Backpacking to Goa- Part 1

Part -1

Goa always has been my must travel-to destination in India. Been an Indonesian, India is a place where we consider it as the elite destination to meet culture, rich tradition and yes to explore the unexplored.
So last year summer end, I did backpacking to Goa with my friend. As most of us, Travelling as a backpacker and exploring different parts of the world,  for who wants to come out of the comfort zone, breaking for a while from day to day life, that teaches us different lessons in its own way.

A little about me….

Born and raised from one of southeast Asian country-  Indonesia; Which does have pretty much amazing tourism spots like Bali, however this time in 2018 without planning, I left for my long-time calling, GOA.

So here it is, a much-unplanned summary to GOA during the off-season for backpacker traveller including its tips and trick. I will walk you through my journey so that you can travel with me.

I traveled to Bangalore from my Place two days back from our actual trip.

Well, there are multiple ways to reach GOA, either by trains, flight or Bus.

 This time we choose the bus simply because Train is way too hard to book and the flights are a bit pricey, as my concept of backpacker travelling is to minimize cost expenses. Another reason to travel by bus is that the journey has very pleasant Landscape and Forest scenery. 

May 14^th-May 16^th

Travel guide for first time backpacker tourist to GOA during offseason, tips, and tricks

Transportation :

I and my partner booked 1-way bus ticket online from Makemy trip; this website available also locally in India, it cost us approximately less than INR 2000 total for two (can’t remember exact amount J) we use Shyam Travel bus, Sleeper 2+1.

Tips: Always book online for the bus ticket as it’s far much cheaper compared with booking it from a local travel agent. However it requires an Indian credit card or debit card. We chose late-night travel and it took us less than 12 hrs to reach the destination.

About the Bus Coach, which amazed me as a first time experience, the bus was very comfortable and convent.  It had multiple Pick up points around the city with even extended pickup car facility. The Cabin had double-decker with a double bed on one side, and single bed on another side, provided with blanket, pillow, and curtains around to have full privacy.  Inside the bed  ‘ cabin,’ it has its own AC’s and power docking station.

Tips: We recommend to select bed on down rather than the upper one. On the way back home from Goa, we got an upper bed and it wasn’t pleasant experiences for us as we had back pain and difficulty to move during the travel.

The road to Goa is utterly breathtaking, The forests of Western  Ghats of India are a blessing. As the roads were taking us through the foggy roads covered with the Lush green forests on both the side.
I understood why India is called the place to visit. The breathtaking scenery of the distant sea from the hills in that early morning is something I can never forget.

May 14^th,

We reached GOA around 6 am in the morning, the bus dropped us in the Mapusa terminal, GOA.  We stopped by in the nearest cafeteria just for a break. We ordered  CHAI (Indian traditional tea with milk) and some snacks. 

Our Hotel was at Arambol, North Goa, so we headed for that. We got a local bus from  Mapusa Bus terminal to our destination. It was INR 50 per ticket from Mapusa to Arambol and took us roughly 2 hours. Mind it, the bus inside the town are no fancy but are a hell of an experience. (You can book a car if you wish, but we  were on a strict budget )

We reached Arambol around 9 am and took us 15 minutes’ walk to our Hotel. The host allowed us for early check-in as we called him in advance.

Hotel :

During offseason, like when we went, the hotel prices are significantly low, so there are no worries if you haven’t booked it in advance, in fact, you can also book it on the same day itself and once you are at Goa. If you don’t like, from 2^nd day onwards there are plenty of local homestay options that you can explore along the way.

We stayed at  Swati hotel in North Goa for INR 500  per night,  it’s an average hotel but good reviews and Arambol beach is just 3 minutes walk from the hotel.

Our room had no AC, and we never needed one. The hotel was pretty fine, However, we stayed there only to sleep and refresh. But if you have a bit more budget you can add more INR 300 for AC room if you don’t like sea humid climate.

Tips: Strongly recommended if it is your first time to GOA and have no knowledge about the place, you definitely need the internet as your compass. Online hotel booking is cheaper and easier.

I  used  booking.com as sometimes there are few hotels which allow to book without cards or need to be  paid at the spot and its free of cancelations. like each and every hotel they will also have check-in and check-out timing, however, this is usually negotiable, just need to contact the host.

Lunch time….

Around 2 PM we walked out for grabbing something for lunch at the nearby beach. Strolling a while we reached  ‘Laughing Buddha ‘ beach restaurant. Earlier traveler’s review was good.  We had 1 Jug beer,1 glass feni

(local GOA alcohol from fermented cashew),a chicken curry with garlic naan (Indian traditional bread) and fried calamari (the best when we ate it). Food was good, beer was chilled, and the beach was sunny, we felt great at that place. However, the bill was around INR 1000 (The price was high cos it was a restaurant, we learned later).

Tips : Buying booze from the restaurant will double up the price. You can always buy these items from nearby local shop available almost in each corner of the roads. A bottle of beer will cost you minimum INR 30-40 depending on the brand while Fenni will cost you INR 30 for 60 ml.(I prefer Fenni )

Evening …..

It was 3 PM and the heat struck more and more. So packing up with Cotton, cloths is best, and don’t forget the shades.

We had only 2 days to spend in GOA and we definitely didn’t wait for having fun. We rented a  scooter or more popular as scooty,  to go around. Usually, the hotel or homestay provides the service or you can find one locally. This cost was  INR 600 for 2 days. You will need a valid license to have one.

We headed towards Baga beach, south of GOA where it usually more into nightlife and party.it took us 1 hour trip with the help of GPS. On the way crossing on the bridge, local police stopped us for no reason seems that they just looking for small share from us, it cost us INR 100 L, (Beware, if you have a helmet and license and vehicle papers with you, no reason to be afraid )

Reaching Bagha beach….

A long drive through the beautiful roads, we finally reach there with 2 intention, tattoo, and party!

Bagha, famous for its nightlife. There are plenty of local bars which is open till 3 am or even later than that during weekends. One Namely ‘ Tito’s ‘. You may see the pub’s advertise along the way. We planned Tito’s later at night.

We reached around 6 PM and headed  to Baga beach for Sunset, but before that, we stopped by  at the nearest Tatoo making shop available just next to the parking lot,  but it pretty costly, INR 500 per inch, But in the end, it came out pretty good

Walking alongside the beach with many local bar’s just alongside the beach, offering their best menu, and serving food right at the beach.   It was surprising that even during the offseason the crowd was good at Bagha Beach

We sat at one of the bars and ordered two jugs of kingfisher beers (Indian beer company) and butter calamari. Sunset in front of our eyes with the sound of waves and breeze, and the tangy crunchy food, and at the distant the local beach seller’s glittering lamps, It all felt heaven.

To be continued…

By Maria Theresia