Take look on Goa Trip - some tips what to carry which time to visit and much more

About Goa

The state of Goa, in India, is famous for its beaches and places of worship, and tourism is its primary industry. Tourism is generally focused on the coastal areas of Goa, with decreased tourist activity inland. Foreign tourists, mostly from Europe, arrive in Goa in winter whilst the summer and monsoon seasons see a large number of Indian tourists. Goa handled 2.29% of all foreign tourist arrivals in the country in 2011. This relatively small state is situated on the western coast of India, between the borders of Maharashtra and Karnataka and is better known to the world as a former Portuguese enclave on Indian soil. Tourism is said to be the backbone of Goa's economy

 

 

Best Time to Visit Goa

Mid-November to Mid-February: These are the best months to visit the party capital since the weather is pleasantly cool and comfortable. It’s the perfect time to relax on the beaches amidst other tourists who make the most of these three months in Goa. December is the time when Goa witnesses one of its most popular festivals, Sunburn, besides extensive Christmas and New Year celebrations and is home to lakhs of visitors from across the world. You might want to book your hotels in advance since this is the peak season and prices of accommodation go way higher than you would imagine.

March to May: This is the season when the temperature rises, the sea becomes rougher and the weather turns hot and humid. Not many people visit Goa between the months of March and May since there are not many activities to indulge in. However, the prices of hotels and home stays become way too reasonable in case you want to visit Goa for a three-to-four day break with your beloved, looking for peace and calm.

Mid-June to October: Mid-June to October is the time when the rains hit the beautiful Goa. There are parties across the length and breadth of Goa to welcome the rains. If you love the monsoon and the lush green countryside that the rain Gods turn Goa into, July to September is a great time to visit. One of the reasons to visit Goa during monsoons is also due to the festival of Sao-Joao (the fertility feast of Saint John the Baptist) that is held during late June. It’s an interesting event where men jump into wells that are overflowing to fetch bottles of the local alcohol called feni. You might get a good bargain at the hotels during this season.


Shopping in Goa: Top  Markets You Cannot Miss

 Mapusa Market

Shop for spices at the popular Mapusa Market



A good way to absorb the true flavour of Goa is to take a walk through the bustling Mapusa Market. This market attracts local vendors and traders from all over Goa, locals come here to haggle for clothes and everyday items. If you’re in luck you may chance upon unique textiles, antiques and souvenirs to take back home. Come here for antiques, textiles, traditional handicrafts, Goan pottery, spices, fruits, homemade pickles, sausages and more. You’ll be spoilt for choices when shopping here. You’ll be introduced to an array of local spices, handicrafts and everything that makes Goa reknowned world-over. The market shuts down by sunset so make sure you plan your day accordingly. The Market is spread over a large area, so be sure to take your time exploring all the merchandise.There are many hotels in Mapusa which have easy access to the market.

 Anjuna Flea Market

Anjuna Flea Market is always bustling with tourists, Photo Credit – Miran Rijavec/flickr



The liveliest of all markets in Goa, it is held every Wednesday in the beach town of Anjuna in North Goa. Anjuna Flea Market experiences greater footfalls because of it’s location near the famous Anjuna beach of Goa.Thronged by Indians as well as foreigners, Anjuna Flea Market offers an abundance of local handicrafts, spices, clothes, footwear, beach wear, artificial jewellery and accessories. Test your bargaining skills at the various stalls here and you might just strike a good deal! The market also provides small trinkets and clothes that are characteristic of the Goa vibe which are available at very affordable prices. If you want  Some of the hotels in Anjuna area provide easy access to the market.

 Calangute Market Square

Shop for trinkets at the Calagute Market Square



The popular Calangute beach in Goa is lined with innumerable shacks and stalls making it one of the top markets of this shopping paradise. Buy sarongs and trinkets made of sea shells as souvenirs from a perfect beach holiday or treat yourself to fried prawns and beer at one of these stalls. Also, look out for metal, leather and clay items, accessories, textiles and carpets at the Calangute Market Square. While looking for hotels in Goa, you might want to pick a hotel in Calangute so that the market is easily accessible at any time of the day. The hotel’s proximity to Calangute also ensures you are near a tourist hub.  

 Saturday Night Bazaar at Arpora

The Saturday on your next trip to Goa is planned!



There is no better way to spend a Saturday evening in Goa than by visiting the Night Bazaar at Arpora. We strongly recommend this place for shopping in Goa on your next trip. The market is filled with plentiful kiosks offering spices, carpets, embroidered textiles, hammocks, clothes and accessories. This market provides some more expensive and hard to find handicrafts that is a part of the local produce.The vendors give great deals and the market is mostly frequented by foreigners who come to exlore the heritage and the culture of Goa. Stop by The Boutique House Bar for some refreshing cocktails, the strawberry daiquiri being highly recommended.

Mackie’s Night Bazaar

Savour a delicious meal and choose from a range of cuisines at Mackie’s Night Bazaar



amckie’s night bazaar is simply a must- do, there are about a hundred stalls that proffer multiple cuisines, eco-friendly items, a wide range of handicrafts, live music and a dance floor that makes this market a very unique experience. Held from November to April at the banks of River Baga, this Night Bazaar is definitely a must visit on any trip to Goa. Located at the most happening nightlife spot in Goa, this market is lined with stalls selling a wide range of souvenirs and gift items. There are also several eating joints offering lip-smacking delicacies from various cuisines. To add to the fun, there is live music performed by local bands.

If you're planning a long weekend getaway to Goa, these tips will come in handy!

Food in Goa

Goa Dishes

Are you planning to experience the blend of east and west in traditions, fashion, culture, attractions and cuisine? If yes, then you should explore Goa the small state in India in Western Part. As far as foods in Goa are concerned, you have an array of options here ranging from sea food to south Indian food, north Indian food, Goa food, continental and different types of other cuisines. However, Goan dishes are incomparable, especially foods that are cooked in traditional way in clay pots on firewood. Modern conveniences are also available for food preparation. Choice is yours; Goan Dishes are for both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The miscellaneous platter ranging from prawns to sausages from chicken to beef, and numerous vegetarian dishes.

Needless to say, delicious and mouthwatering Goan Food attracts the food enthusiasts and those who are crazy for sea food. Enjoying foods in Goa with your favorite drink and at beach resort is incomparable that persuade tourists again and again to explore Goa tours. Accordingly, Goan cuisine is mainlyprejudiced by Christianity and Hinduism and this is the main reason it is called as the blend of East and West. Moreover, cooking approaches have been intermingled together and endorsed to seethe, cooking and developing an accurate selection of delicacies. The blend of East and West truelyaccentuate that food is fresh, tasty and delicious and served with great warm welcome. Demonstration is supreme to Goans as they often segment their food, expressly during feasts, where food is disseminated among fellow citizen.

Here is a list of the most popular Goan Cuisine and Goan dishes that are truly mouthwatering and attract everyone.
Multi-Cuisine Food and Dishes in Goa that Attract You to Visit Goa Again and Again
Bebinca Famous Sweet of Goa to Taste and Enjoybebinca

Bebinca is the most delicious and famous sweet of Goa. The famous dessert is a polygonal cake made from egg, coconut milk, sugar and ghee with latest cake designing ideas.In the cake another layer added after the cooking and roasting the first layer. Therefore, it takes some more time. Needless to say, it is the top food in Goa to enjoy. During the Christmas, it is served as hot and cold.

AmbotTik Sour and Spicyambot tik

According to local languages, Ambotmeans spur and tik means spicy. In this way, it is slightly sour and pungent. In addition, it is delicious gravy dishprepared from dried red chilies, peppercorns and tamarind. The fish used is customarily shark or catfish and it tastes great with plain steamed or poached rice. It is also one of the best foods in Goa.

  

Fish Curry Rice The Most Common Goan Food fish rice curry

Being theessential food for Goans, Fish Curry rice is known as xittcoddi in Konkani. It is yellowish-red in color because of the occurrence of chilies and turmeric. The tasty and peppery dish can be broiled with a variability of fish, while mackerel is one of the favorites. The dish is assisted with steamed white rice and is the traditional Goan meal.

What To Wear In Goa – Style File

What To Wear In Goa

1. Bikini/Tankini/Monokini – Whatever Works!

I’m starting the list with this because – no reason, actually obvious reasons. Come on, there’s beach, there’s water, and it’s Goa! And, dude, even if you want to FLAUNT that bikini body of yours or not, it is one place where people give two hoots about what you are wearing or how you look – and you should too! So, pull out all those bikinis, tankinis, and monokinis, whatever you prefer or have been hoarding secretly – and wear them already. If you are curvy and conscious, a tankini and shorts are your go-to. But, if you are reading this, promise me (or yourself) that you will not shy away from wearing it on yet another trip. Nobody is judging you, wear it, and do it confidently!

2. Sarong/Bikini Cover Up

Imagine this – you are getting out of the sea, and with a sexy headbang, you throw those tresses behind (with water dripping from them), and run your fingers through your wet hair.You reach into your beach bag, pull out a bikini cover up or sarong, and wrap yourself with it. Just this one scene makes me want to get on a plane right now. Nothing is sexier than a woman in a perfectly wrapped cover up and just out of the water. So, the next time you go shopping or packing your bags, remember that a cover up is just as important.

3. Shorts – The More, The Merrier

It does not matter if you have got the body or not, be sure to pack a lot of shorts – all kinds. Shorts with oversized T-shirts, tanks or those flowing kaftan style tops you can buy off the streets in Goa are a thing there. Carry at least a couple of denim shorts and a few cotton ones

4. Tank Tops And T-Shirts

Tank tops and a flowing cape with denim. Or a boyfriend T-shirt with cotton shorts is all you will need when you are in Goa. If you have not been there, you will see for yourself that’s all people wear anyway. More than anything, considering the humidity and the sun, you cannot survive in anything else.

5. Lingerie – Always Pack Extra

Just to bust a myth for you – you don’t need to wear underpants with your bikinis. However, it’s still the beach, and you never know when you want to jump into the water or rather get pushed into the water by your fellow friends. So, account for extra pairs, always. Besides, in weather conditions like that, you can repeat your outer clothing, but not lingerie. It’s just too gross!

6. Dresses – Keep Them Coming

One piece flowing, bohemian kind dresses and maxis are the best clothes to wear in Goa that match the Goan vibe, so be sure to carry them all. Even if you are not taking a swim in the azure waters, and want to sit by the shack and get lost in a book, do it in style!

7. Palazzos/Dhoti Or Harem Pants – Any Or All Of Them

For once, no denim, please. I’d say, do not even pack them! Remember we spoke about tanks, T-shirts, and kaftans with shorts? Swap the shorts with palazzos, harem or dhoti pants if you are not thrilled with the idea of wearing shorts. These still fall under the perfect beachwear category.

8. Maxi Skirts

 

A maxi skirt is another interesting way of looking stylish without wearing shorts, yet being in the stylish beach wear radar. A maxi skirt, fedora, reflectors, flip-flops, and a big bag. You’re sorted!

9. Sunscreen – Tons Of It

 

Reality check! The beach, the body, and the water. It’s all good until you get to the mirror and see the horror it conjured up for you. Summers in Goa can get intense, so you do not want to end up with that horrible tan (remember Ross’s tan?). Sun and sea water can be a dangerous combination if you don’t plan to combat it. In three of my five trips, I’ve forgotten to carry my sunscreen, and what followed next is a story for another day. Sunscreen is a must – and please make that waterproof!

10. Flip-Flops – A Must

 

 

Goa is all about flip-flops and comfortable beach shoes. So, ladies, please leave those red pumps at home. Even if you decide to spend the evenings sitting by the bar, go for fashionable yet comfortable shoes like gladiators, platform heels, etc. For everywhere else, stick to crocs, flip-flops, and comfortable footwear. You can show off those new shoes elsewhere. This is not the place for it.

11. Sunglasses – A Necessity

Sunglasses complete your beach look, and of course, you can effortlessly click some great looking pictures.*For me, it’s to hide those hungover, bloodshot eyes behind those sexy reflectors. But, jokes apart, the sunglasses you carry will protect your eyes from the sun.

12. Fedora/Hats – Fancy And Fun

 

 

What is a beach vacation without fedoras or hats? More than anything, they protect you from the scorching heat while making you look incredibly stylish. But go for some classy hats, please, and not the tacky ones. There’s no bigger turn-off!