Goa- Sun, Sand and Sea

The sun kissed state of Goa is much more than beaches, parties & booze. A fragrant potpourri of Indian & Portuguese cultures; enriched with sun, sea, sand, seafood and spirituality, Goa is a place beyond comparison. This party capital of India; with its unrelenting merrymaking, casinos, flea markets,  buzzing nightlife & makeshift beach shacks, is synonymous with a chilled-out & carefree lifestyle.

Goa’s biggest allure indisputably lies in its miles of golden beaches stretching along the sparkling Arabian Sea. Sprinkle in a few churches & cathedrals, forts & waterfalls, river cruise & long walks, casinos & carnivals, some local Feni & fish curry; and you have a perfect Goa experience! Here are some of the major attractions in Goa.

Major Attractions in Goa

Calangute & Baga Beach

This long stretch of golden sand, extending right to the mouth of river Baga, is divided into two spectacular beaches- Calangute and Baga. Colorful beach umbrellas, bustling crowds, frolicking kids and beachfront cafes serving delicious seafood, make Baga and Calangute a beach bummer’s paradise. Thrill seekers may indulge in parasailing, water scooter, water- skiing, banana boat rides, speed-boating and bumpy rides. 

Anjuna Beach

Home to the young, wild and eccentric- Anjuna has been notorious since the hippies’ era. Its psychedelic trance music, vibrant nightlife and famous Wednesday Flea market, makes it simply irresistible. Parasailing, paragliding and windsurfing are some other beach activities available here.

Vagator Beach

This rocky beach with towering rocky cliffs is always happening! Delightful trance music & wild rave parties are the signature of Vagator. Water sports like Banana Boating, Bumpy & Ringo Ride on the Vagator come highly recommended.

Palolem Beach

This pristine stretch of shoreline dotted with swaying palms is an unblemished beauty in south Goa. The warm sand and the lack of crowd, make Palolem a perfect place to spread your towel and laze in the sun. Indulge in some yoga & meditation as you enjoy the tranquility.

Fort Aguada- Portuguese Glory

Fort Aguada, built by the Portuguese is 1612 AD, is a silent witness to the glorious era of the Portuguese empire. Standing stately on the on the quiet Sinquerim Beach, the Fort and its four-storied lighthouse are quite an allure for the travelers to Goa.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

This striking Church in Old Goa holds high significance in the Roman Catholic world as the place entombing the mortal remains of St. Xavier Francis, often known as the apostle-of-the-Indies. The Church has been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dudhsagar Falls

The gushing white falls, literally translating into sea of milk, are a wonderful sight to behold. Reached after a long trek or a bumpy jeep ride on the undulated terrain, these four tiered falls cascading amidst the lush green forests are certainly worth the travel.

Fontainhas

This Latin quarter of Goa is a different world altogether. Walking its narrow winding lanes, flanked with colorful houses with pretty fences & tiled roofs is just like going back to a distant past.

Other Tourist Attractions in Goa

• Morjim Beach
• Arambol Beach
• Mandrem Beach
• Chapora Beach
• Sinquerim Beach
• Varca Beach
• Cavelossim Beach
• Agonda Beach
• Colva Beach
• Se Cathedral
• The Church of St Francis of Assisi
• Chapora Fort
• Arvalem Caves & Waterfalls
• Riverfront Casinos

Shopping in Goa

The ever exploding Wednesday Flea Market of Anjuna Beach is a great place to bargain for knick-knacks. However the Saturday Night Market & Mackie’s Night Bazaar, in the Arpora-Baga vicinity are quite a rage amongst tourists. Great stuff, live music and delicious food are the highlight of these all night weekly markets.

Food in Goa

The diverse culture of Goa is totally reflected in its eclectic range of food. Do sample the classic fish curry fragrant with Goan spices, spicy xacuti sauce, tangy vindaloo with its blend of wine & vinegar, chouris pao- Goan sausage bread and top it all with Bebinca- a multilayered Goan cake; for a perfect foodie experience in Goa.

Fairs & Festivals of Goa

• Feast of St Francis Xavier
• Feast of Three Kings
• Goa Heritage Festival
• Bonderam Festival
• Sunburn Music Festival
• Goa Carnival

Best Time to Visit Goa

The best time to visit Goa is from October to April with the peak season beginning from mid December till February.

How to Reach Goa

By Air- Dabolim Airport, located 29 km from Panjim, caters to both domestic as well as international air traffic.
By Train- The two railheads of Vasco da Gama and Madgaon are well connected to the rest of the country by an extensive railway network. 
By Road- Goa is well connected to the rest of the country by a well serviced network of roads and highways