Goa

India's most-loved beach destination, Goa has much more than sea, sand, seafood and, of course, the Sun, to keep one coming back for more. Goa's distinctive Portuguese heritage, natural beauty, buzzing nightlife and a very interesting culinary scene makes for a heady mix, one that you cannot resist. Visited all around the year, it sees a steady footfall of tourists from all over the world.

From sun-kissed beaches to charming old quarters, Goa boasts of a variety of places to be explored by tourists and travellers. Goa has stunning beaches and historic quarters that are ripe with culture and, perhaps, you may get the “opportunity” to come across a spooky place during your travels. The Dudhsagar Falls and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary are a huge draw, as are the Goan forts. Whether it is the historical forts reflecting Goa’s rich Portuguese heritage or the numerous churches exhibiting intricate architecture–Goa has it all. From being geographically beautiful and culturally rich to playing host to some of the most popular festivals and events in the country, the city of Goa offers something to all kinds of travellers. The place is a melting pot of various cultures and traditions, a factor that adds to its awesomeness and uniqueness. All in all, it is worth experiencing a state that offers all charms of India’s West coast, in its own way.

Highlights of Goa

Churches in Goa

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the finest example of Baroque architecture in India. Located in Old Goa, this exquisite structure holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. He is preserved in a silver casket and is believed to exude healing powers. The church of Our lady of Immaculate Conception gleams like a tiered wedding cake with pearly white frost. Portuguese sailors would visit this church, as their first port of call, giving thanks for a safe journey. The Se Cathedral, a combination of Tuscan and Corinthian architecture, was built to commemorate the victory of Portuguese general -  Afonso de Albuquerque. Amongst its precious ornaments, is a large golden bell that is supposed to be one of the world’s greatest.

Forts in Goa

A quick ferry from Querim will lead you to Fort Tiracol. Originally built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, this imposing fort later became a part of the Portuguese maritime defence. Overlooking the Arabian sea, it offers a picturesque view of turquoise and steel grey. Fort Aguada, with its imposing façade, was built in the 17th century as a defence mechanism against the Dutch and the Marathas. Visit Candolim beach and be transported back to an ancient period of warfare.

Beaches in Goa

Morjim beach or ‘Little Russia’ is the perfect nook for a good book, long walk and uninterrupted serenity. Watch your feet as they sink into pockets of ivory warmth. Enclosed by a dense forest of emerald green, is delightful Palolem beach. Boxes of colourful shacks line the mile-long stretch. Anjuna beach, with its flea markets and expressive-bold hippie culture will awaken your bohemian spirit. Arambol beach, a traditional fishermen’s paradise, is equally mesmerizing. Whether you choose to tread, splash, sail or glide, each one of these beaches will provide you with everything and more. And the cold beer is just the icing on the cake.

Festivals of Goa

Cashew stomping, coconut braking, and sipping delicious fenny cocktails are some of the many exciting things to do at Goa Cashew & Coconut Festival. If you’re craving some good old carnival magic, then Goa Carnival is the place to be! Watch King Momo sail on a grand float, at the helm of an electrifying parade. Goa Food and Cultural Festival celebrate cuisines from around the globe. Taste some of the delicious goodies, while you enjoy cook offs and dance performances. And if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the cool hippie culture, head to Goa Sunsplash - a reggae festival.

Local culture of Goa

Goa is a sweet synthesis of eastern and western influences. From its quirky paintings, to its local handicrafts, traditional performance arts, and classic Konkani cinema - there is a little something for everybody’s taste. The state is synonymous with its flea markets, strong alcoholic beverages, and of course it’s flavoursome cuisine. Goan cuisine is renowned for its variety of sea food dishes, cooked with an assortment of spices, including coconut, coconut oil, kokum and chilly peppers. Catholic Goan food differs from Hindu Goan food, both equally delicious though. We recommend some of these finger licking preparations – Pork sorpotel, Goa sausage curry, Sannas (rice cake), Bebinca (sweet) and Ros omelette.

Nightlife in Goa

Engage in the cultural vibrancy of spectacular beaches, here you can party all day and night. Crammed with many bars and nightclubs, Goa offers a myriad of options to let people lose themselves for a day, and dance to the beats of their favorite music, like a pro. Some of the best places to enjoy the nightlife in Goa are: Club Tito’s at Baga Beach, Decades Bar at Calangute Beach, Down the Road at Panaji, and the list is huge.

Places to Visit in Goa

Baga Beach

Seems like a piece of art, Baga Beach is one of the most sought after places to visit in North Goa. A perfect place to cherish some blissful moments, the majestic Baga Beach in Goa let people appreciate the cool breezes and witness the wonderful sunset views. Besides that, here tourists can also partake in water activities, such as jet-skiing, windsurfing, banana ride, and more.  

Calangute Beach

Head to Calangute Beach, also known as the ‘Queen of Beaches’ for its charm and spectacular beauty. Offering some of the best natural offerings, including a chance to savor glorious landscape views, laze along splendid beaches, enjoy sunbathing and jaw-dropping sunset and sunrise views, it is a paradise for nature lovers in true sense.

Fort Aguada

With its vast expanses of blue waters, Fort Aguada is a place that seems to be endless. Attracting thousands of tourists all around the year, here one can hop on to its lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of the place. Or, one can also choose to relax with their better half, and witness enticing views of the sunset.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Fringed with innumerable beaches, tourists are always going to have a pleasant experience here. Being one of the highest waterfalls in the world, it is divided into four tiers. And, as one looks at the waterfall, it seems like a heavy stream of milk cascades from the top of the hill, making it one of the ultimate destinations to visit during a Goa excursion.   

Vasco Da Gama

Deriving its name from the famous explorer, Vasco Da Gama is a treasure trove for true explorers. As one takes a tour of this small town with a different aspect of tourism, there are some of the best things to discover, thus adding a unique experience to their journey. Moreover, being well-connected to other parts of Goa, this place is often visited by tourists to reach other beaches of Goa.

Cuisine

Due to its coastal location, Goa is renowned for its abundant supply of fresh fish and seafood: tiger prawns, lobsters, red snapper, lady fish, squid are often found on restaurants menus and definitely worth sampling.

Local cuisine can be split into two distinct camps. In Konkan Hindu dishes, creamy coconut milk is infused with aromatic herbs and spices and often served with locally caught fish and fluffy white rice, while the Goan Catholic dishes are typified by the use of vinegar, pork and beef.

Shopping

The streets of Goa are filled with market stalls and craft boutiques offering a wide array of shopping opportunities throughout your holiday; you are sure to find many souvenirs to take home.

There are food stalls with dried fruits, nuts and local delicacies as well as handmade items, jewellery, clothing and home wares on offer.

Best Time to Visit Goa

Being a tourist hotspot, Goa can be visited at any time of the year, but the best time to visit Goa is from mid-November through mid-February. The average temperature during this time is 20°C to 28°C. It is also the peak season when the tourist activity in Goa is highest, especially in the month of December due to Christmas and New Year festivities. The weather is pleasant and cool and most of the beach parties and festivals like Sunburn take place during this time, making it the best season to visit Goa.

How to reach Goa

By Air

The Goa International Airport at Dabolim is Goa’s only airport and is located near Vasco da Gama. With just about 29 kilometers from the capital, Panaji, you may board a flight to Goa from any part of the country, and reach here in no time. There are regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Bangalore and Hyderabad to this beach paradise.

By Train

If you opt to travel to Goa by train, there are two railway lines you can travel by. The South Western Railway that connects Vasco with Hubli, Belgaum, etc. and the Konkan Railway lines that connects Margao to cities along the western coast of the country. You can get down at Thivim in North Goa and Vasco-da-Gama or Madgaon in South Goa, and enjoy the lovely views of this beach paradise by train which is fast and convenient as well.

By Road

To find out how to reach Goa by road, let us tell you that there are regular buses for intracity and intercity convenience. You can travel by state-run buses that are operated by Kadamba Transport and enjoy comfortable rides. And, if you are traveling from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, then there are daily buses plying to Goa. You can also choose to travel by Volvo and Deluxe AC buses.