions, the colonialists built many forts in Goa. Today these are dilapidated fortress walls, but the views are exciting for tourists. It is strange to see silent military cities and cannons enveloped in lianas next to serene beaches.

The impregnable fortress of Aguada, located on the outskirts of Candolim Beach, is considered one of the best preserved fortifications in Goa. The fort was built in the early 17th century and served as a bulwark against the Germans and British. The most significant building in the fortress is an impressive lighthouse, which is no longer operational today.

Fort Chapora was erected by the Portuguese in 1612, since the end of the 19th century it has been in ruins. You can climb to the fortress, standing on a hill, from the Vagator beach. In fact, these are just the remains of the walls - sand and stones, but the fortifications offer a stunning view of the ocean. There is a tradition among tourists - to spend here the last evening of their stay in Goa.

Fort Korjum, built by the Portuguese in 1705, is located a few kilometers from the settlement of Aldona. It is in good condition - the loopholes are best preserved, a plaque with the coat of arms is visible above the main entrance, and very close to it there is a Catholic altar, to which flowers and candles are still carried. Guides tell tourists about a girl named Ursula Lancastra, who wanted to serve at the fort so much that she disguised herself as a man. After being exposed, she managed to remain unpunished and even remained in the fortress, marrying the captain.

One of the most beautiful fortresses Yashwantgad (Redi Fort) is located on the border of the states of Goa and Maharashtra, not far from Paradise Beach. The fort resembles an enchanted castle - powerful banyans and fancy flowers stretch from the loopholes, and the fortifications are laced with vines. The pristine beauty of the neighboring beach and absolute silence only enhance the overall impression of an old fairy tale.

Nature reserves

The largest protected area in Goa is Bhagwan Mahavir. The reserve covers an area of ​​240 km² on the border with the state of Karnataka on the slopes of the Western Ghats. "Bhagwan Mahavir" is inhabited by elephants, tigers, bears, leopards, porcupines, as well as a huge number of birds, reptiles and insects. On its territory are the famous Dudhsagar waterfall and the Mahadeva Temple, built in the 13th century. This is the oldest surviving temple in the state, in February-March, Mahashivaratri is celebrated annually on a grand scale - "the great night of Shiva." Those who do not sleep during the holiday are promised material prosperity and a place in paradise in the sacred books.

The small but very popular Bandla Nature Reserve can be reached by taking a bus to Panaji and Margao. Its area is only 8 square meters. km, but there is something to see. During the walk, you will meet elephants, peacocks, wild boars and huge squirrels, but dangerous predators - leopards and panthers - live in fenced areas. To see them, you need to be patient.

There are no dangerous cats in the Kotigao nature reserve, which is 12 km from Palolem, but bright tropical birds and insects live. On the territory of 86 km² there are good trails, there are two observation towers. Due to the proximity of rivers, the vegetation here is so lush that sunlight barely penetrates the thickets in which hyenas, porcupines and bears roam.

Not far from the town of Valpoi there is a large nature reserve "Mkhadei Wildlife" - the residence of the Bengal tigers, it is also known as the "tiger corridor". This predator is considered the national animal of India. But it is not so easy to find it in its natural area, more often cameras, and not people, record their appearance in Mkhadeya. From time to time, local authorities question the tigers' permanent residence in the reserve.

In the bird sanctuary "Salima Ali", which is located near Panaji on the island of Chorao, there are about four hundred species of birds. The Kingfisher Kingfisher is often seen here. This little bird is a kind of Goa symbol; it even became the logo of the popular Indian beer. This fact misleads tourists, some are even sure that this bird is called beer, and not vice versa.

Storks, ducks and herons also rest in the swamps of the reserve. Visitors can meet otters, jackals, crocodiles and even flying foxes.

On the Mkhadei River there is one of the most beautiful sights of Goa - the Dudhsagar waterfall, whose waters fall from a height of 310 m.

The most active waterfall is during the rainy season, but getting there during this period is almost impossible.

India remains the world leader in the production of spices. Chili, cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, coriander, caraway seeds, mustard, turmeric, asafoetida, etc. are grown here.On numerous plantations, you can not only see how all these spices grow, but also treat yourself to a well-seasoned lunch, as well as get an individual consultation Ayurvedic doctor about the benefits of specific herbs.

10 things to do in Goa

1. Go to an appointment with an Ayurvedic doctor and cure any disease without pills.
2. Do yoga on the beach and understand that chakras are not a myth.
3. Find Shiva's head on Vagator Beach, take a picture with her and show off to the less fortunate.
4. Go to a Vedic astrologer and finally understand your purpose.
5. Get a temporary henna tattoo - mehendi just before you leave to surprise your family with a fancy pattern.
6. Go to the market in Arpora, learn to bargain and buy a bunch of clothes for three times cheaper.
7. Order a grilled shark for dinner at a ridiculous price and then sample all the Goan seafood.
8. Attend an elephant show, watch them play football, climb on one of them and let the water doused in their trunk.
9. Dance until the morning at a trance party.
10. Pet a local cow, if not scary, and thus receive absolution.

Trans parties

Goa is the birthplace of the eponymous trance, musical direction (it is for the sake of mega-parties that crowds of people from all over the world flock here), and a blessed place where they first frighten with life imprisonment for marijuana, and then shake their finger and let go for ten bucks.

There are official places where you can safely come after midnight and whirl in a wild dance until the morning (for example, Hill Top, where admission is free for "whites"). And there are mysterious semi-legal "parties" about which until the last moment nothing is known: where exactly they will take place and whether they will take place at all. It all depends on whether the organizers will be able to come to an agreement with the local authorities. But literally a quarter of an hour after receiving permission, any local child will know about the exact place and time of the disco, not to mention taxi drivers and sari sellers.

Popular excursions in Goa

The following excursions are especially popular among tourists: "The Gold of Vasco da Gama", a cruise on a "pirate" schooner "Visiting the Banderlog", an excursion to Mumbai, a two-day excursion in jeeps to the abandoned city of Hampi and "Get to know Goa!" - excursion for respectable white tourists through the crazy night Goa hippies and ravers.

The most famous natural attraction in the state, Dudhsagar Falls, is also in demand, as well as a Spice and Crocodile excursion to the Savoy Spice Garden and a boat trip along the Kumbarhua Canal in search of these cute animals. Extremals will love the Jungle Book 1 (a one-day excursion to the mountain jungle, rafting down the river on bamboo rafts, lunch, elephant trekking), as well as the Jungle Book 2 (a two-day excursion that combines the Jungle Book 1 program with a walk to the waterfall, yoga lessons and accommodation in clay huts).

Goa for kids

The warm sea and sandy beaches make Goa an excellent place for families with children, the main thing is to choose a clean area with developed infrastructure. In this regard, the resorts of the southern coast can be called more suitable - the northern states are much more populous than the south.

However, the sun, sea and sand are not the guarantee of an interesting vacation. In Goa, there is enough entertainment for children, including very little ones. Toddlers will appreciate a visit to the Butterfly Park in Ponda. A great attraction for older children is a walk to the dolphin habitat. School-age children will also be delighted with local reserves, where rare animals and outlandish birds are found. A trip to an old dilapidated fortress, for example, Fort Aguada, can be a real adventure for any Jack Sparrow.

The resorts of South Goa are not at all bustling India, as in the northern part of Goa, because here you will not see crowds of people on the beach, young people having fun. There is light, almost velvet sand, which is constantly being cleaned. Rest on local beaches will give you a mix of tranquility and exoticism at the same time. So, which beaches in Goa are definitely worth visiting? Read on for more details.

How to get there

Usually planes arrive at an airport called Dabolim. From here to the place where the popular resorts of South Goa are located, it is best to take a taxi. The order of transport is carried out at the airport counter, where you can find out the prices for it.

Of course, you can also take public transport. First you need to get from Dabolim to the village of Vasco da Gama. This can be done using an autorickshaw. Further from Vasco da Gama they go by bus to the capital city in the district, which is called Panaji. Then tourists have to get on intercity flights to the Margao junction, and then from this point you can go by autoshaws to the resort that you need.

South Goa Transport

In the southern part of the region people use bicycles more than motorcycles as in the north. The area is more flat, tourists love to enjoy the view of palm trees on their way to the beach.

If you want to experience the Indian flavor even better, you have the opportunity to interact with the people of Goa using the bus service.

Can i rent a car?

South Goa resorts (described below) allow you to rent both motorcycles, bicycles and a car. But if you expect to see polite drivers on Indian roads, then the local car culture will clearly disappoint you. It is customary here to honk and cut loudly, so it can be difficult for tourists to travel by car in this region. You can rent a vehicle with a professional driver, but the cost is quite high. For that kind of money, you can ride a taxi all day.

Beaches and popular resorts

If we talk about specific places, then the resorts of South Goa (the list is given below) include many tourist centers. We will talk about them further.

Dona Paula (Goa) is a beach that couples in love especially love to visit. According to local legend, he was named so in honor of the vice-governor's daughter, who jumped from one of the rocks into the sea out of grief. She did this because she could not stand the separation from her beloved, with whom she was not allowed to see, because he was an ordinary fisherman. This beach has a chic sports club where you can practice water sports.

"Benaulim" (Goa) - these are calm beaches, next to which you can stay in inexpensive hotels. However, this is a rather expensive resort for the average tourist. This place is located near the town of Colva. Goa is perfect for a relaxing holiday. Therefore, here everyone will find something to their liking. Benaulim (Goa) is located between the Sal River and the coast of the Arabian Sea.

Betul is considered to be the most inaccessible beach. This is a place that tourists get to by boat, but it is here that you can taste the delicious mussels in the area.

Colva (Goa) is one of the main holiday destinations for tourists throughout South Goa, but it is here that you can find an inexpensive hotel and dine in affordable places where travelers love to watch entertainment shows in the evenings.

Truly luxurious hotels are located on the strip of coastline that is considered the "Palopem" beach. This is one of the best and most famous places in the world. Such a beach is perfect for a comfortable, truly heavenly holiday.

A long spit of sand called "Mobor" is surrounded by water, so many tourists come to see the beautiful islands and dunes. Do not be discouraged if you see an inscription on one of the beaches stating that it is a private property. All land off the coast in India is a state, municipal property. Therefore, you can relax on the beach in peace.

Souvenirs from Goa

In North Goa, you can buy many souvenirs that will remind you on cold autumn evenings of the atmosphere of warm and mysterious India. Local flavor is the main commodity that is, as they say, “popular” in this region. Many tourists buy national costumes (saris and traditional trousers), home-made fabrics, embroidered with decorative elements of bedspreads. Also popular here are bags made of genuine leather, cosmetics of natural origin, and aromatic products. In addition, in local shops, sellers offer to buy inexpensive metal jewelry (mainly bronze and silver).

Local kitchen

Basically, the local resorts are popular due to fish delicacies and seafood. Here you can taste fresh dishes prepared according to special recipes from mussels, octopus, squid, shrimp; feast on oysters, lobsters, etc. As for fish, in Goa you can choose from tuna, shark, lamphret, etc. As a rule, seafood is fried, baked and served in combination with vegetables. Sauce is also useful.

If you are wondering what you can eat in Goa, locals sell tortillas on the beaches, which are stuffed with vegetables, chicken and fruits.

What to do and see in South Goa?

The main attraction of the region is Old Goa. A visit to the ancient capital is on the list of must-see activities for tourists. There are many architectural monuments in the historic center of the city. Travelers especially like the Church of St. Catherine, a visit to the Bom Jesus Basilica, etc.

If you love scuba diving, you will love the island called Bath, where you can see the inhabitants of the reefs in the clear water.

Those who prefer outdoor recreation can enjoy a sightseeing trip to Dudhsagar. This is a high waterfall, and near it there is a spice plantation, which tourists also willingly visit.

In addition, travelers like to travel to a conservation area called Cotigar. Rare species of Indian birds and animals live here under age-old trees. Tourists expect to see wild cats, but they are not frequent visitors during the day. However, do not despair, because you can look at monkeys or a wild boar.

Not far from the site on which the Bogmalo beach is located, there is a museum complex that tells visitors about military aviation. There are models and layouts of various vehicles, as well as samples of uniforms for Indian pilots during the war.

Lovers of architectural and historical monuments will love the most ancient temple in the region. Mahadeva is dedicated to the great Shiva, and he was carved from granite around the 13th century. Also in South Goa there is the Cross Museum, where you can look at the ancient crucifixes and crosses presented in a huge collection.

Weather

What is the best time of the year to come here for a vacation? What is the difference between climatic conditions in the north of the region and in its southern part? In fact, the weather is almost always the same. It may be hard to believe, but the natural conditions of North and South Goa are almost always identical.

How long is the holiday season? It starts in October and ends in May. It was then that Russian and European vacationers came to South Goa. The daytime temperature here rarely drops below thirty degrees Celsius, and the water warms up to twenty-six at any time of the year.

The most popular period among vacationers is considered to be the period that begins in November and ends in February. But even then the humidity level is about seventy percent. Do not come here in summer and early September, as it rains in South Goa at this time, and you are unlikely to be able to soak up the beach or see the city sights.