If you love beaches, nightlife, history and culture, you will love Goa! Goa offers sandy beaches, warm Arabian Sea waters, Portuguese-influenced architecture, and so much more. It’s a great place to go and relax after spending time in India’s bustling cities. Here are the top reasons to add Goa to your India itinerary.
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Beautiful Beaches
Goa stretches along India’s west coast, offering ample beach access. If you want a lively atmosphere, check out Calangute Beach or Baga Beach located in northern Goa. These adjacent beaches both offer water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and windsurfing. If these activities sound too taxing, you can still get out on the water by joining a dolphin-watching tour. Or you can simply opt to sunbathe laying on the golden sand and take a relaxing dip in the warm Arabian Sea. Beach shacks serve fresh seafood, Goan curries, and plenty of refreshing drinks. You will want to stay to watch the sunset, and then linger for the hopping nightlife at beach bars and clubs.
Want a more relaxed vibe? Head south to Palolem Beach. This laid-back beach is scenic and serene. If you are feeling energetic, you can kayak or paddleboard across the calm bay. You can also take dolphin-watching or sunset cruises here. This beach is great for swimming. Yoga sessions and Ayurvedic massages are available on the beach. And at night, the peaceful vibe continues with silent discos where participants dance to music played through headphones.
Rich History & Culture
Goa isn’t just about beaches. The region was a trading port prior to being colonized by the Portuguese in 1510. This colonization lasted until 1961 when Goa became part of India. Today visitors experience a blend of colonial heritage with Indian traditions. There are several must-see sites to experience the rich history and culture of the region.
The Portuguese brought their Catholic religion to Goa, and this can be seen in many beautiful churches. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a 16th century church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in Asia and houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier. Another important church in Goa is Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia. The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is perched on a hill and is striking with it’s white exterior and grand symmetrical staircases.
If you like military history, you must make time to visit the area’s forts. Fort Aguada is a well-preserved 17th century Portuguese fort that overlooks the Arabian Sea. Visitors can see the fort’s massive bulwarks, huge cistern, on-site church, and historic lighthouse. For a small fee, you can climb up a newer lighthouse for great view. Chapora Fort is much older and was standing when the Portuguese colonized the area. Today it is in ruins but well worth a visit, especially at sunset.
Finally, you must take time to visit Fontainhas, the colorful Portuguese-style Latin Quarter. You will enjoy strolling through the colorful streets of pastel houses with red-tiled roofs. Browse through art galleries and shops, then take a break at one of the many cafes and bakeries offering Goan sweets.
Gorgeous Nature & Fun Adventures
We’ve already covered the wonderful beaches you can see in Goa. But nature doesn’t stop there! Dudhsagar Falls, one of India’s tallest waterfalls, is also worth a visit. This four-tiered waterfall is 1015 feet high.
Another interesting thing to do is touring a spice farm. Tanshikar’s Working Organic Spice Farm is a good option. You can tour the farm, take a Jeep safari through a wildlife sanctuary, and go on a guided hike or electric bike ride. There is also an adventure park with a zip line, climbing wall, commando net, and balancing bridges. You can choose to visit for the day, or stay overnight in one of their charming guest houses.
Goa is home to many wildlife sanctuaries. The largest is Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, which also houses Mollem National Park. Here you might see gaur, deer, leopards, various jungle cats, Malayan giant squirrels, pythons, and cobras. Birders will want to visit Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. You will take a short ferry ride to the island, and then go on a guided canoe trip to learn all about the birds you see. And if you want to try to spot a Bengal tiger, visit Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s one of the best places to possibly get a glimpse of this magnificent creature.
Delicious Food & Fun Markets
Goan cuisine is a fusion of Indian spices with Portuguese influences. You should try fish curry rice, prawn balchão (spicy, pickled prawns), chicken or pork vindaloo, and bebinca (carmelized pudding). Some great restaurants include The Fisherman’s Wharf, Alem Goi, and Britto’s Bar & Restaurant.
You will also want to shop while in Goa. Good thing there are several great markets to visit. The most famous is Anjuna Flea Market. Held on Wednesdays, the market offers jewelry, handicrafts, art, and other great souvenirs. Mapusa Market held on Fridays is more traditional, offering produce, spices, textiles, and handicrafts. You will also find a great selection of souvenirs at market stalls located at Calangute and Baga beaches.
Vibrant Nightlife
Goa comes alive at night. I’ve already told you about the nightlife at Calangute and Baga beaches and the silent disco at Palolem. There’s also plenty of live music, DJ nights, and cabaret shows offered at the many resorts and clubs scattered throughout the region. You can take a sunset or dinner cruise, or visit one of the floating casinos on the Mandovi River. There are also night kayaking experiences and opportunities to see bioluminescent plankton at Betalbatim beach.
No matter how you spend your evenings, make sure to see the Atal Setu bridge. It is India’s longest sea bridge. At night, it’s illuminated with lights in the colors of the Indian flag. It’s likely you will drive over it during your trip, or you can see it at night by boat.
What tops your Goa wish list?
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