Goa is known for its beautiful beaches. Spend the day at any of the famous beaches like Anjuna, Baga, or Calangute. Relax, soak up the sun, and indulge in some adrenaline-pumping water sports like parasailing or jet skiing.
Old Goa was the capital of Portuguese India until the 18th century. Visit the Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, and Church of St Francis of Assisi to admire their unique baroque architecture. The Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery are also worth a visit.
Dudhsagar Falls is a four-tiered waterfall located on Mandovi River on the border of Goa and Karnataka. Enjoy the scenic train ride and trek from the base to the top for a refreshing dip in the natural pool below the main waterfall.
Experience the vibrant and aromatic spice plantations of Goa. Take a guided tour to learn about the spices like black pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom, and how they are grown, harvested, and processed. Enjoy a traditional Goan lunch and take a relaxing elephant ride in the plantations.
Transportation in Goa includes taxis, buses, and rented scooters, bikes or cars. Taxis and rented vehicles are easily available, but negotiate the rates beforehand. Public buses are cheap but crowded, and the schedules are not dependable. The best way to travel between destinations is to rent a vehicle. Expect to spend approximately ₹500-₹1000 per day for a scooter or bike and ₹1200-₹2500 per day for a car. The travel time depends on traffic and location but plan for at least 30 minutes between destinations.
If you have more time, visit the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Fort Aguada, and the Naval Aviation Museum. And if you have less time, skip the Spice Plantations. Avoid visiting during monsoons from June to September. Wear comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and carry bottled water. Finally, bargain for everything as most things are negotiable, especially in the markets.
Goa International Airport (GOI) is the main airport in Goa located in Dabolim, about 14 miles from the city center. It serves both international and domestic flights and is the hub for airlines like IndiGo, Air Asia, and SpiceJet. Prepaid taxis and buses are available from the airport to the city center, costing approximately ₹700-₹1000 and taking 45 minutes to an hour.