Goa, the place where land meets the sea creating stunning hues of natural beauty, is one of the most favourite travel destinations in India. From families, and couples to youngsters Goa is every traveller’s dream and for multiple reasons. While the essence of the state can be enjoyed in different ways and travel budgets, this article entails how you can plan your Goa trip from Delhi on a budget. Read about the different modes of transportation that you can opt for, places you can visit in Goa on a budget and the activities you can do in Goa for free!
Mode of Transportation
There are various means of transportation via which you can travel from Delhi to Goa.
As of now, there are 44 direct flights from New Delhi to Goa. 2 hours 35 minutes is the minimum time that a flight takes from New Delhi to Goa. The fastest flight from Delhi to Goa takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes.
If we talk about the cheapest way to travel to Goa from Delhi, take a train to Pune Junction, and then a bus to Goa. The entire journey will take around 38 hours and 15 minutes. The minimum cost of the entire journey would be around Rs 1600 - Rs 2000.
You can also take a bus from Delhi to Goa, the average journey time of which is 43 hours.
Tips for a Perfect Budget Trip from Delhi to Goa
Keep these tips handy while planning your trip from Delhi to Goa for an unforgettable trip and that too under a budget.
Avoid visiting Goa in December as it is when tourism peaks in the state and the best hotels in Goa would already be booked. Your budget would be higher by 75% to 100% if you want to travel to Goa in December. Travel instead in the shoulder season months of early March or late October which would also help you avoid the harsh summers.
If possible, try and plan your trip on the weekdays instead of the weekends.
Travelling via train from Delhi to Goa is usually recommended for youngsters as it promises the most scenic journey and is also the most budget-friendly option. Depending on the train, the travel journey takes around 30 to 40 hours.
For those who want to experience the real ‘relaxed’ vibes of Goa and leave scope for interaction with fellow travellers, hostels and homestays are your best bets. Since they are cheaper than regular hotels, it would also help you stay within budget.
Always use a reliable hotel booking app to reserve your hotels in advance if you are travelling in the peak season.
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Activities to Do in Goa for Free
They say there are no free lunches, but in Goa, you can definitely find several ventures on which you can embark without emptying your pockets. After you have booked the budget hotels in Goa, you can double your savings by trying out these activities.
Rejuvenate on the Beaches
The golden sand beaches of Goa are one of the biggest draws of the state and the best part is that they are accessible for free! Arabian Sea’s blue waters that touch the beaches of Goa are perfect for a postcard view. Visit the most popular Baga beach, laid-back Mandrem Beach, hippie paradise Anjuna Beach and the backpackers’ favourite Arambol Beach to experience the true essence of these beaches. The vivid beauty of these beaches will make your trip to Goa worthwhile.
Explore the Charm of Churches
After you have sunbathed on the beaches for that beautiful tan you can focus on achieving zen in the old-world charm of the churches. Several architectural and historical churches in the state are magnificently beautiful. The Church of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is dedicated to a patron saint of Goa. The other churches that you must explore are the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Church of St. Francis of Assissi and St. Catherine Church. If you are looking for a stay near these churches, you can find some of the best hotels in Goa with ease.
Witness the Rugged Forts
Chapora Fort gained immense popularity after it was featured in the iconic movie ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, becoming a hot tourist spot among youngsters. Most of the rugged forts in Goa overlook the spectacular Arabian Sea, resulting in magnificent views from the top. Fort Aguada, Rachol, Nanuz, Terekhol, Corjeum, Reis Magos and Sinquerim are some other forts that are worth visiting. Do not forget to take your camera lens along with you to capture the natural beauty.
Trek in the Offbeat Places
Trekking and exploring offbeat places is the best way to soak in a destination’s natural treasures. Apart from being an amazing activity, it helps you truly enjoy the awesome weather and scenic surroundings and also enriches the adventurer in you. Dudhsagar trekking is one of the most famous trekking trails and is highly popular among trekkers. You can also enjoy trekking through Harvalem Waterfalls, a trek from Fort Aguada to Sinquerim, Chorla Ghat Trek or Tambdi Surla Waterfall Trek which are also beautiful and offer views for once in a lifetime.
Places to Visit in Goa on a Budget
Once you have reached Goa, there are several tourist attractions that you can explore on a budget. Surely, beaches are a fun way to spend your time and save your money, but these places are equally fun and would be manageable on your wallet!
Aguada Fort
There is no entry fee for this popular fort in Candolim, North Goa. Built in 1612, Aguada Fort is one of the major tourist attractions in the state and is an accurate representation of Portuguese architecture. It is situated at the top of a hill near River Mandovi. Owing to its central location, you can find several hotels in Goa near Aguada Fort for a comfortable stay.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Renowned for its baroque architecture, the Basilica of Bom Jesus was built in 1594 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The religious and cultural significance of this site cannot be understated. The attraction is open to the public on all days of the week.
Dudhsagar Falls
Located on the Mandovi River, Dudhsagar Falls is a stunning four-tiered waterfall that grabs the attention of all visitors. It creates a mesmerising effect like a white sea coming down from a height. The best time to visit this waterfall is monsoon.
Chapora Fort
Chapora Fort is one of the must-visit tourist destinations in Goa, which is also known as the “Dil Chahta Hai Fort”. It is perfect to witness the splendour of the Chapora River and the beautiful sunset sky. Since Chapora Fort is a popular tourist attraction, you will be able to find top hotels in Goa near it.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best budget-friendly options for photography enthusiasts, environmentalists and children. This sanctuary is perfect to witness the rare species of animals and plants in India.
We hope this article will help you plan your trip from Delhi to Goa in the most efficient way possible, saving you your hard-earned money! We would recommend using a hotel booking app to avail extra discounts for your stay. So save those bucks, pack your bags and get ready to be swooned away by the awe-inspiring state of Goa.