Are you looking for the perfect tropical beach holiday destination with clear blue skies, pleasant winds, the azure Arabian Sea, swaying palm trees, golden sands, and party vibes? India’s “Beach Capital” Goa has got you covered!
The country’s smallest and richest state located on the southwestern shoreline of the subcontinent doesn’t just have gorgeous beaches, and splendid all-year-round weather, it also has a unique history and culture that are a blend of old-world Hindustan and medieval Portugal.
As the former trading enclave of Portugal that was merged into India following the country’s independence in 1947, Goa offers an exotic amalgam of Indian and European culture, language, and civilization—the likes of which you won’t find elsewhere.
Why You Should Visit
Here are a few reasons that we think you should visit Goa.
Goa’s Beaches
With a glistening golden sand shoreline that stretches on for over 100 miles, this city has a large number of exquisite beaches. These include popular and frequently visited beaches like Calangute, Palolem, and Baga; as well as off-beat quiet beaches like Butterfly, Arambol, and Betalbatim.
The Parties
Goa is the Party Capital of India and prides itself on its wild beach parties and hip nightlife circuit that is thronged by a multi-national crowd of visitors from all over the world.
It’s History
Goa’s old city center “Velha Goa” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many historical attractions like the 500-year-old Chapora Fort. Other historical attractions of Goa include the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Immaculate Conception Church, Aguada Fort, Cabo de Rama Fort, and the Shree Mangesh Temple.
The Food
Goa is where the culinary tradition of India meets that of Southern Europe. Centuries of maritime trade and culture exchange have resulted in the birth of a lip-smacking fusion cuisine—that alone is worth the trouble of booking a trip to Goa.
It is recommended to try the Prawn Balchao, Goan Red Rice, and Pork Vingaloo.
Top Things To Do
Beaches, parties, seafood, water sports, hiking, kayaking, and heritage tours—there is no dearth of exciting tourist activities in Goa. Here are the best recommended experiences in Goa.
- Stay in a Private Villa
What could be better than having a slice of private beach, and a sea-facing villa all to yourself on a glistening beach? Checking into a private seaside villa should be at the top of your bucket list when you are in town.
- A Luxurious Spa or Yoga Retreat
The next best thing you can do is to book yourself a spa/yoga retreat. As one of the most visited states in India, Goa is home to some great 5-star luxury hotels and boutique establishments that offer a range of European Spa programs and Indian Ayurveda (traditional Indian healing) programs.
- Water Sports in the Arabian Sea
The sea in Goa is benign for much of the year—except for a brief period in the Monsoon (June- September). If you are into water sports, Goa packs a punch—speedboating, scuba diving, bumper riding, banana riding, and parasailing.
- Club-Hopping at the Nightlife Circuit
It would be a mistake not to explore the hip nightlife scene in Goa, and a chance to party with tourists from all over the world. Goa is the best place to enjoy the nightlife scene in India.
- Private Yacht Cruise in the Arabian Sea
The bright blue Arabia Sea with all its lure and mystique always beckons you in Goa. The urge to venture out into the sea is overwhelming.
We, therefore, highly recommend a private yacht cruise into the ocean and watching the sunset in the ocean.
- Bicycle Tour of the Countryside
Tucked away from the “touristy” hotspots and buzz of the party scene is the quaint exotic and serene countryside—dotted with ancient churches, temples, mosques, and old hamlets.
It is recommended that you book yourself a guided bicycle tour of the countryside, meet the villagers, and observe their way of life. It is an enjoyable cultural experience.
- Kayaking Through the Mangroves
Aside from its beaches, parties, old heritage churches, and temples, Goa also has another trip up its sleeve—the biodiverse mangroves of the backwaters in the interior.
The best way to explore this dense lush green region is by a kayak. You’ll come across a rich range of flora and fauna, exotic birds, fish, and plenty of fishermen looking for rare catches.
- Explore the Museum Circuit
If history is your cup of tea, Goa’s history and culture have been carefully preserved and showcased in a number of museums like the Museum of Goa (Marra), the Houses of Goa Museum, and the Goa Chitra Museum.
There are a few non-traditional and offbeat museums that you can visit as well, like the Big Foot Museum, the Naval Aviation Museum, and the Ashvek Vintage Car Museum.
The Best Time to Visit
Goa is an all-year-round destination. The peak tourist season in Goa is from November to March when visitors from the Western Hemisphere head to this part of India to escape the cold winters, and enjoy the beaches and the sun.
The monsoon season (June, July, August) is considered the moderate or low season. Rains may occasionally play spoilsport, but it is a great time to grab the best prices for hotels, spas, and tours.
Common Queries
How many days should I stay? What experiences should I include in my bucket list?
It is recommended to spend 4-7 days for a well-rounded tour of Goa.
Here is a list of must-do activities in Goa;
– Heritage Tour of “Velha Goa”: Old Part of Goa.
– Historical Attractions: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Cabo De Rama Fort, Aguada Fort, Immaculate Conception Church, Church of Francis of Assisi, Chapora Fort.
– Bicycle Tour of the Countryside.
– Nightlife Tour of the Best clubs.
– Trying your luck at the Casinos.
– A Stay in a Private Beachfront Villa
– Kayaking in the bio-diverse Goan Mangroves
– Fine-dining Experiences: Try the famous Goan dishes.
– A Secluded Beach Picnic with your Loved Ones.
– A Luxury Spa Therapy
What are some off-beat things I can do in Goa?
You can venture out into the interior (away from the tourist hubs) and explore the quaint countryside of Goa with its scenic hamlets, old churches, and temples. You can also go on a spice plantation tour, or kayak through the mangroves in the backwaters.
Which part of Goa is the best to stay in?
North Goa is the popular and tourist-heavy part of the state. It is where famous beaches like Baga and Calangute are located. If you want to stay close to the center of the action with popular beaches, clubs, and restaurants, then this part of Goa is for you.
The Southern part of Goa is less crowded and is home to some amazing secluded beach resorts and retreats in Colva and Agonda. If you do not like the noise and pollution, consider South Goa.