Goa Travel Guide

A bohemian paradise riding the coast of the Arabian Sea.

Goa, along the west coast of India, is the smallest Indian state in area but not in population. Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, it is the most popular place in India for international tourists to relax and party. Young Israelis often arrive after serving their mandatory military service, since it is not far and they can find a peaceful beach haven quite different from busy European or Indonesian destinations. Most visitors come for the beach parties, but it all depends on which beach you choose to stay on (the ones to the north are more youth-friendly). Each town is a little isolated civilization, where you can while away the days. The easiest way to visit Goa is to fly or take a train into Mumbai (Bombay) and then take a bus along the coast. Some brave tourists rent motorbikes, but the traffic can be overwhelming or even dangerous due to windy roads and crazy drivers. Goa was a Portuguese colony until 1961, so there is a strong Catholic influence. This is one of the few places in India where Christianity has a strong influence, so instead of seeing temples celebrating Hindu deities, there are Christian shrines everywhere, many alongside major roads. The best time to visit is between the monsoon in later summer and before Christmas. The fruit is amazing, and the seafood is plentiful. Beware the cows on the beach, and watch out how quickly time can pass in this haven of sun and sand.

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adena

Suggestions from a tripguru: "Things to See: Panjim (the capital) is a must it is very pretty with an old Portugese town. There are two markets Saturday which is a night one and fun with local produce as well as the European section which has around 20-30 local but European designers and great for finding amazing cloths at some silly prices. The market is also full of food stuff and music and goes on till 4-5am. I'll get exact location as it used to be in baga beach but think changed. Then there is the Wednesday market which is the same but a day one and at Anjuna which is the old hippy section which has become touristy now but def worth visiting as very much part of Goa. Def worth visiting both north and south Goa as so different and if they have time a trip to the mountains and perhaps a stay at Wilderness an eco boutique place can be done. They pick you from your hotel and take you up this gorgeous mountain with monkeys and so on. Nice if you're into nature and it has a great infiniti pool. Plus the King cobra resides there!"

2008-08-06 / follow adena / report abuse