Goa paints the most stunning picture, with scenic landscapes, lush greenery and the most delicious cuisine. The party capital of India, the state is often bustling with tourists – both international and Indian. This is not all. The roads that lead to Goa are beautiful, and so are train journeys to reach the state. Here’s your travel guide to visiting Goa – by air, by road and by train. By Anushka Goel
About Goa
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Goa is undoubtedly among the best places to party in India. With ample beaches, bars, beachside shacks, casinos and more, Goa also has the most perfect weather – especially in the winter months – that make the destination such a lucrative one for travellers.
However, in case you haven’t had someone to guide you right, Goa is also a state that is filled with history and culture. With heavy Portuguese influence, the state is an amalgamation of colours, flavours and cultures which makes it as vibrant and rich as its party personality is. There are ample festivals, forts, spice gardens and parks to explore in case you don’t want to spend all your time at the beach, along with water sport adventures and a whole lot more.
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This is not all – Goa als0 boasts of a bountiful nature, with several forests, lush tropical greenery, national parks and more. It is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls – such as the Dudhsagar Falls – and usually, every village or an unexplored niche has its own water bodies for you to marvel at.
The state is also blessed with delectable cuisine – something worth the travel to Goa, even if you don’t have a food guide handy with you. Goans love their food, and some of their dishes such as Vindaloo, Xacuti and Poi breads promise a gamut of flavour. The food is heavy with Konkani and Portuguese influences, and will definitely pack a punch!
Your guide to travel to Goa
By Air
Goa is well-connected with most major cities by air. From the Vasco da Gama Airport, you can book taxis to take you to your hotels or hostels, since Ola and Uber do not operate in the state.
By Road
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The roads that lead to Goa, especially from Mumbai, are some of the most scenic journeys you will ever take. The highways are filled with coconut and palm trees, and offer views of the coast and the sea like none other. The Mumbai-Goa route via Pune is the easiest and the fastest, and takes about 10.5 hours to complete – however, we’re sure it will take you much longer than that, given that you’ll constantly stop to soak in the beauty of the hills, the valleys and the seas you encounter enroute!
Distance from Mumbai: 590 km
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By Train
While Goa is connected to most major cities by train, the route we’d recommend is the Mumbai-Goa one – that, too, in a Vistadome coach! The train journey offers some of the best views in India, including one of the Dudhsagar Falls – and it’ll make you fall in love with train journeys all over again!
What to see in the state
Beaches
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Anjuna, Calangute and Morjem are just some of the many popular beaches in Goa. With beachside shacks, hotels and hostels, the state ensures that your travel to Goa is stress-free and a lot of fun, no matter where you are. Go swimming in the water or enjoy the nightlife as the beaches take on a completely new vibe at night, and we promise your experience will be one you never forget!
Forts
Goa is home to several forts – Aguada, Chapora (the one where Dil Chahta Hai was shot) and many, many more. Some of them are in complete ruins while some others are in a much better condition, but if you are a history buff, a trip at these will only enrich you and add to your experience.
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Churches
Goa has some stunning churches. These include Basilica of Bom Jesus, Mae De Deu Church and more, which will draw you in with their stunning architecture and a sense of calm they provide to you.
Waterfalls
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A lot of Goa has a hilly terrain, and it’s no wonder that the state is home to several water bodies. Apart from the Dudhsagar Falls, Goa is home to several waterfalls that you may stumble upon on your journeys, or when you ask locals to guide you throughout your travel in the state.
Spice Gardens
Given its weather, Goa is home to a lot of foliage – and spice gardens form a huge part of them. Take a walk in one (or many) of these gardens to learn more about how local spices are grown. Be sure to bring back some of your favourite ones, and we promise your culinary experiences will change forever!
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National Parks
There are as many as six national parks and bird sanctuaries in Goa – housing a plethora of wildlife, flora and natural beauty. From rare birds to common animals, you’ll be able to see them all here.
Best time to visit Goa
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Undoubtedly the monsoon and winter months – from August to February. Apart from great weather, you’ll also be able to enjoy exciting activities, nature treks, year-end parties, music concerts and a lot more!
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Sarang Pande/Unsplash
Related: These Hostels In Goa Offer Affordable Comfort For The Perfect Vacation
Written By
Anushka Goel
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
