Goa Tourist Season-Welcome 2 Lootland. Review on Goa

I happen to be in Goa during December - January season which happens to be the peak tourist season. Its Christmas / New Year lighting and decoration all around which is very beautiful. I will share what I noticed during several of my visits to many places during this time:

TRANSPORTATION: Public transportation is not very good in Goa. At most places taxi unions / private operator cartels are active. They have support and protection of local authorities. So unless you really know some local person(in which case exploitation will be less), be prepared to pay through your nose. They can ask you any unreasonable amount. Autos and pillion bikes also charge based on your ignorance.

(Tip: If you choose to travel between 6AM to 9PM, you can get local public transport like small buses connecting most of the places / beaches). They charge standard low fares. You can seek help/information from local inhabitants.

Formal and informal car and bike rental is aplenty in Goa and easily available provided one has proper ID and driving license. Charges for these are also not standardized and one has to negotiate a bit though during this season.

HOTELS, FOOD, & RESTAURANT: During these times most hotels charge double or triple of their normal charges which can be justified in terms of demand / supply equation though. The quality of low paid hotel accommodation(for which you pay more btw) is really bad.

There are good and standard places(restaurants like Ritz Classic, and Hotel Mondavi in Panjim etc) where one can try local delicacies and sea food at reasonable prices. There are many good places, which if you surf the internet, you will find.

However there are many others(particularly shacks on the beach side - where the food quality is really bad and prices very high . I had this experience at a place called MARIN at Bagha Beach). Please find out about others before entering them or else you'll be disappointed.

Many roads leading to main beaches are congested and one can get stuck in traffic jams for hours altogether. Jams peak around evening times. One has to plan properly.

There is huge bargaining for hats or other beach wears or accessories. They can demand 500/- for something costing as little as 50/-.

MRP FLOUTING: Branded things like Kwality Walls ice cream, beverages, chips, biscuits are openly sold and inflated rates(more than MRP) flouting all rules of a civilized and lawful society. This doesn't happen everywhere but mostly near beach areas and areas of tourist attraction. Its again pity that Goa Government doesn't do anything about it. Rather its corrupt officers appear party to the illegally collected money.

BALLOON & BOAT RIDES: One may get a Delhi-Goa flight ticket for 2500/- but a less than 3 minutes very very poor quality Balloon flight or paragliding(whatever it is called) at Colva Beach(may be different at other beaches.) will cost you Rs.1000/-. They will demand extra 300/- if they make you touch the water etc. All boat rides begin with minimum Rs.300/-. It is not about the cost or pricing. But given its quality or duration, its shameful that they charge something like that. I will rather prefer spending 2000/- for a ballon ride provided it's of at least 10-15 min. duration. Other than getting the feeling of rising and descending quickly, one doesn't realize what actually happened. So apply your discretion.

At most / all beaches there are no showering facilities or toilets. People including ladies can be seen changing clothes in the open. Its pity that Goa government can't provide even paid public showering / changing / toilet facilities at these places.

Beaches are mostly clean but they can be cleaner still. One can see lot of filth all around. Beach safety is OK but at times safety staff can appear to be more intrusive, fun spoiling and rude also even in pretty safe conditions. At few beaches they shout at tourists even if they are only up to knee deep in water at around sunset time! Maybe they have their own reasons, but I find it pretty unnecessary.

Finally even in December January, it is VERY sunny and hot. You can't expect to achieve much particularly during daytime. Schedule early mornings(up to 11:30AM and evenings i.e. after 4PM) for main visits. Beaches are good during evening timings and till sunset time.

BE CAREFUL - HAVE FUN & GOOD FOOD - BARGAIN - AVOID USELESS STUFF & RIDES