Goa Vs Kerala—Comparing India’s Coastal Gems

For those captivated by the beaches, India has plenty to offer. And, the best places to visit in India that top the list amongst coastal gems are Goa and Kerala, each perfectly attuned with shoreline bliss. These Indian regions are gifted with charming vistas, exotic beaches, and a great culture. While Kerala is popularly known as God’s Own Land, Goa is famed for its stellar nightlife and stunning beaches. Both places encapsulate a wealth of natural beauty intertwined with verdant valleys. Whether you are a beach baby or simply love to saunter through the scenic routes, traveling to both these places is a balm to the soul.

To help you plan your Goa city tour and Kerala trip, we have outlined key similarities and differences between these two God-gifted destinations of India.

Watery Wonders: What Makes Goa And Kerala Similar

Kerala and Goa are blessed with rich plantations, sprawling tea estates, beautiful beaches, exotic seafood, and calming vibes. Goa is a popular party destination and Kerala beckons the natural beauty. Let’s delve into the complementary factors that bring these cities together.

• Pleasant weather: Goa and Kerala, both, have pleasant weather throughout the year. One can always find refreshing sea breezes while being at these places. The velvety blue sky, coconut trees of Kerala, and palm-fringed trees of Goa keep the temperatures cool.
• Exotic beaches: If you are looking for places to unwind on your next vacation, Kerala and Goa are ones that you can count on. Both Goa and Kerala are blessed with emerald blue beaches and vibrant marine life. Famous Goa beaches are Baga, Palolem, Anjuna, Candolim, and Arambol. Kerala has abundance of backwaters and sandy beaches like Kovalam, Marari, Lighthouse, Alappuzha, and Varkala. You can book a Goa or Kerala tour package to experience the heavenly retreat amidst the turquoise waves of water. Head off to these coastal gems and experience the seaside life at its best.
• Scenic waterfalls: The beaches in Goa and Kerala come alive with cascading waterfalls streaming down the azure blue waters. The waterfalls of Goa and Kerala simply promise a beautiful getaway to every wanderer. From Goa’s Dudhsagar waterfalls to the Athirappilly waterfalls of Kerala, both places are bountiful of picturesque falls.
• Water sports: If you are a water sports enthusiast then Goa and Kerala offer the best activities under professional guidance. You can experience underwater adventures, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, water surfing, rafting, and parasailing. Indulging in water sports is one of the most popular things to do in Kerala and Goa, alike.

Now that you know the similarities between the two, let’s celebrate the differences between them.

Goa Vs Kerala: What Makes Them Different From One Another

• Epicurean delights

Goan cuisine has a unique flavor that can take your taste buds on a delightful ride. Goan Fish Curry, Prawn Balchao, Chicken Xacuti, Vindaloo, and Sorpotel are famous foods of Goan cuisine that deserve a try. Kerala seafood has a gamut of exquisite flavors that are spicy. Prawn Curry, Appam Masala, Malabar Prawn Soup, and Karimeen Pollichathu are some of the popular seafood brimming with rich flavors that you will get to try on a Kerala tour.

• The cultural element

Culturally, Goa and Kerala are quite different. While both the cities are deeply rooted in colonial culture, Goa strongly reflects the Portuguese way of life whereas the Dutch influences are quite evident in the culture of Kerala. While Kerala echoes a fusion of Indian and Dravidian tradition, Goa is widely celebrated for its vibrant nightlife that emulates the West. Kerala is also famous for performing arts such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. On the other hand, Goa’s folk dances include Dhalo and Ghode Modni.

• Ideal time to visit

When planning a holiday to coastal destinations, it’s always advisable to check the weather conditions. Usually, getting there during hot and humid days or heavy rainfall should be avoided. The best time to visit Goa is around November to February as the temperature there is usually pleasant during these months. Kerala is one of the most sought-after places to visit in India in September to March. These months are ideal to savor Kerala’s seafood and explore the sprawling tea estates.

Whether you are interested in a peaceful vacation or want to party on the vibrant beaches, the choice is yours! Both Kerala and Goa tourism offer unique experiences that are worth cherishing. So, why wait? Plan your next vacation with MFT, and add some splash of watery adventure to your travel bucket list.