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Top Tips For Holidays To Goa
Goa has two seasons: the dry season and the monsoon season. Throughout the year, temperatures remain reasonably stable at around 28C, with peak temperatures reaching between 30-35C. Most visitors prefer to stay near the coast – inland areas are often significantly hotter as there’s less chance of a cooling breeze.
Travel Information
Language: Konkani | Currency: Indian Rupee | Local time: GMT +5:30 | Avg. Flight time: 14 hrs
Unmissable sights
Full of historic, cultural and natural interest, Goa is about infinitely more than beaches – although they are undoubtedly gorgeous. One tip is to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Goa, with its crumbling basilicas and towering 16th-century cathedrals. The coastal forts are also a must-visit – climb the lighthouse at Fort Aguada (Candolim) for unforgettable views over Panjim and the Arabian Sea.
The famous Wednesday flea market at Anjuna Beach is an integral part of the Goan experience, while adventurous types should head inland to visit 600m-high Dudsagar Falls or visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on the island of Chorão.
Cuisine tips
Goa became the first Indian state to adopt food safety initiatives in 2016, so you can be safely advised that most tourist-centric restaurants prioritise food hygiene. Goan cuisine revolves around rice and fish. Try traditional Hindu dishes such as the interestingly-named human (fish curry and rice), danga (fish cutlets) or, if you’re feeling particularly brave, kalputi (fish head served with onions and coconut).
Snack on ros omelette with chicken, coconut and lime juice gravy or mirchi pakora (green chilli fried in batter). The local drink is caju feni, which is made from fermented cashew apples. For an added fruity tang, a cocktail tip is to drink it with fizzy Limca or with water and lime.
Tips on getting around
The cheapest and most authentic way of getting around Goa is by bus. Even the most rural spots are well connected via the colourfully painted local buses which charge around Rs. 10 for 2km (1.25 miles). Taxis and auto rickshaws are both much more expensive, but if you’re keen to travel privately on a budget, hail a one-person motorbike rickshaw.
The most romantic way to travel from A to B, however, is via water. Generally free to pedestrians, ferries serve the routes between Pantim and Panaji, Old Goa and Divar Island, Querim and Tiracol, and Cavelossim and Assolna. Finally, bikes are available to hire from between Rs. 200 and Rs. 350 per day in most towns and villages.
Advice on staying safe
Goa is one of the safest states in India for travellers, but it’s still important to always be vigilant and follow basic safety advice. Protect your luggage on public transport by using the chains attached to the seats and never accept food or drink from strangers – unscrupulous thieves have been known to drug tourists on trains and buses.
Remember that some taxi drivers and service providers quote exorbitant prices to tourists. Familiarise yourself with the real cost of local goods and services to avoid paying excess charges and always establish the cost upfront.
Goa is fairly tolerant to Western idiosyncrasies but cover up when visiting a temple or other religious institutions. It’s generally best to avoid wearing a bikini outside of tourist hotspots.
