Home Adventure Have you tried everything that Goa has to offer!

Have you tried everything that Goa has to offer!

Goa is probably one of the most visited places in India and what’s not to love about it. I did my first trip to Goa back in college with a shoestring budget and it was perfect. Since then I have visited Goa so many times now that it feels like a second home. I love the energy in the air and Goa’s love for life. It’s just the right mix of culture and fun for me.

We loved our drive from south Goa to Karwar last year and it is a definite try if you are planning a road trip around Goa.

How to get there

Goa is well connected with all major Indian cities by air. There are some international flights that also connect to Dabolim airport. Goa is also well connected by train and by the many buses connecting the state with cities in India (primarily Mumbai, Mangalore and Bangalore). If you are traveling from Mumbai or Pune, car travel will provide you with a journey through the breathtaking scenery of the Konkan area.

Why does Goa keep pulling me back? It’s like a happy place you can escape to unwind and recharge yourself when you need a break or party when you are bored! Goa has never disappointed me in terms of food or fun. With so much to offer, I have always had a great time no matter what phase of life or what budget.

You can choose between beaches, trekking, adventure sports during the day and live the hip-hop culture and let your hair down at night.

Learn Surfing

A recent addition to South Goa’s vibrant scene is the surfing adventure. Agonda beach in Concona Taluka is one of the least crowded beaches and has a laid-back vibe. The beach is mostly visited during the period from October to March and hardly sees any footfalls during the offseason.

While many visit this beach for serenity, those who want to learn surfing can join a surfing program offered by surfing schools in Agonda. You can also get scuba boards and gears on rent from nearby shops.

Beach Hopping and Shopping

North Goa boasts of action-filled beaches like Calangute, Candolim, Baga, Anjuna, Sinquerim, Vagator. The lesser-known and hence less crowded beaches in North Goa are Miramar, Mandrem and Arambol. Calangute, Candolim and Baga are buzzing in the night with music courtesy the numerous sea-facing shacks. While each beach has a dedicated shopping area, the flea market at Anjuna beach is a spectacular place to shop for souvenirs. Vagator has a cliffside beach and is famous for its beautiful sunsets.

If you are looking for serenity, head to South Goa for beautiful white sands and blue waters. Yes, you read it right, you can find blue water in Goa. My picks for stay are beach huts/rooms in Agonda, Palem or Patnem beach. If you dream to holiday, spending most of the day on a lounge chair with a book or a beer in hand without any interruptions then Agonda is the place to go.

Even during Christmas and New Year’s time (busiest season), I have seen hardly more than a handful of people on the beach. This beach is an ideal location with family or friends in need to spend some quality time.

Churches

I recommend a full-day tour for the beautiful churches in Old Goa and around. The most famous church in Goa is Bom Jesus Basilica which is a UNESCO heritage site and hosts the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. It is open on weekdays from 9 am to 6:30 pm and on Sundays after the Mass from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm.

The other very famous church and most frequented is the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It is a landmark in Goa located at Church Square, Panaji and is highly photographed. It has also featured in a couple of movies. There are other significant churches like Se Cathedral, Chapel of St. Catherine etc.

Forts

Aguada Fort near Candolim was built by Portuguese and part of it is used as a prison. It has an iconic lighthouse and boasts of beautiful sea-facing sights from the height. The Chapora fort near Vagator beach is another popular fort that is almost in ruins however has lovely views. Cabo fort in south Goa looks long abandoned. It is also believed that Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman stayed here during their exile.

This fort was also captured by the Portuguese and they added buildings to the fort, one of which is a chapel and is still used as one. There was a convent once which is now the Governor’s residence. The fort is believed to have been built in 1540, but still looks royal and is worth a visit.

Adventure

Goa has loads of options like water sports parasailing, snorkeling, water scooters, banana rides, sailing etc accessible at the beaches. You can bargain with the operators and just book on the spot. Over the years some other activities that I have thoroughly enjoyed are dolphin watching, hot air ballooning and river rafting. Also, there are some boat trips available to nearby islands but may get a little boring.

You can also visit the crocodile farm, Bondla wildlife sanctuary and Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary which have a huge variety of animal species and bird species living in harmony inside the sanctuary.

Goa Carnival

Goa Carnival or the pre Mardi Gras is a festival that celebrates the culture and cuisine of Goa every year (around February) a tradition that dates back to the arrival of Portuguese in Goa way back in 1510. It’s fun and crazy and should be experienced at least once to see hundreds of locals and tourists come out in processions through the towns of Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Ponda. Read more about Goa Carnival.