Goa Information

Getting Around

You can get to Goa by air, train or road. If coming from Mumbai people might prefer to drive down via the ghats or take the Konkran Railway that runs along the coast. Both are equally picturesque routes.

Once in Goa you can use the buses, or taxis like in any other city. You can also take a boat or ferry to get across the rivers rather than driving all the way across to a bridge. You can also hire two wheelers on a daily basis quite cheaply and is one of the few places in India where you can hire scooters and motorcycles like this. Most visitors prefer this means of transportation. Rentals will run high during season, but off season there are enough bikes lying around for you to be able to negotiate a good price.

Weather

Since spending time in Goa essentially means spending time on the beach, avoid coming during the monsoons when the 'shacks' (beach restaurants) are all closed up and the beach is a washout. Summers can be a bit warm for those not used to the heat. From the end of September to April is a good time to visit.

There are large crowds in December around Christmas and New Year's as well as during the Carnival in February. Depending on your preference choose if you would like to be there or not

Good to know

Southern beaches are mostly alongside the five-star hotels. Most hotels have a private seafront which you can use if you hanker for some tranquility.

The real action is on the beaches of north Goa where the shacks and restaurants abound. There are enough crowds to keep you busy hunting for a good spot to settle down.

Some beaches have rave parties late at night and drugs may also be doing the rounds. Things have been a bit more under control lately, since the murder of the British teenager made international headlines.