Sandy beaches, quaint villages, mouth watering seafood and a sheer magical experience. Yes, this is Goa – The Land of Beaches.
Nestled in the Konkan Coast Belt, Goa boasts of being the most popular tourist destination on the West Coast of India. Stretching for over a 100 kilometres, its rich Portuguese heritage attract millions of visitors all year round. Whether an Indian or Foreigner, Goa’s festival, beach parties or captivating sea waters act as a perfect retreat to tickle the travel taste buds.
Fort Aguada
Once a jail, the 17 century Portuguese fort stands high on the Sinquerim Beach in North Goa. It used to be the chief defense of Portuguese against the Dutch and Marathas.
Basilica of Bom Jesus: Explore Goa’s Religious Legacy
One of the popular churches in Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier in a Silver Casket which is visited by followers from all over the world.
Chapora Fort
This laterite fort was shown in the Bollywood movie “Dil Chahta Hai”. Today almost in ruins, it offers a sensational view of the coastline. A great place for photography and lazing out in sun.
Deltin Royale Casino
Try lady luck in the largest casino boat of of Panjim Goa, about 40,000sq.ft. It has 24 hours of non-stop gaming fun in three levels with 850 gaming positions.
Calangute Beach
Queen of beaches, as it is known, the largest beach in North Goa is highly recommended by Indian as well as international tourists. Visitors can choose from a plethora of water sports and try out the beach shacks for authentic Goanese food.
Pandava Caves and Arvalem Waterfall
The 6th century old cave complex, about 9 kms to the south of Bicholim town, is the cave complex where Pandavas once stayed. It has 5 compartments and a ‘linga’ enshrined in the middle compartment which is visited by devotees amass. Nearby is the Arvalem waterfalls, where the water cascades down from a height of 50 mts .
Mangeshi Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the 450-year-old Shri Mangesh temple has a seven-story lamp tower (deepstambha). In the premises, one will find a magnificent water tank, which is the oldest part of the temple.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Dudhsagar or ‘sea of milk’ is a 4 tiered waterfall, which is the 4th tallest waterfall of India. Both breathtaking and awe inspiring, its majestic white water gushes over a height of 1017 ft.
Ashwem & Arossim Beach
Quiet beaches for those who don’t like crowded places. These White sandy beaches are a peaceful paradise with some restaurants and hotels scattered around.
Mollem National Park
Sprawling over an area of 240 sq km, the national park is home to several species of wild cats and the Dhangar, a community of nomadic buffalo herder. Amid a variety of birds, snakes and butterflies, there is a 12 century Tambdi Surla Mahadev temple of the Kadamba Dynasty.
Naval Aviation Museum
A kind of its own, the Naval Aviation exhibits 7 different type of aircrafts, rockets, bombs, armaments, protective gears, parachutes, pilot’s outfits etc. Take a peep into the life of the defense forces.
Fontainhas
The old Latin Quarter of Goa is actually another part of the world. It has bright houses with projecting balconies and red tiled roofs. A heritage walk is must here to know the beautiful colony from close quarters.
Reis Magos Fort
The oldest fort in Goa, Reis Magos Fort used to be the viceroy’s residence and also a prison. Enjoy some remarkable views of the countryside while overlooking the Reis Magos Church.
Goa is not just about beaches, the state is also accredited for its fairs and festivals. These events bring out a wonderful fusion of the cultures and religions in Goa.
Feast of Three Kings in Goa (6th – 9th January)
Celebrated just after 12 days of Christmas, the day commemorates the visit of the three wise men to infant Jesus. Hundreds of Christians and Hindus offer prayers to Madonna, with candles, flowers and incense.
Goa Carnival (February)
Following the tradition of Mardi Gras (Fat Wednesday), Goa doesn’t sleep during the carnival. Accompanied by huge parades, electrifying bands and dances, the people are busy hosting guests who come in thousands from all over the world.
Procession of All Saints (March)
Goa is the only place in this world outside Rome, which organizes this procession. On this day, local followers carry life size statues of 31 saints on their shoulders on the fifth Monday of Lent. In a solemn procession, they circulate in the whole village.
Sao Jo Ao festival (June)
Dedicated to St. John the Baptist, this festival is extremely popular in North Goa. On this day, young men jump into the wells to recover the gifts thrown in by the villagers. Colourful boat races are organized in Soilom, a village in North Goa.
Feast of St. Francis Xavier (December)
Every year from the 21st November to 2nd January, Christianity followers pay homage to St Francis Xavier, the patron of Goa. The feast of St Francis Xavier is one of the best celebrations in the state.
Goa Liberation Day (19th December)
The day signifying Goa’s independence from Portuguese is celebrated with lot of fanfare. A torch light procession takes off from three different locations of Goa. The three processions with cultural program meet at the Azad Maidan.
Christmas in Goa (December)
Christmas is celebrated in Goa with great fervor as the streets are lit up and decorated with shiny flecks and bunting. Shining and glittering Christmas trees are found in every corner. Every house wafts with the smell of baking cakes. Sport competitions, floats & parades and hedonistic pursuits like great food and drinking are usual.
Goa is not just about chilling out on beaches, it is also a dream destination for avid shopaholics who wish to try out their bargaining skills. Besides the regular flea market and night bazaars, Goa also have some high end malls which sell brands of International level. Check out the following list for shopping:
Winters
(November –February), best time to visit Goa as the entire state is filled up with thousands of holidaymakers, out for their fix of fun, sun and sand. So an advance booking is highly necessary.
Summer
(March, April, May & October), Goa is extremely hot with temperatures touching 40 Degrees, so it is best to remain indoors to avoid the risk of sunburn and heat stroke.
Monsoon
(June - September), during monsoons, Goa receives rain from 3-4 hours a day. Hence the beaches will be all muddy. So a visit during this time is not recommended.
By Air:
Dabolim is the nearest international airport, near Vasco da Gama, about 29 kilometers away. The airport supports nearly all the domestic and international airlines operating to Goa
By Rail:
Two most important railway stations are Margao and Vasco da Gama. The railways system is well connected from Bangalore and Delhi.
By Road:
Goa State Transport Corporation provides unparalleled transport services alongwith Maharashtra State Corporations and Karnataka operate. One can board a bus from Kadamba bus stand in Panaji. Rent-a-car services are easily available in Goa.
By Sea:
Tourists can also opt for ferry services from some shipping companies that provide boat services from Mumbai to Panaji.
