Overview:

Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 is evident in its preserved 17th-century churches and the area’s tropical spice plantations. Goa is also known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to those in laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda.

Goa was a part of Union Territory of Goa, Daman & Diu till 30th May 1987 when it was carved out of form a separate state. Goa covers an area of 3702 square kilometers and comprises two Revenue district viz North Goa and South Goa. Boundaries of Goa State are defined in the North Terekhol river which separates it from Maharashtra, in the East and South by Karnataka State and West by Arabian Sea. Goa lies in Western Coast of India and is 594 Km (by road) away from Mumbai city.

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Know more about Goa

Goa History:

The history of Goa dates back to prehistoric times, though the present-day state of Goa was only established as recently as 1987. In spite of being India's smallest state by area, Goa's history is both long and diverse. It shares a lot of similarities with Indian history, especially with regard to colonial influences and a multi-cultural aesthetic.

During the medieval period, Goa was ruled by the Kadamba kingdom, Vijayanagara Empire, Bahmani Sultanate and Bijapur Sultanate.

The Portuguese invaded Goa in 1510, defeated the Bijapur Sultanate. The Portuguese rule lasted for about 450 years, and heavily influenced Goan culture, cuisine, and architecture.

In 1961, India took control over Goa after a 36-hour battle and integrated it into India. The area of Goa was incorporated into Goa, Daman and Diu, which included the Damaon territory in the north of the Konkan region. In 1987, following the Konkani language agitation Goa was granted statehood. Goa has one of the highest GDP per capita and Human Development Index among Indian states.

There is evidence of the tectonic origins of Goa dating back to 10,000 BC. Further, evidence of human occupation of Goa dates back at least to the Lower Paleolithic Age, indicated by the archaeological findings of Acheulean bifaces in the Mandovi-Zuari basin. However, evidence suggesting the region's ancient foundation is obscured by the legend of Goa's creation by the Hindu sage Parashurama.

Geography of Goa:

Some parts of present-day Goa appear to have been uplifted from the sea due to geological tectonic plate movement. There is evidence to support this theory as indicated by the presence of marine fossils, buried seashells, and other features of reclaimed topography in the coastal belt. fossilized branches have been found later in many villages on the foothills of the Sahyadri dating back more than 10,000 BC. Thus the geologists concluded that Goa has risen from the seabed as a result of violent tectonic movements. At the decline of the intensity of population in the last Pleistocene age around 10000 BC, the bottom of Deccan plateau was lifted up and out of sea-waters by the tectonic movements, formed the West-coast of India, Goa being a part thereof.

Places to Visit at Goa.

Climate of Goa:

Goa, being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian Sea, has a hot and humid climate for most of the year. The month of May is the hottest, seeing day temperatures of over 35 °C (95 °F) coupled with high humidity. The monsoon rains arrive by early June and provide a much needed respite from the heat. Otherwise the climate of Goa is overall pleasant throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Goa:

The period of June to September is South West Monsoon Season. This is most rainy season for Goa state. Whole infrastructure of state like agriculture, drinking water and electricity etc. depends upon the monsoon season. Goa experiences an average rainfall of about 330 centimeters annually and about 90% of annual rainfall occurs during this season only. However rainfall is more in the areas which are nearer to the Western Ghats in east parts of Goa. The state receives abundant of precipitation during these monsoon months. July is the wettest month of the year with more than 995 mm of rainfall. The average high stands around 30°C while the low falls to mid-teens. During this time the city receives a reduced level of sunshine as July gets not more than three hours of sunshine per day.

The period from October to March is very pleasant for tourists with normally clear skies. During this period the sea condition remains normal. This period is the most popular, especially the peak season in December and through New Year, when the destination is packed. Temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C. January with more than 320 hours of sunshine remains the sunniest month of the year. During this period, the weather is glorious, the atmosphere is suitably festive, the tinsel is liberally festooned and fireworks grace the evening sky.

The period of April & May comes under hot season (summer season) with some increase in humidity. During this period day temperature sometimes reaches around 36°C. However tourists can enjoy their days over nice beaches. Normally after 3 PM sea breeze (cool wind) starts from sea to land, which cools the atmosphere and makes tourist’s experience pleasant.

Places to visit in Goa:

Goa is the most popular destination for beachside holidays in India. It is the smallest state in the country by area, located on the southwestern coast. The region is blessed with beautiful scenic views, magnificent beaches, glorious natural landforms, tons of popular tourist attractions, and much more. It was also a major site of Portuguese colonial settlement in Asia, which reigned from 1510 to 1961. Now,

Goa is one of Indias most visited tourist places, with visitors flocking to the region all year round. Alongside domestic travelers, tourists from around the globe visit Goa to witness its rich flora and fauna, incredible white-sand beaches, religious and historical landmarks, vibrant nightlife, delicious regional cuisine, and much more.

Goa has everything you would hope for in terms of adventure. It is a paradise for tourists who want to participate in exciting activities during their trip, like beach hopping, water sports, dolphin spotting, hot-air ballooning, etc. Adding to its aspect of fun activities, tourists can also spend time exploring the local culture and tradition, trying out street food, going on a shopping spree, and much more during their visit. There are many wonderful places to see in Goa, including forts, churches, famous restaurants and pubs, wildlife reserves, etc. For example, you can find rare animal species at the Mandovi-Zuari Wildlife Sanctuary, go on a religious trip to the Se Cathedral, check out the historical background of the Chapora Fort, and so on. It also acts as a great starting point for a long tour of Indias southwestern region. Some popular places to visit near Goa include Dandeli, Gokarna, Panchgani, Malvan, etc. All of these aspects make Goa a must-visit holiday destination in the country.

Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Goa that you need to check out during your trip:

Anjuna Beach:

Located just 18 kilometres from Panaji, Anjuna beach is a must-visit site for parties and adventure activities in Goa. It stretches about 2 kilometres and is an exciting place for visitors who want to enjoy Goas nightlife. Its main attractions are its full moon parties, held during Christmas and New Year.
Baga Beach:
It remains filled with visitors during the peak season and features some magnificent views of the region. In addition, the glorious nightlife, delectable seafood dishes, beach-side parties, and water activities make Baga beach immensely popular among tourists. Hence, it is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
Calangute Beach:
Calangute beach is another popular tourist attraction in Goa for both domestic and international visitors. It is a marvelous location for participating in water activities, trying out local seafood, and sunbathing.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls:

Goas Dudhsagar waterfall is one of the most majestic waterfalls in the region. It has a height of about 1017 feet and an average width of 100 feet. This magnificent waterfall, surrounded by green landforms, is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
Shri Bhagvati Temple:
The Shri Bhagvati Temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, is believed to be over 500 years old. This religious landmark is a well-known Goa tourist spot, famous for its history and architectural beauty.
Arvalem Waterfalls:
The Arvalem Waterfall in Goa has its own set of charms. Even though it is just 50 metres high and 7 metres wide, its mesmerising views during the monsoon make it a prime location for a picnic and general tourism in Goa. Swimming in the beautiful lake below Arvalem Waterfalls is also a bucket-list item for many tourists.

Chapora Fort:

Presiding over the Chapora river, this fort is a crucial historical landmark in Goa. Chapora fort is located in Bardez and offers excellent views of Pernem, Vagator and the Arabian Sea. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa for its historical essence and picturesque views.
St. Francis of Assisi:
The St. Francis of Assisi Church is one of the most beautiful churches you can visit in Goa. Some of its key highlights include the Portuguese-Manueline building architecture, octagonal towers, detailed wall paintings of Bible scenes and the Archaeological Museum of History.
Shri Mahalaxmi Temple:
The Shri Mahalaxmi Temple, located just 4 kilometres from Ponda, is a very important religious landmark of the region. This beautiful temple is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and is visited by many tourists and devotees in Goa.

Cabo Fort:

The Cabo Fort, originally called “Cabo De Rama”, is one of the oldest forts in Goa. It served under various rulers, including the Portuguese. Today, it is a massive point of tourist interest, famous for its views, the inner Church, and historical background.
St. Cajetan Church:
The Church of St. Cajetan is one of the many highlights of Old Goa. It was originally dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence, and its architecture resembles the St. Peters Basilica in Rome. Some of its main attractions are the facade, the hemispherical dome and the twin quadrangular towers.
Candolim Beach:
Goas Candolim Beach is one of the longest beaches in the region. Located near Fort Aguda, this beach is famous for its peaceful atmosphere and availability of a wide range of watersports, shops, and restaurants. It ranks high on the must-visit Goa tourist places list.
The Church of St. Anne:
The construction of Saint Anne Church in Goa began in the late 1500s and finished in the late 1600s. This religious structure is a fine example of an architectural blend of Indian and Portuguese Baroque styles. It is just 11 kilometers from Panaji and is famous for its hollow walls and Touxeachem Fest.

Shri Mahalasa:

The Shri Mahalasa temple is another prominent religious landmark in Goa. This beautiful temple, dedicated to the worship of Shri Mahalasa Narayani, is said to be over 450 years old. It is located in Mardol, just 22 kilometers from Panaji city.
Ruins of the Church of St. Augustine:
This 17th-century Church is a prime tourist attraction in Goa. Even though most of the structure is in ruins, it still draws a massive crowd around the calendar. Its main attraction is the remains of the belfry of the 150 feet high Bell Tower.
Shri Nagesh:
Shri Nagesh is a famous sightseeing attraction in Goa for a spiritual tour. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses intricate wood carvings that depict various scenes from the epic Ramayana. The granite idol of Nandi at the temple entrance is also quite popular among devotees.
Terekhol Fort:
The Terekhol fort, located by the side of the Tiracol river, is a vital historical landmark in Goa. It is just 42 kilometres from Panaji and offers magnificent views of the Keri beach and Tiracol river.

Palolem Beach:

Palolem beach is one of the most visited beaches in South Goa. It attracts various types of tourists, including youths, couples and families. It is famous for its picturesque views, availability of quality accommodations, thrilling activities and vibrant nightlife.
Chapora Beach:
Chapora beach is a charming location surrounded by clear blue water on one side and lush greenery on the other. It is located close to the Chapora Fort and Chapora Village. The beach is famous for offering great scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Basilica of Bom Jesus:
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the most beautiful churches in the region. It is a World Heritage Site, and its intricate Baroque architecture dates back to the 16th century. The Basilica of Bom Jesus holds major significance among the Catholics and is one of the must visit places in Goa.
Mayem Lake:
Mayem Lake, located far from bustling city life, is a peaceful getaway within Goa. It is surrounded by serene water, local villages, small hills and vast greenery. It is also a great spot for trekking, bungee jumping and bird watching.
The Grape Escapade:
This unique festival in Goa attracts tourists from across the globe. The Grape Escapade is ideally a wine festival that brings together people from all over the region under one roof. It is a 4-5 day event, usually celebrated in January.

Goa Carnival:

The Goa Carnival is regarded as the most popular festival in the region. This world-renowned festival features colorful costumes, melodic music, exotic dance routines, delectable foods and drinks, and much more.
Goa Food and Music Festival:
This festival aims to celebrate the authentic heritage, culture and cuisine of Goa. It is a 5-day event featuring newcomers and veteran chefs offering their version of Goan delicacies to the food-loving crowd. Rhythmic music, dances and other events are also a part of this festival.
Goa Mango Festival:
The Goa Mango Fest is a fun event that celebrates Goan mangoes. It showcases individuals how to grow, cultivate, preserve, graft and use mangoes in various ways. Participating in these informative workshops is a great way to spend a vacation day.
Sao Joao Festival:
This is a very interesting festival celebrated in Goa at the beginning of the Monsoon. The festival is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and involves young men jumping into wells, streams and ponds as a tribute. Boat races and feni are the prime elements of this festival.

Goa International Latin Festival:

The Goa International Latin Festival is another key attraction of Goa tourism. It features artists from India as well as other parts of the world performing dance and hosting informative workshops.
Goa Arts and Literary Festival:
The Goa Arts and Literature Festival is a famous annual literary event held in December. This event brings together popular poets, musicians and artists from across India under one roof.
Sunburn:
It is one of the biggest music festivals in India. It features famous artists from the country as well as the world and attracts a massive crowd. The high-energy ambience, delicious food and drinks, and excellent music make Sunburn in Goa a popular tourist attraction.

Activities in Goa:

Goa is a treasure box of fun and thrilling activities for tourists. Here are some of the most popular things to do in Goa:

Kneeboarding:
This towed water sport is a form of surfing while kneeling on your heels. Kneeboarding is a fun activity for thrill seekers, and you can try it out at Goa beaches, like Rajbaga Beach, Candolim Beach and Mobor Beach.
Kayaking:
Goa offers tons of slow-paced water activities that you can participate in, like kayaking. You can enjoy this exciting activity solo or in a group. Some of the best Goa tourist places where you can try Kayaking are Dona Paula, Hollant Beach and Palolem Beach.
Wakeboarding:
In this water sport, the rider stands on a wakeboard and gets towed by a high-speed motorboat. It involves doing acrobatic skill moves and quick manoeuvres and requires a lot of practice. Places to do this fun activity in Goa include Candolim beach, Mabor beach and Rajbaga Beach.

Windsurfing:

Windsurfing is another thrilling water adventure activity that you can do in Goa. It involves riding on the water on a sailboard propelled by wind and is ideally a blend of surfing and sailing. The best places to do windsurfing in Goa are Vagator beach, Bogmalo beach and Paula beach.
Scuba diving:
You can consider scuba diving in Goa for a relaxing yet thrilling underwater experience. You can check out Grande island, Baga beach and Calangute beach for scuba diving activities.
White water rafting:
White water rafting is one of the most fun things to do in Goa. It is an adrenaline-pumping activity comprised of scenic routes, whirlpools, turbulent water, narrow paths, and much more. Some of the best places in Goa for water rafting include the Mhadei River and the Tilari River.
Jet skiing:
Riding a high-speed jet ski over Goan waves is a must-try activity. Jet skiing is available at most beaches in Goa, including Candolim, Miramar and Mobor beach.

Banana boat riding:

It is a fun group activity that involves riding a banana-shaped inflatable boat towed by a high-speed motorboat. Some ideal locations for banana boat riding include Palolem beach, Candolim beach and Baga beach.
Parasailing:
It is a recreational kiting adventure activity where an individual glides through the air with the help of an open parachute while being towed by a speedboat. You can go parasailing in Goa at the famous beaches, including Baga beach, Colva beach and Calangute beach.
Flyboarding:
Flyboarding is an adventure activity that involves riding a specialised board. It launches the rider high into the air, where they can perform cool tricks. Check out Chapora River for flyboarding in Goa.
Cruise and Yachts:
Goa has lots to offer for couples and newlyweds as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the country. Going on a cruise or yacht ride is one of the most romantic things you can do with your partner during your Goa visit. Some Goa tourist places where you can go on a cruise include Candolim Beach, Mandovi River, Palolem Beach and Miramar Beach.

Water skiing:

Water skiing is a towed water sport that involves skimming the water surface on skis. You can try it in Goa at places like Candolim beach, Mobor beach and Baga beach.
Paddleboarding:
It is a slow-paced water activity that involves standing up on a slim paddleboard and propelling it using a paddle. Rajbaga beach and Mobor beach are some examples where you can try paddleboarding in Goa.
Snorkelling:
Snorkelling is a slow-paced underwater activity where you can swim using a snorkel and check out the beautiful corals and aquatic life of the region. Some places to try snorkelling in Goa include Miramar beach, Bogmalo beach and Grande island.

Shopping in Goa:

Here are some popular shopping areas in Goa for buying souvenirs and gifts:

Mapusa Market:
This famous market is a one-stop solution for shoppers. You can find things like regional craftworks, clothing, food items, jewellery, spices, delectable street foods and lots more in Mapusa Market. It is located in Mapusa, about 8 km from Vagator.
Anjuna Flea Market:
The Anjuna Flea Market is another famous shopping area for locals and tourists. It offers a variety of authentic items, including food and clothing. It is located near Anjuna beach and is famous for beachwear shopping.
Calangute Market Square:
Located near Calangute beach, this market is a prominent shopping area in Goa. It is a great place for souvenir shopping, with an exceptional range of regional craftworks. Some popular items include carpets, clothing, home decor, etc.

Saturday Night Bazaar at Arpora:

This market remains open from early evening to around midnight. The ambience and quality craftwork items on display attract tons of customers throughout the region. It is also famous for its embroidered textiles, refreshing drinks and street food.
Mackies Night Bazaar:
It is another popular night market in the region, located close to Arpora. This market features colourful stalls, quality footwear, traditional clothing, western apparel, tasty street food and lots more. You can also find amusing live performances held within this market area.

Food in Goa:

Here are some must-check-out restaurants for delicious food during your Goa trip:

Tuscany Gardens
This garden restaurant, located in Candolim, is famous for its ambience and great food quality. It serves a variety of cuisines, including Italian, Continental and North Indian. Some of its must-try dishes are Spinach Risotto, Bruschetta and Ravioli.
Mums Kitchen:
Mums Kitchen has been serving delicious food to locals and visitors in Goa for many years now. It is a must-visit restaurant if you want to try out authentic Goan dishes with a pinch of homemade love. Located in Panjim, make sure to try out their Xacuti and exciting range of wines.
Cafe Chocolatti:
Cafe Chocolatti is also a garden-style restaurant famous for its lovely ambience and delicious snacks and drinks. It is located in Candolim and has an affordable menu with lots of options. Make sure to try their smoothies and cakes during your visit.

Hotel Venite:

Hospedaria Venite is a fantastic restaurant you can check out in Goa for Continental, Portuguese and Seafood. Located in Panaji, it also has an extensive Bar menu with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Some of their must-eat items include Chicken Mushroom Steak, Prawn Curry Rice and Goa Banana in Rum Caramel.
Thalassa:
Thalassa, in Vaddy, Siolim, is a famous Greek restaurant in Goa with a beautiful open-air waterfront seating arrangement. Apart from its scenic views, it is also famous for its DJ music, excellent serving staff and authentic Greek food. During your visit, make sure to try out their Chicken Casserole, Roast Lamb and Spaghetti Bolognaise.
A Reverie:
A Reverie in Calangute is a fine place to try out European cuisine. Its sophisticated ambience, great music and fusion food make it a prime location to dine out in Goa. Some of its must-try dishes are Wasabi, Guac Tacos, Tapas and Chorizo Baos.

Night Life in Goa:

Goas vibrant nightlife attracts both domestic and international tourists alike. It offers a beautiful fusion of culture, tasty foods and drinks, a magical ambience, and great music. Some of the best places to visit in Goa for its nightlife are:

Silent Noise Club:
Located in Palolem, the Silent Noise Club is one of the most exciting places in Goa where you can enjoy the rich nightlife. The club provides wireless headphones to guests through which they can listen to their choice of party music and rock the dance floor. It is also famous for its great ambience, lighting, aerial performers, vast music range and much more.
LPK Waterfront:
Love Passion Karma Club is another popular nightlife destination in Goa. It is located in Nerul and is bordered by water on three sides. It is famous for its unique atmosphere, vast music range and quality services. It is a go-to location for party lovers in the region.
UV Bar:
The UV Bar is a great place to experience Goas regional nightlife. It is located near Anjuna Market in North Goa and is famous for its open-air bar, DJ music, spacious dance area and quality services. It also has a beautiful outdoor seating arrangement that you can check out.

Club Cubana:

Located at Arpora Hilltop, Club Cubana is one of the most famous clubs in Goa where you can delve into the local nightlife scene. Its main attractions include a big swimming pool, multi-levelled dance floors, a jacuzzi, neon lighting, great DJ music, and frequent events.
Kamaki:
Kamaki, located in Baga, is a popular nightclub in Goa. It has indoor seating, projector screens, DJ music, a spacious dance floor, and a lounge area. Besides great food and drinks, you can enjoy live performances by famous musicians in Kamaki. It serves from 6 PM to 4 AM.
Cape Town Cafe:
Located on Baga Calangute Road, Cape Town Cafe is one of the most happening places in Goa. You can get lost in the enchanting beats of DJ music, grab a drink and catch a live match screening or fill your hunger with delicious food and drinks at this nightclub. It also has a lounge area, spacious dance floor and indoor seating.

SinQ Night Club:

SinQ, not only has a nightclub, but also a tavern and a beautiful poolside lounge. It is one of the best places in Goa where you can spend a lovely evening with drinks, dance and music. It is located in Candolim, Goa.
Shiva Valley:
Shiva Valley, located at Anjuna Beach in the North Goa region, is a great place for party lovers. This shack cum club is famous for serving delicious Goan cuisine and seafood, along with a variety of drinks and beverages. Some of its main inclusions are a great dance area, fantastic DJ music and a lounge area.
Cafe Mambos:
It is one of the most famous places in Baga, where you can enjoy Goas signature nightlife experience. Its main highlights include tasty foods and drinks, hookah, upbeat DJ music, dance performances, an outdoor terrace, and a roofed-in dance floor.

How to Reach:

Goa The beach destination is quite easily accessible from various parts of India by air, rail and road. Dabolim Airport, about 26 km away from Panaji, connects the city with the rest of world while Madgaon Railway Station and Vasco da Gama Railway Station are the two major railheads here. Those travelling by road from nearby cities and towns can choose between options for intra-city and inter-city buses.

By Air: Being a popular tourist destination and an unwinding spot, Goa is well connected to all the major cities in the country by air. You can avail regular flights to this tropical paradise from cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Chennai. However, the fastest way to reach Goa is to take a flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai which takes approximately an hour to reach.

The Dabolim Airport in Goa is located around 26 kilometres from its capital city; Panaji. As the tourist season arrives, this aerodrome also receives international flights even though it is mainly served by domestic airlines. The airport also provides currency exchange, prepaid taxi counter and ATMs along with the basic amenities. To keep you busy as you await your flight, the airport also has food joints and shopping centres within its premises. People travelling internationally usually fly into major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai and then transit into a domestic flight with airlines such as Jet Airways, IndiGo, SpiceJet or Air India.

There are also a few Russian, German and British charter companies that offer direct flights to the Dabolim Airport during the months of November to February.

It would be advisable to book your tickets well in advance, especially if you are travelling in the peak season. Goa is packed during the summer and the New Year season. Hence, make sure you book your tickets and accommodation well before time to get cheap deals.

Air India is identified as the national carrier and also the safest airline to the destination. However, one can choose between any of the following airlines to travel to Goa - Jet Airways, SpiceJet, IndiGo and Vistara. Upon arrival, individuals can avail of the bus taxi or hotel shuttle to reach their required destination.

By Road/Self Drive: Ever since we have watched Dil Chahta Hai, a road trip to Goa has been on our bucket list. Hire a car and drive down to this beach paradise as the salty smell of the sea fills your senses and scenic locations rush past you. The easiest way to travel by road is from Mumbai which is just fourteen hours away. The fastest route however from Mumbai is via National Highway 4, which takes you from the Mumbai – Pune Expressway to Belgaum and then to Goa. State and private buses also run to and from Goa to various cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Hampi. However, we suggest you take the train instead of the bus because of the unpredictable traffic.

By Rail/Train: The long Konkan Railway deemed to be 760 kilometres stretches all the way from Mumbai to the north and Mangalore to the south. However, Margao’s Madgaon Railway Station is the biggest station and strongly linked to other parts of the country through a vast train network. Regular trains run from Delhi to Madgaon, the important ones being Goa Sampark Kranti Express and Trivandrum Express. The Madgaon Railway Station is located approximately 38 kilometres from the capital city. Another railway station is the Vasco da Gama station that is 29 kilometres away. Taxis will be available as soon as you make your way out of the station. The rail is a rather inexpensive way to travel and you will reach your destination in approximately six hours and 24 minutes. With the main railway station being in Madgaon, which is North Goa; try to take a train that stops at Thivim if you plan to travel to the North Goa beaches like Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, etc. Travelling to Goa by train is a treat to one’s eyes as the scenic locations and lush green trees whiz past you.

By Sea: For all the water babies out there, cruise ships coming from the UAE and travelling between Mumbai and Maldives are available. However, if you are travelling from Mumbai and want to stay amidst the water for a while, a new cruise ferry service functioning between Mumbai and Goa will be there at your beck and call. Known as Angriya Cruises, this is a one-day journey reputed to be an overnight pleasure. It comprises two restaurants, a spa and an infinity pool. The ship sets sail from Mumbai’s Victoria Docks at 4pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and reaches Goa’s Mormugao cruise terminal at nine in the morning the following day.

The service functions from October to May and online bookings open one month in advance. Hence, make sure that you book your tickets well before time.

How to Commute Locally in Goa:

When you travel to Goa there are lots of options available to Commute Locally.

By Boats: Make use of the few remaining passenger or vehicle ferries which were once a widely used transport by the locals. These ferries run from seven in the morning to nine in the night with an interval of thirty minutes. Pedestrians have free access to these ferries. If you wish to head to North Goa, you can hop on to the Panaji to Betim ferry that will take you to the northern beaches.

By Cars/Self Drive: If you would rather holiday at your own pace and take your own sweet time to gallivant around Goa, we suggest you hire a car. You could go for a self-drive hire car which would cost around INR 1100 for small cars and INR 4500 for a large car.

By Motorcycle: Talking about motorcycles, we are sure you will spot tourists whizzing by you on a scooter or a motorcycle. You can do the same by hiring a motorcycle for INR 200-400 per day for a scooter. However, if you are renting the scooter/bike for more than a few days; prices do drop at an alarming rate.

By Bus:

A vast network of buses travel to and from every village and town in Goa. However, the central pick up or drop-off points are located in Panaji, Margao and Mapusa. If you plan to travel between North and South Goa, you will have to change buses at either Margao or Panaji. Fares start from INR 5 to INR 40. Local buses are usually rusty and stop at many places, hence try to take the faster ‘express’ buses instead.

By Autoricksaw:

This is also a good way to travel around Goa. It is also cheaper than a taxi and suitable for short trips. It costs around INR 50 for a short trip and INR 150 for a longer one.