"Goa is a gem" Goa by traceyspacey

Goa Travel Guide: 2,036 reviews and 3,787 photos

Goa, so very relaxed

We visited Goa twice on our trip. The first time we spent a 2 1/2 weeks traveling through. We stayed in Anjuna, Panjim, Candolim and Palolem. Our only reason for spending time in Candolim was so that my boyfriend could watch his team Nottingham Forest getting beaten by Chelsea.

We found Goa to be a culture shock in reverse. It was strange to see a lot of westerners in the same place. Goans are proud of their culture and history. This is evident in the capital Panjim. Goa was taken over by the Portuguese in 1510 and the Portuguese did not leave until 1961. Goa has an additional independence day to celebrate this. As with other parts of India, Goa has it's specialty dishes such as Goan sausage, Vindalho.

Goa made such an impact on us, the beaches, the sunset, friendly people and cheap prices.

8 weeks in Goa-Christmas and New Year

We were at the end of our trip and we had decided to spend Christmas and New Year in Goa. We arrived from Bangkok, arriving in Bangalore before getting a connecting flight to Goa. We started back in Anjuna, spending 3 nights there. Our favourite bar is in Anjuna (Shore Bar), next stop was Baga. I personally found Baga too noisy and busy. It wasn't that relaxing. The further you got away from the beach, it was better especially by the river. So we decided to go to Palolem to spend Christmas and New Year. It was my first Christmas in the heat which was very strange. We had a wonderful time there and met some great people.. I am not sure that I would go back for Christmas again. I think that the best time to go is in February. More relaxing, lower prices.

My tips

Because we spent so much time in Palolem, most of my tips on my Goa page are for Palolem.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Relaxed, Good beaches, Great food
Cons:Some of the beaches are far too crowded
In a nutshell:Bliss

Last visit to Goa: Jan 2008
Intro Updated Jul 23, 2008
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Reviews (30)

Rent a house, can be cheaper than a... Hotels (2)

We were recently in Palolem for 6 weeks over Christmas and New Year. We started off in a beach hut, but after asking... more travel advice

Sunset on Christmas day at Palolem beach - Goa

Those Goan sunsets Things to Do (3)

I will never get tired of the sunsets in Goa. I am forever taking photo's. Whether it be the sunset at Anjuna, Palolem... more travel advice

Trying Kayaking, You might see a Dolphin Sports & Outdoors (1)

On many of Goa's beaches, you can hire a Kayak for the day or for an hour. You should do this only if you can swim. You... more travel advice

Beach hut with a view of the beach! Hotels (2)

This is our second stay here. The huts are basic with fan, power socket and attached bathroom. The balcony is big enough... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (3)
See All It is illegal to go topless
Transportation (1)
Local Bus
Shopping (2)
See All Clothes for westerners
What to Pack (1)
Bring a Torch

Restaurants (10)
See All A taste of Mexico in Palolem
Nightlife (6)
See All Good for late night food and a great...
Favorites (1)
Save youself money and use the nearest...
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Comments (4)

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BruceDunning Nov 26, 2010 at 3:03 PM

It reads as if you had a nice time in this area of India. Goo djob
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lance12345 Jan 30, 2010 at 11:16 PM

OMG I can't believe that happened to you.
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850prc Mar 7, 2009 at 7:34 AM

Nice page, Tracey. Looks like you've travelled extensively in India. We finished our first visit back in Oct. (Rajasthan and UP mostly) Had a great time.
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regina.williams Oct 31, 2008 at 5:05 AM

Wonderful Pictures !!! Keep up the good work & you can be a good photographer of Sunsets !! ;)