Here is the plan for having an unlimited fun, flea, feast, party and peace this season. Yes, we are talking about one of the most loved destinations of India – The Magnetic Goa. We bring to you the details of our week long fun-packed holiday covering the party nights and fun of North Goa, the versatile beauty of Central Goa (Panjim and old Goa) and the simplicity and charm of South Goa. Hopping around this place is the best way to satisfy the nomad in you. The place has retained its glamor and charm in every way possible to entice visitors from across the globe. The Art Nouveau churches, happening parties, adventure sports, striking flea markets, finger licking luscious food, endless soft golden sands, paradisiac nature are the memories that enter your travel diaries again and again for this place continues to call its guests back forever.

It’s the onset of monsoons and the best season to visit this romantic beauty is shortly due – October to February. So allow us to inspire you to pack your bags for the delightful destiny.

There is no need of much ado about how to reach this place. It is well connected by air, rail and road transport from every city in India. It is just a night journey from Bangalore. Panjim/Madgau are the places you can start your tour from. Rent a car or bike at your convenience and begin the fun chronicles.

Making arrangements for your stay is not a tough job. May it be the quaint beach shacks or the luxury hilltop resorts or the accommodations amidst the local town settlements, you will have no regrets of your choices as every place has a different experience to offer you. However, we would suggest few from our tried accommodations list for your comfort.

How to plan travel in Goa:

We reached Panjim on a bright morning after an overnight journey from Bangalore. We immediately booked a bike for rent as many of the rental agencies are operational around the main bus stand Kadamba Transport Corp. We are sure that at Madgau you will find similar agencies at ease. Renting out the transport means at nominal charges ranging from Rs.350-Rs.750 per day is the best way to explore the town if you do not have your own vehicle.

The Party Nights and Fun of North Goa

 

Day 1 : Panjim – Candolim . Explore North Goa beaches and Flea markets

One of the most welcoming rides we ever had was from Panjim to Candolim. The drive through narrow twisty roads amidst small communities with a gust of cold air hitting gave us a beautiful beginning. We quickly reached our hotel, freshened up and entered the Wednesday Anjuna Flea market. The most colorful street market shopping, which is always open but more charming on Wednesdays, is sure to fill your bags. The drive from Candolim to any place around is very refreshing with many crops in the fields around. Our late lunch was set up at the peaceful Calangute beachside shack. The shining sands at the dawn were magical. The busiest Baga beach is also very nearby. The day ended with a musical night and delicious French style treats at a bistro at Baga beach.

 

Day 2 : Anjuna beach, Baga beach parties. Explore North Goa

Anjuna beach is also very close by to Candolim. As you reach the place, the shining sun rays sneaking through the coconut trees greet you in silence. One cannot ask for more than a morning walk along this peaceful beach. We drove back to Baga beach again to explore more – water sports, addictive and never ending street shopping, the Goan spice-scented air, musical evenings at the beach, all night parties, street food and romantic candle light dinners. Every eatery here gives you a twist of flavors with its delicacies. Try to make sure you spend more time and effort to Eat Drink and Enjoy. The music speaking more than words, a drink in hand, a smile on your face staring at the often flying lanterns in the star-speckled moonlit sky – Your endless happiness guaranteed. You need not worry about safety getting around these places late night as there will be a very good police patrol everywhere and it is very much safe. However, try to avoid unused lonely roads other than main roads.

The bistros at the Baga beach are many but the Club Cubana which is nearby, assures to offer you an entirely different gleeful night. Atop a small hill, this place is few km away from the town. The neon-lit nightclub with ample space is a mini amusement park. Scrumptious food, with a drink on your table beside the neon pool under the dark open sky and the music making you tap your toes finally bringing you to the dance floor – this place is one of its kind. Do not miss to make an entry of it in your party diaries.

Baga and surrounding places gave us many unique memories and we are longing to get back there.

Where we stayed : Silver Sands HideAway Hotel, Candolim

It’s a 4star hotel set amidst the local settlements in one of the bylanes of Candolim. The location is very peaceful with few houses and coconut trees around. It’s set-up at a walk-able distance from local flea markets and Aguada and a few km drive from Anjuna, Baga beaches, and Club Cubana mentioned above. Map attached for reference.

Day 3 : Vagator beach and Chapora fort

After making Baga memories, we drove to a more peaceful place, Vagator. Our stay on one of the resorts beside the Ozran beach gave a beautiful view of the endless sea. The place is very calm with quaint villages around. The famous Chapora fort, 2km away from Ozran Beach resort offers a spectacular view of the beach at sunset. Many who come here spend their time watching the sea till its closure. Do not forget to try the tasty cuisines the many local and multi-star restaurants here offer. End your day after a local tour of the small villages here.

Started our next day with a short morning trek to the hill which can be seen from the Chapora fort. You could be lucky enough to spot peacocks if you go there.

Where we stayed : Ozran Heights Beach Resort – Ozran Beach Rd, Vagator

Ozran Heights resort is located on the Ozran beachside at a 2km drive from the marine village of Chapora. Very near to the local town. The cottages are a mix of modern and rustic decor having private balconies with garden and/or sea views. The restaurant atop a cliff edge offers a romantic ocean view. The Greek-style Thalassa beach resort is very nearby to the Ozran Heights resort.

If you wish to avoid the crowd, you should check some of the offbeat beaches of North Goa.

Day 4 : Drive to South Goa

This drive of 80km along the NH66 and the coast is the most amazing one with varied landscapes. The road takes it way through the highway reaching the countryside and takes you along the sea with golden grasslands around. It would be one of your most jolly rides. We reached Palolem, South Goa by late noon.

The Simplicity and Charm of South Goa

Day4 : Palolem beach

Palolem beach and the small town attracts many tourists because of its pleasant ambiance. A walk or jog along this crescent-shaped beach lined with swaying coconut palms and beach shacks all along is what you can see many people do here. The sea is very clear and one would love to enjoy the waters here. The beautiful beach cottages, resorts, spas, food&drink, leisure street shopping are most pleasing things. Have a kayak ride in the calm and pristine shallow waters.

Day 5 : Explore South Goa. Colva, Agonda beach

Colva and Agoda beaches are neighboring beaches. A spectacular drive through the small towns to reach these beaches is must do. The H2O Agonda an oceanfront bistro with its resto bar set up in style. There are many other beach shacks all along the coast to explore more. Drive leisurely through the small towns and visit churches to get a taste of the Goan culture.

Where we stayed : Ciaran’s Camp, Canacona, Palolem beach

Stay at the beach facing Ciaran’s Camp was a unique experience. It’s homely charm and beauty makes it one of the best beach shacks available in Palolem. The impressive beach huts are almost touching the seas. The hammocks at every hut put up under the shades of the palms are most enjoyable during the nights where the stars and the moon play hide and seek through the green feathers. Ciaran’s has beautiful gardens with colorful flowers. This luxurious beach hut is a place for couples and families.

The Beauty of Panjim and Old Goa

Day 6 : Drive from South Goa back to Panjim

We drove back to explore the versatile Panjim at the end because our journey back to Bangalore was from Panjim. It is a 70km drive from Palolem to Panjim crossing Madgau and Vosco along the Highway NH66. We reached Panjim by noon. The evening street shopping and snacking in the town is unforgettable. The road-side icecreams, fast food, and snacks are too delicious and mouth-watering with distinct flavors. The artistic church in the heart of the town is the center of attraction as it stands decorated colorfully in the evenings. The Deltin Royale Casino, the live casino located offshore is undoubtedly a must-visit place. Have the fun of gambling here. This place assures you the best casino experience ever, awesome food&drink with some impressive performances on the music/dance floor.

Day 7 : Explore streets of Panjim and architecture of Old Goa

The Panjim town has a grace of its own with a blend of French and Portuguese architectural structures. As you walk through the streets, you see that each structure is tastefully designed to look effortlessly attractive. The unlimited handicraft shops and more shopping streets keep you very busy. So keep a watch on your clock. We headed to the Old Goa town which is famous for its churches. Se Cathedral, Church of St Francis of Assisi, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St Cajetan and architectural museum are very famous and very beautifully designed. Plan to make a visit to these places. After the visit, we returned to Panjim by evening. With a bundle of joyful experiences of this trip, we started back our journey from back to Bangalore from Panjim.

Goa is not just sandy beaches, there are adventure sports, more churches and museums and much more. Here is an article to prove that Goa is beyond beaches. Read this post to know more about places in and around Panjim – Goa Beyond Beaches

Where we stayed: Paradise Inn – Rua de Ourém, Patto Centre, Bambolim

Paradise Inn is a decent budget hotel located in the heart of the city and very near to all the places of attraction in Panjim. It is in a calm residential locality near to the main road in Panjim.

The evergreen Goan memories have sunk deep into our hearts. There are many reasons to plan a more than one-time visit to Goa. It is truly the Magnetic destination of India.

Tips:
– Visiting Goa just before the peak season begins ie., during mid-October has benefits of its own. You can save a lot of your expenses.
– Do not drink & drive.
– Wear helmet while you drive for safety. Cops can catch, especially in Panjim. Roads are narrow & driving with caution is the best option.
– Make sure to check all necessary papers in rented vehicle.
– Touts are in plenty. Better to avoid them.
– Choose a safe place if you are getting tattooed. Do not compromise on hygiene.

Do let us know how you like our itinerary. If you need any help with your trip to Goa, feel free to write to us. We will be glad to help you! Plan a trip soon, make memories and let us know your Goan experience.