The smallest state in India, Goa is located on the West coast between the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. To the west of Goa is the Arabian Sea. The state’s capital is Panaji and Vasco is its largest town. The Portuguese ruled over Goa for about 450 years. It became a part of India in 1961. Goa is very different from the rest of India because of its Portuguese rule. It is renowned for its pristine beaches and is visited every year by a large number of foreign and domestic tourists. You will find a mixture of Hindus and Roman Catholics over here. Goa is spread over 3,700 sq. km. Apart from its beaches Goa is also famous for its architecture, carnivals, the vibrant nightlife and cruises. You can also go for dolphin and crocodile spotting to island trips. For an adrenaline rush go for adventure sports in Goa. The best time to visit is mid-November to mid-February. The climate at this time is dry, pleasant and comfortable.
Beaches of Goa
Goa’s coastline is about 125 km long and dotted with sandy beaches and green palms. You will adore Goa whether on a family vacation or your honeymoon. Besides, beaches of Goa offer many different adventure activities. One of the popular water sports is parasailing. Another exiting adventure activity is water skiing.
Aguada Beach
It is situated in North Goa. Do go up the famous Fort Aguada to view the sea and the serene beach. The fort was constructed by the Portuguese. The fort was once home to the Central Jail.
Calangute Beach
Calangute beach is the queen of beaches, kissed by the sun and pampered by the palm trees. It was the first beach to introduce hippie culture in the 60s and 70s. Calangute beach is famous for its rave parties which can sometimes go on for days.
Colva Beach
Colva beach is ornamented by coconut and palm trees. It is golden in colour and the sea looks marvelous. The sunrise and sunset are a unique site. You will find a number of local fruit stalls and snack bars here. Fresh Goan cuisine can be relished while enjoying the calm and quite sea. At the Colva beach you can spot children building sand castles or playing beach ball or paddling in the shallow waves.
Miramar Beach
Miramar beach is one of the favourite beaches of Goa. It is on the way to Dona Paula. The soft silvery sand of this beach glitters in the moonlight. From here you can get to view the Aguada Fort just across the Madovi River. Miramar beach is known to attract a number of migratory birds like Plovers and Gulls. The view of the setting sun from this beach is stunning and not to be missed.
Anjuna Beach
Anjuna beach is situated in a small village about 18 km from Panaji. There is a big flee market that attracts a lot of tourists. You will also find the glorious Albuquerque Mansion, the Mascarenhas Mansion and the Chapora Fort here. From the Chapora Fort you can view the Vagator beach. Laterite boulders welcome you and enchanting red cliffs kiss the golden sandy shoreline with waves hitting relentlessly.
Dona Paula Beach
Dona Paula beach is to the south of Miramar beach. It has long stretches of silver white sand. A number of legends are attached to this beach and one such legend is that Dona Paula, the daughter of a Portuguese Governor of Goa, still emerges out on full moon nights wearing a pearl necklace.
Agonda Beach
Agonda beach is amongst the best beaches in the continent. It is a tranquil and clean beach which is an ideal spot for sunbathing as well as swimming. A three-kilometre long stretch of white sand, Agonda beach is covered by palms. It is 10 minutes from South Goa’s most popular Palolem beach.
Palolem Beach
Located 40 minutes from Margoa, Palolem beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa. This beach with its clean white sands has relatively fewer tourists visiting it. Both local fishermen and foreign tourists live in shacks along the shore that is about 1.61 km long and is crescent-shaped.
Tourists can also visit Baga Beach, Vagator Beach, clarion Beach, etc.
Churches in Goa
Basilica of Bom Jesus
The mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier are kept in a silver casket here. This church is now a UNESCO World Heritage Monument. This wonderful construction is a classic example of Baroque architecture in Goa.
Se Cathedral
Visitors to this church will be overwhelmed by its sheer grandeur. Se Cathedral has five bells and the golden bell, located in the south tower, is the biggest in Goa and one of the best in the world. The cathedral took more than 62 years to complete. The half-Doric and half-Tuscan style exteriors are simply mesmerizing.
Church of Saint Francis of Assisi
The interiors of the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi are illustrated with exquisite paintings. In the convent there is now the Archaeological Museum.
Other Places worth Seeing in Goa
Shri Mangeshi Temple
The external architecture of Shri Mangeshi Temple reflects the influence of Mughal, Portuguese and Hindu architecture. Lord Mangeshi is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva and the sanctum holds an idol of the Lord.
Dudhsagar Falls
Situated on the Mandovi River, Dudhsagar Falls is a four-tiered waterfall. At 310 m it is the fifth tallest waterfall in India. As the water plummets hundreds of metres, it forms a spectacular natural sight not to be missed.
The tourist could wrap up their day of sightseeing with a rejuvenating river cruise on the Mandovi River. The river looks serene and has a hypnotizing effect on you. The cultural performances on the sunset cruise are enthralling.
There are world class nightclubs strewn across Goa.
The Goa Carnival goes on for three to four days. It occurs from 9 to 12 February. The streets come alive with floats, processions, dances and non-stop music during this period. The carnival was started by the Portuguese and continues till today. Tourists from all over the world come to witness the carnival.
Goa entices people from near and far. You can find from the most lavish to budget hotels to stay in Goa. You cannot go hungry in Goa as the Goans are very hospitable and ready to serve delicious food even at short notice. Goa is well connected by air, rail and road. Do enjoy your holiday in Goa.
