Goa is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast. Goa is India's richest state with a GDP per capita two and a half times that of the country as a whole.It was ranked the best placed state by the Eleventh Finance Commission for its infrastructure and ranked on top for the best quality of life in India by the National Commission on Population based on the 12 Indicators.
Panaji is the state's capital, while Vasco da Gama is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese, who first landed in the early 16th century as merchants and conquered it soon thereafter. Goa is a former Portuguese province; the Portuguese overseas territory of Portuguese India existed for about 450 years until it was annexed by India in 1961.
Renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture, Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year. It also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which is classified as a biodiversity hotspot.
About Goa
History
Much of Goa’s allure is its native Hindu culture combined with its Portugese-Christian heritage. It has a long, colourful history dating back to 300 BC when it was part of the Mauryan Empire under the Buddhist king Ashoka. According to legend, Goa was formed when Parashurama (an incarnation of Vishnu) shot an arrow from the Western Ghats into the sea and the land rose up. Under the Chalukyans of Badami (570-750AD) the capital was Chandrapura, then, under the Kadambas, it was transferred to Gowapuri (c.1050). In 1312 Goa fell to the muslims under Ala Udin Khilji who returned to Chandrapura, which was razed to the ground fifteen years later by Mohammed Tughluq. Between 1370-78 Goa was incorporated into the Vijayanagar Empire and its harbours became important for the Arabian horse trade.
By 1490 it had been conquered by the Bahmanis and then the Adil Shahs of Bijapura, who made Velha Goa (Old Goa) the Capital. In 1510 the Portugese, under Alfonso de Albuquerque, invaded Old Goa in order to secure the “Spice Route”. By 1788 they had secured their hold on all Goa, and this era became known as Goa’s “Golden Age”. Churches and cathedrals were built and the natives forcibly converted to Catholicism . In 1893, due to the silting of the Mandovi River, the capital was moved to Panjim (Panaji). In 1961, fourteen years after the British left, the Indian army peacefully ‘liberated’ Goa from the Portugese in ‘Operation Vijay’. On 30th May 1987 it achieved full statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Union.
Politics
The Secretariat in Panaji is the seat of the Goa Legislative Assembly which has 40 elected members. Though Goa has 3 elected members of Central Parliament, the Head of State is the Governor who is advised by a council of ministers headed by the Chief Minister.Whilst is the capital, the state is divided into North Goa and South Goa.
Religion And Language
Whilst the majority of Goa’s 1.2million inhabitants are Roman Catholic, there is also a large minority of Hindus and various sects of Islam. Similarly, though Goa’s own language (Konkani) predominates, Marathi, Hindi and Portugese are also spoken along with English, which is the lingua franca.
The major industries are mining (iron, manganese, bauxite & silica), agriculture (coconut, cashew, fruit & spices), fishing and tourism.
The major industries are mining (iron, manganese, bauxite & silica), agriculture (coconut, cashew, fruit & spices), fishing and tourism.
Climate
Goa features a tropical monsoon climate under the Köppen climate classification. Goa, being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian Sea, has a hot and humid climate for most of the year. The month of May is the hottest, seeing day temperatures of over 35 °C (95 °F) coupled with high humidity. The monsoon rains arrive by early June and provide a much needed respite from the heat. Most of Goa's annual rainfall is received through the monsoons which last till late September.
Goa has a short winter season between mid-December and February. These months are marked by nights of around 21 °C (68 °F) and days of around 28 °C (84 °F) with moderate amounts of humidity. Further inland, due to altitudinal gradation, the nights are a few degrees cooler. During March 2008 Goa was lashed with heavy rain and strong winds. This was the first time in 29 years that Goa had seen rain during March.
What To Do
Places Of Interest
Beyond the beaches of Goa are a wealth of interesting sights, both man-made and natural. Most places, with the exception of the Dudhsaghar Waterfalls, are within easy reach of the coast and on main transport routes.
The Goa Tourism Department has a number of conducted sigtseeing tours and river cruises that cover almost the whole of the state. There is a free booklet (The Goa Tourist Directory) with up to date information on all these tours which is available from all tourist offices. There are tourist Information Centres in the following towns: Panaji, Margao, Vasco da Gama and Dabolim (Airport). Furthermore there are local voluntary offices in Calangute, Candolim and Colva.
Crescent Of Beaches
Shaped like the new moon, Goa’s beaches are known the world over. Fringed by swaying palm and coconut trees with cool and comfortable shacks offering a variety of refreshments, Goa’s 103 km coastline is blessed with the most enchanting beaches lapped by the Arabian Sea.. And almost all of them are swimmer friendly with the assured presence of lifeguards on all the popular beaches.
When it comes to beaches, the visitor is spoilt for choice.
NORTH GOA
Calagute
Location: 16 kilometers from the capital city, Panaji
Features: Known as the "Queen of Beaches" due to its increased popularity
Way to Reach: The Calangute beach can be reached quite easily by hiring a cab or an auto from Panaji or any nearby place.
Features: Known as the "Queen of Beaches" due to its increased popularity
Way to Reach: The Calangute beach can be reached quite easily by hiring a cab or an auto from Panaji or any nearby place.
Calangute is the most popular beach with thousands thronging it in both the peak and off-season. The waves rise high above as you wash away your city blues, though swimmer need to be a trifle cautious because of the sudden drop and the rising waves. Experienced swimmers will, however, revel in the seas here.. The beach is fringed with popular restaurants and hotels, including the Calangute Residency operated by GTDC. This long, seven-km sweep of sand located 15 kms from Panaji, is called the 'Queen of Beaches'. All the travel agencies and tour operators have a base here from where bookings are done for most of the other beaches.
Parasailing at calangute beach
Years of tourism has brought in a tremendous change in the scenario. Hotels and guesthouses stretch uninterrupted from Calangute to Baga. The village of Calangute has all basic facilities like post office, banks, foreign exchange offices, resort companies, all kind of bars and restaurants, besides medical facilities. The number of internet cafes in Calangute might even exceed that of the entire city of Panaji.
Years of tourism has brought in a tremendous change in the scenario. Hotels and guesthouses stretch uninterrupted from Calangute to Baga. The village of Calangute has all basic facilities like post office, banks, foreign exchange offices, resort companies, all kind of bars and restaurants, besides medical facilities. The number of internet cafes in Calangute might even exceed that of the entire city of Panaji.
Huge showrooms filled with exquisite handicrafts from Kashmir, Tibet, Indonesia, Rajasthan and other exotic places, line up the main road running towards Anjuna.
Baga
Location: An extension of the Calangute beach, the Baga beach of Goa lies 10 kilometers west of MapusaFeatures: Best restaurants, liveliest nightlife in Goa, water sports
Way to Reach: Baga beach can be reached easily from Mapusa and Panaji by buses, cabs and auto rickshaws.
A few kms down the beach is another—Baga.-- part of a 30 km stretch of beach coastline along the west coast of Goa which begins at Fort Aguada, continues as Sinquerim Beach, moves on to Candolim which merges into Calangute Beach and then stretches on to Baga, Anjuna and on to Vagator, finally ending at Chapora beach. Truly a veritable feast of beaches.
Compared to Calangute, Baga is quieter and also more isolated. Its scenic beauty, with the creek, the Retreat House perched on the hill and the fewer tourist buses all have contributed to its unique beauty. It is more popular with western tourists who love to use it as a base for water sports and fishing in the area.
VagatorLocation: In Mapusa, North Goa at a distance of 22 kilometers from Panaji
Features: Freshwater springs, Old Portuguese fort, scenic beauty
Way to Reach: Vagator beach can be easily reached from any major city in north Goa or from Panaji by hiring a cab, auto or a bus.
Features: Freshwater springs, Old Portuguese fort, scenic beauty
Way to Reach: Vagator beach can be easily reached from any major city in north Goa or from Panaji by hiring a cab, auto or a bus.
This most photographed beach of Goa forms a bay that curves from the headland to the hillock crowned by the Chapora Fort.
This beautiful arc of sand is located about 22 kms from Panaji and is part of the 30 km stretch of beach coastline along the west coast of Goa.
Adjoining Anjuna, Vagator is secluded, crescent shaped and situated on the Caisua bay along the Chapora river basin in the shadow of Chapora Fort. During the tourist season, it is a favorite venue for midnight parties. There are a number of buses that run from Mapusa and Calangute beach to Vagator. The nearest interstate bus station is at Mapusa.
Anjuna
Location: 8 kilometers from Mapusa in GoaFeatures: Flea markets, Chapora Fort, Albuquerque Mansion, trance parties
Way to Reach: Anjuna beach can be easily reached by hiring a cab or an auto rickshaw from the capital city of Panaji or the Mapusa city.
Anjuna was made famous by the ‘flower power and peace’ generation of the sixties and early seventies. And later by the ‘trance’ parties. Located about 18 kms from Panaji, the beach is known for its breeze-catching palms, soft sand, and the unusual rocky formation overlying a cove of whitish sand.and black rock that juts into the sea. It is now famous for its weekly Flea Market, which draws legions of visitors every Wednesday and bargains can be had on apparel, footwear, jewellery, footwear, chess sets—and yak cheese.
The village of Anjuna is a five square mile enclosure nestling between the Arabian Sea and the Hill overlooking the beach.
Chapora
Location: 10 kilometers from Mapusa, North Goa
Features: Chapora fort, local markets
Way to Reach: Chapora beach is easily reachable by hiring a taxi or an auto from Mapusa or any other nearby place in north Goa.The soft white sands, the black lava rocks, the coconut palms, the lush green landscape, nature playing its own music, and the sea turning from aquamarine to emerald green. Vagator and Chapora, overlooked by the 500-year-old Portuguese fort, leave each visitor awestruck. Yet to be disturbed by the hustle and bustle of tourists, life goes on peacefully, in the background, in Vagator and Chapora.
Features: Chapora fort, local markets
Way to Reach: Chapora beach is easily reachable by hiring a taxi or an auto from Mapusa or any other nearby place in north Goa.The soft white sands, the black lava rocks, the coconut palms, the lush green landscape, nature playing its own music, and the sea turning from aquamarine to emerald green. Vagator and Chapora, overlooked by the 500-year-old Portuguese fort, leave each visitor awestruck. Yet to be disturbed by the hustle and bustle of tourists, life goes on peacefully, in the background, in Vagator and Chapora.
Sinquerim
With its magnificent 17th century fort which has now been converted into a prison, Sinquerim is one of the finest beaches in Goa, offering international class facilities for water-skiing, parasailing, fishing, scuba-diving and wind-surfing.
Home to the Taj Hotel Group, which dominates the headland around the historic Fort Aguada, Sinquerim is located some 13 kms from Panaji. The uninterrupted stretch of firm sand stretches all the way north to Baga, offering visitors a temptingly long walk along the beach.
Candolim
Location: 14 kilometers to the north of Panaji the capital of Goa
Features: Fort Aguda, variety of water sports that can be tried here
Way to Reach: Candolim beach can be easily reached from Panaji by hiring a cab or an auto. Regular bus service also ply over here.
Features: Fort Aguda, variety of water sports that can be tried here
Way to Reach: Candolim beach can be easily reached from Panaji by hiring a cab or an auto. Regular bus service also ply over here.
Candolim is the first beach that can be approached from the city of Panaji and is like a gateway to the other more famous beaches. Though individual accommodation is available here, there are only a few hotels with restaurants attached. One highlight of Candolim is the parasailing and water skiing facility, besides other water sports.
Aguada
Aguada beach is almost synonymous with the top-notch Fort Aguada Hotel complex, a superb hotel that is built on the cliff, around the remnants of the early 17th century Portuguese fort. Although access to the beach is not possible through the hotel grounds, which are private, you can walk along Aguada beach, for in India private beaches do not exist.
Drawn by the clientele of the hotel, Aguada beach has cafes, itinerant vendors of everything from Kashmiri carpets to massages, and a good range of water sports.
MorjimThe VIPs on this beach are the Olive Ridley turtles that come to nest here helped by a group of volunteers who guard the nests and help the hatchlings get into the sea.
A favourite of Russian tourists, along with Ashwem beach close by, visitors will find signboards and menu cards in Russian!
Arambol or Harmal
Location: 50 kilometers from Panaji in North Goa
Features: Secluded beach still unspoilt by visitors, Sulphur springs and freshwater lakes nearby. There are many adventure sports to indulge in. Among them are windsurfing, kite buggy rides, paragliding, sand speed sailing and dolphin spotting.
Way to Reach: Arambol beach can be easily reached by local transport like taxis, autos and buses that can be hired from any nearby place or Panaji.
Features: Secluded beach still unspoilt by visitors, Sulphur springs and freshwater lakes nearby. There are many adventure sports to indulge in. Among them are windsurfing, kite buggy rides, paragliding, sand speed sailing and dolphin spotting.
Way to Reach: Arambol beach can be easily reached by local transport like taxis, autos and buses that can be hired from any nearby place or Panaji.
This is also a foreigners’ haunt with a large number of Tai Chi, non-permanent mehendi or henna, tattoo, yoga and meditation centres. Harmal Beach is the one place you cannot drive on to, but there are narrow lanes that lead to the higher reaches of the coast. You have to walk down a slope to the beach itself. The black rocks on the silvery beach make for some pretty dramatic scenery at sunset. Further up near the hill is a pool with soft yellow clay, which is said to have healing properties. Beauticians buy the clay as do the innumerable massage parlours in the area.
Miramar
Location: 3 kilometers from Panaji, capital city of Goa
Features: Confluence of Arabian Sea and River Mandovi, famous spot for viewing migratory birds
Way to Reach: Miramar beach is easily reachable from any place in north Goa as it is very close to the capital city Panaji. One can hire local transport to reach the Miramar beach in Goa.
Features: Confluence of Arabian Sea and River Mandovi, famous spot for viewing migratory birds
Way to Reach: Miramar beach is easily reachable from any place in north Goa as it is very close to the capital city Panaji. One can hire local transport to reach the Miramar beach in Goa.
This beautiful ‘urban’ beach, akin to Chowpatty in Mumbai, is located just 3 kms from Panaji. It lies adjoining the estuary of the river Mandovi as it opens into the Arabian Sea. It was originally known as ‘Gasper Dias Beach’, named after Gaspar Dias, a prosperous landlord and where a Portuguese fort once stood at the fag end of the 16th century.
From the beach across the river is an excellent view of Fort Aguada. With its proximity to Panaji, and located near educational institutions, Miramar is very much both a family beach and a meeting point for young people. It is also a hot spot for fitness fiends and walkers. Tourists love the familiar atmosphere. Numerous hotels, including the spacious and well laid out Miramar Residency run by GTDC, dot the area.
The beach is crowded with locals and tourists alike on most days. A memorial to Goa's first chief minister, the late Dayanand Bandodkar is located here.
Dona Paula
Location: 7 kilometers from Panaji, North Goa
Features: Water sports, National Oceanography Institute, Cabo Raj Niwas
Way to Reach: Dona Paula beach can be easily reached from Panaji or any nearby city by hiring local transport like a cab or a taxi. There is regular bus service to the Dona Paula beach from any nearby place in north Goa.
With the romance and myth attached to it and haunted by Dona Paula de Menezes tourists throng the Dona Paula Beach not only in search of the deceased beloved, but also to indulge in water sports on the clear waters. The Dona Paula Beach offers an opportunity to the tourists .
Features: Water sports, National Oceanography Institute, Cabo Raj Niwas
Way to Reach: Dona Paula beach can be easily reached from Panaji or any nearby city by hiring local transport like a cab or a taxi. There is regular bus service to the Dona Paula beach from any nearby place in north Goa.
With the romance and myth attached to it and haunted by Dona Paula de Menezes tourists throng the Dona Paula Beach not only in search of the deceased beloved, but also to indulge in water sports on the clear waters. The Dona Paula Beach offers an opportunity to the tourists .
SOUTH GOA
Palolem
Location: Canacona district in south Goa
Features: Dolphin trips, fishing trips and swimming
Way to Reach: Palolem beach can be reached very easily from anywhere in south Goa by hiring local transport and it is just 3 kilometers from Konkan railway station.
Features: Dolphin trips, fishing trips and swimming
Way to Reach: Palolem beach can be reached very easily from anywhere in south Goa by hiring local transport and it is just 3 kilometers from Konkan railway station.
Palolem is a cosy beach of white sand facing a blue bay between two headlands. The little wooded islands on the northern headland look alluring and you could try and persuade one of the fishermen — this is also a fishing beach — to ferry you across. They also offer to take you out to spot dolphins. Tourists have of late discovered Palolem and so there are quite a few shacks selling seafood snacks, souvenirs and clothes of the bright, informal kind. Panaji, the capital, is more than 70 kms away.
In recent times, Palolem has become famous for its ‘Silent Noise’ parties, a unique concept which does away with loud blaring live music after the 10 pm ban. With your own set of earphones, you can dance away to different genres of music played by versatile DJs.
Palolem is just 3 kms away from Canacona Railway station, now on the Konkan Railway route. You can hire taxis and auto-rickshaws to reach Palolem beach from Margao, 40 kms away. There are regular buses from Margao to Palolem that drop you off at Canacona village.
There are now beautiful beach huts and family rooms to choose from in Palolem. Further south is the cove of Colomb where you can enjoy peace and quiet. Two kilometres away from Palolem is Rajbag Beach which is isolated and stretches all the way to the mouth of the Talpona River. And then on to Galgibaga Beach which is the second nesting site in Goa for turtles. Further south is Agonda Beach
Agonda
Location: 37 kilometers from Margao, South Goa
Features: Cabo De Rama fort which is now in ruins
Way to Reach: Agonda beach is slightly difficult to reach since it is a bit cut off from the main land. One can reach Agonda beach by hiring scooter or a cab. Buses don't run here.
Features: Cabo De Rama fort which is now in ruins
Way to Reach: Agonda beach is slightly difficult to reach since it is a bit cut off from the main land. One can reach Agonda beach by hiring scooter or a cab. Buses don't run here.
If you continue driving towards Panaji from Palolem, the next beach is Agonda.
It’s long and lonely, fringed with palms and casuarinas and dominated by a large hill to the south.
It’s not safe to swim out too far on this beach. There are very few facilities available here and you are needed to carry all the essentials.
Agonda is a 3 km long beautiful cove of white sand, safely secluded in the palms. There are no tourists, no souvenir stalls, no restaurants—just peace and tranquility. Just the trees, the beach, the big beautiful ocean and you.
It also makes for a great day trip from Colva and Covelossim. For a real adventure, hire a tent and camp for the night, listening to the crashing of the sea waves.
Not far from Agonda beach is Cabo de Rama, untouched by most of the visitors in this region. The atmosphere of the fort creates a sense of history and drama that very few would fail to appreciate. The fort is named after Rama, hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to local legend, Rama stayed here with his wife Sita during the period of his 12-year exile.
The best way to reach this beach is by a scooter or motors bike.
varca, Cavelossim, mabor
Location: 2 kilometers from Benaulim, south Goa
Features: Unspoilt beauty, Benaulim beach just 2 kilometers away
Way to Reach: Varca beach can be reached easily in south Goa by hiring a taxi or an auto. Any local transport can bring you to Varca beach.
Features: Unspoilt beauty, Benaulim beach just 2 kilometers away
Way to Reach: Varca beach can be reached easily in south Goa by hiring a taxi or an auto. Any local transport can bring you to Varca beach.
Varca, Cavelossim and Mabor are a trio of the most alluring beaches south of Benaulim. These beaches are much cleaner and quieter than most of the other more famous beaches of Goa. There are numerous beach shacks offering a variety of Goan dishes and seafood at reasonable prices.
There are several food joints around the grand ‘Dona Sylvia’ resort offering a splendid repast at reasonable rates. There are also facilities for Dolphin watching up the River Sal.
The beaches here are home to some of the most exclusive and luxurious resorts in Goa. Accommodation is also available for budget and economy class travelers, though not on the beach itself.
There is plenty of transport for these beaches from Margao. From Cavelossim village, Margao is 18 kms away and buses and autos are available easily. You can also hire taxis from Dabolim Airport (41 – 48 kms) to reach the beach resorts here. To move locally, use cycles and scooters that are available on hire.
Colva
Location: 6 kilometers from the city of Margao, south Goa
Features: White sandy shores, oldest beach of Goa best beach resorts in Goa
Way to Reach: Colva beach can be easily reached by hiring a cab, auto or even a bus that plies from Margao or any other major city of south Goa.
Features: White sandy shores, oldest beach of Goa best beach resorts in Goa
Way to Reach: Colva beach can be easily reached by hiring a cab, auto or even a bus that plies from Margao or any other major city of south Goa.
This is the most important beach in the South circuit, equipped with all modern amenities like air-conditioned resort complexes, tourist cottages, discos, besides several stalls, eateries and guest houses—all of which have expanded the village enormously.
With 20 kms of virgin white sands, palm fringed, sun drenched beaches, Colva is the most loved beach in Goan. Unlike Anjuna or Calangute, Colva has gained popularity only lately. Located just 39 kms from the capital Panaji, it was relatively little disturbed and life moved on quietly.
The Church of Our Lady Of Mercy in Colva is famous for its miracle statue of Menino Jesus. The busy road leading from the Church to the beach is where all the facilities are located.
While taking a stroll on Colva Beach, silver carpets of mackerels can be seen shimmering and drying on the golden sands. Fishermen’s motor trawlers huddle in a line offshore. Tourists and locals frequent the beach for a dip or a walk for a change of air or to sunbathe on the golden sands. The trinket stalls and drink stands on the sands under the moonlight add to the aura of Colva Beach.
Majorda
Location: Majorda beach is located in Salcete district in Goa
Features: European bakeries, beach resorts and luxury hotels
Way to Reach: Majorda beach is very easily accessible as it is very close to the airport and the Margao railway station. There are a lot of buses that run daily by the help of which one can get to Majorda. From the Dabolim airport also one can get into transfer buses that take you there. Also a number of taxis are available to get to Majorda.
Features: European bakeries, beach resorts and luxury hotels
Way to Reach: Majorda beach is very easily accessible as it is very close to the airport and the Margao railway station. There are a lot of buses that run daily by the help of which one can get to Majorda. From the Dabolim airport also one can get into transfer buses that take you there. Also a number of taxis are available to get to Majorda.
Majorda is the village where the Jesuits, fond as they were of the good things of life, discovered the best Goan toddy (sap from the coconut palm), which they used to leaven the bread. Naturally, then, Majorda is the place where the Goans were first trained in the delicate art of baking European breads. The Majordans are still Goa's best bakers.
The delights of the beach, however, were discovered much earlier, in mythical times. Legend has it that in the Goan version of the Ramayana, Lord Rama was kidnapped as a child and brought up at Majorda. Later, in pursuit of Sita, he camped at Cabo de Rama - a headland further south - where the stretch of developed beaches ends.
Bogmalo
Location: 4 kilometers from the Dabolim airport in Goa and 8 km away from Vasco
Features: Bogmalo Oberoi hotel is located on this beach. The beach is also famous for diving expeditions.
Way to Reach: Since Bogmalo beach is near the airport, it can be reached easily by hiring a taxi or an auto from the airport or any nearby place.
Features: Bogmalo Oberoi hotel is located on this beach. The beach is also famous for diving expeditions.
Way to Reach: Since Bogmalo beach is near the airport, it can be reached easily by hiring a taxi or an auto from the airport or any nearby place.
This beach, dominated by a 5-star hotel located right on its edge, is cut apart from both the North and South beach circuit. Just 4 kms from the airport at Dabolim, it is a favourite among the elite classes and has an air of exclusivity.
Although the resort hotel towers above the village, there are still a few smaller and appealing places to stay in. Windsurfing and water skiing facilities are available.
Benaulim
Location: Near the Colva beach towards the south of Goa
Features: Private nightlife, water sports, variety of eating joints
Way to Reach: Benaulim beach can be reached easily by either hiring a cab or taking an auto from any place nearby. It is an extension of the Colva beach and can be reached easily.
Features: Private nightlife, water sports, variety of eating joints
Way to Reach: Benaulim beach can be reached easily by either hiring a cab or taking an auto from any place nearby. It is an extension of the Colva beach and can be reached easily.
Benaulim comes from Sanskrit Banali. This Goa beach is famous for dolphin cruises. Benaulim, located some two kilometers from the ever popular .
Less than 2 kms south of Colva is the more tranquil beach of Benaulim, is one of the few places in Goa where one can glimpse handicrafts typical to this area. The best of the traditional rosewood furniture is made here. Also, mythically Benaulim is famous as the place where the legendary Parashuram's arrow landed by which Goa was created.
Among the more attractive aspects of Benaulim is that it is still rather undiscovered by domestic tourists even though it is a fishing beach. It gets fairly crowded in the evenings and on weekends with local visitors who get off buses about a kilometre away and pour onto the beach.
The Church of St John the Baptist is situated on a hill beyond the village and worth a visit. On the arrival of the monsoon, the Feast of St John the Baptist (Sao Joao) is celebrated as thanksgiving. Young men wearing crowns of leaves and fruits tour the area singing for gifts. To commemorate the movement of St John in his mother’s womb and Mary’s visit, the young men of this village jump into the locals wells in celebration.
Temples
Shri Mangueshi Temple - dedicated to Lord Shiva, is 22 km from Panaji at Priol-Ponda Taluka. Though small, it has an air of distinctive elegance. Its lofty white tower at the entrance is a landmark of the countryside.
Shri Shantadurga - Kavlem - Built at Kavlem, it is dedicated to Shantadurga. The temple has an impressive idol of Goddess Durga in a tranquil mood, flanked by Vishnu and Shiva. Agrashalas provide lodging facilities to the devotees.
Shri Mahalaxmi at Bandora - Situated in the village of Bandora, about 4 km from Ponda, it is considered the abode of the original Goddess of the Shakti cult. The Goddess Mahalakshmi was worshipped by the Shilahara rulers (750-1030 A.D.) and the early Kadamba Kings of Goa. There are also 18 wooden images of Vishnu here.
Shri Nagesh at Bandora - Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is situated in Bandora village, about 4km to the east of Ponda. The temple has a gallery on both sides that contains exquisite specimens of intricate woodcarvings of the events of Ramayana on one side and wooden images of Astadikpal and Gandharva on the other.
Shri Bhagavati Temple -- 26 km from the city, it is believed to be 500 years old. Two life-sized images of elephants carved from black stone guard its entrance. The statue of the Goddess Bhagavati Ashtabhuja is an imposing one.
Shri Mahalsa at Mardol - A km from Shri Manguesh Temple, this temple is popular with people of all faiths because the deity Gomantaka is beleived to fulfil the wishes of all her devotees.
Shri Chandranath at Quepem - Built on a 350m high hill, Chandranath Hill, the main attraction of this temple are the rock-carved Shivlings from which water oozes on a full moon day.
Others: Brahma Temple at Carambolim; Shri Damodar temple at Zambaulim (sacred to both Hindus and the Christians); Shri Datta Mandir in Bicholim; Shri Gopal Ganapati temple at Ponda; Shri Kalikadevi mandir in Bicholim (almost 800 years old); Shri Saptakoteswar mandir at Bicholim (renovated on orders of Shivaji); Shri Mallikarjuna, in Canacona (60 deities surrounding temple ) Shri Mahadeva temple in Sangeum.
Mosques
Mosques Jama Masjid, Sanguem - An elegant mosque of harmonious proportions and simplicity.
Safa Masjid, Ponda - It was built in 1560 by Ibrahim Adilshah of Bijapur. The masonry tank nearby has beautiful 'maharab' designs.
Churches
One of Goa's important institutions, Goa's famous and magnificent churches are largely a legacy of Portuguese colonization.
With a significant population of Goans being Christians for many generations today, the Church is an important factor in Goa's social , cultural and religious life. For example, the contribution of the Church to education in Goa is immense. Today the churches are all part of the Archdiocese of Goa and function with its help, many are also protected sites.
Church building was one of the main occupations of the early Portuguese and in fact one of Vasco da Gama's main missions for finding the sea route to India was to "seek Christians and spices".
Christianity was forced upon with religious fervor by the Portuguese during the period of the "Inquisition" with wide scale destruction of temples and this continued till the official end of the "Inquisition" in Goa in 1812. Most of Goa's churches were built on the very site of former temples. The confiscated lands of the temples were handed over to the church and the communidades. In fact, the first Hindu temple allowed to be constructed by the Portuguese in 300 years was in 1818 at Panaji.
The churches of Old Goa, built in the ages 16 and 17, are basically in the Baroque and Renaissance, with some Gothic touches. However, the interiors are all derived from European elements as well as India. SeCathedral Church, the largest in Asia is a great example of form.
Churches in Goa are architectural excellence still reminding tourists of its former glory. Origination of most churches is traced to the 16th and 17th century when Goa had its Portuguese settlements. The zeal with which Christianity sipped into Goa speaks volumes about the marvels that are among the top attractions here. Goahub.com gives you factual details on the top churches and cathedral that gives Goa a place on the global tourist map.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Come to Goa as a part of a group or on your own. Come to play, hideaway, honeymoon, or to meet someone new. Because Goa means a lot to all people - Where honeymooners and couples create lasting memories and families share special times together.
Fact File: Situated in Old Goa and a World Heritage Site
Reason of visit- Body of St Francis Xavier rests here
History: St Francis Xavier cam to India with the purpose of spreading Christianity, this church of "good Jesus" has his remains preserved for public view. This church is also popular for its architecture with a height of 50 feet. Giovanni Battista Foggini is named the architect of the cathedral.
St. Cathedral Church, Old Goa
Fact File: Distance of 9-10 km from the capital city of Panaji
Mapusa At this Friday market at Mapusa you get you get everything from dried fish and spices to curios and old coins.
Ingo'S Saturday Night Bazaar
Come weekends and along comes Ingo's Saturday night Bazaar, where most of the money goes in liquor and food. Here people with happy-go-lucky attitude cruise around dancing and have a merry time.
Casa Goa
It's a stylish boutique featuring designer wear by celebrated Goan designer Wendell Rodericks, as well as local artwork, silk drapes, and a variety of antiques.
Sangolda
Based in a 200-year-old Portuguese mansion, in this boutique you can shop for unusual home accessories and furniture from all over India. Here you can find Kerala's rattan loungers as well as Rajasthani chests, all under one roof. Apart from these, there are traditional markets located in the small towns and villages of Goa. These markets symbolize the ethnic culture and the cultural heritage of Goa. Get More Details about Shopping in Goa and Christmas festival in Goa
Reason of visit- The stunning interiors reflecting the Tuscan style and famous for its "Golden Bell."
History: Se Cathedral in Goa was constructed during 1619, the largest of its kind in Asia. This church remains dedicated to St Catherine.
Immaculate Conception Church, Betul
Fact File: Enormous size and opulent architecture reflects the belief and richness of the churche.
Reason of visit: The primary purpose of this church was to serve the spiritual needs of Portuguese sailors and merchants stopping by Goa on their way to home or before proceeding to their journey further southwards.
History: The great golden bell, revered as the Bell of Inquisition was originally the part of the Church of Our Lady of Grace, Old Goa. It was brought to this church in 1841, when Panjim was established as the new capital of Goa.
Church of Mary Immaculate Conception
Fact File: One of the older churches situated close to Panaji. It is famous for hosting the second largest church bell in the world.
Reason of visit: The grand bell, and statues of St Paul and St Peter, and grand interiors after renovations
History: Constituted in 1541, the grand bell that belonged to the Church of Our Lady of Grace in Goa was transferred to this church. Today, it is the main attraction.
St. Francis Xavier Church
Fact File: This was the first Indian church to be raised to the status of a minor basilica in the year
1946.
1946.
Reason of visit: Divinity of this chapel settles down directly into your heart giving you the divine experience that you never had before.
History: St. Francis Xavier along with St. Ignatius Loyola founded the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits. He was amongst the first seven Jesuits. He has visited Goa in the year 1542, at the command of his teacher St. Ignatius Loyola. Staying back at Goa for four rainy months he preached the Goans. St. Francis Xavier is commonly called 'Goencho Saab' (Lord of Goa) and Goan devotion to St. Francis Xavier is deep across the whole length of Goa.
Church of Our Lady of Rosary
Fact File: the oldest Church is dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The huge Convent of Santa Monica, dating from 1606, was the first Nunnery in Asia.
History:The Rachol Seminary in South Goa has a chequered past. Originally a Muslim fortress it was first converted by the Portuguese into a church and later into a prison.
St. Paul Church, Ponda
Fact File: This church used to be one of the most renowned educational institutions of India, which offered education from primary to specialized and doctorate degrees.
History: Started in 1541, after lots of hard efforts of the two holy priests, construction of the church came to completion on 25th January, 1543. Church's completion is also regarded as the special day as the day of its final finishing.
Reis Magos Church, Reis Magos
Fact File: The Reis Magos church is a part of the famous and splendid Reis Magos fort, and the church was built soon after the fort was constructed.
History:Reis Magos church is also known for its legendary association to the various Franciscan dignitaries. The church was then used for missionary purposes.
Other popular churches in Goa
Besides the above, you can get tour packages for other churches in the state with Goahub.com
- St. Anne Church
- Church of St. Augustine
- St. Cajetan Church
Scenic places
Divar Island, Dudhsagar Falls, Kuskem Waterfall, Bat Island are some of the most picturesque places in Goa. The Divar Island is easily accessible from Old Goa and cruises take you across River Mandovi to this island. The Narao Village and Mayem Lake are the main things to see around Divar Island.
he hill top church of Our Lady of Compassion is one of the oldest houses of prayer in the region. There is also a Ganesh Temple. The Dudhsagar Waterfall is around 60 km drive from Panaji and a place of unrivaled beauty and has an altitude of 603 meters. The water is milky white (Dudh Sagar) and the place is an ideal picnic spot. 2 km away from the Sinquerim Beach is the Arvalam waterfall.
Wildlife
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Museums
The following museums are located in Goa:
- Goa State Museum set up in 1996 aims at centralising and preserving antiquities, art objects and objects of cultural importance, depicting the different aspects of the Goan History and Culture.
- Naval Aviation Museum near Dabolim. The Aviation museum is one among three of its kind in India.
- Goa Science Centre is located on Miramar Beach in Panjim. Opened in December 2001, it houses many wonders of Science and Astronomy.[3]
- Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery located in Old Goa is run by the Archaeological Survey of India.
- The Museum of Christian Art has a number of paintings, sculptures and religious silverware dating back to the 16th century.
Forts
The landscape of Goa is dotted with several forts. Fort Tiracol, the seventeenth-century Portuguese Fort Aguada, and Chapora Fort, to name a few.
Forts and monuments are important historical attractions in Goa that are worth visiting. Aguada Fort is around 18 km drive from Panaji city. It was the Portuguese stronghold from 1609-1612, and acted as a shelter. Aguada, meaning water, is a spring situated within the fort that supplied water to the Portuguese forces. Cabo De Rama Fort is 25 km drive from the town of Margao. Chapora Fort lies on the banks of River Chapora and is now in ruins. It offers clear view of the Vagator Beach. Tiracol Fort now operates as a heritage hotel and Mormugao citadel is located near the Mormugao Harbor.
Spice plantation
Besides the pulsating nightlife and serene beaches, the spice plantations of Goa are also popular places of visit. Ponda has two spice plantations and the place is accessible from Panaji. You can also visit the Sahakari Spice Farm, Abyss Spice Farm and the Savoi plantation.
Water Sports
Windsurfing
Windsurfing is a unique blend of surfing and sailing, which requires the surfer to adjust his strength and balance to the changing patterns of wind and water. By shifting his feet forward or backward, leaning the weight to the right or left, and manipulating the boom in or out, the windsurfer modulates and harmonizes the fickle forces of wind and water to obtain the desired balance and direction. To the expert who has honed himself in all these nuances, windsurfing can indeed be an exhilarating experience.Most of the windsurfing trainers and experts deems Dona Paula bay to be ideal for the beginners. The conditions here are almost lake-like for both the prevailing winds and the sea. The morning breeze is light and steady—just right for learners; while stronger winds that set in during the afternoons offer a perfect challenge for the more experienced.
However, water sports have seen a stupendous growth all along the Goa and have been largely responsible for the first Windsurfing Regatta, now an annual event. This, along with the Open Board Sailing Competition that lasts up to a week, are events that all water enthusiasts have come to look forward to.
However, water sports have seen a stupendous growth all along the Goa and have been largely responsible for the first Windsurfing Regatta, now an annual event. This, along with the Open Board Sailing Competition that lasts up to a week, are events that all water enthusiasts have come to look forward to.
A pleasant change from windsurfing is dinghy sailing, often referred to as ‘beer and sandwich’ sailing. With the winds in Goa so gentle most of the time, this particular sport offers its participants much time to relax. Dinghies are available for hire at the Cidade de Goa and the Taj Holiday Village. These 15-odd feet long crafts hold three to four people comfortably
Scuba Diving
For the speed freaks Goa offers the thrills of venturing into the sea on speedboats. The ‘thoroughbred’ amongst these, can achieve speeds up to 30-40 miles an hour. These crafts, which can carry between six to eight people, are available at the Cidade de Goa, Oberoi, and Taj Hotels. They can be conveniently used for sightseeing as well as water-skiing.
Angling
The beaches of Goa offer a varied and plentiful, almost inexhaustible, supply to seafood, still incredibly cheap and absolutely fresh. Go to Betul for Goa’s best and largest mussels, brought ashore by expert divers. Go to Agonda (not to be confused with Aguada) for all imaginable rockfish which, with any lucky, you could angle yourself. Soormai, salmon and mullet are frequent catches.
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Shopping in Goa
Travellers visiting the land of magnificent beaches- Goa, or commonly referred to as natural paradise do not consider their visit as complete they take back a souvenir of their memorable sojourn in this magnificent coastal town. Obviously, shopping should be a priority on the itinerary of every tourist, along with the sightseeing attractions.
Mapusa At this Friday market at Mapusa you get you get everything from dried fish and spices to curios and old coins.
Ingo'S Saturday Night Bazaar
Come weekends and along comes Ingo's Saturday night Bazaar, where most of the money goes in liquor and food. Here people with happy-go-lucky attitude cruise around dancing and have a merry time.
Casa Goa
It's a stylish boutique featuring designer wear by celebrated Goan designer Wendell Rodericks, as well as local artwork, silk drapes, and a variety of antiques.
Sangolda
Based in a 200-year-old Portuguese mansion, in this boutique you can shop for unusual home accessories and furniture from all over India. Here you can find Kerala's rattan loungers as well as Rajasthani chests, all under one roof. Apart from these, there are traditional markets located in the small towns and villages of Goa. These markets symbolize the ethnic culture and the cultural heritage of Goa. Get More Details about Shopping in Goa and Christmas festival in Goa
The chief places of shopping where tourists find plenty of artifacts are-
Anjuna Market-The famous Anjuna market, known more popularly as the flea market is held on every Wednesday in a grove of coconut palms between the rocky beach of Anjuna and the fallow rice paddies. The concept of flea market was started by the hippies in early 80s, when they used to gather at the same place in Anjuna while many needy foreigners used to sell their electronic items or barter other stuffs to the locals. It is a mad, chaotic world of colours, crowds, shouting, clamor and clatter and all manner of goods from fabrics, ornamental crafts, spices, clothing, local Goanese, Kahmiri and Tibetan handicrafts and Goan trance music.
Calangute Market Square- Calangute Beach is only nine miles north from the Goan capital, Panaji. The beach stretches about four miles and is covered with palm trees. The streets of Calangute are packed with shops offering a wide range of goods, namely souvenirs, metal crafts, leather items, clothes and jewellery, not just from Goa, but from other parts of the country as well. The beach stretch is full of shacks, hawkers selling sarongs or astrologers or fortune-tellers waiting eagerly to read the fortune of the tourists. . There is also a Tibetan market in Calangute. Kashmiri merchants also frequent Goa with carpets, embroidery, and other merchandises.
Most deluxe hotels and resorts also have good in-house shops, but the price ranges are usually higher.
Mapusa Market- Mapusa, a small town huddled around the Mount (Alto) is Mapusa, 13 kms away from Panaji, has been the market hub of North Goa since ancient times even before proper roads were constructed. Mapusa market is also fondly known as 'Mapusa Friday Market' as it takes place every Friday. Goan customers prefer to buy fresh foodstuffs every few days, thus the Mapusa Market has plenty of fresh fish, a variety of locally produced vegetables, and exotic fruits from jackfruit and mangoes to plantain bananas. Pickles and preserves, spices, earthen pots, glass bangles, channa baskets coir mats, and the famous Goan 'chouricos' (ready spiced Goan pork sausages), dried fish and prawns, clothing, junk jewelry, and the famous country liquor are all sold at the most reasonable prices one could possibly find.
Baga Beach- The Baga Beach located 10 kms west of Mapusa, is actually an extension of Calangute beach with clean white sand. Like the flea market of Anjuna, Baga has started a Saturday night market, which is quite impressive but somehow lacks the liveliness and splendor of the Anjuna market. The beach also has many beach shacks and beach huts that sell delicious Goan food and thirst-quenching Feni. The lively Saturday night market here is much like the Wednesday flea market at Anjuna, only prettier under the night sky and lit up with lamps. There are plenty of handicrafts shops. Here stalls sell all kinds of bric-a-brac, clothes, trinkets, exotic delicacies and Goanese Cuisine. Funky haircuts, tarot reading, palmistry, wood carvings are also available. Plus live bands that create a carnival like ambience simply makes the place rock.
Nightlife in Goa
The party begins after a relaxed day at the beach and an exotic sunset.
Goa has quite a few restaurants and pubs to get your started, many of these places offer live music entertainment on various nights to set the pulse, there are also a few night markets which are worth the visit for the food, entertainment and shopping.
For the late night party goers the night clubs and lounge Bars are buzzing, so dance your way through to the wee hours of the morning, the booze is cheap so most are in high spirits which makes it even more fun most often. Cheers! Viva Goa!
For the late night party goers the night clubs and lounge Bars are buzzing, so dance your way through to the wee hours of the morning, the booze is cheap so most are in high spirits which makes it even more fun most often. Cheers! Viva Goa!
After the sun dies down and the stars take up the sky, Goa’s vibrant nightlife scene brightens up the city with every party hopper visiting the most popular beach shack nearby. As much as the city is known for its beaches, the whispered local rave parties attract equal attention. For grasping more about the pubbing scene or rave parties at the local joints, check out at Ingo's Saturday Night Bazaar or Ajuna’s Wednesday Market. If you are wary of getting out for the first time in Goa nightlife scene, then Tito’s and Club Cubana are the safest bets. They have been around for years and attract local and international partygoers alike.
Beach shacks or small beach joints are more popular in Goa rather than expensive restaurants and pubs. Most of these shacks serve alcohol (specially chilled beer) along with the other nutties and are open until late in the night.
Goa is synonymous with hippies who brought the nightlife scene back in the 70’s with their arrival. It has only gained momentum since then, assigning it a special status compared to the nightlife in a metro city.
Rave parties or full moon parties are an accepted part of hippie culture with the local shacks in Goa passing around the necessary information. Not many details are handed out initially, to avoid getting into police harassment. Final particulars are made available just a few hours before the party starts. Drugs are freely made available besides stalls of snacks & tea arranged by the local women. You will get to experience “ravers” dressed in bright clothes and rave belts dancing to psy-trance music until the wee hours of the morning.
Those who want to travel onto psychedelic journeys, beware of the Goan Police because drugs intake is legally punishable in India.
Clubs
Club Tito’s at Baga Beach
Club Cubana at Arpora Hill, North Goa
Club Antoos at Calangute Beach
Bars & Pubs
The 9Bar at Vagator Beach
21 Coconuts at Candolim Beach
Alex at Calangute Beach
Casinos
Chances Casino & Club at Vainguinim Beach
The Gaming Club Las Vegas at The Leela Kempinski
Casino Goa at The Caravela Beach Resort
What to Eat
Rice with fish curry (xit kodi in Konkani) is the staple diet in Goa. Goan cuisine is famous for its rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate recipes. Coconut and coconut oil are widely used in Goan cooking along with chili peppers, spices and vinegar giving the food a unique flavour. Goan food can be divided into Goan Catholic and Goan Hindu cuisine with each showing very distinct tastes, characteristics and cooking styles. Pork dishes such as Vindaloo, Xacuti, chorisa and Sorpotel are cooked for major occasions among the Goan Catholics. An exotic Goan vegetable stew, known as Khatkhate, is a very popular dish during the celebrations of festivals, Hindu and Christian alike. Khatkhate contains at least five vegetables, fresh coconut, and special Goan spices that add to the aroma. Sannas, Hitt are variants of idli and Polle,Amboli,Kailoleo are variants of dosa;are native to Goa. A rich egg-based multi-layered sweet dish known as bebinca is a favourite at Christmas.
The most popular alcoholic beverage in Goa is feni; cashew feni is made from the fermentation of the fruit of the cashew tree, while coconut feni is made from the sap of toddy palms.[55] Goa also has a rich wine culture.
The most popular alcoholic beverage in Goa is feni; cashew feni is made from the fermentation of the fruit of the cashew tree, while coconut feni is made from the sap of toddy palms.[55] Goa also has a rich wine culture.
How To Reach
AIR
Goa International Airport, is a civil enclave at INS Hansa, a Naval airfield located at Dabolim near Vasco da Gama. The airport caters to scheduled domestic and international air services. Goa has scheduled international connections to Doha, Dubai, Sharjah and Kuwait in the Middle East by airlines like Air Arabia, Air India, GoAir, Indigo, SpiceJet, Jet Airways, JetKonnect and Qatar Airways.
The airport also handles a large number of chartered flights during the 'winter season', typically between November and May from the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands and Russia. The Chartered flights are operated by European carriers like Monarch Airlines, Thomson Airways, Thomas Cook Airlines, Condor Flugdienst and Arkefly amongst others. Goa's estimated 700 annual international charter flights account for around 90% of the India's international charter tourist flights. It is estimated that about 150 to 200 thousand international tourists arrive at Dabolim on chartered flights.
Another international airport at Mopa in Pernem has been proposed due to land constraints at Dabolim. However, options to move the Navy away from Dabolim to increase capacity are being looked at. The move to develop Mopa as a second airport has led to a number of local agitations, principally supported by a number of politicians from Salcete and South Goa. Unlike Dabolim, which is centrally located in the state, the Mopa site is situated at a relatively remote northern end of Goa. Mopa Airport was first proposed by the local Congress government, but now also has the backing of the incumbent government led by Manohar Parrikar.
Road
Goa's public transport largely consists of privately operated buses linking the major towns to rural areas. Government-run buses, maintained by the Kadamba Transport Corporation, link major routes (like the Panjim–Margao route) and some remote parts of the state. The Corporation owns 15 bus stands, 4 depots and one Central workshop at Porvorim and a Head Office at Porvorim. In large towns such as Panjim and Margao, intra-city buses operate. However, public transport in Goa is less developed, and residents depend heavily on their own transportation, usually motorised two-wheelers and small family cars.
Hired forms of transport include unmetered taxis and, in urban areas, auto rickshaws. Another form of transportation in Goa is the motorcycle taxi, operated by drivers who are locally called "pilots". These vehicles transport a single pillion rider, at fares that are usually negotiated. Other than buses, "pilots" tend to be the cheapest mode of transport. River crossings in Goa are serviced by flat-bottomed ferry boats, operated by the river navigation department.
Rail
Goa has two rail lines — one run by the South Western Railway and the other by the Konkan Railway. The line run by the South Western Railway was built during the colonial era linking the port town of Vasco da Gama, Goa with Belgaum, Hubli, Karnataka via Margao. The Konkan Railway line, which was built during the 1990s, runs parallel to the coast connecting major cities on the western coast.
Sea
The Mormugao harbour near the city of Vasco handles mineral ore, petroleum, coal, and international containers. Much of the shipments consist of minerals and ores from Goa's hinterland. Panjim, which is on the banks of the Mandovi, has a minor port, which used to handle passenger steamers between Goa and Mumbai till the late 1980s. There was also a short-lived catamaran service linking Mumbai and Panaji operated by Damania Shipping in the 1990s.
Where to Stay
Goa is one of the reasonable places to stay in as compared to rest of India. During the peak season, which lasts from November to late March, the prices are very high. Especially in December, 5-star hotel rates rates range will be high. All tourist spots charge more in the peak season.
Huts/Shacks are an economical and fun option to consider. These can be found in small/little Vagator which is up the road from Anjuna beach , and you get a whole hut with a double bed, lock , towels and an attached bathroom with toilet. These shacks are closed during the monsoon.
The last week of the year, between Christmas and New Year the place is usually completely packed. Try to avoid that overhyped week and you will get a better deal without the added pressures.
In the golden tourist destination of India - Goa, a number of accommodation options are available. As per your budget and requirements, you may choose from cottages, hotels, beach resorts and lodges in Goa. Most of the accommodation options in Goa are like cocoons of comfort for the travellers to the land.
If you want a nice comfortable stay in Goa at nominal rates, especially in South Goa, Colva beach area is ideal as it is central to most beaches in the south. Instead of expensive.
There are a number of great hotel options in Goa. Depending on how you define "best," options include global brands like the Marriott and Hyatt; the Leela, Taj resort properties.
Goa Travel Tips
The famous phrase that all of us reminded quite often is "Precaution is always better than cure", so while you are traveling to Goa, some necessary planning and precautions is to be taken care of. This will make your journey comfortable, safe and secure.
Goa is well known for beaches so beach wear should be selected accordingly. It should provide you with maximum comfort. Cotton is the order of the tour. Nudity in beach or public places is punishable. Carry good number of cotton clothes. If you are traveling in winter season carry a light woolen jackets and shawls.
If you are a foreign tourist visiting Goa the currency which you should carry is Indian Rupees. It is advisable to carry your ATM cards other than liquid money. Traveler's cheques are widely acceptable in Goa. Especially United States Dollar and British Sterling Pounds are recognized. Money change facilities are available in all Govt. run State Banks, some hotels and resorts also provide Money alteration facilities. Beware of touts and frauds and do not alter money with local traders. Motor traffic circulation is on the left, and pedestrians should walk on the right. Foreign nationals must have an International Driving License and should keep all travel and other relevant documents at hand. Always bargain for goods while shopping as they quote high prices. Be in touch with a local source to make your bargain profitable. Carry a proof of your identity bearing you name, age, address, and blood group. Keep your essentials in a plastic bag to avoid any damage. Always keep important documents like Visa, Identity proof, and money in a wallet or a bag. Do not leave your things unattended. Keep away from strangers and do not trust any person blindly. Do not work barefoot; it might give you fungal and parasitic infection. Do not carry or trade for any drugs while your stay at Goa. It is illegal and you can be heavily punished if caught. Check for cleanliness and hygiene while eating out in small restaurants. Drink mineral water while dining out in restaurants. If you are in need of medical help always insist for sterilized and disposable syringes. It is good to carry an adapter for all your electric appliances. Visit the places of worship and maintain silence as instructed. In some tourist spots photography is restricted so do not violate the rules. Be alert and carry some sun screen lotion and necessary medicines while your traveling to Goa. Have unlimited fun and make your trip memorable and special. |
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