Goa, known as the land of beaches is a small state in west India with a plentiful greenery and lots of tourist attractions. This tiny state has a variety of hotel options ranging from luxurious resorts to budget hotels to cheaper ones. I have selected the best three budget hostels in North Goa. Have a read!

Anjuna Beach sunset (Source: jo.in.pink)

I hope the above suggestions are helpful. If you need information on shopping, restaurants, nightlife and any other travel related queries in Goa, do write back to us. Until then,

Have a pleasant stay!

Cheers,

Salma

Baga Beach (Source: sayamindu)

Hello there

A 4 day trip to Goa sounds great. Goa, a tropical earth of blues and greens stretches along the Arabian Sea and smoothly unfolding calm vistas of sun kissed beaches, lush paddy fields, charming churches, tortuous rivers, wooded hills and mind blowing Portuguese architecture.

Goa Sunrise (Source: Salvatore Barbera) 

Keep this day for exploring the Old Goa. You can start with Fontainhas, the ancient Portuguese neighbourhood in Goa. This area is quiet, peaceful and has the historical charm in it. You can feel the Old Colonial Goa here. Fontainhas is a heaven for a lover of offbeat environment.

Famous Fontainhas in Panjim (Source: Aaron C) 

Next, you can visit Keri- a village in Goa famous for Ayurveda, located about 8 kms from Ponda. The typical Goan architecture and scenic surroundings are mesmerizing and worth  not to be missed.

Keri village (Source: Keri village) 

You can experience the local cuisine in any of the restaurants in Keri. Post lunch you can start the other half of the day from Se Cathedral and later on visit many monasteries, monuments, cathedrals, ruins of churches, nunneries and shrine vible in every nook and corner. You can then go for some local shopping at Mapusa Market.

12-St-Peter-Chapel-Se-Cathedral (Source: Bernard Oh) 

After wandering throughout the day rush to Souza Lobo's, one of the best restaurants serving best fresh seafood in the city. Though this place is always crowded, it is the most preferred restaurant by all tourists and localites.

Fried Salted Squid (Source: Fried Salted Squid) 

You can dedicate this day for the beaches in Goa. There are many beaches in Goa, out of which I have picked the ones which are not to be missed.

Anjuna Beach: perhaps the most crowded beach in Goa with a charming coconut grove in the backdrop and a famous flea market in the vicinity.

Goa - Anjuna Beach (Source: Klaus Nahr) 

Palolem Beach:  a very calm beach, with colorful and vibrant Calangute. A must see for experiencing solitude and peace.

Palolem Beach, Goa, India (Source: Dan Searle) 

Colva Beach: This little area of glory brings about the very best of coastal beauty challenged in Goa.

IMG_2262 (Source: Abhishek) 

Calangute and Baga Beach: The Calangute is known as the Queen of all Goan beaches. If you are talking about the best places in Goa, this place comes first. The panoramic view of the beach makes you feel out of this world.

Calangute/Baga Beach (Source: Leonora Enking) 

You can end the day with dining the sea food at the Zeebop by the Sea, one among the best restaurants in Goa. The ambiance and decor of the restaurant is good. The service is fast and friendly.

Buffet #16: Sea food salad (Source: Buffet #16: Sea food salad) 

Indulge yourself through out the day in water sports such as Scuba Diving, Banana Boat Ride, Jet skiing, Parasailing etc.,

Scuba Diving is one sport that is growing in popularity in Goa. From Dona Paula jetty or from Aqua Marine in Panjim it is easy to take a diver, rent scuba gear and arrange for an instructor. With 5 to 10 m of underwater visibility, you will be able to see coral heads, lobsters, bright coloured, fish and shells.

Barracuda Diving located in Sun Village Resort, Baga Arpora offers daily dive trips and guided wreck dives. They also offer customised itineraries. They encourage snorkelers and accompanying guests.

Do read this article on water sports, written by my colleague.

Apart from water sports, the best way to spend time with friends is playing beach volleyball or taking a swim in the beach.

I found this interesting website which suggests the top must do things in Goa. They have some good suggestions.

Scuba Diving with Christian (Source: Ian Armstrong) 

Banana ride is not only a popular water sport for kids, but it is equally popular among adults. It is considered to be a favorite water sports in Goa.

My boyfriend and I rode the Banana boat and we loved it! Chris and the guy driving the boat were both very friendly and seemed to actually care about what they were doing unlike some of the other staff we dealt with parasailing and at the waterpark. The banana boat ride was a great experience i would reccomend to anyone...

Banana Boat Rides - Destin - Reviews of Banana Boat Rides - TripAdvisor (Source: TripAdvisor) 

P3220901 (Source: Jun Acullador) 

Fun Ride Sites : These fun rides are available on all major beaches of Goa.

Rates : $4 per head for 15 minute.

Consider this operator when planning to take a Banana Boat Ride:

• GOAN BANANA'S WATERSPORTS

Office Address:- Opposite Hacienda Hotel, Baga Road, Calangute, Goa.

Location Address:-Baga, Calangute and Candolim Beaches.
Contact Person:- Mr. Camilo M. Fernandes

Activities:- Backwater Crocodile Cruise, Banana Rides, Boat Rides, Bumper Rides, DolphinCruise, Fishing, Parasailing, Water Skiing Special Feature Personal Insurance facility is available.

Read more about Goa's water sports here.

For those who are speed lovers then Jet-skiing is the sport for you. In Goa jet-skis will surely provide you an exhilarating experience. The best time to go for this adventure sport is from September to March.

As with most tourist resorts there are plenty of beach activies to get involved in - Jet Skiing (my favourite), paragliding. The most popular place to go with Indian tourists seemed to be on Sinquerim beach in front of Fort Aguada, which always seemed busy.

Goa Sports Travel - Reviews - VirtualTourist (Source:VirtualTourist) 

Jet Ski (Source: Leonardo Rosa) 

Jet-Skiing Sites : You can take up the sport in the beaches of Colva, Calangute, Candolim, Miramar, Arossim, Benaulim, Utorda, Rajbaga and Mobor.

Rates : A ride can vary between 2, 10 and 15 minutes. Usually a 2 minute trip costs $8, 10 minutes $21 and 15 minutes $32.

Here is a list of major water sport activities along with the names of orgnizations or centres involved.

Note:The part of beach which you use for Jet-skiing must be within the operator's sight

Parasailing is another most sought after adventure sport in Goa. This challenging sport is an enthralling experience for all thrill-seekers. Parasailing gives you the opportunity to cherish the splendid view of sea and the beaches.

So I woke up one morning, rode my bike to Fort Aguada beach, got myself hitched to a parachute like canopy (known as a Parasail) attached to a long towrope, and then got pulled along by a speeding boat. The speed of the boat increases, the parasail rises and you're pulled up into the air. What a rush!

A soaring birds eye view of what land looks like from up there with the bright as a rainbow colored parachute bellowing above you. Amazing!

Goa Sports Travel - Reviews - VirtualTourist (Source:  VirtualTourist) 

Parasailing  (Source: George Parrilla) 

Parasailing Sites : Parasailing is done around Sinquerim-Candolim-Calangute. Other popular parasailing sites are Arossim-Cansaulim and Utorda Stretch, Mobor Beach and Miramar.

Rates:A ride of 3 to 5 minutes cost between $17 to $27.

To know more about the package go here.

Here are some operators in Goa:

• FORTAGUADA BEACH RESORT

Office Address:- Sinquerim, Bardez, Goa - 403 519

Location Address:-Sinquerim, Bardez, Goa - 403 519.
Contact Person:- Mr. Prakash Shirlekar

Activities:- Banana Rides, Coastal Cruise (North Goa), Crocodile Cruise, Dolphin Cruise, FishingJet Ski, Knee Boarding, Parasailing, Ringo Rides, Speed Boating, Water Skiing andTraining, Windsurfing and Training, Sailing and Training

Here is a list of major water sport activities along with the names of organizations or centres involved.You can find instructors right on the beach and they will provide you with equipments too. The price they charge generally has no standard so feel free to bargain a bit.

Note:Before taking off, double check your harness and other essential gears.
 

After all the fun filled activities in water, you can have a glimpse of the city's nightlife .One of the well-known discos in Goa, Paradiso Disco is situated at Anjuna and Vagator Area. The place is full of hippies. The mud structure of the disco is suspended on a cliff overlooking the sea. Its vast three-tiered space has a grottolike primitive feel, comprehensive with "hobbit-worthy" nooks. The disc is open through the night but beware of the drugs which are easily available here.

A visit to Goa would remain incomplete if you do not go to the crowded Miramar - the "Chowpatty" of Goa.

(Source: Christian Frausto Bernal)

• Morjim is the home to Olive Ridley Turtles.This is the season when you can see them so take a chance!
• Ashwem Beach nearby is however the show stealer!
• End your day and your vacation with an ayurvedic body massage at The Neem Leaf

             Where: 7/8, 1st Floor Alfran Plaza, M G Road, Panaji Market, Goa, Goa - 403001.

             Ph: 0832 - 3257271

(Source: World Class Spa, Health Facilitates in Riviera Nayarit)

Hope you like these suggestions. If you'd like any other help with your trip, do let us know! How about some budget accommodation?  Just write back to us and we'll be glad to help you.

Have an awesome trip!

Cheers!

Tejaswini