About Goa Tourism
Goa is a state located situated on India’s western coastline and is an old Portuguese colony, with an extensive past. It covers 3,700 square kilometers and has an estimated population of 1.4 million people, Goa is tiny by Indian norms. Goa is a distinct blend that combines Indian and Portuguese architectural styles and cultures which attracts around 2.5 million people every year (including around 400,000 foreign tourists).
Goa has a wealth of beauty of waterfalls (Dudhsagar, Amboli, Mangeli, Dodamarg) and ghats. From the early 1960s onwards, Goa was attracting an ever-growing number of tourists initially the hippies, then Goans returning from abroad, later visitors on charters (starting at the Germans from 1987) pilgrims who visit Catholic or Hindu shrines, people who decide to establish themselves in Goa for their homes, travelers who seek medical care as well as a growing number of people that attend conferences and seminars in Goa.
North Goa Vs South Goa
Goa, according to Indian standards, is a small state that has only two districts:
- North Goa and
- Bardez
- Bicholim
- Pernem
- Ponda
- Sattari
- Tiswadi
- Dharbandoda
- South Goa
- Canacona
- Mormugao
- Quepem
- Salcete
- Sanguem
These 12 districts are further divided into 12 different talukas.
However, these divisions don’t make sense to a traveler. Both North and South Goa have similar areas, with each having its own “coastal”, and “interior”, areas.
The colonial rule of the coastal areas lasted longer and reflected Portugal’s influence. They also had a large Catholic population. The interior is more Hindu and contains more protected forests, mining zones, and villages.
Best time to visit Goa
Goa is a popular destination to visit during the monsoon, summer, and winter months. It’s all about the type of experience you’re looking for. Here’s the complete weather of Goa in accordance with all three seasons.
Summer Season (March-May)
The summertime in Goa like other areas of the nation is humid and hot. The temperatures from March to June vary from 25degC to 40degC.
Reasons to plan Goa trip during the Summer season
- Summer is a time of the low season in Goa which means that you’re more likely to find accommodation in hotels and homestays for lower prices
- You won’t see any tourists at this time you can enjoy your time alone and peaceful
Monsoon Season (June-Oct)
Monsoon time in Goa commences in July and continues until August, with temperatures ranging from 25degC to 30degC. The state experiences are medium to high amounts of rainfall. although beaches are not open to tourists, there are many other things to enjoy during this time. The highly-popular celebrations that take place in Sao Joao & the mud games of Chikalkala take place during this period.
Winter Season (Nov-Feb)
Winter in Goa begins in mid-November and continues until mid-February with temperatures ranging from 21degC and 28degC. Most travelers prefer to travel to Goa in winter because the weather is warm and inviting, and the weather is ideal for relaxing on the beach. Christmas and New Year festivals are also celebrated with great excitement and are very popular with travelers.
How to Reach Goa
Goa has good connectivity to major cities and other regions of India via rail, air, and road. Goa also has an international airport, and railway station and is connected via National Highways to the rest of India.
By Air
Dabolim Airport, commonly known as Goa International Airport, serves all important cities in India and overseas. It is roughly 30 kilometers from Panaji, Goa’s capital. Taxis and other private cars are available for hire at the airport for tourists.
By Rail
Vasco Da Gama and Madgaon Railway Stations in Goa connect the state to all major cities in India, including New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Patna, and Agra.
By Road
Goa is connected to major Indian cities through NH 66, NH 366, NH 566, and NH 78. National Highway 4 connects Goa to Bangalore and Mumbai, while National Highway 17 connects Goa to Mangalore.
Places to Visit in Goa
The top tourist attractions in Goa provide a varied and unique travel experience. Relax and party on the beaches, see waterfalls, lakes, and spice plantations, and learn about the abundant flora and animals at wildlife reserves.
Beaches
Goa’s beaches are located across North and South Goa. The beaches in the north are known for their nightlife, watersports activities, and tasty seafood, but the beaches in the south are ideal for those wanting a tranquil and restful holiday. Calangute, Baga, Candolim, and Anjuna are some of the most well-known beaches in North Goa. South Goa’s well-known beaches include Betalbatim, Cola, Arrossim, Palolem, Agonda, and Benaulim.
Lakes & Waterfalls
In Goa, there are various lakes and waterfalls, many of which provide trekking possibilities. Arvalem Falls, Dudhsagar Falls, Netravali Falls, and Kesarval Falls are the most popular waterfalls in Goa, while Mayem Lake and Carambolim Lake are popular lakes in Goa.
Spice Plantations
Few visitors are aware that Goa is peppered with various spice farms, and taking a Spice Plantation Tour is an unforgettable experience. You learn about spice plants and how they are cultivated, enjoy great hospitality, see an eco-friendly way of life, and even take home natural spices, containers, and other goods grown on spice farms. Savoi Plantations, Pascoal Spice Village, and Sahakari Spice Farm are some of the spice plantations in Goa.
Churches
How can anyone visit Goa and not be impressed by its magnificent churches? They are an important part of Goa‘s rich tradition and culture, with some dating back to ancient times. One of these is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds St. Francis Xavier‘s remains. Other famous churches in Goa include Se Cathedral, St. Augustine’s Church, Mae de Deus Church, and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount.
Temples
Some of Goa’s temples date back to medieval times and, as such, are historically significant in addition to serving as apparent places of worship. Some temples to see on your Goa sightseeing trip are Shantadurga Devi Mandir, Brahma Mandir, Bhagvati Devi Mandir, Mahadev Mandir, and Lairai Devi Mandir.
Museums
Even though Goa’s museums are not as popular with tourists as its beaches, you should nonetheless include them on your list of must-see attractions in Goa. After all, it is home to the Naval Aviation Museum, one of only two military museums in India and the only one in Asia. Other museums worth seeing include the Archaeological Museum of Goa, the Museum of Christian Art, and the Museum of Goa.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Hidden to many, Goa is also home to diverse wildlife. However, you can see and explore its diverse flora and animals at these wildlife preserves. Bondla, Cotigao, Molem, Mhadei, Netravali, and Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuaries should be visited. Bird enthusiasts and those interested in avifauna can visit Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
Things to do in Goa
The good thing about the top things to do in Goa, though, is that each of them provides a unique experience while being entertaining and exciting. Scuba diving and hot balloon rides are both fascinating experiences.
Exploring the streets of Goa on an e-bike is enjoyable, but buying at a flea market near the beach is an entirely other experience. We’ve compiled a list of the most pleasant activities you should do during your Goa holiday.
Hop on Hop off
Hop on Hop Off is a sightseeing bus trip that takes you to all of the popular tourist spots in South Central Goa (Green Line) and North Goa (called the Blue Line). South Central Goa Tour includes 20 tour stops that include Se Cathedral Church, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Panjim Market, Miramar Beach, and Casino Point. North Goa Tour includes stops at Fort Aguada, Candolim Beach, Baga Beach, Vagator Beach, and Chapora Fort. It is a unique experience since you can ride on a Double Decker Bus or a Hydeck Bus. It’s a novel approach to seeing Goa, and it’s very convenient because you don’t have to worry about transportation or how to get anywhere.
E-Bikes Tour
On an E-Bike, explore the streets of Goa, its rich heritage, and other renowned tourist destinations. Feel the pleasure of riding a bicycle without the arduous work of pedaling as with a standard bike. See the cultural side of Panjim, cycle your way past monuments and buildings in Panjim, Goa’s capital city, visit churches and chapels to learn about the ancient history of Old Goa, or escape to Divar Island to see the rural side of Goa. (Those under the age of 11 are not permitted to participate in this tour).
Bungee Jumping
Bungee Jumping would give you a burst of excitement throughout your Goa vacation. To participate in this risky activity, go to Mayem Lake in the Bicholim area. With all of the necessary safety procedures and standards, you can leap from a height of 55 meters. Except during the monsoon season, you may enjoy this sport all year (mid-June to mid-August).
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is a great way to discover Goa’s diverse aquatic life. Grande Island‘s beautiful and shallow seas make it the ideal location in Goa for this delightful water sport. Grande Island has a number of excellent diving locations, including Coral Garden, Suzy’s Wreck, Lobsters Avenue, Bounty Bay, and Shelter Cove. You get to take pleasure in a 20–40 minute open water dive while delving approximately 40 feet. The greatest time to enjoy scuba diving is from mid-October to early April.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
You may be aware that Goa offers hot air balloon rides. Yes, taking a hot balloon ride while viewing Goa’s beautiful scenery from an incredible 2,000 meters in the air is the height of adventure. Travel to Chandor in South Goa, which is 8.2 kilometers from Margao, to take a hot air balloon trip. Get a 360-degree panorama of the area as you glide over rice fields, beaches, and hills for about an hour. Goa offers hot air balloon tours from October to May.
Motorized Paragliding
In motorized paragliding, the pilot wears a motor on his back, enabling him to take off on his own without the need for further help. At Ashwem Beach, Calangute Beach, Little Vagator Hill Top, and Rajbagh Beach in Goa, you may go motorized paragliding. Enjoy the aerial views of Goa from approximately 1,000 feet in the air as you soar over the region’s beaches, farmland, forts, and breathtaking scenery. A joyride lasts for 5 to 10 minutes on average. At the aforementioned site, motorized paragliding is offered from 8:00 AM till dusk.
Ayurveda Therapy
By having a Panchkarna treatment, you may purify your mind and body and get rid of all toxins and impurities. It consists of five fundamental advanced therapy modalities for removing Dosha (impurities) from the body. You can choose between various herbal massages, thermal treatments, external applications, and oil treatments. Several hotels and resorts in Goa provide ayurvedic treatments.
Shopping
With its flea markets offering souvenirs, antiques, and other stuff that tourists ardently desire, shopping in Goa can be a really fascinating experience. Additionally, there are fish markets where you may purchase fresh fish and other seafood. The Flea Market at Anjuna Beach, the Night Market at Arpora, the Tibetan Market on Baga Road, the Mapusa Fish Market, the Panjim Market, and Mackie’s Night Bazaar are just a few of the well-known marketplaces in Goa.
Conclusion
How did you like this guide on Goa Tourism, please tell us in the comment and give suggestions in our comment to correct any type of error.
Facebook Comments