Weather in Goa; how to work your travel plans around it!

The tropical weather and the sun kissed beaches is choice of many who plan their visit here and the weather in Goa has a lot to do with it as well due to the fact the  coastal belts is pretty much shut during the monsoons. Goa is cooler during the months of October until March when the summers set in. By cooler, you need not pack up you heavy duty winter gear as the temperature drops to a maximum of 23 degrees. 

The tourist season kicks off in the month of October with Russian charters flying in tourists for the holidays. The beaches settle down after the rains which are quite heavy and you are ready to soak up the sun. However, the monsoon has its own charm; after the hot summer that are hot and humid. The rains bring about a refreshing change to the landscape and is full of greenery.

The beaches remains off limits during the monsoons as they are unsafe to swim in, you do see a lot of interstate tourists visiting to enjoy Goa the weather and take advantage of the prices stay, food and travel drop due to the low demand during this period. Villas in Goa for rent are a steal during this period if you are travelling as a group and you are surely to get a good deal looking if looking for one.

The best time to visit Goa is definitely after the monsoons and you when the season peaks at Christmas and New year and end slowly winds down after the carnival in Feb. The weather during this period is a pleasant 25 degrees with the tourist season kicking-off, businesses begin to gear up for the season at hand. As the season progresses and the prices for stay, food and travel peak in the month of December as compared to the off season prices of July- September. If you plan to visit during the months of October to December, booking you stay well in advance can you a better package rather than booking last minute. Accommodation availability also remains scarce as we head into December, hotels, villas and serviced apartments and rentals in Goa  run out of space as Goa's gets ready to ring in the New Year. The parties, the nightlife the food, the lazy evenings, the beaches and of course the weather make travelling here during the period the best time to travel in the tourism calender.

Come January, February the mercury starts climbing and you begin to feel the heat! 30 degrees is only the beginning which then lead into the summer that peaks at around 38 degrees! yes, hot and and humid. Well, the entertainment still goes on with Carnival and lastly the San Jao feast in June that ends the party calender.

Goa's Beaches and its nightlife

Goa is blessed with a beautiful coastline that attracts thousands every year that visit for a holiday. The night life that surrounds these beaches adds to the fun and frolic of being there.  Although sharing the same coastline these beaches are divided into north and south Goa and a quite different from each other.

The beaches in the North of Goa are extremely popular and have vibrant nightlife and is packed with party-goers and beach bums. This coastline is filled with popular shacks at that are popular and full of life. A great way to relax away to the setting sun sets a mood for a great evening; not missing out on the beers you can grab at arms length on a comfortable beach chairs. Baga, Calangute, Anjuna, and Candolim are the craziest of them all, the crowd thins out as you head out toward Ashwen, and Morjim.  You will find great restaurants serving all types of cuisines, the nightclubs dropping the best beats and you can always shop your heart away on whole bunch of things at flee markets and shopping centers. The northern belt is famous for its parties and its night life, there are plenty of beach resorts in Goa you can choose from if you when visiting.

The south is different from the north, the beaches quieter, the nightlife less crazier that makes the setting for those who plan who like to soak up the real Goa! The beaches in the south of Goa are also popular for its beach resorts that are located by the beaches, places like the Park Hyatt and Taj Exotica to name a few. The south of Goa has its own charm, the village life in these belts still exist and  its is seen across the coast with homes that are tucked in its greenery. The nearest and popular suburb being Margao and its most popular beach being Colva is just one among the many beaches you can visit and relax. Betalbatim, Arrosim, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelosim and lastly Pallolem are the beaches that will have you enjoy your vacation especially of you are looking for Goa's Beaches as a holiday destination.  

Goa's beaches have been the focal are of its tourism and its mainstay as a place of interest for vacationers. There are a lot of things to do in Goa beaches as well,  its churches, temples, backwaters and casinos are other attractions to visitors. You can hire a two wheeler or a four wheeler as well to hop at the various points, and as you visit do check out the many restaurants you will find, especially the ones you can find serving up fresh fish. Do not worry, these are easy to spot, the mouth-watering aromas of fried fish as you pass-by will draw you in if you are looking to explore as you drive along. Places such as Britos in Baga, Souza Lobo in Calangute, Martins in Betalbatim, Fishermans Wharf in Cavelossim should be on you list to visit

Traditional Goan everyday snacks

Coconut is a popular commodity used here in Goa to make every day snacks consumed at tea time at most households especially over the weekend. These delicacies are available at most bakeries across Goa, you also explore Dhosh, Dhodol and other sweets as well

Pancakes/Panroles

The base of these pancakes are made of rice that is soaked overnight, the rice is then ground into a thin paste and mixed in coconut juice. This mixture is then tossed into a pan and allowed to cook. A mixture comprising of jaggery and raw coconut are mixed together and spread evenly. Delicious to have and easy to make

Shira

Shira is made of rawa and ghee cooked over ten-fifteen minutes on a slow flame  to which cooking colour is added along with a few dried fruits along with some spices such as dried spices such as cloves and cardamom.

Mung juice with coconut juice and jaggery

Mung is soaked overnight and then streamed in a pressure cooker to cook, after its cooks the a mixture of coconut juice and jaggery is added to it. This snack is very good to clear a cold and highly nutritious

Bebinca
The delicious mouth watering delight is a made in layers and is not only popular among locals but now also exported to Australia and the United Kingdom

Goa Beyond its Beaches, Churches and Temples: Spice farms, Ancestral Goa, Mario Miranda Art gallery and Kala Academy.

So, you pick up a nice tan and visited the temples and churches and you still want explore some more, well, there is a lot more to do and following are a few places you should try if you are in the mood to  explore Goa’s roots and traditions.

Spice Farms are popular in Ponda, a forty minute drive from Panjim, these farms are located amidst lush green surroundings of the neighboring mountains and is a great place to experience food and the farm itself which has a lot of explore within itself. The spice plants that the farms cultivate are spread across multiple acres and produce spices such as Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Pepper, Turmeric, Ginger and Vanilla besides the numerous Cashew plantations in the area. The visit includes a meal as well at the restaurant that serves up a Goan spread consisting of mainly Fish Curry Rice, Chicken Xacuti and Vegetables.

Ancestral Goa is located near Ponda as well, roughly a 30-40 minute drive to get there and is located near the Savior Of the World Church Lotolim.  Ancestral Goa is a treasure of artifacts and precious items that reflect Goa’s cultures and traditions. Big Foot takes you across the many sculptures that depict the rich history of Goa. Across Big-Foot is the old Portuguese house you could visit as well. Casa Araujo Alvares is an structure that has been standing since the Portuguese rule in Goa and has been renovated to give visitors a glimpse of the early days.

Kala Academy is in Panjim and is any another gateway to Goa’s rich cultural diversity. Musicals, Tiarts and art exhibitions are quite famous here that showcase local artist and talents.  Art, music and drama is what you can explore here in abundance, you can also visit the old light-house behind the academy to catch a glimpse of the Mandovi.

Head out to Salvador Do Mundo to get a taste of art by Goa’s famous artist Mario Miranda. His signature styles that depicts Goa’s life will allow you to explore what Goa was all about back in the day. His art is unique and descriptive that will have you mesmerised in its beauty. 

Goa surely has a lot to offer other than its beaches and nightlife. You can explore more than you can imagine from its little villages to its beautiful sights you are in a unique experience. If you are looking to explore the many places to visit in Goa that are different in its own charm, places to visit in Goa are famous  where you can explore the cultures and traditions. 

Tourist places in Goa

So you are planning your visit to Goa on a holiday and are in the mood the explore its surroundings and off course get a tan as well or will ending up doing so any ways!

To start with the food is always a good start! These are several place that will flood that list but here a must visit few; Souza Lobo- Calangute, Brittos's- Baga, Sea Pebble-Dona Paula, Mickeys-Colva, Martins Beach Corner-Betalbatim, Fiplees Betalbatim and Fishermans Wharf Cavelosim.

Night clubs should be on your things to do list as well. The every popular Titos's lance has become a global landmark you  must visit. Club Cabana, SinQ and 9Bar are highly popular places in the north of Goa to catch a chilled beer or dance your heart out.

Popular and must visit beaches on the cards would be Baga, Calangute, Anjuna, Morjim and Mandrem. With shacks availabel at most of these beaches it is a great place to spend the day, water sports included.

Flee markets are very exciting as they offer entertainment as well as shopping, the Anjuna Flee market is one of the oldest flee markets in Goa and remains the most popular. You could also go visit Mackie Saturday Night Bazar as well.

Hopping over to Ponda will give you a nice outing to the spice plantations and temples that it is so famous for. There are plenty of farms to choose from and it would take up a day check out. These tours also have lunch included. Temples here are very popular, you should check out the Shanta Durga temple or the Mangeshi temple and don't forget to charge your camera while you plan the visit.

Landmarks such as Dona Paula, Fontainhas and the cruise boat ride on a visit to Panjim, the capital would help you to explore as well as get entertained while you are at it. The cruises are only in the evening at the new Patto bridge. Casinos have been a new attraction over the last few years for many visit. Try you luck, have a drink and food included is a nice way to spend the evening.

Old Goa if you want to explore more on Goa's Portuguese influence on Goa, there are churches and cathedrals that you could explore, the drive there too is by the riverside and is very enjoyable.

Looking deeper to know the culture, plan a visit to Mario Miranda Musuem in Porvorim and Ancestral Goa in Lotolim as well.

Goan Carnival in 2014!!

Known for it white sand beaches , its crazy nightlife, liberal ways of living and its kind hospitality it remains the choice of many to come back on a holiday. The Goan Carnival held annually in February reflects the fun and happy side of the Goans and is the time of the year when people come out in large numbers across the state to be a part of the fun and frolic.

The Carnival festival has been influenced by Goa’s Portuguese roots and has remained a part of Goa’s cultured for many years and reflects Goa cultural diversity. Held in the month of February, this festival has everyone in a happy mood filled with color and music to go with it. The carnival floats are paraded across multiple cities in Goa and is one of India's most unique festivals held nowhere by here in Goa.  Locals and visitors come out  in large numbers to celebrate and watch the parade go by to be a part of the celebration.

The Goan Carnival takes place just before the season of Lent marked by the Christian Calender and is the last celebration before a 45 day fast that then followed by Easter. Live bands playing carnival tunes, floats accompanied with dancers in colorful costumes and hundreds cheering on the festival is witnessed by people from India and abroad.

                

King Momo the iconic figure marks the begin of the festival and is seen on the first float that kick-starts the festival. The first float itself has dancers, musicians and performers in action and is one among the vibrant floats seen in the parade. Most floats  are themes on social and cultures reflections.

Time your holiday or make sure you plan a visit at least once in a life time to witness this celebratory experience and if you are here during a holiday do nothing to miss out on it. 

Best time to visit Goa

Goa has a lot to offer for everyone visiting through out the year, the tourist season being popular from October until Jan and the off season being from June until September.

The period of November and December sees the most tourist visiting from India and abroad. This time of the year remains the peak of the season and sees prices of accommodation and travel shoot up compared to the rest of the year.  Room rents can go up at least one and half times as compared to the beginning of the season and yet there is always a shortage due to rising demand. Accommodation would be costlier by the beach belt and less expensive in the suburbs, you can hire you own car/bike, the only real disadvantage being you are a bit away from the night life! well, if you prefer it otherwise, nothing like it.

Popular places such as Candolim, Calangute, Baga and Anjuna are very popular in the north of Goa, while Panjim and Donapaula are preferred while living closer to the capital. Morjim, Ashwem, Anjuna, Vagator also make their way up that list.

In the south of Goa, Pallolem is the most popular beach by a mile but it is pretty isolated from rest of the action at beaches such as Colva, Varca, Cansailim, Betalbatim and Benaulim.

The months before that are also popular, mid-September marks the beginning of the tourist calendar and you can find a good bargain during this period.

The month of May sees a huge number of interstate tourists as the summers are about to end. Prices are pretty reasonable during this time and you also can get a nice deal as most businesses are preparing to shut for the off season.

Planning you visit to Goa in December is on of the best times to visit, the beach belts are buzzing with activity and is very vibrant and busy. Last minute deals are always available through travel agents but yes they do come at a price.

The most economical visit would be just before monsoons, the foreign tourists leave by then and you will see a drop in airfare and stay bookings, room rates being much more realistic for the best time to visit for a holiday.

If you are looking to get away from the madness of urban life and need a break, the monsoon for some is also a popular time to visit. The other jammed packed beach belts are calm and quite as well, but you need not stay by the coast, you could get a place in Panjim or around and even explore and stay are wild life sanctuaries during the rains. The weather in Goa can play spoilsport if not planned around it so do make sure you plan accordingly to avoid a disappointment.