Gallivanting in Goa!

How do you write a travel blog for a destination you visit every year? The answer lies in the intricate details captured from a fresh lens for the first timers, to quoting cult favourites and naming new trendy spots for the frequent visitors. This destination is possibly the easiest to recognise when one talks of the glistening blue sea, pristine beaches, a hippie paradise during the 70s and 80s, and as the “Party Capital of India”, it is one of the largest tourist grabbers. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is Goa!

Divided in two popular halves of North and South, Goa is bountiful and stretches far and wide, despite being the smallest Indian state. Encompassing beaches, forts, sanctuaries, churches, waterfalls, spice plantations, luxurious resorts, and many restaurants and bars; Goa’s districts pack something of interest for one and all.

While South Goa reigns as the tranquil, rejuvenating, and regally demure queen, North supersedes as the equally scenic, yet notorious and nocturnal fiesta king. Then of course, there’s the learned saint, lying covered in artefacts, history, and all the vintage vibes is Velha or Old Goa.

North Goa

With so much to explore and do up north, it is a dire shame to miss out on this district when in Goa. The status of being the “Party Capital of India” is largely earned from North, for it is here that you’ll find all the best nightclubs, beach clubs, vibrant night markets, popular forts and of course a different, but equally stunning halve of beaches. Although, this is not to say that North is only good for those who want to party. Being a melting pot of civilisation, North Goa, with its rich history and culture, ensures that there’s enough and more activities to do, places to see, and food to taste to keep you enthralled for days.

Let’s begin by listing all the restaurants and cafés worth visiting in North Goa:

Baba Au Rhum
Truly the hippest café you’ll come across in Goa, with a cosy ambience, great food, and quite the spread for breakfasts and brunch. This European restaurant in Anjuna is a must-visit.

Babka
This café in Anjuna hosts some of the best chocolate éclairs, bagels, hot chocolate, and is a hot spot for coffee lovers.

Bawri
New to the scene, this eatery in Anjuna is aesthetically pleasing and hosts one of the best fusions of modern and traditional Indian cuisine in the state.

Fat Fish
Akin to the yesteryear Goan charm, restaurants such as Fat Fish and Fisherman’s Cove Bar and Restaurant (Candolim) possess local and Continental delicacies that are tasty and budget-friendly.

Gunpowder
A South Indian and Konkan cuisine delight, this quaint restaurant is situated in Assagao.

Pisco by the Beach
Designed like a resort villa, this spot is another sundowner favourite in Anjuna.

Purple Martini
Sublime for sundowners, this beachside café is popular for its sunset views, range of cocktails and lively nights. This restaurant, located in Anjuna, offers Continental, Italian, Mediterranean, and North Indian cuisines.

The Black Sheep Bistro
Looking for a fine-dining restaurant? Then this restaurant in Panaji should be at the top of your list, for it is one of the most highly recommended restaurants to visit in Goa, with outstanding service, enchanting decor, and unparalleled fusion food.

The Lazy Goose
Located in Nerul, it is best known for its live singing, riverside ambience, and delectable drinks.

The entire Vagator belt of sea-facing restro-bars — big names such as Antares, Bo Tai, Noah, Romeo Lane, Titlie, and the newly opened Dubki, amongst others, are all located in a row, lining the stretch of Vagator Beach, each harbouring their share of crowd. The list most certainly doesn’t end here, for North Goa is a foodie’s delight and hosts many such celebrated eateries, some hidden, some loudly lauded like the Burger Factory, Saz on the Beach, and Kiko Beach in Morjim, Calamari, Britto’s and Las Olas at Baga Beach. Other notable mentions include Mayan Beach Club, Thalassa, Cream Choc, and Tomatoes.

South Goa

Must we give the phrase “it went south” a negative connotation always? Certainly not when it comes to Goa! The tranquil queen of the aforementioned Goan districts is all things love, relaxation, and rejuvenation for those looking to travel slow. From old churches, art galleries, Portuguese-styled homes, pristine coastlines infused with traditional villages, to all the A-listed five-star hotels and resorts, South Goa is decidedly the district for a reposeful sojourn.

Here are some restaurants and cafés worth visiting in South Goa:

Boomerang Beach Bar
Even though South Goa is not known for its nightclubs and entertainment, Boomerang Beach Bar, located in Colva, does a pretty decent job in keeping your nights lively, especially with some of their lip-smacking cocktails.

Cavatina Cuchina
A gastronomical delight located in Benaulim, this restaurant is known for its reimagined Goan cuisine. The food’s presentation and quality are both mesmerising to say the least.

Joecons Beach Shack
Benaulim hosts this treasure cove of a beach shack for all seafood lovers.

Mama Miso
Located in Arossim, this is the most popular Pan-Asian restaurant in Goa. Lip-smacking food and excellent service make it a must-visit spot.

Martin’s Corner
One of the oldest and popular restaurants known for its authentic Goan delicacies and easy-breezy vibe, this place has former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, as a regular. Head to Betalbatim to discover this gem.

Pentagon
Located in Majorda, Pentagon is almost always packed with tourists owing to its seafood variety, lively ambience, and peppy entertainment.

Royal Afghan
Lying on the higher, fine-dining side, this private-beach-facing restaurant is located within ITC Grand Goa (Arossim). It is an absolute delight to witness the symphony of Mughal flavours synchronising with the crisp sea air. Must-visit for those who like grilled and barbecued food.

Simrose
Located in the centre of Agonda Beach, the highlight of this restaurant is the neat and clean choices of delicacies. It also includes some stunning vegan-friendly picks.

The Farfalla Deck
This restaurant has amazing water views of both the Agonda Beach and the backwater river. Needless to say, it serves some of the best dishes and cocktails.

The Fisherman’s Wharf
Just as its northern counterpart, Fisherman’s Cove, the Wharf is famous for its local charm. And, of course for its sumptuous, pocket-friendly delicacies.

Of course, the list of eateries and bars in the South are aplenty too, with many reputed restaurants being housed under 5-star roofs, but we must now move on to discover sights to see and things to do in both these districts.

Surf the beaches
Whether to surf, swim, or partake in various water sports, beaches top the list for most Goa-goers. Up North, there are commercial and overly popular beaches such as Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, and Candolim. There are also some quaint and cleaner beaches like Ashvem, Mandrem, and Morjim. South takes the crown when it comes to beaches. From the best and most popular beaches like Agonda, Benaulim, Cavelossim, and Colva to the lesser explored Butterfly, Cola, Cabo de Rama, and Mobor, the beaches and skylines are painted like a pure work of art each day.

Hit the slots
Goa is one of the only two states with legalised casinos. Consequently, a huge chunk of the country’s tourists visit Goa every year to hit the slots and try their luck. A gambler’s paradise, Panjim hosts a range of casinos like Deltin Royale, Casino Pride, Big Daddy Casino, etc. These feature several games like poker, slots, roulette, teen patti (three-card game). These casinos also offer food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) with your entry ticket. Various forms of entertainment like singing and dancing performances are also a part of the package to keep the guests engaged till the wee hours.

Sightseeing
Be the quintessential tourist and head out to explore some historical sites like Chapora and Aguada Fort. See churches and cathedrals like the church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Se Cathedral in old Goa. Also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Basilica de Bom Jesus or the Tomb of St. Francis Xavier. The authorities bring down the tomb in the church every 10 years, and tourists can view the tomb this year itself. Visit Margao — the commercial and cultural capital of South Goa.

Tropical spice plantations
Who knew that Goa would also be well-known for having one of the oldest tropical plantations? Savoi Ponda, approx. 25kms from Panjim, has a myriad of intercropping spices with coconuts, pineapple, betel nuts, and other fruits. I haven’t crossed this location off my list yet, I wish to do so during one of my next visits. I especially wish to see the partly submerged Ananta Temple in Savoi Verem that lies en route.

Shopping
I know it’s a rhetorical question, but how does one travel to any city, town, or state and not shop? Be it some souvenirs, trinkets, indigenous products, or accessories and clothes, there’s something to take back for everyone. Goa is replete with charming flea markets, such as the Anjuna Flea Market, Baga Beach and Candolim Beach Flea Markets, the Calangute Market square, as well as plenty seasonal and visit-worthy night markets like Mackie’s Night Bazaar and Ingo’s Saturday Night Market. You’ll find trendy beachwear, swimsuits, crochet, and jute work, shelled accessories almost everywhere in Goa. For more refined shoppers, Goa has some hip malls like Mall de Goa, Caculo Mall, and Valanka Shopping Mall. Here you can find several retail brands.

But for party lovers who want to continue the party back home, when they disembark their return flight too. My pro-tip would be to buy the local delicacies and a range of spirits. These are easily available in the Goan supermarkets like Newton and Delfino’s (at port prices). Don’t forget these as they may otherwise be unavailable back home.

Goan delicacies to buy
Cashews (remember the spice plantation from before, there is a whole factory for cashews nearby). Feni (Goa’s local wine prepared from cashews). Bebinca and Dodol (Portuguese-influenced Goan desserts), snacks and namakeens like rice flour chakri or murukku.

In high spirits
Cabo (coconut rum), Pistola (a high-quality agave tequila), King’s Beer (Goa’s very own beer), Samsara (gin), Doja (premium-crafted gin), and liqueurs such as Limoncello.

There are many restaurants, markets, alleys, and places, that I haven’t covered in this article, some known to yours truly, some unknown still. But being in this State is like being in a state of delirium. You are never fully aware of all that is happening around you, yet the level of happiness you feel by just being here is impalpable! This has been an ode of sorts to my favourite travel destination of all time — Goa.