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Are you searching for the perfect holiday destination? Are you thinking of Kerala or Goa? Which is better? Goa and Kerala have been the main centers of attraction for both domestic and foreign tourists since the 1960s. Both places offer rich culture, delicious meals, calm weather, and gorgeous beaches. Here, we’ll clear up every single doubt. We will tell which one is the better place for you by comparing their places, climates, languages, and cuisines.
We understand that planning a trip is difficult in this workaholic culture. So, choose carefully which place is better for you according to your interests and activities. Don’t worry. We are here to help you choose your best vacation trip by comparing some aspects of both places. And accordingly, you can choose your tour packages.
The main distinctions between Kerala and Goa
1) Geography
Kerala
It is the 21st largest state in India, with a 38,683 km area. Kerala is located in the southwest corner of the country. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu cover Kerala from the north, east, and south. It is a coastal state and shares its boundary with the Arab Sea. The state's main attractions are greenery, beaches, and hill stations.
Goa
India's smallest state, with an area of 3,702 sq km2. It is the southwestern coast state of India. Goa shares its boundary with Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the Arabian Sea. Goa is especially well known for its sandy beaches, serene environment, and coastal landscapes.
2) Climate
Kerala
The climate conditions in Kerala are so diverse. The climate of Kerala State is tropical-equatorial. The state has mainly three seasons: winter, summer, and rainy. Winter begins in November and ends in February, whereas summer lasts from March to May. The mainly rainy season spans from June to November. With around 140 to 160 rainy days each year, Kerala has a wet and moist climate. And nearly 66% of rainfall occurs in May and September. Moreover, March is the warmest and June is the coldest month in Kerala, with an average temperature of 29°C (84°F) and 27°C (81°F), respectively. Furthermore, with an average of 341 mm of rain, June is the wettest month in Kerala..
Goa
Due to its tropical location, Goa has a hot and humid climate throughout the year. Goa has three seasons:-
- Summer from March to October.
- Winter December to February.
- The rainy season period from June to September.
The warmest months of Goa are March to May in those months the temperature raise upto 30°C (86°F). The coldest months of Goa lies between mid-December and February, with an average temperature at nights of around 20 °C (68 °F) and days of around 29 °C (84 °F). The average rainfall in Goa is nearly 330 mm.
3) Famous Places
Kerala
Alleppey
Alleppey (Alappuzha): The most famous place in Kerala is called Alleppey or Alappuzha. The other of Alleppey is Venice of the East. It is a well-constructed and well-organized city in Kerala, and the main characteristic of the city is a corridor of canals.
Wayanad
Wayanad should be at the top of the rankings during your Kerala visit. Numerous places have attracted tourists in the last 50 years, for instance, breathtaking waterfalls and large trails. The most visited place in Wayanad is Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Cochin
The other name of Cochin is 'Queen of the Arab Sea'. It is the most advanced metropolis in India. It has been the most important place in India since 1341 because of the economic importance of its port.
Munnar
Munnar is famous for its hill stations and a plethora of places you should visit during your Kerala itinerary, like Lakkam Waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Sengulam Dam, Attukad Waterfalls, and the Blossom Hydel Park.
Kollam
Kollam is another port city in God’s own country. You can enjoy experiencing the indigenous cultures and old traditions of Kerala State. The people are very hospitable there. You’ll enjoy their company. The famous places in Kollam are Tangasseri Beach, Kollam Beach, and Thirumullavaram Beach.
Goa
Panaji
Panaji, the capital of Goa We can easily see the influence of Portuguese on the overall architecture of Panaji. It is situated alongside the Mandovi River. It is the most visited place in Goa because of its Portuguese-influenced culture and vibrant beaches. Some of the most famous places in Panaji are Dona Paula Beach, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fort Aguada, Se Cathedral, and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church.
Old Goa
Old Goa (Velha Goa), home of historical churches, was the capital of Portuguese India. A UNESCO heritage site. It is well known for colonial-era buildings like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Viceroy Arch, and St. Cajetan Church.
Fort Aguada
Fort Aguada is a 17th-century port built by the Portuguese. It is the architectural representation of all Portuguese military architecture. The main attractions in this form are the lighthouse, the row of cells in the prison, the enormous water reserve, and the ammo room.
Mangeshi Temple
Mangeshi Temple is just 21 km from the state capital, Panaji. It was established in 1560. This temple is devoted to Bhagwan Mangesh, the epitome of Shiva. The temple architecture consists of domes, pilasters, and balustrades.
4) Language
Kerala
Malayalam is the most spoken language in Kerala. Around 97% of the total population speaks Malayalam as their mother tongue. The other 3% speak Kannada, English, Hindi, Marathi, etc.
Goa
Goa's Konkani language is the most spoken in Goa, with around 67% of its native speakers. The other spoken languages in the state are English, Kannada, Hindi, and Gujarati.
5) Culture
Kerala
The culture of Kerala is the confluence of both Indian and Dravidian styles. It is filled with a great cultural legacy. The people of Kerala are world famous. The most popular are Mohaniattam, Kathakali, and fluorapatite. Kerala is also famous for its traditional festivals, Thrissur, Ponagala, Kerala village fere, and Aluva Sivarathri. The idea of a father as a god and a mother as the Dravidians of Kerala gives a goddess. The Indian history books are filled with the history and culture of Kerala.
Goa
The culture of Goa has been greatly influenced by the Portuguese, who ruled Goa for more than 400 years. In these four centuries, the people of Goa have greatly been affected by Portuguese culture. The culture here is a combination of both Indian and Portuguese. The people of Goa celebrate both Indian and Portuguese festivals. The Portuguese festivals celebrated in Goa are the Goa Mango Festival, Sao Joao Festival, Goa Carnival, and Sunburn Festival. Indian festivals like Holi, Dussehra, Diwali, Janmashtami, and Ganesh Chaturthi are also celebrated in Goa. So, we can say that the culture of Goa is the fusion of both Indian and Portuguese cultures.
Conclusion
To conclude, an important comparison of all aspects is presented in front of you. According to your interests and requirements, you can choose Kerala or Goa for your upcoming trip. For example, if some people have an interest in hill stations and countryside areas, they will choose Kerala. And a person who wants to visit historical places and beaches will choose Goa as their destination. Every person has their own choices and interests, so he or she can choose their destinations according to their needs. If you want a hassle-free trip, then you can check out our customizable trip itinerary for both places.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Perfect Destination: Kerala or Goa, Which is better?
Both destinations offer unique experiences. Kerala is known for its serene backwaters and lush greenery, while Goa is famous for its vibrant beaches and nightlife. The choice depends on your preferences for relaxation or excitement.
Kerala’s main attractions include the backwaters of Alleppey, tea plantations in Munnar, wildlife sanctuaries like Periyar, and the cultural heritage of Kochi and Trivandrum.
Goa’s main attractions include pristine beaches like Calangute and Baga, historic sites such as Old Goa churches, vibrant nightlife in areas like Tito’s Lane, and water sports activities.
Kerala is generally considered more suitable for a relaxing vacation due to its tranquil backwaters, serene beaches, and Ayurvedic wellness resorts, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Goa is more suitable for adventure activities, with options like water sports, parasailing, jet skiing, and trekking in its lush countryside, providing ample opportunities for thrill-seekers to indulge in exciting experiences.
