1

II dont really understand the point of staying in both North & South, perhaps you might consider going to Palolem, or similar, first as it's marginally nearer the airport and if it doesn't suit you, then move.- I guess you'll stay.
Absolutely no point in getting a guided tour of Old Goa, youll get everything you need to know from a guidebook - get a used one from Amazon - there used to be an LP & RG just for Goa.

2

Old Goa is well laid out and isn't very busy, plus during my visit there were a couple of cops who you could ask for help, so I doubt a guide is necessary. There are signboards. However, if my memory serves right, I couldn't see many guides there.

3

1' Cheapest by bus..you may have to change. Next cheapest a motorbike taxi. Most expensive, a taxi. Maybe you could put a train into the equation.I dont know about that.

2 Go to Anjuna and have a look at Vagator at the same time.Then you can decide.

3 Same as above

4

Palolem is a good choice for the quality of beach but splitting your time in the north and south also makes sense just to get to know the two different and contrasting beach areas of Goa.

Palolem and south Goa is not well connected to north Goa areas such as Anjuna/Vagator by public transport like bus or train and really the best way is to take a private Taxi which is probably going to cost you at least 1500 rupees.

A train from Canacona near Palolem to Thivim not too far from Anjuna/Vagator would be a scenic and less expensive option but it will not be time efficient.

The least expensive bus travel would require you to change buses at Margoa, Panjim and Mapusa to get to the Anjuna/Vagator beach area.

You will probably find guides near the famous churches in Old Goa and you can talk to them and see if you like one and also every taxi driver thinks they know everthing there is to know about Goa !

5

get from Palolem to Panaji (the state capital) then an express bus from there to Mapusa and then get a bus from Mapusa that is going to Chapora and get off at Vagator.
not sure about getting from Palolem fo Panaji but the bus to Mapusa you'll get a seat easily on and the same for the bus to Chapora-if the bus is crowded just wait for the next one-they're frequent enough!!
easiets way is train to Thivim or Pernem and a taxi/auto from there.

6

Hi,

Welcome to India....

I live in Goa since i was born. And for sure it is among the best places to visit in India. "Nice to hear that you'd be here for 8 days.
Although i promise you will fall in love with this place if you are somebody who likes the sun...sand...and the night life.

Now the answer to your queries is as follows:

Goa is mainly divided into 2 regions:
1) South Goa 2) North Goa
The capital city of Goa is Panaji.

Other big cities include Madgaon & Vasco (south) and Mapusa(North)

The only airport in Goa is in Dabolim (South Goa) 3 kms from the Vasco City, which is also a port town. Although there is nothing much it offers from a tourists perspective.

Airport to Panaji city is around 35 kms (40 mins drive) and same is the distance to Madgaon.

South Goa is mainly known for its scenic beaches, countryside life and a peaceful private ambiance. This region also houses the best hotels in Goa (The 5 star and above)

North Goa is more a crowded and tourist frenzied location.
It is mainly known for its nightlife and parties besides some beautiful beaches.

As you rightly mentioned Palolem lies extreme south, whereas Vagtor and Anjuna are beaches in North Goa. Anjuna is infact the beach where the hippie culture originated in India, In Goa. This place was where a genre of Trance known as "Goa Trance" originated producing the record label Anjuna Beats.

Vagator and Anjuna are two really scenic beaches adjacent to each other, hardly 10 mins away from each other. Vagator is better beach if you want to get down into the sea.
You can live both in Anjuna and Vagator, although you will find more options in Anjuna.

Well, if you plan to stay in Palolem you have to travel quite a lot to get to the north (places like Anjuna, Ashwem, etc). You'd have to travel around 80-90 kms (2 hours drive) between the two destinations.

Now lets say you want to travel from Anjuna(north) to Palolem(south). This is how your route will be:

Anjuna>>Arpora>>Mapusa>>Panaji(North)>Cortalim(South)>>Madgaon>>Cancona>>Palolem (3 kms from Cancona)

The best thing about Goa is that you can hire private bikes or, cars as per your budget to travel around Goa.The cost of hiring a bike in Goa ranges form 300 Rs/day onwards. This is indeed the best way to travel in Goa, and most tourists use the same. Tourists taxis could seem a little too costly. Bus service in Goa is not very good and end by 9 p.m.

Other beaches that you may visit are Candolim, Baga, Calangute, Coco, etc in north Goa and Colva, Varca, Benaulim, beaches in South Goa.

As far as the night life is concerned the Candolim-Baga-Arpora region houses some of the best discos, pubs and restaurants.
My personal favorite being Club Cabana in Arpora-Anjuna.

A must visit hangout place in Goa is "Curlys" in Anjuna...I promise you'd love this place. However i will not tell you how to get there, coz it will be really fun if you cud find your way there by yourself!!

You could visit Loutlim for some ancestral sites of Goa, Spice plantations and Wildlife.

Basilica of Bom Jesus known as the Old Goa Church. Located at Old Goa, 10 kilometres east of Panaji, is a World Heritage Monument. You can find a guide if you inquire at the Church and you don't have to book one in advance.

Goa is a small state, very hospitable and lively and is best enjoyed by exploring it by yourself.

I hope i have answered some of your queries, do feel free to get in touch for further queries.

Wish you a lovely stay ahead in Goa.

Regards,
Vinay Palankar

7

Huge thanks to all of you for very informative answers. Really appreciated, you are great!

Good read and plenty of information, Vinay! Thanks for taking the time!

8

Hi there,

I guess Vinay has answered most of your questions...nonetheless let me share my experience....I have been a regular traveller to Goa and I just cam back from my trip last week..

South Goa: More peaceful place, beautiful beaches...
Do go to Agonda beach..5-6 kms from Palolem: It is a non-commercialized beach i.e. no hawkers on the beach...Beach is for you and really good for a swim...
You simply would love to chill with a beer on the beach getting tanned in South Goa
Silent Noise: A party place in Palolem right on the beach with a little adventurous route to reach there. It is different from others since you don't have one dj playing but 3 playing simultaenously and you are provided with a headphone...it is really funny to remove your headphone and then see people dancing without any music ;-)

North Goa: More happening place in terms of parties/clubs etc...Anjuna/Vagator - nice choice just go there and decide where you want to stay...places to see are Old Goa as already mentioned, Aguada Fort (which is the only one properly maintained since it has a functioning light house)...no need to book guide in advance

South-North Goa: Buses are cheapest mode of travel but you may not entirely enjoy the ride...80 kms approx Palolem-Panjim...
Scooty - gearless scooter available for Rs 250-300 per day
Motor bikes - Rs 600-650 per day
Taxi ride: From Palolem to Airport approx. Rs 1600 (75kms)...for Panjim, it may be around Rs 2000

9

Thanks!

I think I have come to conclusion to stay on Palolem and then take 2-3 nights on Agonda. Will try to cover Old Goa by going there on a short day trip and probably save the north Goa beaches for the next time!