International visitor – There are charter flights directly to Goa from a number of places in Europe and Russia. These charter flights offer the cheapest and most hassle free mode of reaching to Goa. In case of residents of places where no Charter flights operate, they can go to a destination from where these charter flights operate and proceed to Goa or alternatively fly to any of the international airports at Mumbai, Delhi or Bangalore and proceed to Goa.
Domestic visitors – Domestic visitors to Goa have a number of options that could be available, air, rail, road and water.
By Air: Goa is connected to almost all location in India by either by way of a direct or connecting flight. Almost all major airlines operate to/from Goa. On reaching the airport at Goa, the best way to reach your destination in case it is a hotel, is negotiate with your hotel for a free airport pick up, as you could end up paying a taxi fare which is more then the cheapest Mumbai to Goa airfare. In this option is not available, utilize the services of a prepaid taxi available a counter available outside the arrival lounge as it is a reliable mode of reaching your destination. Alternatively, you could haggle with taxi operators parked outside the airport premises for a ride to your destination, or even cheaper hire the services of a taxi motorcycle, locally called a ‘pilot’ to reach your destination, but remember one thing, fix their charges before engaging their services. However, the cheaper mode to reach your destination would be to board the bus that stops outside the airport, but only if you have all the patience and time in the world.
By Rail: Goa is connected by South Central Railway which run from East to West and Konkan Railway which runs from North to South. The train journey to Goa along both routes would be memorable one as the trains trudge through the natural beauty of the western ghats. The important stations along the railway route are;
Thivim, along the Konkan railway is the best station to alight if you plan to visit Mapusa city, North Goa beaches which include Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim and Anjuna, Forts in North Goa which include Fort Aguada, Tiracol Fort and Chapora Fort of ‘Dil Chata Hai’ fame amongst other places of Interest in North Goa.
Karamali, also along the Konkan railway route is the station nearest to the city of Panjim, the capital of Goa would be the most convenient station to reach Panjim city, Ponda city, the industrial areas of Kundai and Corlim, visit the famous temples & churches, and explore the spice plantations and forests of Goa.
Madgaon or Margao, which is connected by both Konkan Railway as well as the South Central Railway is a station is located at the outskirts of the main commercial hub of the city is the station to alight if you are planning to visit the beaches of South Goa which include Colva, Majorda, Utorda, Benaulim, Velsao and Palolem, industrial areas of Verna and Cuncolim amongst other places in South Goa.
Vasco da Gama or Vasco, station is the last station on the South Central Railway route located in the centre of Vasco city. Vasco is known as the port city as Mormugao Port, a major international sea port is located at the outskirts of the city. It located close to the seaport, air port, defence establishments, industrial areas of Sancoale, Bogmalo beach amongst other places near the port.
Cheap holidays to Goa
Getting there - How to reach Goa
The cheapest way to get to Goa, is probably by train. Goa is connected to all major cities in India by railway. The train journey is a pleasant one as the train trudges along the western ghats. A sleeper train ticket from Mumbai/Pune/Bangalore to any place in Goa would cost you around Rs. 300/-. Cheap flights (under Rs. 1000/-) are also available if you book them sufficiently in advance.
Getting around - Sight Seeing in Goa
The most economical way to see Goa is to take the conducted tour offered by various tour operators. It is recommended one take the North Goa trip on one day and South Goa on another as they would cover all the important destinations in Goa. In case you are the adventurous kind hire a two wheeler and explore Goa on two wheels. A river cruise along the Panaji city which lies on the banks of River Mandovi is a memorable experience. In case you plan to visit a specific location, a local bus ride would be the cheapest option to travel.
Cheap Places to stay
The cheapest accommodation would be dormitory accommodation provided by Youth Hostels Association of India or the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, a Goa Government Undertaking that are fairly decent. In case you are seeking privacy, try the paying guest facilities offered by locals or the guest houses located next to the beaches.
Time to visit
Off season that is June to September, you would accommodation at almost half the rate and if you good at haggling at a much lower rate. But incase you are die hard beach lover, the best time to visit would be January to March, the time when you have best of the weather and the lowest of the peak season rates.
Selecting places to stay in Goa:
A question often asked where do I stay in Goa? There is no single answer but many answers depending on what you want to do or what kind of a person you are? It is a choice you have to make! A preview of the various places you could choose from.
North Goa or South Goa?
North Goa is the bustling side of Goa and is the preferred place if like having people around you. It has the Friday market at Mapusa, the Flea Market at Anjuna and the Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar. It is the happening place with pubs and discos nestled along the North Goa beaches offer an entertaining night life.
South Goa’s endless stretches of beaches gives it a sense of tranquility which makes it a perfect place to unwind your self from the hustle bustle of life. The picturesque beaches have the perfect settings for a relaxing holiday.
City or Beach?
City is the place to stay if you are the die hard city dweller who cannot do without the clutter of the city life? The city is conveniently located if you are planning to make it the most out of short holiday of around 3-4 days. In case you have any dietary restrictions, the city would be conveniently located to cater to your dietary requirements. Some luxury hotels at the Beach also would also meet your special dietary requirements.
Beach is the place to unwind yourself, the endless expanse of sand and sea, gives you a feeling of serenity. If you want to indulge in water sports, swim on the beaches, play with sand or just enjoy the sun, sand and sea, the beach is the place to stay by.
