Goa is an experience. My pictorial travelogue of Goa.
Tips are always enlightening. If the destination is Goa Vacation, then there is no word to describe it.
Remember, there’s nothing “must-see”. Goa is a vibrant paradise and is an experience. There are a lot of things to do in Goa and explore. Just Soak in Goa and experience.
I promise not to bore you with my travelogue of Goa! Hope it definitely helps you to plan better, economical and freeze the itinerary quickly.
When I proposed vacation, without any second thought, my kids gave a green signal for Goa tour. It was really a fascinating idea to cut the cake while bustling waves greeting us in the alluring sand especially on full moon day.
January or February may be the best time to visit Goa but certainly, it can’t be missed out in the off-season too. We (a big family 6 adults and 2 kids) planned to make 4 days in Goa during the first week of June.
Travelogue of Goa – DAY 1:
Took the flight to Dabolim Airport (which is the only international airport in Goa) and reached as per the schedule. If you are planning the journey via train then it is better to Reserve the Train Ticket till Vasco da Gama railway station (station code: VSG).
There is a prepaid taxi counter just opposite of Airport international arrival gate. You can have a look at the updated fare chart:
Recently, Kadamba Transport Corporation started Airport Shuttle Services namely Airport – Panaji – Calangute and Calangute – Panaji – Airport. At just INR 150, one can make it to Calangute beach.
However, there is only one service as of now. The coach is parked just outside the arrival gate. You can call the helpline number for the latest information.
Finding the Perfect Place to Stay:
Mr Tony (of Rising Waves Guest House) has arranged airport pickup by sending Xylo A/C cab. Within an hour, we settled at Rising Wave Luxury Apartments at Candolim.
The room was pretty large with a lovely queen size bed and fully furnished. The little apartment also had a kitchen with cooking range to feed our little kids.
Truly, it is a 2-star holiday home. The only downside is there is no swimming pool to take a cool dip. Otherwise, it is definitely recommended. If you’re looking for a better hotel in Candolim Goa, then Santana Beach Resort is for you.
The beach is hardly 400 meters away from our guesthouse so we could not stop our kids. Of course, we too couldn’t resist our temptation and within two minutes … we were on the beach.
What a pleasant surprise! The beach was quiet and very wide with soft sand. If you are a honeymoon couple then this Goa beach is the perfect fit.
As the evening proceeded, the ambience got better under the dark sky. Even after several reminders by his grandparents, Nicky was not interested in cake cutting event. Instead, he wanted to play in the sand and build castles.
The music of waves got louder and we finally made it a day with a delightful dinner.
Travelogue of Goa – DAY 2:
It was about 05.30 in the morning. Nicky woke up and pleaded …Papa …please get up …come on …we’ll see the sunrise in the new place. Immediately after finishing the morning duties, rushed to the ocean bed. None was there except our cute family. Nicky and his grandpa did yoga.
As Rising Wave Holiday Home had a little kitchen, so the home department prepared a delicious bread pudding, toast, and eggs for breakfast. At about 9.00 AM or so, Mr Tony has arranged 3 bikes (Honda Activa) for hire.
It is off-season, we bargained at INR 600.00 per day … that makes Rs 200 per bike per day. Usually, one needs to spend INR 300-400 per bike per day in the season time.
In Goa, bike meant for rentals will have a registration number plate with a black background and yellow colour letters. Just checked whether the bike is supported with necessary documents (such as license, registration, and insurance) or not.
Just remember to ask a helmet. Here, wearing the helmet is mandatory. If you are looking for a 4-wheeler, then you can get Wagon R for hire. If I remember, INR 900.00 was quoted for its hire.
To be frank, one can enjoy Goa only through a two-wheeler. This is one of the must things to do in Goa. We drove to the nearest petrol pump at Mapusa. Got 3 bikes tank full to enjoy Goa to the fullest.
Calangute Beach Goa:
Our first stop was at Calangute Beach. It is known as Queen of all Goan beaches. Really, a perfect beach for taking a bath. However, due to the full moon day, the tourists were not advised to make deep into the ocean.
There was a continuous warning from patrol team. Sadly, missed water sports!
Things To Do in Baga Beach:
Our next stop was at Baga Beach. If I’m not wrong, it is the most happening and lively beach of Goa known for its water sports activities and dancing parties. The kids and elders enjoyed equally.
As usual, Nicky was ready with his swimming costume. After an hour or so felt very hungry and thus landed ourselves at Brittos Restaurant, right in front of the beach. Truly, a must for all Goan food lovers!
We were told that beach shacks were getting dismantled for maintenance purpose. There is a negative impression on beach shacks that the rates are unreasonably high. It might be due to the fact that they are the most preferred by foreigners.
Anyway, we missed an opportunity to judge Bobby’s Shack at Baga that has a high reputation in terms of food quality and service.
If you’re making it during the season, then include Bobby’s Shack as an important thing to do in your travelogue of Goa. The other place that needs to be mentioned is Tito’s Nightclub known for the discotheque.
We left it from our itinerary as it is not our type. That’s okay! However, if you’re a party animal then it is a must in your travelogue of Goa.
Anjuna Flea Market in Goa:
After the lunch session, we proceeded straight to Anjuna Beach (about 7 km from Baga Beach). The beach is full of rocks and coconut grove in the backdrop. It is not a place for relaxation. Just took snaps and left the place.
Actually, the place is famous for the Anjuna flea market that happens only on Wednesdays. Try to plan your travelogue of Goa by including Wednesday flea market of Anjuna.
Vagator Beach to Catch a Goan Sunset:
It is just 4 km from Anjuna beach. Nicky got disappointed to see the same rocky ruggedness in Vagator beach. If you can get down to the beach, then you can praise it for marvellous sunset view. Thoroughly enjoyed clicking!
Chapora Fort – Dil Chahta Hai Point:
The Chapora Fort is hardly 300 meters from Vagator beach. The only problem is you need to gear up for rock climbing. Sun was about to set. It is really a scenic place from the top point where you can watch the whole of Goa.
The famous Dil Chahta Hai movie was shot here. Some sort of shooting TV commercial was going on there. When we came down, shocked to see an accident of Yamaha FZ1 bike! Luckily, no one was hurt but the bike got severely damaged.
We were almost 12 km far from our starting point. Felt restless and returned hotel. Finally, the day came to close. My pictorial travelogue of Goa to be continued with more emphasis on things to do in Goa.