Experience in Goa, India by pooja

What is it like to live in Goa? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Goa is a smallest state which is located on the west coast of India. The capital city of GOA is "Panjim" (also called as "Panaji") which is a beautiful city for staying and shopping but little expensive than other areas during seasons (NOV-JAN) & in off seasons you find it cheaper like (FEB-March)(June-SEP)and near to it you have Miramar beach and Dona Paula a sightseeing place which is closure to Panjim City.Goa is known for its beaches and scenic beauty, Palm / Coconut Trees, beautiful/colourful Shacks with full on lighting on the beaches with loud dancing music . If one wants to really beat the crowd and wants to "GO GOA" all for himself/herself or with friends then this is right place to hang on in India. "GOOAAAAAAA is full of Peace".

What is the student lifestyle like in Goa?

Well, to be honest, I don't know about student lifestyle in Goa. Many people go there for Hotel Management Studies and I go as visitor/tourist once in a year as it very close to my native town.

How much does it cost to live in Goa?

As I mentioned in previous comments, Goa would be expensive for shopping and staying during seasonal times (NOV-JAN) as these would be the months for shopkeeper to sell his stock at triple or double the price and no bargaining will be entertained (all you can find is fix price logo) & of course the hotel,guest house will be triple the price as compare to off season.In off seasons you find it cheaper like (FEB-March)(June-SEP) stay or shopping and you can very well bargain in all the areas.So I would recommend to go on off season as you can enjoy the place due to less traffic and not much public as you find during Christmas or new year eve.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Goa? Is there any advice you can give?

It is not at all difficult to find accommodation in Goa, People even rent their house/flats/shared flat rooms on per day basis including home food as a rental package. If you know local people out there then it's pretty easy to find the flats/shared rooms for rent otherwise, Booking.com is always the best solution for the hotels/shared apartments including breakfast.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

My favourite dish is no doubt the typical "Seafood" of Goa.I love RAVA fried Surmai/Pomfret fish even rava fried big prawns along with AamsolKadhi/Kokum Kadi yummy and spicy .One has to taste the great Goan cuisine very well known for its variety of seafood. Coconut and coconut oil is widely used in the Goan cuisine along with spices, round red chillies and pepper. Feni is the most popular Goan drink, cashew feni is made from fermented cashew nuts, while coconut feni is made from the sap of toddy palms. (You can buy this in any wine shops on the streets/lane of Goa).

What places would you recommend visiting in Goa?

For food, there are many good restaurants on the streets of Goa or you can also prefer Shacks but those are dam expensive.
1.Basilica of Bom Jesus
2.Se cathedral church opposite to basilica of bom jesus
3.Immaculate conception church Goa (Very Popular for Bollywood Film shootings)
4.Mangueshi temple
5.Shantadurga temple
6. Royal Casino (Casinos of Goa are actually very beautiful, the ambience is superb, must visit at least once).
Most Popular beaches in GOA
1.Vagator Beach
2.Anjuna Beach
3.Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Candolim Beach are close by.
4.Sinquerim Beach
5.Miramar Beach
6.Dona Paula Beach and sightseeing
7.Colva Beach
8.Agonda Beach
9.Chapora Beach (Popular for movie shooting and tourist photography)
There many other beaches too but have not visited them anytime so don't wanna describe things which I don't know
Popular Fort-Aguada Fort (Best for Photography)

Is it good to eat out in Goa? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes, of course, it is good to eat outside no harm in it and My Favourite spot for Lunch for food -If someone wants to really try home like Goan cuisine then must visit Naik Family Bar & Restaurant - on road to Candolim beach. Must try the yummy and tasty FISH Thali which cost you around 110-200/- RS (Mean Fish Plate filled with "one big fried piece of Surmai/King Fish-Sea fish" followed by Goan Rice, Aamsol Kadi/Kokum Kadi (Yummy and Spicy), Bangada Fish curry (Local fish), Two Chapatis, Veg Sabzi, Dal , Koshimbir (Curd mix in vegetable salad with pinch of salt and Pepper)
Other Resturants I visit is: Ruchira, Spice Goa in Mapusa
Kokni Kanteen Panjim
For vegetarians -Sagar Restaurant is very good one near Calangute Beach

Is the nightlife good in Goa? Where is good to go?

Yes, no doubt in it. The night life is very awesome in Goa..Specially Men go for night parties to celebrate their bachelor parties. Well I usually go to Evening beach Cruises / Boat parties. Cafe Mambos a night club-Baga Beach (very lively place)- Titos very popular place among the tourist - Ladies entry is free .

What advice would you give future students heading to Goa?

1.Explore yourself and the city ofcourse
2.Be safe