Chef looking the part in Goa. Anjuna beach, in front of part of Anjuna Market. 2001. Strange outfits are not compulsory if you visit Goa.
I’ve posted before about how much I love India, but Goa was my first love. I went on a cheap package holiday back in 1998 and returned several times before we got into the swing of independent travel. Why visit Goa rather than some other part of India? Here’s why.
If you’ve always dreamed of India but find the idea of tackling this huge and fascinating country with a backpack a bit daunting, maybe you should try Goa, it could be the place for you.
There are loads of ready made Goa holidays you can book from the UK, flights, hotel and airport transfers included. A trip like that could be just what you need to wet your India appetite and launch you on to the bigger adventures.
Alternatively, book a bargain flight using Skyscanner to the modern international airport in Goa, and find yourself a hotel below. Agoda works well for Asia and gives you reward points to redeem on future stays.
There is plenty to keep you busy for a 2 or 3 week holiday in Goa and it’s really easy to get out and explore the temples, ancient cities and beautiful countryside. We have plenty of posts about India and Goa here on World Travel Family.
Anjuna beach, north Goa in 2015.
My husband’s grandmother grew up in Calcutta, she says Goa isn’t really India. She’s a wonderful lady and I respect her immensely, but I disagree.
It’s India, it’s just easier. Goa gives you a dose of Indian culture without having to work too hard for it. It’s true that you could be anywhere in the world if you never leave your hotel, but you could say that about anywhere. There are some fabulous hotels in Goa catering to every western need. Step outside them, explore a bit and you’ll get a taste of what the subcontinent has to offer. Exploring is easy, hire a tuk tuk ( motor rickshaw) or a taxi and off you go.
There are cows on the street, there are women in traditional costumes from all over India, there are Hindu temples to visit and wonderful markets with snake charmers, sometimes there are elephants, it feels like India.
Back in 1510 the Portuguese took Goa as their own and set it up as an important control centre for the spice trade. You can still see the Portuguese influence today.
A visit to the remains of the city of Old Goa or Velha Goa, ( a Unesco World Heritage Site) is well worth it for the Basilica of Bom Jesus housing the mummified body of St Francis Xavier. They get him out every year, in December, for local Christians to pay their respects. One lady took her adoration a little too far, biting off the Saint’s toe as a souvenir, so the story goes
The Portugese abandoned the city in the 1700 after problems with disease and the river silting up but plenty of buildings are still standing. Old Goa is an easy day trip by taxi or rickshaw from the northern beaches of Goa.
Colourful market stalls near Anjuna, Goa.
Indian food is sensational, South Indian food in particular for its light vegetarian dishes.
Goan food is unique and is superb!
There are a few Goan specialities that you just have to try. Goan curry dishes include Xacuti, Balchao and Vindaloo , they all have a Portugese influence. The vin of vindaloo was originally wine, now vinegar, it’s not the fiery concoction served in UK Indian restaurants, give it a try, it’s delicious. There is plenty of fish and seafood which can be simply prepared if you’re not a curry lover.
I found this wonderful site if you’d like to try some authentic Goan Recipes at home. We took a Goan cookery class during our visit in 2015, we’d highly recommend a similar experience.
Anjuna 2001 as backpackers staying at The Dom Jao Hotel. We stayed in the same hotel as package tourists a few years before.
North Goa has my favourite market in the world, Anjuna Market. It is held behind Anjuna beach every Wednesday and it is vast. It dies off a bit in the off season ( after Christmas), but even then it is still an exciting place to visit. There are so many things to buy and to look at, if you’re new to this part of the world you won’t believe your eyes.
Snake charmers, acrobats, wandering holy men and performers jostle with hippies and hardened Kashmiri salesmen. It’s fabulous.
We’ve stayed in Anjuna town twice, as package tourists and as backpackers, it’s one of our favourite places to stay and the market is a big part of that.
I have never been to South Goa, I always went to the North, but now, with children, priorities are changing. The beaches of North Goa were fine for us, we loved the old hippie vibe, the busy markets and the trance music of Anjuna, Arambol and Vagator beaches.
I hear the south has nicer beaches for children, cleaner water and better sand. Agonda and Palolem in the south, are good.
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We returned to Goa in 2015 as part of a bigger tour of India, staying in North and South Goa. Goa and Kerala are most certainly my picks for the easiest parts of India to visit with children. You can read about our time in South Goa, Kovalam, Fort Kochi and North Goa by clicking through. Goa has loads to offer, we’ve taken day trips to waterfalls, wildlife reserves and stunning Hindu temples as well as spending time just relaxing, enjoying the Goan sunsets with a Kingfisher beer and fabulous food.
