Tropical Goa, is not a destination but a “State Of Mind, a mind at peace, a mind relaxed. Tucked on the Konkan coast of Western India with endless stretches of golden sand, palm fringed beaches, brightly painted houses and Portuguese heritage is a small and delightful state of India, Goa.
The state is majorly divided into two zones- North Goa and South Goa.
If you are looking forward to a happening holiday, stellar nightlife and flea markets with all touristic beaches then North Goa is the place. In contrast, South Goa is all about mellow Yoga retreats, Luxurious resorts and quieter beaches. From Portuguese-Indian Cultural blend to hippie’s life, from dimly lit cafes to flashy casinos and from adventurous family holidays to romantic escapades Goa is a perfect holiday destination and a great getaway with friends, all around the Year.
History
Portuguese ruled the region for about 450 years. Goa became an integral part of India in 1961. Goan culture, cuisine and architecture are thus hugely influenced by the Portuguese.
Panjim is the capital city sitting on the banks of river Mandovi.
Catch the sight of whitewashed churches, crumbling forts or spectacular churches listed as UNESCO Heritage Sites, brightly coloured houses with purple doors, ochre coloured mansions and oyster shell windows is what completes the kaleidoscope of Goan architecture.
Things To Do…
Beach Bounty
The Beach Capital of India is blessed with an uninterrupted string of golden-sand beaches. This coastline stretches along the Arabian Sea from the tip to the toe of the state. These beaches cater to every tropical whim: “Lover’s Paradise”- the Dona Paula beach, relax under the beach shacks of Vagator beach, see the olive ridley turtles on the Galgibaga beach or experience the best Goan beach life at the “Queen of Beaches”- Calangute beach with lounge chairs, dazzling sunshine and smooth silky waves striking the shore. Else, feel the hippie trail in the night at Anjuna Beach. Bolder and brasher Baga Beach or laid-back groomed sands in front of fancy five-star resorts or hidden crescent coves, where the only footprints will be the scuttling crabs’ and your own.
The Churches and Convents of Goa
Once dubbed ‘The Rome of the East’, Goa’s Churches and Convents of Goa have been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the most important attractions here is Basilica Of Bom Jesus home to the mortal remains of the missionary Saint Francis Xavier. With dazzling white exterior and lively interiors is the Church Of Our Lady Of Immaculate Conception another being Se Cathedral church with Portuguese- Manueline design.
Festivals
Goa picked up a reputation as India’s party capital when lots of dance parties spring up around the New Year and Christmas. Sunburn is huge three days dance festival celebrated in December. The festival of Sao-Joao (the fertility feast of Saint John the Baptist) is held in June. It’s an interesting event where men jump into wells that are overflowing to fetch bottles of the local alcohol called feni. Goan Carnival is another three days of enjoyment in the month of March Get a unique insight into the heritage with the festival of colours, Holi near the beginning of the year or with the festival of lights, Diwali near the end of the year
Spiritual Sanctuary
Want to top up your Zen as well as your tan? Welcome to Goa where yoga is king and the crop of spiritual activities grows more bountiful each year: sunrise yoga sessions on the beach, reiki healing courses, meditation, and just about every other form of spiritual exploration, are all practised freely.
Adventure
Scuba diving in Goa is a delightful experience. Attractive corals, coloured and beautiful, shells and fishes all invite exploration. If you love water sports, you cannot find a better place to be than Goa. Right from swimming, you have various water sports available in the beautiful land of beaches. The sports include windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing, which is popularly known as a water scooter, parasailing, banana boat, scuba diving, catamaran sailing and a lot more. The best months to enjoy water sports and scuba diving is between October to May
Close to Nature
The Waterfalls, Spice tours and Wildlife Sanctuaries allow holidaymakers to encounter another of Goa’s key attractions. The stunning Dudhsagar Waterfalls are among the highest waterfalls in the whole of India, measuring an impressive 603 metres and at their peak flow during the monsoon season. Feel the aromatic air with a Goan spice plantation tour, the best months being July to March. Spot the Goan’s wildlife through the hikable trails in Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary or in Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Time To Visit:
- During winter, from Mid-November to February, its festive ambience is at its peak also it is the perfect time to relax on the beaches and for other outdoor activities in Goa.
- In summers, from March To May, it boasts lovely weather that’s perfect for a splash in the sea.
- In Monsoon, Mid- June to October, spreads lush greenery across its verdant vistas, peppered with gorgeous waterfalls, making it a trekker’s paradise.
How to Reach:
By Air: Dabolim, Goa International Airport, is 29 kilometres away from Panjim.
By Train: Madgaon and Vasco Da Gama are two main stations well connected by trains across the country.
By Road: From Mumbai, Goa is connected by NH 4 and from Mangalore by NH 17.
Whether you’re seeking solitude, a party scene or something child-friendly, there’s a stretch of sand in Goa for you. If you are a Photography enthusiast, culture buff, history lover or a night bird this sunshine state is sure to charm you all!!
So, why wait?
Book your next Soulful Family Holiday or a Romantic Honeymoon in Goa with IndiaAtour…
