This is Travel Guide is a sequel to Travel Guide: Basics to India, so be sure to also read that for more helpful information on their culture and getting around the country!

Goa, India 

Go go go to Goa! With its’ hippy vibes and long stretch of beautiful beaches, Goa is one of the top destinations for tourists in India. This is the place to go to relax, kick up your feet, and unwind from the craziness. Don’t worry about the people coming up to you trying to sell you thing. There are multiple beaches to choose from that will cater to your interests, but none of them will leave you unsatisfied!

Beaches

Arambol

…Better known as the hub for burners to come and get their gear for upcoming  parties. Arambol gives you plenty of options to fill up your days with. You can lounge at the beach, enjoy all of the shopping, take numerous different yoga and meditation classes, embrace a new Ayurvedic treatment, or explore the natural lake. There is a famous banyan tree located just up a path passed the lake. Once you get there you won’t be able to miss it – the tree is massive! The Baba that lives there is always relaxing and accepting visitors – just take a seat, close your eyes, and meditate on what you’re going to have for dinner that evening. As for your nightlife, Arambol has a huge selection of delicious restaurants, and every night there is a different dance party happening. This is where Trance music was created and flourished. Check out Arambol’s Shiva Valley parties on Tuesday evenings to get the full trance experience!

Ashvem

Located about 15 minutes south of Arambol, this quiet beach will make for a relaxing day trip. Grab one of the beds across the long stretch of white sand heaven and kick your feet up! There are also a few restaurants located along the beach to enjoy a nice lunch at. To get to/from here you can either rent a motorbike or hire a taxi.

Anjuna

With multiple guesthouses and hostels to choose from, this beach town usually attracts the backpacking crowd of all ages! It’s filled with shops, restaurants, and bars – which will give you plenty to do. It’s also most known for it’s two markets – the Wednesday day market, and Saturday night market. The Wednesday day market has similar things that you can find in the shops, but the Saturday night market has food, live music, drinks, and of course – a whole lot of shopping! From unique jewelry to handcrafted home goods, you’ll be leaving with décor for everyone and everything!

Vagator

This is another great day trip beach. We stopped at this beach on our way down to Anjuna, about a 25-minute motorbike ride. It’s a quiet beach with not many tourists, which made it a great little escape. You may even get lucky enough to swim with dolphins while you’re there, so keep an eye out! There is also a delicious Greek restaurant located just in between Vagator and Anjuna called, Thalassa. If you’re able to splurge a bit, do it there! Make sure to make a reservation before going though or get there on the earlier side, it books up very fast. It’s also a bit on the dressier side, so make sure you bring something nice to cover up your beachy vibe.

Helpful Tips

• Visa – The Indian tourist visa is very easy to get using the e-tourist visa website. You’ll be able to easily follow along using this website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/  visa/index.html . Visa costs $63 for 6 month multiple entry. Americans are eligible for a 10 year visa, but in order to get this visa you will need to go into the embassy and apply in person.
• Currency: Rupee
• Women should be mindful of what they wear – this will only make you feel more comfortable. In most places aside from Goa, you should wear something that goes down to your knees and covers your shoulders.
• For solo female travelers: Be mindful and use your common sense. If you feel uncomfortable, walk towards a group of people and act like you’re with them. Always walk with confidence as if you know where you’re going, even if you’re completely lost.
• Download the offline map of the city you’re in on the app Maps.Me – best maps for tourism!!
• Make sure you mark where you’re staying, and always carry around a business card from them.