After Dapoli, in this blog post, I will uncover everyone’s favorite beach destination in India, more so in the monsoon – Goa! I will address 5 key questions travelers have when planning a trip to Goa:

1. When is a good time to visit Goa – I’ve been to Goa many times, and at different times of the year – in Feb/Mar/Apr, in Jul/Aug/Sep as well as in Dec/Jan. According to me, Goa is an ‘any time’, ‘always on’ destination. For those who enjoy the rains and lush greenery, monsoon is a great time! There is no winter per se in Goa. Even in December, the sun is out and it can be sweltering hot during the day just like in the summer months. But having said that, mornings and evenings are pleasant and breezy, so one can enjoy walks at the beach and beautiful sunrise and sunset views. And one can beat the day heat by plunging into the pool. So don’t think twice before planning a trip to Goa – any time!

2. Where to stay in Goa – From what I’ve seen, experienced, and read – South Goa is serene and less commercial. It’s a great choice if one wants to relax in a nice 5-star property. However, I believe North Goa is where the heart of all the action is. On most of my trips I have stayed in and around Arpora, Anjuna, Vagator, Calangute. You will be spoilt for choice in terms of accommodation options. There are enough and more choices – 5-star luxury properties like W, boutique hotels like Postcard, and ofcourse beautiful villas with a private pool – ideal for a big group of family or friends. As for now, I personally loved my stay at Villa Kanai in Arpora – a beautifully done up villa, with 4 bedrooms, that can comfortably accommodate 8 guests, has a lovely pool and gazebo to chill. A coffee shop and a supermarket close-by, dedicated car parking, and excellent care-takers. A perfect mix of convenience and comfort.

3. What are the best breakfast places in North Goa – Here are my top 3 recommendations

• An all-time favorite of mine is Mojigao in Assagao. They have a fairly exhaustive menu. Typically, we’d start with breakfast and keep sitting and soaking-in the vibe till lunch, or just enjoy a long lazy brunch – start with coffee and end with cocktails! The place has a great vibe, it’s green, and usually has art exhibitions or live music on. It also has a nature walk, yoga sessions and also rooms to stay

• Another must do is Baba-Au-Rhum. I’ve always loved the rustic ambience of their Anjuna outlet. And on my last trip, I tried Baba 2.0 at Badem. Eggs at their best, as always!

• Last but not the least, close to Villa Kanai in Arpora, I found a hidden gem called Marai – The Courtyard of Slow Living. Such a beautiful café-cum-bakery-cum-restaurant, with great outdoor seating. I just loved the ambience. And the best thing on their menu – Vietnamese Iced Coffee and French Toast

4. What are the best beaches to enjoy sunset views and grab drinks/ dinner in North Goa –

• Enjoy the waves and sunset views at Candolim Beach, followed by drinks at Fisherman’s Wharf which has great live music. Eventually, end the evening with an appetizing pan-Asian meal at Yazu

• Visit the clean and relatively less crowded beach of Morjim for breath-taking sunset views. Get an outside table at the very popular Tomatoes, don’t forget to order their watermelon mojito and gorge on their widespread food menu. And a plus – enjoy their light and fire acts

• Take a stroll at Ozran beach and then the flight of steps up to Antares. The views as you walk up are beautiful with a few small stay options along the way. Once at the restaurant, if the breeze is nice, opt for an outdoor table for drinks and dinner. On the other hand, if you are someone who enjoys loud music, opt for indoor seating

5. What to do in Goa, beyond beaches and booze– Ofcourse Goa is all about sea, sand, beaches, breeze, good food and great drinks. But here are some ‘hatke’ things you could do, next time you’re there

• Sign up for kayaking one afternoon, paddle upriver through a dense mangrove forest – it’s such a beauty! Spot birds and get a great upper body workout! I booked my session through Cycling Zens in Sangolda. You could also hire bikes from them and do island trips
• Visit the Museum of Goa. It was conceived in 2015 by artist Dr Subodh Kerkar. It exhibits work of many artists and holds several events. It also has a lovely art café, a shop to buy artifacts and souvenirs, and a children’s art studio
• And when we speak of Goa, how can we not talk about alcohol? Situated in Candolim, The All About Alcohol museum, better known as AAA Museum, is quite unique. It’s dedicated to the history and culture of alcohol, with a special focus on Feni. One can take a tour by the in-house guides. Try it next time?

Before signing off, let me share some other places that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed in Goa

1. A wholesome South Indian lunch at Gunpowder in Assagao
2. A nicely curated home meal in an old Goan home, called Bache Papo (meaning conversation in Portuguese) in Saligao
3. Burmese food at a restaurant named Bomras in Anjuna
4. Drinks and sunset views at Purple Martini in Vagator
5. Yummy pizzas and desserts at Villa Nova
6. And how can I forget mentioning, coffee at Babka

I guess the list is endless. If you have more to add, please leave a comment here and we can exchange notes. Additionally, I am available on YouTube and Instagram – @destinationdialoguesbycharu. See you!