Tour Overview

Lying on the western coast, Goa is India's smallest state and unlike any other, known for its endless beaches, stellar nightlife, eclectic seafood, world-heritage listed architecture. Spread across just 3,702 km, Goa lies in the Konkan region. It is a far cry from the hippie haven or a beach getaway, and one of the only few destinations that is open 24x7. The laid-backness (susegad) of Goa attracts as many international tourists as it does Indians, or even more so.

The Goans are quite friendly towards tourists and celebrate many festivals throughout the year, the most famous being the New Year and Goa Carnival. While the seafood is excellent, Goa has one of the best nightlife in India with trendy bars, beach shacks, elegant cafes and many clubs and discotheques. Thanks to lower alcohol prices in the state, Goa is also great for younger tourists with relatively tighter pockets.

For those of us perpetually confused between North Goa and South Goa, this might help - the state of Goa is divided into North Goa and South Goa. While North Goa is the nightlife hub where all the touristy beaches, flea markets, and beach shacks are located, South Goa is the land of luxurious resorts and laid-back beach vibes.

Having been a Portuguese territory for almost 450 years, the Portuguese architecture is nowhere as prevalent as in Goa - visit one of the many whitewashed churches, crumbling forts or spectacular churches. The yellow houses with purple doors, ochre coloured mansions and oyester shell windows is what completes the kalieodscope of Goan architecture.

Panjim, the capital city located in the centre overlooks the calm Mandovi River where the famous floating casinos of Goa are docked. The centre is well-connected with an international airport and roads and trains run from North to South part of Goa. With a coastline stretching for over 100 kilometres, Goa has stunning beaches. While Baga and Calangute are more popular among the Indian family crowd, Anjuna and Arambol draw a lot of foreign tourists. The beaches in South Goa are relatively lesser explored, but some of them like Agonda and Palolem are more beautiful.

Must Know Before You Travel to Srinagar

• Pre-book accommodations, especially during the peak tourist season (November to February).
• Some beach shacks and water-based activities may be shut down during the monsoon season (June to September).
• When choosing accommodations, consider your preferences. South Goa offers serene beachside cottages and resorts, North Goa boasts vibrant parties, Panjim is rich in culture and heritage, and Vasco near the airport is ideal for business travelers.
• Explore Goa's diverse culinary scene, from beach shacks serving fresh seafood to authentic Goan curries at local eateries. Don't miss traditional dishes like vindaloo and xacuti.
• Be aware that drug possession, consumption, or trade is illegal in Goa and can result in severe penalties. Drinking in public places, especially on beaches, is also prohibited.
• Exercise caution at Goa's beaches. Protect yourself from sunburn and sunstroke by applying high SPF sunscreen, taking sunbaths in small increments, and wearing sunglasses and a hat. 
• Avoid wearing a bikini or skimpy clothes outside the resort area. Nudity on beaches is prohibited.
• Some beaches in Goa, especially in North Goa, have strong rip currents, marked with red flags. Swimming in such areas can be dangerous, so heed warnings and consult lifeguards.
• Explore Goa on a bike or scooter. Roads are well-maintained, and rentals are affordable. Always carry your driving permit, wear a helmet (included in the rental), and inspect the bike's condition.
• Beyond beaches, explore centuries-old churches and temples, museums, forts, spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and the picturesque Goan countryside.
• Dial 108 in case of emergency. To connect to police (100), fire brigade (101) and ambulance (102) can be dialled.
• While visiting churches in Goa, cover your legs and shoulders. Avoid beachwear in religious places.
• Avoid walking along dimly lit or unlit deserted narrow road beach areas alone at night.
• Free wifi is common in beach shacks, nightclubs and other eateries. Ask for the password!
• Smoking is banned at many (not all) restaurants though open-air eateries and beach shacks are mostly okay with it. It would be prudent to confirm before smoking in public places.