Is it worth me going to Goa? Is there somewhere else that can be recommended?

Travellerette

I'll be travelling in India for about 5 weeks, and I am flying out of Mumbai. I have about 10 days to see the tiniest portion of south India (I'll be spending most of my time in the north - Delhi and Rajasthan). The only things I really really want to see are the Ajanta and Ellora caves. How much time should I spend there?

I don't care to spend lots of time in Mumbai, but I'd like to spend at least the last couple of the 10 days there - as I want to make sure I'm not rushed and that I don't miss my flight.

My question is - Is it worth me going down to Goa? I've heard it's amazing and beautiful. I'd love to see the Portugese influence on the architecture and just relax on the beach after my hectic Rajasthan itinerary.

I'm open to suggestions of other places that may be close to Mumbai.

I'm a budget traveller, and will be a solo woman traveler, so I'd like to stay in areas that aren't too secluded.

I totally appreciate any suggestions.

GoanCanuck

One day is adequate for them.

There is not too much around Mumbai which can be said to be historically significant. There are the Elephenta caves but I would not rate them highly.

Have you been to Cuba or the Dominican Republic? The beaches in these countries are better than those in Goa. Having said that, the beaches in Goa are beautiful in their own way. The food in Goa is also a big draw especially the Goan-Portuguese dishes.

Goa is the only place in India where alcohol is not only cheaply available but it is an essential ingredient of day to day life.

Travellerette

I've been to Varadero, Cuba just last Feb - beautiful! I think that I may just have to book it down and back - even if it's just to be able to see it for myself. What part of Goa would be most advisable? I'd like something close to transportation, and close to some sites.

GoanCanuck

I think Anjuna would be ideal for you. Plenty of backpacker style accommodation at low rates and you can hire a scooter and travel around. Honda scooters are avilable for less than Rs 200/day.

Alternativel you can bus it from Anjuna. Buses are very cheap.

If you are coming from Mumbai by train, get down at Thivim station and take a rickshaw to Mapusa. From Mapusa there are plenty of buses to Anjuna which is just 5-6 km away.

Travellerette

thanks for the tip, I just looked it up in my guidebook - Anjuna is described as party place - they acutal say that "you'll find the hedonism a total turn-off or a heaven-on-the-sea". I must admit that I'm not really looking to party. I'm travelling by myself and don't want to get in too much trouble. I'm mostly into the sightseeing and the beauty. What kind of sights and things are close by?

How is Old Goa? Is it difficult to get there?

GoanCanuck

The standard of guidebooks these days is going rapidly downhill with inaccurate and misleading information. Anjuna "used" to be a party place but that was several years ago when the Goa Trance scene was in full flow. I guess the author of this particular guidebook has not bothered to visit Goa for the last few years and get an update on the situation.

"Hedonism" in Anjuna is so non-existent that I had a good laugh when I first read your post.

Old Goa is a lovely place and it should take you about 45min by scooter. The distance from Anjuna is approximately 28km.

Another option for you is to stay in the Latin Quarter in Panjim which is known as Fontainhas. There are some lovely quaint Portuguese era mansions in this neighbourhood. The side roads here have cobblestones like the ones in Europe.

One of the mansions in this area which has been restored is the Panjim Inn,
http://www.panjiminn.com/body_panjiminn.htm

Travellerette

Lol, Thanks! I'll look into those areas and see how much I can handle in the time I have. It'll be a great starting point

singsub

Two things -

- 1 day is enough for Ajanta OR Ellora but not both. For that you'd need a couple of days.

- you are far better off chucking Goa from this trip. You have already seen better beaches and you can include Goa next time when you travel in South India. Besides, the Portuguese influence on Goa is not as glorious as its made out to be.

lyndy

I come from a land of magic beaches (live 250 metres form a lovely one!)and I'd still advise you to see Goa. It is a very unique part of India. The food, the people, the lovely old churches & buildings are a break from the chaos of most areas of India.