Goa's Hidden Gem: Little India Beach Cottages - Paradise Found!
Little India Beach Cottages Review: Paradise Found (Almost!) - A Goa Rant & Rave (And a Plea for More Curry!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe the dal) on Little India Beach Cottages in Goa. This place… well, it’s a whole experience. Forget pristine perfection, this is a little rough around the edges, charmingly chaotic, and utterly unforgettable. Let's get this rollercoaster started!
Accessibility - Is it for Everyone?
Alright, straight up: Accessibility is, shall we say, evolving here. While they technically have "Facilities for disabled guests," don't expect fully ramped everything. Goa in general isn’t exactly the poster child for accessibility. However, the staff were super helpful, always ready to lend a hand. I saw them go above and beyond for a guest in a wheelchair, which earned them major points. Just…check in advance if super-smooth navigation is top of your list.
Getting There & Getting Around (A Little Bit About the Chaos That is Goa) - Car Park [Free of Charge] - Airport Transfer
Reaching Little India is a bit of an adventure. Forget sanitized airport transfers, Goa is all about the vibrant chaos of the local scene. They do offer airport transfer service, which is a MAJOR plus, especially after a long flight. Forget the hassle of haggling with rickshaw wallahs – worth every single rupee. Just be prepared for a bumpy ride! The roads are, shall we say, character-filled. Car park [free of charge] is a godsend, as parking can be a nightmare elsewhere. Although, I wouldn't trust my vintage Porsche there…
Rooms & Amenities - Where the Magic (and the Minor Annoyances) Happen
Okay, let’s talk rooms. Forget sterile, cookie-cutter hotel rooms. These cottages are full of character. My first impression? "Wow, this looks amazing!" The rooms have Air conditioning (a MUST), Blackout curtains (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), and Free Wi-Fi (more on that later…). I splurged for a room with a sea view – and let me tell you, waking up to that view was absolutely breathtaking. Yes, Wake-up service is available, but honestly, the sun does a pretty good job of it.
Now, the minor annoyances. The hot water wasn't always consistent (a common Goa problem, I've learned). And the "Internet access – wireless" (aka Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) was sometimes… temperamental. Think the speed of a dial-up modem circa 1998. But hey, you’re in Goa! Disconnect, breathe, read a book. And actually, it was a good thing – forced me to unplug and just… be.
As for other features: Bathrobes, Slippers, Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Minibar (deliciously stocked!), In-room safe box (peace of mind!), Extra long bed (always a bonus!), Shower, Seating area, Desk, and Mirror all worked nicely as well.
And the Daily housekeeping was prompt and efficient too, although our housekeeper named Vishnu, had a peculiar habit of rearranging my clothes, which was slightly disconcerting.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - Food Glorious Food (with a Side of Patience)
This is where Little India really shines, and also where it can get a little… Goan. The Restaurants are a real highlight, especially the one overlooking the beach! The food, when it arrives, is divine. Seriously, the Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant are exceptional. Their Fish Curry is one of GOD. I’d sell my soul for a plate right now. The Vegetarian restaurant is great too.
Be warned: service can be… leisurely. Embrace the "island time" mentality. Don't expect a lightning-fast meal. Order a cocktail (or two) from the Poolside bar while you wait. Happy hour is a must! The A la carte in restaurant is good, but I also loved their Breakfast [buffet] - even if the buffet wasn't always overflowing with options. (Seriously, more curry at breakfast, please?)
The Bottle of water is complimentary, which is always good. You can get Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, and Soup in restaurant as well.
Ways to Relax - Spa Days & Beach Bliss (with a Few Minor Hitches)
Okay, the swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous – infinity edge, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Pure bliss. Pool with view indeed! The Spa is a treat. I indulged in a Massage (heavenly!) and a Body scrub that left my skin glowing. They claim to have a Sauna and Steamroom, but I didn't get around to testing them, so I can't testify. What I can tell you is it was the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.
Cleanliness and Safety - Safety/security feature
This is another area where Little India shines, especially in this post-COVID world. They seriously go beyond what's expected. Hand sanitizer is EVERYWHERE. The staff are scrupulous about Staff trained in safety protocol. They have Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. They are big on safety with Safety/security feature, CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, with that also, Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms. The First aid kit is ready too. Their Anti-viral cleaning products are really effective. And it goes on, with Safe dining setup and Individually-wrapped food options. I felt genuinely safe.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
Little India offers a good range of services. The Doorman service is impeccable. They have Daily housekeeping. Concierge is helpful. They also have Laundry service and Dry cleaning available if you need them. There is Cash withdrawal available. The Luggage storage is an added bonus! You can get Food delivery in your room. The Invoice provided, which is useful for business travellers.
For the Kids:
The Babysitting service is available. They are also Family/child friendly with Kids facilities and Kids meal.
For the Business Savvy
They have Meetings and Meeting/banquet facilities with Business facilities. They also have Projector/LED display. They can also provide Xerox/fax in business center.
Things to Do - Beyond Beach Bliss
Look, Goa is all about the beach. You can cycle around in Bicycle parking, although you have to arrange for the bike somehow, or take a Taxi service. They also have Car park [on-site] with Car park [free of charge].
The Overall Verdict - Go, Just Go!
Listen, Little India Beach Cottages isn't perfect. But that’s part of its charm. It’s a place where you can truly relax, embrace the Goan lifestyle, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The food is amazing the staff is great and the vibe is perfect. Yes, the internet might be slow. And, yes, things might take a little longer than you're used to. But that's Goa, baby! And trust me, you’ll be smiling so much, it won’t even matter.
My little rant:
Their front desk seems a bit understaffed in the evenings. More people! But honestly, the staff is so helpful and friendly otherwise, it's hard to remain too critical. And where's the all-day curry? Seriously, that's my only real complaint! (Okay, and maybe the slow Wi-Fi).
My little rave:
Waking up to the waves crashing, the delicious food, the genuine warmth of the staff – it's pure magic.
SEO Keywords/Phrases Emphasized:
- Goa
- Little India Beach Cottages
- Beachfront hotel
- Goa hotels
- Indian cuisine
- Spa
- Swimming pool
- Free Wi-Fi
- Accessibility (with caveats)
- Restaurant
- Beach
- Paradise Found!
- Goa beach resorts
The Persuasive Offer - Book Now & Get Ready for Goan Bliss!
Escape the Ordinary at Little India Beach Cottages!
Are you craving sun-drenched beaches, delicious food, and a truly authentic Goa experience? Then look no further! Book your stay at Little India Beach Cottages now and receive:
- A complimentary welcome drink on arrival
- Exclusive discounts on spa treatments
- Free upgrade to a room with a sea view (based on availability)
Why choose Little India Beach Cottages?
- Stunning Beachfront Location: Wake up to breathtaking ocean views and easy access to the sand.
- Delicious Dining: Savor authentic Indian flavors, fresh seafood, and international cuisine at our renowned restaurants.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're heading to Little India Beach Cottages in Goa, and trust me, it's gonna be a glorious, chaotic mess.
Goa Glitch: My Little India Beach Cottage Diary – A Journey into Slightly Damp Paradise
Prep Phase (Before We Even Hit the Sand, Dude):
- The Great Packing Panic (Two Days Before): So, I'm staring at my closet, and it's like a fashion crime scene. Trying to channel the "effortlessly chic Goa vibe" (aka, flowy pants and a vaguely bohemian top), but I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up looking like a confused tourist penguin. Decided to pack more sunscreen than actual clothes. Smart.
- Booking Blues (One Day Before): Spent an hour on the phone with the airline. Trying to decipher the seating chart. I swear, booking flights is like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube designed by a sadist. Ended up with the "middle seat of doom." Praying for a window seat buddy who’s not a snorer.
- The Pre-Travel Ritual (Hours Before): Downing a double espresso, re-reading "Shantaram" (optimism, anyone?), and frantically Googling "best mosquito repellent for Goa." Spoiler alert: there are approximately 10,000 highly conflicting opinions. My skin is already itching.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Cottage Quest (Let the Chaos Begin!)
- Morning (Or Attempt Thereof): Landed at Dabolim Airport. The air hits you like a warm, humid hug (or is it just the jet lag messing with my perception?). Found the pre-booked taxi (thank GOD, I can't handle haggling right now). Driver’s blasting Bollywood music, which is simultaneously exhilarating and a little terrifying.
- The Cottage Hunt (The Quest for the Golden Key): OMG, so the Little India Beach Cottages are…well, they're "rustic." Which is a polite word for "possibly structurally unsound but charming AF." My cottage had a slight slant, like it’s perpetually leaning in for a hug. Didn't matter…the balcony view of the beach was EPIC. The "slightly damp smell" is probably just the ocean's way of saying hello.
- Afternoon (The Discovery Zone): First meal: A thali at the cottage restaurant. The dal makhani? Divine. The spice level? "Mild" apparently means "volcanic eruption" in Goan. I can’t feel my tongue. But hey, at least I’m experiencing something.
- Evening (Beach Bliss and Mosquito Mayhem): Walked along the beach at sunset. The sand was warm, the waves were crashing…and then the mosquito attack started. Applied the jungle juice, but I swear, those little demons are immune to everything. Ended up wearing a full-body mosquito net (fashion icon, right here). Watched the stars, trying to channel a zen-like state. Failed. But the beach was still beautiful.
Day 2: Palolem and the Pursuit of the Perfect Beach:
- Morning (Scooter Dreams): Figured out how to rent a scooter (barely). My driving skills are… questionable. Took a very slow ride to Palolem Beach. Felt like a toddler on a tricycle, clutching the handlebars for dear life.
- Palolem Paradise (Mostly): Palolem is gorgeous, I'll give it that. But it's also… crowded. And the sun is INTENSE. Spotted a couple of influencers doing "yoga with a puppy" (eye roll). Managed to snag a beach chair, buried myself in the sand, and devoured a book. Pure bliss… until a rogue wave almost claimed my Kindle.
- Afternoon (The Great Food Adventure - Take Two): Lunch at a beach shack: seafood platter. Possibly the best fish I’ve ever tasted. The slightly drunk guy next to me kept trying to offer me a cashew. Politely declined. Took a nap under a sun umbrella, vaguely aware of the chatter and the sound of the waves.
- Evening (Scooter Disaster and Sunset Regret): The scooter ride back was… a challenge. Got slightly lost (multiple times). Almost ran over a cow (apologies, gentle bovine). Arrived back at the cottage just as the sun dipped below the horizon. Exhausted. Decided to skip dinner and just contemplate the beauty of the chaos. And maybe order a pizza.
Day 3: Yoga, Elephants (Maybe?), and Spiritual Contemplation (Hah!)
- Morning (The Yoga Fiasco): Signed up for sunrise yoga on the beach. Woke up with a massive headache. Struggled to keep up with the instructor. More importantly, I sweated a lot. I mean, a LOT. Ended up lying horizontal in the sand, pretending to be one with nature. Success! (I think).
- Mid-Morning (The Elephant Whisperer, or the Lack Thereof): Booked a trip to see elephants. I’m convinced that this will be the moment of my life. So excited. Then, the taxi shows up, the weather is cloudy, and i have no idea why I got so excited in the first place. We got lost, saw some cows, and met a very confused goat. Elephant sighting? Nope. Disappointment level: slightly high.
- Afternoon (Spiritual Contemplation - Yeah, Right): Tried to meditate and be "present." My brain immediately started listing things: laundry, the weird stain on my towel, why I can't seem to take a good Instagram picture. Ended up staring at the ocean, feeling vaguely overwhelmed.
- Evening (Food Crisis and a Little Bit of Magic): Tried to order room service. The menu was in three languages, all of which were blurry. Ended up with something that looked vaguely like curry that was so spicy I had to order more plain rice (and a gallon of water). But then, the sunset. It was so gorgeous I started to forget about the curry and the missing elephants and the laundry and the mosquito bites. Maybe… just maybe… Goa was starting to work its magic.
Day 4: A Double Dose of Seafood, the Beach, and a Near-Death Experience (Maybe Not):
- Morning (Seafood Sensation, Round 1): Had breakfast at the cottage restaurant: seafood omelet. It was pretty tasty, I’ll give it that.
- Mid-Morning (The Beach - Take Two): I decided to go spend the day at the beach, where some guys were trying to get me to rent a jet ski. I told them maybe later. I’m not sure If I will do it, but I’m kind of tempted to.
- Afternoon (Seafood Sensation, Round 2): I went to another restaurant, and by this point I think I was ready to try everything. They have a big menu, but I went straight for the prawns, and they’re to die for.
- Evening (Near-Death Experience - Kinda): It was a lovely evening. I went for a walk on the beach. I almost stepped on, or fell into, an actual fire pit. I don’t think anyone else noticed.
Day 5: (The Great Departure and the Goa Hangover):
- Morning (Packing Part Two): Packing. Sigh. How is it that I have more stuff now than I did when I arrived? Tried to fold my clothes neatly. Failed. Ended up stuffing everything into my suitcase.
- Farewell Feast and Farewell Fever: Last breakfast. Last dosa. Last chai. Starting to feel a pang of sadness. Goa, despite its imperfections, had kind of gotten to me.
- Departure (Tangerine Skies and Slightly Damp Tears): Caught the taxi to the airport. Watching the sun set over the water, and I knew I'd be back. Goa, you glorious, messy, mosquito-filled paradise, you're gonna be missed. The flight was long, the middle seat was still a nightmare, and I'm pretty sure I still have sand in my shoes. But the Goa hangover? It’s a good one. And I wouldn't trade it for the world. (End)
Goa's "Little India" Beach Cottages: Paradise Found... Maybe? (An FAQ for the Clueless)
Okay, okay, so what *is* Little India Beach Cottages anyway? Is it actually a secret paradise?
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because "secret paradise" is a loaded phrase. Little India Beach Cottages are basically these charming (and sometimes crumbling) little huts right on the beach in Goa. Think rustic meets charming, with a healthy dose of "well, this is India." It's not a glitzy resort, let’s just get that straight. More like... imagine you're on a deserted island, but with Wi-Fi (sometimes) and a guy who makes killer chai. Some people call it paradise. I've called it... "an experience." More on that later.
How do I even *find* this place? I'm terrible with maps. (And directions. And life, sometimes.)
Finding Little India... that's part of the fun (or the frustration, depending on your mood). Forget Google Maps, darling. Embrace the chaos. You’ll likely need to take a cab or a scooter (if you dare, and honestly, DO dare, it's part of the Goa gig). You're looking for a specific beach (I'm leaving the exact name out, because I'm a little selfish and don't want it *too* overrun, haha!). Then, you're essentially wandering until you stumble upon it. Ask locals! They're usually incredibly helpful. Be prepared to get lost. That's how you find the *real* Goa. Just maybe don't get *too* lost... I spent three hours once trying to find a place and I almost had a full blown mental breakdown due to the heat and lack of ice cream.
What are the cottages *actually* like? I'm picturing something out of a magazine...
Right. Magazine-worthy? Ehhhh... maybe in certain lighting. Expect basic. Like, really basic. Don't expect luxury. Expect simplicity. Some are wooden, some are brick, some might even be… evolving. (Meaning, they're always being "improved" in that delightfully Indian way). They usually have a bed (sometimes a good one, sometimes... not so much), a mosquito net (essential!), a bathroom (again, basic), and a porch with a view that will make you question everything you thought you knew about beauty.
My *favorite* memory? One cottage had a shower that was basically a glorified hose. Brilliant under the stars, but let's just say my hair was *never* the same. And, oh god, the geckos! They're your roommates, whether you like it or not. Embrace them. (Or become best friends with your shoe.)
Food! Is the food any good? My tummy is sensitive.
Okay, the food... this is where things get interesting. The food is mostly amazing! It's fresh, it's flavorful, and it's usually cooked right there, by the friendliest people ever. The seafood is *divine*. The curries... oh, the curries. They'll change your life. Okay, maybe not your *life*, but certainly your appetite.
BUT! and it's a big BUT, Goa, like all of India, can be rough on a sensitive stomach. My advice? Stick to cooked food. Be careful with tap water (stick to bottled). And maybe pack some Imodium (just in case). And don't be afraid to ask! "Is it spicy?" is a crucial question. (And by "spicy," they often mean "will set your mouth on fire and then cool it down with the sweetest coconut water you’ve ever tasted.")
What's the vibe? Party central? Relaxing retreat? Somewhere in between?
The vibe? It's… flexible. It depends on the time of year, the specific beach, and the mood of the universe. Generally, Little India is a bit more laid-back than the big, touristy beaches. It's about chilling, swimming, reading, and generally wasting time in the most glorious way possible.
You might find some small beach parties, you might find quiet families, you might find solo travelers contemplating their existence while watching the sunset. Or, you might find all three crammed together. It’s a melting pot. Expect to meet people. Expect to have amazing conversations with people you otherwise wouldn't. Just be prepared for the occasional loud music from the next beach over. Embrace the chaos! It is Goa, after all.
Anything I should pack besides the essentials?
Besides the usual (sunscreen, swimwear, mosquito repellent, a good book), pack these: a portable charger (power outages happen), earplugs (the aforementioned music!), a reusable water bottle, some basic first-aid stuff (just in case – a scraped knee is practically a rite of passage), and a really, really open mind.
And something else I *always* pack? A small notebook. Because you WILL have moments of pure, unadulterated *wow*. Moments that you'll want to capture and remember forever. Goa is a place that gets under your skin, and sometimes, you just need to scribble it all down before you lose it. Oh, and a sense of humor. You’ll need that. Especially when a cow decides to take a nap right in front of your cottage door.
Tell me more about the mosquito nets… and the geckos!
Alright, let's dive deep. The mosquito nets are your best friends. They're also your most annoying friends. Because, let's be honest, they're usually hanging a little *wrong*. You're wrestling with them every night, tucking and retucking them like a frazzled mom putting her kids to bed. And *then* you find a mosquito had already snuck in while you were struggling to work the flimsy zipper. That's when you yell "Hooey!" and spend an hour swatting it, buzzing in your ear, or worse, a mosquito symphony. BUT! They are utterly necessary. Mosquito diseases are no fun.
And the geckos... Ah, the geckos. They are everywhere. Big ones, small ones, ones that sound like they're gossiping. Some are cute. Some are... less so. They are part of the charm. They eat the mosquitos, which is a plus. The thing is, they make these little chirping noises at night. And when you're lying in bed, trying to sleep, it sounds like they're having a full-blown rave *under* your bed. Eventually, you may start to hallucinate and think they are planning to eat you. Don't be scared. Honestly, they're mostly harmless. I say *mostly*. One time, though, I swear one dropped from the ceiling and landed right on my face. I screamed, ran out of the cottage and slept on the beach. But hey, good story, right?
