Hello beach lovers,
I’m Vivek Patel, from Gujarat. I’ve been passionate about travelling since childhood, but growing up in a middle-class family meant balancing studies and responsibilities. Now, working for a private company, I grab every opportunity to travel. My dream is to travel full-time someday.
Recently, we took a leave from work and planned a trip to Goa. When you think of Goa, what comes to mind first? Beaches, palm trees, churches, or just an amazing road trip? There is more beyond this. Let’s see how.
Planning Your Goa Trip: Ideal Season and Travel Options
The best time to visit Goa is in December. You can travel to Goa by flight, train, or even your own car or bike.
Due to our budget constraints, we opted for the train. It took me 12 hours from Ankleshwar, Gujarat, and the ticket cost around Rs. 500 per person.Also, I recommend booking a night train if it’s a longer journey, so you can rest and arrive in Goa in the morning.
Upon reaching Madgaon railway station in the morning, the first thing I did was shoot a reel, followed by having breakfast at the station.
Baga Beach Bliss: Finding Budget-Friendly Stays in North Goa
We headed to North Goa. We had already booked a hotel near Baga Beach. You can easily book hotels online, often finding them for as low as Rs. 700 per night.
Day 1: Hitting the Road in Goa and Beach Bliss
After that, as soon as we came out, we booked a rental car for three days at Rs. 1000 per day. With five people, it cost us Rs. 200 per person per day.
Tip: 1. If you’re alone, you can rent a bike instead. Always thoroughly check any rented vehicle and take a video of it to avoid issues during return.
2. Make sure to have your driving license, and they will also ask for an advance and Aadhar card, which will be refunded upon return.
Our day started. After reaching our room and getting ready, we went straight to the beach because I love nature. Also, you can find affordable beachwear there, but remember to negotiate. We spent our entire first day there, staying until the night. Goa offers many nighttime activities like beach parties, night boat parties, and casinos to enjoy.
Day 2: A Day of Water Fun in Goa
We woke up early and prepared for a full day of water activities that we had booked on our first day. It costs Rs. 1500 per person, and you can book online or offline.
A bus picked us up in the morning and took us to the boat. The boat trip to Grand Island included hotel transfers, a scenic ride, a 65+ km sea trip, breakfast served on the boat, scuba diving, various water sports like jet skiing and parasailing, dolphin watching, HD underwater videos by GoPro 10, refreshments, and lunch at a beach in the sea.
After all the activities, we had a complimentary meal on the boat. Also, the bus dropped us back at our hotel late at night, and we went straight to sleep, exhausted from the day.
Day 3: Exploring Beaches, Shopping, and Goa Parties
We woke up late, at around 8 o’clock, feeling tired, and had breakfast at a local roadside stall offering affordable and tasty food. After breakfast, we explored several beaches, such as Baga, Calangute, Arambol, Agonda, and Butterfly Beach. We also visited churches, Aguada Fort, and Dudhsagar waterfall. We did some shopping for clothes and famous cashew nuts, where bargaining was necessary.
In the evening, we got ready for a beach party that required a minimum ticket price of about Rs. 500 per person. Even though I don’t drink, I enjoy dancing and watching fire performances there. Due to our budget limitations, we couldn’t stay long as we had to catch our train on the fourth day, for which we had already booked return tickets at the same price.
Day 4: Farewell to the blissful vibes of Goa
We woke up early, packed, and checked out of the hotel after breakfast. I returned the rental car, got back the deposit, and my Aadhaar card. Also, I boarded the train and, after a 12-hour journey, reached my hometown of Ankleshwar in Gujarat.
Travel Tips and Packing Essentials for a Goa Adventure
- Negotiate for affordable beachwear locally.
- Also, pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for sun safety.
- Wear comfortable flip-flops or sandals for beach walks.
- Moreover, plan for activities like scuba diving, jet skiing, and parasailing. Book in advance to secure spots.
- Likewise, bargain for local specialties like clothes and cashew nuts.
- Similarly, book return tickets in advance; trains offer a comfortable journey back.
After reaching home, the first thing I did was eat home-cooked food. No matter how much you travel, you won’t find food like home anywhere. Find your unique adventure at https://sowl.in/stories/. Happy travels !!!
