Goa accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “Pearl of the Orient”.
Goa known for: golden beaches (palm-tree-lined), 17th-century Portuguese churches, forts, tropical spice plantations, fishing villages, regional food (Goan), nightlife
Boasting a relatively small yet picturesque swath of western-India coastline (Arabian Sea), Goa is an Indian state found about 375 miles south of Mumbai and 350 miles northwest of Bangalore. Passing through Vasco da Gama (largest Goan city) and into the Marmagao Bay, the Zuari River (longest Goan river) flows for 57 miles altogether. Goa is Bharat’s (India’s) smallest state by area at 1,429 square miles.
Goa main attractions: Aguada Fort (1612 Portuguese fortress, 1864 abandoned lighthouse, ocean views), Calangute Beach (watersports, boating, waterskiing, parasailing, food stalls), Baga Beach (watersports, eateries, bars, nightspots), Candolim Beach (sunset views, parasailing, beer / seafood shacks, nearby market), Britto’s (seafood restaurant), Curlies Beach Shack (beachside restaurant, bar, nightclub), Mall De Goa (shopping mall), Chapora Fort (ruined fortress, sunset sea views), Anjuna Beach (parasailing, banana boats, jet ski rentals), Purple Martini (Continental restaurant), Cabo de Rama Fort (1763 Portuguese fortress remains, small chapel, seaside cliff), Baba Au Rhum Anjuna (European restaurant), Arambol Beach (golden sand, mild waves, eateries, snack stands, visitor facilities), Reis Magos Fort (restored 16th century fort, cultural center, river / sea views), Cola Beach, Morjim Beach, Jumpin Heights Goa (bungee jumping center), Mandrem Beach (secluded, accessed by small wooden bridge, lounge chairs, covered cafes), Se Cathedral (Catholic cathedral), Majorda Beach (watersports, rentable loungers, food shacks), Butterfly Beach (narrow stretch of sand, scenic, sunset views), Querim Beach (secluded, food vendors), Shri Kamakshi Temple (Hindu temple), St. Augustine Tower (1602 church complex), Majestic Paradise (casino), Ashvem Beach (fine sand, swimming, sunbathing, restaurants), Ozran Beach (green hills, rock formations, chairs, palapas), AAA All About Alcohol Museum, St Anthony Church (Catholic church), Arambol Mountain (scenic spot), Our Lady of Piety Church (Catholic church), Shri Vijayadurga Temple (Hindu temple)
Goa main airport: Dabolim Airport (Goa International Airport)
Airport car rental agencies: KGN Car Rental, Top Goa Car Rentals
Cars travel on the left-hand side.
Rideshare service: Uber
Goa top events: Goa Carnival, Goa Food & Culture Festival, Feast of Saint Francis Xavier, Sao Joao Festival, Sunburn Festival, Vh1 Supersonic (multi-genre music festival), Grape Escapade (wine festival)
Goa professional football club: FC Goa (Forca Goa)
Goa currency: Indian rupee
Legal drinking age: 18 years old
When traveling to Goa there are some things to keep in mind. Street markets are usually “cash only” so it’s best to exchange some petty cash in advance. Goa generally in considered safe (best not to carry a wad of cash in public, however). Rooted in both Indian and Portuguese cultures, Goa is home to temples and churches. Keep in mind that modest attire is required in religious buildings.
Goa general areas:
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- nightlife (northside)
- scenery (southside)
- restaurants (central – Panaji)
- beaches (coastline)
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Goa accommodations are some of India’s best. Before we get to Goa accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
India’s earliest humans are linked to Usgalimal (South Goa) and Kajur, where rock art engravings and Acheulean stone tools have been discovered. Early-on, Indo-Aryan and Dravidian migrants amalgamated with aboriginals. During the 3rd-century BC Goa was part of the “Buddhist Maurya Empire”, followed by the “Kadambas of Goa” dynasty. Medieval-Goa (1312) saw the Delhi Sultanate installed as governor for a relatively brief period (subsequently surrendered to Hindu Vijayanagara Empire c. 1370). The Bahmani Sultanate first took control of the territory in 1469 but relinquished to the Sultanate of Bijapur, who established an auxiliary capital, “Velha Goa” (Old Goa later under Portuguese). In 1510 the Bijapur sultan “Yusuf Adil Shah” was defeated by the Portuguese (with help from local ally & privateer Timoji). The Portuguese hammered a stake at Velha Goa, which they would control for the next four-and-a-half centuries. In 1560 the “Goa Inquisition” formal tribunal was established. The local inquisition was formed to enforce Catholic orthodoxy and allegiance to the “Apostolic See of the Pontifex”. The territory of Goa split into two sections in the late-18th century: Velhas Conquistas (“Old Conquests” – central / nucleus) and Novas Conquistas (“New Conquests” – added territories). The 1787 “Pinto Revolt” (Goan noble family vs. Portuguese) led to a suppressed rebellion. Tipped-off to the Portuguese by a Goan Catholic baker, the Pinto revolutionaries ultimately faced severe consequences. 47 co-conspirators (17 priests & 7 army officers included) were arrested and punished, with 15 being executed publicly (old Panjim pillory near Panjim “GPO” General Post Office). Portuguese-Goa’s capital moved from Old Goa to Cidade da Nova Goa (City of New Goa – present-day Panjim) in 1843. While Portugal controlled Goa, the British ruled India overall. In 1947, however, India gained independence from Great Britain. India requested that Portugal cede its Indian subcontinental territories at that time, which the Portuguese refused. “Operation Vijay” (December 19, 1961 – India vs. Portugal) resulted in an Indian victory and the territories of Goa, Daman and Diu annexed into the “Republic of India”. Goa, Daman and Diu would form the “union territory”. Goa split with the union on May 30, 1987 to become India’s 25th independent state.
Home to roughly 1.5 million “Goans”, Goa is an Indian state in the western Konkan region. Goa’s two main cities are Panaji (state capital) and Vasco da Gama (largest city). Coastal Goa is separated from the Deccan Highlands Plateau by the Western Ghats Mountain Range (length 990 miles, height 8,842 feet at Anamudi, Eravikulam National Park). Although Goa is India’s smallest state by area it is also one of the country’s wealthiest. Goa accommodates about 8.5 million visitors annually. Goa’s historic city “Margão” (Madgaon) highlights Goa’s Portuguese roots with its palatial mansions and Catholic churches. Characterized by a tropical monsoon climate, Goa experiences hot / humid weather throughout the year. May highs average about 86 °F, while January “winters” average about 79 °F. Southwest monsoon season occurs June–September.
Additional points of interest: Old Goa, Fontainhas (Latin Quarter), Mahadev Temple (ancient temple), Dona Paula (monument), Dudhsagar Falls (waterfall), Marmagao (port town), Panaji (state capital), Miramar Beach, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Margao (commercial center)
Local Goan food (often spicy): various seafood dishes, fish curry, rice, vegetables, coconut
Popular drinks: Feni (strong liquor – made from cashews / coconuts), beer, wine, tequila, coconut water
With a little background information on the area, we’re ready for Goa accommodations that will help make for an exciting getaway.
Seashell Suites and Villas
Pinto Vaddo, Candolim
Uptown | Candolim Beach | All About Alcohol Museum
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, poolside bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), 3 outdoor pools, children’s pool, terrace, garden, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, laundry facilities, free parking, airport transfer
Nearby: Greenberry Restaurant & Bar, Body to Body Spa, A1 Car Rental
Within feet:
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- Uptown (North Indian restaurant)
- Candolim Beach (golden-sand shoreline – tranquil)
- All About Alcohol Museum
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Within 1.6 miles:
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- Sinquerim Beach
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Within 3.3 miles:
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- Fort Aguada
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Seashell Suites and Villas is 59 minutes from Dabolim Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Villa, 3 Bedrooms): $338
Cost per person (nine people): $37
Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon
Vainguinim Beach, Panaji
Vainguinim Beach
Hotel amenities: beachfront, restaurant, bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), 2 outdoor pools, children’s pool, rooftop terrace, outdoor furniture, garden, barbecue grills, spa, steam room, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-houir front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, conference center, bike rentals, free parking
Nearby: DPB – The Rooftop Bar
Within feet:
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- Vainguinim Beach (public beach)
- Caranzalem Beach (urban shoreline)
- Dona Paula Beach (rocky shoreline / “Lover’s Point” – scenic sunset views)
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Within 1.3 miles:
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- Miramar Beach
- Goa University
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Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon is 37 minutes from Dabolim Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Presidential Room): $1,432
Cost per person (four people): $358
Palma Beach Resort
Ashvem Beach, Morjim
Ashvem Beach
Resort amenities: private beach, restaurant, bar, spa, yoga room. free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, free parking
Nearby: Ashwe 351 Beach Bar & All Day Dining, Shaunak Rent A Car
Within feet:
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- Ashvem Beach (sandy beach)
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Within 6.2 miles:
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- Baga Beach
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Within 16.5 miles:
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- Basilica of Bom Jesus
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Palma Beach Resort is 11.3 miles from New Goa International Airport (GOX).
Approximate cost per night (Ocean Front Bungalow): $256
La Vida Colva Beach Resort
356, 4th Ward, Colva
Kallistê | The Red Ginger | Colva Beach
Resort amenities: poolside restaurant & bar, buffet breakfast, outdoor swimming pool, kids’ pool, terrace, outdoor seating area, garden, free Wi-Fi, private check-in/out, concierge service, luggage storage, car / bike rentals, free parking, paid shuttle
Nearby restaurants / bars: FOOD LAND (Goan restaurant ), Trisara Multicuisine Restaurant & Bar (Goan restaurant), SILVA’S Resto Bar 🍻 (Goan restaurant), Mucho Goa (takeout restaurant)
Nearby misc.: THREE PETAL & SONS WINE STORE (wine store), Cremeux (cake shop)
Within feet:
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- Kallistê (restaurant)
- The Red Ginger (Pan-Asian restaurant)
- Colva Beach (white sand, coconut palms)
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Within 1.2 miles:
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- Sernabatim Beach
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Within 6 miles:
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- Ambulor Lake
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La Vida Colva Beach Resort is 12 miles from Dabolim Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Premium 2 Bedroom Suite): $125
Cost per person (six people): $20
The Postcard Saligao, North Goa
5/46, Danvaddo, Saligao, Calangute
Copperleaf Porvorim
Hotel amenities: restauramt, à la carte breakfast, outdoor swimming pool, garden, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk
Nearby restaurants / bars: The Second House (restaurant), Spice Goa Sangolda (restaurant), Jungle Café (restaurant), Greenland Bistro, Divya Hotel (fish restaurant), Rum and Kurry (bar)
Nearby misc.: Gai Kajus LLP (dry fruit store), Mae De Deus Church (Catholic church)
Within feet:
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- Copperleaf Porvorim (Goan restaurant)
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Within 3.9 miles:
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- Village Panchayat Park Penha Franca
- Herbal & Butterfly Garden
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Within 6 miles:
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- Goa State Museum
- Third Mandovi Bridge
- Chapora Fort
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The Postcard Saligao, North Goa is 21 miles from Dabolim Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Premier Family Suite): $665
Cost per person (four people): $110
The Postcard Velha
After Gandhi Circle, Ella, Velha Goa, Old Goa
Church of Saint Cajetan
Hotel amenities: outdoor swimming pool, balconies, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flexible check-in/out, flexible breakfast hours, in-room tea / coffee service, local artisanal food
Nearby restaurants: Shambhavi Restaurant, R N Restaurant, Master Chef (restaurant), Adlem Goi (restaurant), Amparo Bar and Restaurant, Greenyard Restaurant & Bar
Nearby misc.: Goa Streetz (café), Sanjay’s Cafe, Old Goa Wine Shop, Wine Terminal, Fulari’s Eater’s Den (grocery store), Old Goa Book Stall, Fashion Spirit, Old-Goa Jetty, Statue of Jesus (historical landmark), Mill Stones of Gun Powder Factory (historical landmark), St. Augustine Tower, Archaeological Museum of Goa, Archaeological Survey of India, Museum of Christian Art, Se Cathedral, Church of St Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria, St. Basilica Church, Baingineshwar Shrine, Avinash Medical Stores
Within feet:
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- Church of Saint Cajetan (17th-century Roman Catholic church)
- Viceroy’s Arch
- Se Cathedral
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Within 1.9 miles:
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- Mondovi River
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Within 3.8 miles:
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- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
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Within 5.6 miles:
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- River Cruise
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The Postcard Velha is 10.4 miles from Dabolim International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Mandovi River View Room): $456
So there they are, Goa accommodations that will help make for a sneaky-good trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most of all, that you enjoy your time in India!