Solo Trip To Goa: Plan With This Detailed Guide In 2024
There is no better thing than traveling alone and exploring the new dimensions of a destination. Not only an outlet for rejuvenation, such trips allow you to work your plans around your interests; while India has a thousand of such destinations, what’s a better starting point for a solo trip in Goa? From relaxing on the sparkling white sands to dancing at the sizzling nightlife, from exploring local markets to indulging in water sports activities, Goa has everything to treat you for a perfect tropical escapade. Whether you are planning for an adventurous holiday or looking forward to a retreat for peace, Goa has it all for you. This is a comprehensive guide to help you plan your next solo trip if you are a first-time traveler or need better guidance on how to plan your trip.
About Goa
We all know Goa as the perfect destination for a beachy getaway, but the destination is so much more than that. Goa is divided into two parts i.e. North Goa and South Goa. And now the question of which part is better to visit arises. While North Goa is known for its happening part places, stunning beaches, street food, and water sport activities, South Goa is much more peaceful and soothing with less number of tourists. If the goal of your solo trip to Goa is to relax and unwind in peaceful surroundings, South Goa would be your best bet. Apart from beaches, there are several shopping areas, heritage destinations, and forts. Both parts have them all. And we have also been clear with which one is better; let us see other stuff that matters the most before you finally get ready to go Goa alone.
8 Must-visit Beaches On Your Solo Trip To Goa
Unwinding amidst the glistening white sand, palm trees, and crystal-clear water, beaches would be the first thing that strike your mind when you think of Goa. And while Goa happens to be a haven for many such beaches, there are a few that you definitely cannot miss out on. Here are our top 6 picks of must-visit beaches on your solo trip to Goa:
Calangute Beach
Calangute is one of the most popular beaches of Goa, known for its gleaming white sand and swaying palm trees beside great markets and water sports. You may find art exhibitions, open-air markets, and multiples of water activities to indulge in. The beach is highly close to Panaji, and great pubs and restaurants are dotted all across to explore on your visit here. The best thing to do in your solo trip to Goa is to explore this fantastic beach.
Anjuna Beach
There are several goa that are great for solo travel. But above all others, time at Anjuna Beach takes the most prominent place. This is a beach, the very reputation of which, for a traveler, has come to define fun activities. Visitors claim to have witnessed here presence of psychedelic music, flea markets, fun crowds and everything in between. The place will surely win your heart with its sunsets that possess a magical glow, or just to enjoy the night life of Goa. When you visit again for your next female solo tour, you may surely include this stunning beach as part of the itinerary in Goa.
Vagator Beach
If you are coming to Goa alone, all you need to do is enter Vagator Beach. It is located on the northernmost part of Bardez Taluka; Vagator Beach became famous for its spectacular freshwater springs that flow between reddish-colored cliffs. And among other things, one can also find local stalls selling food and souvenirs as well as clothing. The beach is considered quite popular among tourists to take rest after long-tiring days in Goa.
Palolem Beach
This beach is found in Canacona, the southern part of Goa, and is a frequent visiting place for fishermen and foreign tourists. This beach can be one of the quieter places to visit during your solo trip to Goa and lets you soak in the serenity of the place. You can also indulge in yoga classes and ayurvedic therapies here.
Agonda Beach
One of the not so crowded places to visit in Goa is Agonda Beach, which generally is not packaged with tourists. This is because this beach is mostly tranquil and soothing, a perfect place to relax while soaking in the sun. The waves here are quite calm too, making it perfect for swimming. Upon visiting this beach, you could also see the Agona Church which is right at the center of the beach.
Cola Beach
Away from all the hectic pace, this beach is perfect to pause, relax, and enjoy the serenity surrounding it. Among Goa’s most breathtaking beaches, the surpassing blue of water along with its contrasting green will surely leave you spellbound. Ideal to visit with friends or family, you can indulge in things such as sunbathing, swimming, and much more.
Baga Beach
Baga Beach is located on the North Goa coastline and is known to be very lively and full of fun. Its golden sands run along the Arabian Sea, which is a perfect hotspot for beach lovers. Besides seamlessly blending relaxation with scenic views, the beach invites adrenaline activities like jet skiing and parasailing. With shacks and clubs all along the beach, you will be able to experience super exciting Goa nightlife. So, enjoy your dance moves on the beach.
What to do on a solo trip to Goa?
Goa is alive with so much in the way of things to see, be it beaches or heritage sites or markets. So you just can’t run out of things to do there. And after knowing about which beaches not to miss out on while visiting here, here’s our guide on what to do on a solo trip to Goa.
Dive into Thrilling Water Sports Adventures!
Goa is not all fun and frolic, great food, and beaches. In fact, it presents a haven for water sports activities because most of the beaches offer one thing or the other to indulge in activities like snorkeling, kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boarding, or surfing. While you might or might not be a person interested in indulging in water sports activities, it’s definitely something you should try your hands at for the best that Goa has in store for you. Some of the best beaches for water sports activities are located at Dona Paula, Baga, Calangute, Anjuna, Candolim, Grand Island, Bogmalo, Vagator, Colva, and Palolem beach.
Shop from Flea Markets
It is the flea markets which Goa is originally known for, and going for a visit is certainly part of a complete shopping experience in Goa. The stalls selling everything from handicrafts and dresses and accessories to trinkets to shoes, and just about anything and everything. Of all of the most prominent flea markets is Saturday night market at Arpora.
Savour The Delectable Seafood
Is your solo trip to Goa even complete without tasting the seafood? Goa is famous for its variety of sea foods. Prepared locally with the use of local spices and recipes, this is definitely something that you cannot miss. Grilled kingfish, pomfret recheado, Batter-Fried Calamari, Tonnak, tisryo, Rawa fried mussels, or crab masala are few of the must-try dishes here. While doing Goa solo travel, keep yourself charged up with some lip-smacking cuisines.
How To Reach Goa
By Air
Definitely, the most convenient and quicker way to Goa would be by air. The closest international airport to Goa is Dabolim, which is 29 km from Panaji. In addition to major domestic cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Indore, Kolkata, etc, this international airport is also well connected to international cities of the UK and Germany. Whether traveling alone from Bangalore to Goa or from Delhi to Goa, it is a rather convenient mode of travel via air.
By Rail
The connectivity of the railway in Goa is good, and stations are well connected to major domestic cities. The two major stations are present in Goa: Madgaon and Vasco-da-Gama. These are properly connected with the trains coming from Mumbai as well as from other cities. Travel by train will be much cost-effective as compared to flying. If you want to take a budget solo trip from Delhi to Goa, then certainly you can travel by train.
By Road
Traveling by road is also another good option to reach Goa. The main bus stand is the Kadamba bus stand and the road connectivity from all major cities is quite good. It has its own bus service or you can even opt for private buses that will make your journey easier and convenient. If you look for a thrilling solo journey to Goa from Pune, it is easy and, at the same time, a lot of fun.
Best Time To Visit In Goa
While planning a trip to Goa alone you might want to know the best time to go to the destination. Goa is accessible throughout the year, but there are months that are considered the best for planning your trip.
November to February
The best time to visit Goa is from November to February since the weather during that time is pleasant and ideal for exploring sightseeing points. There are many parties around this time as well, and this is the most perfect moment to relax and unwind on beaches.
March to May
Although March to May is not the ideal time to travel to Goa, the hotel rates during this period are rather nominal due to lesser tourists visiting the destination. The temperature hovers around 25-35 °C and the weather is hot and humid which doesn’t offer much to indulge in many activities.
June to August
Goa during June-August. The months of June, July, and August are relatively cooler because the monsoon season begins. The temperature during these months ranges between 24°C and 30°C. This is the best season for those who love nature. The experience of rain, frequent drizzles, and lush green surroundings add an extra zest to this time.
