Beaches, Sunsets and Crazy Nights
Goa Top Places to Visit in Goa
Situated on the west coast, Goa is the smallest state in India and unlike any other, is known for its endless beaches, stellar nightlife, eclectic seafood, world-heritage-listed architecture. Spread over just 3,702 km, Goa is located in the Konkan region. It is far from a hippie haven or a beach getaway, and one of only a few destinations that are open 24x7. Goa's laid-back (Susegad) attracts as many international tourists as Indians, or even more.The people of Goa are quite tourist friendly and celebrate many festivals throughout the year, the most famous of which are the New Year and the Goa Carnival. While the seafood is excellent, Goa has some of the best nightlife in India with trendy bars, beach shacks, elegant cafes and numerous clubs and discotheques.While North Goa is the nightlife hub where all the tourists are located, beaches, flea markets and beach fringes, South Goa is a land of luxurious resorts and serene beach vibes.Having been a Portuguese territory for nearly 450 years, Portuguese architecture is nowhere near as prevalent in Goa – visit one of the many whitewashed churches, crumbling forts, or splendid churches. Yellow houses with purple doors, ocher-hued mansions and oyster-shell windows complete the kaleidoscope of Goan architecture.Panjim, the centrally located capital city overlooks the serene Mandovi River where Goa's famous floating casinos are docked. The center is well connected by an international airport and roads and trains running from north to south of Goa. With a coastline of more than 100 kms, Goa has stunning beaches. While Baga and Calangute are more popular with the Indian family crowd, Anjuna and Arambol attract a lot of foreign tourists. Beaches in South Goa are relatively less explored, but some of them like Agonda and Palolem are more beautiful.
Budget to Visit Goa
Goa is not an expensive place to visit if spent wisely. It is one of those places that is visited by the backpacker as well as the luxury-resort-loving crowd. There are hotels that offer rooms as low as Rs 200 per night while other up-market hotels offer rooms for Rs 2,000-10,000. If you choose the budget and mid-range hotels, Goa will cost you INR 7000 per person (including food and water sports) for a week. Sometimes travelers want a longer stay and hence a longer stay may cost you INR 3500-8000 per month depending on the location.
History Top Places to visit in Goa
Goa, in Hindu scriptures, is named Gomant which means the field of cows. It is believed that Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was the creator of the Goan region. A legend says that he performed a fire sacrifice in the land of Goa along with ten sages.Sanskritization in Goan culture is said to have originated from the settlement of Parashurama and the rishis of the north, after whom the people of Goa have Brahminical hegemony. Walking down the aisle of its history we come across another legend according to which Goa is considered sacred for its spiritually purifying touch.
Beaches
The beaches of Goa are famous across the country and it is a place associated with the most beautiful beaches and with many of these, read this guide to the best beaches to visit in Goa India!
Culture
The Portuguese ruled Goa for over 450 years before it was colonized by the British. Thus, a lot of Goa's architecture and culture has hints of Portugal. There are many beautiful churches here such as the Sea Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St. Francis of Assisi and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. Apart from these, there are also magnificent forts like Regis Magos Fort.Goa is also known as the 'Rome of the East' and is graced by travelers from all over the world. This place is considered to be one of the westernmost states of India. The natives of this place are known as 'Goans' and the language spoken here is Konkani. The Konkani dialect is heavily influenced by Portuguese vocabulary as Goa was a former Portuguese colony. Since this state was controlled by many castes throughout its history, traditions and festivals of all religions are respected and celebrated. New Year is a big deal in Goa and it is celebrated in a big way.
Adventure & Water Sports
If you are looking for adventurous activities, Goa has ample opportunities for you to explore the waters of this city, whatever you want. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned adventure enthusiast, some of the adventure sports you can enjoy include wakeboarding, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling and white-water rafting.
Nightlife of Goa
Another great thing about Goa is its nightlife, which is an important aspect of Goa tourism. The combination of beaches and parties is the focal point of Goa's nightlife and continues to attract tourists year after year. Many bars and pubs are spread along the coastline in Goa with food stalls and souvenir shops; You might even find a tattoo shop or two!
Shopping in Goa
Shopping in Goa is one such activity that every tourist likes to indulge in. Goa has plenty of flea markets and boutiques scattered throughout the city, all of which offer great deals on everything sold – from beachwear to shell work to junk jewelery and hippie clothing.
Goan Cuisine
Goa's cuisine is a very famous draw, with seafood being the staple, and tourists have the option of choosing between western restaurants and traditional eateries. Goa is famous for its locally produced cold beers (which are much cheaper than other states in the country), so you can taste the best of Goa without compromising on quality or quantity.
Restaurants and Local Food
Goa is home to everything fresh, spirited, charming and colourful. And this includes the food of Goa. The cuisine here is a fusion of Konkani, Hindu, Portuguese and Catholic cuisines, offering a wide and lively choice. Seafood, coconut milk, rice and local spices are the main ingredients of Goan cuisine and fish, curry and rice make up the staple food. Goan cuisine with a unique combination of coconut, rice and spices makes for a rich Portuguese as well as South Indian cuisine.Traditional Goan dishes are zacuti (spicy chicken or meat cooked in red sauce), vindaloo (spicy dish seasoned with vinegar and garlic), caffial (fried chicken cooked in green masala and toddy vinegar), and bebinca (coconut). with Goan sweets). Also, try the Goa liquor – Feni made from cashew or palm palm.
Beach Shacks
Thalassa for Greek salad and grill, La Plage for French Mediterranean cuisine, Britos, a plethora of seafood and multi-cuisine, Souza Lobo for Goan seafood
