Alright! I have been planning a Goa trip since my college days but didn’t happen for some reason.  Also, for most of the part consoled myself that this is not my kind of place. Glad that I didn’t take that so serious wherein Goa had turned out to be one of my favourite places in India.  Before fifteen days, if you could ask me whether a mountain or a beach without any second thought would have preferred to climb some hills.

This former Portuguese state offers something for everybody from laid back calm vibes, some beautiful clean beaches to thriving party scenes. The peak tourist season is from November to February and this is the best time to visit Goa. This is the holiday season when Goa comes to life and has its best weather. Rest of the year it is either so hot or heavy monsoon spells which makes uncomfortable to enjoy your vacation.

Had planned an itinerary for five days with a split of two nights in North and South Goa. Due to holiday season, air fares are expensive which is the best mode to reach Goa. Since it was an impromptu trip opted a seat in sleeper coach bus. Would highly recommend to book air tickets in advance to have a pleasant travel experience. Bus fare ranges between 1000-3000 rupees from Bangalore to Goa with an average 15 hours journey (Good luck with a roller coaster ride ☹)

Day 1

Bus dropped us at Panaji (Panjim) which is the capital of Goa. One of the best things to do is to hire a scooter/bike to ride around coastal roads and tracks. We hired scooter near Panaji bus stand because our hostel accommodation was 15 kms away and completely exhausted to walk around. After initial negotiation, settled for 400 rupees per day which is nominal considering holiday season and for the rest of the months it costs around 300-350 INR.

After my Mysore trip, backpacking hostels are my go-to stay option while visiting any popular destinations which saves a hole in your pocket and a chance to interact with fellow travellers. I booked accommodation in Woke Arpora, North Goa which is a beautiful old heritage Gaon style house turned into a Hostel.

First spot of the day was Basilica of Bom Jesus which is an old catholic church known for its history and architecture. This is UNESCO world heritage site which holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier in a silver casket.

To feed our hungry stomach, checked into Tomatos candolim restaurant on our way which had rich Indian mixed western menu choices.  While indulging in food (as always) lost track of time and its half past four so rushed to next spot which is Fort Aguada closes at 5.30 pm. This Portuguese empire stands overlooking the vast never-ending blue water and there I am looking at the best sunset sitting on the half-broken fort wall.

It is unfair to end a day without visiting a beach in Goa so headed to Candolim beach to spend later evening. Without any doubt, wanted a peaceful night to rest down before prepping for a great day ahead 😊 excited!

Day 2

Having a well planned second day in North Goa, started off early to avoid any anxieties of missing out. Before getting into much awaited activity of the day, drove back to old Goa, Panaji to visit Insta famous colourful Portuguese houses near Fontainhas. Walking through the clean, well maintained streets with houses painted in vibrant colours naturally decorated with trees and plants are such an enriching experience. Some of these colourful houses are converted into café, heritage hotel and guest houses. It is a kind of experience to stay in this place to experience Portuguese art and lifestyle.

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There are endless beaches in Goa but Calangute & Baga beaches are at one stretch which is well-known for water sports.  Calangute is not just beautiful and clean overlooking Arabian sea also less crowded compared to other beaches. I had my best time here which happens to be my favourite in North. You can either avail whole water sports package which covers around six activities or go for any individual sports of your interest.

Parasailing was one such experience which is hard to get over for days. Once you witness other people sailing in the open air from shore in a colourful parachute, it’s hard not to be intrigued and want to try one for yourself. This is a kind of experience which is hard to fade from your memory. Watching over others screaming in the air tugs your adrenaline rush while waiting for your turn on the boat. If you’re on this ride, try going for a water dip which makes this drive distinct.

Stopped at Vagator beach which is also less crowded before climbing Chapora fort for yet another glorious sunset over the sea. On the other side of the fort, you can see Chapora river meets Arabian sea. Sadly, only a portion of the outer walls remains since it was not used for more than a century.

Yey! Up next was one place to eat, chill, play, shop which is Saturday night market. It is every street shopper’s dream place and don’t miss this if you’re in Goa. Checked into Saturday night market, Arpora which was walking distance from our hostel. Best possible way to end our north Goa trip was a ride on giant wheel!! 😊

Day 3

It was a laid-back slow Sunday with all fuzzy packings and its time to check out from hostel and head to next destination. After 2.5 hours drive reached our homestay in Canacone, a city in south Goa. Feels like you’re in a different world, while North is all about nightlife, party, liveliness other hand south is known for its secluded clean beaches, scenic drives, silent party after sunset, less crowd and a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.

Spent the rest of the evening in Palolem beach, a popular beach among travellers which was just 5 minutes’ drive from our stay. Well, you will never stop glorifying another sunset view over the sea. Palolem holds in my memory as one of these white sand beaches with clear water, calm waves, palm trees lined up over colourful wooden shacks near shore.  You can go for a boat ride or kayak here, and it was a delight to watch people doing kayaking when tied up with deep inside conversations.

Day 4

After all that chaos, it was tough to detach from that comfy bed for a morning walk near beach. Certain things you got to do not to regret later and I pat myself for that, whoa!! Just in 5 minutes’ drive parked near Patnam beach to head seashore. It is safe to say, small less crowded, quieter beach with a handful of tourists swimming, sun bathing, exercising also yoga classes near shacks.  

One of my favourite things to do is eat local cuisine, stopped at a local tea stall to eat breakfast. Don’t think am exaggerating, lip-smacking two plates of Pori, Pav bhaji and chai in 100 bucks. Due to rain prediction past noon decided to start from Cabo De Rama fort, a historical monument located near shoreline overlooking blue Arabian sea. This is the place you wanted to be to know the real meaning of peace and serenity. If you are visiting this place on a bright day, carry hat/cap to cover your face and a bottle of water for hydration.

Forgot to mention, south Goa has best roads which is safe to drive even for someone who is new into driving. The next shore is something on my list tagged as ‘must visit’ which is Cola beach, a hidden beauty that is still undiscovered my most tourists. This is known among foreigners which remains secluded throughout the year.  After a while, it was bit scary to drive due to very bad mud road along with the feeling of lost in the middle of nowhere. I was restless for the next few minutes until I spot a bike along the way.

Oh! The view & fresh breeze of palm trees will blow your mind.  One distinct fact that separates Cola from others is the fresh water lagoon on its shore that connects sea. Not gratifying with magic words but one of the most beautiful places that I have come across which might never wash off from memories.

Along the way, stopped at Agonda beach which didn’t blow my mind (might be holding high expectations) decided to have lunch at one of the restaurants with a beach view to regain the lost energy. Food was yummy with the company of a fur doggo friend who was a regular visitor there ha!

After a brief resting, it was time for some tasty Goan dinner with late night shopping near the lanes of Palolem beach. Food stalls were well lit with candles and lights playing some of the popular western albums.

Day 5

It is the last day in Goa also happened to be my birthday! One more year growing wiser (wink), haha. We had first half of the day available before the long drive to board our bus from Panaji. We took a stroll near Patnem beach for more than an hour before waving good bye to this laid-back paradise, South Goa. Did I tell you, I was lucky to spot some turtles on that day?

Until next time, see you!