Must Visit Places in Goa to Explore by Self Drive Car
Goa is located on India's west coast and it is the country's smallest state and is unique for its long beaches, vibrant nightlife, diverse seafood, and world-heritage architecture. Covering only 3,702 km , Goa is in the Konkan region. Goa is one of the few places in India that is open 24/7. Its relaxed vibe, known as susegad, attracts many tourists from India and around the world. The people of Goa are very friendly to tourists and celebrate many festivals all year, with New Year and the Goa Carnival being the most famous. The seafood is delicious, and Goa has some of the best nightlife in India, with cool bars, beach shacks, stylish cafes, and many clubs and discos. Alcohol is cheaper in Goa, making it a great spot for younger tourists on a budget.
If you are always confused about the difference between North Goa and South Goa, here is a simple guide: Goa is split into two parts. North Goa is where you will find the nightlife, popular beaches, flea markets, and beach shacks. South Goa, on the other hand, is known for its luxury resorts and relaxed beach atmosphere. Goa has over 100 kilometers of coastline with beautiful beaches. Baga and Calangute are popular with Indian families, while Anjuna and Arambol attract many foreign tourists. The beaches in South Goa are less crowded, but places like Agonda and Palolem are especially beautiful. Goa is full of beautiful attractions and much more, you can plan the best trip to Goa with your friends and family. Most of the tourists choose self drive car rental Goa as their mode of transportation because relying on public transportation and hiring cabs and taxis every time is very stressful. Relying on public transportation for a Goa trip can be stressful because buses and trains might be crowded, schedules can be unpredictable, and routes might not cover all tourist spots. You might have to wait long or face delays, making it hard to plan your day. Plus, carrying luggage and navigating unfamiliar places adds to the hassle, making the journey less enjoyable. And constantly hiring taxis and cabs every time will be very costly. Self drive car hire Goa will give you the freedom to plan your trip at your own pace.
Here are some benefits of self drive car rental Goa.
1. Flexibility: With a self drive car rental Goa, you have the freedom to explore Goa at your own pace. You can plan your itinerary according to your preferences without being tied to public transportation schedules or tour group itineraries.
2. Convenience: You can pick up the car at your convenience and return it when your trip is over, without worrying about coordinating with a driver or adhering to someone else's schedule.
3. Cost-effectiveness: Depending on your travel plans and the number of people in your group, renting a self drive car can be more cost-effective than hiring a taxi or using ride-sharing services, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions in different parts of Goa.
4. Privacy: Having your own vehicle provides a level of privacy that you may not get with other modes of transportation. You can enjoy your trip without sharing the space with strangers and have personal conversations without worrying.
5. Accessibility: Goa has many beautiful off-the-beaten-path destinations that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Having a self drive car allows you to explore these hidden gems and enjoy a more authentic experience of the region.
6. Comfort: You can choose a car that suits your comfort and space requirements, ensuring a pleasant journey throughout your trip.
7. Safety: Renting from a reputable car rental company ensures that you get a well-maintained vehicle with necessary safety features, providing peace of mind during your travels.
Must-See Attractions in Goa
Calangute Beach: It is the biggest beach in North Goa, about 15 km away from Panjim. It stretches from Candolim to Baga and is very popular with tourists and backpackers from all over the world. It is often called the "Queen of Beaches" and is one of the top ten bathing beaches globally. Because it is so famous, it is always busy with lots of places to eat, drink, and have fun. You can find shacks, clubs, and restaurants serving cocktails, beer, and seafood. Calangute Beach is also known for its water sports like parasailing, surfing, banana rides, and jet-skiing. During the day, you can have a blast at the beach, and at night, there are lively parties. Many people choose to stay in Calangute because it is well-connected to other popular beaches in the north, like Baga, Anjuna, Candolim, and Aguada. This beach is easily accessible by self drive car rental goa.
Fort Aguada: It is a fort located on Sinquerim Beach, about 18 km from Panjim, Goa. It stands where the river meets the Arabian Sea. The fort's walls are falling apart but still visible. The main attractions of the fort are a tall four-story lighthouse, which is unique in Asia, and a beautiful view of the sunset. It was built in 1612 to protect against attacks from the Dutch and Marathas, Fort Aguada was very important for the Portuguese. It covers the entire peninsula at the southwestern tip of Bardez. The name "Aguada" comes from the Portuguese word for water, as the fort used to have a big reservoir of fresh water for sailors. It could hold 2,376,000 gallons of water, making it one of the biggest freshwater reservoirs in Asia. At one point, Fort Aguada was used as a jail. There is a statue in front of the jail honoring freedom fighters, adding a touch of patriotism to the fort.
Cruise in Goa: Going on a cruise in Goa is a great way to see beautiful sights, clear waters, and stunning sunsets. There are different kinds of cruises you can take, like evening cruises, romantic dinner cruises, backwater cruises, and casino cruises. Most of these start from Miramar Beach in Panjim. Some cruises also offer dinner and fun activities during the day, depending on when you go whether it is daytime, sunset, or under the moonlight. Booking a cruise in Goa is easy; many places let you book online. You can pick a package that fits what you want and how much time you want to spend on the boat.
Water Sports: Goa has a long coastline with calm waves and shallow waters. You can enjoy water sports at many beaches, but the most popular ones are Baga, Calangute, Benaulim, Candolim, and nearby beaches. At these beaches, you can try various water sports like kneeboarding, kite surfing, snorkeling, parasailing, diving, kayaking, and more. You can either rent equipment from beach vendors or book packages from licensed water sports operators like Atlantis Water Sports or Aqua Sports Goa.
Dudhsagar Falls: It is one of India's tallest waterfalls, found in Mollem National Park. It is about 60 km away from Panaji, close to the Goa-Karnataka border. Dudhsagar means "Sea of Milk" in English. The waterfall is 310 meters tall and looks like milk flowing down the hill in four parts. Most people get to Dudhsagar Falls by jeep or their own car from Panaji. Some also take a train journey or go trekking to reach it. The famous Dudhsagar Railway trek is closed, but you can still trek to the lower falls. It is best to visit Dudhsagar Falls during the monsoon when it is full and the surrounding forests are green. You can reach this place with self drive car rental Goa.
Chapora Fort: It situated 10 km from Mapusa, is one of the most famous forts in Goa. It was built by the Portuguese in 1717 and has a rich history. You might recognize it from the Bollywood movie "Dil Chahta Hai." The fort offers stunning views of the sea and Chapora River. Originally, there was a fort here built by a Muslim ruler called Adil Shah, named Shahpura. The Portuguese rebuilt it and called it Chapora after the nearby river. The best part about the fort is the amazing view of Vagator beach and the Arabian Sea, especially at sunset. But to get to the top of the old fort, you need to climb a steep path for about 10 minutes. Chapora Fort has changed hands between different rulers over the years, from the Portuguese to the Marathas, and you can still see the remains of their structures. You can even spot the entrances to two tunnels the Portuguese built for emergencies.
Baga Beach: It is a famous spot in North Goa, not far from Calangute Beach and about 30 km from Panjim. It is known for its vibrant nightlife with places like Britto's, Tito's, and Mambos nearby. You can also enjoy lots of water sports there. The beach got its name from the Baga Creek that flows into the Arabian Sea. It is popular for its designer stores and street markets. While you are at Baga, you can have a delicious breakfast at Infantaria, chill at the beach all day, and then party at night. Baga Beach is often seen as an extension of Calangute Beach since they're on the same stretch of shore. There are lots of things to do at Baga Beach, like getting tattoos, shopping, getting spa treatments, and enjoying the legendary shacks. If you're not into parties, you can start your day with beach yoga, have a healthy breakfast by the sea, and spend the day reading quietly on a beach recliner. Baga Beach has something for everyone. Goa has much more to explore, so get a self drive car hire Goa, and explore at your own pace.
FAQs
What if I get any issues in the car?
At the moment, none of our customers have had any problems with our cars because we take good care of them and check them often. But if you ever have an issue, we will replace your car within an hour.
What documents are required to rent a self drive car in Goa?
You should have your valid driving license and original ID for self drive car rental Goa. If you are traveling from another country then you should have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a self drive car in Goa.
Can I rent a self drive car for a whole week in Goa?
Yes, you can rent a self drive car in Goa for a week or longer if you need. Just pick the dates you want to start and finish your trip, and you can have the car for as long as you need at a good price.
Are self drive car rental services available in Goa?
Yes, Car4Hires provides very fast service in the whole of Goa. You just have to select the desired pickup location and you will get your car ready at your scheduled pickup time.
What happens if you bring back a self riving car after the agreed time?
If you return the car late, you might have to pay more money. It is best to bring it back on time to avoid these extra fees. If you need more time with the car, just tell us, and we can help you extend your trip.
Which type of car can I rent for self drive in Goa?
It depends on what you need. If you are a group of friends who need plenty of space, you might want to rent a 7-seater car or an SUV. Otherwise, compact cars could be good for you. Just choose the car that fits what you need from our options.
How much does it cost to hire a self drive car in Goa?
The price of renting a self drive car in Goa depends on how long you want it and which car you pick. Prices might vary based on the season, but you could get discounts by using coupons on our website. Visit Car4Hires website or give us a phone call at 7528904589 to find the top deals for the car you prefer
How old do I need to be to rent a self drive car in Goa?
You should be above 20 years to rent a self drive car in Goa.