Travel Guide Goa
Bordered by the Arabian Sea, Goa is a state in South India and one of the most popular tourist destinations on the subcontinent for both foreigners and Indians. It is the former paradise of the hippies. Today, people come here to rest from the frenzy of India's big cities and to party with lively nights more trendy than bling. Goa is a lush and spectacular land (Dudhsagar Falls) with dreamy beaches lined with coconut trees and postcard sunsets. Miles of fine sand, from the mythicalAnjuna beach to Baga or Palolem. The bewitching nature is matched by remarkable religious buildings, including the Basilica of the Good Jesus, the Cathedral of St. Catherine or the Shantadurga temple, but also a preserved Portuguese colonial architecture that contributes to the charm of Goa. This affordable destination invites you to a relaxing stay where the beauty of the place rivals the kindness of the inhabitants. Some people come to learn about Indian cuisine or to take yoga classes. But if there is a must, it is the French restaurant La Plage, the place to be in Ashvem Beach, a chic straw hut where celebrities pass by in a relaxed way, barefoot on the sand. Also not to be missed is the large open-air bazaar in Goa during the Saturday night fever to browse and find trinkets and unlikely jewels that make wonderful memories.
What to visit Goa?
When to go to Goa?
The high tourist season in Goa is in winter, from October to March. The stay is then very pleasant, but the affluence important. For deserted beaches and privacy it is in low season, that is to say in July and August. Come in February, the monsoon is over and it is Carnival! The capital, Panjim, is then in full effervescence. And, of course, in March it's Holi and all its colors, an enchanting moment like no other where tourists are integrated into the festival quite naturally. It's also very lively on June 24 for the Sao Joao (St. John the Baptist) festival and the beginning of the rainy season. Other festive occasions? The Grape Escapade where wine is celebrated (between January and June) and the International Film Festival of India in Panjim at the end of November and beginning of December.
Weather at the moment
Goa has a tropical climate, with a permanent hot season and constantly high humidity. Between June and September, it is the monsoon. You will enjoy the mildest weather during the months of December and January, with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.
Unless you stay in one of the luxury hotels along the sea, Goa remains a very affordable destination. Life is half as expensive as in France. You can have a pleasant stay for about 30 euros per day, including accommodation, food and transportation. For a hundred euros you have the luxury version. Count on about 600 euros for a flight to Goa from Europe. The currency is the Indian rupee. We negotiate our purchases on the market.
You can obtain a tourist visa for 3 months on the website of the Indian government which is essential to land in Goa and stay there. This e-tourist visa costs 65 €. In addition and of course, you must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your planned return and that has 3 blank pages.
No vaccinations are required to visit Goa, however it is advisable to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Rabies and Typhoid, especially if you are planning to leave the protected beaches of Goa. In any case, it is important to be up to date with universal vaccinations if you are staying in Goa. And don't forget that illegal substances are... illegal.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Goa? Our advice & tips
Goa is a very popular tourist destination and travel agencies specializing in India go out of their way to offer you trips to Goa or a getaway from Mumbai during the high tourist season. In the catalog, the seaside stays are the most numerous, they integrate however escapades towards the Dudhsagar falls and the most beautiful monuments. In a charming and intimate version, you will enjoy a fresh fish lunch in a small fishing port.
This is a classic of backpackers! Going alone in Goa is almost the norm. You will have no difficulty finding accommodation even at the last minute, even during the peak tourist season. However, you will have more trouble finding a suitable and affordable hotel during the most popular festivals and festivities, especially during the local vacations, because foreign tourists are then added to the Indian tourists coming from Mumbai.
The means of getting around Goa are numerous, varied and inexpensive. You can rent a car, a scooter or a bicycle, take the small collective buses from one village to another, get into an autorickshaw in town or take a cab. As for walking, it remains exhausting because of the humid heat.
