Goa is the smallest state in India, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea. This southwestern state is very popular as a tourist destination not only among Indians but also for passionate nature-lovers all over the world.
Why Goa is a popular holiday destination in India
The wonderful beaches all around Goa attract lots of tourists, where people enjoy exciting water sports or simply stroll on the wet sand. People flock here to participate in the majestic Goa Carnival in February or the grand Christmas celebration in December. The four-tiered Dudhsagar Waterfall on the Mandovi River is the highest falls in India and a popular tourist attraction. Several churches, cathedrals, and even residential houses built during the Portuguese rule are worth sightseeing in Goa. The vibrant nightlife and spicy local cuisines are other factors responsible for boosting the tourism industry here.
Best time to visit Goa
Though Goa enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year, winter is the peak tourist season here. Hence, the best time to visit Goa extends from mid-November to mid-February. Moreover, these months comprise the festive season here when tourists can enjoy many cultural events. So it is better to check Hyd to Goa flight time as Goa has excellent connectivity from Hyderabad during this season, by browsing through the websites of airlines and travel agencies.
Beaches in Goa
Numerous beaches in Goa provide the best sources of enjoyment to tourists, who love the series of palm trees lining the surfaces covered with fine golden sand. Colva Beach, Calangute Beach, Anjuna Beach, Palolem Beach, Morjim Beach, Vagator Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Benaulim Beach, and Candolim Beach are the most famous beaches that draw huge numbers of tourists in Goa. Agonda Beach is a favorite spot for surfing and other water sports. Butterfly Beach is much lesser known to tourists and thus, it is less crowded and the perfect place for privacy-lovers. Benaulim Beach is a popular picnic spot for families, due to its options of water sports and some beach shack restaurants for providing them delicious foods.
What to wear in Goa
Women need to pack bikinis or monokinis as swimsuits. They can wear kaftans, sarongs, or kimonos over their bikinis while strolling around the beaches. They may wear cotton shorts, trousers, tank tops, sundresses, long skirts, and playsuits while moving around for sightseeing. They may also pack straw hats, scarves, sunglasses, flip-flops, junk jewelry, and a beach bag for visiting Goa. Men comfortably wear shorts, trousers, or chinos with cotton t-shirts or linen shirts, along with espadrilles or open-toe sandals, tote bags, and fedora hats.
Nightlife in Goa
Nightlife is very lively in Goa, as many people enjoy it throughout the night on beaches or at nightclubs. However, nightclubs play an important role in providing different types of enjoyment to visitors. There are plenty of nightclubs along the beaches in North and South Goa where people enjoy partying the whole night. Club Cubana, Tito’s Bar and Club, SinQ Night Club, Café Mambos, Club LPK, and Leopard Valley are the most popular nightclubs in Goa. Different beach shacks, like Shiva Valley, Curlies at Anjuna Beach, Palm and Sands at Candolim Beach, and Hilltop are the most popular beach shacks in Goa.
Goa Foods That Will Blow Your Taste Buds
Food lovers find Goa to be an excellent place for satisfying their taste buds. Goan fish curry, Goan pork vindaloo, Sorpotel, Prawns Xeque Xeque, and Cafreal chicken are typical Goanese cuisines that people love to relish. Ambot tik made of shark, Feijoada made of pork and red beans, Fish Recheado, spicy Chicken Xacuti, and Crab Xacuti are Portuguese influence recipes usually made in Goa. Samarachi Kodi, Goan Khatkhate, and Sorak are simple vegetarian dishes made in traditional Goan style. Bebinca, Patolea, and Sannas are the Goan desserts available in all local eateries.
Adventure sports in Goa
Adventurous tourists love different thrilling water sports, like scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, banana boat rides, zoccer, kayaking, water scooters, and aqua zorbing. People enjoy whitewater rafting and luxury cruises with live entertainment on the water of River Mandovi. Moreover, kite surfing, ATV biking, trekking from Devil’s Canyon to Dudhsagar Falls, camping at Palolem Beach, and hiking in Mollem National Park and Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary are other popular adventure sports in Goa.
Historical places in Goa
Basilica of Bom Jesus is declared UNESCO Heritage Site, due to its unique architecture and historical value in preserving the relics of St. Francis Xavier. Se Cathedral Church, St. Francis of Assisi, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, and The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception are other famous churches in Goa that were built during Portuguese rule. Aguada Fort was built by the Portuguese and held the largest water reservoir in Asia at that time. Tourists also visit Corjuem Fort and Tiracol Fort built by Maratha rulers of the Bhonsle dynasty; Cabo De Rama Fort, Mormugao Fort, Reis Magos Fort, and Sinquerim Fort built by Portuguese. Viceroy’s Arc was constructed by Francisco da Gama in 1597, the then Portuguese viceroy, bearing a statue of Vasco da Gama.
Markets in Goa
Tourists can fulfill their shopping spree in various markets of Goa. Anjuna Flea Market is available every Wednesday on Anjuna Beach, offering all types of commodities from numerous stalls at very cheap prices. Mapusa Market in Panaji is another popular destination for shopaholics. Baga Market, Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar, Arpora Night Market, Calangute Market Square, and Mackie’s Night Bazaar are other shopping destinations for tourists and local people.
Hotels in Goa
There are thousands of hotels of various price ranges all over North and South Goa. Most of the 5-star and 4-star hotels and resorts are located close to popular beaches so that tourists can enjoy the natural scenic beauty of these places. Many budget hotels are also available in the urban areas of Panaji and Vasco da Gama.
Unexplored places in Goa
Most of the tourist spots of Goa are heavily crowded, mainly during the peak season. Thus, some people may want to visit some secluded places and enjoy the natural serenity. Arambol Beach and Butterfly Beach are lesser-known yet beautiful beaches in Goa. Rivona Caves in South Goa, Cumbarjua Backwater Canal, Harvalem Falls, and Netravali Lake are some other unexplored spots that tourists can visit during their vacation in Goa.
Therefore, Goa is a brilliant choice for tourist destination when people decide to go for a memorable vacation with their families and friends.