Goa Travel Guide - All You May Want To Know

Located in the western part of India, Goa “the land of beaches” is one of the most admired tourist destinations in India. Goa travel tools help you to have a safe, pleasant and fun-filled trip. The tranquil atmosphere, scenic beauty, rich culture and tradition, wildlife reserves, water sports, vast architecture and the amazing nightlife attract tourists from all over the world to Goa.

Goa travel tools provide you with all the valuable information you require to make the most of your trip.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The ideal time to visit the state is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant. Being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian Sea, Goa experiences tropical marine climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters.

PRIME TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN GOA

Among the many tourist attractions spread throughout the state, the prime sightseeing attractions include Santa Monica Convent, Aguada Fort, Mapusa, Vasco, Panaji, Naval Aviation Museum, Se Cathedral and Margao. The pristine beaches of the Northern and Southern Goa are quite prominent for the adventurous water sports they offer.

LODGING, DINING AND SHOPPING

Goa travel tools also provide the valuable information on lodging, dining and the shopping facilities in Goa. A home to both luxury as well as economic hotels, Goa offers various types of local and international cuisines. Crabs, prawns and squids are a must try for every non-vegetarian person.

With the plenty of pubs and clubs present in the city, visitors can enjoy live performances of various local and popular bands. Visitors can also shop for cashews, beautiful handicrafts, jewelry and local artifacts from the local shops and markets. Make sure to bargain to get the best deals.

TRANSPORTATION

Equipped with excellent transportation systems, Goa is a well developed and well-linked state with other major towns and cities of the country by Air, Rail and Road transport.

Apart from these, travelers can get all the useful details on essential services provided by the tourist board and various travel agencies.

Click Here to get the best deals on budget, star and luxury hotels in Goa.

BabyMoon: Introduction, Preparation and Planning

Have you ever heard about a couple who’ve decided to venture into a holiday, just before, or after, the arrival of their child? This kind of an excursion is given a special term called ‘Babymoon’. A ‘Babymoon’ is referred to a vacation taken by a couple either soon before, or soon after, the birth of their baby. It is just like the honeymoon which follows a wedding. This concept gained popularity and momentum in the 1990’s as a time when parents spend bonding with a recently born baby.

In the west, the concept of babymoon is quite common for parents to go on a romantic getaway, or to take a babymoon. Although in India, the concept of a babymoon is still new, there is a certain section of parents or soon to be parents to make out time for a special trip.

However, when you’re wife is expecting, male members happen to deal with a great number of concerns about health and safety. If you plan your trip in an appropriate manner, and you obtain the correct advice from your physician, one should be able to take his holiday with ease and comfort.

Ideal time for going on a Babymoon

Take a look at the pregnancy calendar, the second trimester, from 4th month to 6th month, is a good time to go for your babymoon. The simple reason is that, during this time, morning sickness is over and you can still move around comfortably. This does not mean that you cannot travel during your first and third trimesters. Make sure to check your airline policy on flying in pregnancy before you leave and don’t forget it applies to your return trip as well.

Places which have a high incidence of Malaria or Dengue are also best avoided. If there are mosquitoes, wear long sleeved clothes and use safe repellent creams & netting. Make sure you carry your emergency kit which contains important items such as medical reports, medications, travel insurance and emergency contact information. 

Places to go for Babymoon

It is a good idea to opt for comfort over adventure and go to places that will not need long hectic hours to reach the destination. Therefore, rafting, camping, hiking trips are a big no. Also, be careful, while visiting places such as ancient forts, ruins and old places. Some may have slippery stairs or crumbled pathways. Instead, try places where you can relax, such as sandy beaches or a scenic hill station.

There are several tour operators which offer pregnancy friendly holiday packages for domestic and international travel. There are several options such as Ooty, Coorg, Kasauli, Deolali, Manali, Mussoorie, Dalhousie, Shillong and Kashmir.

For a winter holiday, you may want to go to Rajasthan, Varanasi, Agra, Goa, Pondicherry and Kerala. Most cities also offer great getaways that are just a few miles away. In Goa and Kerala, there are certain hotels and spa retreats that offer special holiday packages with services such as Ayurvedic Massage, hair & skin treatments and healthy gourmet meals.

It really doesn’t matter for how long you plan to stay. You can plan your vacation from 1 day to several weeks. It’s all about whatever you feel comfortable with. Whether or not you want to include overnights is also something that depends on your personal situation, feelings and preference. You don’t have to plan an extravagant trip to some fancy and exotic place. You can choose to go to a spa that is conveniently located close to home or go out for a romantic dinner. This little vacation is all about the parents and what they want to do. Have a little vacation which you can enjoy and remember for many years to come.

If you find yourself confused as what to do or where to start from, you may need the help of a tour operator or consultation from somebody who had gone for a babymoon trip. They offer a wide selection of destinations and amenities for you to choose from. No matter what kind of getaway you want to plan, they will be able to come up with some great ideas.

Hotels in Goa India - Find Budget, Cheap and Luxury Goa hotels and resorts at Goatrip.com. Find best offers and deals on Goa hotels and Tours. Check Goa hotel prices, check maps, view hotel pictures and hotel information online HERE.

Goa Photo Gallery - Explore Popular Beaches and Places in Goa

Goa - Photo Gallery

To know about adventure activities in Goa, Shopping places, popular churches, festivals in Goa, best time to visit Goa or any other information HERE.

Travel to Goa in Monsoon-Some Interesting Things to do for First Time Visitors

One of the major highlights of your tour to India, Goa is a land blessed with exotic landscapes, silver & golden beaches, sea food smacking tips and spine shivering water sports. A trip to Goa cools the entire body and soul. It is a wonderful tourist locale to enjoy with your love ones. Even though Goa is a safer tourist destination, tourists must be careful about petty thefts. One should take care of their belongings, especially in the crowded places such as markets and bus stops. A lot of pickpockets will be trading in these areas. Besides thieves, tourists should remain careful of beggars and touts.

Not wasting our time anymore on the beggars and touts, we’ll move further and talk about some interesting things to do in Goa during monsoons. If you happen to visit Goa during Monsoons, there is a lot to do from the perspective of local Goan way.

Major Attractions in Goa during Monsoon Season

There are some picturesque wildlife sanctuaries in Goa that are open throughout the year. Mollem National Park and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary are the major ones. They are harder to reach than Bondla, the smallest and most accessible sanctuary in Goa. Besides natural trails, there are mini zoo and deer safari park, which is a perfect jaunt for kids. The imposing Dudhsagar Falls, located on the edge of the Mollem National Park. During the monsoon, the water tumbles down from a huge height.

 [Get More Information On  Major Attractions in Goa ]

Monsoon Festivals in Goa 

The vibrant festivals of Goa are the best reason to visit this tiny Indian state during monsoon period. Sao Joao Festival in Goa is an interesting festival celebrated in Late June and involves the interesting feat of men jumping into the overflowing village wells to retrieve bottles of local Feni.  Then there is feast of Saint Peter and Paul, at the end of June, which sees people sailing up river performing plays and songs. During late August, the carnival-type Bonderam flag festival that is held on tiny Divar Island, off the coast from Panaji. Ganesh Chaturthi is also observed in Goa.

[Get More Information On  Other Festivals in Goa ]

Goan Nightlife in Monsoon 

During the monsoon, the renowned nightlife of Goa is negligible. The renowned Mambo’s and Tito’s Bar at Baga Beach both rock all throughout the year. Then there is bar at The Park Hotel in Calangute, which is a hip bar with regular DJ’s.  For those interested in live musicians, they can visit the more languid Cavala, near Baga Beach. There is live and retro rock on Friday nights and retro, jive and salsa on Saturday nights from 8 PM. Nevertheless, you may also want to try your luck at one of the top casinos in Goa.

[Get More Information On Goan Nightlife ]

Eating in Goa 

Goan cuisine is delectable and lip smacking with its use of coconut and flavorsome spices. Seafood is the specialty of Goa. Here you will find every seafood delicacy such as fish, prawns, lobsters, squids and mussels. Also a few famous restaurants and shacks have become tourist destinations in their own right.

 [Get More Information On Popular Restaurants in Goa  ]

Shopping in Goa 

Without mentioning the exhilarating shopping options in Goa, Goa Travel Guide is not completed. The state is famous for its handicrafts such as terracotta figurines, brass wares, exquisite bamboo artifacts, sea-shell jewelry and water color paintings. Visit the Anjuna Flea Market, held every Wednesday, to enjoy the true taste of Goa.

[Get More Information On  Shopping In Goa ]

Accommodation in Goa 

Goa is an awesome place to chill out along with its superb beaches. It is not a difficult job to find tourist accommodation here. During your stay at this beach paradise in India, tourists have an opportunity to explore the insights of this tourist destination. While visiting this wonderful tourist destination, people often enjoy fabulous hospitality of hotels in Goa (http://www.goatrip.com/goa-hotels-resorts/). Some popular hotels include Goa Marriot Resort, The Leela Goa and The Lalit Golf & Spa Resort. 

Though I’m not sure whether you’ll pack your bags after reading this blog or not, but keeping in mind the tourist statistics of Goa, this tiny Indian state is a must visit place.

[Browse through our  11 Goa Holiday Packages]

Goa Hotel Packages: Classification Based on Ratings

Ensconced amidst Western Ghats and Arabian Sea, Goa is a tiny Indian state that has achieved unprecedented popularity as a cosmopolitan beach destination. If tourism statistics are anything to go by, this tiny Indian state is visited by around 2 million Indian and international tourists alike. With such huge influx of tourists throughout the year, it is fairly obvious that hotels in Goa have a ringing cash counter.  The popularity of this western Indian state can be attributed to its sun-kissed beaches, colonial churches, adventure water sports and vibrant culture.

 

Vivanta by Taj- Panjim Rooftop Pool

Tourists from all walks of life visit this tiny India state for a mesmerizing holiday experience and choose hotels according to their budget. Hotels in Goa cater to all kinds of travelers ranging from high-end tourists to budget travelers.  Listed below is the classification of Goa hotels in terms of their star ratings and facilities they offer.

Five Star Luxury Hotels

 

Peace Bar Lounge, The Park on Holiday Beach, Goa

When it comes to luxury hotels in Goa, the five star properties belonging to premier hotel chains certainly tops the chart. Popular names in this list are The Leela, Park Hyatt Resort, JWT Marriot and Zuri White Sands Resort. The second property of Leela Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, The Leela Goa is quite popular with high-end tourists. Spanned across 75 acres of manicured gardens, the 206 room hotel offers a seamless fusion of Portuguese heritage and south Indian architecture. From Italian buffet at Riverside to poolside dining at The Restaurant, the hotel offers multi-cuisine dining experience in a relaxed ambience. Park Hyatt Resort and Spa is another high-end hotel in Goa and can be reached within 15 minutes from Dabolim airport. Set amidst 45 acres of landscaped gardens on the edge of Arossim beach, Park Hyatt Resort exhibits a thematic look of Portuguese village surrounded by sparkling waterways and lagoons. The Sereno Spa is the best feature of this hotel and has won accolades from various travel magazines.

Four Star Hotels

Club Mahindra Varca Resort's restaurant with its magnificent of sunset

Other than luxury hotels, Goa is home to several four star properties that are more or less equivalent to high end hotels in terms of facilities and services. These hotels offer luxurious accommodation at a reasonable price without compromising on the hospitality standards. Built in Goan-Portuguese architectural style, Club Mahindra Resort can be reached in just 45 minute from the Dabolim airport. Classified as Single bedroom apartment and Studio apartment, the 200 apartments of this hotel occupy a space of 650 square feet and 400 square feet respectively. Besides rooms, the facility for Wi-Fi internet is also available in the hotel lobby. Other popular four star hotels in Goa are Sun Village, Baywatch Resort and Hotel Orion.

Budget Hotels

 

Goan Heritage

Goa hotels also cater to the needs of those travelers who are on shoe-string budget. Budget hotels are pocket friendly and take good care of the needs and requirements of the guests. Located amidst the 9 kilometer long stretch of golden sands in Calangute beach, hotel Goan Heritage is a perfect destination for those who love gentle lapping of the sea waves. Classified as Standard, Deluxe and Suites, the 75 well appointed rooms constantly look into swimming pool and Arabian Sea. The wellness centre of this hotel offers number of relaxing therapies which include reflexology, back & neck therapies, manicure, pedicure and facial among others.  

Hotels in Goa cater to the needs of high-end and budget tourists alike. Most of the hotels are located nearby popular beaches and easily accessible from airports and railway stations.  Various tour operators offer Goa hotel packages (http://www.goatrip.com/goa-hotel-packages/) offering choices for kind of travelers.

Budget Hotels in Goa: Pocket Friendly Accommodation for Budget Travelers

Budget Hotels in Goa are pocket friendly accommodation options for tourists on a shoestring budget. The Blog gives information about three budget hotels located at prominent beaches in Goa.

Planning a holiday requires so many things to be considered beforehand such as flights and accommodation at the tourist place. Booking a hotel in advance is always a good option as it avoids tour hassles and last minute bargaining. Renowned as beach capital of India, Goa caters to all kind of travelers ranging from high end to budget. Budget hotels in Goa are good option for those travelers who are on a shoestring budget. 

With such huge popularity of Goa with domestic and overseas travelers alike, major and small players of hospitality industry have come up with special packages for their hotels in Goa. These hotel packages can be booked online with immediate confirmation facility. In this post, I have enlisted three budget hotels that offer attractive facilities at affordable price. 

Sunkissed Resort 

Sunkissed Resort is located 400 meters away from Calangute beach in North Goa. It constitutes of 80 well appointed rooms that offer comfortable and convenient stay to the guests. All the rooms are air-conditioned and feature a living room and a private balcony offering fascinating views of Arabian Sea and surrounding foliage. The newly renovated conference hall is spacious and can accommodate weddings, birthdays, business meetings and product launches with equal ease. The hotel has number of recreational facilities to offer.

Nazri Resort

Sprawled amidst 2 acres of lush greens, Nazri Resort is a famous budget hotel located in proximity to Baga beach, known for its crystal white sands.  Categorized as Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Executive Suites, the 110 guest rooms in this hotel are equipped with modern facilities such as individual temperature control, satellite TV, mini bar and tea & coffee maker. The Deluxe Rooms and Executive Suites feature a bathtub and Jacuzzi bath respectively. The onsite A/C restaurant ‘Lakefield’ serves multi cuisine delicacies which include Indian, Continental, Chinese and Mughlai. 

Resort Mello Rosa

The 140 room resort is located in proximity to famous Goan beaches- Anjuna and Baga. The rooms at this resort occupy an overall space of 5000 square feet and come equipped with modern facilities such as air conditioned, TV, telephone, refrigerator and hot & cold water. The hotel offers a number of recreational activities which include pool table, swimming and discotheque.

The aforementioned resorts fall in the category of budget hotels in Goa. They offer attractive facilities at reasonably good price and are located nearby popular beaches in this tiny India state.  

[Check Out The List Of Goa Hotel Packages]