India goa resort. GOA is India's premier resort and favorite beach destination
South Goa- this is real paradise for those who travel with children. Here you will not meet informal hippies, you will not hear loud electronic music and do not feel the round-the-clock bustle that reigns in North Goa. In this part of the Indian resort, you can take a break from the annoying noise of the metropolis for a year and enjoy a pleasant seclusion on the shores of the warm Arabian Sea.
Holidays with children in this part of the peninsula are not only interesting, but also safe. All local beaches are covered with light, soft-touch sand, which is pleasant to walk on. Specialized workers are tirelessly monitoring the cleanliness of tourist areas, so the risk of stepping on a broken bottle or an unextinguished cigarette butt is zero.
Location
The territory of South Goa is located in the central part of the western coast of India. Today, the resort covers an area of 1,966 km². The coastline is washed by the calm waters of the Arabian Sea, smoothly turning into the endless expanses of the warm Indian Ocean... North of Goa is the state of Maharashtra. In the southeast, the resort is bordered by Karnataka and the picturesque plateau behind which the Sahyadri mountain range stretches.
Beach
The resort has more than ten kilometers of sandy beaches, the most popular of which is Palolem. For his natural beauty, the silence and solitude of the locals call this place a small paradise.
Another comfortable beach of the same name is located under the impregnable walls of the medieval Fort Aguada. Not far from coastline towering five-star luxury hotels, and the tourist village of Taj.
The Dona Paula beach was recognized as one of the most prestigious tourist areas of the peninsula. In its western part is located official residence the current governor of Goa.
Climate
The resort has a comfortable subtropical climate. Warm weather it is kept here constantly, so you can enjoy a beach holiday in South Goa all year round. However, tourists prefer to travel in the months when the dry season begins on the peninsula. Optimal time to visit this amazing place the period from October to May is considered. The air temperature these days is + 30 ... + 32 ° С, and the water warms up to +26 ° С. Thanks to this, you can swim in the Arabian Sea at any time of the day.
Souvenirs and shopping
Foreign tourists bring many interesting and unusual things from India, among which graceful sarees and practical harem pants are especially popular. The local shops sell colorful beach towels and bedspreads with traditional Indian motifs for an inexpensive price. As a gift to family and friends, you can bring airy beach pareos and cotton T-shirts dyed with natural holi dyes.
Incense sticks have become an unusual and at the same time widespread souvenir, the delicate aroma of which will remind you of a wonderful trip to this amazing country.
Transport
Public transport in South Goa is represented by several routes of regular buses. The fare is 5 INR. In most cases, the interior of buses is divided into two halves: male and female.
Foreign tourists prefer to travel by regular taxis or rickshaws. In the first case, the fare for 1 km starts from 17 INR, in the second - from 9 INR. Bicycles can be rented if you would like to explore the resort's attractions on your own. Daily rent of a two-wheeled vehicle will cost you 70-100 INR.
sights
The main attraction of the resort is the legendary Old Goa - one of the ancient capitals of India, which became the administrative center of the state during the Portuguese colonization. A large number of architectural and religious monuments are concentrated on its territory. Including the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Catherine, the famous Church of Francis of Assisi in India and the majestic Basilica of Bom Jesus.
Not far from the resort is the Dudhsagar waterfall with a height of 3120 meters. From all sides this miracle of nature is surrounded by green thickets of centuries-old forests, against the background of which truly spectacular photographs are obtained.
Fans wildlife get aesthetic pleasure from visiting the Kotigao nature reserve. If you are lucky, you will be able to see with your own eyes exotic birds, agile monkeys and wild boars. Hunting in this area is strictly prohibited, so the animals are not afraid of the presence of people. The most daring of them make contact with a person.
All about holidays in Goa in 2020! Reviews of tourists, pros and cons. Prices for tours, hotels, food. The best resorts and beaches. Helpful hints.
Goa is the smallest, most Europeanized and most tourist state in India. After a vacation in Goa, someone infiltrates him eternal love, some even leave to live, but you can't lure someone else with gingerbread. We will tell you everything you need to know about a vacation in Goa, and you decide whether to go there or not.
When is the best time to go to Goa
High season. According to reviews, the best time for a vacation in Goa - from November to March... The peak season, when the state is overcrowded with tourists and prices skyrocket, is December-February. The weather is ideal: almost no precipitation, the humidity is comfortable. Water temperature +28 ... + 29 ° С, air temperature during the day +33 ... + 34 ° С, at night around +22 ... + 24 ° С. It can be chilly by the sea in the evenings, so bring a light sweater with sleeves.
Low season. Some people go to Goa to rest in the low season - so you can save money and relax in silence. For example, in April the weather is still good, only it gets hotter and the wind intensifies, and there are fewer tourists.
This is the weather in high season in Goa (Photo © Sergi Hill / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Tours to Goa in 2020
Prices are for two people with a flight from Moscow.
The most expensive vacation in Goa is on New Year and Catholic Christmas. Prices skyrocket and minimum prices for tours to the cheapest hotels 1-2 * cost from 90 thousand rubles per week, and in 4-5 * - from 150 thousand!
Much cheaper in January: a week's vacation in Goa in budget hotels costs from 40 thousand, in 4-5 * - from 90 thousand. Prices for vouchers for 11 nights are only slightly higher - by 10-20 thousand, and sometimes they coincide in price with tours for a week!
In February and March, vouchers are slightly more expensive: a week in inexpensive hotels - from 45-50 thousand rubles, in 4-5 * - from 70-90 thousand rubles.
Advice. Always compare the cost of tours for a week and 11 days - sometimes the prices are the same or the difference is small. Also look for last minute tours - there are especially many of them in Goa.
Palolem Beach in Goa (Photo © tripster.ru / Uncharted beaches of North Goa) How much are tickets to Goa
Lowest prices for air tickets to Goa from Moscow and back in winter and spring - 23-28 thousand rubles per person. To fly from St. Petersburg is almost twice as expensive - from 42 thousand rubles. In the range of 42-45 thousand rubles there are tickets from Voronezh, Novosibirsk, Kazan, Perm, Krasnoyarsk, Ufa and Samara.
Insurance. Before traveling to India, we advise you to buy a medical policy for your peace of mind. Get insurance on websites or - they compare prices from all major insurance companies. You can choose a policy according to the parameters you need and best price... The policy costs from 450 rubles for 10 days.
Do Russians need a visa to Goa
Yes, you need a visa. You can get it online, upon arrival (if you fly on a tour), or order it in advance. According to reviews, most tourists make out e-visa in Goa online is the simplest and most convenient solution. You send the documents and pay the fee, and a document will be sent to you by e-mail, which must be printed and shown to the officer at the airport. Valid for 60 days. Price - $ 100 + $ 2 for payment by card.
Incredible view when traveling by train, Goa (Photo © unsplash.com / @jk) South or North Goa - which one to choose?
North and South Goa are very different! Find out how to choose the best resort.
South Goa: dear and calm rest. South Goa is almost 2.5 times larger than its northern counterpart in area and 3 times in length of the coastline. Here are excellent sandy beaches, clear water and mountains. In the reviews, tourists are advised to go to South Goa for families with children and those who want privacy - there are fewer people here, but hotels are mostly expensive.
North Goa: budget and party holidays. In the north of the state, there are beaches with grayish sand of volcanic origin, not as beautiful as in the south. The infrastructure is better developed here, the choice of housing is greater - from luxury hotels to cheap guesthouses. And if the south is preferred by lovers of secluded relaxation, then in the north noisy parties are boiling and raging night life... Generally unpretentious audiences come here, their goal is entertainment. This part of the state was once chosen by hippies in the 60s of the last century.
It used to be a hippie vacation spot, now it is a popular crowded beach with hotels and restaurants. Locals love to visit Calangute, it never happens empty. Around - palm groves, at the entrance rises the dome of the temple. There is also an art gallery with works by local painters. According to reviews about a vacation in Goa, the main drawback of this beach is a lot of crowds and the obsession of local merchants.
Calangute Beach (Photo © booking.com / Canopus by Vista Rooms) Candolim beach
The beach is clean and not as crowded as Calangute. But the descent to it is quite steep. Candolim is considered more prestigious: locals rarely come here, more often foreigners.
According to the reviews of tourists, this beach in Goa is very fond of Indians and come to rest with their families. Mostly they crowd at the main entrances, so move 200-300 meters to the side - there are fewer people.
Colva Beach (Photo © booking.com / C Roque) Betalbatim beach
Good for families and quiet rest, several hotels and shacks on almost 1.5 km of the sandy strip. The most popular among our tourists is Nanu Resort Goa.
This beach is loved by Russians. Prices in Morjim are higher, but the infrastructure is developed - new bungalows, excellent restaurants, always well-groomed territory. The wave is good for surfing and kiting. All hotels are located in the green zone one kilometer from Morjim.
Morjim Beach (Photo © booking.com / Larisa Beach Resort) Arambol beach
The beach is with fine sand, white and gold, surrounded by cottages and huts. A yoga center is also organized here. Arambol is popular with surfers and hippies, but the place is quite calm and peaceful.
Ashvem Beach
Ashvem is calm and not crowded. Shallow warm backwater and shakes with varied cuisine. According to reviews, relax on this beach in Goa is better romantics and families with children.
(Photo © Natesh Ramasamy / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC 2.0)
Goa hotel reviews and prices - 2020
South Goa hotels are better than hotels in the north. But in North Goa, there are many budget housing. The range of housing prices in the state is huge: you can rent a double room from $ 8 per night to $ 400-500 and even more.
There are many hotels here - choose for every taste! The cost of a simple double room offshore starts at $ 8-9 per night, with many lodging options in the $ 10-30 range. Pay attention to hotel ratings and reviews - this is especially important in India.
Prices for hotels in Goa in high season 2020 for double occupancy:
- a beautiful area, a garden, separate bungalows, a clean beach, delicious breakfasts, but there are also rooms with crumbling furniture and battered linens.Bad hotels... Tourists left a lot negative reviews about the Valentines Retreat in Candolim: old furniture and bathroom, poor food and poor service, it is better not to use laundries. They complain about The Golden Palms Colva 4 * hotel - poor service, worn-out furniture, unpretentious food, which in summer, due to the influx of Indian tourists, becomes too spicy.
Top view of ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa (Photo © booking.com) Goa food prices - 2020
According to reviews, the prices in Goa pleasantly surprise tourists, they are so low here: a portion of soup costs 50-60 rupees, rice with chicken 100-150 rupees, shrimp - 150 rupees, tea - about 30 rupees, juice - from 50 rupees. True, you will have to pay at least 1200 rupees for the lobster. ...
The main catering establishment is a beach shack (shek). Kitchen-shed with everything you need, in front of it there is a terrace and tables for visitors. So primitive, but how delicious! There are dishes of Indian, Chinese, European cuisine, necessarily seafood, chicken, rice, juices.
In reviews about food in Goa, tourists call Cafe Maitree in Arambol the best and frankly expensive - check the price of the dish in advance. If homesickness takes over, stop by Home Cafe Dacha in Arambol, where you can eat for Rs 300-500. Rainbow Bar is popular in Morjim - tasty, inexpensive, good service, the average check is 500 rupees.
Find out where else you can have an inexpensive vacation and live.
Thali - Several dishes on a tray or banana leaf (Photo © bionicgrrrl / flickr.com / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 License) Quite small, it is geographically divided into two parts - North and South Goa. The resorts of North Goa are very different from the South in terms of price policy, level of infrastructure, tourists who prefer one or another coast of India, and other criteria, which should be discussed in more detail.
Best resorts in South Goa
The beaches of South Goa are very exotic, have white sand, beautiful nature in the vicinity, and also differ from their northern counterpart in more expensive hotels, high prices and vacationers who are not used to counting money spent. Hotel complexes The southern coastline is as close as possible in terms of service level to European expensive chain hotels, as often stated by numerous reviews of tourists. Vacationers in this part of India are much less than in the north, so the beaches are not crowded, they are distinguished by a calm and measured atmosphere.
Consider the most famous and popular resorts south of Goa, about which only positive reviews can be heard.
Majorda resort, beach line which stretches over a distance of about 30 kilometers, is considered one of the best in India. Despite the fact that the sand of these places leaves much to be desired and does not have a pleasant yellow hue (it is rather gray in color), the nature here is beautiful, and palm thickets and fruit groves framing the beach, occasionally descending to the water itself, make you completely forget about the little ones. disadvantages of the resort area. Majorda resort consists of 11 small villages with a single beach area. Between settlements well-established road connections, and public buses run daily.
Holidays in Goa are not only a warm sea, bright burning sun, luxurious beaches and colorful tropics. Goa embodies the best features of Indian and European culture. Life here is unhurried. You will be able to feel relaxation and serenity. it perfect place for those who need a full and comfortable rest. For everyone who has been to goa, this place is something personal and special. After all, there is everything you need here: from calm, cozy deserted beaches to noisy entertainment areas. A large number of interesting and rich excursions are organized in Goa, which will tell you a lot about the culture and life of the country.
Rest here is possible throughout the year due to the mild climate. But from June to September it rains, which brings tropical monsoons. Both in winter and in summer, the temperature varies from + 23 ° С to + 33 ° С.
Those who gravitate towards an active "party" vacation should choose the northern regions of the island, in the central one the rest is of a mixed type - an ideal option for those who do not know exactly what they want from the upcoming vacation. In the southern part, life is more solid and measured, there are a large number of luxury hotels, comfortable comfortable beaches. Everything here personifies comfort and sophistication.
The length of Goa's beaches is over 100 kilometers. Training centers organized on the coast aquatic species sports. Diving will give you an extraordinary sensation and experience. This is an opportunity to see real sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, exotic fish, walk through the underwater coral cities. In addition to a juicy tan, beaches and the sea on the island, vacationers are engaged in self-improvement, rejuvenation and weight loss. For this, Ayurveda centers have been created, where qualified specialists will give a lot useful tips about the basics of a healthy lifestyle, talk about proper nutrition, teach you how to relieve stress and tension. All dishes served in cafes and restaurants are made from natural products.
Another type of recreation is sightseeing. Typically, tourists visit Panaji, enjoy scenic view mysterious waterfall Dudhsagara with a lake containing crystal clear water. They go to see spice plantations, ride elephants, hunt crocodiles in the mangroves of Kumbarhua and Mandovi. Goa, like other regions of India, has a rich cultural heritage, a large number of architectural monuments.
Markets are regularly organized on the island, where you can buy souvenirs for friends and relatives, arrange cheap shopping. Prices here are much lower than those charged by street vendors. Remember that it is prohibited to export spices, tea and local port abroad. Many people come here to enjoy the culinary delights of the local cuisine. Perhaps the main distinguishing feature is the abundance of spices. In local restaurants, you can order a huge freshly caught fish, which will be cooked in front of your eyes. Drink it with local fenny alcohol, and you will get an indescribable sensation. It is impossible to accurately indicate the prices for holidays in Goa. They may vary depending on the area of the island, hotel, resort and additional services which you will use during your trip.
The quality of your vacation depends on its organization. Without knowledge of the matter, you can lose a lot of energy, money and time and not get what the island could give you. Therefore, it is very important that professionals are engaged in the formation of the route. Please contact the specialists of our company. We will arrange for you best rest in Goa.
In this sun-drenched place, East meets West, Indian culture intertwines with Portuguese, which has left its mark after almost 500 years of domination. This influence can still be seen everywhere: in the beautiful but slightly dilapidated architecture, in the kitchen that combines Indian spices with the exquisite taste of Lisbon, in the melancholic melodies of fado, which sometimes come in a breeze from nowhere. Nowhere else in India can you see such a relaxed relaxation and light soothing silence. This is the beauty of Goa.
According to Hindu mythology, Goa appeared after God Vishnu shot his magic arrow and it fell into these sands. Maybe that's why vacation in Goa is so unearthly.
Swaying palms, warm soft sand and sparkling turquoise waters are the three main factors that attract more than 2.5 million tourists to Goa every year. This exotic slice of India is located on west coast country. It is warm here all year round: from 20 to 30 degrees, but the best months for rest are from November to March.
Goa beaches
Why go to Goa? Of course, in order to break free for at least a week during a long winter and pamper yourself gentle sun and warm sea... Without a doubt, the main attraction of Goa is its magnificent tropical beaches, stretching for more than 100 kilometers. The coast is divided into south and north. Yug is luxury hotels with the maximum range of spa and beauty treatments, pristine beaches, peace and quiet of a fashionable resort. Back in the 60s of the XX century, the North was chosen for themselves by hippies. The dark volcanic sand of this coast is like a magnet that attracts hedonists from all over the world. There are inexpensive and very democratic resorts here, always noisy and fun.
In the northern part of the coast of the Arabian Sea, the most popular beaches: Anjuna, Arambol, Morjim... The latter is called "Little Russia" because of a large number Russian emigrants living in this village. Among south coast beaches stand out: Dona Paula, Agonda, Mobor, Cavelosim, Benaulim.
Some sites such as Morjim, Agonda and Patnem are virtually untouched, with sparse footprints in the sand amid fishing boats, sleepy villages and coconut groves. Others like Baga, Calangute, Candolim and Cavelossim- bright, lively, with beach bars and other benefits of civilization. You can't talk about Goa and not mention Palolem beach... Recently, he has acquired downright stellar status. Hidden, literally in the fabulous beauty of the lagoon with light slightly yellowish sand, washed by the almost neon brightness of the turquoise sea, it seems to have stepped off the poster of a travel agency. It is these beaches that are usually dreamed of in the cold Russian winters. In addition, Palolem is located in a natural bay surrounded by high capes on both sides, making the sea here almost idyllically calm.
Natural attractions of Goa
The nature in Goa is incredibly beautiful. Deserted areas of an untouched beach, over which eagles soar, lakes with blooming lilies, foamy waterfalls, whole plantations of fragrant vanilla, picturesque river banks - pastoral paintings. It may not be a real paradise, but it is very similar. 52 km from Panaji (capitals of Goa), in the foothills of the Western Ghats, is a wildlife sanctuary Bondla... There is Botanical Garden, zoo and deer safari park.
The park of live butterflies is very interesting to visit - Butterfly Conservatory... The excursion to the spice plantation will also be remembered for a long time. In addition, what is interesting is just to see how the usual ginger, cinnamon, pepper and other fragrant gizmos grow, so for tourists they also arrange whole performances with songs and ethnic dances.
Going on an excursion to Dudhsagar waterfalls, there is a great opportunity to swim in clean waters in the middle of the green jungle or just admire the wonderful nature and watch the monkeys ...
Other attractions of Goa
You can safely call Goa by state churches. During the period of Portuguese rule, the building of churches was a favorite pastime, they were erected mainly in order to spread Christianity. Now they keep pristine charm the old world and are considered an integral part of the culture of Goa.
Basilica of Jesus in Old Goa built in 1605 in the Baroque style using wood, stone, gold and granite. It contains the remains of St. Francis Xavier, one of the patron saints of Goa. 2 years after his death, it was noticed that the body does not decompose, and this fact was regarded as a miracle. Every 10 years, the relics of the saint are put on public display in a silver sarcophagus made in the 17th century. Literally 15 minutes walk from the Basilica of Jesus, next to Cathedral, located Church of St. Francis of Assisi, decorated with painted panels with scenes from the life of the saint.
Built in 1541 to welcome sailors returning home, snow white Church of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception now one of the famous landmarks of Goa and the oldest church in Panaji. The church bell is the second largest in the world.
Hindu temples are also interesting to see. 22 km from the capital of Goa, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva - Shri Mangesh.
Shopping, nightlife
For shopaholics, Goa is also a paradise. Many flea markets where you can buy whatever your heart desires are scattered along the coast. Mainly cashews, spices or some kind of wood products are brought from Goa.
Ever since the hippies made this place their Mecca back in the 60s, north coast Goa is famous for all kinds of parties. They are so popular that there are amateurs who come to Goa for this kind of entertainment, starting at midnight and lasting until dawn. Locals juggle with fire, lighting up the night sky, music sounds, everyone dances…. This is a real melting pot, mixing all nationalities and cultures and bringing everyone together for crazy nightly parties.
Heart of Goa
Goa has many faces. But his heart seems to be in the village. It is neat, clean, people are very benevolent, and life flows in a relaxed and kind of languid rhythm. Local villages have a unique charm, charm and fall in love with themselves forever. Maybe that's why so many of our compatriots wanted to stay in Goa on a permanent basis in order to be able to enjoy this exotic every day.
Come to Goa! Endless beaches, the bright blue of the sea, pineapples, papaya, mango, cashews, spice plantations, old towns, colorful festivals are always waiting for you!
