Travel Guide for Goa
Sandy beaches with crystal clear water, picturesque beauty, fortified churches built in European architectural style, throbbing nightlife, colorful festivals and carnivals, lip-smacking Goan and Konkan cuisine, and plethora of adrenaline activities is what attracts tourists from all over the globe to this beautiful state of Goa. Millions of local and foreign tourists throng to this place every year.
Beaches
It would not be incorrect to say that Goa is the perfect beach destination in India and is also referred to as the 'Indian Carribean'. Fringed with swaying palm and coconut trees, beaches of Goa located on the 100 km. coastline along the Arabian Sea are renowned world wide. These captivating beaches contribute a huge part towards the growing tourism industry of Goa. The beaches are diverse in nature and offer something to its every tourist: some are perfect for swimming while some are best to take sunbath; some are known for their happening nightlife while some are serene offering peace and serenity to nature lovers. Most of the Goan beaches are lined up with quaint luxury resorts to makeshift huts; it is your preference where you want to stay and what kind of experience you want to have.
Palolem Beach
If you are an adventure buff and love water sports like kayaking, motor boat rides, dolphin spotting and fishing, then a visit to the Palolem beach is a must. Shaped in the form of a semi circle and enclosed by a thick forest of coconut palms, Palolem beach is also one of the finest and picturesque beaches in Goa. From the Palolem Beach, you can either take a walk to the butterfly beach or a day trip to the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
Calangute Beach
Once heaven for the hippies, the Calangute beach is now the most commercialized beach of Goa. Always crowded with tourists, this is the most happening beach famous for its pulsating nightlife and rave parties. Your trip to Goa is incomplete without a visit to this mesmerizing beach of Calangute which is also referred to as the 'Queen' amongst the beaches of Goa. You will find several food shacks lined up along the beach side where you can taste some authentic Goan cuisine. Adjacent to the Calangute beach is the more quieter Baga beach famous amongst tourists for water sports and fishing.
Agonda Beach
One of the quietest and relatively uncrowded beach is the Agonda Beach located in South Goa. If you want to stay away from crowd, restaurants and hawkers and are looking forward to spend a relaxing time lazing around then Agonda Beach is an ideal destination. You can spend some time here staying in a simple hut right on the beach or you can even hire a tent and spend a night camping listening to the music of the crashing waves.
Anjuna Beach
Famous for its flea market which is held every Wednesday, this beach attracts lots of tourists to buy discounted apparels, jewellery and footwear. This beach is also well known for its trance parties during peak tourist season. If you love swimming then this beach is not for you as it is rocky and you can expect sharp rocks hidden at various places.
Candolim Beach
Located near the Calangute Beach is the Candolim Beach but is much less crowded and lot more cleaner. Taking a walk along the beach side is the best experience one can have here. You can also enjoy para-sailing on this beach.
Sinquerim Beach
This is a small and happening beach located near Fort Aguada. You can either take a sunbath, enjoy a glass of beer sitting in a shack, go for a thrilling jet boat ride, spot the dolphins or take a dip in the clear waters of the beach. After having a fun filled day at the Sinquerim beach, you can enjoy some authentic food and drinks at the beach-front Caravela at the Taj Holiday Village overlooking the beach.
Churches
Your trip to Goa is incomplete without exploring the beautiful churches that take you into the glorious past and give you a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of Goa. The old world charm of these Goan churches still remain as is and attract lots of tourists from all over the world.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
One of the richest churches of Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus is a must visit when you are in Goa. The interiors of the church are strikingly beautiful with floor made of pure white marble and decorated with semi-precious stones. The altar of the church is exquisitely designed and adorned with gold. Also a World Heritage Site, this church is known for the mausoleum of St. Francis Xavier (member of society of Jesus who preached enlightening teachings of Christianity) located inside it. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are preserved in a silver casket and were open to public on 2nd December every year when thousands of devotees visited this church to pay their homage to the great saint. However, this practice has now been stopped to prevent the body from deterioration.
Se Cathedral
This church dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria was built during the Portuguese rule in Goa and is the largest church in India and Asia. It has also been listed in the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The church is an architectural marvel built in Gothic and Portuguese style of architecture. An interesting fact to know about this church is that it took 57 years to complete.
The church is also famous for its "Golden Bell" giant in size and known across the world for its rich tone and melody.
Church of Our Lady of Miracles
This is another beautiful church in Goa which is believed to have been built on the site of a Hindu temple. The church is visited by both Hindus and Christians; therefore it sets a true example of harmony between two religions.
Church of St Francis of Assisi
Located adjacent to Se Cathedral is the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. This church is a home to the wooden statues of St. Francis and Jesus Christ. Intricately carved scenes from the Bible on the walls is the main attraction of this church. While your visit to this church you can also visit the Archaeological Museum of the Archaeological Survey of India to have a glimpse of the items like ivory sculptures of Jesus Crucifiction and portrait paintings of Vasco da Gama.
Church of Mary Immaculate Conception
This church is famous for its spectacular night view when it is lit with thousands of bulbs in the evening. It also houses the second largest bell in the world.
Historical Sites and Monuments
Aguada Fort
Aguada Fort is one of the oldest, biggest and very well preserved forts in Goa overlooking the Arabian Sea on the West and Aquada Bay on the East. Built in 1612 by the Portuguese as a defence against Dutch and Marathas, Fort Aguada has stood witness to the passage of time. The old lighthouse inside the fort was the first of its kind to be built in Asia. You can climb the lighthouse to get some panoramic views of the ocean.
A part of the fort is now serving as the Central Jail and some part of it has been converted into a luxury beach resort maintained by the Taj group of hotels.
Fort Cabo De Rama
Situated in South Goa, this fort has a mythological significance which gives it its name. It is believed that during Ramayana, when Ram and Sita went in exile for 14 years, they took a shelter in this fort for some time. According to the history, this fort was first ruled by the Hindu kings and then was passed on to Muslim and Portuguese rulers.
The fort today is in ruins and there is not much here to see except the magnificent scenic beauty and fabulous views of the Arabian Sea and Goan coastline. If you are on way to Agonda or Palolem beach, a visit to this fort is surely recommended.
Chapora Fort
The Chapora Fort is also fondly famous as the 'Dil Chahta Hai' fort as the title track of the movie was shot here. Though the fort is in ruins, still it attracts lots of tourists because of the breath-taking views of the Anjuna and Vagator beaches that it offers.
Viceroy's Arch
Viceroy's Arch is an old archway built in memory of famous explorer Vasco da Gama by his grandson Viceroy Francisco da Gama who was then the governor of Goa. The top of the archway houses the statue of Vasco da Gama. Road passing through this archway leads you to the old Goa.
The Gate of the Palace of Adil Shah
Before the arrival of Portuguese rulers, Goa was ruled by a Hindu king 'Adil Shah'. He had built a magnificent palace in Goa which was known as the Palace of Adil Shah. In 1820, the palace was demolished and now only the gate or the archway to the palace remains. This gate is frequented by many tourists during their visit to Goa.
Old Pillory
Used during the Portuguese rule, the Old Pillory is a pillar raised on a platform in the city square and was used to hang and punish criminals and law offenders.
Waterfalls
Goa has been gifted with a number of waterfalls and springs which make it a tourist's paradise. Here are some of the famous waterfalls to visit in Goa.
Dudhsagar Waterfall
This is the most famous and most visited waterfall located inside the Bhagwan Mahavir Wild Life Sanctuary in South Goa. A view of the waterfall from a distance gives an impression that a stream of milk is cascading through the rocks and hence the name 'Dudhsagar' has been given to these falls. An interesting fact to know about these falls is that it has been listed amongst some highest waterfalls in the world.
This magical waterfall is in full glory during the monsoon season. The best way to reach these waterfalls is via trekking trails that take you through some small waterfalls, greenery and wet mountains en route.
Arvalem Waterfall
The other charming waterfall of Goa is the Arvalem waterfall also known as Harvalem waterfalls. The awe-inspiring beauty around the falls can certainly take your breath away. Once at the Arvalem waterfall, you can also visit the Sri Rudreshwar temple nearby which holds great importance for Hindus. Apart from the temple, there are also situated some rock cut caves in the vicinity which attract lots of tourists.
Kuskem Waterfall
Another breathtakingly beautiful waterfall in South Goa is the Kuskem waterfall which is hidden deep inside the jungles of Kuskem village. That is the reason why these falls are not known to many people. If you want to enjoy picnics at a site with gushing waterfall in the background, then this is an ideal place. You can trek to these waterfalls; the trekking trails will take you through thick forest and cashew plantations.
Because of the spectacular panoramic views and succulent rich color of the flora and fauna around, this place is perfect for some nice photography.
Wildlife
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
The most famous and largest wildlife sanctaury of Goa is the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary which is spread across an area of around 240 sq km in the foothills of Western Ghats. The sanctuary is home to animals like Leopards, Sambar, Elephants, Indian Bison, Spotted Dear and Malayan Giant Squirrels.
Most interesting activity to do once you are in this sanctuary is to take the 'Jungle Book' tour wherein you get to live some of the most memorable moments of your lifetime.
1. Get a chance to stay in a tent in the jungle overnight. The stay is combined with singing and dancing sessions around the campfire.
2. Take an elephant ride to the river nearby where you can bathe and feed the elephants.
3. Take a tour to the local village and get an insight into their lifestyle.
Once the tour is completed, you can take a trip to the Dudhsagar falls nearby or visit the Tambdi Surla temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is the Goa's second largest sanctuary spread across an area of 86 sq km. You can view the wildlife (Tigers, Indian Bisons, Heynas, Wild Boars, Flying Squirrels etc.) through the six watch towers that have been built inside the sanctuary. You can even take your own private vehicles inside the sanctuary to explore the wildlife more closely.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Smallest of the three wildlife sanctuaries in Goa is the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary (covers just an area of 8 sq km) which is also home to a mini zoo, deer safari park and botanical garden. Tourist cottages maintained by the Forest Department are easily available here if you want to experience a stay inside the sanctuary.
Nightlife
The Goan nightlife gears up as the sun goes down. Dance on the beats of live DJ at one of the hottest clubs or listen to the live music at an exotic beach. If you are not a party freak, you can enjoy food and drinks along with some music at a beach shack.
Known to all the party lovers, Club Tito's needs no introduction. National and international DJs frequently visiting this place set the dance floor ablaze with their electrifying music. Be sure to visit this longest running bar and nightclub located at the Baga beach in Goa. Located close by are two more famous clubs: Kamaki and Cafe Mambo's.
Paradiso, one of the most awesome clubs of Goa located at the Anjuna beach is also often full of tourists dancing away to the beats of top international DJs.
Goa is also famous for its sprawling Saturday Night Market that is held every Saturday in Arpora. The market starts at 6 in the evening and runs till late at night. Here you can enjoy shopping, live concerts, drinks & cocktails and authentic Goan cuisines.
Shopping
Shopping in Goa is not about visiting a mall and purchasing the stuff. Rather, shopping in Goa is an exotic experience in itself with lots of happening night and flea markets held on the beach sides.
Anjuna Beach Flea Market
Anjuna Beach is famous for its colourful and vibrant flea market that is held weekly on Wednesday. You will find here vendors from Rajasthan, Kashmir, and Tibet selling handicrafts, clothes and curios.
Mackies Flea Market
Mackie's flea market is also one of the famous flea markets of Goa which is held every Saturday during November and April. The market starts at 6 in the evening and is best to purchase local knick-knacks, clothes, spices and handicrafts.
Friday Mapusa Market
The Mapusa Friday Market is a major tourist attraction in North Goa. Vendors from the surrounding villages gather here to sell their locally grown produce including spices, fresh fruits, kokam, antique jewellery, cashews, pottery, and carpets directly to the customers.
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