Goa Vs Kerala Trip: Guide To Choosing The Best Beach Destination 2024
When one destination is called ‘God’s Own Country’ and the other is dotted with palm-fringed beaches and ancient churches, you know sweeping views are guaranteed. Among India’s most-loved tropical terrains, Kerala and Goa promise wilderness, culture, stellar culinary outposts, and shopping haunts — each with its own unique charm. Read on as we draw out Goa vs Kerala comparisons to help you pick the perfect destination for your next sandy-toed getaway.
Goa vs Kerala: Natural attractions
Blessed with unperturbed nature and proximity to the sea, both Goa and Kerala boast a wealth of natural attractions like waterfalls, tea estates, and lush landscapes perfect for birdwatching and picnicking.
Goa: Famed for its stunning natural wonder, Goa is home to the Dudhsagar Falls, the second-highest waterfall in India, located on the Mandovi River in South Goa. These four-tiered waterfalls descend from a height of 1,017 ft. Travellers can also explore the Arvalem (also called Harvalem) Waterfalls in Sanquelim. Outdoor enthusiasts with a penchant for the wilderness must also explore the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary or go birdwatching at Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Another must-visit natural attraction is the Butterfly Conservatory of Goa, nestled in Ponda, offering a unique experience. Just 15 km from Ponda sits the 40-acre large Savoi Spice Plantation, a delightful stop for visitors.
Kerala: When it comes to natural, no-filter-needed beauty, Kerala will leave you spoilt for choice. From Wayanad’s misty valleys to Allepey’s serene backwaters and Munnar’s sprawling tea estates, there’s plenty to explore. Wildlife enthusiasts must add Thekkady’s Periyar National Park as well as Kollam’s Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary and Palaruvi Waterfalls to their itinerary. Nestled amidst the Kanan Devan Hill Tea Estates, Blossom Park Dark Forest delights with activities like bird-watching, boating, cycling, and trekking. Tourists can also saunter through the tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations in Nelliyampathy.
Best places to visit in Goa and Kerala
In addition to sun, sand, and serenity, Goa and Kerala also measure up with museums, forts, temples, churches, adventure activities, and much more! Here’s a selection of things to do in each city, in this Goa vs Kerala edition.
Goa: No points for guessing: beaches! Add the likes of Calangute, Baga, Butterfly, Arambol, Vagator, Anjuna, and Palolem Beach to your holiday roster. Then, side-step the sand and explore history at Fort Tiracol, Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, Archaeological Museum of Goa, Mormugao Fort, and Big Foot Goa. Admire the UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Chruch of Saint Cajetan, Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, Church of Saint Augustine, and Church of Our Lady of the Rosary; visit historical temples like Mahadev Temple, Brahma Temple, Shanta Durga Temple, Saptakoteshwar Temple, and Mangeshi Temple; or try your luck at Goa’s veritable casinos like Deltin Royale, Casino Palms, Casino Pride, and Deltin Jaqk.
Kerala: There’s no dearth of serene beaches in Kerala. Take your pick from scintillating contenders like Alappuzha, Merari, Cherai, Varkala, and Kovalam’s Lighthouse Beach, among others. Next, immerse in culture by catching a resplendent Kathakali performance at Kerala Kathakali Centre or Cochin Cultural Centre. Learn about the state’s history at Shakthan Thampuran Palace in Thrissur, Napier Museum in Trivandrum, Kerala Folklore Museum and Museum of Kerala History in Kochi. Add a dose of adventure to your trip by floating down the Pozhuthana River on a traditionally crafted bamboo raft. And, if you have the luxury of time, take the scenic rail trip on the Ernakulam-Kollam-Trivandrum route through Kerala.
Shopping guide: Goa vs Kerala
From flea markets to night bazaars and bougie boutiques, Goa and Kerala foster thriving markets that promise fun, fashion, and flair in equal measure.
Goa: A Goan vacation is incomplete without procuring handicrafts, hammocks, trinkets, and jewellery from the Anjuna Flea Market. The Night Bazaars of Mackie, Ingo’s and Arpora promise a wholesome dose of antiques, footwear, trendy attire, artefacts, and souvenirs. The Tibetan Market at Baga is famous for fashion accessories, prayer flags, bells, and even furniture! Step up on the ladder of sophistication and explore the Wednesday Flea Market on Ashwem Beach for Bohemian handmade dresses, impressive footwear, and much more! Beyond markets under the sun and stars, we also recommend exploring stores like Alchemy Boutique in Mandrem, Rangeela in Assagao, Studio Arpora in Arpora, and Jaali Boutique in South Goa.
Kerala: Kerala offers various hues of shopping, from old-world to modern luxe. One of our top recommendations includes the Jew Town in Kochi, which houses antique stores, intricate jewellery, and fashion boutiques, all surrounded by Portuguese, Dutch, and Jewish influences. Next, hit the MG Road in the capital city of Trivandrum, which houses everything from high-end stores to local markets and stand-alone boutiques. For timeless showpieces and handicrafts, consider the Government Handicraft Emporium in Kochi and Aranmula Mirror Showroom in Aranmula. And if you’re craving a good old stroll at the mall, look no further than Kochi’s famed Lulu Mall.
Culinary quotient: Goa vs Kerala
A lot can happen over coastal cuisine! While seafood is the common factor, both Goa and Kerala put their unique spin on the delicacies, promising a burst of flavours in every bite.
Goa: For the choicest of Goan cuisine and seafood savouries, bookmark Bombil (Panjim), a Goan-Portugese bungalow-style restaurant rustling up fish thalis, prawn rawa fry, and fresh urrak, among other sumptuous options. Other recommendations include The Fisherman’s Wharf (Panjim), Edward’s Yard (Bambolim), Martin’s Corner (Salcete), and Chef Peter’s Kitchen (Pilerne).
Kerala: Craving authentic Kerala cuisine? This list of recommendations is sure to quench your hunger pangs. Consider the Rice Boat in Kumarakom, which offers aromantic rice preparations with fresh catch, Trivandrum’s Arippa Restaurant, Dhe Puttu in Kochi, and Paragon Restaurant in Trivandrum. To indulge in the flavours of Malabar, grab a bite at Kozhikode’s Kayees Rahmathulla Café, and for fusion food, visit Fusion Bay in Kochi.
Best Hotels in Goa and Kerala
Whether you opt for a boutique hotel, a coveted chain, or a bed and breakfast, a blissful stay can truly elevate the vacation severalfold. Luckily for us, both Goa and Kerala boast a goldmine of luxe resorts and hotels.
Goa: If you’re staying in North Goa, consider Ānamiva — a designer boutique property, Elsewhere in Ashwem, and MansionHaus in Anjuna. For a tryst with vintage, opt for Siolim House, a 35-year-old restored heritage hotel. Of course, there are more popularly known offshoots like Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Park Calangute, and W Goa in Vagator that you can check into as well. Our top recommendations in South Goa include Alila Diwa Goa in Majorda, Casa Jaali in Canacona, ITC Grand Goa in Cansaulim, and The St. Regis Goa Resort in Cavelossim.
Book your stay at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa via Booking.com
Book your stay at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa via Agoda.com
Kerala: Booking a stay in Kerala? Consider Old Harbour Hotel, a sprawling 300-year-old property tucked in the heart of Fort Kochi. Located along the shore of Vembanad Lake, the Colonial-style Brunton Boatyard Hotel in Kochi boasts Portuguese, British, and Dutch architectural elements, and promises a laidback stay. Other recommendations include Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kumarakom Lake Resort, The LaLit Resort & Spa in Bekal, and Purity in Alleppey.
Book your stay at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty via Booking.com
Book your stay at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty via Agoda.com
Best time to visit: Goa Vs Kerala
When visiting a tropical destination, it is imperative to gauge their humidity levels, rain shower intensity, and heat levels beforehand. It’s always a good practice to plan your trip around a local festival for a truly immersive holiday experience.
Goa: The best time to plan a vacation in Goa is from November to February. During this time, the temperatures hover between 21 ⁰C and 27 ⁰C, and it’s the peak season to make the most of tourist fervour, bustling bazaars, high-octane parties, and more!
Kerala: The best time to visit Kerala is between September and March. With less humidity, these months promise the ideal time to explore the tea estates, trek into the wilderness and explore lagoons and canals.
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(Feature Image Credit: Pikoso.kz/Shutterstock)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Which destination, Goa or Kerala, is better for beach lovers?
Both Goa and Kerala promise splendid coastlines and water sports, making them ideal vacation destinations for beach lovers.
– Which destination, Goa or Kerala, is more suitable for adventure activities?
Both destinations have a host of adventure activities like kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, and banana rides, among others.
– What is the best time to visit Goa and Kerala?
The best time to visit Goa is between November and February, and the best time to visit Kerala is between September and March.
– Which destination, Goa or Kerala, is more budget-friendly for travellers?
While both destinations can be explored affordably, Goa is relatively easier on the pockets.
– Can I combine visits to Goa and Kerala in one trip?
While it’s possible to combine them in one trip, we advise against it as both destinations have a sea of offerings to explore and should be explored as singular trips.