GOA - Most Beautifull state in India

in #travel6 years ago

Why Goa?
I always like to refer to Goa as its own island in India because it’s so different from the rest of this country.

Nestled along the South Western coast along the Arabian Sea, Goa is where the untamed jungle meets gorgeous beaches.

It’s become known hippie’s paradise in the last fifty years – an escape from the more hectic growth and chaotic bustle India has become known for.

Most people who travel through the country usually end up in Goa to rest and reset.

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Who am I?
On my very first trip, I was one of those people.

After three months backpacking through India, I ended my trip in Goa. My senses were in overdrive, and I was incredibly sick with dengue fever. I had two weeks left of my solo trip, and I was just about ready to go home.

But those last two weeks wound up changing everything.

One evening while I was out at a bar, a drunk Brit, with hair as long as mine, bumped into me, dropping his very girly drink on my foot. This is how I met Ben, my boyfriend of the last 5+ years, and the person who introduced me to a whole new side to Goa I’d never have seen on my own.

From meeting his local friends in Anjuna to going to his hideaway in the South, Ciaran’s Cabin (still one of my favorite beach shacks) and eating the best sea bass of my life, and falling in love with both the boy and the beach town, I knew I’d be coming back before I boarded my flight back to the U.S.

I wound up returning three months later and have called Goa home ever since. It’s been over 5 years now that I’ve lived here. If you’d asked me what my twenties would look like as a nursing student in Ohio, I could never have predicted the kind of adventures I’d have in this little paradise.

To name a few:

I’ve traveled all over the state finding hidden beaches in our old Omni van more times than I can count, picking up locals who get a kick out old-school school rickety, makeshift taxi.
Ben and I have rescued and fostered a number of furry pals, and we’re currently parents to two dogs, Omni and Shanti, and one cat, KitKat.
Most of my mornings are spent drinking coffee from the balcony of my house and watching the monkeys jump around on our coconut trees and land with thuds on our roof – sometimes they even peak in our windows to get the dog’s attention.
Five years in, and I feel like a part of the Goan community. I’ve become friends with many of the local fashion designers; I know lots of the restaurant owners, and I’ve even gotten to know the animal rescue community with our countless trips there to help animals we find injured.

Goa Beaches: 34 Best Beaches In Goa and The Reasons To Visit Them!

  1. Calangute Beach, North Goa
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    Just adjacent to Baga beach, the Calangute beach has Water Sports, markets, restaurants, good food, lots of accommodation options. It is a crowded yet beautiful sea beach. Calangute is famous for its nightlife and the famous pubs of Goa including the Tito’s and others on Tito’s lane are located close by. Calangute beach is located 16 km north of Panaji and 2 km from Baga.

Calangute Beach, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
Calangute Beach photo (Credits Wikipedia)

  1. Anjuna Beach, North Goa
    One of the most popular sea beaches among foreigners in Goa because of its night parties, Curlies and other good eating joints, peaceful seashore, western seafood with chilled beer and good music in nearby restaurants and flea markets. Anjuna is situated 21 km north of Panaji and 7 km from Baga.

Goa beaches, best beaches in goa, Goa beaches,
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  1. Baga Beach, North Goa
    Most popular beach of Goa for Indian tourists, it offers something for everyone. It is a picturesque beach with parties, music, beach shacks, karaoke, good food, water sports, good accommodation facilities, and is easily the most happening place in Goa. Baga beach is located 19 km north of Panaji.

Baga Beach, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
Baga Beach photo (Credits Wikipedia)

  1. Palolem Beach, South Goa
    One of the most stunning and beautiful beaches of India, it boasts of white sand, long stretch of serene beach, palm groves, shacks and a lot more. There are nightlife opportunities around like the Silent Noise Parties which do not hamper the tranquillity of the shore, Palolem is located 38 km south of Margao. Palolem definitely ranks among the best beach in Goa.

Sunset at the Palolem Beach, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
Sunset at the Palolem Beach (source)

  1. Arambol Beach, North Goa
    A 16 km long unexplored beach surrounded by cliffs on two sides, with a Fresh Water Lake and chirpy markets nearby, Arambol is considered to be one of the best beaches in Goa. This cove like a beach is a traditional fisherman village with a distinctly bohemian feel which attracts many international tourists and alternative travellers. A short walk to the north takes you to several attractive bays, the most famous among which is the sweet water lake at Paliem Beach (also referred to as Kalacha). This lake is fed by hot springs and lined with sulphurous mud which is believed to be have healing properties and is a favourite among the hippie crowd who take mud baths here. Beyond the lake, is a spectacular Banyan Tree with a stone sculpture at its base created by a famous artist which has become an attraction in its own right. The beach also hosts night parties, has a rich music scene and is dubbed to be the capital of hippie culture in Goa. The ‘Glastonbury Street’ leading to the beach is chock full of boutiques selling a bizarre and wonderful array of knick-knacks. This place is also good for paragliding and Kite Surfing making it one of the best beaches in Goa. Arambol beach is located 50 km north of Panaji.

Arambol Beach, best beaches in Goa, Goa beaches
Huts near the shore

  1. Mandrem Beach, North Goa
    Mandrem is of the most beautiful beaches of North Goa. The white sand is dotted by Beach Shacks and one can also go on Dolphin spotting trips or explore the Mandrem Village. Junas and Ashvem are the two main beaches with shallow and calm waters which make it a great place to swim. During high tide, water rushes up the Mandrem creek which runs parallel to the shoreline. A lot of bamboo bridges are spawned across this creek and are a great place to spend romantic evenings with your feet dipped in the water. One can also spot some animal life like the white-bellied fish eagles that live in the casuarina trees and the occasional Olive Ridley turtles that nest here. Good places to eat include End of the World Cafe for fish & Oasis for north Indian fare. Mandrem is located 32 km north of Panaji.

Mandrem Beach, best beaches in Goa, Goa beaches
Mandrem Beach Photo (Credits Paul Mannix)

  1. Morjim Beach, North Goa
    Morjim is one of most secluded beaches in North Goa. It is a great place to spot a large variety of birds and Olive Ridley Turtles, hillocks and good food. Morjim is also known as mini-Russia due to a large concentration of Russian immigrants and considered to be one of the top 10 beaches in Goa. It is located on the northern bank of the Chapora River estuary and is a fairly quiet place owing to the nesting ground of the endangered species. Late night parties and loud music is banned and relaxation, alternative therapies, kite-surfing etc. is promoted Morjim is located 29 km north of Panaji.

Morjim Beach, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
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  1. Cavelossim Beach, South Goa
    An aesthetic beach, with white sand and black lava rocks, beach shacks, Goan dishes and Seafood, Water-sports, Local markets, Dolphin spotting trips etc. It has a lot of accommodation options. Where: Cavelossim beach is located 15 km south of Margao.

Cavelossim Beach, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa

  1. Vagator Beach, North Goa
    Quiet and calm beach, Vagator is one of the best beaches of Goa. It is beautifully set amidst the cliffs with soft and white sand and is perfect for relaxing. It has vast stretches of coconut trees and the Chapora fort as a nearby attraction. Vagator is located 21 km north of Panaji.

Vagator Beach, Goa: most famous beaches in Goa, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
Vagator Beach Photo (Courtesy: Wikipedia)

  1. Colva Beach, South Goa
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    One of the best beaches in South Goa, this beautiful beach is famous for its romantic evenings, great seafood and the most happening nightlife in South Goa. Another major attraction nearby is Our Lady of Mercy Church Colva beach is located 6 km north of Margao.

Colva Beach, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa, how many beaches in goa?
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  1. Agonda Beach, South Goa
    One of the best beaches in South Goa, It is a quiet beach ideal for chilling, swimming, walking, eating and just generally doing nothing. Agonda Beach is located 37 km from Margao. Agonda is another quiet beach located just 15 minutes from Palolem. The beautiful stretch of the sand and the sea is just an awe moment, the beauty the beach displays is just breathtaking. This is also one of the beaches that are home to the olive ridley turtles to lay eggs. There is no signal so don’t bother making calls. Just forget about everything and relax and enjoy your holiday to the fullest. It is advisable for swimming provided you stay off limits. The setting of the Agonda Beach is just perfect. So, if you are looking for a romantic stroll with your special person while the sun is setting it couldn’t get any better. There are not many stalls available at the beach just a few locals but close to the beach area there are guest houses and restaurant so don’t worry you can enjoy your social life and when you feel like having some alone time just take a stroll on the beach.

Yoga at sunset, Agonda Beach, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
Yoga at sunset, Agonda Beach (source)

  1. Betalbatim Beach, South Goa
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    Head to one of the offbeat beaches in Goa which has Golden Sand, Cold Pine trees, unexplored serene stretches, trips to spot dolphins, good seafood and laid-back evenings. Betalbatim is located 10 km north of Margao.

Betalbatim Beach, Goa beaches, how many beaches in goa?
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  1. Butterfly Beach, South Goa
    One of the best and most beautiful beaches in Goa, it is the most secluded and unexplored beach. It is a good place to spot fishes, crabs and even dolphins. It’s dotted with Palm trees, lots of greenery and of course butterflies. Butterfly Beach is situated 39 km south of Margao, However, the only way to reach Butterfly Beach is to take a boat from Palolem or Agonda. Located in the North of Palolem Beach, Butterfly Beach is a part of the beautiful Arabian Sea. The name butterfly is because the beach sustains the life of many different varieties of Butterflies. The beach is surrounded by forest and thick trees and bushes so getting to this place through road by bike or car is impossible unless of course, you’re awesome at trekking where I am like zero! The most convenient way to travel here is by taking a boat ride to Palolem beach and walk towards the butterfly beach. Due to its location and problems faced to arrive here, not many people do and those who make it have the place all to themselves. The water here is clear and not very deep, so if you’re lucky early morning you can witness the sea urchins, sea cucumbers and crabs and the best sunrise and sunset ever.

Butterfly Beach, South Goa, Best Beaches in Goa, Hidden beaches

  1. Candolim Beach, North Goa
    This laid-back beach hosts the Sunburn Festival in December. It has the Aguada fort overlooking the sea and the beach and is one of the best and longest beaches in Goa Candolim is located 13 km north of Panaji.

Candolim Beach, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
Candolim beach image (Credits Wikipedia)

  1. Patnem Beach, South Goa
    A quieter alternate to Palolem beach, this is among the most beautiful and serene beaches in South Goa Patnem Beach is located 39 km south of Margao.

Pantem Beach, beaches in goa

  1. Chapora Beach, North Goa
    Calm Shore, beautiful sea beach, water sports, good food in the Beach shacks along the coast make it one of the most loved beaches of Goa. The white sand along with black lava rocks and the Chapora fort overlooking the sea make for an endearing sight. One can also explore the Chapora village nearby Chapora Beach is 24km north of Panaji

Dil Chahta Hai sence at Chapora Fort, Chapora beach in Goa, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
A scene from Dil Chahta Hai @Chapora Fort

  1. Miramar Beach, near Panjim
    What to Expect: Popular and crowded beach, frequented by locals from Panaji and nearby towns, local street shops, local restaurants. The main churches of Goa are located in Panjim. Where: Miramar beach is located 3 km south-west of Panaji.

Miramar Beach, Goa: Beat Beaches of Goa
Miramar (Credits Wikipedia)

  1. Dona Paula Beach, near Panaji
    One of the best spots in Goa which makes it slightly crowded. It has Water Sports, Harbour, Rocky shores and much more. Dona Paula is located just 6 km south-west of Panaji.

Rocks nearby Dona Paula, Goa: Suburbs of Goa, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
Rocks nearby Dona Paula (Image courtesy: Wikipedia)

  1. Querim Beach (Kerim Beach), North Goa
    Also known as Keri Beach or Kerim Beach, it is the northern-most beach of Goa and located close to Tiracol fort. It has an Old Portuguese Fort and a 17th-century church overlooking a peaceful unexplored beach with a calm shore. The fort, now converted to a hotel, can be reached by a ferry which plies every half an hour. A picturesque scene not to be missed are the fishing boats which line up on the beach at 6 every day to go out in the sea and come back the next morning at 5 AM. The beach has paragliding and other water sports. However, it is not safe for swimming especially near the Tiracol estuary (formed by the Tiracol river meeting the Arabian Sea). Kerim is located 58 km north of Panaji and can be reached from the Arambol Beach.

Querim Beach, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
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  1. Benaulim Beach, South Goa
    Rather unexplored beach, it offers tranquil evenings, good food, local markets, and is particularly famous for bullfighting events and the Church of St John the Baptist Benaulim is located 6 km south-west of Margao

Benaulim Beach, Goa, famous beaches in Goa, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
Benaulim Beach, Goa (Credits bharatdiscovery.org)

  1. Sinquerim Beach, North Goa
    Small yet popular and clean beach with dolphin spotting trips, shacks with good food and chilled beer and the Sinquerim Fort overlooking the sea. It also has a lot of resorts like Taj Vivanta and Taj Holiday village resorts nearby. Sinquerim beach is located 13 km north of Panaji Located almost 13 km from Panaji, the capital city of Goa is the Sinquerim Beach. Not very famous and that is why I have chosen it as one of the places where you can just run away from the crowd and just be yourself. Near this beach is the most famous Aguada a Portuguese Fort that was built in the earlier days to defend an attack from the sea route. If you love water sports this is the one beach where you should be and not miss it for the world on your trip to Goa. Although it does get a little crowded during season time due to tourists visiting the Aguada Fort, it is quieter and peaceful on the other days of the year and should be visited.

Taj Hotel near Sinquerium Beach in Goa: best beaches, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
View from Taj Resort near Sinquerium Beach in Goa (source)

  1. Mobor Beach, South Goa
    One of the best beaches in Goa, it has a long stretch of clean sandy beach, water sports, handicraft shops, good food, resorts and budget accommodation options. Mobor Beach is situated 17km south of Margao.

Mobor Beach, Best beaches in goa, Goa beaches
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  1. Betul Beach, South Goa
    This quiet beach is ideal for people looking for solitude and some alone time. A small lagoon, a river flowing nearby, a 17th-century fort and a Baradi Cross church make it a picturesque venue. It is close to Mayfair Resort Betul Beach is located 18 km south of Margao. Located in South Goa, about 24 km from Margao, Betul Beach is also secluded because of its far location and not many people know about this village. There are only about a total of 60 houses which is not much. The place is very interesting as there is a river right across separating the beach from the village. There are not many restaurants or shacks and the place is clean. So, if you’re a nature lover or just looking for a quiet place to just relax and watch the sun setting in the sky, then let me tell you, this is the place for you. Anyone who comes here once can never say he’s never going to come again, this place is so beautiful it’ll get you hooked and trust you will be visiting again soon.

Betul beach, Beaches in goa, Goa beaches

  1. Talpona Beach, South Goa
    An isolated beach with a calm and serene coastline, golden sand, fishermen village and a couple of beach shacks, Talpona is located 44 km south of Margao.

talpona beach, very good beach in goa, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
Talpona Beach (credits: beachhutbooking.com)

  1. Galgibaga Beach, South Goa
    One of the offbeat beaches of Goa, this 1.5 km long sandy beach has a calm and serene environment. The swaying Palms and Casuarinas make it a philosopher’s retreat. Galgibaga Beach is located 52 km south of Margao. Considered to be one of India’s cleanest beaches and silver sands. Galjibag Beach is located in South Goa. One important thing you’ll notice is that as you move toward the south of Goa, the maintenance and crowd of the usual beaches decrease and this is a reason why this beach is very convenient. There are no shacks and huts, one of the nearest local places is called Dipshika from where you can buy food and enjoy on the beach. Love just relaxing in the sun, a short swim? Some time alone from the crowd? Meditation? This is the perfect beach to be. Highly recommended by all tourists, this beach is also a home to Olive Ridley sea turtles to lay their eggs in the month of December- February. How amazing is that?

Galgibaga Beach, Best Beaches in Goa, Goa beaches

  1. Polem Beach, South Goa
    Southernmost beach in Goa, this is a secluded beach with stretches of white sands and rocks, unspoilt and clean water -ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Migratory birds and dolphins could also be spotted sometimes. Where: Polem is around 60 km south of Margao “Sunkissed beaches Nightime peaches Hipster clan The perfect tan Balmy shores Birds galore Sparkling water Pint or quarter Deep blue skies The lasting highs”

Polem Beach, Goa: offbeat beaches in Goa, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
Beach huts at the Polem Beach
(Credits about-goa-blog.net)

  1. Siridao Beach, South Goa
    This one is a shell collector’s paradise. It is a rocky and sandy beach and its most famous attraction is the Chapel of Jesus Nazareth Siridao Beach is situated around 12 km south of Panaji. Siridao Beach, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa

  2. Bogmalo Beach, South Goa
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    Perfect mix of natural beauty and commercial space, this beach has a lot of shops selling local handicrafts. It has clean water ideal for swimming with the Goa Institute of diving located there. It is also famous among BITS Pilani Goa Campus students Bogmalo Beach is located 14 km south of Panaji.

Bogmalo Beach, Goa: famous beaches in Goa, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
Bogmalo

  1. Cansaulim Beach, near Panjim
    Beautiful white sand and a long stretch of secluded beach, make it the perfect place to spend time together with your partner Cansaulim Beach is located around 25 km north of Margao

Cansaulim Beach,Goa: Best Goa beaches
View of Cansaulim Beach (Credits Goabeachholidays.com)

  1. Majorda Beach, near Panaji
    This one is a calm unexplored sea beach with long stretches of clean sand, clean water ideal for swimming, lush green countryside, lovely bakeries. It also houses Martin’s Corner: a restaurant famous for its Goan dishes, drinks and nice music. Don’t miss the Goa Christmas Carnival if you happen to be here in December. Majorda is located 11 km north of Margao.

Majorda Beach, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
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  1. Kakolem Beach, South Goa
    One of the most isolated beaches of Goa also known as the ‘Tiger Beach’ and is located south of Cabo de Rama beach. It is difficult to reach this beach by foot as it will require to climb up many steps and pass through narrow paths. It is easier to get here by boat or a motorboat. This is a place where you can just relax that’s when you finally reach it. Due to the complexity of reaching the place the people who go here are really less mostly it is either nature lovers or adventurers. There is even a small spring that flows into the sea. The view of the Beach from the hills is just breathtaking. There are no shacks or places to stay so it is quite clean. One of the best places to get away from all the hustle and bustle.

The Isolated and beautiful Kakolem Beach, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
The Isolated and beautiful Kakolem Beach.

  1. Ashwem Beach, North Goa

    Situated in the south of the famous Arambol Beach, Ashwem Beach is another example of an isolated beach in Goa. I have personally been here and it is beautiful. Mostly, there are rocks and the stretch of the coast is quite long. There are hardly any people around. At the time I had visited there were just a handful of foreigners just enjoying the water and the beautiful beach. This beach is mainly famous because it is the place where Olive Ridley Turtles come shore to lay their eggs. So, the people you would find here will either be Animal right people or foreigners. The place requires a lot of travel and the best means is to hire or have a bike. Just be sure not to graze your leg against the rocks, other than that have fun and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Ashwem Beach in all its glory, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
Ashwem Beach in all its glory. (Source)

  1. Velsao Beach, Near Panaji 10756348646_5850652a88_k.jpg
    The Velsao Beach is very close to the Dabolim airport making it convenient to visit on the day when you are leaving provided that you don’t get lost in its serenity and beauty. The Velsao Beach is famous for its white shells founds all over the seashore as well as the starfish. The beach is also filled with coconut trees so be careful where you’re resting for shade:). It is a quiet beach and is also isolated, very fewer people move around here giving you complete privacy to sort out all your life issues and leave with a calm mind. Just close your eyes and relax on this serene and absolutely clean beach and do anything you love like sunbathe, listen to music, relax, read a book, draw etc. It’s how you see the world that matters most.

Velsao beach and its beautiful sunset, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
Velsao beach and its beautiful sunset.

  1. Hollant Beach, South Goa
    Hollant beach is located 7 km from Bogmalo beach of Vasco city. Due to no currents, the beaches are shallow and it is one of the best places to go swimming. One can travel here only on a personal vehicle as no transport leads here and this is a reason why it is one of the most isolated beaches. There are very fewer shacks and no hotels here, therefore, there is peace and quiet and the beach is very clean. This beach is very famous because it is said that Hollant Beach is the only beach where you can see a clear sunrise. So, the next time you are in Goa don’t forget to stop by Hollant and experience one of the best moments in life with your loved ones.

Hollant Beach, Goa beaches, best beaches in goa
Hollant Beach.

Why did I write this guide?
Short Answer:
I want new visitors in Goa to get the same insider experience I got on my first trip!

Long Answer:
Calling Goa home for half a decade and seeing firsthand how life and tourism here has changed since my first arrival, I can tell you most of the information about Goa that’s out there right now is no longer relevant.

Most big travel sites are just recycling the same outdated information from each other. Goa has grown so much in tourism that the cool hideaways are now run of the mill places that feed into what they think a typical tourist wants — Bollywood music and popularized Indian food.

I wrote this book because I realized there were still a lot more secrets to share beyond what I’ve already written about on Hippie in Heels. The thing about Goa is that if you just show up here and try to follow a Lonely Planet, you’ll leave disappointed thinking Goa is just “meh”. But, if you see it from a local’s point of view, you’ll fall in love with this state.

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What exactly is in this guide to Goa?
I’ve laid out everything I could think of in this guide, and I consulted with local friends for even more insider secrets. These are all the kinds of tips I’d overload my best friend with if they were coming here!

Here’s exactly what to expect in this book:

Chapter 1: An Introduction – More about Goa’s history and how I came to call it home
Chapter 2: Before You Leave: A Travel Checklist – This chapter has multiple sub-chapters that cover tips for booking your trip, the best airlines, when to come, detailed visa guides, monsoon season tips, which area of Goa to stay, how long to stay, safety and local culture tips, currency and budgeting, health care, packing tips, and more! I cover every step of planning your trip.
Chapter 3: Getting Around Goa: Arriving and Exploring – transportation tips and how to get around locally from arriving at the airport to taking a motorcycle taxi, local train, or bus in and out of Goa.
Chapter 4: Adventures and Attractions in Goa – what to do for adventure and culture from wake-boarding and surfing to visiting secret caves and cool undiscovered art galleries (plus the touristy places you’ll want to check off your bucket list)
Chapter 5: Goa By the Sand: Where to Stay and Eat – This is a huge chapter that covers ALL the beaches along the coast. It has everything from what to do in each area, the best places to stay (budget, boutique, luxury), yoga vibes, where to eat, and where to party and shop! The beaches covered are Arambol, Mandrem, Ashwem, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Calangute, Candolim, Baga, Utorda, Majorda, Colva, Varva, Cavelossim, Mobor, Betul, Agonda, and Palolem.
Chapter 6: Panjim & Other City Areas – Here is a full guide with what to do, where to stay, eat, and shop for those looking for some things to do in the city of Panjim and it’s surrounded areas like Old Goa.
Chapter 7: Into the Jungle: Inland Goa – Inland Goa is often forgotten about but has so much to do! I cover boutique hotels, eco-resorts, jungle adventures, local hideaway restaurants, and more in this chapter. I live in a small village which is talked about in this part of the book. The towns I cover are Siolim, Saligao, Sonaulim, Mollem, Olaulim, Chorla, Assagao, and Bicholim.
Chapter 8: Volunteering in Goa: Ins and Outs – for those that like to volunteer while they travel, these are the most reputable places to volunteer
Chapter 9: Kid-Friendly Goa: What to Do – where to go and what to bring if you’re visiting with kids plus 14 fun things to do with them
Chapter 10: The Hippie in Heels’ Map & Bonus Tips – a little map & all my personal bonus tips and super inside secrets
Bonus: Goa Photo Journal – just some of my favorite photos over the years
Here are some of the common questions I answer:

Should I go to Goa during monsoon season? Will the shacks be open?
Should I go to North or South Goa?
Is it safe to come alone as a girl? Where can I make friends?
How long should I stay?
Where can I find a truly off-beaten local experience?
Can I volunteer in Goa?
Is it safe to bring my kids here?
Where are the best places to party and see that hippie scenes of Goa?
What is the best yoga retreat and where can I learn yoga teacher training in Goa?
The book comes in a PDF format, so you can view it from your PC, tablet, phone, Kindle– anything with a screen.

Gumroad is a 100% secure site, and I will not have any of your credit card or Paypal information. I’ve purchased ebooks from other bloggers from this site before, which is why I trust it.

Once you pay, Gumroad will send you an email with a download link. Once you’ve downloaded it to your computer, it’s yours!

For the UK and European citizens, there is VAT, which you’ll see when you check out. I believe there are no taxes for US and Indian citizens.

Bonus: I have also made sure to add an extra condensed version of the ebook to put on your phone while traveling. Instead of 30M MB, it’s only 3 MB. It’s just an added free bonus to the main version if you’re trying to save phone space!

What People Are Saying
“Whether you’re a backpacker or luxury traveler, this is the book you need to get the most from your Goa vacation. Goa is a long stretch of coastline with diverse destinations. Without the right information, it’s easy to end up at a place that’s unsuitable for you, or miss out on the best that Goa has to offer you. Rachel shares all her invaluable, and hip, local knowledge in this comprehensive book. I write about India travel for a living and have been to Goa numerous times. Not only are Rachel’s recommendations insightful and spot on, she covers many things that even I didn’t know about.”

— Sharell Cook, India Travel Expert for Tripsavvy (formerly About.com India Travel)

As an India travel blogger, I get asked for advice on Goa all the time. My #1 recommendation is Rachel’s ebook which gives you all the insider tips you’d ever need. The ebook is clearly laid out so that you can quickly find the info you need while also being beautifully designed with countless full-color photos interspersed throughout. If you plan on going to Goa now or anytime in the future, it’s a must read!

— Asher Fergusson, India Travel Writer at AsherFergusson.com

“It’s honestly such a helpful book. Everyone who visits Goa needs to read this book and I am so grateful for the open advice Rachel gives to her favorite places in Goa – I get to see Goa like a local, now, too!”

– Anna R., Graphic Designer

“Before I chanced upon Rachel’s ebook, and having traveled to Goa for 12 years, I considered myself a sort of Goa expert – but was I ever so wrong. I have rarely come across such thought through structure, flow & detailing as in this ebook. Courtesy the guide, my last few visits have taken me to unheard of places in Goa that I was so glad to discover. I guess what matters to me is the personal touch & genuine recommendations rather than follow the herd. Every place recommended has been totally worth it and that is what makes this ebook so unique. If I were to compare this ebook as a presentation versus others; this is the one having 5 years of original content, experience & recommendations versus 5 days of Control C (copy) & Control V (paste) of duplicated & unverified online content. What would you rather possess?

– Abhilash A., Reader

This book is the kind of travel guide that would incite wanderlust in just about anyone. Rachel obviously knows her stuff and she describes Goa like a vast, lush wonderland. If you’re looking to find a new place to explore or go back to somewhere you’ve been before and see it in a new light, this e-book is perfect for you! I loved it!”

What People Are Saying
“Whether you’re a backpacker or luxury traveler, this is the book you need to get the most from your Goa vacation. Goa is a long stretch of coastline with diverse destinations. Without the right information, it’s easy to end up at a place that’s unsuitable for you, or miss out on the best that Goa has to offer you. Rachel shares all her invaluable, and hip, local knowledge in this comprehensive book. I write about India travel for a living and have been to Goa numerous times. Not only are Rachel’s recommendations insightful and spot on, she covers many things that even I didn’t know about.”

— Sharell Cook, India Travel Expert for Tripsavvy (formerly About.com India Travel)

As an India travel blogger, I get asked for advice on Goa all the time. My #1 recommendation is Rachel’s ebook which gives you all the insider tips you’d ever need. The ebook is clearly laid out so that you can quickly find the info you need while also being beautifully designed with countless full-color photos interspersed throughout. If you plan on going to Goa now or anytime in the future, it’s a must read!

— Asher Fergusson, India Travel Writer at AsherFergusson.com

“It’s honestly such a helpful book. Everyone who visits Goa needs to read this book and I am so grateful for the open advice Rachel gives to her favorite places in Goa – I get to see Goa like a local, now, too!”

– Anna R., Graphic Designer

“Before I chanced upon Rachel’s ebook, and having traveled to Goa for 12 years, I considered myself a sort of Goa expert – but was I ever so wrong. I have rarely come across such thought through structure, flow & detailing as in this ebook. Courtesy the guide, my last few visits have taken me to unheard of places in Goa that I was so glad to discover. I guess what matters to me is the personal touch & genuine recommendations rather than follow the herd. Every place recommended has been totally worth it and that is what makes this ebook so unique. If I were to compare this ebook as a presentation versus others; this is the one having 5 years of original content, experience & recommendations versus 5 days of Control C (copy) & Control V (paste) of duplicated & unverified online content. What would you rather possess?

– Abhilash A., Reader

This book is the kind of travel guide that would incite wanderlust in just about anyone. Rachel obviously knows her stuff and she describes Goa like a vast, lush wonderland. If you’re looking to find a new place to explore or go back to somewhere you’ve been before and see it in a new light, this e-book is perfect for you! I loved it!”

– Tess M., Travel Writer

“There’s a lot of valuable and useful information in the book that you just won’t find elsewhere. Well done Rachel Ann!”

–Mariellen W., India Travel Writer at Breathedreamgo.com

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