The Real Reason We Canceled Our North Goa Stay For South Goa

Why We Left Mysore

On the evening of May 29th 2024, we got into a bus from Mysore and set off for Goa. I had booked it the day before. After spending two years outside India, we had finally decided to return. Our plan was to settle in Mysore, but house hunting didn’t go as expected. Even after living in an Airbnb for nearly a month, we couldn’t find a decent rental. The biggest issue? The one-year advance rent deposit rule! No way was I ready to pay that upfront, especially after past deposit-related experiences that didn’t go well. Also, as a single mom returning to India after a few years in Nepal, it just didn’t make sense financially. It was already way over my budget anyway.

So, we changed our plans and decided to move to Goa.

Sleeper Bus from Mysore to Goa , A Smooth Surprise

We booked a Seabird Sleeper Bus that left around 6 PM. It was a 14-hour journey, and I was a little anxious about my daughter’s motion sickness. I always carry my Homeopathic Kit (stay tuned because I am creating an entire post on “A Must Have Homeopathic Kit for Travelers”) and that helps but she still tends to feel queasy at times, especially around those hairpin bends. Luckily, this was not one of those trips. It was also our first time trying out a sleeper bus, so naturally, the kids were super excited. To my surprise, the ride was incredibly smooth! No motion sickness at all, just a lot of giggles, excitement and cozy sleep.

We arrived in Goa around 8 AM the next day and got off at Margao. That’s when the real adventure began. 

Goa Statehood Day, Which Felt Like A Special Arrival

We actually reached Goa on May 30th, which is Goa Statehood Day! It marks the day Goa officially became a state of India back in 1987. Goa was a part of the Portuguese Colony for over 450 years. They came in the 1500s and stayed until 1961. Because of that, Goa feels very different from the rest of India. You’ll see old churches, colorful Portuguese-style houses, and a strong love for bread and seafood. Their culture mixed with Indian traditions, creating a unique vibe that makes Goa really special.

It feels kind of special, like we arrived right on time, guided by something bigger.

North Goa vs. South Goa: Why We Canceled Our North Goa House Last Minute

We had finalized a house in Pernem, North Goa, through Housing.com. I loved how the place looked in photos and videos, but something about it felt off. 

Our cab driver showed up 30 minutes late (which is pretty normal for the easygoing vibe in Goa). I had booked the Cab while in Mysore and informed the Cab Company about the timing beforehand. As he saw all our bags, he raised an eyebrow and said, “So many?” I told him, “Yes, we’re relocating to Goa” I had paid for the extra luggage while booking but I knew he would ask as we had around 7 Travel Bags. Thankfully, he started helping me load the luggage into the back.

He was quite chatty right from the beginning. During the ride, he casually asked, “You’ve already finalized a house?” I said yes. Then he asked, “Why North Goa? Do you know what it’s known for?” I replied, “Yes, but that’s not my scene.” He chuckled and told me that North Goa might not be a great match for someone who seems calm and peace-loving, it was more for those seeking nightlife and parties. I explained that it was the only decent option I could find online, and I’d already confirmed it. And I told him that I had stayed in North Goa before but it was a short stay. North Goa also is a hub for Yoga and Spiritual Healing Retreats. North Goa is beautiful but just a little too touristy and crowded.

The first time I came to Goa was in 1999, and my hippie soul instantly fell in love with the vibrant vibe of Anjuna’s Flea Market. 

South Goa was where we stayed in 2022 but I wasn’t able to find anything in the South this time around.

From Margao to Nowhere , What Really Happened

I had already paid him the full fare, Rs. 3,500 for the trip from Margao to Pernem (about 61 km, which took nearly 2 hours). We had to keep calling the house owner for directions, and when we finally met him at the Pernem Market, he asked us to follow his car.

And oh boy, that “few kilometers” he promised? It turned into more than 10 km of driving deeper and deeper into what felt like nowhere! No transport, hardly anyone on the road, just a few bars along the way. The driver quietly said, “Please don’t mind, but this place doesn’t look safe. I think we’re not even in Goa anymore… this is the Maharashtra border.”

I was stunned. I had come this far thinking I was making the right move, and now I found myself in the middle of nowhere. I had originally planned to book an Airbnb and then search for a house in person, but I had gone ahead and locked this one in. And now there we were. I should have trusted my intuition. 

And on top of that, the closest beach (Arambol Beach) was an hour away! Really? Not what I imagined! 

When we reached the house, I had already made up my mind that it wasn’t going to work. It was just too isolated. The kids were hungry, and there was nothing along the way to stop for food. I gently told the owners that the location wasn’t right for us. Thankfully, they were kind and understood.

The Cost of a Bad Decision but a Blessing in Disguise

So, we turned around and went straight back to… yep, Margao, where we had started! That one mistake cost me more than double the fare, over Rs. 8,000 in total because of those extra miles. I was actually thinking it would be way more based on those extra miles. What a nice person! 

Lesson learnt: Don’t finalize a house online based only on pictures. Stay in the heart of the area you want to move to, book an Airbnb, hotel, or guesthouse and then explore in person. And guess what? This was not the first time I made this mistake! Lol It was the second time! I will tell you about the first time it happened (it was in Nepal) in some other post in the future. 

 

Our First Goan Meal: Airavat Fish Thali in Margao

On the way back, we finally grabbed a bite to eat, which brought me back to life. Our first Goan meal? A delicious fish thali at Airavat in Margao. I’d been vegetarian for years, but this trip officially turned me into a pescatarian. Honestly, if you’re in Goa and not trying the local fish thali, are you even in Goa? Again, it’s a personal choice as we all have free will, right? I actually stayed Pescatarian only in Goa and resumed it only recently again. I always listen to my body and intuition. Do what’s best for you.

Airavat is located right opposite the Margao Bus Stand. The food was really good, and we were so hungry by then that it felt like a feast!

Travel Tip: Always Check Your Restaurant Bill

When I looked at the bill, I noticed a few extra items that we hadn’t ordered. I asked the waiter about it, and he said, “That’s what your driver ordered on the other table.” But our driver was sitting and eating with us the whole time, so I knew exactly what he had. Once I pointed that out, they corrected the bill without fuss.

So yeah, always double check your bill. Not just in Goa, but anywhere. Little things like this can happen, and it’s always better to catch them early!

Why South Goa Was the Best Decision

Once I came back to my senses after lunch, I checked Booking.com and found a lovely guesthouse near Margao, Aguiar Guest House in Sernabatim (that peaceful stretch between Benaulim and Colva). It was absolutely beautiful, surrounded by lush greenery, serene vibe, and even though it was hot, the weather felt perfect to me (I actually love summer, it’s winter that bothers me!).

The guesthouse is run by a wonderful Goan family, Nora and Alwin. They were so warm and welcoming. Their daughter even helped unload our bags with our cab driver. I kept thanking him because honestly, his advice changed everything. I knew right then that I wanted to stay in this peaceful paradise. And it was just 15 minutes (walk) away from one of the most beautiful hidden Beaches in South Goa! So clean and beautiful! No crazy crowd, just a handful of locals. 

Long-Term Stay in South Goa

On the 3rd day, I chatted with Nora, and she offered us a monthly stay at a discounted rate since Goa’s off-season had just begun. I didn’t need to think twice, so I booked it immediately. It was a fully furnished place with a kitchen so we got everything we needed! And just like that, we began our 3 month long monsoon stay in Goa.

This was my fourth time in Goa but it was the longest stay.

So that’s how a not so great decision led us to exactly where we were meant to be. What started as a stressful, expensive detour turned into one of the most beautiful stays we’ve ever had.  

Coming Up Next!

Stay tuned! I’ll be sharing:

Tips for traveling to Goa during monsoon. It wasn’t fun being indoors for a long time but we learnt patience, slowing down and the art of surrendering. 

Hidden gems around Sernabatim that made this trip unforgettable!

What do you love the most about Goa? 

Would love to hear! 🙂

 

Disclaimer:

This was our personal experience and it might not be the same for everyone. You might find your sweet haven right in the middle of North Goa. So never stop exploring and then deciding what is best for your family.

 

With Joyful Travel Wishes,

Citrine Joyous

 

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