Goa accommodations
Goa accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “Pearl of the Orient”.
Goa known for: palm-tree-lined golden beaches, 17th-century Portuguese churches, forts, tropical spice plantations, fishing villages, nightlife, regional Goan food
Goa is Bharat’s (India’s) smallest state by area. Located along India’s western, Arabian Sea coastline, Goa is about 375 miles south of Mumbai, and 350 miles northwest of Bangalore. 21 miles in length, the Zuari River flows through Vasco da Gama, Goa and into the Marmagao Bay.
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
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)
Prior to traveling, it’s best to exchange some currency to use in markets and for small items. Carrying large amounts of cash while out is not advisable. Portuguese and Indian are the area’s main cultures. Goa largely is considered safe. Smoking in public is prohibited, and appropriate attire is required when visiting temples or churches. Generally, the north side is where one may find nightlife. The southside is good for scenery, while Panaji (central) is home to restaurants. Along the coastline many fine beaches are to be discovered. In Goa, cars travel on the left-hand side, currency is the Indian rupee and the drinking age is 18 years old. 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.
Some of India’s earliest traces of human life have been discovered in Goan rock art engravings, particularly in Usgalimal (South Goa) and Kajur. Acheulean stone tools have also been discovered in the area. Early Goan culture was defined by Indo-Aryan and Dravidian migrants, who amalgamated with aboriginal locals. Goa was part of the Buddhist Maurya Empire during the 3rd century BC, followed by the Kadambas of Goa dynasty. During medieval times in 1312, the Delhi Sultanate came to govern Goa, though they were subsequently forced to surrender the region to the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire circa 1370. In 1469, the Bahmani Sultanate took control of the territory, but fell to the Sultanate of Bijapur, who established their auxiliary capital Velha Goa, or Old Goa (as it became known under the Portuguese). By 1510, the Bijapur sultan Yusuf Adil Shah was defeated by the Portuguese with help from a local ally and privateer, Timoji. The Portuguese settled permanently at Velha Goa, which marked the beginning of their four-and-a-half century rule over the area. In 1560, the Goa Inquisition formal tribunal was established to enforce Catholic orthodoxy and allegiance to the Apostolic See of the Pontifex. During the late-18th century, the territory of Goa was split into two segments, the Velhas Conquistas (Old Conquests – central nucleus) and the Novas Conquistas (New Conquests – added territories). The 1787 Pinto Revolt against the Portuguese, led by a Goan noble family, resulted in a rebel suppression. Having been revealed by a Goan Catholic baker, the Pinto Revolt conspiracy saw to 47 conspirators being arrested and punished (17 priests and 7 army officers included), and 15 being executed publicly at the old Panjim pillory near the present-day GPO (General Post Office) in Panjim. The Portuguese moved Goa’s capital from Old Goa to Cidade da Nova Goa (City of New Goa – present-day Panjim) circa 1843. India gained independence from British rule in 1947. At this time, India requested that Portugal cede the Indian subcontinent territories to India, which the Portuguese refused. The December 19, 1961 Operation Vijay, initiated by India against Portugal, led to an Indian victory and the territories of Goa, Daman and Diu being annexed into the Republic of India. On May 30, 1987, Goa split from the union territory (with Daman and Diu) to become India’s twenty-fifth independent state.
Home to around 1.5 million Goans, Goa lies on western India’s Konkan region and is separated from the Deccan highlands plateau by the Western Ghats mountain range, which stretches 990 miles and peaks at 8,842 feet (Anamudi, Eravikulam National Park). At 1,429 square feet, Goa is India’s smallest state by area. However, among all Indian states, Goa has the highest GDP per capita. In 2019, about 8.5 million tourists visited Goa. Two of Goa’s main cities are Panaji, the state capital, and Vasco da Gama, the state’s largest city. Evidence of Goa’s Portuguese roots exists in the historic city of Margão, or “Madgaon”, which is home to palatial mansions and Catholic churches. Not cricket but football is Goa’s most popular sport. Forca Goa, or FC Goa, plays in the Indian Super League. Additional points of interest include 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 and Margao (commercial center). Goan cuisine involves spices, seafood, meat, pork, rice, vegetables and coconut. One of the area’s most popular dishes is fish curry. Drinks include beer, wine, tequila, coconut water and Feni (a strong liquor made from cashews or coconuts). 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!