When planning for a tropical destination for a holiday in India, there are two prominent options — Goa and Kerala. Each state is home to striking shorelines and richly varied traditions worth discovering. Together, they give travellers an ideal opportunity to unwind and savour their time in India.
While these two states are great for holidays, many tourists get confused between whether to go to Goa or Kerala. In this guide, we will explain and share experiences about both Goa holidays and Kerala holidays and help you decide which one to choose.
Goa: The Party and Beach Capital of India
Goa is a small state on India’s western coastline. Over the years, it has turned into a favourite for Indian and overseas travellers, largely because of its Portuguese heritage. Couples come to enjoy honeymoons, families for relaxing beach vacations, and youngsters to experience the party culture. The state is suitable for every type of tourist for their holiday.
Talking about beaches, Goa’s beaches are split into two areas — North Goa and South Goa.
North Goa is known for its nightlife, young crowd, and historic Portuguese monuments. Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, and Anjuna Beach are some of the most visited beaches of North Goa, each offering you a unique experience.
On the other hand, South Goa vibes are completely opposite to those of North Goa. South Goa is less crowded and has a much quieter and pleasant atmosphere. The area has premium resorts located near the beaches that provide top-tier hospitality. Some popular beaches in South Goa include Palolem Beach, Colva Beach, and Agonda Beach.
Watersports remain the centre of attraction for adventurous tourists visiting Goa. This includes parasailing, surfing, scuba diving, and jet skiing. While all these activities are fun, they are performed under the guidance of professionals and lifeguards to ensure tourist safety.
It also has tremendously looking monuments of the Portuguese era, like the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji, and the 17th-century Fort Aguada in Candolim. Alongside, you can go sightseeing at the fabulous-looking Dudhsagar Falls, where the water seems to be falling like a thick stream of milk onto the rocks. These spots are perfect for taking stunning photos for social media.
Goa holidays are incomplete without seafood. The flavours of Goan food come from the Indian spices used in the Portuguese-style cooking. Fish curry rice is a meal that you must definitely try. Tourists can also try the traditional Goan cocktail feni (or fenny). Overall Goa’s cuisine is quite something that brings a blend of both Portuguese and Indian flavours.
Despite Goa being smaller in area than Kerala, spending a few days here will surely make your holiday feel memorable. For tourists who want a break from their busy lives, Goa brings them an unhurried spirit called susegad. In Goan culture, this means one must slow down their life and just enjoy the moment in peace.
Kerala: God’s Own Country for Peaceful Escapes
Kerala sits in the extreme southwestern corner of India. It has a much larger influence over international tourists than Goa due to its calm backwaters, cool hills, wildlife, and the number of places to explore. Tourists get to see and enjoy nature’s beauty at a slower pace of life to find a sense of peace and relaxation.
Kerala’s beaches are divided into three regions – Central Kerala, North Kerala and South Kerala.
Central Kerala has many beaches, but Cherai Beach and Marari Beach are the top-rated ones. If you are lucky, you can spot dolphins near the shores of Cherai Beach. At Marari Beach you can see the local fishermen on boats fishing and enjoy the winding breezes in silence.
North Kerala beaches are the least crowded, which makes it perfect for visitors who want an offbeat experience. You can also visit the 300-year-old Bekal Fort near the coastline of Bekal Beach. Another quick spot is Muzhappilangad Beach, which is the only drive-in beach in India. Driving near the Arabian shores during the sunset is an amazing experience.
South Kerala has some of Kerala’s most popular beaches. Kovalam Beach is one such beach, having a crescent-shaped shore and a red-and-white-coloured lighthouse. Another one is Varkala Beach, which has unique red-coloured cliffs running across the coastline and has one of the most beautiful sunset views.
Kerala is also famous for its backwater cruising. Tourists can choose between a traditional rice boat (kettuvallam) or a luxury houseboat. The cruise often starts from the canals of Alleppey or Kumarakom. Tourists can see villages and paddy fields from the shores and witness rural Kerala closely.
There are also many remarkable heritage sites in Kerala still standing up for thousands of years. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, the Mattancherry Palace in Kochi and the Edakkal Caves in Wayanad are some spots you should not miss. These sites have deep historic significance to the culture and religion of Kerala.
One of the most fun things in Kerala is watching a live Kathakali performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre in Fort Kochi or at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre in Thekkady. This captivating dance-theatre style features artists who rely on vivid facial makeup, masks, and hand movements to convey feelings.
Which One Should You Choose: Goa Holidays or Kerala Holidays
Both Goa and Kerala are two of the best destinations for your holidays in India, but choosing between one depends directly on what type of experience you want. If you want to have an energetic, relaxed holiday alongside the beach coasts, choose Goa holidays. But if you want to spend your holiday exploring nature’s trails in peace, Kerala holidays are a suitable choice.
Book India Holidays to Goa and Kerala with India Tours & Travels
If you are a UK tourist planning to visit Goa or Kerala, we at India Tours & Travels have got you covered.
Our Deccan Dynasties and the Konkan Beaches package is a 16-day private tour which includes holidays to Goa and other southern cities of Karnataka. If you want to experience adventurous Goa holidays, this package is for you.
While for tourists wanting to visit Kerala and have their peace of mind, our private 13-day Enchanting Kerala package is the best option you could choose.
You can view complete details of both these packages directly on our website.
Deccan Dynasties and the Konkan Beaches package – View details
Enchanting Kerala package – View details
Plan and book your Goa holidays and Kerala holidays today!
