Goa

Goa can be reached via its sole airport (Dabolim), by train, and by the many buses connecting the state with cities in India (primarily Mumbai, Mangalore and Bangalore). If you are travelling from Mumbai or Pune, car travel will provide you a journey through breathtaking scenery of the Konkan area.

By Plane

The Dabolim airport in Vasco da Gama is Goa's only airport. Some airlines fly directly to Goa, but most international flights arrive via Mumbai. Many domestic airlines have daily flights to and from Bangalore,  Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Kozhikode(Calicut).
On arrival, take pre-paid taxis from Dabolim Airport. A yellow pre-paid taxi booth can be found 30 metres on the left when you exit the main building. There is also a pre-paid taxi stand in the international arrival area.

By Bus

There are several bus routes from various cities, but most traffic is from mainly Mumbai and Pune. Due to increasing demand from the south, there has been an increase in buses and trains from Mangalore and Bangalore. Overnight buses from Mumbai to Goa are an alternative to trains and flying. The main centre for booking train and bus tickets, in Panjim, is around the Kadamba inter-state bus terminus. Tickets for the Konkan Railway can also be booked here.

By Train

Indian Railways connects Goa with direct train services from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Mangalore, Kochi, Kolkata, Thiruvanantapuram, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. The destination station is usually Madgaon in South Goa, one can also choose to get down at Thivim in North Goa. Travelling to Goa by train is a real pleasure as the route passes through greenery and many tunnels. Goa is also connected to Pune via the Belgaum Miraj line.

Here are some useful trains to get into Goa:
Travelling by train can be quite an experience as you are more likely to interact with fellow Indian travellers visiting Goa from different parts of the country, under more relaxed conditions.

By Car

Distance from Goa to various cities:

• Mangalore (360km)
• Pune (485km)
• Bangalore (592km)
• Mumbai (608km)

Beaches

Goa is famous for its beaches, ancient temples and churches, and the Goan carnival.

• Arambol Beach - A quiet and virgin beach in North Goa.The nature has gifted it a lot of beauty.There are many water sports available like paragliding,parasailing,many massage options,a very big beach market. The sweet lake is one of the miracle wherein the sweet water lake is touching the sea.The deep forest behind sweet lake is also the attractive point. There are a lot of accommodations in Arambol.Om Lake Resort is one of the popular accomodation there which offers the budget cottages.There are around more than 100 's of restaurant in the beach.There are live music options also. The water is shallow and good for swimming. Arambol is not what it used to be, there are plenty of shops, eateries and places to stay. It has in-fact become huge and not as peaceful as it used to be, but it has turned into a cultural hub. It is like goa within goa now.
• Anjuna Beach - Close to the Chapora Fort, its key attraction is a magnificent Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920, flanked by octagonal towers and an attractive Mangalore tile-roof. Anjuna was the second home (and main location) of the hippies in Goa in the 1960s and 1970s, after other destinations like Calangute got too "crowded" for them. It is still the venue of a (vastly-changed and more mainstream) flea market held each Wednesday. In the nearby village of Arpora, two colourful Saturday night bazaars are held in the non-monsoon seasons. This is still part of "alternative" Goa, though charter and other tourists also visit in increasing numbers to "get a feel of the hippy years".
• Palolem Beach - a scenic beach in extreme south Goa with scenic rocks and islands off its shores. Good eating options. It is becoming pricey (by local standards) and getting a bit crowded, but still less crowded compared to other popular beaches.
• Patnem Beach - a small and quiet beach in Canacona Taluka.
• Vagator Beach - a beach in Bardez, neighbouring Anjuna.
• Morjim Beach - a beautiful beach, inhabited by Russian tourists. This place is popular among kitesurfers due to the shallow depth of the sea and a very wide beach. Prices are high, with many restaurants offering Russian cuisine. Nightlife is vibrant here.
• Asvem Beach - a quieter beach in extreme north Goa's Pernem Taluka.
• Mandrem Beach - another beach in extreme north Goa's Pernem taluka
• Colva Beach - This beach's spectacle of sea, sand and sky blend in a enchanting natural harmony, weaving their magic spell on the visitors. Known for its scenic beauty. This is part of  Salcete, Goa's only Catholic majority sub-district. Once a very hospitable area, now relations are getting monetized thanks to tourism. Beware of mountains of trash on the beach and nearby locations, stray dogs and bad odors.
• Calangute Beach - aka Queen of all Beaches in Goa. Once highly rated. Now crowded. Expect traffic jams along the main crowded street. Beach is full of Indian tourists, a lot of noise, a lot of souvenirs and water sports beggar. You won't get peace here. Many famous clubs are located here. Nice eating options.
• Baga Beach - A family-beach and charter tourist destination just outside Calangute.
• Polem Beach- Southernmost beach of Goa.