Goa, with its numerous beaches, restaurants, nightclubs, churches, temples, art galleries, shops, and idyllic locations such as plantation farms, is one of the most frequented destinations of India. A small state, Goa is an interesting place that showcases striking contrasts such as Konkani and hippie culture thriving side by side and meditation retreats flourishing along with discothèques.
Goa has a plethora of budget accommodations such as dorms, which are the ideal holiday home accommodation option if you are coming in a big group. Dorms here are located in different areas and are furnished distinctively with essential amenities including television sets, kitchens, refrigerators, and more. You can even find pet-friendly dormitories, if you so wish. With similar facilities and more personalisation at almost half the price, booking a dormitory is a better option than reserving a room in a hotel.
Morjim: For a lavish experience
Also known as ‘Little Russia’ because of a large population of Russian immigrants, Morjim is popular for restaurants such as Sublime, Marbela, and Paros. It houses numerous interesting shops including Little India, Shivan & Narresh, and more. Although Morjim is famous for its vibrant nightlife, Morjim beach is comparatively quieter as compared to other North Goan beaches. The beach is a popular destination for dolphin sighting and is also a nesting site for the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. The dorm accommodations here are opulently furnished with antique artefacts, including a grandfather clock, wooden wall shelves, and other beautiful curios. With simple bunk beds and spacious balconies with ample seating area in some of the lodgings, many tourists enjoy staying here.
Calangute: For an energetic experience
Calangute is the busiest area in Goa with the ever-buzzing Calangute beach that offers numerous water sport activities such as parasailing, water skiing, and wind surfing among others. The lively place houses the bustling market called Calangute Market Square and famous nightclubs such as Tito’s, Club Cantare, and The Sportsman Bar. The air-conditioned dormitories here feature Wi-fi, television sets, and comfy beds, and are in proximity to Calangute beach and other areas of interest.
Miramar: For the typical Goan experience
Miramar is a small coastal area, which is just 3 km away from Panjim. The area houses Goa’s first chief minister’s memorial and a statue that represents Goan brotherhood. Miramar is known for its beach, where the Arabian Sea meets River Mandovi. You can enjoy diverse street food here or dine in at restaurants such as Wan Hao, The Brasserie, and Foodland Garden, to name a few. The pet-friendly vacation rentals in this area are furnished simply and are equipped with necessary amenities such as kitchen and refrigerator.
Sangolda: For a surreal experience
Famed for its Portuguese villas, Sangolda is a village situated in North Goa. The area is surrounded by numerous grooves such as coconut and mango, and jackfruit trees. Sangolda also has apparel and décor stores including Paper Boat Collective, Sangolda (a décor store housed in a 200-year old Portuguese villa), and Freedom Tree among others. Staying here can be unforgettable, particularly if you opt for a rustic tree house open-air dorm. You can also choose from numerous spacious air-conditioned accommodations here, which are well-furnished and reasonably priced.
Mapusa: For a lively experience
Mapusa is an urban area around Mount Alto. This locality houses the famous Mapusa Friday market from where you can buy a wide variety of fish, local fruits and spices, utensils, clothes, and home décor items. Mapusa has numerous places of attraction such as Milagres church, Colonial Era Municipal Building, and Shree Dev Bodgeshwar temple. If you want modern facilities in a traditional house, then you should stay in dorms here, most of which have in-house dining areas in addition to other necessary amenities.
Dorm accommodations in Goa start from as low as approximately INR 460 for a night.
