I have a contrarian view here- you can skip Goa, unless you have only a couple of days for beaches of India. While Goa has been traditionally popular for the food, booze, casinos and openness towards foreign tourists, it has become expensive over the years. You can find more tranquil places over the coasts of Konkan and Karnataka with better beaches and local food. The international food options will be limited outside Goa though
To clarify, Goa is a wonderful place- not to take away anything from the wonder this place is. I just feel you can enjoy all the similar kind of beauty at multiple other places. If you don’t care about the price tags, want international cuisine, drinks on the shores, then Goa is definitely better off. We still cover Goa quickly since it is the place I happen to go to every year for our company outing, ending up exploring different parts
Goa has two airports, so pay attention to where you will be landing. South Goa Dabolim airport is better if you want to see Dudh Sagar falls
Some of the places to visit here:
Bom Jesus Basilica that houses the remains of St. Franscis Xavier. His body had not decomposed for years which is a wonder. One of the visitors bit off his toe, but the body still remains intact here
Chapora fort: Made famous by the movie “Dil Chahta” Hai. The fort gives you nice views of the beach. Visit early morning or during sunset
Aguada fort: Another well preserved fort with lighthouse in the Candolim area
Beaches of Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Calangute, Candolim and many more- We don’t have much comments here since all beaches feel fairly the same. Many of them have para sailing, speed water biking and options for other activities. Head out of Goa for cleaner waters, calmer surroundings and less people
Dudh Sagar waterfalls: One of the best waterfalls in South India, literally means sea of milk. Goa is worth a visit if you plan to be here. The Pune Mangalore train crosses the waterfalls right in the middle!
You can take your own vehicle upto Kulem cross, post which you will have to take the local jeep as it is inside forest area. Charges per person at INR 500. You can book jeeps online during peak season around September- December. Trekking can be booked here
The entire walk in the forest region is quite nice, with tall trees, many varieties of birds and small rivulets crossing by
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
While you need to be lucky and aware to find many birds, the sanctuary is nevertheless a nice place away from the crowds. You can find all local birds here, but be prepared to spend a long time to spot them all
Train journeys
I took a Vande Bharat train from Goa to Mangalore. I have been on this route several time, but I was amazed at the natural beauty of this region again! The sunset time, the numerous rivers lined with mangroves, the islands on the rivers, the forests, the lush green fields, the cattle grazing all gave me a sense of ‚home“. The wide glass walls of the train help you immerse naturally into the surroundings
Quick views on hotel options here
Grand Hyatt: Old styled house like rooms with tiled roof. You can see some trees with hundreds of bats
W Goa: For the modern, hip styled tourists. The food service was slow when we went during the early years when it opened, but have heard it has improved now. Very close to Chapora fort
Taj Cidade: Two properties Heritage and Horizon exist next to each other. Heritage has its own beach. Horizon is the modern one with better rooms and views
St Regis (erstwhile Leela Goa): Has nice lotus pools and beaches on both sides of the property if you walk a little further
You can find many nice Airbnbs for cheaper- checkout once before you book hotels