Planning a solo trip to Goa, India? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:
QUICK FACTS
- Located in West India, Goa is the smallest Indian state. Population: ~1.54 million.
- Goa is famous for its beaches, cultural heritage, and natural landmarks. The city attracts a large number of international and domestic tourists.
- A former colony of Portugal, the city still reflects the cultural influence of the Portuguese (who first landed here as merchants in the 16th century).
- The state capital is Panaji, while the largest city is Vasco da Gama.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
- Spoken languages: the official language is Konkani. Marathi and Hindi are also used extensively.
- Best time to visit: from October to February. Goa summers are best avoided, as the temperature can get as high as 40°C (104°F).
- Great festivals to catch:
– Goa Carnival, in early March
– Sunburn Festival (a 3-day music festival usually in late December)
– Shigmo Festival (spring festival with parades and performances, mid-March). - Arriving via airport: Dabolim Airport is the international airport, located 4 km from Vasco da Gama city and 30 km from Panjim (the capital).
– On arrival, the best way to get to the city center is to take a pre-paid taxi.
– Indian Airports commonly have a yellow pre-paid taxi booth at the exit and the rates are fixed by the Government – this will be slightly cheaper than hailing a random taxi outside the airport. - Recommended vaccine: Hepatitis A.
- Airtel/Jio eSIMs available for instant activation at airports. Physical SIMs require passport copies.
- Emergency phone number: 112 (police)
WHERE TO STAY
- Best hostel for solo travelers in Goa: The Funky Monkey. In between a hostel and an ashram – with friendly and accommodating staff, lots of beautiful open spaces and gardens, and overall very tidy and clean.
– 10 minutes walk to the beach. Lots of tours, activities, and games arranged for guests every day.
– Has 24/7 security; female-only dorms available
– Book ahead, as this one fills up fast! - Goa offers a wide range of accommodation – including hotels, resorts, huts, and even individual beach shacks!
- For those who want to party hard: choose between Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, and Vagator.
- If you would like to relax at a quieter beach setting, head north to Morjim, Arambol, Querim, or Benaulim Beach.
GETTING AROUND
- Note: Keep in mind that Goa is a whole state, and that there are actually several towns (with a considerable distance between them).
- The best way to get around Goa is to rent a motorbike or car.
- Motorbike rentals (pricing):
– Scooters (Activa): ₹349–600/day
– Royal Enfield Classic 350: ₹700/day
– KTM Duke 200: ₹800/day
– Pro tip: Rent from Boongg.com for unlimited mileage (no km caps)
– Motorbikes with yellow plates are not allowed outside of Goa. Rent white-plated bikes (e.g., Royal Enfield Interceptor) for trips to Karnataka. - Foreigners will need an International Driving Permit to ride a motorbike in Goa. A car can be hired from the hotel/resort or from travel agents (found all over the city).
– Tata Altroz (hatchback): ₹1,200/day (8 hours/80 km)
– SUVs (Mahindra Thar): ₹2,499/day - Ola and Uber (ride sharing) now cover 95% of Goa. A great alternative to traditional taxis.
- Auto-rickshaws cost ~₹15/km (use apps to avoid fare haggling)
- Safety tip: avoid unlicensed taxis; use Uber/Ola or hostel-recommended drivers.
GOA NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18, last call is midnight (1 AM during peak season Dec-Feb).
- Hip/local scene: The classic Goan shacks, located on the shores of the lazy beaches and the beachfront lounges, are the hippest destinations.
- Trending spots:
– Hill Top Goa (Vagator): Underground psytrance parties (entry: ₹1,000–2,000).
– Shiva Valley (Anjuna): Full-moon raves (Nov–Mar)
– Sinq Night Club: Themed EDM nights (entry: ₹1,500 with 2 drinks). - Other club picks: LPK Waterfront Club, Cafe Mambos, Titos Club.
- Relaxed bars to grab a drink in Goa:
– Cohiba Bar & Kitchen (Live jazz Thursdays (craft cocktails: ₹450–750))
– Bar 51
– Bar de Goa
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- The five most impressive churches/cathedrals in Goa:
– Bom Jesus Basilica. Built in 1605, contains the mortal remains of the Patron Saint of Goa, St. Francis Xavier. UNESCO World Heritage site.
– Se Cathedral. Dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria and is built in Portuguese-Gothic style.
– The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, designed with gilded and carved woodwork.
– The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception – the oldest church in Goa, built in 1541. Located in Panaji, the church has the second largest bell in the world.
– The Church of St. Catejan – built in 1700 by Greek and Italian priests, it bears a striking resemblance to St. Peter’s Basilica (in Rome). - Tip: you can hire tour guides for the Churches for ₹500/hr.
- Day trip ideas:
– Spice Plantation Tours (Sahakari Farm): ₹800/person (incl. lunch)
– Dudhsagar Waterfalls (Day trips from ₹1,500 (incl. jeep safari and entry)
– Wildlife sanctuary in the western Ghats.
GOA BEACH SCENE
- Goa is well known for its beaches.
- The most frequented beaches are in North Goa, offering spectacular views of the sea, sand and the sky (along with great food options and the hippest parties).
- The beaches in South Goa are quieter, and rockier.
- Anjuna beach was considered to be the second home to the hippies in the 1960’s.
- Morjim Beach is a kite-surfing hotspot (lessons: ₹2,500/hour).
- Note: Calangute and Baga beaches are usually very crowded, and should be avoided.
- Agonda beach, in South Goa, is perfect as a quiet getaway spot.
- Palolem Beach: Silent discos every Saturday (headphones provided, ₹500 entry).
- Day trip idea: visit the beaches of Karnataka
INTERESTING WALKS
- Walk down the curvy tree-lined streets in North Goa and soak up the Goan culture of the coastal villages – Calangute and Saligao.
- Head to the lush green avenues of Margao and walk around the baroque church square – the Holy Spirit Church. Walk up to the Monte Hill to capture the charming view of the countryside.
- Start from the Tobacco square and proceed to the Mint house, meandering through Sao Tome and Corte de Oeteiro. Continue on to the Catholic dominated precinct of Fontainhas, the Chapel Of Saint Sebastian, and end at the Panjim inn.
- Head to the church overlooking the main square of Panaji – the Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Walk around the interesting alleys and by lanes of the Old Town. Panaji offers the most exciting shopping area of the state.
- Chasing the sun: head to the Miramar beach, a 3 km walk from the city center. Proceed to the Dona Paula beach (7 km away), where you can catch a magical sunset.
WHERE TO EAT
- Great restaurants in Goa that locals love: Vinayak Family Restaurant ($ – seafood), Spice Goa ($$ – seafood), Kokni Kanteen Goa ($$ – seafood), Magic Italy ($$ – great pizza), Sushi Cafe ($$), and Kala Bahia.
- Must try local dishes: Goan fish curry, vindaloo, and bebinca (a local dessert).
- Where to find good cheap eats: the beach shacks in Goa are a gastronomical paradise, at a very reasonable price. Most of the beach shacks have exotic fish, salads, and cocktails on their menu. There are some excellent urban beach shacks in North Goa which are quite reasonable.
- To avoid stomach issues, only drink bottled water!
LOCAL WISDOM
- Hindi is the national language of the country, and basic knowledge will help greatly when dealing with locals. In any case, English will suffice inside hotels, resorts, restaurants, and clubs. Many locals in Goa understand some basic English.
- When visiting churches and temples, dress modestly (e.g. covering shoulders and knees).
- Daily backpacker budget breakdown for Goa:
– Hostel: ₹1,000–1,500
– Meals: ₹600–1,000 (shacks: ₹200–400/dish)
– Transport: ₹400–1,200 (scooter vs. car)
– Activities: ₹500–2,000 - Beach attire is acceptable on beaches but should be covered when leaving the beach areas.
- Dangerous areas: Goa has been gaining notoriety in the news for all sorts of incidents, ranging from muggings and drug deals to physical assaults and rape. It is best to be cautious in Goa – avoid overcrowded beaches and drug dealers. Do not walk alone at night. North Goa is considered a particularly dangerous area, and is best avoided at night.
Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days