History of Goa

Though, Goa is the smallest state of India, it has one of the most influential history to dig into. With a huge flock of merchants, powerful traders, seafarers and missionaries attracting to it, this place had gone under major transformations. Inhabited by Brahmins first, the place got dominated by the Mauryan Empire, the Satavahanas of Kolhapur, and the Chalukyas of Badami. In 1312, Goa had even got ruled by the Muslims only to be left later by 1370. Later in 1510, when the place got controlled by the Portuguese, several forts and churches came into existence during their administration. In 1961, the Indian Army came into power, and the place got declared as the 25th state of India in 1987.

Culture of Goa

Influenced by western culture, Goa is also known as the ‘Rome of the East’. As one digs into its cultural heritage, there are folk dances, songs, music, and folk tales to cherish. Inhabited by Hindu, Muslims, and Catholic people, this state is a multi-ethnic place. And thus, here people can witness the celebration of many Indo-Latin festivals. Crammed with numerous bars and restaurants, here is an alluring nightlife awaiting for tourists.

Places to Visit in Goa

Goa is a treasure trove of sights and sounds, from beaches like Majorda to Dona Paula and Anjuna to the Aguada and Chapora forts, the Dudhsagar and Arvalem falls, churches like Basilica of Bom Jesus and temples like Bhagwati temple. Besides these sights, there is also plenty to keep you busy on a Goa trip guide like taking sunbathe at the beaches, nonstop parties at the nightclubs, parasailing, skiing, windsurfing, shopping at the flea markets, going on fun bike rides, trekking and enjoying exotic cruises.

Let’s take a look at the main attraction region wise.

North Goa

As one ventures on to the best places while enjoying the sightseeing of Goa, a tour to North Goa is filled with offerings to make the trip even more memorable.

Baga Beach

Seems like a piece of art, Baga Beach is one of the most-sought after places to visit in North Goa. A perfect place to cherish some blissful moments, the majestic Baga Beach in Goa let people appreciate the cool breezes and witness the wonderful sunset views. Besides that, here tourists can also partake in water activities, such as jet-skiing, windsurfing, banana ride, and more.  

Calangute Beach

Head to Calangute Beach, also known as the ‘Queen of Beaches’ for its charm and spectacular beauty. Offering some of the best natural offerings, including a chance to savour glorious landscape views, laze along splendid beaches, enjoy sunbathing and jaw-dropping sunset and sunrise views, it is a paradise for nature lovers in true sense.

Fort Aguada

With its  vast expanses of blue waters, Fort Aguada is a place which seems to be endless. Attracting thousands of tourists all around the year, here one can hop on to its lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of the place. Or, one can also choose to relax with their better half, and witness enticing views of sunset.

South Goa

Dotted with heritage villages and exotic beaches, South Goa is that laid back destination where one can cherish solitude like never before. Perfect for history buffs and people who are looking for romantic escapes, this place can’t be ignored by people who love nature.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Fringed with innumerable beaches, tourists are always going to have a pleasant experience here. Being one of the highest waterfalls in the world, it is divided into four tiers. And, as one looks at the waterfall, it seems like a heavy stream of milk cascades form the top of the hill, making it one of the ultimate destination to visit during a Goa excursion.   

Vasco Da Gama  

Deriving its name from the famous explorer, Vasco Da Gama is a treasure trove for true explorers. As one takes a tour of this small town with a different aspect of tourism, there are some of the best things to discover, thus adding a unique experience to their journey. Moreover, being well-connected to the other parts of Goa, this place is often visited by tourists to reach other beaches of Goa.

Places to Stay in Goa

To make the most of one’s tour to Goa, it is quite vital to get an amazing place to stay. And yes, Goa is equipped with many resorts and lavish hotels that provide their visitors with the world-class amenities and facilities making their travel experience a memorable one. The recommended one, include: Riva Resort, Whispering Palm Beach Resort, Vivanta by Taj and many more.

Other Highlights of Goa

When you think of Goa tourism, a picture of pristine beaches, sunny landscapes, old Portuguese style forts and palaces, watersports, casinos, flea markets and charming villages comes to mind.

Churches in Goa

Apart from beautiful beaches, Goa is also crammed with many excellent churches that are known for their architectural beauty and historical significance. Get to visit the world renowned church, Bom Jesus Basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for it still has the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. While, Se Cathedral is one of the largest church in the country, and it had been established to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese, one of the rulers of the place. Known for their architecture, churches like St. Francis of Assisi, St. Cajetan, St. Francis Xavier  and more can also be visited here.

Honeymoon in Goa

Being a party capital of the country where teenagers, adults and the elderly all come to unwind and have a good time, a Goa tour also lets you experience some magical beach weddings at times and it is the perfect place to enjoy a spinster’s night or a bachelorette or a honeymoon. Crammed with pristine beaches and spectacular landscapes, a sojourn with  your beloved will add some enchanting memories to your life.

Water Sports in Goa

Goa sightseeing let you enjoy watersports windsurfing, scuba diving, dinghy sailing, angling, waterskiing, water scooter, swimming and parasailing to canyoning, camping, quad biking, trekking and zip lining along with plenty of other things to do in Goa.

Flea Markets in Goa

Another reason why you should visit Goa is for the love of funky jewellery and clothing that you can find here at the flea markets. If you visit Goa during the tourist season, you will be able to find a variety of items at the beach markets and Saturday fleas here. Make sure while scouring the flea markets, you also try the local seafood. Lobsters, prawns, pomfret fish, crabs, clams, mussels, oysters and ladyfish are some of the must try items here.

Nightlife in Goa

Engage in the cultural vibrancy of spectacular beaches, here you can party all day and night. Crammed with many bars and nightclubs, Goa offers a myriad of options to let people lose themselves for a day, and dance to the beats of their favourite music, like a pro. Some of the best places to enjoy nightlife in Goa, are: Club Tito’s at Baga Beach, Decades Bar at Calangute Beach, Down the Road at Panaji, and the list is huge.    

Major Food Places in Goa

You cannot travel to Goa and not try the exotic seafood like Goan Fish Curry, Fish Recheado, Prawn Balchao, Solachi Kudi, Sorpotel, Balichao, Sanna, Bebik, Vindaloo and more. Spend a relaxing day by the beaches, sipping on feni and trying some of these delectable dishes. Visit to some of the recommended food joints, like: the Black Sheep Bistro, La Plage, Ourem 88, and more. You may also try some other Goan specialities, including the multi-layered cake Bebinca, the thick coconut gravy dish Crab Xec Xec, the delicious spicy gravy dish Ambot Tik, the rich pork stew Sorpotel, mushroom xacuti, the spicy coriander dish Chicken Cafreal, and the white and fluffy cake Sanna.

Choose to visit Goa during the winter season, you can also partake in festivals like the mega Sunburn festival that celebrates music, dance and culture. Christmas and New Years is also celebrated here in a big way and you can view the diverse festivities all around.

Goa is a perfect destination for all kinds of holidays, whether it be a solo trip, a honeymoon or a friend’s birthday. From romantic walks on the beach to candlelight dinners, cruises along the shore, exploring hidden crescent coves, shopping at hippie flea markets and attending vibrant music festivals. There is something for everyone in Goa and this is one beach paradise you must add to your travel bucket list.