Goa is the smallest Indian state by size and is ranked one of the best places for quality of life in India. While Panaji is the capital, Vasco Da Gama is the largest city in the state and Margao, the historic city, is resplendent with the cultural influence of the Portuguese who reached Goa in the early 16th century. Having been a Portuguese colony for more than 450 years, Goan culture is an amalgamation of Eastern and Western styles.
Large numbers of tourists visit Goa for its white/golden sand beaches, nightlife, places of worship and UNESCO World Heritage Site at Basilica Bom Jesus. Water sports is a leading tourist attraction in Goa and beaches like Baga and Calangute offer jet-skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides and water scooter rides.
Goa – Historic and Cultural Destination
Goa is known for its Portuguese forts, popular among those are Fort Aguada, a well-preserved 17th century Portuguese fort, along with a lighthouse with a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean and secluded sandy beaches. Located above the Vagator Beach is Chapora Fort, that was a border outpost for the Portuguese rulers in the 17th century and the location for the Bollywood movie ‘Dil Chahta Hai’.
Panjim, Central Goa’s capital city houses important government building like the Raj Bhavan, residential Palace and Fort and also the official residence of the Governor of Goa, Goa State Museum, a state archaeology museum and Goa Science Centre, a science museum and planetarium.
Goa is also known for its churches and convents with their unique architecture and historic relevance. The baroque styled Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, perched on a hill overlooking the city, St. Augustine Church in Old Goa, a world Heritage site from the 16th century, the Basilica of Bom Jesus that is the finest example of Baroque architecture and the Se Cathedral that is the largest church in Asia.
The architecture of Goan temples is quite different from other temples in India. One of the oldest temples in Goa is the Shri Mangesh Temple in Mangeshi village dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shanta Durga Temple at Kavele has an impressive idol of Goddess Durga.
Goa – Adventure Destination
Goa is a sought-after destination not only in India but all over the world. Goa is a dream destination for adventure seekers with a range of adventure sports and activities.
Scuba diving and snorkelling in Goa to view the stunning experience of marine life with scuba diving with the best instructors and safety equipment. Bogmalo Beach and Grand Island are some places that offer these activities.
Parasailing is one way to enjoy the breath-taking views of the Arabian Sea while flying high in the sky. This is one of the most popular adventure sports in Goa among families, children and enthusiasts. Available at Grand Island, Calangute Beach, Candolim and Anjuna beaches.
Windsurfing combines the aspects of sailing and surfing. It requires good balancing while cruising through the ocean waves. Dona Paula jetty, Candolim Beach, Calangute and Baga are the best places for windsurfing.
Water scooters are a good option for anyone who wants to experience water sports but are relatively inexperienced. The sport combines speed and thrill that accompany riding a bike on the smooth water. Water scooters are trendy in Goa and are readily available at most beaches.
White water rafting and boat cruises on the Mandovi river at the borders of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, white water rafting attracts tourists from India and abroad. Rolling waves churning out white froth that carries the boat amidst rapids, white water rafting is one of the most preferred water sports that excites travellers. A short training session, safety equipment and life jackets for the adventure trip complete the thrilling activity.
Kayaking is a calm water activity that is not strenuous or challenging. Paddling through the thickets, backwaters and rivulets in Goa, enjoying the scenic beauty from daily Goan life in kayak festivals, picnics and moonlight kayaking are popular options in Goa. The most popular location for Kayaking in backwaters is at Chapora river.
Wakeboarding or Kneeboarding is becoming more and more popular since it requires less speed and balance than water skiing. Water skiing is one of the most adventurous and thrilling sports in Goa. This adrenaline pumping sport can be an unforgettable experience with a little practice. These activities are available at Baga Beach.
Kite surfing is a combination of surfing, jet skiing and wakeboarding that can be challenging and is only for adults. It requires supervision of trainers and a lot of skill in manoeuvring a kite. Mondego Bay at Morjim beach is famous for land kiting and kite surfing.
Banana Boat rides are a huge attraction in Goa among people visiting fun beaches and is a sport available at most of the beaches. This activity can also be clubbed with Ringo rides and jet skiing to add more dimension to the thrill of the experience.
Hot air balloon flights offer breath-taking views of Goa in huge inflated balloons flying at an altitude of approx. 2500 metres. It is available at Assolda Ground in South Goa.
Bungee Jumping is an ideal sport for adventure enthusiasts with thrilling and exhilarating experiences that is mix of fun, courage and excitement. A swanky Bungee Jumping platform at Mayem Lake in North Goa.
Trekking is one of the best ways to see and explore Goa. Whether visiting historical monuments, beaches or water sports, amazing waterfalls and hills, Goa is the perfect destination for trekking and hiking. The best trek begins by climbing up the railway tracks from Kulem, up the Braganza Ghat, crossing several tunnels to reach the Dudhsagar waterfalls.
Goa – Wildlife Destination
Explore the biodiversity of Goa and experience wildlife and nature in a Jeep Safari to the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary that is a protected area and home many species of flowering plants, wild mammals, birds, reptiles and butterflies. The experience of the sanctuary can be combined with a Spice Plantation Tour with a walk through the plantation and orchid gardens.
Goa – Film Tourism
Goa has always been a favourite among Bollywood film-makers for a long time. The iconic scenes from ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ where the trio seem to be having a gala time was filmed at Chapora Fort and the recent popular shot at the Dudhsagar Falls was the Shahrukh Khan starrer ‘Chennai Express’. Other Bollywood films to have been filmed at locations in Goa include ‘Guzaarish’, ‘Dear Zindagi’, ‘Dum Maro Dum’, ‘Hoenymoon Travels Pvt Ltd’, ‘The Golmaal Series’, ‘Singham’, ‘Finding Fanny’, ‘Go Goa Gone’ and ‘Ek Duje Ke Liye’.
Goa Tourism has been awarded the Film Tourism Destination of the year award in 2016 that gave a major boost to the beach destination that attracts travellers from all over the world.
Delicacies
Rice with fish curry is the staple diet in Goa. Goan cuisine is famous for its rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate spices. Dishes such as Vindalho, Xacuti, Chourico and Sorpotel are cooked for major occasions and an exotic Goan vegetable stew, called ‘Khatkhate’ with at least five vegetables, fresh coconut and freshly ground spices is very popular during celebrations of Hindu festivals.
Sannas and Hitt are variants of ‘Idli’ and Polle, Amboli and Kailoleo are variants of ‘Dosa’ that are all typical of Goa. A rich egg-based, multi-layered sweet dish called ‘Bebinca’ is a favourite during Christmas. ‘Ros Omlette’ is one of the most popular snacks and street foods sold on food carts in Goa.
The most popular alcoholic beverage in Goa is ‘Feni’, Cashew Feni, Coconut Feni and ‘Urrak’ also made from cashews are basic to the ‘bar culture’ in Goan villages where local village folk meet and unwind. Goa also has a rich wine culture.
Festivals
While Goa is commonly known for its beaches, liquor and modernity, it is also a land of culture, heritage and traditions. Every year, many festivals are celebrated throughout Goa that are very attractive for tourists and locals alike.
The Carnival is the most famous of festivals in Goa celebrated in full Goanese style with food, drinks, music, dance and fun by colourful and musical parades. Goa hosts the ‘Grape Escapade’ – the biggest wine festival in India with culinary delights, music, fashion shows, dance and the traditional grape stomping jubilation. The Goa Food and Culture Festival is a 5-day festival for young and experienced young talented chefs to show off their culinary skills to a crowd from all over the world. The Goa Cashew and Coconut Festival celebrates locally produced cashews and coconut. The Bonderam Festival is extensive feasting, dancing. The Sunburn Festival is an electronic dance night from the most frolic beats to the most flavoursome food.
Art & Handicrafts
Goa is also known for its shopping. From street markets to night markets, Goa is a shopper’s paradise and known for Azulejos tiles, the art of Portuguese ceramic tiles, Cabo or Feni drink, a cocktail blended with pineapple juice. Goan Feni is a completely organic drink without preservative or artificial flavour. Feni is unique to the traditional food culture of Goa. Cashew nuts are grown locally and are easily available at most shops, coconut décor, an eco-friendly art form seen as bags and accessories, local spices and herbs, Bebinca or Dodol, that is a must-have at any celebration which is a multi-layered cake made of thin layers of a coconut flavoured batter separated by melted ghee (clarified butter). Kunbi sarees, that are traditional dressing style of the Goans and associated with the Kunbi tribe of Goa who are the original inhabitants of Goa.
