Things You Absolutely Must Do in Goa!

Vagator- Goa

With warm sand between my toes and wind tossed hair, we spent a week wandering on the beaches of Goa. We hired a bike and set off to the beaches every morning, without any agenda. Guided by impulse, we experienced Goa in our own way. Allow yourself to lose track of time, number of beers and calories consumed. Just be. That's what we did and here's what Goa had to offer. So grab a beer and enjoy this post!




#1 Hire a bike and go explore

We stayed at Neelam - The Glitz near Calangute in North Goa. Hiring a bike was the most convenient option to visit nearby beaches, to go shopping or hogging :D It was definitely not the most convenient option to go to Curlies at 11 PM or ride to Thalassa at 1PM! However, that's what we enjoyed the most. Passing through narrow alleys lined with palm trees, we shopped at local markets and stopped to admire old Portuguese style houses. The bike ride to Martin's from Varca beach tops my list of favorite bike ride roads in Goa.

Road leading to our hotel- Neelam The Glitz

#2 Have breakfast at Infantaria, Calangute

The food is delicious and it cured my hangover too. Difficult for me to recommend what to eat here since all I remember is that we had a huge scrumptious breakfast. So give the hotel breakfast a skip, sleep in late and head straight to Infantaria. Now that's like a morning in Goa.

Breakfast at Infantaria

#3 Order strawberry tart and baked crabs at Brittos

Ok. Order everything on their menu because everything was so delicious! We stuffed ourselves silly here and you won't blame us if you see the pictures. Eating at Brittos is a must!

Strawberry Tart

Baked Crabs

Fried Fish

Butter Garlic Prawns

Desserts!

#4 Banana Pan Cakes at Radha Shack, Candolim

Somewhere on Candolim beach is an inconspicuous shack named " Radha Shack" among the string of shacks. They served us the best banana pancake ever. Go explore shack food. You never know where you may find the "best ever" dish.

"Best Ever" Banana Pancake

#5 Go street shopping

Only if you can bargain though. Expect cool stuff at great prices. 

Steal!! All of this for less than INR 500/- 

#6 Experience Love Passion Karma

This place is beautifully done. Marvel at the sculptures and enjoy the river view at LPK. Recommend a visit for the experience of being there and not so much for the music. 

Love Passion Karma

#7 Catch the sunset at Thalassa

Thalassa is a Greek restaurant located on a cliff at Vagator beach. The view is breathtakingly spectacular. Sip on sangria and enjoy the view. We also ordered a variety of delicious salads and tons of beer. Later, take the stairs leading down to the beach for a walk and burn off everything. Be warned, climbing back is top notch cardio. And yes, do not forget to reserve a table before visiting.

View from Thalassa

Beer Pitcher

Vagator waters

#8 Check out the Casino

Only for the experience, do plan a visit to the Casinos at Panjim. We were ferried to the huge Casino ship from the shores. Entertainment is guaranteed, winning is a bonus. :) And yes, the casinos are open 24/7.

Casino!

#9 Visit Curlies late at night

The sit out on the upper deck is perfect to enjoy the night breeze by the sea. They serve delicious bacon and we couldn't resist repeating the order until we lost count. Expect psychedelic music, crazy lights and zoned out peeps. Oh yes, the hukka was good too.

Curlies roof

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1:30AM - Curlies

#10 Spot Sea Stars!

Varca beach in South Goa is gorgeous! We stayed at Club Mahindra, which is a stone's throw away from Varca beach. Evenings were spent going for long walks, watching sunsets and spotting sea stars!

The shack on the beach just outside Club Mahindra property serves delicious Buttergarlic prawns.

Spot the Sea Star!

Butter garlic prawns

#11 Visit Martins Corner, South Goa, for the Prawns Cocktail

Go to Martins Corner for the Prawns Cocktail and the desserts. I loved the road leading to Martins. But the rest of the food on the menu, not so much. Over-rated.

Prawns Cocktail

Apple Pie

Caramel Custard

At Martins Corner

#12 Fly over the rainbow- so high!

Mandatory beach jump.

Varca Beach, Goa

#13 Make a plan to visit again

The only plan we made in Goa was a plan to visit again. While you are there just go with the flow. Visit Baga deck at 2 AM, go for a swim in the hotel pool in between beach hopping or just sit at the shack with a book and tons of beer. Goa, I can't wait to see you again. :)

Under the Goan Sun!

Picture Credits:
Gaurav Dharkar
Paras Narvekar