Goa Hotels

Goa is broadly divided into two zones - North Goa and South Goa. Each provides plenty of tourist attractions including beaches, forts, cathedrals and authentic Goan dining options. With so many hotels and resorts spread along the 120 km long coastline, where do you want to stay during your next trip to Goa? Below are some suggestions from experts.

Longuinhos Beach Resort, Goa

Goa offers a wide range of hotels and resorts. Many of these Goa resorts are located right on the beach. Prices of Goa hotels vary widely based on hotel type (resorts), hotel facilities and most importantly the hotel location. Hotels located near the beach tend to be pricier than the in-town hotels. Similarly, prices of Goa hotels & resorts on the more popular beaches are higher than the less crowed and remote beaches. Along the same line, hotels in South Goa tend to be more affordable than the resorts in North Goa.

Now the big question - Where should you stay during your next trip to Goa and what are some good Goa hotels to choose from? The answer depends on your taste and your budget. Below are some suggestions for budget and luxury hotels to consider during your next trip to Goa.

Option I - Consider staying in Panaji (Panjim). The capital city of Goa is close to the airport / railway station (so the commute from there is less). It is also centrally located in Goa and provides easy access to both North Goa and South Goa. The Miramar and Dona Paula beach are just 3-5 km from the center of Panjim. Calangute, Candolim & Anjuna beaches are 10-15 minutes away. You will stay close to the Old Goa / Old town where you will find much more things to do than just the beaches. Restaurants are more affordable. Mandovi river cruises also start from here. Many famous casinos are located in Panjim. Hotel Park Plaza, Goa (Rs. 1500) is located in Panjim and offers great accommodation facilities. This hotel is a great bargain in comparison to other hotels with similar facilities. For those interested, read more about Panaji tourist attractions.

Option II - Calangute (North Goa) is another option to consider. Calangute is the most famous of Goa beaches and the most crowded too. Calangute is also close to other beaches such as the Anjuna beach and the Candolim beach. Hotels in Calangute are relatively more expensive. Delta Residency (Rs. 2400 per night) is a nice Goa hotel located just 5 minutes from the Calangute beach and offers a nice swimming pool with Jacuzi. Visit HotelPushpak.com to make an online booking of this Goa hotel.

Option III - Colva & Varca (South Goa) is another option to consider. South Goa is much less crowded and even the beach hotels are more affordable. If you like solitude more, this is the place to put your anchor. Of course you can always visit Panjim, Old Goa, and Calangute & Anjuna Beach on a day trip. Hotel Graciano Cottages (Rs. 1750 per night) is one of the highly rated Goa hotels and is located in Colva.

Wherever you stay, make sure you compare hotel ratings from visitors who have already visited Goa and stayed at these hotels. There are many expensive Goa hotels on the beach but are not nearly half as nice as several budget hotels. Hence more money does not necessarily mean better hotels. Visit HotelPushpak.com to read customer ratings and reviews of Goa hotels. Online booking for all of the above Goa hotels and more is available at HotelPushpak.com/Goa.

Enjoy your next stay at Goa!
Brijesh

7 Things to Do in Panaji (Panjim), Goa

Do you think Goa is all about beaches? Think again. We have compiled a list of things where beaches are only one part. Panjim offers much more than just beaches. Our “7 Things to Do Series” highlights major tourist attractions in and around Panaji. Find out things to “see and do”, where to dine and what to shop in Panaji. We recommend 2-3 days just in Panaji to ensure a relaxing and fun filled vacation to Goa.

Goa is India’s one of the most popular tourist destinations, visited by a large number of both domenstic and international tourists every year. Goa is known for its pristine beaches. Other attractions include forts, churches, temples and magnificent cathedrals. Goa’s easy going, friendly people make visitors feel at home. Panjim (Panaji) is the capital city of Goa. It is situated at the mouth of the Mandovi river and is reminiscent of a provincial Mediterranean town. More than 500 years back, it was a port of the kings of Bijapur and later on in early 16th century it became the landing stage for the Portuguese. The city can be divided into two major areas - the Old City and the news commercial hub. Panaji has a very relaxed and friendly ambience.Panaji is in the heart of Goa. As one reviewer wrote “Best place to choose for stay as it is 15kms to north and south Goa. Lot of malls and markets with excellent hotels and restaurants. Shopping lovers - This is the spot.” Another visitor to Panaji wrote “Old Goa/Panaji reminds me of Europe”

Panaji Tourist Attractions – 7 Things to do in and around Panaji

1. Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception – Overlooking Panaji’s main square (“the Church”), the church was built on a hill facing Mandovi River and is the town’s most important landmark. Portuguese sailors used to come to this place for their thanksgiving prayer after their long and treacherous voyage from Portugal. The church is “well illuminated at night and a pleasure to see. Tourists lazily sit on one of the many benches at Church square” and relax.
2. Miramar and Dona Paula Beach – A large portion of the tourists visit Goa for its relaxing beaches. These two are the closest beaches from Panaji city center. Miramar is only 3 kms from the city center. Dona Paula is 7 kms and is near the headland that divides the estuaries of the Zuari and Mandovi river. Enjoy a nice view of the Fort Aguada across the bay. Sunset is beautiful from most of these beaches.
3. Mandovi River Cruise – Spend an evening on one of the many sunset cruises on the Mandovi river. Some of them are organized by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation. Many of these cruises start from the Mandovi bridge and run between (6 and 7 pm). Enjoy a moonlit dinner accompanied by entertainment by Goan dancers and musicians on board of a cuise. Specialized cruise tours focusing on Goan culture, food or history are available. (See one of several Goa Packages & Tours available at HotelPushpak.com)
4. Panaji Old Town – Visit the old residential quarters of Fontainhas – named after the fountain of Pheonix, a spring that was the only source of water for the area. One review said “We walked through the old streets and saw the temple at the top of a steep hill which we walked up and got great view of Panjim.” Another wrote “Old Goa/Panaji reminds me of Europe. The murals and the architecture reminds me very much of the churches I had seen in germany.. It is quite a peaceful experience.” A long term tourist to Goa wrote “ I have been in Goa for nearly a month now and the day I spent in Old Goa has been a great way to see something else than the (beautiful) beaches. The place is really well preserved (especially one of the cathedral which has just be repainted entirely ) and has been covered with gardens. Therefore walking in this huge park between the cathedrals is really a refreshing and interesting experience.”
   Another place to visit in Panaji Old Town is the Ourem Creek – The picturesque Rua de Ourem faces the Ourem Creek, offering beautiful colorful houses that dot the slopes all the way up Altino Hill.
5. Nearby attractions – Calangute Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Goa and is just 16 km north of Panaji. The Baga Beach and the Candolim Beach are a few kilometers away from the Calangute and are far less crowded. Visit Fort Aguada near Reis Magos (about 5 km from Panaji).
6. Dining- Venite Restaurant in Old City, Panaji is a highly rated restaurant in Panaji – This first floor restaurant, overlooking the street below, offers a wonderful ambience and server excellent European and Goan food [Source: DK Eye Witness Travel Guide for India]. Ritz Classic is the best restaurant as reviewed in Trip Advisor. One review wrote “Best food at reasonable price and good ambience” and another wrote “Delicious seafood at unbeatable price”. Try the Fish Thali which comes with fish curry, fried fish among other things. The restaurant also serves many delicious Goan dishes such as Chicken Cafarel. Ritz classic is located on a busy street on 18th June road.
7. Shopping in Panaji – Panaji offers one of the most exciting shopping destinations in the state. “The shopping experience in Panaji is a blend of the exotic and the modern. While the local markets are a treasure trove of indigenous handicrafts, the upscale shopping malls teem with designer boutiques and international brands” Looks for Goa handicrafts during your next visit. Saturday flea market at Baga Beach is a good shopping option. Wednesday market at the nearby Anjuna beach is famous.

Hotels in Panjim (Goa hotels) - Hotel Park Plaza is one of the highly rated mid range hotels in Panjim. Prices for Goa hotels vary widely based on hotel type (resorts), facilities and most importantly the hotel location. Hotels located on or near the beach tend to be pricier than the in-town hotels. Hotel Park Plaza, Goa is a great option and is highly rated in HotelPushpak.com and TripAdvisor. Rates are around Rs. 1300 during regular season. Rates for Goa hotels are usually very high during peak periods such as between Christmas and New Years. Other nearby areas such as Calangute offers more hotels. HotelPushpak.com provides rates, photos, customer reviews and online booking for Goa hotels.
Tips from Visitors

• At Church Square (Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception ) - Try tasty vegetarian snacks and meals at the Kamath Hotel (Restaurant), or traditional Goan non-vegetarian food over a quiet drink at the George Bar and Restaurant
• Casino Royale – It is the largest floating Casino in Goa and “is definitely the classiest”. The Casino is on a ship anchored in Mandavi river (accessible from the Main Panaji Road). Apart from gambling (poker, blackjack, roulette, money wheel and more), the casino provides nice dining and entertainment options. Day package is available for Rs. 2,500
• Goa State Museum which houses a modest collection of pre-colonial artifacts and carvings from old Hindu temples.
• One of the better ways to travel between Panaji and Old Goa and the beaches is by the local bus. City bus makes you look closer at the wonderful variety of Goan demographics.
• Panjim Heritage Walk - "A walk down memory lane! Starts at Tobacco Square, The Casa De Moeda (Mint House), The Tobacco house, meanders through the ward of Sao Tome, through Corte de Oeteiro to the Catholic dominated precinct of Fontainhas, Chapel Of Saint Sebastian, Welcomheritage Panjim Pousada (a restored 100 year old Hindu home), Welcomheritage The Panjim Inn (an over 100 year old Catholic home, also a heritage hostelry) and finally through the Hindu dominated ward of Mala culminating at Fonte Phoenix".

Related links:

• Online booking for Goa Hotels
• Read about Udaipur Tourist Attractions - 7 Things to Do in Udaipur
• Read about Ooty Tourist Attractions - 7 Things to Do in Ooty
• Complete 7 Things to Do Series

7 Things to Do in Udaipur (Rajasthan)

You have limited time and lots of things to see and experience. How to make the most out of your visit to Udaipur? Where to stay in Udaipur? Our “7 Things to Do” series helps you identify the “must see” / “must do” things in Udaipur. We have summarized hundreds of traveller reviews and suggestions available online and compiled a list of things no tourist to Udaipur should miss. Enjoy reading!

City Palace & Lake Pichola, Udaipur

About Udaipur – The ‘City of Lakes’, the ‘ Venice of the East’. Travellers describe Udaipur as “Hill-tops, lakes, and palaces”, “huge water bodies, lots of greenery, and hills in an otherwise barren and arid land of Rajasthan”. Another traveler wrote “a quaint, quiet old town with a plethora of historical monuments to visit”. Weather is “cool and pleasant” – again very unlike the rest of Rajasthan. Tucked in the Aravalli hills, Udaipur virtually breaths on Lake Pichola which is the hub of tourist activities. Another tourist to Udaipur wrote “Cities like Udaipur are rare to see in this modern world. All the monuments, the cultural activities, and the people - all are very different and unique to what I have ever seen in my life.”

Have a couple of days to see the palaces and lakes and a few more days to visit the temples of Udaipur. Here are the 7 things your must not miss out on your next Udaipur trip:

1. Ranakpur Jain Temple – As one visitor put it “Best religious site in India…such a wonderful place for wandering around, with helpful priests who will answer your questions instead of pushing for money”. A “must-see for its fine architecture and sculptures in marble”. Ranakpur temple showcases spectacular carvings on over one hundred domes, walls and 1442 pillars. “It sure can be rated within the top 20 wonders of the world”. This place is also a delight for photographers and people who like ancient architectures. Tips: Don’t forget to visit the main Jain Sun Temple which is 300 meters to the side of the Marble temple. Entrance is free (Rs. 50 for cameras).
   Note: Ranakpur is a small village on about 55 kilometers north-west of Udaipur. It is well worth visiting the village and experiencing the temple. This is a the #1 Udaipur attractions as reviewed by tourists in Trip Advisor.
2. Visit the City Palace (1.5 hour tours available – one traveller wrote about the palace as “well maintained and well worth 2 visits during your stay”) and the Monsoon Palace which offers fantastic view of the sunset.
3. Don’t miss the Fatehsagar lake. The lake is a lovely blue with patches of green that can be seen from the Nehru Park. Hire a boat for for Rs.300 (around 9 seaters) or Rs. 80 per seat in a regular boat. The hired boat will take you around the lake for 45 minutes and wait for you while you explore the extremely pretty and well-manicured Nehru Park with fountains (which is in the middle of the lake). The lake makes for a pleasant visit during the middle of the day.
4. Lake Pichhola & Lake Palace - Lake Pichhola, “one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes of Rajasthan” is located in the heart of the city. The lake is the oldest and largest lakes of Udaipur. Pichhola is enveloped by lofty palaces, temples, bathing “ghats” and elevated hills on all its sides. Lake Palace / Jag Niwas: Another enchanting tourist attraction of Udaipur, the Lake Palace (also known as Jag Niwas) is a beautiful island palace built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1754. Situated on Lake Pichhola, the white marble structure appears like emerging out of the shimmering blue waters on the lake, creating a spellbound effect on visitors.
5. Experience Rajasthan & Udaipur – Take a walk in the “galis” (i.e. the local streets) of Udaipur. “Whats good about Udaipur is its winding narrow roads that give you ample opportunity to walk through the colourful streets”. Camel safari in the country side around Udaipur - “A camel safari tour is perhaps one of the best ways of following the Udaipur trails as you stop to look at the architectural wonders in pure marble that dot the pristine Udaipur landscape”
6. Enjoy the famous Dal-Bati-Churama of Udaipur for lunch and/or dinner. Also famous is the Rabdi sweet. However you will also find lots of varieties of food including Italian and Spanish even in the simplest of Havelis. Dine at one of the Rajasthan Dhabas near City Palace where you can have typical Rajasthani food and “it will be a life time food you will get”
7. Shopping in Udaipur – Visit the Tourist Market in the old city and the Gandhi Market which is the cheaper of the two. Folk toys, hand printed textiles, dyed sarees, metal images, silver jewelry, and the Pichwal wall hangings are things to consider for souvenir shopping.

Hotels in Udaipur – Udaipur offer a broad range of hotels – starting from budget / low-range hotels to affordable Havelis as well as some of the best 5-star hotels in the country. Hotel Baba Palace (near City Palace) is a very affordable hotel (rates from Rs. 950 / $20) and is rated highly among visitors. Hotel Saheli Palace is another budget hotel (rates from Rs. 900). Heritage Resort and Rajputana Resorts are both mid-range Udaipur hotels with Rajputana Resort overlooking the Aravali Hills and offers a swimming pool. Reviews of Udaipur hotels are available at HotelPushpak.com.
Tips from other travellers:

• There are plenty of hotels in the old city area next to Lake Pichola at rates “that are easy on the pocket and have the advantage of being close to the main attractions”. The four and five-star hotels are a little further inside the city while there are a couple on the Fateh Sagar lake which are very beautiful but seemed likely to have transportation problems since they are a little farther away from both the city or the attractions.
• There's a lot of walking and climbing of steps to do in Udaipur. As the old part of the city is built on a slope, even the simplest of walks becomes an uphill climb. Be sure to take a pair of good walking shoes along!
• Advisable to stay out of the sun from between 11.00 am to 5.00 pm during the summer months.
• If visiting by your own car, avoid hotels near Lake Pichola as the place is pretty congested and roads to these hotels are very narrow.

How to reach Udaipur?

• Udaipur is well connected by train from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and most places in Gujarat.
• Nearest airports from Udaipur are in Jaipur and New Delhi (663 kilometers)
• Udaipur is about 405 kilometers from Jaipur and 180 kms from Ajmer.

Udaipur photos: City Palace - Udaipur, Ranakpur Jain Temple, Lake Pichola, Food – Dal Bati, more Dal Bati, Udaipur Camel Safari
More Traveler Reviews of Udaipur:
One Udaipur traveler review has an excellent coverage of several temples to visit in and around Udaipur. You may want to plan a multi-day trip just to visit all the famous temples around Udaipur. Read another excellent review of Udaipur here. Another review says Udaipur – a Romantic City.
Related Links:

• 7 Things to do Series
• 7 Things to Do in Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu)
• 7 Things to Do in Ooty (Tamil Nadu)

7 Things to Do in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

A short Rameswaram Travel Guide - Here is a list of things other travelers have loved doing in Rameswaram and we thought you would too. Enjoy!
Rameswaram, the Kashi or Banaras of Southern India, lies on the tip of the Indian Peninsula. Mythologically, this is the place from where Lord Ram built the Ram Setu bridge to rescue Sita from Raavan and the place where Lord Ram worshipped Lord Shiv to cleanse away the sin of killing Raavan (who a Brahmin)

Here are some things travelers to Rameswaram like doing. Enjoy!

1. Half day to visit the famous Rameswaram Temple (Tips: Visit early in the morning if possible – day time gets pretty busy for various temple activities. Fix a priest in advance.)
2. Take the holy Snan (bath) in the Rameswaram temple - 22 dips to be precise. Do it as per the numbering – starting with 1 and ending at 22. As one traveller puts it “It was magic! It was holy! It was something I had never experienced before nor could have imagined it”. (Tips: Take a change of clothes after the snan/dip. Change rooms are available in the temple)
3. Visit two other famous temples - the Naag Temple and the Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir which has stones from the Ram Setu.
4. Take a day trip to Dhanushkodi. Hire a Jeep/4W drive (from Rs 1000/day). Dhanuskodi is a tail part of Rameswaram island. This is the meeting point of the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. Enjoy the beaches and the view from here.
5. Pamban Bridge – This is a must visit place. The bridge is constructed over the sea and is “very beautiful & offers scenic views” as one traveler puts it.
6. Spiritualism – Like another traveller notes “It’s an enjoyable trip if you mix tourism and spiritualism”. Do enjoy the spirit of the place. Forget momentarily of all the worries in life and enjoy the calmness inside.
7. Shopping – Buy a souvenir – there are lots of things made out of conch shell that are readily available (Try Kalam Sea shell mart – close to former President Abdul Kalam’s house). Silk sarees will be another nice thing to consider buying on your next visit to Rameswaram.

Other things to do:

1. You can have a glimpse of the famous floating stone which was a part of the Ram Setu bridge. You have to take a fisher man’s boat to reach the point.

Tips from other Rameswaram travelers:

• Don’t miss: Early in the morning 5-6 Mani darshan (Golden Linga) and in the night around 8.15 siva will go to bed along with parvathi (Unjal seva).
• Book hotels in advance – Online booking for hotels in Rameshwaram is available at HotelPushpak.com.
• Beware of thugs. In Laxman setu, people try to sell floating rocks for Rs.501 by saying they require monetary funds to build a building.
• Must bring the laddo of Ramnathswamy.
• Restaurants - The above average restaurants are 1. Vinayaka, near railway station and 2. Royal Park, before the toll gate, Hotel Tamilnadu Restaurant, Arya bhavan. Food in Ganesh Mess (next to Maharaja Hotel) is excellent and also very economical.

How to reach Rameshwaram?

• Fly to Madurai (Airport) and drive to Rameswaram (180 kilometers)
• Overnight Train from Chennai (12 hours / 525 km) or Bangalore
• By road from Bangalore (8-10 hour drive). Roads are good and average speed could be above 100 Km/hr.
• Take a Bus from Kanyakumari (375 kms)

This article is a part of our 7 Things To Do series.
Related links:

• A great traveler review for Rameswaram: The Blessed Conch
• Book a budget or luxury Rameswaram hotel at discounted price at HotelPushpak.com
• 7 Things to Do in Ooty