Hello

I am a free thinker, a good conversationalist & rational thinker. Working for Govt. of India gave me a chance to get posting at Goa, which I am completely savoring since June 2016.

I am Kaushal and have been exploring Goa since June. Have gone to Arambol, Dona Paula, Candolim, Morjim, Ashvem, Baga, Vagator, Ozran beaches in the north (suggestion : avoid Calangute, Baga) and Palolem, Agonda, Colva, Varca, Betalbatim, Majorda, Cabo de Rama beaches in south. If you are not from India then I would suggest you to explore Arambol, Ashvem, Morjim, Mandrem, Paradise, Keri and Redi beaches in north as these beaches have very few Indians visiting them (and avoid Calangute, Baga altogether). Most Indians keep to Calangute, Baga, Candolim, Anjuna, Vagator. Anjuna and Vagator have considerable European crowd. Morjim has most no. of Russians, Ashvem has most Israelis whereas Arambol has mixed crowd. If you want to experience complete tranquility then a visit to Paradise and Redi beaches (10 km beyond Arambol beach) is a must! Beaches beyond Arambol are sort of virgin as you will find only 1 or 2 shacks there and very very few people. These are picturesque locations and give you an altogether different experience. You can stay in a beach hut for Rs 500 a night. Whenever I host/meet someone, a visit to Paradise/Redi beach is a must. My sisters and bro in law fell in love with Paradise/Redi beaches the day I took them there. I also took a couple from Iran and a girl from Moscow there and they also fell in love with the place.

Arambol and Palolem come in top ten beaches of the world. Arambol is a backpackers' haven. People who travel to Goa on a shoestring budget, Arambol is the place to be. People stay in Arambol for as long as 6 months at a stretch. Kayaking and a visit to Butterfly beach at Palolem is a must! Arambol, Morjim, Ashvem are adjacent to each other. Drum circle, sweetwater lake, banyan tree in jungle and sunset are four must see things in Arambol. Arambol is a favorite place for yoga lovers who want to indulge in meditation and spirituality.

Baga beach is a favorite party destination in Goa. Cafe Mambo, Club Cabana, Sinq beach club, Cohiba, Cafe Lilliput, Shivaa Valley and Curlie's shack at Anjuna beach are good places to go. Also, Anjuna wednesday flea market & Arpora Saturday market. Palolem is an exotic beach with crystal clear water. One can hire a boat and go for dolphin trip in the middle of water or one can go in a cruise in Mandovi river for spice plantation trip, Dr. Salim Ali bird sanctuary. One can also indulge in water sports (banana ride, scooter, etc) on Anjuna, Baga or Sinquerim beach.

I have also been to Old Goa, Divar island, Chorao island. Visit these places if you wanna see the real Goa, its people, its culture and its lifestyle (haven’t seen the inside of the churches though). I spent 2 days in an antique Portuguese style mansion on Chorao island with a couchsurfer from Spain. It was an awesome experience. Old Goa and ‘other’ Goa are quite different. You wont find much tourists in Old Goa. Roads are narrow, houses are antique, heritage churches, all in all a wonderful experience. Many movies have been shot in Old Goa.

A visit to Bat island is a must for honeymooning couples.

Boat ride on Coco beach in Panjim on Nerul river to see 5 points including Fort Aguada, dolphins sightseeing, estuary of Mandovi river for Rs 300 only.

Prefer to stay in a beach hut in South Goa or at Arambol beach in North Goa, or an independent villa (if you are a big group) or Jungle hostel at Vagator beach or Prison hostel at Anjuna beach (if you are travelling solo and looking to meet up fellow travellers from all over the world).

I would suggest you to hire a bike or scooty (gearless) on rent instead of car to drive to various destinations in Goa. Goa is best enjoyed on a 2 wheeler with the cool breeze whizzing past you. Scooty (gearless) can be preferred by girls or those who are not comfortable driving a 2 wheeler (make sure you carry a DL with you)

Divar island can be visited by reaching via ferry or boat. One can also visit a casino (Deltin Royale or Casino Pride). But probability of winning in a casino is quite high in daytime and very less in nighttime.
This was in brief what one can explore in Goa. Would be happy to tag along with someone like you with an appetite to explore and travel.

I joined couchsurfing in June 2016 and in such a less time I have made wonderful friends. We explore places together, talk about our countries, cultures, attitudes there and make awesome memories.

You can also go through various pictures (alongwith description) which I have posted in my profile

Given below is my official facebook profile :

https://www.facebook.com/kaushal.sangwan

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet fellow travellers and explore the places with them. I like good communication and a good company. I also like to help travellers in exploring my beloved country

What I Can Share with Hosts

Experiences, Good company & Good conversations

Countries I’ve Lived In

India