Goa – The Land of Sun, Sand and beaches (India)

Goa - Land of Sun, sand and beaches

If weddings are Bollywood blockbusters, then honeymoons are the sequels everyone secretly waits for. After months of shopping, dancing, and nodding at distant relatives I didn’t recognize, it was finally time to live my own “Dil Chahta Hai” moment. Destination? None other than Goa – the land of sun, sand, and beaches.

But before we dive into the Goa honeymoon travel guide part, let me confess: choosing the destination wasn’t easy. I spent so many nights scrolling travel blogs and honeymoon packages that my face started carrying permanent keyboard imprints (as I slept on it). Maldives was too expensive, Manali felt too obvious, and then… Goa called me. Loud and clear.

Booking the Dream

Being the responsible new husband (and discount hunter), I booked flights to Goa two months in advance. Add to that a dreamy villa-style room in South Goa, just two minutes from Betalbatim Beach. South Goa is known for its romantic, secluded beaches (perfect for honeymooners who don’t want people judging them).

Wedding done. Band, baaja, baraat survived. And finally, it was Goa time!

Touchdown Goa – and the Worst Samosas Ever

Our flight was smooth (except for the air hostess trying to sell sunglasses and other tech things like she was given a target). At Dabolim Airport, my wife spotted our driver holding my name on a placard and we took sigh of relief amongst so many people who were trying to book taxis.

The drive to the hotel was like entering another world – coconut trees, sleepy villages, and markets that literally shut down for afternoon siestas. (Delhi shopkeepers, please learn – no one’s going to die if you nap for 3 hours.)

But then came hunger. We stopped at a roadside shop where I, like an innocent fool, ordered samosas. Let’s just say they were so bad that I’m convinced they were Goa’s way of saying, “Stick to seafood, bro.”

Betalbatim Beach – Love at First Splash

When we reached our resort, we were welcomed with cake, wine, and the kind of hospitality that makes you forget Delhi traffic forever. But the real magic happened in the evening.

Betalbatim Beach. My first ever beach. Golden sand, crystal-clear water, and the sound of waves that felt like nature’s Spotify playlist. We splashed around like kids, watched the sunset holding hands, and I finally understood why people say Goa is one of the best honeymoon destinations in India.

Betalbalim beach

Sightseeing – From Temples to Cruises

The next day, our hotel arranged a complimentary half-day sightseeing tour (because honeymoon budget is real). We visited the Shri Shantadurga Temple, Goa’s oldest church from 1605, and ended the day with a romantic cruise on the Mandovi River.

On the cruise, folk dances happened on stage, but honestly, we were busy holding hands and watching the sunset. The “Titanic pose” happened too, minus Celine Dion singing in the background.

Temple Shri Shantadurga Vijayate

Main Temple inside

Temple premises

About Church

Goa's oldest church

Jesus Christ

Entrance of the Church

Casino Royale

Some random cruise

During sunset, it all looked really beautiful and I clicked some okay pics which I am not really proud of.

Water Sports at Colva – Salt Water in My Nose

No Goa honeymoon is complete without water sports. At Colva Beach, we signed up for parasailing, banana boat rides, and jet skiing. Parasailing was dreamy – flying high while holding my wife’s hand felt like a movie.

Banana ride, though? Disaster. The boat flipped, we both fell, and I drank at least half the Arabian Sea. My wife wasn’t amused. The local photographer caught us mid-struggle – I now own the most embarrassing honeymoon picture ever clicked.

Random Art by Us

Hanging in the air - Para Sailing

Both of us struggling as our Banana ride twisted

North Goa Adventure – Aguada Fort, Flea Markets & Moonlit Bike Rides

Next day, we rented a scooter and rode to North Goa. Missed entering Aguada Fort because we spent too much time at Domino’s (curse you, cheese burst pizza). But we did shop at Calangute flea market, collecting souvenirs and proving again that my wife is a world-class bargainer.

                                    

Boundary wall - Aguada fort

Dog who kept following us in Aguada fort

The highlight? Riding back under the moonlight, singing songs, and stopping by Mandovi River glowing under the stars and moon. It was cheesy, it was filmy, it was perfect.

Goa Honeymoon Tips (From a First-Timer Who Learned the Hard Way)

* Don’t eat roadside non-Goan food. Ever.

* Book water sports in Colva, but bargain like a pro.

* Rent a scooter, bike or a car and explore on your own (its cheaper than the taxis)

* There's no Uber or Ola, there is a reliable Government backed Taxi App - Goa Miles (use that)

* South Goa = peace, North Goa = party. Choose your vibe.

* Always carry sunscreen, because “who got more tanned” is not a fun couple game.

* Explore cafes, beautiful restaurants, bakeries (if you get time)

* And yes, wake up early if you want to catch the sunrise. (We failed. Twice.)

The Goodbye We Didn’t Want to Say

On our last day, we overslept (again) and missed the sunrise at our beloved Betalbatim Beach. We packed our bags with heavy hearts, clicked one last selfie in the room, and promised to return.

Goa gave us our first memories as husband and wife – laughter, sunsets, embarrassing banana ride moments, and lazy beach afternoons. If you’re planning your **honeymoon in Goa**, trust me, the land of sun, sand, and shenanigans will never disappoint.