Goa

Goa, India

Goa

Goa, India

Topped as one of the country’s favourite holiday destinations, everyone travelling to India is either planning a trip to Goa or has already added a thoroughly researched itinerary to their list. An eclectic mix of culture, relaxation and fun, Goa is truly a vacationers paradise. A kaleidoscope of Portuguese- Indian heritage matched with the natural beauty of beaches gives you this delightful destination. It is primarily known for its Susegad style of living. Derived from the Portuguese term sossegado (‘peaceful’), it represents the easygoing and laid-back attitude of the people who like to enjoy life. It is said to have originated in the Portuguese culture and has somehow made Goa internationally popular for its relaxed vacations. Marked by a 100 km coastline, Goa is blessed with golden sand beaches brimming with travellers all throughout the year. Be it the backpacker’s favourite Arambol or the adventure seeker’s top spot Baga, tranquil Mandrem or palm-fringed Palolem, or the delightful hippy market of Anjuna beach, Goa has a lot in its pocket full of adventure and fun. A historic detour takes you to some of the most iconic churches and forts in the city, some even listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The locals are very welcoming in nature and host many festivals throughout the year to celebrate the local culture. The city is divided in North and South Goa, while northern region is known for its nightlife, beaches, flea markets and beach shacks, the southern side offers majestic resorts and quaint beaches. There are numerous restaurants and shacks across the coastline on various beaches that offer delicious seafood. At the same time, as the night sets in, the clubs and cruises offer a delightful experience of the laid-back and enjoyable attitude of Goan culture. Goa had been a Portuguese territory for almost 450 years and you can see the reflection of its culture and architecture all across town. The yellow houses, green doors, ochre-coloured mansions and oyster shell windows are common sites all across. A destination that is perfect on travellers’ lists looking for a relaxed yet exciting vacation, even when one group wants to party and the other sit by the beach or a pool, Goa is simply enjoyable for all. Adventure seekers will not be disappointed as some beaches have exciting sports like jet skiing, kitesurfing, parasailing and waterboarding. Here is looking at some of the major attractions and not to be missed places.

Calangute Beach

Popularly known as the 'Queen of Beaches,’ it is the longest beach in North Goa running from Candolim to Baga. The mesmerising view and numerous offerings at the beach make it immensely popular among travellers. There are several dining spots and shacks offering the best of local cuisines and international tastes that you can spend an entire day simply staring at the sea and having good food. Water sports such as parasailing, water surfing, banana rides, and jet skiing are popular at Calangute Beach making it a hit among domestic travellers.

Baga Beach

Merely an extension of the Calangute Beach, roughly 30 km north of Panjim, Baga is the hub of Goa’s vibrant nightlife and signature establishments like Britto's, Tito's, and Mambos. Offering a wide variety of water activities for adventure seekers, many want to experience the place both during day and nighttime. The 'Baga creek,' which flows into the Arabian Sea, is named after Baga. It is also well-known for its designer boutiques and street markets. It is the right place to absorb how the city has transformed to cater to the pouring crowds seeking to experience the Goan lifestyle.

Anjuna Beach

The beach can accommodate people with a variety of travel inclinations and budgets, from a relaxing family holiday to an action-packed weekend with your friends. Anjuna Beach is a luxurious oasis within Goa, known for its Goan influences, stylish nightclubs, and beachside hotels and resorts. The southern and northern ends of Anjuna beach, which stretch along the golden shoreline, provide a variety of activities. While the southern end has a rocky headland, the northern end offers water activities such as bungee jumping, a bumpy banana ride, and more.

Fort Aguada

This 17th-century Portuguese fort overlooking the Mandovi River’s confluence with the Arabian Sea can be visited to witness some beautiful sunsets. The fort's decaying ramparts can be found on Sinquerim Beach, some 18 kilometres from Panjim. The fort's feature is the four-story lighthouse (the only one of its kind in Asia) and a breathtaking sunset outlook. Titled the ‘Fortress of Tranquility’ it was built in 1612 as a defence top against the Dutch and Marathas. It was an important point for the Portuguese covering an entire Peninsula. The fort was named after the Portuguese word for water,

Basilica of Bom Jesus

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of its kind structure in India with its baroque architecture. The construction of this church, which began in 1594 and was consecrated in 1605, coincides with the birth of Christianity in India. The relics of St. Francis Xavier, a close companion of St. Ignatius Loyola, with whom he founded the Society of Jesus, are kept in this church, which is the oldest in Goa (Jesuits). The remains are in good condition after 400 years and are removed once per decade. It is a perfect place to witness the history and architectural wonder of the state

Arambol Beach

Arambol is relatively quieter with fewer water activities, thus making it ideal for soaking in the sun and enjoying a quiet read while staring at the sea. Therefore it is one beach in North Goa brimming with international tourists as many are seen coming together as a community with a distinct bohemian vibe. As one of Goa’s northernmost beaches, it is a rocky beach cornered by jungles on one end and the sea on another. There is something for everyone in Arambol, whether it's a yoga session on the beach, a drum circle and a weekend seaside market at sunset, a mystical baba on top of a hilltop, jumping from a cliff to paraglide, or simply wandering around the kitschy market alleyways.

Activities Not to Be Missed in Goa

Art and Architecture of Goa

There are many churches and museums in Goa that best represent the region’s history and its rise as a tourist hub in the country. Apart from the popular churches like Basilica of Bom Jesus, and The Church of our Lady Immaculate Conception, there are many others that are great examples of Portuguese architecture. The Church of our Lady of Immaculate Conception was first constructed in 1541 as a chapel and has undergone numerous alterations. It is now one of the most photographed places in Goa as many movies has also been shot with the majestic building as a backdrop. Then there is church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of Mae de Deus, Church of St. Ana, Reis Magos Church and Chapel of our Lady Mount each with its own significance and architectural style. Do not miss the chance to unravel the architecture through these buildings while getting to know the local culture

Lakes, Falls, Springs, Dams

Goa is blessed with many lakes, falls and dams that are found within and near the state. The Dudhsagar Waterfalls, located on the Goa-Karnataka border, are a must-see attraction. On the Mandovi River, the four-tiered waterfall structure is one of the tallest in India. From a height of nearly 1017 feet, the white water rushes down a virtually vertical mountain wall. Because they are part of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, the best method to get there is to enter the park and take a park-provided van to the falls. There are also Arvelam and Kesarval Falls that offer good views and you can enjoy your trek to reach the falls. The Mayem, Carambolim and Netravalli Lake are also interesting spots to discover the land of Goa.

Visiting a Casino

When you're in Goa, try something a little out of the ordinary. A Casino Cruise is essentially a restaurant with the added bonus of casino features for people who want to try their hand at Vegas-style entertainment. The ship is docked on one of Goa's many rivers and is furnished to a high standard. The view from the outside and the rooms inside combine for an excellent combination. The casinos are open 24 hours a day, but it's only later at night that the vibe and energy of the place is truly vibrant. Instead of the conventional songs and loud music, there is melancholy music as attendees indulge in games. They are well-designed facilities with a variety of gourmet dining options and a nice selection of drinks. Visitors can stay on board for up to 12 hours and take in the cruise's atmosphere. If you're lucky, you might even walk away from the Casino Cruise a little richer. It is truly a must-have experience, to enjoy the sea and vibe of Goa

Delicacies of the city

The regional cuisine of Goa is rich and fused perfectly with its heritage. The fusion of Konkani, Hindu, Portuguese and Catholic cuisines can be found in the dishes of Goa. The regional dishes are dominated by seafood, coconut milk, rice and local spices. Rice and Fish curry are the staple food for the locals. Moreover, there are so many cafes, restaurants and diners that just add to the unique offerings when it comes to food in Goa. The dining scene in Goa keeps changing as new resorts, new avenues open up, bringing a fresh new perspective to enjoying a regional meal to its core.

Shopping in Goa

Be it the architecture, cuisine or culture, you would want to take a piece of Goa home with you. There are many local markets offering a mix of it all that you may choose from. The Anjuna Flea market held every Wednesday is perfect to buy faux jewellery, local handcraft, footwear, wall hangings, spices, and hammocks. According to stories, this market was founded by a group of hippies in the 1960s as a way to barter and live. Everything is negotiable if you are good at it, thus you may acquire items for very low prices here. There is the Saturday Night Market at Arpora. The market is divided into three segments each selling unique items. You can find fruits, vegetables, jewellery, home decor items, spices, wines, as well as locally designed clothes and bags. The stretch at Calangute and Baga is also lined with numerous shops offering the local clothes, jewellery and local handicrafts.

When to visit

Goa is enjoyed throughout the year by travellers as many even prefer to see it during monsoon. The best time to visit the state is November to February due to its weather and local activities like the Christmas and New Year Celebrations. The place comes alive with many activities and is brimming with tourists. March to May are comparatively slow and fewer travellers visit as it is warm and the sea is rough. Then there is the rainy season when most beach accommodations are closed and shacks are also shut due to the heavy rainfall and high tide. However, it is perfect to visit if you enjoy monsoons as the entire city is drenched in rain and lush green throughout. The festival of Sao-Joao (Saint John the Baptist’s fertility feast), which takes place in late June, is another reason to visit Goa during the monsoon season. It’s a fascinating ritual where guys plunge into overflowing wells to retrieve bottles of feni, a local alcoholic beverage.

How to reach

Goa’s airport at Dabolim serves both international and national needs. It is connected by regular flights to all Indian cities as well as international destinations like London, Dubai, Moscow, Doha, Kuala Lumpur among others. The two major railheads serving Goa are Vasco da Gama Railway Station and Madgaon Station. Both stations have excellent connections to the rest of India. Aside from that, there are numerous long-distance inter-state buses that go to and from Goa, which are connected to the rest of the country by four national roads.

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Goa

Goa

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