What to see in Goa

Goa is a state in southwest India, which was a Portuguese colony from 1510 to 1961. Today, tourists love this region for its endless golden sand beaches, rich history, authentic cuisine, and holidays for any budget. 

Today we will tell you about the best seasons for traveling to Goa, types of visas for trips, best hotels, and local dishes. Let's take off!

When to go

The high season in Goa — when there isn't a cloud in the sky and the temperature is consistently +31 degrees — lasts from November to mid-March. You won't find rain here during this time, and the water temperature of the Arabian Sea always stays at +28 degrees. The most popular months among tourists (and therefore the busiest and most expensive for holidays) are December and January. They come to celebrate New Year, admiring the sun-drenched promenades. 

From early summer to October, Goa experiences the monsoon season, bringing rains. During this period, about 90% of the annual rainfall occurs. Despite this, the temperature here does not drop below +27 degrees. If this doesn't deter you, come to Goa to try delicious fruits at good prices, enjoy the lush greenery and the beauty of nature. 

How to get there

Now let's choose tickets: to Goa you can only get with a layover. Usually, it's done in Delhi, Abu Dhabi, Yerevan, Istanbul, or Mumbai. 

Visa to Goa

There are several types of visas for entering India.

E-Visa

You can apply for a visa for 30 days, one year, or five years. To obtain a tourist visa, the following documents and actions are required: 

• a foreign passport valid for at least six months after applying for the trip, with two blank pages. A copy of it will also be needed;
• a visa application form, filled out online on the website. You also need to upload your photo and a photo of your foreign passport there;
• pay the fee. You won't be able to do this with a Russian card, but you can with a Kazakh, Belarusian, or Armenian one. The fee amount will depend on the season and the duration of your stay in India;  
• wait for visa confirmation. Usually, a visa is processed within three to five days, but we recommend taking care of obtaining the visa a little earlier to allow time for unforeseen circumstances;
• print the visa to present it at the airport. 

Important: with an e-visa, entry is allowed only at certain airports in India. Their list is here.

At the Visa Center

This type of visa can be obtained for one, three, or six months. First, you need to fill out an application for a paper visa, print the form in two copies, and attach a 3.5 x 4.5 cm photo on a white background. 

Next, you need to contact the visa center. Those registered in St. Petersburg, Leningrad, Pskov, Novgorod, Vologda, Murmansk, and Arkhangelsk regions, as well as in the Republic of Karelia and the Komi Republic, submit documents to the Indian Consulate in St. Petersburg. Other regions apply to the Indian Embassy in Moscow. 

The following documents will also be required: 

• a foreign passport valid for at least six months after applying for the trip, with two blank pages. A copy of it will also be needed;
• a color photo measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm;
• tickets confirming flight to and from India;
• hotel reservation; 
• a copy of the first page of the Russian passport, registration information, and previously issued foreign passports;

Upon arrival, you will not be able to obtain a visa. 

Transit

If you will be in India for less than 24 hours and do not plan to leave the transit area, you do not need a visa. 

Will you be in the country for up to 72 hours, and then plan to continue your journey and compile your top “What to see in Sri Lanka”? Then you will need a visa. It can only be obtained at a visa center. The documents required are the same as for applying for a regular one, three, or six-month visa, which we described above. It will be valid for 15 days from the date of issue.

North Goa Resorts

North Goa resorts are perfect for budget-friendly holidays. People come here to attend the coolest parties, try windsurfing, go on excursions to temples, or simply relax on the beach. The most popular resorts are Arambol, Anjuna, Candolim, Mandrem. 

Where to stay in North Goa

• Moustache Goa

Prices at this three-star hostel in Mandrem start from 2,000 rubles per night. An outdoor pool, Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a bar are also available here.

• Lemon Tree Hotel

A 4-star hotel, with prices starting from 6,000 rubles per night. In addition to comfortable rooms, a fitness room, bar, outdoor pool, and air conditioning are available.

• The Westin Goa

An option for those who love comfortable holidays. A spa, fitness center, restaurant, and spacious rooms with minimalist design. What could be better?

South Goa Resorts

South Goa is designed for a relaxed, old-money style holiday: wealthy European tourists come here who love comfort, expensive restaurants, and prefer to engage in spiritual practices at Ayurvedic clinics. Popular beaches in this area are in Palolem, Varca, Cavelossim, and Cola. 

Where to stay in South Goa

• Sobit Sarovar Portico

4 stars, prices from 6,000 rubles per night and walking distance from Palolem beach. Guests have access to spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, a private bathroom, and breakfast included in the price.

• Caravela Beach Resort

One of the biggest advantages of this five-star hotel in Varca is the Indian Ocean, located 500 meters away. In addition, guests have access to a golf course, fitness center, yoga classes, and restaurants with delicious local cuisine. Room prices start from 12,000 rubles per night.

• Radisson Blu Resort, Goa

Excellent accommodation conditions in Cavelossim are available at Radisson Blu Resort. Accommodation costs start from 10,000 rubles per night. Cozy rooms, premium restaurant and bar, spa, fitness, and other comfort amenities are a bonus to its location one kilometer from the ocean. Simply beautiful!

Attractions

Old Goa

Here, the unique flavor of Portuguese India is concentrated: it was here that Christian churches began to be built. Be sure to visit the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, and the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Old Goa also houses a miraculous cross, near which, according to legend, an apparition of Christ occurred in the 17th century. 

Panaji

 Until the 19th century, Old Goa was the state capital, but it was later moved to Panaji. The most luxurious mansions, nestled in greenery and adjacent to cozy cafes, are located in the old Fontainhas quarter. More than two hundred years ago, Portuguese and wealthy Indians who adopted Christianity lived here. Be sure to visit Reis Magos Fort if you are interested in architecture.

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Near Panaji is Goa's largest sanctuary — Bhagwan Mahavir. Its area is almost 250 sq.m. We recommend coming here after the monsoon season to swim in the lake near Dudhsagar Waterfall. This is the main highlight of the sanctuary: on the way to the waterfall, tourists travel in excursion jeeps. Along the sides, they encounter exotic plants and animals. So be sure to visit the sanctuary if you want to get acquainted with the local flora and fauna.

Froggyland Water Park

This water park in Nuvem is considered one of the largest in Goa. Here you will find themed slides with intriguing names, and pools suitable not only for adults but also for children. When visiting with friends, be sure to play water polo — the water park has everything you need for this game.

Goan Cuisine

Local cuisine emerged due to two important factors: proximity to the ocean and the influence of its Portuguese past. Generally, Hindu cuisine is predominantly vegetarian, so fish, lentils, and beans are commonly consumed here.  

Seafood with rice, curry, and vegetables are very popular here. Potatoes, cashew nuts, and chili peppers are responsible for the Portuguese influence. The latter, by the way, is added to all Indian dishes, so ask in advance to omit the chili if you don't like spicy food. 

Regarding water: it's better to choose bottled water, and in establishments, refuse drinks with ice. The water quality here is not the best, so minimize drinking tap water, and then your trip will go perfectly.

Transport

Goa has a very well-developed transport network. You can use the following types: 

• taxi. Before the trip, you need to agree on the fare. Usually, a mini-trip from one resort to another costs up to 500 rubles; 
• buses. The most budget-friendly transport (about 20 rubles per trip). You can get from one city to another on them; 
• rickshaws. This three-wheeled shuttle can only travel short distances, but it allows you to experience the local flavor. The cost of a trip is from 200 to 400 rubles; 
• bike. In India, people love riding bikes, so roads are often crowded. However, you can rent transport for a day or a month; 
• bicycle. It's usually preferred for leisurely rides in South Goa. 

Travel Tips

So, let's summarize and gather important tips:

• allocate a budget for your trip in advance. Want a budget-friendly holiday? Then choose North Goa. If you believe your holiday should be as comfortable as possible, head to South Goa; 
• consider the travel season. The best weather is available from November to mid-March, while the fewest tourists are during the rainy summer; 
• always bring bottled water to Goa and do not drink tap water. Also, bring an antiseptic with you; 
• get medical insurance: if you get sick in India, it will be very helpful; 
• buy tickets on Kupi.com in advance, three to four months ahead, if you are going to Goa for the New Year holidays; 
• choose your visa type and travel dates. Obtaining a paper visa will take more time. 

Done, you're amazing (and fully prepared for your trip to Goa)! By the way, we're not hinting at anything, but we recently shared where to relax in Vietnam. Just in case you don't want to limit yourself to a trip to India. We wish you great travels!