At the word "Goa" - tourists represent distant India, endless sandy beaches, palm trees and the ocean. It seems to many that a paradise idyll reigns here throughout the year. This is not entirely true. Yes, Goa is beautiful. But in order for a vacation here to fully meet your expectations, you need to know what time of year it is best to come here. And which area - north or south - corresponds to the idea of ideal leisure time. Another question arises among tourists: is it worth choosing the all-inclusive option, or is it better to save money?
North or South Goa - which one to choose?
So much has already been said about this that we will be brief. Although parts of the state are not separated from each other by any borders, recreation in the south and north is strikingly different from each other. If you want to live in luxury hotels with their own beaches, enjoy the cleanest water, well-groomed territory and almost European service - choose the South.
The North will allow you to get to know the real India better, visit numerous clubs, parties, “come off” at discos and local holidays. Those who are going to practice yoga should also go to the north. Let the sea water here a little bit more turbid, in the villages there is less silence and bliss. But the rest will cost less - because in the north of the state there is a huge selection of housing. There are expensive and comfortable hotels, but there are also simple bungalows. The farther from the sea, the lower the prices. So every tourist will find accommodation within his or her pocket.
Best time to travel
Goa is called paradise on Earth, but this definition is true only for a few months of the year. To get only positive emotions during your vacation, you should familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of the local weather in advance. But first, a few words about the sea, because it is thanks to him that Goa is considered a paradise. The Arabian Sea, which is part of the Indian Ocean, is one of the warmest in the world. The water temperature ranges from 28 C in January to 36 C in July and August.
There is no risk of "buying yourself and catching a cold" even for young children. Another feature of the sea is the gentle entrance to it and the seemingly endless shallow water. Where an adult is knee-deep, babies can fearlessly splash in warm water. Their parents, in order to plunge, will have to move tens of meters from the shore. And even at a distance of a kilometer from the beaches, the sea is rarely deeper than 12-15 m. In such shallow water, large waves are impossible, dangerous predators are not found here - only small fish.
In the "high season", that is, from November to March, the sea is transparent and calm, and if you sail away from the coast, you will find yourself in complete calm. But already in March, the weather begins to change. The months that Russians consider spring are the hottest in Goa.
The air temperature rises to 34-36C, and the Arabian Sea warms up to about the same degrees. The air is humid and stuffy, and even the night does not bring relief. Of course, you can not leave the hotel with its air conditioning, but will such a pastime please? After all, I want to go on excursions and walk along the streets of the city.
The advantages of this period include the appearance of some roughness at sea. After all, there are those among tourists who like to swim in small waves. May provides an opportunity to see tropical showers - this month usually has a few rainy days. Also, in the spring, unusually beautiful sunsets - many tourists will think that a laser show has been turned on in the sky. But even before the beginning of June, everyone should leave Goa, except for those who came here for Ayurvedic treatment. The period from June to the end of September is not easy to survive even for the indigenous population of the state. The rainy season begins. They run all four months, almost every day. The air humidity rises even more. The sea is storming every now and then. In addition, due to the mud flowing from the banks, it resembles a brown boiling broth, and it is impossible to swim in it. If you improve the day, try to go into the water - you should be very careful. Underwater currents can carry you to depth in a matter of minutes, and it is difficult to fight them even for experienced swimmers. At this time, many hotels, cafes, shops are closed. Their owners prefer to leave themselves to rest in drier places.
In the second half of September, local residents begin to clean the beaches of the debris carried out by the sea. In October, the weather changes for the better. There are more and more clear days, the water is being purified more and more, the air is becoming drier. Since November, tourists have begun to come to Goa - both from other states of India and from Europe. Increasingly, charter flights land at the airport. Indians have great respect for foreign religions. They will certainly make it so that the guests of the resort can celebrate first Catholic Christmas, then New Year, and then Orthodox Christmas. And on Epiphany you can plunge into the waters of the Arabian Sea, they, too, on this night, for sure, are consecrated, like all waters on Earth. The air temperature in the winter months rises to 33-34 C during the day and drops to 19-22 C at night. In January, sea water is warmed up to 28-29C. There is almost no rain. It is a pleasure to bask in the warm waves, realizing that in Russia now there is frost and snow.
Which hotel to choose
India is a land of contrasts. Fabulous luxury here side by side with poverty. To ensure that the rest does not disappoint your expectations, you should be very careful when choosing a hotel. The proximity to the beach, the level of comfort, the presence of a playground - if you are traveling with kids - all this is very important. Among the best are the following hotels.
The Leela Goa 5 *
The hotel is located in the town of Cavelossim, and is at a distance of 5-6 minutes walk to the beach. There are almost no waves in the lagoon, and even small children will be comfortable swimming. Adults can play golf on the well-equipped course, play tennis or go for a swim in the outdoor pool. Everyone, without exception, will enjoy Ayurvedic massage and visits to the spa center.
Yoga devotees will find an experienced mentor here. The hotel can book any excursion, including the sea one. Those wishing to learn pottery and take home souvenirs made with their own hands will visit the workshop. Meals are served according to the "buffet" system, and guests are offered dishes of not only Indian, but also Italian cuisine. There are 7 bars and restaurants on site.
Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa 5 *
Located near the village of Candolim, on the seashore. Once you leave the hotel building, you are on the beach. Occupies a huge area - almost 30 hectares. Vacationers may not even go on excursions, and feel in the hotel as in a separate state. 5 restaurants offer food for all tastes. These are dishes of national Indian cuisine, European gourmet delicacies, the freshest seafood. 2 bars are open, the assortment of drinks in which is also unusually rich.
In addition to swimming in the Arabian Sea, guests can play tennis or golf, water sports, visit the spa and fitness center. To services of tourists - a small library, an outdoor pool, a wide range of excursions. Another advantage of the hotel is that it is only an hour's drive from the airport, so the journey here will not seem tiresome.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa 5 *
For those who came to rest at this hotel, located near the quiet village of Benaulim, it may seem that they are on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Since everything here is decorated in a Mediterranean style. The guests are greatly impressed by the huge garden with its landscape design. The hotel has its own equipped beach. For lovers of active recreation, there is a golf course, a spacious outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
And those who prefer to relax can take procedures in the spa-salon.Younger guests can enjoy numerous activities in the kids' club. The hotel has excellent cuisine and 6 bars and restaurants. This is both the traditional cuisine of the state and the dishes loved by the inhabitants of the Mediterranean coast. And, of course, a huge selection of seafood delicacies.
Seashell Beach Suites 4 *
The hotel is located near the village of Candolim, literally on the border of the famous beach of the same name. Guests are offered relaxation and walks in their own garden. The doors of the restaurant and bar are always open, the blue surface of the pool beckons to swim. To services of tourists - laundry and dry cleaning at the hotel, which is very convenient in a foreign country. Nearby is the famous Aguada Fort, founded in the Middle Ages by Portuguese monks. You can visit both the old churches and the lighthouse. Also here you will be offered an excursion to the Bird Sanctuary and the Butterfly Park.
Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort 4 *
The hotel is located next to the Candolim beach, it will take 3-4 minutes to get there. Guests of this hotel will plunge into the unique medieval atmosphere created by graceful stained glass windows and old paintings. There is also everything without which it is already difficult to imagine a good rest: the hotel's own garden with an abundance of exotic vegetation, a swimming pool, a spa-salon and a fitness center.
Business people will also feel comfortable in the hotel: a special business center is open for them. And those of the holidaymakers who want to get closer to the inhabitants of the sea will be offered to go on an excursion to the areas where there are a lot of dolphins. In the restaurant and cafe you will taste the most popular dishes from the countries of South and Southeast Asia. But even if you order only breakfast at the hotel, the range of dishes served will be much wider than anywhere else in Goa.
Treebo Trend Rain Forest Enclave 3 *
The hotel is located near the village of Arpora and its Baga beach. There is also a professional football field nearby. It offers vacationers an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center, a restaurant with a large selection of dishes and laundry services. And also a tour desk where you can book a trip to any place in the state that interests you. The palm trees surrounding the hotel will make vacationers feel like they are in a tropical forest.
Resort Coqueiral 3 *
The hotel is located 160 meters from the Candolim beach, the path to the sea will take only 3-4 minutes. The local restaurant serves national and European dishes. By the way, they can be ordered directly to your room. Rooms are decorated with wood in traditional Goa style. The pool and fountains give the hotel a unique flavor. Vacationers' reviews are unanimous - cleanliness, comfort and care of the staff - make your stay here unusually pleasant. There is a tour desk and laundry services.
Chalston Beach Resort 3 *
The hotel is located next to Calangute Beach, which can be reached in 5-6 minutes. An outdoor pool and walks in the ever-flowering garden will be pleasant additions to your relaxation. Those tourists who want to spend time more actively are given the opportunity to practice various sports.
The restaurant serves the best of Indian and Chinese cuisines as well as Italian delicacies. If desired, food will be delivered to your room. In a word, Goa provides a wide choice - both places of rest and excursions and entertainment. And you will never forget the fabulous beauty of the Arabian Sea. Hopefully, having discovered this amazing land for yourself, you will come back here again and again.
"All inclusive" or breakfast - which food to choose
It is difficult to answer this question unambiguously. If you are traveling to the northern regions of Goa, want to save money and have a healthy stomach, you may prefer breakfast. There are many small restaurants and cafes in the north, so it's hard to stay hungry here. Eat when and how much you want. Another thing is to get acquainted with Indian cuisine in advance. Most of them are spicy, many have a very specific taste. It is necessary to pay close attention to the sanitary condition of the cafe: in hot climates, any microflora multiplies rapidly. By the way, even in the best hotels, it is better to use bottled water for drinking and rinsing your teeth.
When buying an all-inclusive tour, you will eat at the hotel's restaurants, where unpleasant surprises with poor-quality products are practically excluded. As a rule, there is a wide choice here: you can take both Indian and European dishes. The features of the children's table are also taken into account. In addition, you will have unlimited access to the entire hotel infrastructure. Private beaches and swimming pools, sports grounds and massage parlors - you can choose any type of leisure. And the money saved is better spent on unique Indian souvenirs.
