As a first time visitor to India, the Taj Mahal was the centrepiece of my itinerary. But I was lucky enough to have been sold on the idea of Goa’s dreamy beaches years ago, so I made sure not to miss them. If lounging on a beach eating delicious food and chatting with friendly locals is your idea of a good day, you shouldn’t miss Goa when you visit India either.
I spent three glorious days in Patnem Beach and Palolem after reading that it was the most relaxed area of Goa. My time was too short – I could have settled there for weeks.
Here are my top 5 reasons to visit Goa:
1. The Food
This is really five reasons on its own. Just, wow. The Kingfish Masala I ate on my first day had only been caught two hours earlier. It was so delicious that I craved it again the next day, purchased it from a different restaurant, and found it to be just as good. Though initially cautious about food poisoning, I ended up eating all kinds of food, including meat and salad, and didn’t have any health issues.
![Goa #04 (IMG_5583)](http://andrewroams.com/wp-content/uploads/Dubai-04-IMG_5583-1000x826.jpg)
![Dubai #06 (IMG_5623)](http://andrewroams.com/wp-content/uploads/Dubai-06-IMG_5623-1000x636.jpg)
2. Live Right on the Beach
Huts on stilts and restaurants on sand. ‘Nuff said.
![Goa #03 (IMG_5576)](http://andrewroams.com/wp-content/uploads/Dubai-03-IMG_5576-911x1000.jpg)
3. The Sunsets
I’m a sucker for a good sunset. Scroll through my instagram and it feels like every second photo is one. Goa’s is among the best. None of the colours have been edited in these photos.
![This shot isn't even from the beach. It's from Madagaon train station.](http://andrewroams.com/wp-content/uploads/Dubai-07-IMG_5661-1000x826.jpg)
4. The Water
Super warm, and clean to boot. And every restaurant I ate in was happy to look after my bag while I swam.
5. The Prices
Even the guide who showed me round Mumbai told me the prices in Goa were insanely cheap. Something about tax. I don’t fully understand, but I don’t need to. All I need to hear is “$1.50 cocktails” and I’m there. I had restaurant quality food and paid less than McDonald’s every time.
And in case you needed one last reason to go… there are cows on the beach!