Affordable Honeymoons

A Manali Honeymoon Trip may be perfect for you and your partner if you are looking for a picturesque affordable location where you can immerse yourself in the natural surrounds. Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous region in North India. The literal meaning of the place is ‘Land of Snow’, therefore the name of the state itself conjures a beautiful image in mind. Himachal is home to a number of valleys, including the famous honeymoon destination, Manali.

Manali, located near the Kullu Valley, is one of the most scenic valleys in Himachal. Since the valley is located in a cold region, the temperatures fall as low as -15°C in the winter, but the summer season is pleasantly warm. Despite the somewhat extreme weather conditions, Manali does not fail to attract thousands of tourists every year. Many people call it a “must-see” holiday destination. In the holiday season, the valley is always bustling with people visiting from both within the country and abroad. The breathtaking beauty of the place plays a great role in attracting such a large crowd. Manali is a beautiful hill station with an aura of serenity surrounding it due to the presence of forests as green as the waters that flow in the rivers surrounding the valley. It boasts magnificent temples, glorious waterfalls, and a general sense of calmness due to the abundance of natural beauty present in the area.

Things to do in Manali

The picturesque sights in Manali provide a great opportunity for people who are on their honeymoon to connect with their partners. If you do not feel up to making a great effort, you can just stay in your hotel, sit with your partner on the balcony, and look out over the snowy mountains. You can thus enjoy the chilly winds and perhaps a cup of coffee with your partner. However, visiting Manali will make and your partner want to enjoy the experience to the fullest. There are many activities that you can take part in during your honeymoon.

Paragliding

Solang Valley is famous for its paragliding activities. Depending on how long you choose to paraglide for, the cost ranges from INR 600 to INR 3,000. One session takes up to two hours to complete. It is unavailable in the monsoon season due to the rainy weather.

Skiiing

Another very famous sport in Manali is skiing. The Himalayan Ski Village is open to the public in all seasons. The valley people also arrange skiing tournaments on some of the festivals that take place throughout the year.

Himalayan Adventure Caravan

The Himalayan Adventure Caravan also provides an excellent adventurous experience for tourists. The package can be customized according to the activities that you wish to take part in. the caravan offers white-water rafting, mountain biking, trekking through the mountains, and jeep safaris. The presence of the Beas River in the vicinity of Manali makes it possible for tourists to participate in white-water rafting.

Hadimba Devi Temple

This magnificently-built temple is often recommended as the best starting point of your honeymoon. Its beautiful architecture gives a historic feel to the visitors. The temple celebrates the goddess Hadimba Devi. It boasts a great visual display of miniature versions of the goddess and her attendants. It is accessible to the public throughout the year, from 8 am to 6 pm. Other monasteries and temples, such as the famous Manu temple, are also located near the Hadimba Devi Temple. If you visit this temple, you can also pay your respects at the nearby religious places on the way.

Rohtang Pass

Since the Rohtang Pass is situated on a high altitude, it offers its visitors a panoramic view of the surrounding areas. The lush forests and snowy mountains that can be seen from atop the pass are quite breathtaking, especially for people who are visiting for the first time. A number of cliffs, ravines, and glaciers are also visible from the pass. The lake Dashahr lies to the left of Rohtang Pass. It is famous for its water which is said to possess healing capabilities. The famous Beas River is also visible from the Pass. Every year, between June and October, you can travel from Manali to other neighboring places such as Pangi and Leh valley via the pass.

Kothi

It is one of the most peaceful locations in the valley. It is the perfect spot for camping between the months of May and October, which are summer months. It is a good idea to camp at Kothi if you plan to walk to Rohtang Pass since it is located at the foot of the pass. This village also gives visitors a chance to take in the beautiful mountains and glaciers around it. What makes this place even more special is that the Beas River flows through it.

Solang Valley

The Solang Valley is situated between Kothi and Manali. It is most famous for its wide variety of adventure sports, most of which have been mentioned before. The valley acts a campsite for trekkers, and also when the locals and tourists can come together for a time of bonding and celebration. The valley also offers a beautiful view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and glaciers. The nearby areas are also ideal for rock-climbing activities. The famous skiing tournament held during the Winter Festival is also held in Solang Valley.

Naggar Castle

As the name suggests, the people of Naggar Town are blessed with an actual castle in their midst. The architecture is mainly based on wood and stone. It was home to the famous Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu back in the mid-1400s. Recently, however, it has been converted into a hotel. This means you can also book the castle for a certain amount of time and experience how living in a literal castle feels like. Many people consider the castle one of the places without visiting which your Manali honeymoon will be deemed incomplete. The castle also houses a souvenir shop which sells artefacts, wall hangings, and other cultural items. The works of famous painter Nicholas Roerich are also part of the castle’s décor.

Something more romantic?

There are also a few romantic activities you and your spouse can enjoy together since it is your honeymoon after all. For example, Old Manali has tattoo parlors where you and your spouse can get matching tattoos to initiate you newly-built connection. Alternatively, you can choose to do something much simpler, such as going yak riding or living in a treehouse.

If you have a little longer

Since there is a long list of activities to participate in and places you can visit, it would be best to extend your honeymoon to at least 10 days. This will give you the opportunity to make sure you can maximise the fun. One of the best things to do if you are staying for a longer time is exploring Mall Road. It is impossible to experience it fully in a short amount of time. Therefore, you should dedicate a few days from your stay to experiencing the crowded streets full of souvenir shops and eateries situated on Mall Road. The street also offers a scenic view of the surrounding trees.

Something different for honeymoon night 1

The first day of your honeymoon should be focused on letting yourself and your spouse get accustomed to the atmosphere of the new place. The many places that you can visit in Manali have been mentioned before. You could pick any one place which you think would be best for helping you connect with your soulmate, and focus on that. The first day should not be as tiring so that you do not tire yourselves out right at the start of your honeymoon. You should reserve the first night for your spouse. The ideal end to your day would be a romantic, preferably candlelight, dinner in one of the fancy restaurants of Manali, such as Il Forno or Café 1947.

FESTIVALS IN MANALI

The people of Manali are one with a rich culture and history. Their festivals usually involve cheerful celebrations with a lot of singing and dancing.

Dussehra

While this festival is celebrated all over India, the celebrations in Manali are worth a special mention. It is held annually at the end of Navratri. The participants pay homage to the Lord Rama and celebrate the victory of good over evil. On this day, the valley is filled with the pleasant sounds of music. A fair is also organised for the entertainment of the visitors.

Lossar Festival

This festival is held in the first week of the month of February. The festival is primarily a tradition of the state of Himachal in general, but it is celebrated with fervour in Manali as well. It is essentially a sort of New Year celebration for the locals. The highlight of the event is the part where the Lord Padamsambhava marries a local princess.

Winter Carnival

As the name suggests, the carnival is held in the winter season. Like the Lossar Festival, the winter carnival is also held in February. This carnival gets a lot of attention from both locals and tourists and gives them an opportunity to interact with each other and celebrate winter. Many fun-filled activities such as skiing and skating are part of the carnival. It also celebrates the local culture of Manali.

Lohri

Celebrated in mid-January while the cold winds are blowing at full force, people from all over the valley gather around magnificent bonfires to spend quality time bonding with each other. The festival is essentially a celebration for the harvest of Rabi crops. It holds special importance for the locals, who flaunt their traditional attire and make arrangements for local food made mainly from jiggery.

Doongri Forest Festival

Held in the months of May and June, this festival is mainly organised by the local women. They dress up colourful traditional clothes and sing and dance to local songs. It is held in honour of Manali’s local goddess. This event also provides an opportunity to tourists to participate in the celebrations along with the natives.

Hadimba Devi Festival

This festival carries religious significance in that it is held in honour of the goddess Hadimba Devi. It is usually held in the spring season at the famous Hadimba Devi Temple in Manali. The people pray for good health and prosperity. Arrangements for special dances and Yagya, which are held over the course of the day, are also made.

WHERE IS MANALI AND HOW TO GET THERE

Manali is approximately 400km North of New Delhi in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The closest international airport to get there is Indira Ghandi International in Delhi, then a domestic flight into Kulu airport in Bhuntar which is about 52km South of Manali. Drive time from Delhi to Manali is over 12 hours and not recommended. Once you get into Manali, there are buses to get around between the local tourist areas or hire a car from Bhuntar airport.

Flight times from:

New York: 24 hours	New Delhi: 2 hours
L.A.: 25 hours	Beijing: 18 hours
London: 17 hours	Dubai: 7 hours
Sydney: 22 hours

HOW TO GET AROUND MANALI

The best way to get around if you haven’t hired a car for the duration of your trip is to hire a taxi for a day (or more) to take you where you need to go. 1 Day taxi hire is widely available and you can hire one for about 2000INR (30USD) which will cover you for about 8 hours. Make sure you ask for a discounted rate if you are hiring over multiple days.

Motorbike hire is also an option if the weather is nice and you are after a little more adventure. Scooter hire will cost you about 350 INR (5USD) per day but be careful on the roads. Alternatively there are buses to get around the Manali area which are cheap however they are not that abundant and you have to work your plan into their timetable. Options for Manali buses are available here.

ACCOMMODATION IN MANALI

If you plan to spend a relatively small amount of time at the place you are staying at, then hotel rooms at lower prices would be ideal. Hotel Snow Park and Hotel Vintage, for example, offer comfortable lodgings with a few perks at a cheap rate of about INR 2,100.

For medium-range hotels, you can look into Apple Country Resorts or Johnson Lodge & Spa. Their rooms are priced at INR 6,000.

Luxury lodgings are available at rates as high as INR 11,000. The Himalayan is one of the most expensive hotels in Manali, with a castle-like look and feel and many free services such as a spa, pool, and fitness centre.

Manali all inclusive resorts

There are many luxury resorts in Manali where you and your spouse can visit in order to relax yourselves during your honeymoon. If you want a full, royal experience, you can book a time slot at one of the expensive resorts. Otherwise, many resorts are also reasonably priced. Some of the most famous resorts in the Manali valley are listed below, along with their ratings on the travel site, Expedia.

• Apple Country Resorts, rated at 4.7 out of 5 stars
• Citrus Manali Resorts, rated at 3.7 out of 5 stars
• La Ri Sa Resort, rated at 4.5 out of 5 stars
• Quality Inn River County Resort, rated at 4.1 out of 5 stars
• Rock Manali: A Boutique Hotel and Spa, rated at 4.5 out of 5 stars

Local food in Manali

Culinary experts consider the local street food of Manali to be a unique experience. These foods are cheap and also very tasty.

One of the most famous items on the streets of Manali is the Sidu. It is a simple kind of bread which is made from local flour and has yeast added to it to give it a soft texture. What is unique about Sidu is that it is first cooked on an exposed flame and then steamed before being served. Experts recommend accompanying Sidu with mutton curry in order to enjoy it to the maximum.

For people who like pulses (daal), the is a savoury treat. It is a rice dish which has a considerable amount of spices added to it. It is cooked in a manner similar to vegetable pulao and is usually served in popular places with mash daal.

The Bombay Bhelpuri and delicious samosas are also a perfect way to treat yourself to some cheap yet tasty snacks. Instead of ending your meal with dessert, you should instead try the Mittha, which is a dish made of rice and raisins sometimes complemented with a few other dry fruits.

LANGUAGE IN MANALI

The local langue of Manali is dialect of Hindi known as Mandeali. Hindi is widely spoken throughout the area and locals working in the tourism industry will have a good grasp of English.

Below some useful phrases to show your appreciation for the local culture.

Hello = namaste

Good morning = shubh prabhaat

Good evening = susandhya

Goodbye = alavida

Sorry = maaf keejiye

Please = krpya

Thank you = dhanyavaad

Yes = haan

No = nahin

MONTHLY WEATHER IN MANALI AND BEST TIME TO GO

The best time to visit Manali is between October and June – excluding February. February regularly sees a month of increased rainfall along with the colder climates. March – June and October – November offer the best temperatures to get involved in the outdoor activities while minimisinng exposure to heavy rainfall.

The majority of visitors to Manali are in the months of May – June.

High season: May to June

Dry Season: October to June (With significantly increased rainfall in February)

Rainy Season: July to September (and February)

Months	min. Temp.		max. Temp.			Rain days	Rainfall (mm)	Season
	°C	°F	°C	°F
January	8	46	20		68	7	20	Dry
February	8	46	20		68	14	85	Wet
March	13	55	25		77	11	40	Dry
April	18	64	32		90	8	30	Dry
May	23	73	36		97	9	40	Dry
June	27	81	40		104	12	45	Changing
July	26	79	37		99	25	200	Wet
August	24	75	36		97	16	120	Wet
September	22	71	33		91	16	80	Changing
October	17	62	31		88	3	10	Dry
November	12	53	27		81	2	2	Dry
December	8	46	22		71	3	5	Dry

COST OF THINGS IN MANALI

Manali is a little more isolated than other areas of India so the cost of goods in the area is more than can be expected in other areas of India – however still affordable compared to other areas.

McDonalds Combo Meal	$4.60 USD
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught)	$2.48 USD
Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle)	$3.54 USD
Cappuccino (regular)	$1.95 USD
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle)	$1.46 USD
Water (0.33 litre bottle)	$0.72 USD

MANALI TRAVEL TIPS AND TRICKS

The months between October and June are said to be the perfect times for visiting Manali because the monsoon is usually very wet and you might not be able to enjoy your honeymoon to the fullest with half the valley off-limits. The winter months will make it necessary for you to dress warm and stay safe from the cold winds. Summer, however, gives visitors a great opportunity to explore the outdoors.

Also, while Manali is accessible via multiple means of transportation, it is preferable to take land transport. Air travel around the region is discouraged since the weather conditions are not travel-friendly. Road-trips are high on the list of travel recommendations since they give travelers a chance to appreciate the scenic beauty all the way to Manali.

Regarding the atmosphere, New Manali should be your choice of stay if you wish to be part of the hustle and bustle of the valley life. However, for a more peaceful experience where you enjoy the company of your spouse, it is recommended to arrange for accommodation in Old Manali.

If you choose bus transport – some buses don’t have toilets onboard and instead make semi regular stops so don’t drink too much water!!

 IS MANALI SAFE?

Petty crime throughout the area – particularly for theft is common so be careful particularly if travelling by train. Some areas of India have increased reports of sexual assault, and some areas have areas of anti-government Naxalite groups operating. Scamming throughout the area is also common targeting the tourist areas.

As Manali is in the Northern more remote areas of India, it is high recommended to consult the link below for ares with current travel warnings. Some of the Northernmost areas of India commonly have advice to limit travel to that area. For the latest travel assessments and warnings, take a look at the India page for the US passport and International travel website for the latest travel warnings and information for Manali.

 

A Goa Honeymoon may be exactly what you are looking for if you are chasing a honeymoon spot close to nature, hassle free from crowd and traffic with lots of romantic space that is also wallet-friendly.

Goa is situated along the western coast of India, which is also known as the Kongan coast. This makes Goa famous for its beaches. There are a lot of small islands – both marine and estuarine, that offer a lot of opportunities for tourists to have a great time. Goa is one of the top most visited tourist spots of India – the coastal state fills the day and night with fun, peace and happiness. Goa’s serene beaches offer space for couples to spend romantic time together. As a couple, you can take a dip at the sea, take a trip to do a jungle safari and a plenty more.

Things to do in Goa

Below a list of romantic, cultural, adventurous and relaxing activities to keep yourselves amused on the trip to Goa.

Netravali

Surprise your partner with a trip to a few less trodden trails of Goa. One such place is Netravali. It is a village in south Goa, under heavy influence of Portuguese atmosphere. The village is 80 km from the capital city Panaji. It is worth spending a day at Netravali.

On the way to Netravali, you can see scenic beauty of green forests and wild species. After entering the village, the backdrop changes to Portuguese style residences that will take you a few centuries back on a time machine.

Plan your first stop at the bubbling Netravali lake. Also known as “Budbud Tali” in Kongani language, this lake is a scientific marvel. It looks more like a pond with a few steps leading to it. The surface of the water keeps forming concentric circles with bubbles. Ask your partner to clap her/his hands and see the magic! The bubbles move faster with more sound. At this lake, the water responds to acoustic changes. Until now, no clear theory is proved for this water-sound magic. Forget hydraulics and acoustics, just enjoy the beauty of lake and its surroundings.

It is a good idea to head next to Savari Falls a few kilo-meters away. The route is quite tricky, so get directions from locals to reach the falls and enjoy the breath-taking views..

Para-sailing

For any adventure lover, para-sailing is an exciting activity that pumps the adrenaline levels. For a couple, para-sailing is a romance-come-adventure activity which must be on the top of any honeymoon activities list.

A Para-sailing ride takes a person (or two) to the air by fixing one end to a boat and the other part is connected to the para-sailing couple attached to a canopy, which helps them to get an experience of flying on air. This is similar to flying with a parachute, the only difference being connected to a moving boat.

Beaches that offer para-sailing in Goa include Anjuna beach, Calangute beach and Candolim. Prices start from around 8000 INR per person. Para-sailing is operated from October to May. It is advised to take precautions and be informed about the conditions of para-sailing. It is important to know if the operators are well experienced and licenced for the activity. Wear lifejackets and consider safety as priority. It is recommended to carry swimsuits, towels and an extra pair of clothes.

Aquada Fort & Goa State Museum

Being a coastal region with the Arabian sea bounded on the west, Goa faced an invasion by Portuguese. They ruled for around 450 years. In 1961, Goa was annexed to India. It remained as an union territory until 1987. After May 1987, Goa was declared as a separate state of India.

As Goa was under the rule of Portuguese for a long time, it makes the region a mixed area of Portuguese and Indian culture. Heritage Portuguese buildings and museums offer a plethora of information on the glorious history of this state. The architectural style of Portuguese buildings are an awe to see. For a honeymoon trip, it is good to have a dose of informational tours too!

Aguada fort

History is interesting and it is more interesting to learn with a partner! Now, welcome to the Aguada fort – one of the unique structures which stands since 1612.

The fort was built by the Portuguese for a variety of reasons. First, as a defence structure, to safeguard their province. Their main opponents were the Dutch and the neighbour Maratha rulers. Secondly it was used to store goods for supply ships. The fort had a huge water storage facility that was used to re-fill water and other basic needs for the ships that sail across. It also housed a variety of weapons and war materials. A look into the fort and its history is worth a visit for anyone. The fort is located on the Sinquerim beach.

Goa state museum

There are many museums in Goa that exhibit cultural artefacts from the Portuguese era. Goa state museum is one such place that offers interesting pieces about the state’s past. This museum also explains the freedom struggle initiated by the locals against Portuguese. The museum is located in the capital city Panaji, and it is easily accessible.

Goa is also famous for many heritage structures – most of them are churches and citadels. They have been declared as UNESCO world heritage sites.

GOA BEACH

Last but not the least, the beach is the top most visited place of Goa. Walking barefoot on the white sand, holding hands, is the best relaxing activity any couple can have. The first thing that flashes on one’s mind about Goa is beach. Goa has a long coastline and the state is mainly divided into two – north Goa and south Goa.

Anjuna beach

Anjuna beach in north Goa is one of the most visited beaches on Goa. The beach offers a serene environment with rocks, white sand and food outlets. A shopping point called flea market is opened every Wednesday and it is enough to satisfy shopaholics from diverse countries. Ingos Saturday night market is also famous here. Common water sports are parasailing and jet skiing. Paragliding is also available. There are rental houses nearby on monthly basis and some resorts offer short time stay options along with a tour package.

Palolem beach

South Goa offers expensive entertainment for high budget tourist. But Palolem beach in south Goa is for everyone. Palolem is a relaxing place, less crowded and more beautiful. There are jungles and islands around, making this place suitable for trekking.

Butterfly beach

This is one of the amazing beaches in Goa, located near the Palolem beach. This beach is not accessible via road due to forest areas a

round. Hence, it can be reached by sea, from Palolem beach. For more adventure lovers, it is a good idea to just walk along the shores of Palolem beach, cross the forest and reach butterfly beach. This beach, in particular, has a scenic beauty of its own due to crystal clear water and white sand. The forest around adds more beauty to this beach by pouring in a shade of green. This beach is not very crowded and hence suitable for couples who wish to have a peaceful time together.

Baga beach

Baga beach is one of the most visited beaches of Goa with many water sports options available to have fun. Parasailing is available in Baga at reasonable prices. Banana boat rides are available that carries around four or more people. Dolphins can also be sighted at times and this beach makes the trip worth visiting.

Other ideas

Jungle trekking

After spending long hours at the beaches, you might want to take an alternate entertainment option. Going for a jungle trek is a good idea, especially if you have a longer trip available to honeymoon. This trip is adventurous and astonishing for all nature lovers. This may take an entire day but it is worth enjoying.

Jungle trekking in Palolem is more famous, though there are other places offering such activities. There is a small island called Monkey Island, which is passable by foot if the tides are low. From there, you can visit Butterfly Beach which is very quite and extremely beautiful. On the way trekking, interesting species of flora and fauna can be seen. This trip will make anyone realise the beauty of nature. Trekking as a couple will make it memorable forever.

Crocodile watch

Another idea to bask in wild, if you are staying longer, is to crocodile watch. Live crocodiles can be seen in the banks of Cumbarjua canal. This is an island at around 20 kilo-meters eastward from Panaji. The Cumbarjua canal links the waters of Zuari and Mandovi rivers. Boat rides are available at this canal known as Boat safaris. This is because, you can see a number of marine-come-land inhabited species along the ride. The main attraction of this trip is crocodile sighting. This place in Goa has the richest population of crocodiles than anywhere else in India.

Special/unique activity on night 1 of honeymoon

Candle light traditional dinner

A “must” activity on the to-do list of any honeymoon couple is a candle light dinner. To be honest, this kind of time-together is proven to promote the strength of love in marriage relationships. Goa offers a wide range of opportunities for dining. You can choose to have traditional food under modern settings, or a modern food under a traditional setting. An ideal candle light dinner must have medium light setting, a pleasant aroma and preferably a nice gift! It is a great idea to have a special dinner night 1 of the honey moon to boost up the intimacy and kindle up the spirits to enjoy the remaining days of the trip.

Though a candle light dinner can be enjoyed in any good restaurant, one of the best places to have a romantic dinner is at Spice studio, Salcette. The restaurant has good ambience and fresh fragrance along with delicious food – a perfect dining place to spend night 1 of the honeymoon trip. Check this location for more – 48/10 Village Majorda, at Adao Waddo, in Salcette.

Another option can be – Mustard, a simple dining point where you can have mouth-watering food and enjoy theatrical performances both at once. Mustard is located at House number 78, Mae de deus vaddo, in Chogm Road, at Sangolda.

FESTIVALS IN GOA

Apart from the common festivals such as Christmas, Diwali, Dussehra and Eid, which are celebrated throughout the country, there are a few local festivals celebrated in Goa.

Shigmo

Shigmo is one of the major festivals celebrated by native Goans. It falls on the Phalguni month and IS celebrated five days prior and after full moon. There are two variants of this festival – Dhaktho Shigmo/small Shigmo and Vhadlo Shigmo/big Shigmo. Dhaktho Shigmo is mostly celebrated in the rural villages of Goa where traditional songs and folk performances are held. Vhadlo Shigmo is celebrated nationwide, attracting large number of tourists from neighbourhood states. This festival is mostly celebrated according to the Hindu traditions.

Samvatsar Padvo

Samvastar Padvo is a version of Gudi Padwa festival widely celebrated in Maharashtra and its surroundings. This festival is celebrated by Konkani Hindus to welcome spring and New Year. It falls on the first day of the Chaithra month every year which corresponds to March/April of the Gregorian calendar. The festival is celebrated with bright colours including Rangoli and flags which are displayed in every house. The flags are decorated with flowers and metal pot. This festival is celebrated in other parts of the country as well, with slight variations.

Carnival

The Goa carnival is locally called as Intruz. Though carnival is universally celebrated across the globe, Goa is the only Indian state where this event is celebrated with high energy. It happens around the month of February every year and the towns of Goa get drenched with colours. Float parades are conducted with people having fun with their loved ones. Feasts and circus events attract more tourists during the carnival season.

Divar Bonderam

Celebrated at the Divar island of Goa, the Divar Bonderam festival is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of August and it has a historical flashback dating back to the Portuguese era. During the rule of Portuguese, they advised a flag system to resolve land disputes among the locals. The system faced high resistance from the local residents of Divar. This led to various kinds of protests. As a remembrance of such events, parades are conducted and history gets a rewind.

WHERE IS GOA AND HOW TO GET THERE

Located half way up the western side of India, Goa is about 500km South of Mumbai on the Arabian Sea. It has a domestic and an International airport which serves the primary access to Goa. From the airport, there are bus services to get to both North and South Goa.

Flight times from:

New York: 20 hours	New Delhi: 3 hours
L.A.: 22 hours	Beijing: 14 hours
London: 12 hours	Dubai: 4 hours
Sydney: 18 hours

The bus network operates from towns such as Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad to Goa, or Alternatively the Indian Train network is robust if you are already in India or would like to fly into another area of India. The train network services the majority of India other than in the far North.

 

HOW TO GET AROUND GOA

If you are looking to travel between towns, a taxi is a good option – they are widely available and can be hired for a full day for about 2000INR (30USD) which will cover you for about 8 hours. If you are looking for shorter distances – you can consider a Motorcycle taxi or 3 wheeled Rickshaw which are both cheaper than the regular taxis.

If you are feeling slightly more adventurous, you can hire your own scooter for about 350 INR (5USD) per day but be careful on the roads over there as the drivers are a little crazy at times. It is not recommended unless you are competent on a scooter! Or hire car rental is also available at a good price.

ACCOMMODATION IN GOA

Tourism is the main source of income for Goa and it offers tour packages under a wide budget range. North Goa offers medium and low cost stay options, and the prices rise as we travel down south.

Budget accommodation

Lowest accommodation rates begin at 1200 INR (20 USD). There are many budget hotels which offer a nice stay with clean rooms and decent food. This type of accommodation is best suited for friends who travel on a tight budget. For a honeymoon trip, it is better to have a look in person before checking in to ensure you have a peaceful stay with safe wallet.

Mid range accommodation

Mid range accommodation varies from 1600 INR to 5500 INR. These classes of hotels have a better look, with wide space and atmosphere. For those who can afford more than 2000 INR, it is better to choose a mid range option for a honeymoon trip.

Luxury accommodation

Luxury accommodation options start at around 10,000 INR and may go further beyond 17,000 INR. Brand names such as Hyatt and Taj are the star luxury abodes for those who wish to spend more. Most of the luxury hotels are all-inclusive meaning a single payment in advance will cover many other basic needs.

GOA all inclusive resorts

All inclusive resorts offer the comfort of enjoying every single element of the trip with just a single payment. Some hotels offer unlimited buffet and other entertainment options such as group activities with full advance payment. This enables a hassle free experience and you need not pull out your wallet as often which means that you might actually pay less than you otherwise would have.

Below is a list of resorts with 4+ user ratings out of 5. The prices may vary but these resorts offer high class comfort and peace. There are many more resorts to sort out based on specific location and requirements.

• Heritage village resort, Arossim beach, Cansaulim
• Santana beach resort, Dando beach, Candolim
• Grand Hyatt, Goa university, Bambolim
• Kenilworth beach resort, Utorda salcete majorda, Uttorda
• Goa marriott resort, Miramar beach, Panaji

Adults only resorts

Adults only resorts allow only people above 18. These resorts may have indoor pools and other activities unsuitable for small children. They also offer a peaceful abode for guests without the stress of handling little kids. Most of the luxury resorts are adults only and all-inclusive.

This is a small list of frequently booked adults only resorts.

• Albuquerque holiday villas, Candolim
• Living room Goa, Vagator
• Santonio resorts, Anjuna
• The island pool villa, Vainguinim
• Jasminn Mango hotels, Betalbatim

 

Local food in Goa

Along with the Goan special fish, spicy chicken curry and beef curry, Goans also enjoy a wide variety of vegetarian, non-vegetarian dishes and desserts.

Sanas

Sanas is a steam cooked rice cake, ideal for breakfast. It can be eaten with a spicy or tangy side dish. There are many variants of Sanas throughout South India. It is a slightly altered version of south Indian Idly.

Amboli

Amboli is another healthy option for a nutritional breakfast. It is a variation of Chappathi, but made with rice and Urad dal batter. It tastes delicious with spicy chicken curry, dal or coconut chutney. The origin of this food is Maharashtra.

Manganem

Manganem or Mangane is a sweet dish traditionally prepared by Goans during festivals. It looks and tastes like Payasam and it is also called “Goan Payasam”. Main ingredients of this dish are channa dal, sabudana and coconut. Cashews and ghee brings a wonderful aroma and flavour to the dish.

Khatkhate

Khatkhate is a pure vegetarian curry made with vegetables, coconut and toor dhal. It is a traditional Goan dish, mostly prepared without onions and garlic. A special ingredient used is a kind of pepper locally called Tirphal. It also goes by the name Sichuan pepper, which gives a peculiar aroma to the dish.

Sweet bebinca

Sweet bebinca is a pudding made with flour, egg yolk, ghee, sugar and coconut milk. It is a multi-layered soft pudding sliced into thin pieces. This sweet is a popular one among Goans during Christmas. It can also be found in Portuguese cuisine.

LANGUAGE IN GOA

The mostly widely spoken and official language of Goa is Konkani. Originally Portugese was the main language before liberation in 1961 so some older Goans still speak Portugese. English is also widely spoken as is Hindi and Marathi. English is particularly common in the tourist areas and is widely taught in Indian schools.

MONTHLY WEATHER IN GOA AND BEST TIME TO GO

The best time to visit Goa is in the months of November through to April where the weather is warm with minimal rainfall but not as hot as it gets from May through to September which is also the monsoon season. Even during the winter in Goa, you can still enjoy the Goan beaches. If you don’t mind the heat and plenty of rainfall, during the monsoon season may suit you and you will get better deals on accommodation during those months.

High season: October to January

Dry Season: November to April

Rainy Season: June to September

Months	min. Temp.		max. Temp.			Rain days	Rainfall (mm)	Season
	°C	°F	°C	°F
January	21	70	32		90	1	3	Dry
February	21	70	31		88	2	7	Dry
March	22	72	32		90	1	5	Dry
April	24	75	33		91	2	10	Dry
May	26	79	33		91	9	140	Changing
June	27	81	33		91	20	810	Wet
July	26	79	32		90	25	950	Wet
August	26	79	31		88	16	610	Wet
September	25	77	31		88	12	240	Wet
October	25	77	31		88	8	160	Changing
November	24	75	32		90	2	22	Dry
December	22	72	32		90	2	14	Dry

 

COST OF THINGS IN GOA

McDonalds Combo Meal	$5.14 USD
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught)	$0.88 USD
Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle)	$1.47 USD
Cappuccino (regular)	$1.28 USD
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle)	$0.45 USD
Water (0.33 litre bottle)	$0.23 USD

 

GOA TRAVEL TIPS AND TRICKS

Choosing railway as an option to reach Goa will expose you to the beautiful landscapes along the journey.

Plan ahead to enjoy the most from Goa, as beach is not the only option.

For a honeymoon trip, choose locations that offer a good stay and quality food – It will be worth paying the little bit extra for a honeymoon.

Fill the travel bag with a first aid kit, power backup, bath accessories and snacks.

It is better to carry a digital camera to minimise the usage of smartphones on a honeymoon trip.

Have important locations and phone numbers noted on a diary, as smartphones may lose power.

 

IS GOA SAFE?

Petty crime throughout the area – particularly for theft is common so be careful particularly if travelling by train. Some areas of India have increased reports of sexual assault, and some areas have areas of anti-government Naxalite groups operating. Scamming throughout the area is also common targeting the tourist areas. For the latest travel assessments and warnings, take a look at the India page for the US passport and International travel website for the latest travel warnings and information for Goa.