A First Timer’s Guide to Goa, India

Even though Goa is the smallest state on the Western coast of India, it is one of the most popular due to its rich heritage, warm and friendly people, tropical climate, scenic beaches and exotic handicraft.

Back in the 60’s & 70’s, the North of the island became a hippy-haven, a place to escape everyday life and quickly became somewhere for backpackers to hang out and party.

For people travelling India alone, it was the perfect introduction. Naturally, the more popular a place becomes, the more it changes and over time.

The North now seems to be associated with high-rise hotels, watersports, street markets and cultural buildings but it also still retains its party-vibe.

Goa was recommended to us by someone when we were holidaying in Morocco, so we carried out some research on which was the best resort to stay – North or South?

Boat Beginner's Guide To Goa Blog

Quiet Cavelossim

We tapped Goa onto the end of a week touring the Golden Triangle and were looking for something quieter, relaxing and less developed – with all this in mind, we were advised to head South and chose Cavelossim Beach at the Dona Sylvia Beach Resort.

To ensure the area doesn’t become monopolised with high-rise hotels in the North, the resorts around Cavelossim are not allowed to be more than two storeys high.

Resort Beginner's Guide To Goa

The grounds are in a beautifully tranquil setting, filled with trees and pretty flowers, including my favourite – frangipani!

Frangipani Beginner's Guide To Goa

The sand at Cavelossim beach was white, soft and crunchy – it felt a little like snow underfoot (only warmer!). On our first day we relished in feeling the warm refreshing Arabian sea lap against our toes. We watched crabs dart across the beach and watched locals trying to sell their wares.

They attempted to coax us into their beach shacks but after all the haggling in Rajasthan we simply wanted to relax and walk – shopping would come later.

Whilst we were in Goa, we celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary so we headed to the beach for sunset with a bottle of champagne. The sky turned from pastel peach to oranges then pink – it was the perfect end to our special day.

Angie Sy Beginner's Guide To Goa

The Goan’s are renowned for their fine multi-cultural cuisine and we both absolutely loved the culinary masterpieces served up at the resort every single time we dined.

They whip up everything possible with various types of veg and we piled this high onto our plates – this is unusual for us, we love our meat!!

Outside the resort was a small road with shops and a few bars. We always had fun talking and joking with the locals, they really made us feel part of the community and quickly recognised our faces.

One night we stopped for a beer and cocktail at the Jazz Inn which, bizarrely, had a big frangipani tree growing through the middle of it! We grooved to the cool tunes played by the DJ who was also a Bob Marley impersonator from Birmingham, England.

We had a great chat with him and discovered he spends 6 months a year in Goa.

On one occasion we caught an auto-rickshaw as a taster of true India, it was hilarious! We laughed the entire journey!

The night sky was pitch black and our vehicle barely lit the way with its tiny headlamps – goodness knows how he could see! It was loud, crazy and filthy dirty, my hair looked like a scarecrow when we finished! The driver was so proud at how quickly we had reached our destination!

We had to shower when we were back to our hotel as we felt so disgusting – but the journey was well worth it!

Dudhsager Falls & Spice Plantation

Dudhsager Falls (pronounced dud-sager) means “sea of milk” and is located in Colem, two bumpy hours on a coach from where we were staying.

To reach the falls, we were transferred into an overland jeep for the final 45 minutes of the journey and we drove through 3 lakes (very cool!) followed by a 10 minute walk over stones and boulders.

We stripped off to our bathers and gingerly inched our bodies into the freezing cold fresh water – obviously after a few minutes of swimming and we were acclimatised, it was OK but it was rather crisp for those first initial moments!

Big fish swam alongside us and people threw pieces of banana for them to eat – oh yes – fish …eating bananas!

We swam over to the cascading falls and felt its power as the spray hit our face, it was beautiful. We had some free time here, so we chilled on a rock listening to the roar of the tumbling water – music to our ears!

Waterfalls Beginner's Guide To Goa

Peaceful Palolem

Considered to be one of the best beaches in Goa, Palolem was an hour’s taxi drive from our resort.

It is an idyllic white crescent beach naturally blessed with palm trees lining the shore, calm turquoise sea and colourful beach huts. It definitely had a laid back vibe and we watched as fishermen gathered their nets on the beach – all very picture-postcard.

Fishermen Beginner's Guide To Goa

We had travelled here to enjoy the beach, and whilst sitting down for an hour, a few sellers asked if we wanted to buy anything, and when we declined they left us alone.

This made it such a pleasure to relax and we understood the lure of why a backpacker would spend weeks here – purely to enjoy the simple, chilled life!

After taking a peaceful stroll along the shore, we sat in a beach bar sipping a cold drink and just looking at the view, we wanted take time to soak up the ambience and really “feel” what this place was all about.

So to sum up Palolem – it really is a tranquil slice of paradise!

Our Final Evening In Goa

As the sun set on our last evening, we sat on the beach and reminisced at how magical our time had been.

Even though the sun had disappeared, there was such a nice atmosphere we chose to stay a few hours.

We listened to the music playing, danced on the sand and watched the high tide lap against the beach tables.

Sunset Beginner's Guide To Goa

People lit paper lanterns and set them adrift into the sky. We watched as they faded into the distance forming an orange dot on the skyline, noticeably different to the gleaming white of the stars.

It was the best way to end our magical trip.

Travel Facts for Goa, India

  • A tourist visa is required for most nationalities but there is an e-visa scheme to apply online.
  • The International Airport is in Dabolim on the west coast roughly in the middle of the state.
  • 4 languages are spoken – Konkani, English, Marathi, Hindi
  • Seasons: November – March – dry and cooler (by Indian standards). April & May it is unbearably hot and June – Sept/October have the monsoon rains.

Other Things to Do in Goa

We were attracted to Goa purely because someone recommended it! We had already looked at the Golden Circle tour with tiger safari, so Goa was the natural place to add-on.

Incidentally, whilst staying here, tour operators do give the option for overnights trips to visit the Taj Mahal and for tiger safaris.

You can book transport to come to and from Goa ahead of time by using the popular website, Bookaway.

Other Attractions

  • Panaji/Panjim – The capital full of historical Latin & Portuguese culture
  • Bom Jesus Basilica –(for St. Francis Xavier tomb)
  • Old Goa
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries – Bhagwan Mahvir (of which Mollem National Park is a part) or Cotigao Lamgau Caves
  • Spice plantation visit (there are many all over)
  • Casino cruise
  • If you’re hanging out in Goa, head further south and check out the cool state of Kerala. Backwaters, surf and tonnes of cool things to do!

Markets In Goa

  • Anjuna Flea Market (every Wednesday)
  • Arpora Night Flea Market
  • Mapusa Market (every Friday)

A small selection of the best beaches:

North

  • Mandrem
  • Arambol
  • Morjim
  • Ashwem

South:

  • Cavelossim
  • Palolem
  • Utorda
  • Agonda
  • Varca

Pin It For Later

First Timer's Guide To Goa, India
First Timer's Guide To Goa, India
About the Author - Angie Briggs

My name is Angie Briggs and I am half of a travel blog called “Feet Do Travel”, my husband Simon is the other foot. I have been travelling for 20 years and always kept journals of my adventures. When I met Sy, thankfully he shared my passion for travel and we have continued to see the world together whilst working full time! We are currently in the secret process of selling all our belongings to become permanent nomadic travellers! A dream come true!

88 thoughts on “A First Timer’s Guide to Goa, India”

  1. Thanks for the guide Alesha and Jarryd. This year I missed Goa Trip but not next time.

  2. Nice post goa is the perfect destination for a explore beach and staying in beautiful hotels and resort with a beach view are the best combination for stay in goa.

    • Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed the article 🙂

  3. As awesome i am expecting from your blog

  4. very informative blog!

    • Thank you

  5. Hey, nice thank you for this great information.

    • Glad you found the information helpful. 🙂

  6. Hey Angie Briggs, Thank you for all this information and The way you explain the things was so commendable, I just went to goa it was so helpful for me and the resort where I stay was so amazing.

    • Happy to help. Glad you had a great time. 🙂

  7. Goa is a stunningly beautiful city with a kind and inviting population that draws visitors from all over the world. a fantastic article! Goa appears to be a fantastic place to visit. I’ll be adding this to my long list of fantastic places to visit. Thank you for providing this information.

  8. A delightful read. Goa is undoubtedly one of the best destinations to visit for anyone visiting India for the first time. Its laid-back charm and beach settings are quite alluring and would make you want to stay forever!

    • Thank you for your comment. 🙂

  9. It is Informative and engaging at the same time. Really liked the content you included. On top of that pictures were lovely and gave a feel of Goa.

    • Glad you liked the article. Thank you

  10. A very nice blog such a great place to visit. And I also share with my family.

    • Thank you so much

  11. Wow!! You definitely have the art of story-telling. The way you have written and the flow in which you have written is mindblowing. A very well-written and informative blog. I really liked the Travel Facts and Other Things To Do in Goa section. Also, I would like to know if you visited any theme parks in Goa? I am looking forward to take my family to a theme park.

    • Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed the article.

  12. Thanks for sharing the article it is really informative to get knowledge about the place.Goa is the best place to relax yourself. You have posted beautiful pictures to explore goa without any hesitation.keep sharing the post.

    • Thank you so much 🙂

  13. Nice blog on first-timer. Explained very well. I have visited Goa. Really, an amazing place for beaches, parties, waterfalls. Best time to visit Goa is from December to February. All the great festival happens in this time like sunburn, goa festivals, and new year celebrations.

  14. Wonderful post ! it is very interesting and informative post, I really enjoyed to read this. Visiting for these places you can take the help of Bharat Taxi for taxi service.

    • Thank you so much. 🙂

  15. Very well written blog. I have been to Goa a few times myself and I think the blog covers the essence and spirit of the lace quite well. Informative at the same time entertaining read. Please share more pictures if you have. I have written a Blog on Goa trip as well. Please check it out

    • Thanks for your comment Sonali.

  16. Goa is one of my favorite travel destination, the best place to relax. Such a lovely post! So glad to see you added spice plantation, it is still not very known.

    • Glad you liked the article. Thanks 🙂

  17. Goa is an interesting sea beach and it’s amazing.
    I love the marine drive there.

    Your guide was impressive and mind-blowing photos.

    • Thank you so much. We appreciate it.

  18. Thanks for giving a brief description on Goa .

    • Thank you

  19. Last some day I thinking where to go for a mini vacation and I reached on your blog. After reading blog I decide to plan a trip to Goa for next week,

    Thanks for sharing amazing goa blog.

    • Glad we could help. Have a great time Karan.

  20. This is a great blog as a first impression. Am living in Goa for the last 5 months and it has been a very immersive time for me here. There are plenty of people who are choosing to leave the fast-paced city lives and move to the sunshine state 🙂

    • Thank you for your comment. 🙂

  21. Very nice blog. You share a grateful information about travel in India. Thanks!

    • Thank you so much

  22. Heyy you guys! this was an amazing article, I am from Goa, and glad you enjoyed your trip! as a student I am doing a research study on the hospitality industry in Goa, for which i’m taking input from various people like, who traveled to Goa, from Goa and so on. I would be delighted if you share your personal experience as tourists in Goa. Please answer these questions below:
    1. Did you feel your trip went out of budget?
    2. Were there any problems faced by you, like in your hotel stay?
    3. Would you prefer coming back to Goa?

    Thank you.
    This would be a great help!

      • Hi i want to come There ,could you guide me

  23. Awesome post. Last i trip to goa its is very pretty place.Its make more memorable to us!..I just remain that moment while read this blog. Thanks for sharing!

    • Hi Ryan, thank you for reading. Glad it bought back memories. 🙂

  24. A very interesting post as I also familiar very little about Goa, but now I have added this to my list of places to visit.

    • Thank you. Glad you liked it. 🙂

  25. I really love this place while reading your article I got excited and remembering my Goa trip Thanks for sharing Keep posting.

    • Thank you so much

  26. Would love this for our family! It looks a wonderful place to visit there.

    • Hope you all get there one day. Happy travels. 🙂

  27. What a Great post! Goa likes an amazing place where I can enjoy a lot. I am adding these places on my list where I want to Goa. thanks for sharing the best information. The photos are also great.

    • Thank you for reading.

  28. Nice post. it is a very useful post. I like very much. Thank you for your sharing.

    • Glad it was helpful. Thank you

  29. Wow this is nice blog sites. Very interesting blogs. I reallly like your traveling images. Thanks for sharing.Really a wonderful post. Thanks for posting such an informative & useful post with us. keep posting & inspire us like this post.Amazing pictures and very interesting article….. Thanks a lot for giving proper tourist knowledge and share the different type of culture related to different places. If you are planning for your holiday and searching for the beautiful place to spend your time then you can wander around this vibrant city.
    Nice pictures & very helpful information to Goa. Thanks to sharing this blog…..!!!

    • Thank you so much. Glad you liked the article. Thanks for your comment.

  30. Happy to know that you liked Goa. Its perhaps time for another visit. There is a lot more to see and do here. Come back soon 🙂

    • Thanks for your comment Jane. It definitely does sound like Angie had a great time. Jarryd and I will have to check Goa out one day. 🙂

  31. This is quite helpful. And that picture of the waterfall is amazing 🙂 Keep sharing more.

    • Thank you so much. Angie wrote a great article for us. 🙂

  32. My friends and I booked a yacht from rediscovery cruises in April.. We had the best time ever!!! The staff took really good care of us.. We were served chilled beers and light snacks. All in all it was an amazing experience. Will definitely recommend them to anyone.Thanks to sea water sports

    • What a trip. Sounds like you had a great time. 🙂 Thank you for your comment

  33. Great. I like your article and I have never been there so I am planning to visit there very soon on my upcoming vacation. Thanks for sharing the information.

    • Thank you so much. We hope you have a great time on your next visit. 🙂

  34. Very well explained the unknown things about goa.

    I’m going this month on Feb’18 28th. join there.

    • Thanks for reading Arun. Angie wrote a great article for us. We can not wait to go. We hope you have a great time and happy travels.

  35. Nice description about our own Goa. But you should come back for New year’s eve party to enjoy the real goa.

    • Thanks so much. We’d love to visit Goa one day. Angie wrote a great article for us. 🙂

  36. Inspiring blog, will be visiting in this November. It would be fun if someone likes to join us.

    • Thank you so much. Sounds great. Have a great time Edgar, 🙂

  37. Thanks for sharing, definitely inspires to go and explore! We will be traveling to India this year, will stop by there and stay for a bit, Looks like a graet place to hang out for a while. How as Wifi there? We will need that if we want to stay longer…
    Thanks!

    • Thank you so much Julian. Not too sure about the Wifi as Angie wrote this awesome guide for us. We do have a few friends who live there and are bloggers. They have never complained about it but then again they most likely have their own connection. I am so sorry we could be more help. Have a great trip.

  38. I’ve met a few travellers who only have good things to say about Goa, but I’ve never been myself. I know it used to bit a hippy spot but that’s about as far as my knowledge goes, oh and it was featured one of the 2nd Bourne film at the start. Angie has given an excellent account and detailed write-up.

    • Hi Barry, that was our knowledge also (hippy place). Until we met someone who lived there and told us more about Goa. We have never been either and would like to one day. Angie has definitely made us want to go. Hope you get there soon mate. Happy travels.

  39. Angie is such a great writer! What ever she writes down, it always consumes me in a good way. After reading her stories of various places in the world, I feel like I need to go to every single one of them right now! Ha! Same goes with this one and Goa. Can’t wait!

    • Indeed she is. She really takes you to the place and makes you feel you need to be there. We were very lucky to have her write a post for us. Happy travels Kreete. 🙂

  40. I have been reading a lot about Goa lately. Looks like a great place to explore. Love those beautiful falls!

    • Thanks Lisa. It does seem a lovely place. Angie wrote a great post for and and has indeed made us want to go too. 🙂 Happy travels

  41. Stunning photos and gave me a very good insight into a part of India I would really love to visit when I eventually make it out there. I have heard of some of the places you mention but you’ve really brought them alive with your photos! Thanks for sharing!

  42. A great post – we have considered Goa as friends have recommended it but it’s fab to find out all this information – Palolem looks like paradise! Beautiful photographs

    • Thank you Tracy. Angie wrote a great post for us. Glad you found it useful. Happy travels

  43. What a great post! Goa looks like an amazing place to spend some time. I’ll be adding this to my very, very long list of great places to go. Thanks so much for sharing – will pin this for later too!

    • Thanks so much Jenn. Angie wrote a great guide for us. We can’t wait to visit this area of India too.

  44. Goa has been near the top of our list for a long time and we are thinking of making it our summer destination this year. We have heard that the monsoons make everything greener!

    It looks absolutely stunning – especially Dudhsager Falls. One of my favourite things in the world is swimming in a waterfall plunge pool and listening to the water beat down.

    • It does, doesn’t it. We can not wait to visit India and Goa is on our list. Waterfall swim is so magical. Thanks for your comment Karianne.

  45. A very informative post as I too know very little about Goa, but now I have added this to my list of places to visit. The photos are great !

    • Thank you so much. Angie wrote a great guide and she definitely can take a great shot. 🙂

  46. As someone who knows very little about India and Goa, this was great. Palolem looks really relaxing and I like that the beach vendors aren’t too pushy. Surprisingly, I had heard of the Dudhsager Falls before somehow and they’re definitely somewhere I’d like to visit. Beautiful photos Angie!

    • Thanks for your message David. We have never been to India. Can’t wait. Definitely a great post by Angie and beautiful photos. 🙂

Leave a Reply to Julian Cancel reply