One of the smallest states in West India lying along the Arabian Sea, Goa is a famous tourist spot in India because of its alluring blend of European and Indian culture & charm. Goa is famous for sand, sea, and shacks that altogether take the explorers in the exquisite dimension of amusement, adventures, crazy nights, and trance.

 

History

 

Gomanta, Mahassapatam, Gomanchala, and Sandabur are some of the historical titles of Goa. Portuguese were the first to explore the state of Goa in the year 1498 and thereafter this place remained under their dominance for about 450 years. The current status of Goa has been continuing since the year 1987.

 

Places to visit

Panaji/ Panjim

Established on the banks of the Mandovi River, Panaji is the capital of Goa and worth an eye-popping destination for nightlife lovers. In its architecture, the place flaunts the combo of old Portuguese building and the modern styled clubs, twilight cruises & floating casinos that are open 24X7. 

Top attractions: The Casino Pride, Deltin Casinos, Fontainhas, Reis Magos Fort, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Shantadurga Temple, Divar Island, The Butter Lounge, LPK-Waterfront Club, Heritage Jazz, and SinQ. 

Best time to visit: Oct-March

 

Mapusa

The largest town & trade center in north Goa, Mapusa is a must-stop-over place for shopping and sea-food lovers. The hue-filled Friday market and the flavorsome aromatic cuisines like dried fish, local toddy, chorizo. etc are not-to-miss options here.

Top attractions: Vagator Beach, Bodgeshwar Temple, Mapusa Friday Bazaar, St Jerome Church, Shri Dev Bodgeshwar Sansthan.

Best time to visit: Oct-March

 

Margao

Cursory representation of the fusion of Goa’s ancient beauty with contemporary cosmopolitanism, Margao is undoubtedly a place worth consort with to luxuriate in the panoramic views and pleasant weather it offers. Margao is Goa’s second-largest town and its major sacred center.

Top attractions: Church of Holy Spirit, Margao Market, San Thome Museum: Back in Time, Zalor Beach, Sri Chandranath Temple

Best time to visit: Oct-March

 

Baga Beach

At a distance of 10 km from Mapusa, Baga Beach is fun-infused heaven for nature and frolic admirers. It’s a vast sandy beach among the mountains & blue Arabian Sea and tucked with peppy shacks, go-go resorts, and fishing boats. From endless parties, drinks & eateries to water adventures & spas, this wonderful beach imbues thrill in every activity.

Top attractions: Cafe Mambo, Tito’s Bar, Kesarval Springs, Monsoon Fun Park, the Sea Cure, Medicinal Spring, Baga Retreat House. 

Best time to visit: Nov-Feb

 

Calangute Beach

Neighbor to Baga Beach which is a bit more scenic, Calangute beach is famous for adventures like water surfing, parasailing, banana ride & jet-skiing, and cafeterias that serve yummy & aromatic seafood.

It is the busiest and the longest beach in North Goa that extends from Candolim to Anjuna and easily links to other beaches of Goa.

Top attractions: Flying Fish, Snow Park, Tibetian Market, Casino Palms, St. Alex Church, Benz Celebrity Wax Museum.

Best time to visit: Nov-Feb

 

Agonda Fort & Beach

The Portuguese Fort where some shots of the Bollywood movie “Qayamat ” were captured is emerging as one of the most enticing places for beach and sunset admirers.

The cliff of Agonda fort that faces the primeval Agonda Beach showcases beautiful scenes of sunsets & the Arabian sea. Agonda beach is a cool place to enjoy evening strolls, water adventures, tranquilizing massages, and shopping. 

Top attractions: Rock Formations, Chapoli Dam, Tortoise Rock, Animal Shelter Agonda, Augustin Studio & Gallery, Partagal Matha Temple, Cabo de Rama Fort

Best time to visit: Nov-Feb

 

Vasco Da Gama

Situated on the Mormugao peninsula and stippled with beaches, Vasco da Gama is a city in Goa with a rich natural ambiance for serenity and seclusion. The place is more of commerce than tourism, however, for water sports & scuba diving, Bogmallo Beach in the city is a sure-to-go option. The place also has Golden beaches and the best options for a sovereign in South Goa. 

 

Top attractions: Baina Beach, Japanese Garden, Mormugao Fort, St. Andrew’s Church, Indian Naval Aviation Museum.

Best time to visit: Sept.-Dec

 

Delectable dishes of Goa

• Goan Fish Curry
• Chicken Xacuti
• Sorpotel
• Cafreal chicken
• Sorak
• Samarachi Kodi
• Patolea
• Fish Recheado
• Bebinca Dessert

 

Must-Visit Restaurants

• Master Chef
• The Blacksheep Bistro
• Mosaic
• Britto’s 
• Barbeque Bay
• Chef Cantando
• Ourem 88
• The Lazy Goose

 

Hotels

Average

• Hotel Campal
• Palacio De Goa
• Nazri Resort
• Aromiaa Villas
• Hotel Travellers Inn

 

Budget

• Golden Tulip
• Resort Rio
• Hotel Santana Beach Resort
• Silver Sands Serenity 
• The Flora Grand

 

Luxury

• Doubletree by Hilton
• Anahata Retreat
• Hyatt Centric
• Goa Marriott Resort & Spa
• Vivanta Goa