Goa, What Beach?

amandarose

Hello Everyone, My Name is Amanda and I am new to this. I have traveled to India several times and I am going to take my husband for the first time. I was wondering what beach/scene is the best for us as I have never been to Goa. We live in Myrtle Beach so we are no strangers to the beach itself but we love it and go to beaches whenever and wherever we can. We are 29 and 33 and we like to have a good time but do not want to be around a bunch of really young, drunk idiots or stuck around overpriced beach resorts. I know there are cool places to go and Hang out, I just don't know where or where to stay.Probably $30-40 anight would be our max for the most time with an occasional splurge. We would like to spend about 8-10 days in Goa. We are going to be in Ahmednagar with friends for 5 weeks. We thought about traveling to Goa from there in mid. February. Also what is the best way to grt there from Ahmednagar? We can get to Pune pretty easily. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much, Amanda

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smitra123

I suggest you look hard at Anjuna Beach in Goa. It's placed between the more commercial/overcrowded beaches to the south and the peaceful northern beaches. There are a few experiences more pleasant than watching the sun go down from the Shore Bar on Anjuna Beach. You can use Anjuna as a basecamp to explore Goa.

In terms of places to stay at Anjuna Beach, look at all the usual suspects (Lonely Planet, Rough Guide and even Fodors, which is surprisingly good). I've travelled there peak season and paid much more, but it was worth it for me. I stayed at Granpa's Inn in Anjuna, which is a peaceful good vibey beautiful place with outdoor private showers. It was worth it for me to splurge, but it sounds like you're not going to be able to do it.

Have fun.

Dave&Jewel

Anjuna, Ashwen, Palolem, Manderem, Arambol, Arpora.. beautiful beaches all. Anjuna is a great place to stay, there is a great flea market near the beach on Wednesdays and Ingo's Bazaar on a Saturday night in Arpora is an assault on the senses not to be missed! All the colour, sights, smells
and sounds of Goa are here...delicious food stalls too!

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amandarose

Thanks so much for all the info, We will definitely be checking out Anjuna, Grampa's inn looks awesome. Any recommendation for Travel from Ahmednagar to Panjim? We can get to Pune in @ 3hours.

annmac

Not a local myself, but I think you can fly Pune to Panjim with Kingfisher airline every day. You can book on-line.
HTH

steven_ber

Train 2780 departs Ahmadnagar daily at 12.50 and gets to Madgaon at 05.40 (2A, 3A, SL.)

Kingfisher fly from Pune via Bangalore to Dabolim (Goa), but it's something like 30 kms from Dabolim to Panjim.

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Mr.cool

i think you should try beaches in south goa if you look for a quiet holiday...well i have not been to south goa..but certainly can vouch on north goa beaches like anjuna,vagator,baga,calangute. These places are heavily comercialised & often more of junkies are seen around. Of course if you wanna party hard & live life the hipiee style...i suggest north goa is just perfect.Well i believe u will always come across drunk idiots whever you go in goa...coz in India goa is a "boozers paradise"

Tomkat

I shecond that!!

amandarose

I was starting to get the idea that Anjuna was not for us, I mean we live in Myrtle Beach so we already are around that kind of craziness all summer.The club-party scene is definitely not what we want to be around. Palolem looks cool though, more low key. I would love to meet other travelers and chill on the beach with some beers and like minded people....Is Palolem the place? And where to stay?

funkyskunky

thats where i am going on the 25th feb ....after loads of research, it seems the best place to go....

Tomkat

Well Palolem ain't no Myrtle Beach! If you like it backpacker city with loud Israelis and all night thumping speakers, you'll love it!
Best you check in up north at Anjuna or Benaulim etc. and take a day trip down to check it out by bus, taxi or motorbike.

funkyskunky

are you saying its quieter up north?

Tomkat

....no, but different. Think resorts and nice restaurants, bars and sophisticated shopping while south is more youth and huts,and funky cafes - perhaps a newer state of development. Of course there is crossover but generally......

amandarose

Oh my god.. I am oh so confused!!! I thought Anjuna was the party area and Palolem was more laid back. We are going to Panjim first to see old Goa and Now I don't know where to go. I guess I just want to be somewhere that isn't crazy partying people with base pumping music everywhere, where do we go?

Sussegadman

I fell in love with Goa and am now staying here for the past 2 years , I would recommend Anjuna over Palolem anyday for what you are looking. Though Anjuna does have a fair share of tourist traffic you don't have the loud music like Palolem , Calangute Baga etc.

There are quite a few really quiet beaches I know which is still a secret from the run of the mill tourist places and known to locals only. If you would prefer this then you can contact me off forum.

On the other point best route would be Ahmednagar - Pune - then fly to Goa or catch an overnight volvo airconditioned bus... its under $ 20 per person an you can leave pune late evening and be in Goa for breakfast. The Roads are presently good so you can expect a smooth ride.

Let me know if you need any further information to assist you with your goa visit.