Pearl of the orient - GOA

Goa, the smallest state in India is one amongst the most popular tourist destination around the globe. Vibrant nights filled with parties, calm and serene beaches, picteresque landscape, tropical climate and what not ! Be it a romantic getaway, family picnic, bang with the squad, Goa is an ideal spot for all these. Goa is also one of the most preferred places for destination weddings in India.

Goa in a nutshell

Goa is bounded by Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south and with the Arabian sea forming its western coast. It was ranked on top for the 'best quality of life' in India. Goa is a former Portuguese province and the historic land still exhibits the cultural influence of Portugese. Goan architecture is a blend of Indian, Islamic and portugese styles.

If Goa was a coin, North Goa and South Goa are its two flip sides. North Goa is good for you if you are  a shopaholic and like to be around large crowds, parties, night life and sight seeing. South Goa is calm, cleaner and it's perfect for some alone time or a quiet walk on the beach. South Goa might beat North Goa in its scenic beauty.

Once you fix your trip to Goa, the real question is- to where actually in Goa : North or South ?
South is my personal favorite. South or North or both. All options have got some best things in store for you. I would recommend a bit of planning because Goa is crowded with spots and so if you are clueless trip may be a bit clumsy.

How to reach Goa ?

• Airport: Goa international Airport, located at dabolim near Vasco da   Gama.
• Railway stations: Canacona, Thivim, Vasco, Madgaon
• There are plenty of bus stations also.

Goan beaches

There are almost 40 beaches in Goa. So after you visit a few of them you get bored. After all its sun, sand and sea everywhere. Try your luck visiting random beaches. I am sure you would like it. Every beach here is a beauty.

North Goa:

• Arambol
• Anjuna
• Baga
• Bambolim
• Calangute
• Sinquerim
• Chapora
• Dona Paula
• Miramar
• Morjim
• Vagator
• Ashwem

South Goa: 

• Agonda 
• Benaulim
• Bogmalo
• Canaguenim
• Cavalossim
• Colva
• Marjorda
• Mobor
• Palolem
• Varca
• Galgibaga
• Rajbagh
• Patnem

North Goan beaches are crowdy whereas in South Goa it's calm and quiet. There are watersports like jet skiing, banana boating, kayaking, dolphin siting, paragliding and snorkeling in beaches.

Party time !

Choosing your party space is completely dependent upon which kind of music you are into. For some Bollywood and commercial music head to Baga and Calangute. For pystrance head to Anjuna , Vagator. Party never stops in Goa - it's just a choice of where to go to find them. Parties go crazy during Christmas - new year period. In Vagator there is even a massive 3 day festival. Everything is more expensive this time.

Best party places include:

Hill top, Vagator
Curlies, South Anjuna beach
Shiva valley, South Anjuna beach
Waters, Vagator
Chronicle, Vagator
Club Cubana, Arapora
Tito's lane, Baga
LPK (Love Passion Karma), Nerul
SinQ night club, Candolim
Silent Noise club, Canacona

Sight seeing:

Chapora fort
Dudhsagar falls
Salaulim dam

Tips to save your pocket

- Food is quite expensive in Goa especially in beaches. Get out of  beaches and have food. That'll help you save some money on food.
- Don't do shopping blindly. Try bargaining even for accommodation.
- During off-season ( March - October) you get everything at a cheaper rate. You can try visiting during that time if you are really low on money.

Care for some advice ?

- Take mosquito repellents with you.
- Keep an eye on your kids and never allow them to go out of your sight.
- Don't take anything from strangers to eat or drink however friendly they are.
- Avoid late night walks if you are couple or alone.
- Beware of touts
Lastly, there's is a sunrise and sunset every single day and they are absolutely free. Don't miss many of them when you are in Goa.

This tiny emrald land on west coast of India is really worth visiting. Pack your bags guys ! Goa is calling and resistance is futile.