GOA, means beaches, beaches and more beaches for some people. It could also mean beer, beer and more beer for some of us.
WHEN ?
Start with your budget and choose the season you want to be in Goa. Typically the resorts offer great packages (> 50% off their peak rates) between july and september (monsoon). From October begins a climb up in tariff which peaks between Christmas and New Year and climbs down slowly after the Goa Carnival in February.
As far as I am concerned, the best time to go to Goa is in september or october. You get monsoon rates in September with little rain especially during the second half. You also get to enjoy the freshness and greenery left by the rains.
In September, typical 3 star resort deals can be for around 2000 Rs per couple per night for MAP package (which included breakfast and dinner). Lunch depends on your negotiation skill. STD package is 3 nights. You could get 5 star resort deals at around 3000 Rs to 3500 Rs per couple per night for MAP package.
Most of the resorts offer complimentary airport / railway station transfers + at least one 1/2 day sight seeing and a boat cruise.
We have been to Goa in September 2002 & 2003.
In 2002 we stayed in a 5 star resort (Renaissance) for 7200 Rs (for 4 nights MAP package) for myself, wife and kid.
In 2003 we were a group of 5 couples. We stayed in a 3 star resort (Whispering Palms) for 4000 Rs per couple (again for 4 nights MAP package) We got this super deal as a portion of the resort was under renovation
This year (2004) I have been browsing websites and the packages offered are similar (maybe 10 - 20 % more)
Please remember that all hotels / resorts give a 15% commission to the travel agents. So if you send email to the resort and enquire directly, there is more than 50% chance that you will at least get 10% discount on their published tariff.
STAY ?
Depending on the budget, you have various options. My personal rating is given below :
5 STAR RESORTS
- The Leela :
The best place in Goa. Has been voted as one the top 10 resorts in the world more than once.
The architecture is great. It slowly & steadily impresses you enormously. The place is just too good to resist. A package in september may cost around 15000 to 20000 Rs per couple for 3 nights.
- Taj Exotica :
They have some of the best rooms / cottages in Goa. They are located in Varca beach in south Goa. Unfortunately their deals are not as good as some of the other resorts.
3. Majorda :
You could get some of the best seasonal deals in this very impressive and well maintained resort in Majorda beach (south Goa). Deals in september around 9000 Rs / 3 nights.
- Goa Renaissance / Ramada Caravela :
A very impressive resort. Very unique architecture. Has tennis courts and golf course in house. Name has changed to Ramada Caravela in the past year. They are located in Varca beach in south Goa. Food is excellent. Rates have been significantly increased.
Other good resorts are Taj Fort Aguada, Taj Holiday Village, Goa Marriott, Radisson, Cidade de Goa, Holiday Inn, Bogmallo resort..
3 / 4 STAR RESORTS
- Sun Village :
One of the best 4 star resorts. Food and service is excellent. The only drawback is that they are around 2 kms away from Baga beach. Very popular among foreigners.
- Dona Sylvia :
A very good Mediterranean style resort in south Goa (Cavelossim beach). Offers some of the best deals during any season. The only disadvantage is that they are now offering packages on full board & all inclusive basis only (including lunch , dinner and breakfast)
- Sonnesta Inn :
One of the best built resorts. Not many people know about this resort and the travel websites also do not mention about it. Very secluded and pretty close to the beach. Near the Candolim and Calungute beaches. Very good swimming pool. Can get good deals.
- Phoenix Inn :
A very new resort (around a year old) in Candolim. Part of the Sarovar Park Plaza group. So the service and resort standards are guaranteed. Since they are new, can get good deals. I do not have personal experience, so not able to give a better rating.
- Whispering Palms :
Much smaller than the other resorts, but the food & service compensate for that. Located in Candolim beach in North Goa.
Please read review on this resort by sadanandabr as he had a bad experience based on which I have degraded ranking from 3 to 5..
Other good resorts are Highland resort, Kamat, Victor Exotica, Heritage Village Club, Goan Heritage…
If you do not want an international / continental twist and would prefer Indian then Nanu resortis the most recommended option. (I have not tried it though). For budget options, there are many Goa Tourism resorts at each and every beach in Goa.
Also worth of mention are the two wonderful resorts of Club Mahindra at Varca beach and that of Sterling in Vagator beach.
WHAT TO SEE ?
Goes without saying that the beaches are the main attraction.
South Goa beaches are more secluded and away from Public disturbance. Many 5 star resorts are located on vast stretches of open beaches. The best public beach is Colva.
North Goa beaches are more of public beaches with very few resorts being actually on the beach. Candolim is the most lively of the village / towns. The best beach would be Baga.
The most scenic beaches are Anjuna and Vagator. Anjuna is a great place to see a sun set from. The rocky surroundings make a very scenic view. Vagator is the most filmed beech in Goa. The most popular is however Calangute.
Do remember to go to the light house near Fort Aguada to view a sunset. The light house officially closes around 6.00 pm. However if you talk nice with the local attender, he would allow you to stay till sun sets.
The other must do in Goa is the boat cruise on river Mondoviand you would be literally inspired to dance to the tunes of music and by the participation from rest of the crowd.
The church of St.Francis Xavier with the immortal remains of the Saint is a great spiritual visit. This place is a World Heritage site.
Goa also has quite a few wildlife sanctuariesworth a trip into the jungle. The Doodsagar waterfalls are also worth a day trip. The other options include Old Goa, spice plantation visits and Mapusa.
HOW LONG ?
You would need at least 4 to 5 days in Goa. Depending on your personal preference, you could choose to stay longer.
WHAT TO BUY ?
You can certainly buy cashewsin the main Panjim or Margaon market.
You can also buy alcohol. However do not buy Goan fenny to take back. It is not allowed.
To buy alcohol, you will have to buy local permits and each person with permit (less than 50 Rs) is legally allowed to take two bottles of liquor with him / her. Do buy permit and then only carry liquor.
I start my search Goan at Amchogoa.com which has some of the best package deals for a range of properties.
VIVA Goa!!
