Goa is famous for giving a taste of alienation within the country. Despite being the smallest state in the country, It is popular among tourists as a crazy destination. The seaside state is famous for its enchanting beaches, stellar nightlife, diverse collection of cuisine and seafood, and magnificent architecture. Goa is one of the few destinations that is open 24x7 with a number of adventurous things to do like hot air balloon riding, bungee jumping, scuba diving, and more.
One who has not been here once cannot understand the eminence of this place. Apart from the wide beaches, its pleasant climate, natural beauty, amazing water sports world, and the World Heritage sites unfolds a unique blend of Indian, Portuguese and Catholic art.
Best time to visit: Mid-November to Mid-February is considered to be the best time to visit Goa.
Culture: The centuries-long Portuguese rule in Goa impacts the entire local culture, foods, religion, and lifestyle of the local people. Hence, Goa holds up an amazing fusion of Indian and Portuguese culture.
Food: Sea-foods are the most popular cuisine in Goa. Other common flavours include coconut, meat, vegetables, bread, pork, and rice as the staple food.
Festivals/ activities: There are several popular festivities in Goa including Christmas Eve, Ramadan, Diwali, etc. But the Goa carnival is one of the most popular among these. The colourful ambiance and joyous mood make this festival one of a kind.
Sightseeing Places in GoaShow / Hide
Beaches
Goa is best known for its clean, glistening beaches. Its wonderful coastline offers countless beautiful beaches where tourists enjoy and relax. Palolem beach witnesses a magical sunset, offering afternoon baths, swimming, and boating. You can relax all day dipping into the waves at Beach Baga, and after sundown, there are nightclubs to cheer.Another amazing one is Clova beach. It has a long stretch of sand with amazing water activities, food, and bars.
Churches
Goa is one of the oldest places in the country where Catholicism spread its roots. Some of the most famous churches are nestled in this land. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the most famous churches in Goa. The baroque-style architecture of the church, constructed back in 1605 occupied the UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Santa Cruz Church, or the Holy Cross Church, is known for its Neo-Roman style of architecture. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is famous for its December 8 feast. It is also a must-visit place.
Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar Falls is famous for its beautiful scenic view of milk-white stream. It is one of the tallest waterfalls of India and is a punctuation mark in the journey of the Mandovi River. Dudhsagar is located between the BhagwanMahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park among the Western Ghat. The area comes under heavy deciduous forests with wonderful wildlife. The falls are usually not distinctive during the dry season but in the monsoon, its rain water fed streams dazzle the eyes of the viewer.
Anjuna Market
The Anjuna Wednesday Flea market is a popular must-visit place in Goa. Thousands of stalls make it a treasure trove for shopping lovers. You will get clothes, shoes, jewellery, kaftans, bamboo crafts, tribal marks, and numerous home decor items here. The market was started by hippie travelers in the early 1960s. Later it becomes a tourist hotspot for its unique collection of products. It is also known as the open-air goods exchange market.
Braganza House
Goa is replete with numerous elements steeped in the glory of history. Some of them carry religious traditions. Some are rich in natural resources. Many are the bearer of foreign culture. The historical Braganza House is one of them. It is a 17th century grand mansion known for huge tourist attraction. Surprisingly, this historical house is still under individual control, even though most of the sites have been acquired by the state government. The family does not intend to convert their ancestral house into any sort of museum or heritage site.
Mahadev Temple
Constructed in the Twelfth century, Mahadev temple is the most ancient hindu temple in Goa. Located at TambiSurla of Mollem, the temple is a rich heritage of classical Jain style. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the perfectly curved black basalt temple is considered to be the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadava architecture. The mesmerizing craftmanship of the temple makes it a must visit place in Goa. Mahashivratri is celebrated with huge spirit.
Palacio Do Deao
The Palacio do Deao is located on the banks of Kushavatiriver. It is a palatial house, built by a Portuguese noble in 1787. Pride of the Quepem town, the Palácio do Deão is a wonderful blend of Indian and Portuguese architecture and hence a popular tourist destination. Its outstandingly managed old garden has been known as the most beautiful pleasure garden in Goa. With its rich heritage Palácio do Deão hosts the exclusive Goan culture.
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Mollem in Goa. The forest is rich in wildlife and pristine vegetation. Animals like Gour, Spotted Deer, Slender Tories, Malayan Giant Squirrel, Pythons, and Cobras are widespread in the Sanctuary. You need at least a couple of days in your vacation schedule to properly visit the area and experience the nature.
