Goa needs no introduction, long has it featured as the ultimate destination on the hippy-trail. A (former) hedonistic haven, there’s far more to Goa than its beaches, dance parties, and (not-so) impermanent beach-shacks.
There’s a whole other side of Goa, too, which takes a little more digging to explore its backwater mangroves, spice plantations, farm-stays and palm-fringed winding roads through the Western Ghats.
Of course, if you’re coming for the yoga, you won’t be disappointed, too. But be warned about one thing: Many people who come to Goa find themselves staying way longer than planned… 🙂
Read my Goa Travel Guide to find out:
… and much more!
Kayaking in Goa along the backwaters offers an entirely different perspective of Goa: One that’s filled with messages about the fine and beautiful balance nature plays in protecting our planet.
Our Goa travel guide covers the best of Goa – aka Goa with fewer crowds! Once a hippy-paradise with swaying palms and the occasional coco-hut, Goa is one of India’s highlights.
Winter months between November and February are the most popular time to visit Goa – temperatures are cooler with winter sun, hovering between 25-30 degrees in the daytime with cool evenings.
Be aware that all of India tries to get to Goa for Christmas and New Year – so if that’s your plan, you’ll need to book months ahead.
In monsoon season, between June & September, many places to stay pack up or shut down, and the seas are not safe for swimming due to storms, however it can be a beautiful time to explore inland Goa.
You can get to Goa easily enough by train or plane (the main railhead is at Margao (south Goa) or Vasco da Gama.
Getting around Goa is less easy without your own transportation – you’ll mostly need to take cabs (which love to overcharge) or the bus.
When renting scooters, do your due-diligence to check that all parts of it work before agreeing to take it, and be aware of police issuing ‘fines’ to tourists.
Goa caters for backpackers and those looking for luxury resorts, and most categories in between. Some beaches have a more family-vibe (such as Palolem) while others (Anjuna) are focused on the hippie-crowd.
Budget beach shacks are less than inspiring, have paper-thin walls, but are affordable if you want to be right on the beach.
Tourist oriented western style food is massively overpriced, and those seeking a good deal will fare better in local-style delicious Goan eateries.
The waves can be big in Goa and are not suitable for all – check before you go in. Swimming is definitely not receommended during monsoon.
As with the rest of India, tap water is not safe to drink, but UV or Reverse Osmosis filtered water is fine. We use and trust Water to Go filter bottles which we travel with – buy one here.
I recommend sticking to hot food, served from busy stalls or restaurants. There are plenty of places to eat that are used to foreigners who prefer their curries a little less spicy.
Goa is generally a safe part of India but solo women should still do their due diligence, avoid wearing (only) swimwear while off the beach, and avoid walking on beaches alone at night.
Like much of India, Goa gets its best weather between October – March, with December and January being peak season. Temperatures hover between 20 – 30 degrees celsius.
March – June are hot, sticky and humid with temperatures between 30-40 degrees, and see less tourism in general, so it can be a good time to go in search of a sea breeze.
The beaches all but shut down between June – September, but visiting inland Goa during this time is possible – if you don’t mind the torrential rain!
Light, bright and spacious bungalows right on beautiful Palolem beach. Click here for rates & info.
A beautiful eco friendly resort nestled among palm trees, right on Ashwem beach, north Goa. Click here for rates & info.
A stunning boutique hotel set in a Portugese era mansion with pool along the Goa backwaters. Click here for rates & info.
If it’s luxury you’re after, there are plenty of high end resorts in central Goa, including this offering from Taj. Click here for rates & info.