Goa

Overview

Why go to Goa

Goa is two holidays wearing one name. North of the Baga river you get beach clubs, flea markets and a nightlife that runs late; south of Colva it slows to empty sand, fishing villages and resorts that face nothing but sea. We normally split a first trip across both so you get the contrast without the compromise.

Beyond the coast, the Western Ghats hinterland is genuinely underrated — Dudhsagar Falls in spate, spice plantations near Ponda, and the Latin Quarter in Panjim, which is best walked at 8am before the heat arrives.

Things to do

• Sunrise kayak through the Sal river backwaters
• Sunset dolphin cruise from Coco Beach
• Spice plantation lunch on a banana leaf
• Scuba discovery dive off Grande Island
• Old Goa heritage walk with a local historian
• Beach-shack seafood crawl in Ashwem

Travel tips

• Hire a scooter only with a valid international or Indian licence — checks are routine.
• Book Wednesday nights in the north if you want the Anjuna market without a long drive.
• Monsoon (June–Sept) is beautiful and cheap, but most shacks and water sports shut down.
• Beach shacks are seasonal structures — the good ones are rebuilt each October.