Why I love Goa

“My first visit to Goa, in the late '90s, was also my first visit to India. After travelling overland from Delhi through central India and Mumbai, Goa – with its beaches, all-night parties and laid-back tropical vibe – was a blissful surprise. I've been back numerous times and while some things may have changed, the essence remains the same. I love hanging around by the beach, cruising through impossibly green...” Read More

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Paul Harding
Writer

Top experiences in Goa

Recent articles

Beaches, sun and Vindaloo – Lonely Planet's guide to winter in Goa

Thinking of spending Christmas in India? With a hot and tropical winter climate, India’s best beaches, a famous party culture, and a Christian population that celebrates the Christmas season with feasting and festivities, Goa should be high on your list of winter travel destinations. As the charter flights wing in and travellers converge on Goa from other parts of India, we give you the Lonely Planet Guide to Christmas (and winter) in Goa.

Nativity Scene at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Old Goa. Image by GARDEL Bertrand / hemis.fr / Getty
Paul Harding
Lonely Planet Writer

Goa's hidden gems

A week or two spent revelling in the languid luxury of Goa’s sunny sosegado, or susegad, two Portuguese colonial-era terms roughly translated as ‘laid-backness,’ is one not to be missed on any hectic visit to mammoth, fascinating, often impossibly frenetic India. Though five-star resorts such as the Intercontinental, the Hyatt and the Kempinski have long made their mark on this most diminutive of Indian states (all characterised by top-notch service, opulent surroundings and calm, sand-raked beaches) there is nevertheless much charm to be had in forsaking the mammoth swimming pools and generic – if generous – resort bedrooms, and plumping instead for a stay in one of Goa’s most evocative, charismatic heritage boutique hotels.

North Goa, best known for its package holiday- and partier-friendly resorts of Calangute, Baga and Candolim, as well as its flea market at hippyish Anjuna, offers a whole host of atmospheric delights for those keen to experience a slice of life of an older, more ‘authentic’ Goa. Opt to stay in Siolim, a sleepy, slightly inland village famed for its bevy of palaçios (manor houses) ranged along the banks of the Chapora River. Here you will find Siolim House (www.siolimhouse.com), an impeccably restored centuries-old home with seven high-ceilinged guest rooms all decked out in Goan antiques, four poster beds and terracotta tiles. Dine in the inner courtyard on fresh snapper or pomfret, avail of an ayurvedic massage courtesy of the in-house masseur, or take a quick dip in the sparkling garden-side pool.
Amelia Thomas
Lonely Planet Writer

Uncovering the best beaches of Goa

In a diminutive state seemingly so tightly packed with beachfront development, it’s astoundingly easy to escape the tourist crowds and find your own patch of sand-based paradise. This is nowhere easier than in south Goa, by far the least developed of the Indian state’s seaside stretches and with miles of sand on offer to satisfy your every Robinson Crusoe fantasy.

Within minutes of even the most buzzing of south Goan resorts, you’re sure to find beachside bliss if you know where to look. From busy Colva, strike up north to the tiny villages of Majorda and Betelbatim, where a scattering of five-star resorts has actually helped keep smaller-scale shoulder-to-shoulder development at bay. Here you’ll find sea birds wheeling over empty stretches of sand; solitary swimmers striking out to sea; and the occasional palm-thatched beach shack to provide a seafood lunch, a cool lime soda or a hot, sweet glass of chai.
Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet Writer

Travel guides

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Goa adventures

$2249 Nature & wildlife

Northern India & Rajasthan to Goa by Rail

Hop aboard for a different look at this dynamic country’s northern region before turning south ending up at the ever-popular coastal town of Goa. On this trip, you’ll explore the temples, shrines and tombs – including the legendary Taj Mahal – while absorbing the rich culture and vibrant daily life of this exciting country. Experiences like the India-Pakistan Wagah border ceremony and Dalai Lama sights in Dharamsala get you in touch with the spiritual side of India. The colours of Rajasthan, bustle of Mumbai and beaches of Goa will stay with you long after you catch that flight home.
$460 Small group tours

3-Night Luxury Vacation In Goa

There is a famous saying among the party and beach lovers in India - "When you gotta goa, you gotta GOA!" Book this 3-night luxury vacation in Goa to and you will be welcomed to the "Miami of India"! Swaying palms, white sands and sparkling waters; all these together with an amazing party loving crowd, make Goa one of the most happening tourist destination of India. In 2010, there were more than 2 million tourists reported to have visited Goa, about 1.2 million of whom were from abroad. Goa also stands 6th in Top 10 Nightlife cities in the world as per National Geographic.
$999 Small group tours

Southern India & Karnataka by Rail

As a country, India is so vast that sometimes it takes a couple visits in order to see as much of it as possible. Knock the less-explored southern region of Karnataka off the list right away. Over ten days’ time, you’ll take the train from Goa to Kochi via Karnataka and have the chance to see the breathtaking ruins of Hampi – a true highlight of the journey. Even more memorable moments await in Mysore and Madikeri as you explore opulent palaces and a coffee plantation. Hop on board and get ready for the ride of your life.
$2449 Small group tours

Kolkata to Goa by Rail

This trip is a cornerstone of our Rail offerings, and for good reason. Hop on board a few trains and get just as much of an Indian education and adventure as you would with a traditional tour, but with a unique look at the country via rail. From touring the Taj Mahal to enjoying a local lunch in Kalimpong to visiting the seaside town of Goa, this train trip hits many of India’s highlights with plenty of time to disembark and get to know your surroundings. If you need an escape from the everyday, India is the perfect destination. Come aboard and explore it.
$1104 Small group tours

West Coast India & Rajasthan by Rail

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to travel like a local in India? We’ll put you on a train to explore the west coast of the country (just like the natives do!) over 12 days. After you experience the Taj Mahal, visit the colourful Rajasthani streets of Jaipur and Udaipur. Relax on the beach in Goa and indulge in fresh seafood right from the coast. This train trip is sure to be a classic – get there first.
$1050 Small group tours

6-Night Goa Adventure Tour

Whether it's kayaking, trekking the foothills, exploring the local villages or just relaxing on the beach, this tour delivers a comprehensive experience into Goa and has it all. Have fun kayaking on Zuari River, experience crocodiles spotting in Mandovi River, relax on the silvery sands of Utorda Beach and explore the belt of Candolim Beach, Calangute Beach and Baga Beach!
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