Essential information for Baga Beach

When to go

Goa’s tropical climate makes Baga Beach an ideal location for a beach holiday almost all year round, apart from during the monsoon season between June to September. Temperatures average around 25°C in the months following this season, giving you the perfect excuse for a summer holiday in the peak of autumn and winter. Prices are also best in the first few months of the new year, with plenty of cheap Goa holidays available to put a smile on your face.

Health and safety

Before travelling to Baga Beach, you’ll need to receive vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid, as well as a Tetanus booster. Your doctor may also advise that you receive shots to protect against Cholera, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies. Because of the Malaria risk in Goa, make sure you discuss your travel plans with your local GP so they can advise you on how to protect against the disease.

It’s recommended that you purchase bottled water for drinking at Baga Beach, due to the potentially unsafe nature of the local resources. Sun cream is also advisable given the hot climate. As with any holiday, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and family on your trip.

If you’re visiting Baga Beach specifically to take part in sports or watersports, including hiking, you should make sure your insurance covers this. See our holiday extras page for more information and for the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/health.

Passports and visas

In order to visit Baga Beach you’ll require a visa. UK passport holders may be eligible for an e-tourist visa that you can apply and pay for online to make the process quicker and cheaper.

Alongside a visa you must have a valid passport to enter the country. By law, you must carry your passport with you and may need to show it when paying by credit card. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements.

Getting around

Holidays to Goa usually land in Dabolim at the International Airport, south of Baga Beach. Most tour operators include transfers as part of a holiday package so getting to your resort is easy. Alternatively, you can reach the town via car hire or taxi, which takes around an hour to an hour and a half, although public buses do also run between the two sites.

Much of Baga’s land mass is agricultural, making it easy to travel around town by foot. It’s roughly 20 minutes to get from the north end of the beach to the south, and most accommodation here is extremely close to the coast. You may prefer to travel around town by taxi, however, due to the busy traffic and cows that have a habit of wandering around the area, this isn’t always the quickest option.

For visiting places outside of Baga, buses are the best form of transport to get around quickly and cheaply. Routes that go via Calangute run frequently and travel to popular destinations like Mapusa and the Goan capital, Panaji.

Advice for travellers with children

Baga Beach is over an hour away from the closest airport so families with young children may need to bring something with them to keep the kids entertained. Even so, the area is home to some of the most renowned accommodation options that All Inclusive Goa holidays have to offer.

When looking for a quiet spot on the sand of Baga Beach you may wish to walk away from the centre for a short while as it’s renowned for being one of the region’s most popular beaches. There are quieter beaches further south towards Candolim which might be better for families. If you have younger kids, it may be best to take a taxi down there to save the walk.

There are plenty of highly-recommended restaurants in Baga Beach that cater to kids as well as adults, and the neighbouring town of Calangute provides many more options too.

Electricity

Connector type: Indian three-pin plug, type C, D and M.

Voltage Info: 220 to 240 volts

Emergency information

108 is the number in Goa for emergency situations.

For direct phone lines call: Fire services: 101 Ambulance: 102 Police: 100 You can also dial 1718 for the coastguard.

British Consulate

If you’re a victim of crime or affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner contact the British Consulate in Panaji.

Address: 303-304 Casa del Sol, Miramar, Goa, Panaji 403001

Email: consular.goa@fco.gov.uk

Phone (from within India): +91 832 6636 777 Phone (from the UK): 020 7008 1500

Hospital

There are no hospitals within Baga itself, but there are plenty of large healthcare facilities south in Calangute. Mathew Braganza Hospital provides 24/7 service for those in need while Dr Dukle’s Hospital is home to a popular pharmacy that comes highly recommended.

Mathew Braganza Hospital

Address: Calangute-Anjuna Road, Naikawado, Calangute, Goa 403516 Phone: +91 832 652 2111

Dr. Dukle’s Hospital & Research Centre

Address: Aguade-Calangute Road, Candolim, Bardez, Goa 403515 Phone: +91 832 248 9333