This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Bardez.
Bardez is a taluka, or administrative division, in the state of Goa, situated in west India. As such, Bardez contains a headquarter town of Mapusa as well as numerous other villages. Its name was introduced by the Brahmin immigrants and literally means “twelve” (bara) “lands” (desh). The entire area is enveloped by the Chapora River to the north, the Mapusa River to the east, the Mandovi River to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west. As a result, tourists are drawn to its many beaches and waterfront villages.
When searching for budget-friendly accommodations in Bardez, look for the words “hostel” and “guest house.” Thanks to the many surrounding beaches, there is a plethora of hostels in Bardez. What they have in common, for the most part, is a very affordable price and high average guest ratings. Yet each hostel has its own charm and you will benefit from researching which hostel best matches your idea of optimal vacation fun. The hostels’ themes range from bollywood to prison-grounds and even hippie-land. So get on your computer, do your homework, and mark the ideal Bardez hostel for your personal taste.
Before you set off on your travels, be sure to print out directions and a map to help you locate your accommodations. Also bring bedding, towels, and shower shoes along with your toiletries because some hostels will leave a bit to be desired in terms of cleanliness. The other complaints you may encounter are that the dorms are small and the beds are tiny. On the flip side, many hostels in Bardez provide warm showers, decent wifi, and filtered water for drinking and cooking.
Since the hostels tend to be located close to beaches, restaurants, and nightlife, you can get to many destinations on foot, getting your daily exercise in the process. If you wish to venture a bit farther, you can rent a bike or scooter for a very low cost.
Most tourists come to play at the beach, experience the local nightlife, and soak in the foreign culture. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, including Candolim Beach with its calm, clean setting and western fare, as well as Anjuna Beach with its busy market, double-story beach shacks, banana rides and water scooters.
If you wish to take a break from the sand and surf, then you can visit the Mae De Deus Church. Built in a gothic style, it is especially beautiful to behold at night when it is illuminated from outside.
Written by local enthusiast for Bardez hostels
Jakob Lombardi