Things to do in Goa

 Goa is located on the western coast of India. It has beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, nightlife, and Portuguese colonial architecture. One should buy Goa Tour packages before making a visit. It has a unique blend of natural beauty and lively culture. Known for its pristine sandy beaches that stretch along the Arabian Sea, Goa offers a haven for relaxation, water sports, and breathtaking sunsets.

The state's colonial past is evident in its exquisite architecture, with magnificent churches and cathedrals dotting the landscape. Goa's cuisine tantalizes the taste buds with a fusion of Indian and Portuguese flavours, especially its delectable seafood dishes. The state's vibrant nightlife, bustling markets, and lively festivals add to its charm. Goa's lush forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and cascading waterfalls provide opportunities for exploration and encounters with nature's splendour. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Goa invites travellers to immerse themselves in its diverse offerings, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Here are some things to do in Goa:

 

Visit Beaches:

Goa is famous for its pristine beaches. Some popular ones include Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Anjuna Beach, and Palolem Beach. You can relax on the sandy shores, swim in the sea, or engage in water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. Here are some things you can do on Goa beaches:

 

Sunbathe and Relax: Goa's beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm weather. Set up your beach towel, apply some sunscreen, and simply unwind.

 

Swim and Splash: Take a dip in the Arabian Sea and enjoy the refreshing waters. Many of Goa's beaches have relatively calm and safe swimming areas. But it's always a good idea to check for any warning signs or ask the locals for advice.

 

Water Sports: Try your hand at various water sports activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, wakeboarding, or kayaking. Several beach shacks and operators offer these thrilling experiences along the coastline.

 

Beach Yoga: Join a yoga session or practice on your own while enjoying the serene beach surroundings. Many yoga instructors and schools offer classes on the Goan beaches. This provides an ideal opportunity to rejuvenate your mind and body.

 

Beach Volleyball: Gather a group of friends or join a game of beach volleyball. It's a fun and active way to enjoy the sandy shores and socialize with fellow beachgoers.

 

Beach Shacks and Restaurants: Goa's beaches are dotted with charming beach shacks and restaurants that offer a range of delicious seafood, local cuisine, and refreshing drinks. Enjoy a meal while taking in the scenic views and the soothing sound of the waves.

 

Beach Parties:

Goa is famous for its vibrant nightlife and beach parties. Many beaches, such as Baga, Anjuna, and Calangute, host lively parties where you can dance to the beats of popular DJs and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

 

Explore Beachside Markets: Visit the beachside flea markets, such as the Wednesday Flea Market in Anjuna or the Saturday Night Market in Arpora, where you can find a variety of local handicrafts, clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.

 

Dolphin Spotting: Take a boat trip to spot dolphins in the Arabian Sea. These excursions offer a chance to witness these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, often accompanied by scenic views of the coastline.

 

Sunset Watching:

Goa's beaches offer spectacular sunsets, and watching the sun go down over the horizon is a breathtaking experience. Find a comfortable spot on the beach, relax, and enjoy the stunning colours painted across the sky.

 

Explore Old Goa:

Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to several magnificent churches and cathedrals. Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and Church of St. Francis of Assisi to admire their stunning architecture and historical significance. Some of the prominent landmarks in Old Goa include the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, a revered Catholic saint. The Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia, is another notable attraction. It is dedicated to St. Catherine and is renowned for its impressive architecture and the Golden Bell, which is one of the largest bells in the world.

 

Another significant site is the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, known for its intricate carvings and beautiful frescoes. The Archaeological Museum of Goa, located in Old Goa, provides insights into the region's history and displays various artefacts from the Portuguese era.

 

Apart from its religious and architectural heritage, Old Goa also offers a glimpse into the colonial past through its narrow streets, old houses, and Portuguese-style buildings. Walking through the city allows visitors to immerse themselves in its vibrant history and experience the fusion of Indian and European influences.

 

Spice Plantation Tour:

A Spice Plantation Tour in Goa is a fascinating experience that allows visitors to explore the lush green plantations and learn about the spices that have made the region famous. Goa has a long history of spice cultivation, and the tour provides an opportunity to see, smell, and taste a variety of aromatic spices.

 

Several spice plantations in Goa offer guided tours where visitors can witness the cultivation, processing, and harvesting of various spices. Some popular spice plantations include the Sahakari Spice Farm, Savoi Plantation, Tropical Spice Plantation, and Pascoal Spice Village.

 

During the tour, knowledgeable guides take visitors through the plantations, explaining the different spices and their medicinal properties. You can expect to see and learn about spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pepper, vanilla, turmeric, and many more. The guides provide insights into the cultivation techniques, traditional methods of processing, and the history of spice trade in the region.

 

Visit Fort Aguada:

Fort Aguada is a well-known historical fort located in Goa, India. It is situated on Sinquerim Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea. The fort was constructed in the 17th century by the Portuguese colonial rulers to defend against enemy attacks and provide fresh water supply to their ships.

 

The name "Aguada" comes from the Portuguese word for "watering place." The fort was strategically positioned to control the entry into the Mandovi River and protect the Portuguese territories from Dutch, Maratha, and British forces.

 

Fort Aguada is a massive structure built of laterite stone and is has robust architecture. The fort encompasses an area of about 19,000 square meters and consists of two main sections: the upper fort and the lower fort. The upper fort served as a watering station, while the lower fort housed a storage area and quarters for the garrison.

 

Dudhsagar Falls:

Dudhsagar Falls is situated in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, on the border of Goa and Karnataka. It is approximately 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Panaji, the capital city of Goa.

The waterfall has a total height of around 310 meters (1,017 feet) and is considered one of India's tallest waterfalls. It is a four-tiered waterfall that cascades down from the Mandovi River. During the monsoon season, the waterfall is a majestic sight with milky white water gushing down the rocky cliffs.

To reach Dudhsagar Falls, you can opt for various modes of transportation. The most common way is to take a train from Goa's capital, Panaji, to Kulem Railway Station. From Kulem, you can either hike or take a jeep ride to the falls. Another option is to book a guided tour or hire a private vehicle to reach the falls directly.

 

Try Goan Cuisine:

Indulge in the flavours of Goan cuisine, which is a blend of Indian and Portuguese influences. Don't miss out on dishes like Goan fish curry, prawn balchão, vindaloo, and bebinca (a traditional Goan dessert). Seafood plays a prominent role in Goan dishes, but there is also a variety of vegetarian and meat-based options available

 

Water Sports:

If you're an adventure enthusiast, Goa offers a range of water sports activities. Try scuba diving, Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), Windsurfing, Wakeboarding, Banana Boat Ride, snorkelling, kayaking, or even flyboarding to get an adrenaline rush and explore the underwater world.

 

Anjuna Flea Market:

Visit the famous Anjuna Flea Market, held every Wednesday, to shop for souvenirs, clothes, jewellery, handicrafts, and more. It's a vibrant market where you can enjoy live music and taste delicious street food. The Anjuna Flea Market is a popular tourist attraction located in Anjuna, a coastal village in Goa, India. It has a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse range of goods available for sale. The market takes place every Wednesday during the tourist season, which generally runs from November to April.

 

Wildlife Sanctuaries:

Goa has several wildlife sanctuaries where you can experience the region's rich biodiversity. While it may not be primarily known for its wildlife sanctuaries. There are a few notable ones that offer an opportunity to explore the region's biodiversity. Visit the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary or the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary to spot wildlife, go on nature trails, and enjoy bird-watching.

 

Yoga and Meditation Retreats:

Goa is a popular destination for wellness seekers. Yoga retreats offer a chance to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul while surrounded by the natural beauty of the coastal state. You can join yoga and meditation retreats that offer relaxation, spiritual growth, and rejuvenation amidst serene surroundings.