Goa is a state on India’s west coast, multicoloured blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures. It is a state on the southwestern coast of India within the region known as the Konkan. Goa is very much popular mainly for its sand beaches, nightlife, places of worship, seafood and spirituality. A large number of international and domestic tourists visit Goa every year. Panaji is the state’s capital. Goa’s state language is Konkani. Most Goans speak Konkani, English, Hindi, and Marathi. Portuguese is also known by a small segment of people.
Goa stands 6th in the Top 10 Nightlife cities in the world in National Geographic Travel. Goa is also famous for its water sports. Water sports in Goa encircles scuba diving, kite surfing , snorkeling, kayaking, banana boat ride, flyboarding, parasailing, jet ski, wakeboarding, speed boating, surfboarding, wind surfing, white water rafting and many more.
There is wide variety of music genres used in Goa ranging from Western art music to Indian classical music and also Konkani music. Western musical instruments such as the violin, drums, guitar, trumpet and piano are widely used in Goa. Whereas traditional Goan musical instruments include shehnai, dhol, nagado, tambura, kansallem, etc. Portuguese Fado (a music genre) also has significance in Goa. Fugdi and Dhalo are the most common folk dances of Goa. Mando, Kunbi dance, Dhangar Dance, Dekhni are also popular folk dance and forms.
Goa is very popular for its seafood. Dishes like Fish Curry Rice, Chicken Cafreal, Bebinca, Ambot Tik, Sannas, Sabudana Payasam, Ambadyachi Uddamethi / Goan Hog Plum Curry. Banana Sheera, Goan Cucumber Cake / Tavasali, Drumsticks Subzi , Goan Sangachi Bhaji, etc. are highlights of the Goan cuisine.
Calangute Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Goa. This beach offers cool breeze and awe-stunning sunsets which will leave the tourist mesmerized. One can also opt for water sport activities like parasailing and water skiing, among others that is offered by this beach. There are also a number of eating joints, shacks and clubs serving cocktails, beer and seafood.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is perhaps Goa’s most famous church. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a part of the Churches and convents of Goa UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a brilliant example of baroque architecture. The church is called “Bom Jesus” meaning ‘good Jesus’ or ‘infant Jesus’ to whom it is dedicated. The basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The church is located in Old Goa in Bainguinim about 10 km away from Panjim.
Fort Aguada is a picturesque fort situated on Sinquerim beach in Goa. The Aguada fort is a monument to Portuguese construction and engineering. The word ‘Agua’ is a Portuguese word meaning ‘water’. A freshwater spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that used to stop by. This is how the fort got its name: Aguada. Fort Aguada is a typical example of Portuguese military architecture. The Aguada Fort also has a splendid four-storeyed light house. The view from the fort is breathtaking as it overlooks the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea.
Baga Beach is situated in North Goa, 9 kilometers (6 miles) from Mapusa and 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Panaji, the state capital. Baga Beach starts right where Calangute ends, although it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where. Baga Beach is also famous for water sports, such as parasailing and banana rides, and dolphin cruises. The beach contains rows of shacks and fishing boats. The shacks come to life in the late evening with some pumping music and mouthwatering food. The nightlife on Baga Beach is immensely happening as it’s popular due to famous nightclubs like Mambo’s, Tito’s, and Cavala. One can also go shopping at Wednesday flea market at Anjuna, Tibetan market that runs along Baga Road, Mackie’s Night Bazaar, Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar, etc.
There are several types of cruises in Goa, and each of them offers a unique experience. These range from simple evening cruises, elaborate and romantic dinner cruises, backwater cruises, and of course casino cruises such as Houseboat Cruise, Dinner Cruise in Goa, Casino Cruise in Goa, Backwater Cruise, Catamaran Cruise, River Cruise in Goa, Deltin Royale Casino Cruise, Casino Pride Cruise,etc. One can enjoy the pristine waters, exotic scenery and breathaking sunset from the cruise.
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is located in Panaji, the capital city of Goa. It is a colonial Portuguese Baroque style church and is located on a slight elevation, on a hillock. It was originally built in 1541 but was replaced by a much larger structure in the 1600s. Today it is known to house the second largest church bells in Goa. These bells are known to have been removed from the Augustinian ruins of the Church of Our Lady of Grace that existed in Old Goa. During the Festival of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, held every year on 8 December, the church is colourfully illuminated. A fair is also part of this festival.
Club Cubana is located in North Goa amidst a hillock in Arpora, it is one of the must popular night clubs in the region. The club is not open all-year round, only from October to April, during the remaining months, they are closed. The location of the club upon a hillock provides one with breathtaking views of Goa.Featuring not just a dance floor, but also a lounge with a swimming pool, guests can have a grand time in the club. It is also called “Nightclub in the Sky” and is a popular club with many national and international DJ’s playing the coolest music of all time.
Anjuna Beach captivates large number of visitors due to its scenic beauty and picturesque view. It is located 18 kilometres away from Panaji and 8 kilometres to the west of Mapusa, North Goa. It is situated in Anjuna village of Bardez taluka in North Goa. There are many activities here like adventure sports, late night trance parties, shopping, wellness pursuits,water sports, etc. Some of the major attractions in and around the beach include: Albuquerque Mansion, Chapora Fort, Mascarenhas Mansion,Wednesday Flea Market, etc.
Dudhsagar Falls (literally Sea of Milk) is a four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in the Indian state of Goa. It is 60 km from Panaji by road and is located on the Madgaon-Belagavi rail route. One can go by road or rail to Kulem railway station and then trek to the waterfall or hire a jeep with a driver to get closer in; however, there will still be a walk to reach the base of the falls.
Vagator Beach is the northernmost beach of Bardez Taluka, Goa. It is located on the opposite bank of the Chapora River from Morjim in Pernem. It is characterised by a combination of its soft white sands and imposing but beautiful rocky cliffs. The beach is famous for its parties and beach shacks. Apart from parties, another good reason to go here is to watch the sunset and enjoy stunning views of the beach from the cliff.
There are many other places to visit in Goa like : Bogdeshwara Temple, Museum of Goa, Arambol Beach, Morjim Beach, Miramar Beach, Se Cathedral, Palolem Beach, Shri Mangueshi Temple, Dona Paula, Church of St. Cajetan, Brittos ( one of the best shacks in Baga Beach), etc.
One can reach Goa conveniently as it is well connected by various means of transport:
By Air : Goa international airport is located at Dabolim – 30 km away from Panjim. Daily flights are scheduled from major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi. Hyderabad, Banglore, Chennai, etc.
By Road: One can easily drive to Goa using their private vehicle as the roads are well connected with National Highways. One can also opt for private companies that provide bus journey at a reasonable cost. For comfortable rides, super deluxe AC and Volvo buses would be the better options.
By Rail: Via railways, it is quite easy to reach Goa as the major railway stations in Goa are located in Margao. The main railway station is known as Madgaon and Vasco-da-gama. The train ride to Goa is worth the journey just for the view. Train is also the cheapest option apart from being fast and comfortable.
By Sea : Tourists can also opt for ferry services that are also excellent when it comes to commuting in Goa. There are some shipping companies that provide boat services from Mumbai to Panaji.
Visiting Goa during the months of November to February are preferrable when the weather is not too cold or not too hot. One can also enjoy Christmas and New Year season as it is the best time in Goa for stunning parties, shopping in the beatifully lighted streets and enjoy the high festive spirit of Goa.
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