Goa with children: how was it and what you need to know? Going on vacation to Goa with a child Traveling to Goa with a child.

Our winter outing into the summer was the second in my life and the first with children. Read more about the flight, food, hotel, adaptation, medical care and the sea…

I do not claim to be an advanced travel story because I do not consider myself an experienced traveler. No special discoveries, only personal experience, which I hope will be useful to someone.

About choice

My husband and I had already been to Goa before the birth of children, then the son lived in my stomach for the second month. Therefore, the first trip was overshadowed by toxicosis, and therefore, choosing a place to stay this winter, we bypassed India for a long time. Of course, they considered Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Dominican Republic, but they did not grow together - either in terms of finances, or in terms of timing, or in terms of the amount of travel time.

Having gone through all the possible options, we returned to Goa: relatively inexpensive, direct flight, charter flight lasting 6-7 hours. For the first time we opted for a tour: it seemed a more convenient option, because the airlines offered flights only with transfers and at a rather high price (for four people), and the price of the tour included: a direct round-trip flight, transfer, hotel accommodation (with breakfast).

When choosing, they used the services of Tutu.ru. A very convenient service for the selection of tours, they work with trusted tour operators, they assure that there are no extra charges, pleasant service. They also made visas through them: quickly and easily. We paid for everything online and waited for the documents that arrived 5 days before departure. I recommend!

About the flight

The Boeing 747 that flew our route was a large, double-decker, packed to the brim. Our family was helped out by the possibility of online check-in (24 hours before departure) with a choice of seats and the availability of four seats nearby in the center of the aircraft.

They flew there at night, so the children slept most of the way. We landed in Goa at 5 am, and this is where the difficulties began. A huge number of passengers went to the airport and "stuck" at the entrance - they checked the presence of a visa. We moved slowly, the sleepless children were capricious. Entering the building, I took the bull by the horns and walked with the children in an armful to the front desk without waiting in line. Oddly enough, no one was outraged. True, this did not help us much, because we were still waiting for our luggage for a long time - Indians, as a southern people, do not really like to rush.

I'll jump ahead and talk about the return. We flew in the afternoon, but since we got the children up at 4 in the morning to catch the transfer, we managed to put them to bed again. The rest of the time, entertainment was food and drinks (it’s a whole ritual), notebooks with labyrinths, books with coloring stickers, a few cartoons, developing games on the phone, well, and the imagination of the kids - either they pressed the buttons, then they worked on the “computer” . Of course, they had to get bored, and to whine - without this, nowhere. However, in general, I consider the flights successful.

About the hotel

Before the trip, I read that there are practically no normal hotels in India, that their “three stars” do not pull even on our “two”, so I prepared for anything. And she was pleasantly surprised. Small, quiet, cozy, clean, well maintained, with a pool and a garden - this is how Lemon Mint Svelton Manor met us in North Goa's Calangute.

Attentive and helpful staff, they speak mostly English, but they also understand Russian. By the way, there were a lot of Russian vacationers. Room cleaning every day with a change of linen, two bottles of clean water daily - a compliment from the hotel.

What else? Hot water in the shower, air conditioning, but there were enough ceiling fans. The guides recommended using a safe, but we simply did not leave gadgets and money in a conspicuous place, and left with our own. There were problems with WiFi - the Internet did not work everywhere or did not work at all. Fleeing from the information vacuum in beach cafes ...

About nutrition

What to eat for adults, the question will not arise - the choice of dishes is very rich, the cuisines are not only Indian, but also Chinese, continental, European. The best part is the prices. One meal for four came out from 500 to 2000 rupees (which is approximately equal to the same number of rubles). A round sum was accumulated when ordering seafood - shark, crab, lobster, etc.

Children's diet was limited due to habits, but no one was left hungry. Seafood didn't impress my kids the way we adults did. Breakfast at the hotel offered delicious scrambled eggs, cereal with milk, french fries, sandwiches with chicken and vegetables. For lunch, we ordered chicken soup with pasta, a local cheese cake (by the way, I highly recommend it) and fruit juices - strawberry, watermelon, mango, etc. in a nearby cafe. Other first courses were unsuccessful experiments - sometimes too spicy, sometimes too greasy, sometimes too mashed. Here - the taste and color, but there is a choice.

For dinner, "came" only french fries. We tried to diversify the diet with banana pancakes, local pancakes, pastas, but my conservative children insisted on potatoes. But I knew they were full.

Portions in Goa are large, my husband and I often ordered one for two. Well, fruits. I recommend trying local pineapples, small bananas, melons, watermelons - very juicy and sweet. Coconuts - for an amateur, strawberries - sour. All this is offered to buy on the beach, I recommend washing with drinking water beforehand. The children ate with gusto.

About medical care

Going on a trip, I stocked up on medicines for indigestion - smecta, rehydron. But, fortunately, they didn't work. However, there were some incidents - my daughter caught a cold: a strong cough, runny nose, fever.

It was not possible to call the Moscow insurance company from the hotel reception to call a doctor - it was too expensive. Arranged a call back via messenger. The application was accepted, and after 20 minutes an Indian Russian-speaking (although I would say “Russian-understanding”) doctor wrote to me. It took him an hour and a half to get to us. Well, Olesya did not have a temperature at that time.

He listened, examined, prescribed nasal drops, cough medicine and (attention!) antibiotics for three days, although there were no wheezing. I'm guessing I overdid it. What is good - he brought the medicine with him, he did not have to go to the pharmacy. A couple of days later, the daughter was on her feet.

About the sea and the weather

Winter days in Goa are hot, no rain has ever been observed, and the nights are slightly cool, so there is no need for air conditioning in the room. The sea is very warm, I would say the warmest of all in which I have ever bathed. But at the beginning of our holiday there were big waves. Therefore, there was nothing to do with the children there: the waves continually strove to cover us with our heads.

The little ones splashed on the shore, wet their feet, and then took their souls in the hotel pool. In the last two or three days the sea has noticeably calmed down. Therefore, we carried the children in a circle to those places where the waves had not yet wrapped, and calmly swam.

They say there are fewer waves in South Goa. I don't know, I didn't see it. We practically did not go anywhere, because any trip would be tiring for the children and our nerves. Rest was passive, beach.

About the local population

Hindus are a very friendly people who love white children to the point of insanity. The guide warned us that the locals might want to take pictures with us, because some come from states where they have never seen white people.

But I could not imagine how much attention my children would get. Every second one came up to take a picture with them, sometimes they didn’t even ask. Kiryukha, my eldest, posed with pleasure, and Olesya quickly got tired of this entertainment. Every day I had to explain more and more that She doesn’t like it.

Despite some puritanism (women should have covered shoulders and knees, although this does not apply to vacationers), Hindus have absolutely no idea about personal space. Especially with regard to children. Sometimes I did not have time to look back, as someone was already taking my daughter in his arms to take a picture. In general, regularly had to repulse the attack.

In addition, the locals will teach you how to say no, or you will have to buy half of their goods - very intrusive. Every second person here has their own “business”, moreover, a family business - carving elephants and candlesticks from stone and wood, sewing bags, weaving jewelry, making scarves. In general, there is a great chance to buy more than you need. What is really worth paying attention to is jewelery, jewelry (sold in small shops), and scarves, shawls. That's where decent quality for reasonable prices!

About language

The main language here is English. For Hindus, it is greatly simplified, so if you do not know the language very well, you will most likely understand what they want from you and be able to tell about your desires. Some Hindus can speak Russian - simple and primitive, but again, you can understand each other. Last but not least, there are gestures. Therefore, there is no particular communication barrier there.

In general, this is probably all. Despite a number of unpleasant moments, we were satisfied with the trip. There is no greater unsanitary conditions in the resting place of tourists than in our resorts. You don't need to do any additional vaccinations to protect against god knows what. Adaptation to the summer, by the way, in children was easy, fast and imperceptible. They took longer to get used to the winter we returned to. A trip to Goa with children is worth it.

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Going on vacation with a small child is always much more difficult than on your own. Especially if you want to relax not in Turkey or Egypt, but in India. Each country has its own characteristics, but when it comes to Goa, it is necessary to put aside your ideas about India as a whole. Goa is the most unusual state of this colorful country, the state of freedom and beauty. But whether it is suitable for a holiday with a child is up to you.

Flight

Parents are always worried about how their baby will cope with such a long flight, forgetting that this is a new adventure for the child. The child does not think about how far above the ground the plane is and how safe it is. The new environment gives another impetus to the knowledge of the surrounding world, so be prepared for vigilant control throughout the flight. Most often, there are several small children on board, so you can diversify your pastime by communicating with their parents. Almost all children have a hard time landing, so take sucking sweets with you, they will reduce discomfort and pain in the ears. Another method - massage the dimples behind the ear, as well as on the sides under the lower jaw.

Also, be prepared for a queue at the airport, Indians are extremely leisurely checking luggage and documents. And this is during arrival, when all your belongings have already passed inspection at the airport of departure. When you decide to fly out of Goa, the procedures for checking and marking absolutely all suitcases and bags will take much more time. Be prepared for several hours of waiting in, grab a light snack for the child.

By the way, on the website kiwitaxi.ru you can order a transfer from the airport to your destination. This pleasure will cost an average of 2000-3000 rubles.

Acclimatization

Another climate, another temperature, humidity and time zone - all this can knock even an adult off their feet. But most children endure acclimatization in a mild form. An upset stomach is a standard reaction of children's (and not only children's) tummies in Goa. Even if you do not let your child go to the sea and local cuisine, you still cannot avoid diarrhea. It seems that even the air here is saturated with spices.

Be prepared for the fact that the child may have a slight fever. If after a day it does not fall, then this is already a signal to call a doctor. But such cases are rare.

Which beach to choose?

To begin with, parents need to decide where they want more: to the South or to. If you need silence and beautiful nature, then welcome to. But you will most likely not see any fun holidays and unusual people here.

North Goa is saturated with the color of a mixture of cultures, noisy youth, the atmosphere of an eternal holiday, but the beaches and hotels here are objectively worse. Ashvem and Mandrem are suitable for families with children. Morjim and Arambol are also quite often chosen for family holidays.

Housing. Where is the best place to stay?

If you want a relaxing holiday with comfort, then choose. The level of service, food and accommodation here is the best in the region. Many hotels have children's pools, animators and even nannies (for a fee).

If you want to feel at home, you can rent a house or part of a house. But keep in mind that Russians and Indians have a very different understanding of luxury conditions. Although for a very reasonable amount you can rent a two-story house with all the necessary things. If you want to save money, rent part of the house; this type of rental is common in Goa.

Much lower class, so many families with children choose to stay at home. Be careful with the choice, ask your neighbors if you don’t want to swear every evening because of loud music. Young people come here to relax around the clock, and they are unlikely to be disturbed by your child's sleep.

Food

Depending on the age of the child, food in Goa can be both problem-free and difficult. There is a very large selection of European dishes in the necks, classic breakfasts are no different from breakfasts in ordinary cafes in Russia. Products are always fresh. But ordering pork or beef is not worth it - Indians do not know how to cook meat. If you order vegetables and fruits, be sure to specify in what water they were washed. Tap water in Goa is far from sanitation standards. In most food places after using the tap, vegetables and fruits are then washed in bottled water.

If you wish and have basic knowledge of English, you can agree on a special dish for the child, for example, boiled chicken. Indians are always ready to meet tourists, especially tourists with children.

There can be problems with baby food. The choice of fruit and vegetable food is quite wide, but there is practically no meat baby food.

Also be prepared for the fact that a white child (especially a blonde one) in Goa will attract increased attention. Watch carefully if the Indians have treated him with something completely unsuitable for a non-native organism.

Children's goods in stores

To carry or not to carry diapers with you is a moot point. In all supermarkets, and in many minimarkets, there are several types of this necessary product. But almost all of them are locally produced. It is impossible to say that the Indians have poor quality products, but if the child is used to super-expensive diapers with ten degrees of protection, then difficulties may arise.

Wet wipes for children, powders, ointments and lotions - this is in abundance in Goa. All children's cosmetics are of fairly high quality, many mothers continue to use them even in Russia (you can often find them in our stores).

All the necessary equipment for feeding and entertainment is also easy to find. Indians love children, so there are a lot of specialized stores.

Kindergartens

Goa has a large number of kindergartens for Russian children, some for many years, some appear for a couple of seasons and disappear. As a rule, kindergartens work from 10 am to 6 pm with one day off on Sunday. Usually mothers and grandmothers with extensive experience and often specialized education teach there. You can find a kindergarten for a child in advance using the Internet, or on the spot by asking the owners of the house / hotel for advice. Also in the search will help ads, which are hung with absolutely everything here.

Babysitters

There is no shortage of nannies in Goa. Moreover, there are a lot of them here, if you are not embarrassed by a Hindu nanny with poor knowledge of the Russian language. Phone numbers of good nannies can be found on the Internet in Russian-speaking communities. Many mothers choose local nannies because their work is inexpensive, and they treat other people's children with the same attention and love as their own.

The cost of Russian nannies is much higher, although finding them is also easy. Mothers with children living in Goa often work part-time as nannies. But in this case, be prepared for the fact that the child will most likely have to be taken to someone else's house.

The standard schedule for a babysitter is from 10 am to 5 pm, but you can always agree on special conditions.

Leisure

Holidays in Goa are, first of all, the ocean. There is space and fun for a child here, beaches with soft sand will allow you to build huge castles, bury your own parents in this very sand, chase small crabs (they are incredibly fast). But parents will need maximum attention. Everyone knows that the seas and oceans are dangerous, but even a soft Goan descent into the water can be dangerous. Also on the beach (as elsewhere in Goa) there are usually a lot of dogs that are very friendly, but can infect with some local sore.

If you decide to stay at a hotel, then you should clarify whether animators work there, whether children's holidays are held. Goa, of course, is not Turkey, but more and more hotels provide such services in the southern part.

An unforgettable experience for the child will be elephant ride. And just looking at elephants and monkeys in wildlife will be much more interesting than seeing them in the zoo. It’s not worth taking kids on such excursions, because the excursions are designed for the whole day (you will also be brought to spice plantations). And a small child gets tired pretty quickly and loses interest in what is happening.

Regardless of which type of holiday you choose, remember to always take water with you. High humidity is deceptive, dehydration is a standard problem for tourists in Goa. Also, do not forget about hats to avoid sunstroke. Bring along a long-sleeved sweater for riding a moped (this is the most popular mode of transport). And then you won't have any problems.

Is Goa suitable for families with children?

It may seem to you that the famous party Goa is not particularly suitable for families with children. Like, hippies, young people don't know what, parties, dirt and terrible food. But one has only to visit Goa once to dispel these stereotypes. With children, it is still better to choose a hotel in South Goa - it is more decent, quieter, there are very beautiful beaches with yellow sand and suitable hotels for the whole family with the necessary conditions and entertainment. And yet, Goa has a wonderful climate, a lot of greenery and fruits, a warm sea - everything that will help you recharge your batteries and energy.

When to bring a child to Goa?

The best time for a holiday with a child in Goa is from November to May, and the peak season is December, January and February. At this time, it is quite hot - during the day somewhere +35 ° C, in the evening up to 25 ° C. But the sea is warm - under 28 ° C. But the main advantage is that this period of the year is a dry season, there is practically no rain, the sea is calm. By the way, in the dry season, everything is many times more expensive. The monsoon period starts in June and ends in September. At this time, it is slightly cooler (25-30 ° C). But these rains ... In the summer months, especially in June and July, there is an unrealistically high amount of rain (there is 9,000 times more water in July than in February, for example). And these are not the rains that happen with us (here in one month more can fall out of the sky than we have in a year). In general, traveling during these months is terribly uncomfortable, scary, and generally useless - a lot of things (yes, almost everything - hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues) are closed for this period, and a complete “spleen” sets in. In addition, the sea is restless, sometimes it’s scary to let a child go even close to the water! If the vacation fell in October, then, in principle, you can go, but it will still rain, albeit small. In short, we are traveling with a baby in the dry season and do not forget about the hot sun: we always have a hat and cream with us.

What is the best beach for a child in Goa?

For holidays with children in North Goa it is better to prefer Ashvem and Mandrem, but Morjim and Arambol are also good. Well, in South Goa, I believe, almost every beach is good, it all depends on your preferences.

In South Goa beaches are very good for a child Utorda, Majorda, Betalbatim. These beaches are wide, with fairly light sand, it is quiet, calm, not crowded, and also clean. But there is almost no entertainment there. For more active families, Colva and Benaulim are the most popular beaches, a 30-kilometer strip, where there are a lot of bags. There are a lot of people there, including Indians. But on the other hand, there are many shops near the road and there are no noisy bars and clubs. Moreover, if you do not want to be in the center of the fun, just move a little further away, towards Benaulim or Betalbatim - there the crowds immediately stop, and in general, there are few people there.

Benaulim much more relaxed compared to Colva, though still lively. BUT Colva for those who want to be in South Goa, and to have everything useful at hand, but not far from there are sparsely populated quiet beaches where the whole family could go for a picnic. True, again, Colva is not for everyone, but Benaulim is more universal in this regard, filled with good-natured European pensioners and Russian tourists (a little bit). Palolem beach, which was nicknamed the “pearl of Goa”, is tightly built up with cafes and bungalows, and this is more of a “lure” for tourists, although there really are paradises there. Swimming there, by the way, is a little safer due to smaller waves. All in all, a very pleasant place with a unique atmosphere. There are also enough people there, but less than on Colva, but the crowds are much more international. These are not lazy packers, but independent tourists from all over the world. There are also quite a few Russians there, there are almost no entertainment facilities. And it's great! You can also highlight the calm Cola beach and the very quiet elite beaches of Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor.

What hotels to choose for families with children?

Heritage Village Club Goa 4*(there is a children's pool, playground, babysitting, bicycle rental, table tennis)

Club Mahindra Beach Resort 4*(children's pool and children's center, babysitting service)

Holiday Inn Beach Resort 4*(playground, kids club, babysitting service)

Taj Exotica 5*(playground, babysitting, children's pool with water slide)

Park Hyatt Resort & Spa 5*(kids club with games room, playground, large children's pool, babysitting service)

What to feed the child?

Goa is the most touristic state in India. Therefore, in most hotels you will be offered European ordinary food. Well, Indian cuisine ... naturally, this food is very spicy, very spicy. Not particularly suitable for a child. If you go to a restaurant, try to tell the chef to prepare a dish for the baby “with no spices”. As for poisonings, which everyone is so afraid of, they often come from a change in food ingredients. Well, with cleanliness and sanitary standards in restaurants (not street food), everything seems to be in order. But of course, all the norms should be observed - wash your hands before eating, drink only bottled water, and it is even better to use it when brushing your teeth.

How to entertain a baby?

Melange Water Park (Blue Lady Water Park)

A small water park between Baga and Arpora with several pools, slides and a restaurant. The cost of the entrance ticket is approximately 200-250 rupees.

Splashdown Water Park

A new water park in Goa, which has been operating since 2011. Located on the outskirts of Anjuna (before reaching the night market on Calangute-Anjuna Main Road). Here you will find as many as five pools, water slides and other fun. Tickets - 200 -240 rupees for children, 250 - 290 rupees for adults.

Bondla nature reserve

Located near the city of Ponda. Here you will find a mini-zoo, a deer safari, a botanical park and observation platforms for observing birds and animals. Bears, wild boars, deer, bison, elephants - you will not meet anyone here!

Cotigao nature reserve

The reserve is located in South Goa, about 12 kilometers from Palolem Beach. Monkeys, Indian bison and wild boars run around the park. And, of course, birds-birds. And in general, this is a very beautiful place for walking. Entrance - 5 rupees.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

The park is located on the island of Charao, which is not far from the state capital of Panaji. It seems to be the best such park in the whole country. Take a 1.5 hour canoe trip down the river and be amazed at how many birds live there: at least 400 species! And you will also be able to admire the crocodiles. Tickets cost about 50 rupees per person, guide services are 1000 rupees for two (but you can bargain cheaper).

A romantic trip or a break from a work routine practically does not require preparation - there would be a desire and time. It's another thing to take your baby with you. Going to Goa with children, you need to take care of a lot.

Is Goa suitable for families with children

Having heard about the horrors of unsanitary conditions in India, tourists do not dare to bring their children here. As the reviews of tourists show, Goa is quite suitable for families with children. Even if you have a very modest budget, this is the best option for inoculating the sun, vitamins and the sea.

Yes, there are problems with water in Goa: it is better to drink only bottled water. Insects, snakes, stray animals, ubiquitous monkeys and beggars - a little less in the south and a little more in the north. Nevertheless, it cannot be said that there are few vacationers with children here. Europeans and residents of the post-Soviet space come here, including for family vacations.

What month is best to fly with a child to Goa

The peculiarity of Goa is seasonality. High, tourist is the period from November to March. At this time, the weather is most predictable: no rain. Permanent sun, well tolerated by dry air and cool breezes. The waves of the Arabian Sea are calm, there are very few climatic risks.

If you decide to relax in Goa in May, April or October, then you will find high humidity, heat and less predictable weather: stronger winds, higher waves and, as a bonus, fewer vacationers. Although the reviews of tourists come down to the fact that in these months you can have a great rest with children.

What documents are needed for a child

580*400 goa 13 block

Rest in India is possible only with a visa. When going to Goa with a child, be sure to take with you:

• a copy of the birth certificate;
• photograph;
• consent of the spouse to leave the country if only one of the parents flies to Goa.

Making an insurance policy when traveling to Goa with a small child is not strictly regulated. However, according to existing reviews, it is much easier to survive acclimatization and other health problems with medical care guaranteed by an insurance company.

Which beach to choose?

580*400 goa 13 block

When choosing a beach, make sure that there is an infrastructure acceptable to you. Shakes, umbrellas, overlooked coastline and clean sand will provide a lot of fun.

Of course, the coast in the south is the most adapted for family holidays. Here you can find swimming pools, animators, nannies, special playgrounds and even a children's menu in restaurants. Soft sand and a calm atmosphere await you in:

• Paloleme;
• Cavelossime;
• Benaulim.

If you prefer authentic Goa, then there are no less good places for families with children in the north. Quiet, calm, with convenient access to the sea:

• Morjim;
• Mandrem;
• Ashvem;
• Calangute;
• Candolim.

Perhaps the infrastructure is not so developed in the north of Goa, and the sand has a darker shade, but the ocean and the sun are no less pleasing here.

Housing. Where is the best place to stay?

Goa is not homogeneous. Comfortable hotels in the southern part offer good opportunities for families with children: nannies, children's pools, animators, the flavor of a European holiday in a tropical paradise. It costs an order of magnitude more expensive than the north.

With a well-organized vacation, in North Goa you will save a lot of money and get a lot of impressions. Here it is quite possible to rent a house or even rent part of it. Relative comfort for little money is provided mainly by Europeans who settled in Goa temporarily or permanently. Goans have a different idea of ​​essential needs, although they can also find suitable options with a refrigerator, air conditioning, internet connection and mosquito nets on the windows.

What to take with you from things

When traveling with small children, please note: diapers and wet wipes do not need to be stored in strategic quantities. You can easily buy what you need in Goan shops.

Among the essentials:

1. For small children - a backpack or slim. Choose the most comfortable, breathable. Carrying a baby in your arms will be quite difficult, and a stroller is unlikely to be comfortable on the sand. If you decide on a stroller, then reviews of tourists recommend taking a folding one with large wheels.
2. Warm pita, jacket with sleeves and a hood.
3. Panama, baseball cap or hat.
4. Many take inflatable toys and accessories for children: pools, armlets, vests and circles, although there is no shortage of them in Goa.

Pay special attention to medicines:

1. Zelenka, Fukortsin, iodine or peroxide.
2. Smetka, Espumizan.
3. Nurofen.
4. Thermometer.
5. Triderm, Baneocin, Levomikol or chloramphenicol ointment.

Protective cream, ointment for burns, mosquito bites can be bought in Goa.

In general, at the slightest health problems, you should not panic. Usually, Indian-made medicines are prescribed for treatment. They effectively and quickly stop conditions that are not familiar to us and are sold at any pharmacy.

Should I be afraid of acclimatization?

Going to Goa with a small child, be prepared for acclimatization. It can take up to 10 days. Therefore, it is better to plan a long-term vacation - to enjoy the tropics in full.

Both adults and children go through the difficulties of acclimatization. Most often, the immune system does not cope with intestinal infections. This threatens with diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Although the child's temperature may rise on the very first night after arrival. If you cannot cope on your own, call a doctor within a day.

Food. What to feed. What is sold in shops in Goa

Depending on the age of the child, you should definitely have a supply of food with you: mixtures, cereals, mashed potatoes, juices and, of course, water - literally for a couple of days plus a flight.

In Goa, the issue of water is very acute: children can only bottled water.

Goa is a real fruit and vegetable paradise. Tropical abundance for children at any age becomes the embodiment of a fairy tale.

With meat food - worse. Buying meat in the markets or in stores is not recommended. Reviews of tourists especially insist on the disgusting, if not dangerous quality of pork or beef. Of course, there are farms where fresh chicken will be slaughtered in front of you, but if you are planning a vacation, not cooking, you need to take into account the authentic flavor.

Feed seafood to children if you are sure of its origin and processing. You can find reviews of tourists in which it is categorically not recommended to eat fish and, especially, shrimp.

Indian food is rich in spices and not really suitable for children. Although, upon request, any dish will be prepared in shek or cafe. Make sure you wash your food with bottled water first. Another way out is to find a restaurant with European cuisine.

Children's goods in stores

There are many children's shops in Goa with a good selection of hygiene products and clothing. Most of the goods are locally produced, but this does not mean that they are of poor quality. Pampers are sold in pharmacies. Toothpaste, powder, shampoos, powders, wet wipes, clothes - the choice is large.

Once you get used to it, you will realize that in stores you can buy what you need for children: yoghurts, milk formulas, jars of mashed potatoes, cereals, and even an analogue of cottage cheese.

In general, Goa has everything you need for children.

Child's leisure

There will be no shortage of entertainment in Goa. For starters - the sea, the sun, fruits. Then you can:

1. Go to the water park in Anjuna.
2. Ride on elephants.
3. Aviation Museums or Big Foot.
4. Kotigao nature reserve.
5. Ruins of ancient forts.

Finding a nanny in Goa is quite easy. Good-natured locals treat children with great love and work from 9-10 in the morning and 17.00.

Frequently asked Questions

Going to Goa, many are looking for answers to burning questions in the reviews.

With kids in Goa, what are the downsides?

A good vacation for everyone is a subjective concept, but Goa has obvious disadvantages:

• lack of large supermarkets. Trading in small shops and markets. You need to have a talent for bargaining;
• not very transparent and strong enough waves;
• diverse audience;
• problems with water and unsanitary conditions;
• many animals and insects.

Do I need to vaccinate my child before flying to Goa?

If adults can afford to be careless about health, then for children this approach is not entirely justified. The child's immune system is much weaker. Any infection or virus during the acclimatization period can be fatal. Therefore, you should not take risks and vaccinate a child before traveling to Goa.

Resorts in India are scattered throughout the country. Naturally, there are many of them on the coast. Let's see which resorts are the most suitable for families with children and why.

Naturally, this resort will be the first on the list. I believe that this opinion about Goa has settled in your head: hippies, drunken youth, dirt, parties. It seems that the resort is absolutely not for children, but it is not. Although, of course, it is, but the situation is much better in South Goa - it is quiet, civilized, there are good beaches with yellow sand. There are a lot of beaches in Goa, and they differ from each other. For holidays with children in North Goa, it is better to prefer Ashvem and Mandrem, although Morjim and Arambol are just as good. In South Goa, take a look at the hotels near the beaches of Utorda, Majorda, Betalbatim. More active families will love the beaches of Colva and Benaulim. Hotels in Goa offer very good conditions for living with children, and, by the way, there are a lot of hotels in Goa! Some of them can provide playgrounds and even mini-clubs, and these are usually 4* and 5* hotels.
There will be no difficulties with food in Goa. Goa is the most touristic state of India, therefore, in most hotels, in addition to Indian and familiar food, you will be offered. If you go to a restaurant, ask the chef to cook you a dish for the baby “with no spices” (“without spices”). Entertainment in Goa for children is very pleasant: Melange (Blue Lady Water Park) and Splashdown water parks, Bondla nature reserves, Salim Ali and Kotigao, and much more. It will not be boring! If you are worried that your sleep will be disturbed by Goan nightlife, then if you choose a hotel close to the beach in North Goa, then there is such a possibility.
The loudest and most massive parties happen on the beaches of Anjuna and Vagator. By the way, do not worry that the parties rumble until the morning - usually only until midnight, at the latest - until two. Goa has strict rules to limit noise at night, and the police strictly enforce this. But the loud youth, which demands the "continuation of the banquet" cannot be stopped even by law.

Kerala

This state is located in the very southeast of India and is considered the cleanest, most comfortable, most developed and wealthy area in the country. A big plus of Kerala is that it is here that the highest level of medicine in India (and we never know what can happen). Kerala has many good hotels and shops, pharmacies and cafes. Kerala has a wonderfully mild climate and the beautiful beaches of the Malabar Coast, which are so well suited for families with children. Moreover, the beaches are framed by lush vegetation, which is very attractive.
There are few tourists from Russia in Kerala, and this is another plus. The beautiful Kovalam beach, which is located 15 km from the state capital Trivandrum, somehow made it to the top 50 beaches in the world (according to National Geographic) - a good indicator, isn't it? It's also nice that the cuisine here is somehow softer, more refined - probably Kerala cuisine was influenced by Creole and Arabic cuisine. In general, feeding these children is not so scary. Also, Kerala is very beautiful and interesting. No wonder it was nicknamed the "Venice of the East" - there is a whole network of canals, rivers, lakes and reservoirs, which are so interesting to ride a boat! With children in Kerala, you can go to one of the state's national parks, which cover an area of ​​​​almost 800 hectares. There you will see tigers, elephants, leopards, antelopes, panthers, crocodiles, and other animals - terribly interesting! Well, not without temples, old and very beautiful.

Panaji

I would like to single out the pretty capital of the state of Goa separately. A resort surrounded by hills, famous for its three amazing nature reserves, with unique white sand beaches and good entertainment. Older children will be interested in seeing old temples and mosques in Panaji, as well as an archeology museum. Younger children will be happy to visit the Bondla nature reserve, where deer, bison, monkeys, porcupines, turtles and other animals live. The best beaches in the city are Dona Paula, Miramar, Bambolim: they are not only beautiful, but also interesting.
There are not so many hotels in Panaji itself, about 50, but almost everyone can offer access to the coast. Another thing is that there are few places where there is entertainment for children - kids clubs, playgrounds - in the rest of Goa there will be more of them. But this is more than compensated by the fact that Panaji is a calm and quiet city, with a low crime rate. And also Panaji is the recognized capital of shopping in Goa. This is where you can buy quality baby products. Well, the last plus is that Panaji has many restaurants with excellent service, which is rare for Goa.

Mumbai

The most populated city in India, of course, can be visited by families with children. The choice is interesting, and not all families decide on such a trip. But the city is simply magnificent, and, without any doubt, your children will also like it - the older ones who are already able to appreciate the beauty of architecture. In general, if you come with a baby, then be sure to have a stroller - the child will not get tired of walking, and if he gets tired, then he can immediately sleep in the stroller. And the simplest stroller-cane easily folds into the trunk of a taxi.
Elephant Island, where ancient cave temples with many stone figures are located (the giant head of Shiva is especially impressive), will cause great delight among children. It is worth warning that Mumbai is really a terribly bustling city: a lot of people, vanity. If you try not to pay attention to all this, then the trip will be rewarded to you in full. The climate of the city is somewhat different from the climate, for example, Goa - it is more tropical and hotter.
You should not expect a good beach holiday from Mumbai, but in general, Mumbai also includes such islands as Salsett and Bombay - here you can swim there to soak up the whole family in the sun.
And yes, don't miss one of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in the world - Chowpatty. You can have a picnic and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city along the shores of the beautiful lakes of Povai, Vihar and Tulsi. Children will have no less fun in the Bird Sanctuary, which is home to about 150 species of birds. But the most interesting thing is in the Water Kingdom water park, which is open all year round from morning until late evening. In general, Mumbai is rightfully very interesting for families with children.