Goa, the smallest state in India, is known for its pristine beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and unique blend of Indian and Portuguese culture. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to this tropical paradise to soak up the sun, sample the local cuisine, and experience the vibrant nightlife. But what is it like to call Goa your home? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the good, the bad, and the lovely aspects of living in Goa, based on our first-hand account.
The Good:
Living in Goa can be a dream come true for many reasons. The weather is fantastic with plenty of sunshine year-round. Goa has a tropical climate and is surrounded by beaches, hills and tropical flora & fauna making it perfect for outdoor activities. Whether you enjoy swimming, surfing, hiking, trekking or simply relaxing, Goa has something for everyone.
Another great aspect of living in Goa is the laid-back lifestyle. Goan People are generally friendly, open-minded, and relaxed, which makes for a pleasant and stress-free living environment. It's also a great place to connect with other like-minded people, whether you're into yoga, music, art, or any other creative pursuit. In fact, Goa is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with many festivals and events happening throughout the year.
The food is amazing! Goan cuisine is a fusion of Indian, Portuguese & International flavors, with seafood being a particular specialty. Not only is Goa a paradise for pescatarians, for meat lovers many beef, pork and chicken dishes are available in Goa. And if you're a vegetarian, you'll be happy to know that Goa has a strong tradition of vegetarianism, with plenty of delicious and healthy local and international fruits and vegetables.
The Bad:
In the words of Tokyo from Money heist - "Paradise is wonderful when your life is dull and full of traffic. As an escape every now and then". While Goa may seem like a paradise, it's not without its challenges. Goa is a small state with a growing population. Therefore the roads, public transportation, and other basic amenities can be unreliable and overcrowded. Also due to a shortage of manpower, finding workers, electricians, plumbers, etc. can be challenging, especially during peak tourist season.
Another problem facing residents is the high cost of living. While Goa is cheaper than many other parts of India (Speaking as a Mumbaikar), it's still relatively expensive compared to other beach destinations in Southeast Asia. This is especially true if you're planning to stay in a popular tourist area like Anjuna, Calangute or Baga, where prices for accommodation and other necessities can be quite steep. While Panjim and South Goa offer decent pricing, they don't necessarily offer the same quality of life as North Goa.
The Lovely:
Fortunately for us, Goa has been extremely generous. The joys and challenges of living in Goa have truly been a lovely experience. So far we have attended multiple events and festivals, enjoyed diverse and flavorful cuisine, hosted memorable experiences for friends and family and lived a life many wish to live.
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