Goa Tourism: 10 Things to do

Following are Top 10 things to do in GOA

1. Water sports

It’s not just Goa’s beaches that are dotted with people. You can find them up in the sky as well, screaming their lungs out! Goa’s popular beaches are filled with various beach activities like para sailing, banana boat riding, jet-skiing, etc. Along with a brief list, I’ve also included some indicative prices. The activities you’ll find on most beaches include:

Parasailing-in-Goa

• Water Skiing/Knee & Wake boarding Rs. 400-1200 for 15 minutes
• Jet skiing (locally referred to as water scooter) Rs. 400, 1000, 1500 for 2, 10, 15 minute trips respectively
• Wind Surfing Rs. 300-600 for an hour
• Para sailing Rs. 500-1250 for 5 minutes
• Banana Boat/Bump & Ringo Rides Rs 200 for 15 minutes
• Catamaran Sailing Rs. 600-1500 for an hour
• Speedboat rides Rs. 800- 1200 for 3-6 people for 10 minutes
• Grand Island Day Trip
• Dolphin cruises
• Scuba diving/ Snorkeling Rs. 2500 per dive
• Sunset/Moonlight cruise on the Mandovi River

1. Most are run by private operators and some may not have the requisite licenses/safety features.
2. All water sports are shut in the monsoon when the sea’s rough.
3. It’s always best to bargain down to an agreeable price before your ride.

2. Nature Trails

• The Sahakari Spice Farm in Ponda is a hidden gem. They offer a tour of the plantation, where you can learn about and taste the different spices and produce, take a cold shower, enjoy a traditional Goan lunch, and additionally get a chance to watch folk dances, swing between trees a la Tarzan, and bathe and ride elephants.
• The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary near Molem offers as much as you want to pack in. Overnight stays in a tent/dorm, a chance to spot panthers, sloth bears, mouse deer, barking deer and over 200 species of birds. Also on offer are camping trips, elephant activities (shows, bathing, riding, painting), yoga and more.
• Crocodile Watching in Cumbarjua Canal, Quepem, Chorao or Thivim. With an expert to guide you, you can watch them in their natural habbitat of thick mangroves, from the safety of a canoe or boat.
• The Arvalem, Lamgau and Rivona Caves among many others are worth a visit as they overlook the sea, have evidence of prehistoric existence, and some beautiful legendary stories.

Sunset-in-Goa

3. Heritage Hunt

20 minutes west of Panjim, you’ll go back in Indo-Portuguese time. To Old Goa, where churches, convents, museums, art galleries, government buildings, bungalows and bakeries abound. Gasp at the magnificent Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se de Santa Catarina, The Archeological Museum of Old Goa, The Naval Aviation Museum and Institute Menezes Braganza.

4. Shopping Spree

• Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar in Arpora, can be an overload on your senses, and you never know what you might discover. When we say you can find anything, we really mean anything. The hundreds of stalls, stock items from all over the world – bohemain clothing and jewellery, stoner paraphernalia, music, and bikes. Even if you aren’t shopping, this market really is a fun night out. You’re sure to find fire eaters, poi jugglers, live musicians/DJs and great food from all over the world and don’t forget to stop by Daniel’s Bar.
• Anjuna Flea Market is held on Wednesdays, and once again has clothing, jewellery, souvenirs, and a whole lot of rubbish along with a whole lot of treasures. This one’s on the beach, so it’s really quite lovely even if it’s small. If you take the walking route (not motorable) from the last shack on Anjuna beach, you’ll be sure to pass a small shop that sells ultra-violet paintings, paint and canvas. You’ll want to pop in.

Flea-Market-in-Goa

1. Street Shops in popular areas like Baga, Calangute, etc are plenty and they sell the basic stuff like sarongs, clothes, bags, jewellery, shells and other souvenirs.
2. Most beaches also have vendors who walk around toting their wares.
3. If you don’t want something, it’s important to be firm with the vendors and shopkeepers, especially the women who can be rather pushy.
4. Always, always bargain.

5. Why not

• Get a Black Henna tattoo painted onto your body by artists in the markets and on beaches. Pick any design, it washes off in a couple of weeks!
• Braid your hair with colorful embroidery threads and beads by the tribal women who sit on the beach and in markets.
• Get a massage from the masseuses who walk the beaches. They’ll pamper your legs and back for a great price, with or without oil, right in the comfort of your beach lounger.
• Sip coconut water from the ladies who walk the beaches. It’s cheap and wonderfully cooling.
• Spend a night on the beach but only if you’re a larger group or a bunch of guys.

6. Gluttons & Gourmets

There really are so many eating out options in Goa and overall, the quality of food doesn’t leave one complaining (unless it’s a bad shack). That makes coming up with a list next to impossible, so what we’ve done is compiled a short list of favorites that we visit every time we’re in Goa.

Beach-Food-in-Goa

• Martin’s Corner in Betalbatim, is legendary for it’s king crabs, prawn vinadloo, garlic chicken and sea food that is grilled, fried, roasted, steamed and mixed with sauces and spices. Here’s the best part, a meal for two costs around Rs. 1200.
• Britto’s on Baga is another popular restaurant and shack famed for its food and service. Best for a candlelit dinner, with the breeze in your hair and your toes in the sand.
• Infantaria at Calangute is the place to go for breakfast with their large collection of superbly prepared snacks and bakes. Get there early, before the crowds.
• Curly’s on Anjuna is a lively, popular shack that serves some seriously good food. We love the banana-nutella waffles with honey, as well as the limonada juice that’s seriously healthy.
• Souza Lobo at Calangute is an old establishment, set up in 1932. While they serve a varied fare, try their traditional offerings.

7. Bikers Anonymous

If you can tear yourself away from the beaches, Goa has miles of intricate roads and paths that run right through paddy fields, cottages and bungalows. With the wind in your hair, and Goa at your feet, it’s not just a great way to get around, but also a great way to get lost.

8. Party Animals

From shacks with karaoke, retro English, Bollywood, popular club and electronic music, to the standard bars to uber luxe lounges and nightclubs, to open air, hilltop, beachside and semi-jungle raves, Goa has something to offer for every kind of party goer. Tito’s on Baga and Hilltop at Anjuna are evergreen, but new places keep popping up and shutting down all the time, so just keep an eye out for party posters and flyers, and a ear out for hushed whispers.

Beach-restaurant-Goa

9. Holistic Healing

• Ayurvedic treatments abound in Goa, but the best place to go is Keri village where experienced ayurvedic doctors run an age old natural practice.
• Yoga/Meditation is taught at almost every corner, but for yoga holidays, recommended places include Yab Yum, Yoga Magic, Ashiyana and The Mandala.
• Reiki is practiced and taught at several locations in Goa and we’ve heard lots about Neo Yoga Centre.
• Vegans and eco conscious people get their fill at Bean Me Up; a soya-station cum health food cafe in Anjuna.

10. Glamorous gamblers

There isn’t too much gambling one can do on Indian soil and that’s where Goa’s famed Casino cruises come in. Lately machine operated casinos onshore have become popular as well. But if you’re expecting a Vegas-style casino experience, forget about it. Goa’s casinos are largely frequented by men and there’s a reason why it’s at the bottom of this list! But if you do want to try it out, dress up, put on your lucky perfume, and hope to get lucky!

Karnataka Toursim: Gokarna Beaches

Gokarna is one of the lesser known beach-towns lying in the middle of Goa and Karnataka. In many ways it has the best of Goa’s beauty without its gnarly drunkenness. Here is all you need to know about this lovely, laidback town.

Kudle-beach-Gokarna

BEACHES

There are four main beaches in Gokarna – Kudlee Beach (pictured above), Om Beach (pictured below), Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach (in order from North to South). As one goes further South, the beaches become even more secluded and pristine. Walking is the most common way of getting around. However, auto-rickshaws between the popular beaches are also available. Currents change on a day to day basis, sometimes making the waters too dangerous for a swim.

Om beach at Gokarna

FESTIVAL

Gokarna is most crowded during Shivaratri (February/March) when up to 20,000 pilgrims invade the small beach town. The 4-day festival involves large scale celebrations wherein two mammoth chariots are pulled across the main town.

THINGS TO DO

Most visitors will be there to spend time on the beautiful beaches to the south. Enjoy the sea and the views from the beach cafes or play volleyball on the sand. The beaches are clean, but ask locally about swimming, as currents can be strong.

Beach-ball-at-Gokarna-Beach

GETTING THERE

The nearest airport is in Goa. From Margao, which is 125 kms away one can take a train or a pre-booked taxi. With advance booking taxis or trains can also be taken from Mangalore or Bangalore, which are 225 km and 475 km away respectively.

Boat-Resting

EAT AND DRINK

Sea food is freely available. Thalis are fabulously inexpensive. The Namaste Cafe on Om Beach serves good Mexican, Israeli and Indian food. Restaurants are not allowed to serve hard liquor. Hence, beer is usually the only option.

Goa Tourism: Things to do in Margao

Goa might be famous for the sea and sand but away from the crowds discover the old-world charm of Margao where Portuguese churches and colonial bungalows that line the shaded streets of this vibrant city. We look at the things to do in Margao.

Architecture Walk

The old buildings still emanate a strong sensibility of architecture in the times of Portuguese occupation. There is a mix of both Hindu and Christian buildings that speak of the multi-cultural subsistence. Take a walk with a local or by yourself for some great photo-opportunities. Look out for the majestic city hall and the municipal garden.

Garden-in-Margao

Local Market

The Margao market is one of the most famous and vibrant places in the whole of Goa. Fishermen, local vegetable sellers and other shopkeepers offer a variety of wares. Again, a great place to see more local life of Goa rather than just hit the sands. One special market here is called the ‘closed market’ or ‘Pimplapedd’ in Konkani.

Fish-Market-Margao-Goa

Local places to visit

Anna Fonte or the natural springs are another spot that you can visit.

Churches

The three Christian buildings, the Holy Spirit Church, grand colonial mansions and the chapel at Monte Hill are also charming additions to your itinerary. The popular church circuit includes Holy Spirit Church, the Grace Church, The St Sebastian Church in Aquem, the Sebastian Church and the Monte Hill Chapel.

Temples

On the other hand the Hindu temples that might be of interest you are, the ‘Damodar Temple’, the ‘Hari Mandir’, the ‘Maruti Mandir’ at Davorlim, the ‘Saibaba Temple’ at Davorlim and the ‘Shiv Temple’.

Hit the beach

Colva is the closest beach to Margao and has vast stretches of low gradient beaches. Enjoy the lovely sea food and water sports here.

Beach-Margao

WHEN TO GO

As is true for the rest of the state, the months from October to February are great to travel in.

LOCAL FESTIVALS

There are a few local festivals like the Dindi festival at the Vithal Rakhumai temple which happens a couple of days after Diwali. Also the feast of the Holy Spirit Church is another local event, held before the monsoons.

HOW TO GET THERE

One of Goa’s prominent railway stations is here in Margao, so the rail connectivity to other parts of India is very good. The airport in Vasco is also close to Margao.

Goa Tourism: Things to do in Panjim

Year after year, innumerable tourists descend on the famous little destination called Goa. Yet, every time it manages to offer something new and something unforgettable. Panjim is the capital of the Indian state of Goa. This small and charming the city lies along the left bank of the Mandovi River set up against terraced hillsand red-tiled roofs and a riverside promenade. We investigate the top things to see.

1.Take a dip into history

To date, the mysterious Fontainhas, which is considered Goa’s Latin Quarter and is located in the heart of Panjim remains one of the most charming places to explore. Apart from the vibrant coloured walls and quaint streets there are some delightful hidden surprises. Make sure you have some extra space in the bag to carry some delicious treats home.

Fontainhas in Panjim

2.Holy shrines

The heart of Goa is the Church Square or Municipal Garden which is home to the Portuguese Baroque Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. It was built in 1541 and other tourist attractions of the place are the 16th century Adilshahi Palace, the Mahalaxmi Temple, the Jama Masjid mosque, and the Chapel of St. Sebastian.

The Panjim Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

3.The Carnival

Carnival celebrations in February go through Panaji and then the other parts of Goa. The colourful parade is a huge draw for the city and the area of Panajim.

Goa Carnival

4.Shopping

The 18th June Road is a popular area in the heart of Panajim for shopping.

5.Beaches

Goa is most famous for its beaches. And near Panji the most famous beaches are Miramar, Bambolim and Dona Paula. Dona Paula is the meeting point for two of Goa’s famous rivers, which meet at the Arabian Sea. Miramar Beach is located near Panjim but is very popular and can get over crowded.

Dona Paula

6.Green Goa

Goa has some fantastic villages to explore, provided you are ready to be lost in the luscious Arpora hills. You can plunge you right into the wilderness with local experts and naturalists who give inspiring talks on snakes and the indigenous flora and fauna. Highly recommended for environment enthusiasts.

Explore the villages of Goa

7.Birds of Goa

Many locals have an inherent eye for bird-watching in the hilly terrains of North Goa. For this you can arrange a day tour from Panjim. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is Goa’s important bird sanctuary. It is located in Chorao and is home host to rare and endangered bird species. Bird watching walks are lovely all year round except from May – July when there is a lot of humidity.

A white peacock in Goa

8.The Mystifying Island

From Panjim you can access Old Goa, which has always been rather elusive to the tourists who throng the popular beaches up North. We suggest you do not miss a tour to the mystifying island of Divar. The island can be reached by regular ferries from Old Goa. An old white church, flanked by Banyan trees, stands atop a hill, visible from all points below. The sleepy island has stretches of fields and hardly any inhabitation. Great for a long drive and a quick break for a cold beer in local cafes.

9.Brown Town

From Panjim take a drive to Bicholim, a pottery town and an untouched destination. It is fascinating to see the mud covered town, still preserving the old art of clay and porcelain.

10.Serene Sands

Having heard of only the popular beaches of Goa, many miss many secret pristine beaches. A forty minute drive north of Arpora will lead you to beautiful lesser known beaches called Ashwem, Mandrem and Morjim. Carefully tucked away from the busy clamour of hotels and guest houses, spend some quiet time in the few tasteful shacks at the far end of these un-commercial beaches.

Mandrem beach

11.Test your luck

As you walk out of this faraway world, you can visit one of the only casinos in India. This can be done deep in the Mandovi waters, which provides the casino an off shore status thus making it legal.

Strike it lucky

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: Panjim Goa

• Season – November till April is the most pleasant to visit.
• Single/ Female Travelers – Though largely safe to travel alone, single or female travelers should bear in mind that it is good to avoid late nights.
• Connectivity – Well connected by flights, trains and buses to major metros and towns of tourists’ interests like Hampi.

Weekend getaway From Mumbai

If you are in Mumbai and fancy a weekend getaway then make sure you consider Goa and Sindhudurg. Either makes a great break that is easily accessible from Mumbai.

Goa

One of India’s top tourist destinations, Goa is located just 580 kms from Mumbai. People can just hop into their cars and leave the stresses of big city living behind. There are over 40 mesmerizing beaches which dot the 131 km-long coastline of Goa. Some of the most popular amongst them are Colva, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Miramar, Vagator, Dona Paula, Majorda and Bambolim. Goa turns into a riot of colours and music during the annual Goa Carnival. From bohemian shacks to the ultimate in high end resorts, and everything in between, Goa caters to beach lovers of all kinds. Some beaches like Mandrem are perfectly serene while others like Anjuna are the toast of the party circuit.

Goa

Sindhudurg

Sindhudurg is the southernmost district of Maharashtra and stretches for about 125 kilometers along the Arabian Sea. It is situated 500 kilometers from Mumbai and is famous for the Sindhudurg Fort. The Fort was built three by Shivaji is a symbol of the Maratha naval power during his reign. The 48 acre Sindhudurg Fort can be reached by boat. Snorkeling sessions around the Fort are organized by the government. In Sidhudurg one finds the Tarkarli beach which is often called ‘the Tahiti of India’. This white sandy, sun-kissed beach open up to emerald-green waters.

Sindhudurg-Fort

Best places to take a boat trip in India

The oceans, numerous lakes and rivers offer plenty of opportunities to take a boat ride in India. Just watch life go by as you lazily float along or take a raft to enjoy wildlife spotting, snorkelling or even to discover submerged temples. Here are our top five interesting boat trips you can do in India.


1. Shikara on the ‘Dal’ Lake – The Bollywood endorsed ‘Dal’ Lake in Kashmir has been a legendary spot for travellers. The thin Shikaras (boats) traverse through the water carrying tourists, vegetables, supplies and locals. The whole life system on the lake is supported by these unassuming boats, whether it’s supporting full-fledged markets or serving as a school bus for children. The rides on shikaras are extremely fascinating and help understand the local life better.

Boat-Trips-in-Kashmir

2. From the Himalayan foothills, it’s down to the tropical weather of Kerala. Alleppey, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’ is by far one of the best destinations to experience the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Well equipped houseboats add to the charm of getting to know the vast network of backwater in and around the town. Recently, the house boats had come under the scanner for lack of a proper system to dispose waste from the boats. Now there are mandatory treatment methods without which these boats do not get permissions. Watch the local life pass on the banks of the waters, while you glide past in luxury. Off season rates for fully furnished house boats are quite affordable. Between October and March, it can cost anywhere between Rs 7500 to Rs 20,000/- depending on the number of hours on the boat.

Boat-Trips-in-Alleppey-Kerala

3. There are some very unique experiences with respect to boats in India. The famous rock temples of Mahabalipuram near Chennai have always garnered the interest of travellers. Two of the seven temples are said to be submerged in the sea. Few know that some fishermen take eager visitors out to sea, where one you have a look at the submerged temples. An experience which comes with serious caution, as there are no life jackets on these boats, it’s not for the faint hearted. A mere Rs. 100-200 for an adventure of a life time – try it!

Boat-trips-in-Mahabalipuram-Chennai

4. The Periyar Wildlife sanctuary in the Idduki District of Kerala is one of the most unassuming wildlife destinations of India. Without fanfare but with plenty of exciting experiences in store, there are a number of ways to see the jungle. One unique way, is wildlife watching on a huge bamboo raft, with a forest guide and copious amount of sunscreen. The Periyar Lake is flanked by thick forests and animals often come for a drink of water. The raft ride starts early in the morning and goes on till about 4.00 p.m with breakfast and lunch by the edge of the jungle. This trip needs to be booked in advance. You can also take a more conventional wildlife spotting boat trip here

Boat-Trips-in-Periyar-Lake

5. While Goa has always been on top of the list for many, its Southern neighbour Karwar in Karnataka is fairly unknown. Serene and relatively untouched by tourism, Karwar has several water based activities. One of them includes snorkelling off the quiet coastline. Trips go out on speed boats with trained instructors to help novices.

Boat-Trips-in-Karwar-Karnataka

Popular tourist destinations - GOA

Goa is one the best tourist attraction in India. It is very popular tourist destinations because of its gorgeous beaches. Apart from beaches Goa also offers attractions, Goa cuisines, water sports and a colorful culture. There are many more things to explore in Goa like churches, one of the major attractions, natural beauty, shopping and nightlife. The Goa Carnival is unique in the sense it’s not celebrated elsewhere in India.

Book cheap flights now @ Flighthub

Beaches: 

Goa is a Land of Beaches, there are around 40 beaches in Goa,and some of them are still virgin. Anjuna, Calangute, Baga, Dona Paula, Colva and Bambolim are among the most famous beaches in Goa. Mostly beaches are divided into north and south Goa beaches. Each and every beach of Goa has it’s own importance, these beaches are paradise for beach lovers.

Famous Calangute Beach in Goa

Cuisines: 

The cuisine of Goa is one of the best in India. The cuisine is mostly seafood based that include crabs, prawns, tiger prawns fish etc. It is also considered as Goa cuisine can’t be complete without fish. Foods in Goa are influence of Portuguese and Hindu. Fish Curry and rice is a traditional food of Goa, which is really very delicious.

Goa Fish Curry

Wildlife: 

There are some famous wildlife sanctuary in Goa like Madei, Cotigao and Bondla Wildlife sanctuary, which supports a rich flora and fauna. These natural habitats are home for a wide variety of wild animals, including Indian Bison (Gaur), Cobra and leopard. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in North Goa is famous for rare species of birds.

Wildlife in Goa

Culture: 

Goa offer a mix culture of India and Portugal. Culture of Goa including its heritage, people, fairs and festivals. There are number of churches in Goa built by the Portuguese and these are one of the great attractions in Goa. Rave Parties and late night parties on exotic beaches of Goa are the major attraction for tourist peoples. Goa Carnival and Nightlife in Goa offers a true flavor of mix culture of India and Portugal.

Culture of Goa

Natural Beauty: 

Goa is a state which is gifted with incredible natural beauty. Natural Beauty of Goa includes waterfalls, green forest, fabulous beaches and sunshine. Waterfalls in Goa are added attraction to its natural beauty, The Dudh Sagar waterfall is one the major waterfall in Goa.

Beautiful Waterfall in Goa 

Carnival - Goa

The state of Goa celebrates its one of the biggest festival of the year, the Goan carnival festival. Carnival at Goa is not stop three days and nights festival of fun,entertainment,song,music and colors. Goa Carnival is one of the most awaited festival and attracts many tourists from all over the world. Konkani dance, Street plays and Grand feast are few major attraction of Goa Carnival festival, It will be starting in February 2013,get ready for food,dance,music and fun.

Famous Goa Carnival