Going to Goa for christmas. Has anyone any knowledge/experiences to share?

Question

I'm familiar with northern India (Himachal Pradesh) but never been south.

Answer 1

Did exactly this two years ago.  Im guessing you're back packing around?

There are a few things you can do....

1)  Stay in Palolem (south Goa)  its a massive palm-lined sandy beach with huts, restaurants and bars set back from the beach.  Chill, relax and watch the sun go down between the mainland and butterfly island (which can be reached by foot when the tide is out).

2)  Anjuna Flea Market (in the North of Goa).  Fairly touristy but still worth the trip.  While you're there, theres an Orphanage which encourages packers to visit, however, they do ask for a small donation.  Still, its a bit of an eye opener but yet the kids seem really happy!

3)  Catch the overnight train from Madgao to Hospit and visit the city of Hampi.  The place is mad!  Its like Bedrock with ancient hindu temples and ruins dotted on the landscape.

4)  Dudhsagar waterfalls inland a little but still in Goa.  Although they may not be that spectacular if there hasnt been much rainfall in a couple of months.

5)  Sample tikka shark steak.... mmmmm!

6)  Vist Panjim, the capital of Goa.

The best thing to do in Goa is relax.

Enjoy!

Answer 2

The north (like Arambol, it's very quiet and nice) or the south are great. Avoid the center beaches, they are full of tourists.

There is also a very very nice beach on the south of Goa, in Karnataka, called I don't remember. Sorry. It supposed to be one of the best beaches of India.

Answer 3

You are in for a treat. I have been twice and love it. The first year we stayed in Calangute although we were nearer to Candolim, and the second time we stayed in Candolim. I wouldn`t take dressy clothes its not that kind of place and no white sandals because the roads are covered in red dust. You want to get one of the taxi drivers to take you to Dhurdusgar, not sure if that is spelt right, Falls and on the way back they will take you to a spice plantation. We went to an Indian Retreat where you can ride elephants and go to the river and wash them. we went to Cola beach which was fantastic, four of us went and stayed in tents, with bathrooms, on the beach and when we went there was just us with a secluded beach and we sat and watched the dolphins, we felt like we had found paradise. we spent a night on a rice boat sailing up the river. Go to Macky`s market on a Saturday night, and Anjouna market on a Wednesday they are so colourful, and if you like silver jewelry go to the Tibetan market in Calangute

Answer 4

If you want something off the beaten track then check out the family run Cancio's House

http://www.cancios.spaces.live.com

Answer 5

if you like madness, eg; mad traffic. mad people, mad prices. then Xmas time is the time to go. I won't go again, it was horrendous, as from the middle of January and onwards things quieten down a bit, accommodation is a lot cheaper, prices more than double at Xmas. But on the plus side, we spent Xmas night and new year at a beach shack. had a wonderful time, and the firework display was brilliant. every shack had its own display. went on for ages, sky was lit up, well done Goa

Answer 6

Great place. Costly as foreign tourists come in hordes.

No need to stay in Panjim whole time.

Beaches are beautiful. Keep beach clothes and changes.

Weather is great then.

Take a river trip. Food and all. Is enjoyable. Try the off the track beaten eating places too.

Is fun.