Like a child joyfully rotating a kaleidoscope and chuckling at the changing patterns, one just gets hooked on to Goa, the evergreen destination of India. Beauty can be quite inebriating especially when you are in India and when in Goa, you have so much of it - in the golden sands, the blue waters, the sylvan forests and the lakes. Almost everyone who visits Goa, India usually does the normal tourist circuits including one or two beaches, bazaars of Mapusa, and Madgoan or Panajim. But that is not enough. Beauty, they say, is not skin deep. So, when in Goa India, you have to put in more days to fully savor the place, the pleasure of discovering a crab under a stone, churches of Old Goa, temples of small villages, and the thrill of walking on some of the best beaches in India full of crisp sea-shells. The mind stops thinking and the heart begin speaking. Such is the Goa that you may not have seen. Goa has more than 100 km of coastline and the sea has different shades to offer at various places.
Air : Goa does not have any international airport. However, the domestic airport at Dabolim serves flights to/from Goa. Charter international flights and international flights from Kuwait and Sharjah do land at Goa. Dabolim airport is located near the city of Vasco da Gama and is about 30kms from Panaji.
Rail : The 760 kms long Konkan Railway line connects Mumbai with Mangalore and other coastal areas along the west coast.
Bus : There are two national highways passing through Goa. NH-17 and NH-4 connects Goa with rest of the country. Locals depend on their own transport, mostly two wheelers. One can travel by bus, van or taxi. The whole state is well connected by privately owned and government buses. Buses are available to various places within the state and also to the neighboring states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat. Another popularity of Goa is the “motorcycle taxis” driven by "pilots" who are reliable but charges more than the other modes of transport.
Alorna Fort : The Alorna fort is situated in the village of Alorna which is about 30 km from Mapusa and 10 km east off NH 17 from Malpem in Pernem. It was built by the Bhonsles of Sawantwadi in the 17th century. The fort had four guns and in the year 1746, the fort was captured by Marquis of Castello Novo (later known as Marquis of Alorna) from the Bhonsles. The possession however was short lived. In 1781, the fort was again captured by Dom Frederico Guilherme de Souza. It was used to defend against the Maratha attacks from the north. The fort is presently in a dilapidated condition. It is however a beautiful site to explore as it is perched on the banks of the river Chapora as it flows peacefully towards Colvale.
Anjunem Dam : The Anjunem Dam is located on the Sanquelim-Belgaum highway in Chorla ghat at about 10 km from the Sanquelim town. It is one of the most idyllic places to enjoy the mystic charm and greenery around. The dam lies in a sylvan valley formed by the proximity of another peak, Morlemgad to its south-east and below one of Goa's highest peaks, Vagheri hill. For accommodation, there is a foret department rest house at Keri and an irrigation department rest house above the dam. There is also a private eco resort in Chorla ghat. The ambience at the Anjunem dam is so enchanting that visitors return to the spot every monsoon or even during other seasons.
Amthane Dam : The Amthane dam lies in a splendid location approximately 20 km from Mapusa. It is not yet developed for tourists and picnickers but is a nice place to unwind. The dam supplies raw water to the nearby Sanquelim water treatment plant. It is not a big one but has a scenic view of the catchment and Sahyadri range beyond from the mouth of the dam. The Amthane dam can be visited by taking the left side of the fork from the Assonora bridge, instead of driving to Bicholim. For accommodation here one can get an eco resort in Sal that offers food and stay. Other places to visit include the Tilari dam which is about 20 km from Dodamarg in Maharashtra. The river Chapora also flows nearby.
Madei Wildlife Sanctuary : The Madei Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Sattari takula in North Goa. It is spread over an area of 208 sq km and is a link between the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and the Sawantwadi forests in Maharashtra and the Netravali wildlife sanctuary in Eastern Goa. The Madei Wildlife Sanctuary together with the Netravali wildlife sanctuary cover an area of 420 sq. km. The sanctuary supports a rich variety of wildlife and covers much of the north-eastern portions of Goa. It is also known to be a bird watcher's paradise where one can see a lot of species of birds. The Mhadei wildlife sanctuary is also famous for its semi green and evergreen forests. The area has been notified as protected for wildlife. The sanctuary is also well known in Goa as a tigress and a cub were spotted here. A lot of other wildlife can also be seen here.
Arvalam Waterfalls : The Arvalem or Harvalem waterfalls, which cascades down from the mountains, from a height of 50 metres, is one of the most awe-amazing spots. It is situated at about 2 km from the small town of Sanquelim and 8 km from Bicholim, in North Goa. The Arvalem Waterfall is a very scenic and beautiful picnic spot. This charming waterfall is a mind-blowing experience, with Rudreshwar Temple in its vicinity. The temple holds importance for the Hindus who believe in releasing the soul on the 12th day after death. While leaving the temple of Rudreshwar, one can descend the staircase to look at a majestic waterfall shedding its exuberant silvery showers. The beautiful Arvalem fall, with a head of about 24 feet high, forms a sizeable lake at the bottom, which offers a sizeable temptation to seasoned swimmers.
Arvalem Caves : Just passing the town of Sanquelim, there is a detour road leading towards Arvalem Caves. These caves from the 6th century, are quite small, with no articulate sculptures or paintings. The origin of these caves is uncertain, some believing them to be of Buddhist origin, although the presence of lingas does not justify this statement claiming them to be of Brahmin origin. They are also claimed to be known as the Pandava caves, signifying the reign of Pandavas here during their 12 year exile as described in the Mahabharata. The shafts of the four carved lingas inside the cave resemble to those found at the famous Elephanta and Ellora caves. The Arvalem caves are very much patterned in the Buddhist cave style, rock cut into laterite stone, with the sanctuary at the northern end and the vihara at the southern end.
Dudhsagar Waterfall : The Dudh Sagar waterfall is situated in the Indian state of Goa in Sanguem taluka. It is located 60 kms from the capital city of Panaji and is well connected with Panjim and Margao through a rail and road network. Dudhsagar is even accessible through buses and taxis which can be taken from Panaji city. Perched on the lofty peaks of the Western Ghats, the Dudh Sagar waterfalls offer unrivalled beauty, and amazing scenery full of exquisite charms when in full flux after the monsoon showers. Like an idyllic Eden cradled luxuriously in the mountains, the Dudh Sagar waterfalls, which from a distance appear like milky streams, gradually climax into a gushing cascade as they come into full view of the onlookers.
Agonda Beach : Agonda beach is a long and lonely, fringed with palms and casuarinas and dominated by a large hill to the south. If a person is looking for some quiet moments, Goa Agonda beach is the place to be. This beach is special because you will find absolutely no tourists, no souvenir stalls no restaurants, nothing just the trees, the beach and the beautiful ocean and you. It also makes for a great trip from Colva and Cavelossim. For real adventure, hire a tent and camp for the night, listening to the crashing of the sea waves.
Aguada Beach : Goa Aguada beach is made special by the Fort Aguada. The Fort Aguada was built by the Portuguese to control the entry of the enemy into River Mandovi and to protect Goa from attacks. The Fort Aguada is worth a visit to savor the nostalgia of the Portuguese regime, especially in the Lighthouse Jail. While Fort Aguada is known to soothe your eyes with delightful views of Aguada beach. It is a quite frequented beach in the Indian State of Goa. Tourist flock to catch the magnificent view that it offers of the sea and the beach. Apart from the fort once you are at the Aguada beach, there are several interesting churches that are worth a visit.
Anjuna Beach : The Anjuna beach in Goa is known for its full-moon (acid house) parties. Held for and by young tourists, these parties have attracted thousands of tourists. The trance party with dance, frolic, and merriment goes all night besides the fire. It is just the right place for lazing holidaymakers. Besides the calm waters of the Arabian Sea lapping softly on the Indian shore, Anjuna comes live with its ever-famous full-moon parties and the Wednesday flea market to take one onto a trance trip. Anjuna Beach has been the haunt of the flower generation in the sixties and is now popular with the younger generations. It became popular because of its Trance Parties and the Hippies who tried to fuse the Eastern spiritual traditions with Western Music, ideas and art.
Arambol Beach : Arambol beach, situated 50 kms from Panaji is a unique beach in North Goa which is much sought after. It is both a rocky and a sandy beach and has a sweet water pond right on the shore. It is also known to be the northernmost beach of Goa and is good for swimming. Arambol is along the Goa border with its fresh water lagoon. Due to its isolation, some tourists have been unable to reach this 16-km-long sea beach. The main beach has adequate body surfing and there are several attractive bays a short walk to the north.
Baga Beach : Goa Baga beach is an option for those who want to be away from the hustle and bustle found on the other beaches. Baga Beach in Goa looks as if it has come straight out of a painting… Majestic white waves rushing to wipe out the feet imprints left by you on the white sand while the wind continues to flirt with the palm trees. Goa's Baga beach is a small but perfect beach located between its two more famous cousins, Anjuna on one side and Calangute on the other. It is a good place to enjoy some quite moments and dwell in peaceful contemplation with oneself. The Baga beach is more of a Fishing beach with the tourists from across the world trying to get that big catch.
Benaulim Beach : Goa Benaulim beach is a very quiet beach. Benaulim beach in Goa starts where Colva beach ends. The best thing about Goa Benaulim beach is that it is still rather undiscovered by domestic tourists even though it is a famous beach for Fishing. At Goa Benaulim beach, one can just laze the day off soaking in the sun. Benaulim beach at Goa gives you the pleasure and satisfaction of being in Goa. This is the beach when you just want to relax relax and relax. Apart from the lovely beach, there is the Church of St. John the Baptist which is situated on a hill beyond the village and is worth a visit.
Calangute Beach : Calangute Beach in Goa is also known as the Queen of Beaches. The period from November to February is the most pleasant to visit here. It's 15km from the capital city Panjim. The beach itself isn't anything special, with steeply shelving sand, however it's capacity is large enough to accommodate the huge number of high-season visitors. The Calangute beach is usually crowded and the small resorts thrive in business during the holiday season.
Dona Paula Beach : Dona Paula beach is located just about 7-km from Panaji. This place is called the Lovers Paradise in Goa, named after Dona Paula de Menezes. A myth has been attached to this place and according one legend the Viceroy's daughter after facing objections from her family about her love affair with a poor fisherman jumped of the cliff. The enticing story is about a girl named Dona Paula de Menzes, after whom the Goa beach has been named.
Majorda Beach : Majorda beach situated in the Salcete taluka is among the southern beaches of Goa. It is a beautiful beach that has a lot of palm groves. Some of the most famous hotels and resorts of Goa are found here and thus it is quite a popular place for a holiday. This south Goa beach also has a number of restaurants and beach shacks that serve up tasty dishes from the cuisine of Goa, Europe and India. Majorda is also the place where the Jesuits discovered the best toddy of Goa who used it to leaven the bread.
Sinquerim Beach : Sinquerim located 13 km from Panaji is one of the best Beaches in Goa where one can enjoy water-skiing, para-sailing, Fishing, scuba diving and windsurfing. The beach is known as the first tourist beach of North Goa and is a very famous Goan destination. The Sinquerim beach is a beautiful beach that has a spectacular stretch of sand. It is located at the south of the famous beaches like Baga, Calangute and Candolim. It is an ideal place for swimming and one should not miss visiting this beach when on their travel to Goa for beach holidays.
Goa is the land of tropical paradise. Every year almost thousands of foreign and domestic tourists pack their bags and head straight to Goa for unlimited fun. For every travelers visiting Goa the journey remains incomplete without spending quite an amount in shopping. Tourists pick up souvenir items to make their trip memorable and special. Shopping is a priority for every traveler visiting this magnificent paradise.
The excellent and unique local handicrafts of Goa are the most popular souvenir items and include brassware, terracotta, shell work, crochet, carved furniture, bamboo work, etc. These are readily available in the Government Emporia and also at shops and stalls near the popular tourist spots. Another item which every traveler would love to take home is a packet of salted, plain or masala cashew nuts, available at every market shops.
Many old Goan houses have been renovated and transformed into lifestyle fashion shops where variety types of dresses are available at reasonable prices. The dresses are colorful vibrant and boast latest cuts and designs.
The travelers also love to shop for traditional Goan items. Two of the most famous such market areas are Mapusa and Anjuna. The Friday Market at Mapusa, where stalls sell everything from curios and old coins to dried fish and spices. The Wednesday Market at Anjuna Beach started is an extremely lively spot where souvenirs, beachwear, trinkets and handicrafts are sold at bargain prices.
If money is not a problem for you then you can shop till you drop from the in-house Shops of deluxe hotels. The prices of clothes are quite high but they do not compromise with quality. A wide collection of clothes and interior decoration stuff is displayed in front of you to pick your choice.
Goa is a shopper's paradise. Wooden carvings, straw bamboo hats and coir mattresses are popular item which you can shop for staying at Goa.
Goa lends an ethnic Goan touch to every goods which makes it a stand out item. Goa shopping also means shopping for grand and rich glassware, bronze ware and furniture.
Be it any time of shopping Goa offers Bargaining at its best. One has to be an expert in haggling prices to make your buy profitable and economical. Goa tourism generates a huge amount of revenue from this shopping spree. Thousands of foreign tourists buy the stuffs readily.
Goa is well known for its wine called 'Fenny'. Other popular shopping items include colorful sarongs and cotton beachwear, colorful floral printed shirts, skirts and frocks. Embroidered bags, handicrafts made of beads, cheap and beautiful artifacts of paper mache, silver and junk jewelry, various types of cuisines, spices and woodwork are also picked up by the travelers.
Goa markets reflect a true picture of Goa's cosmopolitan and contemporary lifestyle.
Enjoy your shopping and be alert about the prices. Bargain your heart out and shop for every popular item.
Goa offers a variety of foods from all over the world to try along with its local cuisine. Goa is well known for its lip smacking variety of seafood, which is savored by one and all. It can be spicy so inform the chef before if you want it a bit sobered down. Along with the traditional Goan food, you can find numerous fast food joints, serving western and Chinese food, at most of the tourist destinations, cities and towns in Goa. Bedsides the fast food joints, most of the restaurants offer fast food and Chinese dishes.
Goan food is a mixture of Portugal, continental and Indian flavors. This unique blend of cooking styles is what makes the Goan foods stand out. There is an endless variety of seafood to choose from which includes prawns, lobsters, shrimps, exotic fish species, crabs, clams and oysters. For vegetarians, there are a large variety of vegetarian foods to choose from. Rice and curry is a popular vegetarian dish among the locals and is known for its hot and spicy taste.
Goa also has a number of fast food corners to choose from. These fast food corners cater to sudden hunger pangs that crop up while roaming from one place to another and offer a variety of foods to choose from. You can easily spot fast food joints like Domino's, Barista, Caffe Coffe Day etc in major cities and towns of Goa. Food is incomplete without drinks and Goa offers a variety of drinks to choose from. The most popular and readily available drink is the "Feni" which is an alcoholic drink, like beer. One should take it in moderation as it tends to react very fast and can get you drunk in no time. Apart from that, one can get the best beer and the finest wines in Goa.
An unlimited amount of fun and excitement awaits you in Goa. Known for their fun-loving attitude, Goans greet their guests with open arms. As it has been in touch with varied outsiders, a cosmopolitan form of culture flourishes here, making this place somehow special in the country. A long list of recreational activities are available for the tourists. There are six listed land-based gambling casinos in Goa offering some of the most popular games like blackjack, roulette, craps and baccarat. You can spice up your night life by visiting any of the pubs or discotheques scattered in almost every nook and corner of the state. A combination of salubrious weather, relaxed lifestyle and festive mood prevalent everywhere makes it a perfect destination for partying.
Thanks to its enchanting rivers and lakes, Goa is also an ideal location for long and languid river cruises. You can choose daytime, sunset or moonlit river cruises as per your choice. Even you can leave for long walks amidst pristine locales. Tourists can see latest Hindi or Hollywood movies in cinema theatres or hang out in any of the nightclubs. Bird watching is also a favourite pastime in Goa as its equitable climate and rich vegetation supports abundance of birds. Many of the fun loving tourists also go on party cruises. All of these and other entertainment options make Goa a complete tourist hub offering at least something for everybody's taste.