Goa, with its picturesque views, authentic culture, lively ambiance, and exotic vibes has been a favorite holiday destination for years. However, one place could mean a lot of different experiences for each individual as we often tend to seek different outcomes out of the same thing. The same is the case with Goa.
Famous for its beaches and a very happening nightlife, North Goa is the perfect destination for party lovers but South Goa is the place for you if you prefer calmness, privacy, and days spent in close proximity to nature are your favorite kind. South Goa is generally considered more expensive than its northern counterpart.
While planning a trip, budget constitutes a very important aspect as everyone has different priorities. Some would like to spend more on a luxurious stay in a grand hotel while others are more comfortable in a hostel. Some enjoy crowded beaches and flea markets while others prefer a peaceful day sunbathing beside a private beach. These factors must be kept in mind if you are to plan a budget-friendly trip.
Let me take you along to review and decide what is better for you in terms of budget- North Goa or South Goa.
South Goa or North Goa: Answer These Questions
Do you prefer peace over crowded places?
If your answer to the above question is yes, then South Goa is just the place for you. The high-end resorts and hotels of South Goa offer you just this if you are willing to spend a reasonable amount of your budget on your stay.
While South Goa is known for its secluded beaches and luxurious stays, North Goa on the other hand is famous for its vibrant atmosphere with crowded beaches, rustic shacks, and cafes that cater to a budget-friendly crowd.
Some of the luxury resorts in South Goa are- Alila Diwa hotel, ITC Grand, Caravela Beach Resort, Taj Exotica Resort, and Spa
Food Factor in Cost Analysis
Both North Goa and South Goa offer a range of cafes and restaurants with great ambiance, delicious food, and drinks. However, some of the high-end restaurants are located in the South of Goa. These tend to be more expensive than the ones in North Goa as they provide a more rich and more lavish experience to the visitors.
While North Goa offers a range of multiple cuisines if you want to enjoy authentic Goan culture and cuisine, head to South Goa. The food options here range from the local Goan cuisine to North Indian or Italian food.
Food Factor in Cost Analysis
Both North Goa and South Goa offer a range of cafes and restaurants with great ambiance, delicious food, and drinks. However, some of the high-end restaurants are located in the South of Goa. These tend to be more expensive than the ones in North Goa as they provide a more rich and more lavish experience to the visitors.
While North Goa offers a range of multiple cuisines if you want to enjoy authentic Goan culture and cuisine, head to South Goa. The food options here range from the local Goan cuisine to North Indian or Italian food.
Travel Expenses
Choosing a train or booking a flight to Goa is one part of travel expenditure. Both the parts of Goa have a well-functioning transportation system with buses, taxis, motorcycles, etc. However, the taxi fare varies for both parts of Goa.
Thus taxi fares tend to be higher in South Goa, mainly due to the exclusivity of the region. For instance: the taxi fare from the airport to North Goa beaches is just half of the taxi fare to beaches located in South Goa.
The Nightlife of North Goa
If you are a party animal and would love to party on the beaches of Goa with your friends and family in the exotic atmosphere and live music, North Goa is a great place for you as South Goa with its luxurious resorts has a limited nightlife. There are not many options for bar-hopping in South Goa as the cafes there tend to be closed before midnight. South Goa also has limited options for casinos. Most of the casinos or gamer’s paradise, as some would call it, are located in the northern part of Goa.
Some of the famous casinos in North Goa are- Winn Grand 7, Deltin Jaqk, and Deltin Royale
Therefore, if you want to enjoy live music and meet new people, North Goa is the place.
Shopping- Flea markets or Exclusive Boutiques?
Now, shopping is a very fun activity that one should not miss, no matter wherever you go. Collecting different things from different places is what I, personally, love.
There are great options for shopping in both parts of Goa. While the local markets in North Goa, like the Anjuna flea market, and Mapusa Friday bazaar, are a bit cheap and affordable, with wide-ranging varieties of clothes, jewelry, footwear, ceramics, and exotic spices.
South Goa, on the other hand, offers a range of expensive yet chic souvenirs with exclusive quality to visitors. It has some vivacious options for shopping though not as many as in North Goa.
Sight-seeing & adventure sports
North Goa provides a range of fun, adventurous activities and water sports like parasailing, snorkeling, banana boat rides, and paragliding. Henceforth, it is perfect for all adventurous souls who love to try out new things.
South Goa is home to famous wildlife sanctuaries and museums. Such as the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa Chitra Museum, and the San Thome Museum among others. You can also have a fun time here with dolphin sightings and other such activities.
Thus, it can be concluded that while both North Goa and South Goa have their unique charm and even some specialties which you may not find anywhere else, South Goa is generally considered more costly and luxurious. But with careful planning and budget estimation, it is still possible to have fun in either part of Goa.
Whether you are a party lover or a nature lover you will have an experience of a lifetime here. No matter whether you choose North Goa or South Goa, you would have an amazing experience in this tropical paradise!
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