Goa and Kerala are perhaps two of the most traveled destinations in India, both with their own special charm. If one is the party capital, the other is better known as God’s own country.
So, if you are planning for your next trip and are caught in a dilemma to choose between Goa or Kerala, fret not because in this article you’ll find all answers. To make things clearer, we have also graphically presented the information in an infographic.
Let the battle begin!
General Information About These States
Geography
Goa is located in India’s west coast and Kerala is situated in Southern India
Airport
Goa International Airport is located in the city of Dabolim and hence called by Dabolim Airport.
Kerala has three major international airports viz. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Cochin International Airport and Kozhikode International Airport
Goa Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
Visit Goa – the beach capital of India. Explore golden sandy beaches, casinos, and night markets. Book your Goa holiday on TravelTriangle for the best expereince of water sports, sea food, and luxury resorts. Inclusions: Hotels, cab, water activities, & sightseeing.
Travel time
Delhi to Goa: 2 hrs 40 mins
Mumbai to Goa: 1 hr 15 mins
Bangalore to Goa: 1 hour
Kolkata to Goa: 3 hours
Delhi to Kerala (Kochi Airport): 3 hours
Mumbai to Kerala (Kochi Airport): 2 hours
Bangalore to Kerala (Kochi Airport): 1 hour
Must Read: 8 Most Amazing Places To Visit In Goa In December
Climate
Being a coastal state, Goa experiences humid weather and a typical coastal climate.
The climate in Kerala is not much different from Goa being another tropical state.
Best time to visit
Goa:
November to February- peak season, festivities in line
June to October- monsoon, pristine & lush countryside
Kerala:
September to March: peak season, backwaters at it’s best!
June to August: monsoon season, best for Ayurvedic Treatments
Traveler’s Tour Planning Criteria
Explorer Type
The type of crowd that you’ll come across in the both the states essentially differ.
Goa:
Backpackers, party freaks, adventure seekers, beach bums, romantics
Kerala:
Honeymooners, leisure travelers, Ayurveda inspired, wildlife enthusiasts
Suggested Read: 15 Budget Hotels In Goa Perfect For All Kinds Of Travelers
Which one fits your pocket?
One can stay at shacks and homestays in Goa, while accommodation in Kerala usually means luxury resorts. Great dining options in Goa include beachside shacks, while Kerala has a variety of posh restaurants. Adventure activities in Goa like parasailing, surfing and dolphin spotting demand lesser expenditure than in Kerala, where the best of adventure activities include sailing in houseboats, Ayurvedic Spas, & Kalaripayattu (fencing). All in all, Goa is relatively cheaper than Kerala.
Major Attractions
Planning your holiday in Goa but confused about what to do? These Goa travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.
Beaches
Goa:
The beaches in Goa are much wider, free and abundant in number. The beach beds are also free in Goa and there are multiple laidback shacks. Some of the best beaches in Goa that you just can’t miss are: Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Anjuna, Palolem, Arambol, Agonda, Vagator.
Kerala:
Kerala beaches are comparatively shorter than Goa and mostly rocky. The beach beds aren’t free and you have to pay a rent of somewhere around INR 150 to INR 300. Besides, the beaches in Kerala don’t have shacks. Few of the best beaches in Kerala include: Kovalam, Kappad, Marari, Cherai, Varkala, Alappuzha, Kannur
Historical Places
Goa:
Goa is seeped in the legacy of the Portuguese colonial era. Most historic structures, located in today’s Old Goa, date back to those days. Some of the historic edifices that you can’t miss are: Terekhol Fort, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Chapora Fort.
Kerala:
History of Kerala dates back to the pre historic days. Because of the booming spice trade industry, the state colonised with multiple kingdoms like the Portuguese, the French, the Dutch and the British. You can trace the chronicles in the various historical places like: Bekal Fort, Hill Palace Museum, Synagogue at Mattancherry, Dutch Palace, Palakkad Fort, Thalassery Fort, Kannur Fort
Unique Attractions
Unique attractions in Goa include spice plantations while in Kerala you can see tea and coffee plantations.
Things To Do
Water Sports
Goa
Goa offers the best and the cheapest water sports in the country. Some of the must-try water sports in Goa are: diving, jet skiing, banana boat ride, parasailing
Kerala
Some of the water sports to try out in Kerala are: boating, canoeing, kayaking, parasailing
Cruise
River Mandovi offers short cruises, apart from which Goa doesn’t have too many opportunities for cruising. When it comes to Kerala, Houseboat Cruise on the backwaters is its USP.
Unique Experiences
Unique experiences in Goa include Dolphin Watching, Butterfly Conservatory. While in Kerala, you can enjoy Oxen Racing and Tree Climbing
Party Scene
Goa’s party scene is famous across the globe. The nightlife is extremely lively and energetic. However, the party culture is very limited in Kerala. The number of clubs and pubs are concentrated to just the cities. Hence it won’t be wrong to say that nightlife in Kerala is non-existent.
Trekking
A trek up the Dudhsagar waterfalls or the Udaan Dongor offers amazing experience in Goa. In Kerala, trekking up the heart-shaped lake atop Chembra Peak of Wayanad is highly recommended for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Ayurvedic Treatments
There are numerous famous yoga centres and ashrams in Goa that one can visit. Kerala is world famous for its Ayurvedic treatments. It’s a shame if one doesn’t experience a soothing Kerala Ayurvedic massage or Spa on their trip to Kerala.
Attend Festivals
Some of the famous festivals that you just can’t miss in Goa are: Goa Carnival, Sao Joao Festival, International Jazz Festival, Sunburn Goa. And some of the famous festivals of Kerala are: Onam, Theyyam Festival, Kerala Boat Festival, Thrissur Pooram
Also Read: 15 Amazing Things To Do In Kerala [Infographic]
Food & Drinks
What to Eat?
Goa: Sorpotel, Vindaloo, Xacuti, Cafreal, Bebinca
Kerala: Sadhya, Pollichathu, Meen Mappas, Puttu, Idiyappam
Where to Eat?
Goa: Thalassa, La Plage, Martin’s Corner, Tito’s, Zeebop By the Sea, A Reverie
Kerala: Villa Maya, Ginger House, Malabar Junction, Indian Coffee House, Curry Leaf, Kashi Art Cafe
Booze:
Goa: Cheap booze, available everywhere
Kerala: Alcohol Banned!
Must-Try Local Liquors
Goa: Fenni
Kerala: Toddy
Special Accommodation Options
Goa: Beach villas, beach shacks and hidden wellness retreats
Kerala: Houseboats, tree-houses, traditional homestays
Bestselling Holiday Packages
Goa Tour Packages
3 Nights 4 Days Bestselling Goa Tour
4 Nights 5 Days Goa Honeymoon
2 Nights 3 Days North Goa Weekend Tour
Kerala Tour Packages
2 Nights 3 Days Kerala Munnar Tour
3 Nights 4 Days Bestselling Munnar Alleppey Kerala Tour
4 Nights 5 Days Bestselling Kerala Honeymoon Tour
Secret Tips for An Incredible Holiday
Goa:
Safe swimming period in Goa is November to early May. Best avoided at any other time
Nudity on beaches is forbidden and punishable under law
Possession and trade of drugs are illegal
Monsoon season is the most budget-friendly period for tourists
Best way to travel around Goa is through rented vehicles
Kerala:
Ayurvedic Centres: Check Govt. authorized Leaf Ratings. Olive Leaf- small and mid-sized centers. Green Leaf: larger centers, superior facilities
State Law stipulates that possession of alcohol by an adult (above 18 years) of a quantity more than 3 litres, with beer bottles more than 6 and 1.5 litres of toddy are illegal & punishable
Drinking inside moving vehicles, in presence of a child (below 15 yrs), in public is a punishable offence
So what’s your pick out of Goa vs Kerala?
Further Read: 15 Wondrous Backwater Resorts In Kerala For A Pampered Holiday
We hope that this infographic helped you make up your mind as to where you’d want to go, whether you want to pack your bags for Goa or take off to Kerala. However, if you’re still confused, don’t you worry because our travel experts are here to help you out with all your questions.
Indulge in thrilling experiences on the beaches of Goa!
Or
Revitalize your senses on the backwaters of Kerala!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Goa Vs Kerala
Which beach is the best in Goa for couples?
Goa has a number of beautiful beaches. Some of the best beaches in Goa for couples are Butterfly Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Vagator Beach, Arambol Beach, Ashwem Beach and Mandrem Beach.
What is the best time to visit Kerala?
Monsoon season between June and August is the best time to visit Kerala for Ayurveda treatments as well as for relaxing vacation. The cool temperature of monsoon is ideal for Ayurveda treatments and rejuvenation programs.
Is Kerala safe for solo female Travellers?
Yes! India and especially Kerala is considered to be quite safe for solo women travelers.
Is Goa cheaper than Kerala?
Broadly speaking, Goa is relatively cheaper than Kerala.
Which is better for honeymoon Goa or Kerala?
Varkala is called The Goa of Kerala and is one of the best places with the best beaches in Kerala.
Which is the best time to visit Goa for honeymoon?
While November to February is the peak tourist season, the best time to visit Goa for honeymoon is anywhere between October & April. If you wish to avoid the rush, the time between October and April is the best time.
How many days should I spend in Goa?
4 Days, is quite enough to see the best of Goa. Visit the beaches of North Goa, you could opt for water sports, such as Scuba Diving, Parasailing or Banana Ride. The most known popular beaches are Calangute, Anjuna, and Candolim.
Which place of Kerala is known as Goa of Kerala?
Varkala is called The Goa of Kerala and is one of the best places with the best beaches in Kerala.
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