What a Goa. The best resorts in India. Which Goa resort to choose. North or South Goa: where is it better to go on vacation?

Goa has long established itself as a fertile land for relaxation, with a warm sea, beautiful scenery and smiling people. Despite the fact that it is the smallest state in India, millions of tourists come here every year to enjoy an unforgettable holiday and developed infrastructure. Does heaven exist on earth? Yes, and it is located right here, attracting experienced travelers and surprising new discoverers. Where is the best place to relax in Goa, what kind of beaches, cuisine and climate are there, they find out from travel companies, from acquaintances and friends. It’s hard to make a mistake, as any chosen place will amaze you with its comfort and unforgettable atmosphere.

Features of Goa

This state is different from other Indian territories. Firstly, it is completely available to visiting tourists, and accordingly, everything is done here for their comfort and pleasant stay. Many hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues will not make you bored, and the wide beaches with golden sand and turquoise surf will be etched in your memory for a long time as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Where is the best place to relax in Goa and how to diversify your vacation, smiling locals, kind service staff and people like you, visitors, of whom there are so many here, will tell you that they outshine the natives, creating a complete impression European country.

Secondly, the state is divided into two parts. The southern zone is considered elite, here expensive hotels and small private beaches. North is more suitable for budget holiday. Along the entire 100-kilometer coastline there are small islands where you can hide from society and enjoy solitude.

History of the resort development

It is quite rich, since active land development began in the 15th century. Then the famous navigator Vasco da Gama moored to this Indian coast. Being a Portuguese subject, he declared Goa the property of his country. The land existed as a colony right up to 1962, adopting many European features in the development of culture and economy. Long Goa time and its inhabitants survived through trade. But with the liberation from Portuguese rule and annexation to India, the territory became a famous resort and tourist center.

Today, travelers who have visited here do not skimp on positive and enthusiastic reviews. “Oh, holidays in Goa, India and the Arabian Peninsula are just part of the fantasy, a first-class pastime,” they say. And it’s not difficult to believe this after looking at photographs taken against the backdrop of palm trees and the blue surface of the sea. And having arrived here, you are once again convinced that Goa is that piece of land where you truly feel happy man, free from hassle.

Panaji

If you don’t know where to relax in Goa, then visit this cute town. It is the main administrative division of the state. The city is not like other Indian settlements. Its narrow streets, bell towers, flowered verandas and cafeteria tables right on the street are more reminiscent of a provincial European country. In Panaji there is a synthesis of different world cultures and faiths.

Be sure to visit the islands located along the river. One of them, Chorao, is home to a famous and popular bird sanctuary among tourists. Birds of all kinds, sizes and colors live here. Another attraction is the statue of Faria, the abbot. It is also called the symbol of the city and its national treasure. The Holy Father, who has hypnotic powers, became famous thanks to his novel The Count of Monte Cristo.

When you ask locals a question about where you can have a good holiday in Goa, you will hear in response the name of their city. They are in Panaji and will definitely recommend you to visit the beautiful and ancient Chapel of St. Sebastian. Look also at the church and architectural complex Largo da Igreja, they will leave only positive impressions. And having visited the Kala Academy, you will become part of all the cultural events in Goa, which certainly take place in this building.

South Goa

Of course, when you travel to a distant place warm country, then your main goal is to lie on the beaches, listen to the surf and plunge into the salty sea. You can do all this in the southern part, where it is best to relax in Goa for people with good incomes who love privacy and comfort. Palolem - picturesque beach, far from the bustle, will surprise clear sea even the most demanding traveler. And Kolva will wrap you in peace and the unhurried rhythm of life. This beach is famous for its fine sand and wide coastline. Colva is the heart of the southern part of the state and its main tourist center.

It is very easy for fish gourmets to choose where to relax in Goa. famous for its seafood delicacies, this is, of course, Benalium. It is located next to a fishing village, so you will be served the freshest and most delicious dishes. The silence and purity of the local waters attracts not only tourists, but also dolphins who love to frolic in the crystal waves of Benalium.

North Goa

A vacation spent here will be much cheaper than in the south. This is an excellent budget place where it is better for people with average incomes to relax in Goa. Arambol is one of the local beaches. Once upon a time, hippies loved it for its stunning sunsets, virgin sands and natural beauty. There is another beach nearby, Mandrem. It is more suitable for family vacation, as there are gentle slopes ideal for children, a sandy bottom and a small number of street vendors.

Ashvem will also delight you with privacy. On this wide and clean beach you will not meet hordes of intrusive sellers. There are also many restaurants here, the menu of which is rich and quite expensive. Morjim Beach is suitable for people who like to relax in the company of compatriots. Most of the population here is Russian-speaking, having come from the CIS countries for permanent residence. Candolim can be recommended to older people who don’t know where to relax in Goa. They'll love it good infrastructure, comfort and cleanliness of these places.

Attractions and entertainment

Of course, sea water and golden sands are the main things that tourists come for. But resort idleness does not prevent them from attending excursions, as well as interesting local events. After all, Goa is interesting object for long educational walks. Old Goa especially attracts tourists, where there are many unique monuments and temples. Their design, external decoration, and beauty delight and attract. And the atmosphere of intertwining Indian and European cultures has a magical effect on any traveler.

In addition to man-made art, you will also be enchanted by natural wonders that harmoniously fit into the landscape. For example, the Pandava caves, mysterious and mystical. Many legends have been written about them, which the local aborigines will be happy to tell you.

If you are not a lover of architectural and natural values, then go in search of entertainment. Goa has excellent conditions for diving and sports. Bogmalo city - the best place for underwater excursions. There is a wide variety of marine flora and fauna, as well as very romantic and colorful sunsets.

Kitchen

Its main ingredients are fish and seafood, vegetables and fruits, coconut oil and spices. When you ask yourself the question of where exactly is the best place to vacation in Goa, India, you definitely want to know the characteristics of the dishes of this region. After all, delicious food is a very important part of any vacation. Don't be afraid to go to Goa, the menu is acceptable everywhere, because the cuisine is greatly influenced by Portuguese culture. The mixture of European and Indian has created an interesting taste combination that will appeal to any tourist.

The main foods are rice and curry sauce. Restaurants have a lot of fish dishes, mainly tuna, sardines, and mackerel. You can also savor cuttlefish, shrimp and mussels, which are caught in tons in Goa. Shakouti is popular among meat dishes; it is based on chicken fried with pepper, coconut and anise.

Where is the best place to relax in Goa? Of course, wherever they serve feni, a popular local alcoholic drink. It is unique as it is made from coconut palm and cash tree only in Goa. Fruits in this region are dominated by citrus fruits and mangoes.

Shopping

This is one of the ways to enjoy your time in Goa. People who come here want to stock up on exotic souvenirs and interesting things that symbolize the local culture. Where is the best place to relax in Goa if you love shopping? Of course, in Anjuna. There is a big one here swap meet. It works on Wednesdays. You can spend the whole day wandering between the endless shopping aisles, trying on hats, scarves and necklaces.

Trade is also booming in Mapusa. On Fridays, a huge market opens here where you can buy everything your heart desires. These include musical instruments, rare spices, and various amulets. A fortune-telling tent is also provided at your service, where tourists find out their future. If you wish, you can get a tattoo, quickly and efficiently. In any case, it is necessary to bargain, as prices are always too high.

Besides markets, Goa has many shops, large shopping centers and souvenir shops that are open every day. Their only drawback is that they close very early, so shopping is best done in the first half of the day.

Climate

If this is India, then it is already clear that summer pleases local residents almost all year round. This Indian state has a subequatorial, pronounced climate. The air temperature is almost stable, it ranges from 25 to 35 degrees depending on the time of year. The rainy season lasts from June to August, when temperatures down to 20 degrees are possible. During this period, it is better for Europeans not to come here, since a holiday in Goa is ideal in winter. From December, dry, hot weather returns here, which reigns until the end of February.

The gentle sun and salty sea will give you a magnificent tan that will last a very long time. And chic restaurants and hotels will make you a lover of comfort and a relaxed atmosphere.

Now you know where and when is the best time to relax in Goa, how to make your vacation varied and interesting, and how to get the most out of your chosen pastime. In any case, you will bring home a lot of impressions, and all of them will be positive and full of admiration.

Any tourist planning to relax in India, or rather in Goa, is first of all concerned with the question, South or North Goa: which is better for vacation? The smallest Indian state of Goa turned out to be not so small at all: it stretches along the sea for more than 100 km. The dividing area is a small area called Central Goa, where the Dabolim International Airport and the town of Vasco da Gamma are located.

Approximate distance from North to South Goa - 65 km(we took as an example the length of the road from Arambol to Kolva). If you want to travel all of Goa from north to south, you will have to travel at least 124 km along the state's challenging roads in each direction.

Read also our articles:

South Goa more than 2 times more than the North: if you measure the distance on Google maps, then from the very north beach Kerim (after which another state begins - Maharashtra) to the southernmost beach North Goa— Sinkerim is only 26 km long in a straight line. If you measure the distance from the northernmost part of South Goa, Velsao beach near the city of Vasco da Gamma, to the southernmost Polem beach on the border with the state of Karnataka, then in a straight line it will be as much as 54 km.

North and South Goa on the map

Where is it more expensive?

The usual modest South Goan hotel Silver Sands, where we stayed in December 2017: for North Goa this would be considered luxury

Indeed, there are many more expensive hotels in South Goa, good restaurants, but there is also ordinary housing and cafes at the price level of North Goa. For example, we found an incredibly cheap and tasty House Family cafe on Kolva, a 15-minute walk from the beach:

House Family Cafe in Kolva, next to the fish market

Having visited both parts of Goa, we noticed that prices in beach cafes in South Goa are indeed a little more expensive than in northern beach cafes. But the cost of food in cafes off the beach, in the villages, is approximately equal to Northern prices. Another thing is that in South Goa holiday not very comfortable active tourists, and many are simply too lazy to go beyond the territory of their hotel, so they focus only on inflated beach prices.

To be fair, it should be said that package tours to South Goa are indeed more expensive than to North Goa. But if you go there on your own and don’t plan to live in hotels (which are significantly more expensive here than in the north), then the cost of living for you will be about the same as in northern Goa.

Where is it cleaner?

All Goa beaches are now cleaned equally well, both in the northern and southern parts of the state.

Photo answer to the question “Are the beaches cleaned in Goa?”

But the fact that in the south there are significantly fewer people, and the beach itself is twice as long, played a role. South Goa seems a little cleaner than its northern counterpart.

In the villages, the situation is approximately the same: there is no centralized garbage collection, so spontaneous landfills are found in both North and South Goa.

The village of Arambol in North Goa. Garbage:

Colva village in South Goa. Also trashy:

Where are the best beaches?

Everything is clear here: the beaches of South Goa really better beaches North Goa. The sand here is white and squeaky (with the exception of beaches with black volcanic sand like Cola, but this is also a highlight of South Goa). There are much fewer people on the beaches of the south than on the beaches of the north.

Palolem Beach, South Goa

The exception is the most crowded beach of South Goa - Colva, which can be compared in the number of people with the most crowded beach of North Goa - Arambol.

Colva Beach, South Goa

Arambol Beach, North Goa

If you want exactly paradise beaches- then you are in South Goa. But choose not well-known beaches, like or (yes, it’s no longer paradise), but less famous ones. For example, Kola or Patnem beach.

Paradise, deserted Kola beach with black sand in South Goa

To decide which beach in South Goa to choose, we recommend reading our article.

Where is the best accommodation?

In North Goa you can find more budget accommodation options: rooms in guesthouses or small apartments (for example, here is a review on).

The house where we rented accommodation in Arambol

Hotels predominate in South Goa, many of them quite expensive. For example, it is in South Goa, on Cavelossim, that the Leela Goa Beach Resort is located, where Putin stayed during the BRICS convention in November 2016.

You can choose and book the best hotel in South Goa with discounts on the Booking website:

In addition to expensive hotels, South Goa has a lot of accommodation options like beach bungalows. Apparently, rumors about the heavenly South Goan beaches attract many romantics who prefer to settle on the seashore and wake up to the sound of the surf in their “hut paradise.”

Palolem's famous “houses on legs”: no longer a hut, but not yet full-fledged housing

The fact that there is less budget and decent housing in South Goa does not mean that it does not exist at all. For example, in the village of Benaulim there is quite a lot of budget housing for rent, and it is here that those Russians who come to Goa for the entire six-month season prefer to settle.

Where is it more interesting?

South Goa is a paradise for couples with children and retirees. Calm, measured, with a minimum of entertainment and any noise. To find night parties in south Goa you need to try hard. The most famous party is the Silent noise party, which is held on Palolem beach: until 22:00 music plays to the entire beach, but after 22:00 all guests put on headphones and the fun continues without noise.

Silent noise: the famous headphone party on Palolem Beach

North Goa is a paradise for young people and child-free partygoers. There are many parties held here, most of them at Arambol, Anjuna, Calangute, Baga and Vagator beaches.

In addition, in North Goa you can find something that you would never see in South Goa: widespread smoking of weed. Of course, smoking hashish is officially prohibited both in the north and in the south of the state, but on Arambol this is somehow not monitored at all, thanks to which the persistent smell of marijuana has permeated almost all the northern beach sheks (beach cafes).

Even in North Goa, on Arambol beach, a fascinating tradition takes place every day - the Drum Circle at sunset.

Anyone with a drum or other musical instrument can join the circle and add a piece of their soul to this rhythm. And who doesn't? musical instruments— can support the creative circle with an incendiary dance.

Also at sunset on Arambol beach, next to the drum circle, the famous handmade market opens, where anyone can put up their creativity for sale.

For us personally, North Goa turned out to be much more interesting, despite the fact that we are not party people at all. Here, unlike South Goa, you can feel that famous “Goan atmosphere”, Shanti-Shanti, for which thousands of people in love with Goa come here every year.

By the way, there are also more opportunities for children in north Goa. For example, there are several kindergartens and clubs for children (read our article about kindergarten and school). We did not notice anything like this in South Goa.

Find and book a hotel in North Goa with a discount:

Attractions

There are very few attractions in Goa. The main one is, it is located in the depths of the state and is approximately equally equidistant from both the southern and northern parts.

But from South Goa it is closer to the popular attraction Murdeshwar (a giant statue of the god Shiva) and to the famous holy city of Gokarna, which are located in the neighboring state of Goa, Karnataka.

In general, we have the opinion that there are more attractions in North Goa: there are several ancient forts (read the article), famous, world famous forts, which can also be classified as attractions.

Supermarkets and shopping

Strange as it may seem, there are more supermarkets in our usual form in South Goa. Here we found three fairly large supermarkets: one supermarket Sho-Faz on Colva and two supermarkets in Benaulim: two-story Kadar and a one-story supermarket Cyrus, opposite Kadar.

Supermarket Shofaz in Kolva

Kadar supermarket in Benaulim

There is also a fairly large supermarket in (the commercial center of Goa and the administrative center of South Goa) and in Chaudi (located near Palolem).

In North Goa, the most famous and largest supermarket is Oxford in Anjuna.

There is also a large supermarket Newton's in Candolim. On the most crowded beach of North Goa, Arambol, there are no large supermarkets, but there are quite a few mini-markets with a very good selection of food and alcohol (we talk about prices in Goa).

In addition to supermarkets, shopping in both the south and north of Goa is represented by numerous shops that actively sell souvenirs, clothes, and incense to tourists (also find out). Pharmacies selling Ayurvedic medicines are also present everywhere. Most of them, of course, are in more populous villages.

Transport and bike rental

With bike rental in the north, everything is simple: you pay 250−300 rupees per day, and take it for a ride. We rented a bike when we lived in an apartment on Arambol, from the owner of a neighboring house. So he didn’t even ask us for any documents: he probably thought: I see you every day, that’s enough to trust you.

Our scooter-bike for the duration of your stay in Arambol

In the south of Goa, the situation with the bike arena is much more complicated. Rental price is the same 300 rupees per day, but you will be given a bike for rent only upon presentation of an international license of category A. Since we only have a license of category B, during our holiday in the south of Goa for long trips we had to rent a car with a driver, it’s worth it 3000 rupees per day(by the way, in North Goa the price for a car with a driver is the same).

But in south Goa, renting bicycles is very common: is it worth it? 200 rupees in a day. Most often these bikes are ridden on the beach (very dense wet sand allows this), but some are also ridden on the roads between villages. We took bicycles twice and rode them to neighboring villages: the easiest way to get there is along the coastline, along the sand, and at the desired village you just climb up with the bicycle.

Our bike rides along the beaches of South Goa

Goa with children: where is it better?

When going on vacation to Goa with a child, first of all you need to choose a beach where there will be no waves and where it will be shallow for a long time. Mandrem Beach is considered ideal, where in addition to the long, shallow entry into the sea, there are also large, knee-deep puddles in which it would be ideal for a very small child to splash around.

These are the puddles between the sea and beach strip with sun loungers formed during low tides on Mandrem

In addition to the “children’s” beach of Mandrem, very often for long family holidays (or wintering) with children they choose such beaches of North Goa as Arambol (there is also a kindergarten there) or Morjim (the so-called Russian village). These beaches have the most gentle and safe entrance to the sea, without stones at the bottom or boulders sticking out of the water. The most unsuitable beaches in North Goa for families with children are Candolim and Calangute (due to the huge number of people) and Vagator (due to the large number of boulders and stones at the bottom of the sea).

Vagator beach visually: a pile of stones and a landmark in one of the rocks: the face of Shiva

If you are traveling with a child to Goa short term, for example, by package tour, then the beaches of South Goa such as Colva, Banaulim, Betalbatim and Palolem are also good options. There is an ideal entry into the sea, no stones on the beach and the best infrastructure compared to other South Goan beaches.

Colva Beach, South Goa. Calves with their mothers do not interfere with rest, but accustom the child to nature

So, let's summarize. Which is better: South or North Goa? If you are coming just for the beaches, relaxing under the palm trees or on a sun lounger with a coconut in your hands, then South Goa will definitely be for you the best option.

If, in addition to the beaches, you want to feel the atmosphere of Goa, the spirit of freedom, see interesting, creative, “flying” people, attend the famous trance parties - then welcome to North Goa!

Creative and enthusiastic inhabitants of Arambol

Goa is a great place for beach holiday. However, if you are going to a resort for the first time, a lot of questions arise. In particular, one of them: where is a good place to relax in Goa? And in general, is it worth choosing the southern state of India or is it better to go to Thailand or Vietnam? In our article we will try to answer your questions.

Goa

Almost all tourists have probably heard about Goa. The southern state of India became very popular as a resort among our compatriots in the early 2000s. The coastline of Goa stretches for more than a hundred kilometers. The coast of the resort is washed by the Arabian Sea. Along it there are small resort villages, each of which is ready to receive tourists. Over the past years, the local population has become accustomed to Russian tourists. Nowadays, it’s probably already difficult to find at least one coastal restaurant that doesn’t understand Russian.

South or North Goa?

According to experienced travelers, the climate is more acceptable in Vietnam. The southern state of India is not very suitable for Europeans who are not used to such high temperatures and high humidity. You should go to Vietnam outside the rainy season, as at this time the weather is completely unsuitable for tourists.

The country also benefits in terms of cleanliness. Vietnamese are cleaner than Indians. In Goa, the beaches are dirtier, and you can’t rely on the quality of cleaning in hotels, as evidenced by numerous reviews. The resort regions of Vietnam amaze with their beautiful natural landscapes and developed infrastructure. And the quality of hotels in the country is much higher. Even in a three-star establishment you will receive normal apartments and quite reasonable cleaning. Surely you will not find insects and other uninvited guests in the room. While for Indian establishments this is the norm. And the level of sanitary conditions in Vietnam is higher.

Goa in November

Where is the best place to go on vacation in Goa in November? In general, it is worth noting that the climatic conditions of the resort are such that there are two periods - the rainy and dry seasons. The high season lasts from October to May. Heavy rainfall occurs in summer and September. There is no point in flying to India at this time.

In November, tourists begin to flock to the resort. There is practically no rain anymore. The water temperature in the sea reaches +29 degrees. The wind on the coast is very weak, it does not interfere with your vacation at all. The length of daylight increases to ten hours. Throughout the month the weather remains clear and sunny. But the humidity level, as always, is high and reaches 67%.

Where is the best place to go in November in Goa? During this period, you can choose absolutely any village for accommodation, due to the fact that weather very favorable. The beginning of the high season is encouraging with a still small number of vacationers. Beach shelters that were closed for the rainy season are gradually opening.

Goa in March

Where is the best place to go on vacation in Goa in March? The choice of place to relax depends entirely on your preferences. Whether you visit North or South Goa depends only on you. As for weather conditions, they are practically the same along the entire coast of the resort. However, it is worth remembering that the high season ends at the end of February. The number of tourists is gradually decreasing. In March the weather becomes hotter than in winter. And in combination with a high level of humidity, it is quite difficult to tolerate such weather.

In the middle of the month it starts to rain. Despite the fact that in recent years March has been quite dry, one should not take into account the fact that the beginning of spring belongs to the rainy season. Of course, showers don't always happen, but the likelihood is high. Heavy rainfall is not the only problem. The fact is that at the end of February the winds begin to increase. And in March they become even more noticeable. With the arrival of winds and showers, beach holidays are spoiled. The Arabian Sea becomes very stormy and it is impossible to swim in it. Therefore, you should rely only on the pool.

Speaking about where it is better to vacation in Goa in March, it is worth noting that rainy weather in early spring does not always happen. Tourists themselves say that weather conditions differ from year to year. Therefore, when going to India in March, you should hope for the mercy of nature. Tourists still recommend choosing the first half of the month, as the wind gradually increases. In South Goa, travelers usually choose beaches such as Agonda, Benaulim, Cansaulim, Palolem.

North Goa is not as attractive as the water on its beaches is more cloudy due to the dark volcanic sand. However, surfers choose Shanti, Kivis and Arambol for their holidays. There are some good waves here that are good for beginners.

Beaches of Goa

When answering the question about where to relax in Goa, it is worth remembering why you are going to the resort. If you are interested in the beach and the sea, then the southern part of the Indian state is worth choosing. The fact is that there are not so many beaches in the north. And they are no different in terms of comfort. It is dominated by a wild coastline with few people. But on the beaches you can relax peacefully and be sure that no one will disturb you.

The choice of beaches in the south is more impressive. Among them there are very comfortable places and wilder ones. Each of them has its own advantages. To decide where it is best to relax in Goa, it is worth visiting India and seeing at least a few beaches to have your own idea of them. No matter how much people praise one part of the coast and criticize another, your opinion may be completely different. Therefore, only you can decide where to relax in Goa. Advice from experienced travelers can help in choosing a beach.

North Goa stretches along the coast for seventy kilometers. Most famous beaches resorts - Utorda, Cansaulim, Velsao, Agonda, Arrosim, Majorda, Colva, Betalbatim, Varca, Benaulim, Mobor, Cavelossim, Patnem, Tallona, Polem and others. The length of the coast of North Goa is only twenty-seven kilometers, which means that the region cannot boast of such a large selection of beaches. If you are going to India just for the sea, then the choice of a good place to relax in Goa is obvious.

According to tourists, Arambol Beach can be compared to the sandy coast of Patong in Thailand. There are always a lot of people here, and discos and parties are held regularly. Yoga and dance schools invite you to visit during the daytime. The length of the beach is several kilometers. It is incredibly popular among tourists. However, its popularity is also a drawback, since there are always a lot of vacationers there. The coast has a very gentle slope and picturesque views. Arambol is of interest to young people. But for a family holiday it can seem quite noisy.

Mandrem Beach

If you want to have fun, then one of the best places to relax in Goa is Mandrem Beach. It offers guests a relaxing holiday and an active nightlife. Many people believe that Mandrem is best site on the coast of Goa. The beach is located not far from Arambol, but it is much quieter. The place is very popular among family tourists. The coast has a very smooth approach. The advantages of the place include the almost complete absence of sales tents. Here nothing will interfere with a relaxing holiday.

Morjim, Vagator and Anjuna Beach

Morjim is sometimes called the “Russian village”. This is due to the fact that our compatriots like to relax here. And Russian immigrants are settling not far from this place. In local hotels and cafes you can often hear native speech. The main attraction of the beach is the stunning natural beauty. Holidays on the coast are suitable for both young people and married couples.

In the old days, Vagator and Arambol were very popular among hippies. All this is a thing of the distant past, but the tradition of throwing wild and noisy parties remains. Vagator is one of those places where you can relax in Goa. It is surrounded by cliffs, making it the most picturesque of all the beaches in the state. In addition, a local landmark, Chapora Fort, is very close by.

Anjuna Beach is of genuine interest to tourists. Despite the fact that it is strewn with numerous shells and there are stones in the water, it is very popular among travelers. This interest is due to the fact that the largest souvenir market is located near the coast. Since prices for goods here are very modest, this is where tourists try to buy all kinds of gifts for themselves and loved ones.

Colva

Perhaps the most famous and popular is Colva Beach. It is called the tourist heart of the state. The demand for this place is due to the fact that there are numerous hotels nearby. The multi-kilometer coastline allows you to find a place for yourself. There are many shops and beach restaurants built along the shore. Kolva is always crowded with people, so you won’t find peace and quiet here, but you certainly won’t be bored.

Where is the best place to relax with children?

Where is a good place to relax in Goa with children? When going on vacation with kids, you want to choose a place that will be interesting and good for everyone. It is worth noting that currently India cannot compare in terms of service and animation with such a well-known leader as Turkey. Organization of entertainment and service is at the initial level. In this regard, you should not count on anything special. You should rely on your own strengths in organizing leisure time. And yet, the first steps in the development of this direction have already been taken. Perhaps in the near future, completely new holiday opportunities in Goa will appear.

Where is the best place to relax with children? It is worth choosing those places where the first ones appeared amusement parks. For example, the first Splash Down water park opened in the north of the state, located between Arpora and Anjuna. There is a Melange park in Baga. Not long ago, Froggiland opened in the south. In addition, South Goa has its own zoo in Bondla. And in the north of the region, Russian-language kindergartens “Zernyshko” and “Romashka” open in the fall, where you can leave children under supervision. According to tourists, for couples with children the most suitable place Mandrem Beach can be a great place to relax.

But in the south of the state, kindergartens are much worse. And children can be left in them for no more than 3.5 hours. Plus, they are English-speaking. Agonda beach is good for a family holiday. There are practically no waves on its coast, so parents can soak up the shade while their little ones play in the sand or splash along the shore.

Now we can tell you with confidence whether South Goa or North Goa is better. Many people, going to this resort, are lost in the riddles of which tour is better to buy for the quiet and calm South Goa or the North Goa full of entertainment.

Which Goa to choose?

To begin with, it must be said that anyone who thinks that the north is cheaper than the south is a mistaken opinion. Let's start with the fact that the main expenses of tourists are flights, accommodation and food. And in the south, on average, prices are the same as in the north. This comes from the fact that in both one and the other part of Goa there are both four and five-star hotels on the first line with an all-inclusive system, as well as cheap guesthouses.

In southern Goa, food prices in sheks are usually even a little cheaper than in northern Goa. The same applies to the coasts of Velsao-Palolem, Patnem and Mobor. The cost of renting motorcycles is similar.

If you decide to go to Goa on your own, without purchasing expensive tours, then you can be sure that outside the hotel the prices in the two parts of the resort are quite identical.

Features and differences between southern and northern Goa

The difference is that in terms of swimwear and visual characteristics. Basically, the southern beaches have cleaner and lighter sand. These are beaches such as: Colva, Benaulim, Palolem, Cansaulim, Agonda, Varca. And in the north, on the beaches of Arambol, Morjim, Calangute, Cavelossim, as well as from Sinquerim to Candolim and from Baga to Anjuna, the beach sand is coarser, yellow and in some places with a grayish tint.

Therefore, the water in the ocean in the south seems cleaner and more transparent, with the exception of Palolem and Kolva, where there are so many tourists that it is sometimes difficult to find a place for a relaxing holiday. Baga, Calangute and Candolim are also very crowded, but if you move a few hundred meters away, you can easily find a free place for a quiet rest.

It should also be noted that the Zuari fertilizer plant somewhat spoils the overall impression of some southern beaches, since its smoking chimneys are visible all the way to Majorda.

The southern beaches are mostly visited by elderly Europeans or couples with children from Russia. and in some places there are many more Russians than Germans, French and English combined. Elderly, wealthy people prefer a relaxing holiday, so they do not purchase tickets to northern resorts, since here the youth contingent mainly predominates, who came to have fun and hang out properly in nightclubs. That is why most inexpensive hotels or guesthouses are located in this region, which are accessible even to young people with average incomes.

Many Russian tourists mostly buy tours to northern Goa, and sometimes it seems that more than 70% of Russians vacation there, displacing tourists from other European countries.

South Goa is calmer, but meanwhile it cannot be said that in the north noisy companies will disturb your vacation. If you don’t like nightclubs and noisy parties, then you can be sure that you will find a suitable hotel, unless you decide to stay, for example, in the guesthouse next to Nine Bar. The resorts of Calangute, Candolim and Baga are not so calm due to the huge number of hotels and large crowds of local residents and tourists.

There are practically no parties, parties or nightclubs in South Goa (with the exception of Palolem). There aren't even regular discos here.

Transport rental in Goa

It is common to rent bicycles in South Goa, since most hotels are located at some distance from the beaches and have to be reached by such an economical means of transport. Also, bicycles can be ridden on bicycles as opposed to dirt bikes.

In the north, on the contrary, people mostly rent motorbikes or take a taxi, since gasoline is quite cheap in India. Roads in the south are of better quality and repaired.

Sights of North and South Goa

If you are coming to Goa not only for a beach holiday and entertainment, then there is something to see here for both adults and children. There are historical and cultural attractions in both parts of Goa, but most of them are in the south of the region.

In the very south of the state is huge nature reserve of Cotigao, which attracts tourists with its incredible beauty and unusual fauna. On observation tower In the reserve you can see the entire panorama of India with its stunning nature, rare animals and exotic tropical birds.

The main attraction of Margao is the ancient Church of the Holy Spirit, built back in 1675. This church is simply amazing in its beauty, in front of which lies a magnificent mango garden. Tourists are also attracted by the Pandava Cave, which is located near the ancient chapel of St. Sebastian.

Also, one cannot fail to mention St. Catherine's Cathedral, which is the main memorial site of Old Goa.

To the north in Candolim itself you can see many ancient architectural sights, as well as magnificent red water lilies. Creative types can visit the Kerkar Art Gallery, where sculptures and paintings by contemporary artists are exhibited.

And if you want to get to the biggest and high waterfall country of Dudhsagar, you will need to go through the jungle, and along the way you will be able to see more than three hundred species of birds, as well as wild buffaloes and bison. On the way you can see the Mahadev Temple, which was built in the 12th century.

Summing up we can say that the southern and northern resorts do not differ significantly in their price characteristics, so when purchasing tours to Goa, you need to decide what you want to get from your vacation. If you are traveling with small children or elderly people, then it is best to buy tickets to expensive four and five star hotels in south Goa. But if you are young and active, then in the north you will find everything for an excellent beach and club holiday with a lot of attractions. So, where is the best place to relax and where to go is definitely up to you, dear vacationers and tourists. The choice is yours.

Goa is the smallest of the 28 Indian states. Its area is 3702 km2, its length from south to north is slightly more than 100 kilometers, and its width is only 65 kilometers. Goa is located in the center west coast India and is one of the most sparsely populated areas of the country. In the north, Goa neighbors the state of Maharashtra, in the south and east - with Karnataka, the west of the state is a continuous coastline 101 kilometers long, washed by the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The eastern border of the state of Goa is at the same time the beginning of a mountain plateau, turning into a chain of mountains called the Western Ghats (Sahyadri). Actually, the state of Goa is a narrow strip of land separating the sea and the mountains, the entire coast of which seems to be indented by the mouths of rivers and rivulets carrying their waters to the ocean from the red spurs of the Western Ghats. The most large rivers Goa's real arteries are Mandovi, Zuari and Chapora. We present to your attention a guide to Goa.

The few inhabitants of Goa speak Konkani, which was recognized as an official language in 1975 and is spoken in western India (in the states of Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Kerala). Konkani has common roots with Gujarati, Marathi and Hindi. However, due to the fact that Portugal was a protectorate over Goa for several centuries, part of the population today speaks Portuguese fluently. There is nothing to say about English: the hippies who chose the state in the middle of the last century, in addition to marijuana and guitars, also brought with them the English language. The centuries-old power of Europeans was not in vain for Goa: the state's population is more educated, has higher incomes and a better standard of living than residents of other parts of India.

The capital of Goa is the city of Panaji (Panjim), located 30 kilometers from Dabolim Airport. Vasco da Gama is considered the largest city in the state.

Thanks to its many kilometers of beaches, Goa has become a world famous resort. In our guide to Goa we tell you a little about why it became like this.

Geographically, the state is divided into North Goa and South Goa.

The part of the state called North Goa has a higher population density and fewer hotels, mostly 2-3 star hotels. Since the beaches in these places consist of gray sand, far from the snow-white shade, and the sea water near the shore is opaque, holidays in Goa (as many say) in its northern part are inexpensive, low-income Indians and foreign students, as well as supporters of budget holidays, come here and lovers of so-called trans parties. It is no secret that it was in the resort of North Goa that the today world-famous musical style “Goa-trance” arose. So if you are a fan of this style of music, then consider that a “visa to Goa” is provided to you and you will easily integrate into the local atmosphere. That's why Northern part Goa is famous for its democratic views, the diversity of its vacationing public and incendiary trance parties on the beaches. “Goa-trance” has gained particular popularity among fans of electronic music with the Titos and Mambo discos located in the vicinity, and also known for its eponymous “” - a real paradise for lovers of Indian exotica.

South Goa, where the sand on the beaches ranges from golden to snow-white shades, has more expensive hotels and a slightly different philosophy of relaxation. Hotels located in the resort of South Goa are quite expensive - 4-5 stars, surrounded by emerald green gardens. Tropical thickets in the South Goa region begin just beyond the sandy border. The beaches here are often deserted; here you won’t see a cow, an untouchable Indian animal, standing knee-deep in the water among bathing tourists, as in the north of the state. Holidays in South Goa are respectable and relatively expensive, especially by Indian standards. Among the regular guests of local hotels are wealthy Indians and foreign bourgeois, who do not at all consider the prices in this paradise of India to be exorbitant.

However, in fairness, it must be said that what kind of area fabulous place How Goa resort Whatever your choice as a holiday destination, you are always guaranteed to find accommodation to suit your needs and the amount of money in your wallet - from a private house for rent for $200 per month to a palm leaf hut for 80 rupees per day. And you can choose any time for your trip - there is no such thing as a tourist season in Goa; high and low seasons are important for spoiled clients of travel agencies, who are unlikely to enjoy a holiday in Goa. So, whether it’s the party-oriented North Goa or the relaxed South Goa, you will enjoy your holiday and will probably have a wonderful time in Goa.

Flight time:
(charter flights)
from Moscow - 7 hours 30 minutes.
from St. Petersburg - 7 hours 50 minutes.
from Kazan - 6 hours 10 minutes.
from Yekaterinburg - 6 hours
from Novosibirsk - 5 hours 30 minutes.

Current time in Panaji:
(UTC +5:30)

Goa is famous not only for its beaches. The nature of the foothills of this amazing place it is striking in its diversity: lakes, waterfalls, islands, palm groves and mangroves with a huge amount of exotic wildlife, and, of course, unique spice plantations. All this is not the last reason why a holiday in Goa becomes a golden dream for tourists from different countries. And after reading the guide to Goa, your holiday in this corner of India will become even more interesting for you. By the way, don’t forget to change your watch - the time in Goa is different from many regions of Russia, the state’s time zone is +5:30 to world time.

How to get there

Flight to Goa

Charters of various airlines fly from Russian cities in the winter season (the most tourist time for the region). As a rule, these are almost all Russian cities with a population of a million or more inhabitants. The flight Moscow - Goa is operated by various airlines; as a rule, several carriers also fly from the regions. In most cases, a ticket for a charter flight is sold only together with a travel package (flight, hotel, transfer, insurance). In this case, tour operators in Goa will help you: Biblio Globus, Southern Cross, Megapolus Tours, Pegas Touristik, Russian Express, Sunrise Tour, Southern Cross.

As for the regular schedule, Aeroflot airline operates regular flights on the Indian route only to Delhi and Mumbai; flights to Dabolim airport are seasonal and, as mentioned above, are operated not only by Aeroflot. In any case, independent tourists traveling without the help of tour operators can get a transfer to major cities Russia (if tickets for charter flights are being sold), or through Delhi, as well as through the hubs of Middle Eastern states - Doha, Dubai and others.

Flight time to Goa

If you are interested in how long it takes to fly from Moscow to Goa, then you can refer to the special material on this topic. If you click on the link lazily, then the average flight time from Moscow to Goa is 7 hours 30 minutes, from St. Petersburg - 7 hours 40 minutes, from Yekaterinburg - 6 hours 30 minutes. The average flight time is indicated for charters; connecting flights on regular flights will depend on the connecting city and its duration. But, by using the material about flight times and finding out the connecting time, you can calculate the approximate time of your flight even with a connecting option.

Climate and weather in Goa

The climate in Goa is divided into three seasons: winter, summer and monsoon. Winter lasts from October to May, the average temperature during the day is about +21..+30 degrees, but the nights can be quite cold.

This dry season is considered the most suitable time to travel to Goa. After Holi, which is celebrated in March, the climate in Goa can be described as summer, the temperature becomes consistently high - 26-35 degrees Celsius.

At the beginning of the season the weather is very comfortable, but towards May the heat increases in anticipation of the rainy season. Tourists from Europe, as a rule, visit Goa from October to March inclusive, Russians and Israelis - from September to April.

The rainy season, or monsoon season, in Goa begins in June and lasts until September. At this time, humidity rises, tropical downpours occur daily, sometimes the rain does not stop for several days in a row.

Due to heavy summer rains, the period is considered unfavorable, and there is a decline in tourist activity, although the water temperature in Goa resorts is consistently above +27 degrees.

Weather forecast

Saturday
08.06

Sunday
09.06

Monday
10.06

Tuesday
11.06

Wednesday
12.06

Thursday
13.06

on "Pogoda.Tourister.Ru"

Weather in Goa by month

Temperature daytime, °C	Temperature at night, °C	Temperature water, °C	Quantity precipitation, mm
-3	-6	26	0
-1	-6	26	1
6	-2	27	5.1
—	—	28	15.2
—	—	28	73.3
26	20	29	1408
28	21	28	1492
28	21	27	1327
22	13	27	151.4
14	7	27	148.6
1	-3	27	29.2
-2	-6	28	0.2

Reviews by month

January 20 February 21 March 10

April 9 May 2

August 1 September 2

October 5 November 34 December 29

Photos of Goa

Transport

There are several ways to get around Goa: the first is, of course, a taxi. Goan taxi drivers have no idea about the meter, so it is customary to negotiate the price of the trip in advance, having previously found out its approximate cost at the hotel. Bargaining is not only appropriate, but also mandatory. The second popular means of transportation is the rickshaw. A rickshaw carriage can be built in the old-fashioned way on the basis of a bicycle or, more modernly, on the basis of a scooter or motorcycle. The rickshaw has certain disadvantages: the carriage has difficulty climbing the mountain, and many tourists consider watching the suffering of the poor driver to be a completely inhumane activity. Auto-rickshaws have no problem with speed and hills, but typically powered by old motorcycle engines, auto-rickshaws spew huge black clouds of exhaust. In any case, you should definitely take a ride on rickshaws in Goa - it will help you feel the special Goan flavor.

Transport rental is also quite widespread in Goa. Renting a good economical bike will cost a tourist 60-100 dollars a month, which, by our standards, is considered mere pennies. Renting a car is more complicated - in order to rent a car, a tourist needs to make a fairly large deposit, which, most often, is not suitable for the public vacationing in Goa.

On the contrary, there are no problems with renting watercraft in Goa. Yachts, boats, jet skis and catamarans will be offered to you for a small amount on any beach along the hundred-kilometer Goan coast.

Goa has Dabolim International Airport, which is served by many of the world's leading airlines. Dabolim is also connected by air to all major airports countries, for example, from Mumbai to Dabolim is only an hour’s flight.

Culture

The culture that has developed historically in Goa leads many to call it “fake India” and “ the island of Goa" The last concept refers, of course, not to the geographical, but specifically to the cultural peculiarities of this state.

According to Indian legend, Goa was created by the god Parashurama, who was the sixth incarnation of the god Vishnu. Standing on a mountain peak, he shot an arrow from a bow into the sea, after which he ordered the depths of the sea to retreat to the place where the arrow landed. This is how the Goan coast was formed, on which Parashurama settled about a hundred Brahmin families.

However, other gods also did not bypass Goa with their attention, as evidenced by the Indian epic. It was here, on the Goan coast, that the god Shiva lost to smithereens at dice with his wife Parvati, after which he spent some time in exile in Goa, sluggishly asking for forgiveness from his strict wife. And, frankly, Shiva can be understood: who would refuse to be exiled in this heavenly place!

The Portuguese, who fell in love with the coast of Goa in 1510, have their own version of the origin of its name: the Portuguese navigator Alfonso de Albuquerque, seeing the golden beaches from the deck of his ship, exclaimed: “Wow!” However, from an excess of emotions, the gallant commander choked on port wine, and everyone heard: “Goa!” Since then, this name has been assigned to this area.

However, the first European to set foot on the shores of Goa was Vasco da Gama in 1498, which is evidenced by the name of one of the largest cities in Goa. Since 1510, the then capital of the area, the city of Old Goa, has become a cultural center and the main metropolis of the Portuguese colonists. Portugal then controlled a vast territory from Mombasa in Africa to Macau in China. The heyday of Goa occurred precisely during the period of Portuguese colonization. The mixture of customs, blood and religions further determined the formation of that special flavor that still attracts travelers from all over the world to Goa.

The golden age of Goa ended in the seventeenth century, when the Portuguese autocracy Indian Ocean staggered under the onslaught of the Dutch and British. The capital, Old Goa, was falling into decay, the magnificent buildings from the time of Portuguese colonization turned into ruins. Since the beginning of the nineteenth century, Goa was under the British protectorate, since 1964 it was part of the “union territory” of India, receiving the status of an independent Indian state only in 1987.

Thus, Goa's unique heritage was formed under the influence of both the indigenous Hindu culture and the influence of the external Portuguese culture, often imposed by force. However, such interpenetration of two cultures has benefited present-day Goa. Hindu temples (Mangesh in Mangeshi, Mahalsa in Mardol, Shanta Durga in Kavlema) and Catholic churches of Portuguese missionaries found refuge on its territory.

Goan music, songs and dances, visual arts and folk crafts - everything is that incendiary mixture of two cultures. Festivals are an integral part of the Goan lifestyle. Locals seem to find something to celebrate every day. Hindu Jantra, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Shirigao Jantar, Fatorpa Jatra, European Christmas, veneration of St. Francis Xavier, All Saints' Day - there are countless holidays in Goa! And all of them are celebrated magnificently, on a grand scale, by local residents and guests of the state, regardless of the latter’s religious affiliation.

What to see

Excluding southern relaxation and northern drive, Goa has a lot of places worthy of attention sightseeing lovers. These include monuments of Hindu and Portuguese architecture, temples and churches, natural parks and reserves.

First of all, you need to visit the Portuguese forts of Aguada and Alorna, as well as Christian churches, the oldest of which is the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, and the most famous is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the relics of St. Francis Xavier, the Baptist of Asia, are kept. The Cathedral of St. Catherine, the largest Christian church in Asia, also deserves special attention. Be sure to take an excursion to Kartnataka, where you will definitely be shown the old city of Gokarna and Om Beach - two undoubted pearls of the Indian south. With a guide or on your own, visit the old and new capital Goa - Old Goa and Panaji, walk through the ancient streets, admire the magnificent cathedrals and monasteries created by European architects during the Portuguese colonization. Tourists will also find the excursion called “Temples of Ponda” interesting. The excursion program includes a visit to Hindu temples, a tropical fruit farm and a plantation of famous Indian spices, and an elephant ride.

A fifth of Goa's territory is occupied by natural parks. There are only six of them in the state, and they were created to protect amazing natural resources Goa. For example, one of the pearls of the Goan protected forests is the Dudhsagar waterfall, or “milk ocean”, 603 meters high, so nicknamed for the milky white color of the water. It is also worth visiting the mangrove-covered island of Chorao at the mouth of the Mandovi River, famous for its unique colony of birds. Bondla Nature Reserve is the smallest of Goa's natural parks, located 50 kilometers north of Panaji, at the foot of the Western Ghats. The reserve has a beautiful rose garden, botanical and zoo with a diverse fauna: elephants, buffaloes, leopards, bears, deer, snakes, birds, etc. In the Cotigao Nature Reserve you can see many species of monkeys, gaurs - Indian buffaloes, panthers and gazelles.

Where to go in Goa

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Where to eat and drink

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Leisure

Transport

Shops and markets

Private guides in Goa

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Goa in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Such a question simply cannot arise in Goa - everyone there will find something to their liking. Lovers of lounging on the beach - comfortable sun loungers on the beaches of Goa in the shade of palm tree crowns, fans active species sports - an incredible selection of water activities from diving and windsurfing to parasailing and kiting - there are a great many excursions in Goa.

In South Goa, centers of Ayurveda are popular - traditional Indian medicine, the philosophy of which is an integrated approach to the body as a single system. Ayurvedic treatments include oil massages and natural medicine treatments. Having visited such a center, do not refuse to take the Panchakarma body cleansing course, known to Ayurvedic masters for more than two thousand years.

Even if you are not a big fan of Goa-trance music, when you are in North Goa, be sure to find time and visit one of the trance parties, where you will have fun dancing until dawn in an international company. Strange musicians, hippies of all ages, trancers and freaks from various countries of the world settled in North Goa a long time ago. Vagator is considered to be the undisputed capital of this unproclaimed republic of freedom. The villages scattered along the coast of North Goa resemble clubs with similar interests: hippies live in Arambol, married couples live in calm Siolim; trancers and other hanging out characters are in Chepor.

It is also worth checking out one of the iconic cafes located in the northern part of the state: "" in Chepor, cafe "", bars "" and "" in Anjuna, cafe "" in Arambol.

Connection

Safety in Goa

The Russian Information Center in Goa gives the following recommendations regarding a safe holiday in this state of India:

Compliance visa regime- the responsibility of every tourist. Overstaying a visa is a crime punishable by Indian law. Do not succumb to the provocations of people, lawyers, who promise you to “solve the problem” with a challenge or money. You risk being deceived.
In the event of a collision with the Goa State Police, do not succumb to the provocations of law enforcement officers.
The use and distribution of narcotic substances in Goa is punishable by law. Do not give in to provocations from people involved in drug trafficking. Do not participate in this activity.
A fall from a scooter or motorcycle does not fall under the definition of an insured event.
Respect local laws and traditions, including in clothing. Clothes should not be provocative. Wearing swimsuits, short shorts and skirts (for girls), and a bare torso (for men) outside the beach in Goa is not encouraged.
The language barrier often causes unpleasant situations. They can be avoided by calling for help from compatriots who speak English, or by calling hotline Russian Information Center in Goa.
Follow basic safety rules and be vigilant, especially if you are intoxicated.
Beware of services from illegal companies. Companies doing business in Goa illegally do not bear any responsibility either before the law or before you.
Working and doing business in Goa on a tourist visa is prohibited and punishable by law.

Honorary Consul of Russia in Goa: Victor M. Albuquerque

Address: Alcon Chambers, 2nd Floor, D.B.Marg, Panaji, Goa - 403 001 (India),
Phone: +91 832 2223220,
Fax: +91 832 671556,
Email: [email protected]

Where to stay in Goa

Booking.com offers more than 5,710 hotels in Goa for booking. You can select a hotel using a variety of filters: hotel star rating, hotel type (hotel, apartment, villa, hostel, etc.), cost, hotel location, ratings of people who visited the hotel, Wi-Fi availability and much more. .

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