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Backpacker Guide

You’re young, free, thirsty for new adventures and ready to set off on a road trip. Your destination? Where else but Goa.  The state  has long been a backpacker’s haven since the 70s. It’s easy, natural environs allows you to get in touch with yourself and enjoy a carefree holiday.

Stay

Stay is never an issue. If you’re  on a tight budget,  there are a number of cheap, safe and clean hostels in Panaji, Vagator and Anjuna that can fit the bill. These range from Rs 500 per bed to Rs 1000. The beach huts in Arambol,  Palolem and Anjuna start from Rs 800 per night depending on  the season–and your haggling powers. You can visit these beaches directly and opt for a beach hut of your choice since the tariffs differ from one season to the next. 

If you’ve got your gang with you, GTDC too offers convenient, centrally located stays so you’re not far from all the happening spots.

Getting Around

The cheapest way to see Goa, apart from public and local transport, is through renting a bike or car according to your budget. The advantage of a bike is that you can  zip through those tiny lanes and  busy roads, and take routes that a car may not be able to traverse. 

What To Do

Experience local. Eat at local joints, visit local haunts and meet and chat with the locals so that you catch the Goan feel. Goa’s old eateries serve delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis starting from Rs 70 (veg) and Rs 100 (non-veg). The bhajis served with pao are healthy, local preparations that can be a filling lunch or dinner. You can still find a cup of chai for Rs 10.

Panaji is perfect for long strolls. You can walk around the old city and admire the history and heritage along the streets, sit by the river and read a book or visit Miramar beach at sunset. 

If you’re heading to Margao and Vasco-da-Gama you will find the cities’ appeal charming with plenty to see and do. Direct shuttle services from the main city terminus are available. 

If you’ve had enough of the city, you can move to the northern and southern most beaches of isolated shores. Mandrem and  Arambol are still favourites  and Anjuna-Vagator still retain that hippy feel.You can soak in some tan on the beach and drink coconut water to cool off from the blazing heat. 

Yoga and meditation activities and classes abound in Arambol and Palolem. You can attend any of these to reconnect with your zen zone and bring peace to yourself. 

You can get sporty with the numerous activities on and by the sea. But the prices vary, so make sure you haggle a little to get a good deal. Most of the museums have a small fee, but the UNESCO monuments are free to enter. 

Experience nightlife along Calangute-Baga or some places in Assagao like Soro have special nights during the week that you can try. 

Stay safe and enjoy your backpack trip across Goa.