Top 9 aspects to know before going on a trip to Goa

Goa is undoubtedly one of the most visit places in the country by tourists of all ages and types. As a matter of fact, it lists among the top must-visit international tourist destinations and frequented by foreigners. Besides beach and water sports, there are numerous things to do in Goa. But you need to be aware of a few aspects before you start your trip. Being better prepared and well informed will allow you to enjoy your trip and avoid unwanted nuisances and delays. To ensure comfortable stay throughout your trip, you should book your accommodation only with alila diwa goa.

What to know before you start the trip?

Time visit wisely: Generally, tourists visit Goa throughout the year. During Monsoon seasons, between June & September months, the countryside exhibits beautiful green patchwork. You can experience fairly pleasant weather between October and March. Summer months between April and May are a bit high and hence, very less tourists frequent here during this time. The humidity is also high during summer prompting you to relax in your AC hotel room. However, the most popularly visited time is December for visitors. New Year and Christmas season is celebrated during this time. Two of the country’s biggest music festivals, namely, Supersonic and Sunburn are held during this festival season. They are a huge hit among young festival-goers and attract them in thousands. This visitor influx tends to choke arterial roads, thus making travel a big challenge.
A real melting pot: It was in 1858 that the British Raj got established in the country. However, Goa, a small state in South-West India had already been a Portuguese Colony for about 348 years. It is the Portuguese influence that tends to make them somewhat different from other Indians. It can also be noticed in the people here including their culture. Goa does boast of having a large Christian population with most of them being Portuguese speakers. Their life can be stated to be the perfect blend of Indian and European culture and way of life. Still, the majority of the population here are Hindus comprising of approximately 66%. The state of Goa tends to celebrate this amazing diversity. The late 1960s saw the arrival of the hippies who brought along with them international food culture. The lower prices and liberal attitudes of the place is what attract intellectuals, designers and artists from across the country.
Have affordable, delicious food at Panaji: If you are looking for delicious and affordable food, then you should head to the state capital. You can visit a tiny kiosk named ‘Sandeep Gaddo’ located just outside the gate of the ‘Church of our Lady of Immaculate Conception’. You can order for ros omelette that is sprinkled with coconut filled chicken gravy, lime juice, chopped coriander and onions. Closeby is located Cafe Tato, where you can have bhajis for breakfast. These are small gravy plates with delicious pao (Goan bread) or puris. Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro, the Fontainhas old neighbourhood offers meat-filled patties and cakes.
Enjoy serenity in South Goa and nightlife at North Goa: They are the two districts of Goa and are known for delicious food and beaches. Both are known to offer amazing experiences. Tourists can visit north Goa to enjoy all-night beach and club parties. In Arpora is located the ‘Saturday Night Market’, which is always busy with people, music and food. However, South Goa’s beaches are less crowded and cleaner. One such beach is Agonda, a low-key and nice option to choose.
Ask for directions: Do not rely only on Google Maps for directions if you want to explore the city. Since there are several criss-crossing roads that run across the villages, it will be wise to ask the locals for exact directions.
Take a siesta: Even after independence, Goans are found to practice Portuguese culture and afternoon siesta. Most businesses are found to stay closed during lunch and tea time daily. This is around 1 to 4pm. Most of them prefer to shut their doors on Sundays even in Panaji, the capital city. The contented, relaxed way of life can be termed as ‘susegad’. It comes from ‘sossegado’, a Portuguese word, meaning ‘quiet’.
Avoid hailing a cab: Goa has a sparse public transport system although it is considered to be a tourist hub. There is not much bus service or proper connection. Hence, the only available option is travelling by road. Moreover, auto rickshaw and cab fares not found to be standardized. This means, they may charge a bit high than normal if you are a foreigner. Rather, you can opt for a rental car or bike that is easily available throughout the state for a very little amount. You just need to provide certain documents to avail this facility.
Enjoy having the legendary vindaloo: It is considered to be a spicy delicacy offered on the menu, with its origin being Goa. The Portuguese were known to bring along some new ingredients like chilli peppers, carne de vinha d’alhos (that is meat stew with garlic and wine), potatoes and vinegar. Instead of wine, the locals started to use palm vinegar that is easily available in the region. This resulted in the preparation of the vindalo (vindalho) which is stated to be a piquant flavour explosion and quite hot. It is best taken along with fragrant steamed rice. You can find this menu just about everywhere in the city or the state.
Have Feni: Feni is considered to be locally served firewater that is distilled with the cashew tree fruit. You can enjoy a polarizing experience with feni when having for the initial time. It has rather an overpowering fermented fruit aroma. You can also come across several home-grown brands like Cazcar Heritage, Vaz’s Cazulo, Rhea and Madame Rosa, etc. These brands are sure to offer a premium feel. They are sold through wine shops.

To have an out-of-the-world experience, you should stay at alila diwa goa.