Goa: 6 things I learned from 6 trips!

So probably every travel diary has at least one post for Goa. So, I will not make it a Praise poem for its beauty and scenery. Instead, I will just mention 6 tips for your upcoming trip more worthy and avoid any probable BT of that sort. Here we go:

1. It’s an all-weather worthy trip location. Despite popular belief of visiting it during peak season i.e. From November to March; you can visit Goa anytime. But obviously check you vacation mood before doing that. If you like hardcore party moods, crowds, lots of buzz and more, your best time would be around Christmas and New year. But if you want to enjoy the serene weather, less crowd, more travelling options and less traffic; try visiting Goa between April to September (it’s like visiting south Goa with more options and resources). In September there would be rains but not frequently and roaming around in scooty in little drizzling with your friends is just a divine feeling. Try taking that trip to Arambol Beach.

2. Water Sports and Cruise Rides are simply not worth it! Water sports are available on Goa beaches during peak season. There will be agents on every beach offering their package deal to every person on any beach. Trust me, it’s not worth it. They will simply try to rob you. The package will include multiple water activities, which will end in seconds. They will even count your transportation to the main ship as an activity and will charge accordingly. You will also be charged separately, if you want to drive the water bike yourself. But even in desperate scenario, if you want to experience it considering life time experience, I would suggest going for the less crowded beaches like Morjim or Adguda Beach and avoid Calangute and Baga Beach water sports. Be very cautious of your Cruise trip on the spot. Don’t go for any agent promising a cruise ride for 500 bucks. It will be sheer waste of money. If you really have not that urge to spend 10 times more on such an experience and opt for Casino Cruise like Deltin Royale, Jetty, Casino Pride; THEN SIMPLY DONT DO IT.

3. If you get a chance, you should try these Pineapples at Adguda fort Beach. Let me tell you the exact location. If you approach the fort by Road; you will eventually come to a T-point. Turn Right (Left turn will lead you to Fort and Left to the beach). Just where you see people parking their bikes, you can find a Man selling these most juicy and sweet pineapples. Last time I had it for Rs. 100/piece. I asked the vendor his name and he called himself as RAJA Pineapples.

4. Try eating from Local dhabawalas randomly. They can be more authentic, less expensive and equally hygienic. They are normally local village people who are not looking for business model and revenue expansion. That’s why they don’t have pressure to prepare from a Menu list. They just have a limited menu and prepare them in their traditional way. Try to have Pomfret from any of these dhabas, they will cost you less and would be amazingly tasty.

5. Don’t Trust Google Maps always. They will lead you to most narrow routes and probably to unsecured ones also. Try to ask locals if you have doubts. Even if you are by scooty or bike, opt for “Car routes” in google maps. Be careful in dark as you might not want to end up all scary and praying on vacations. This is specially highlighted when you want to go Curlies on Anjuna beach, or Morjim Beach. There is also a chance that you wanna go Aarambol and you may end up going to Manderem Beach.

6. Rules keeps changing frequently so, be informed. If you are a couple and plans to have liquor on beach in a secluded place. Don’t do it. You might get interrogated by Patrol parties. There are also Traffic police secretly waiting to offer you Challan for 500 bucks or even more. Buy your booze before 10 PM so that you don’t want to keep looking for more between closed shops.