Here’s Some Money Saving Tips for Backpackers in Goa Trip

Backpacking, an economic traveling concept, is fast gaining popularity across the globe. It is quite popular with students and budget tourists traveling on a shoe-string budget. Goa, located in the western parts of India, is too inviting a sizeable chunk of backpackers throughout the year. The salubrious climate, hospitable people and laid back ambience is conducive for the tourists. Here are a few money saving tips for backpackers during their trip to Goa.

  

Breathe the economic air in Goa 

Accommodation (Lodges, budget hotels and Homestays) 

Backpackers do not seek lavish accommodation. When it comes to the accommodation needs of backpackers, Goa has a lot of options in store. Besides a large number of budget hotels, Goa has many village cottages and Homestays that are rented by the locals at reasonably low rates. Apart from saving money, you’ll get to experience local traditions and ways of living life. 

Eat at Beach Shacks, Avoid Restaurants 

During your trip to Goa, if you are looking forward to get entertainment over relaxation, you won’t need to look anywhere else other than beach shacks. At a very cheap price, these beach shacks let you savor authentic Goan delicacies. Being a coastal area, Goa offers a scrumptious variety of seafood delicacies. So if you love non-vegetarian food, Goa is an absolute haven for you. Moreover, if you are staying in Homestays, you’ll get authentic Goan home-made food included in the rental price. 

Bargain While Shopping 

The flea markets of Goa are quite popular with local and international tourist alike. The most popular names in the list include the Wednesday Market of Anjuna Beach and Ingo’s Saturday Night market of Arpora Beach. Always make it a point to bargain in these flea markets. Compare the price tags of different vendors and then make the last choice. Don’t spend anything on clothing. 

Beware of Touts and Follows Rules 

Goa has never been in the news for major safety issues. However, a few stray incidents may make you think twice, but Goa, at large, is a quite a safe destination for tourists and backpackers. Though the people of Goa are quite helpful and friendly, it is advisable not to trust anyone with cash or belongings is not a wise thing. Also, you should never entertain touts trying to fool you with unnecessary offers. Do not try anything out of the box, adhere to the safety guidelines and always use your common sense.

Goa Trip- Your Tryst with Trance Culture

Trip to Goa is all about relaxing on beaches, indulging in water sports, exploring heritage buildings and partying at night. When it comes to party ambience and nightlife, the trance music of Goa is popular across the globe. Originated in late 1980’s, Goa trance is a form of electronic music style the incorporate elements of industrial music, EBM (Electronic Dance Music), Psychedelic rock and Indian Classical Music. Originally referred to as trance dance, the main goal of Goa trance was to support dancers while undergoing a communal state of bodily superiority. It is quite similar to the ancient shamanic dancing practices through pulsating melodies, hypnotism and rhythms.

Since its inception in 1960’s, Goa trance has come a long way and today it is more technology driven where every sound audible to human ear can be created. It allows aspiring DJ’s to blend music with spirituality and devise new tunes by stepping out of the traditional boundaries of music. Usually 8 to 12 minutes long, these trance beats tends to create a hypnotic and intense feel by gradually building energy, by using changes in beating pattern and layered synth parts. 

 

In the mid 1990’s, for a short period of time, Goa trance music enjoyed huge commercial success with the help of DJ’s, who went on to adopt a unique style of trance outside the state. The scenario quickly changed and most of the elements of trance were incorporated into the pop culture. However there are some DJ’s such as Astral Projection, Infected Mushroom and Section X are creating progressive tracks in its true form. 

Goa trance parties have an exotic visual appeal- people wear fluorescent painted  clothes, the decorative elements are a combination of different religions, aliens, Shamanism, mushrooms and  technology. Like any music genre, new developments and evolution take place in  trance music as well. It is definitely a worth trying experience during the Goa trip. 

 

Top 3 Churches in Goa for a Spiritual Stay

Goa hotel packages are the best way to go for if you are planning a vacation in Goa. A must addition in your itinerary should be the historical churches of the city. You will be able to make the most of your holidays.

A holiday in Goa is indisputably a dream vacation for every holiday maker. Every year, both local as well as foreign tourist flock this beach city of India along with their loved ones to enjoy the busy beaches of North Goa or the quite serene beaches of South Goa. Goa has something fore every kind of a travel where you can enjoy various adventure activities, great seafood, nightlife, the finest of liquor, carnivals and so on. By the way of taking up Goa hotel packages, you can enjoy a peaceful vacation.

Goa without question is that kind of a city where the party never ends. But there is another aspect also, the city has a religious side to it as well. The early morning winds of Goa carry the soothing noise of the wake-up bells of the various churches. If you are paying a visit to Goa, then you must add these colonial age churches in your itinerary.  Some Goa hotel  packages also include a visit to these very famous churches. You can actually explore another side of Goa, which is beyond the beaches. These churches are a proof that at the time of Portugese rule Goa was a religious center which lead to the construction of these cathedrals.

Although every nook and corner of Goa have churches but Old Goa boasts of a number of such churches which till date have conserved the touch of Christianity. Some of the well-known churches are:

Basillica of Bom Jesus: One of the most  popular churches in Old Goa is Basillicia of Bom Jesus, which has the residue of St. Francis Xavier, Patron Saint of Goa as well as the Apostle of the Indies. The outdoors of this triple storied church, made up of black laterite stone, is a perfect blend of of Doric, Composite and Corinthian styles of architecture. On the northern side of the wall, is also a commemorative made of gilded bronze that is dedicated to Dom Jeronimos Mascarenhas, the Captain of Cochin and the also the benefactor of the church.  

Church of Our Lady of Rosary: Built in the 16^th century, the Church of Our Lady of Rosary is one of the oldest churches in  the city. It also has a strong historic significance too. Located on the very site where Alphonso de Albuquerque was the spectator of the conquest of Goa in the year 1510. This church shows a  beautiful depiction of a combination of Renaissance and Gothic architectural styles.

Chapel of St. Francis Xavier: Chapel of St. Francis Xavier is another major attraction in Goa is Chapel for the tourists. Located on the banks of River Mandovi, it is devoted to the famous saint St. Francis Xavier. It is said that the church  built Doric archived, was built  by St. Francis Xavier. The followers of this church believe in its miraculous qualities.

These are not all, there are a number of other churches too such as Church and Convent of St. Monica, Chapel of St. Catherine, Church of the Carmelites and so on. Visiting these churches can actually be a great experience.

On the internet, there are various online tour –travel companies offering Goa hotel packages which carry cost, accommodation, dining, sightseeing, and so on. You can easily make comparison and take a pick of the one that you feel is perfect for you.