Goa

Beautiful sandy beaches, idyllic lifestyle

Ever imagined a vacation where the relentless splashing of waves never ceases, the clean talcum sand under the feet stretches forever, the variety of food served never fails to amuse and the party around you just never gets over?
Welcome to Goa, a small state in India which exhibits every bit of influence left by the Portuguese during the 500 year rule. However, Goa is better known and recognized for its vast stretches of beautiful sandy beaches, clear blue waters, verdant green mountain ranges and its idyllic lifestyle which embraces any newcomer into its fold.

Goa is bound by the state of Maharashtra towards North, Karnataka towards the East and South and the Arabian Sea on the Western front. Though Vasco-da Gama is the largest city in Goa, Panjim is the capital city which witnesses an influx of millions of tourists from across the globe.

Goa is also famous for its wide range of religious places which form an integral part of its historic and religious tourist spots. Many of the places of worship are known for their exquisite architecture. The Basilica of Bom Jesus in old Goa is one such monument which attracts thousands of people from all faiths and makes it one of the most revered and visited Christian pilgrimage sites in Asia.

The long stretches of silver sand which are the crowning glory of Goa have been artfully utilized by the Goans to lure tourists for lots of fun and frolic. The beaches are well maintained and regularly cleaned for an attractive appearance. In fact some of the beaches in Goa are so clean and free of vendors that it is difficult to believe that they exist at a place which is considered one of the best hot spots of the world for pleasure seekers.

Honeymoon

With an ever celebrating atmosphere the Goa holiday packages go the extra mile to specially cater for honeymooners with special arrangements for one of the best phases of their lives. The heady Goan air for an evening of fun and frolic along the sea coast and the mouth watering Goan cuisines and cocktails for that close moment of togetherness. Variety of places, both religious as well as historic ensure that the couple enjoy the city and know each other better against the amazing Goan backdrop.

History & Culture

Ancestral Goa Museum/Big Foot

Ancestral Goa Museum, also known as Big Foot, in Loutolim is around 10 km from Margao. This open-air museum-cum-parkland covers an area of about nine acres and is the first of its kind in India. The museum showcases large life size statues and structures depicting culture and tradition of rural Goa.

Chapora Fort

At a distance of approximately 12 km from Mapusa lies the Fort of Chapora. It is easily accessible from Vagator over the hill leading to the fort. This fort has been made famous by the Bollywood movie Dil Chahata Hai which was shot here.

Fort Aguada
The grand fort of Aguada was constructed in 1612 in order to prevent the entry of ships into the river Mandovi thus protecting old Goa from enemy attacks. Located at a distance of around 22 km from Bardez, Fort Aguada boasts of the first ever light house in Asia.

The Secretariat

The Secretariat in Panaji, located along the riverside is one of the most striking monuments in Goa. Considered one of Goa’s oldest buildings, the Secretariat houses Goa’s state legislative assembly.

Nature

Anjuna Beach
Jagged laterite boulders welcome you to the land of Goan rave. Enchanting red cliffs kiss the golden sandy shoreline with waves hitting relentlessly. The coconut plantation roof and plethora of restaurants and food joints offering sumptuous lip smacking sea food delicacies are some of the simple pleasures here.

Baga Beach
The Baga beach is sandwiched between the two bigger cousins, the Candolim beach and the Calangut beach. The beach is somewhat smaller in size but is definitely cleaner and more relaxed and recluse than the other beaches in Goa.

Calangute Beach
The Calangute Beach, located around 17 km from Bardez, is famous for being the first beach to inculcate the hippie culture in the 60’s and 70’s. The hippies were edged out slowly as the mainstream tourists started to flock Goa in search of peace and enjoyments of a tourist place.

Candolim Beach
The Candolim Beach is well known for its serene atmosphere and a long peaceful silvery stretch which has very little commercial activities on it.

Cansaulim Beach
Arossim, Cuelim and Cansaulim beach consortium form a formidable stretch of beaches which is considered as the second longest stretch of a beach in India.

Chapora Beach
The Chapora beach lies amongst some of the most well known places in Goa and that maybe the reason why it has neglected by general tourists.

Colva Beach
Colva is one beach which has almost everything to offer for everyone in the family. It is drinks and great food for the elders and shopping and carnival / festive atmosphere for the ladies. The children are often seen building sand castles or playing beach ball or else paddle waves in the shallow shores.

Dona Paula Beach
This exquisite seashore delight located to the south of Miramar is a small atoll knoll. The long stretches of silver white sand on Dona Paula, promises its visitors a gala time.

Majorda Beach
Majorda beach is one of the most renowned and attractive beaches of Goa. The natural beauty, clean environs, multitude of water sports, great food and drink make this a perfect sea shore to spend the day.

Miramar Beach
The River Mandovi traverses the lands of Goa and finally descends into the great Arabian Sea forming a marvelous spectacle. The Miramar beach is a silent spectator to this beautiful union and provides an opportunity to its visitor to enjoy the same.

Morjim Beach
Situated near the mouth of Zuari River, which joins the Arabian Sea, the Morjim Beach is known for its natural beauty sans any commercialization.

Savoi Plantation
Goa, with its exotic beaches, churches and pulsating nightlife has a lot more to offer. The spice plantation in rural Goa, which claims to use organic methods of cultivation and farming, is worth exploring. Located around 15 km from Ponda in Goa, Savoi Plantation is a great place to visit.

Vagator Beach
The Vagator beach has something, which very few beaches can boast of – a beautiful silver sandy stretch with huge red cliffs overlooking it. These imposing stalwarts also ooze out two fresh bubbling springs just near the shore making for a spectacular sight.

Wildlife:
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

Religious:
Basilica de Bom Jesus, Church & Convent of St Francis of Assisi, Church and Monastery of St Augustine, Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Royal Chapel of St Anthony, Se Cathedral, Shri Mangueshi Temple.

Adventure:
Banana Ride, Dolphin Trip, Elephant Ride & Splash, Go Karting,
Jet Skiing, Parasailing, River Cruise (on Mandovi River), Speedboat Rides, Water Scooter, Water Skiing, Windsurfing.

Fun & Entertainment
9 Bar, Aqua, Cafe Mambo, Calangute Road, Caravela Casino, Club Cubana, Club West End, Congo, Curly’s Beach Shack, Flea Market,
Hacienda de Oro Casino, Ingo’s Night Market, La Plage, Liquid Lounge,
Loekie Café, Ozone, Paraiso de Goa, Rio Rico Bar, Rock Your Blues,
Shore Bar, Splashdown Water Park.

How to reach
By Train: The major railway stations in Goa are Margao, also known as Madgaon, and Vasco-da-gama. These stations are in the Konkan railway line and are directly connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other parts of the country.

By Air: The Goa international airport is located at Dabolim, which is at a distance of 29 km away from Panaji. The airport connects the domestic cities as well as international cities in U.K. and Germany.

By Bus: Kadamba bus stand of Panaji is the main bus station. The state owned bus services of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka operate from this station. Super deluxe A/C buses are also available.

Sea Route: It is another way to reach here. Shipping services from Mumbai to Panaji are available. Vacation cruises are offered by some tourist companies for enjoying the marine life of Goa.