Goa, a coastal gem on the western shores of India, is a destination that embodies the essence of relaxation, adventure, and vibrant culture. Known for its sun-soaked beaches, Goa attracts visitors from all over the world who seek to unwind on the sandy shores of its numerous beaches, including the popular Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, and Palolem Beach.
Goa's charm goes beyond its beaches. It's a place where history meets modernity, evident in its colonial-era architecture, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the UNESCO-listed Old Goa. The Portuguese influence is still felt in the region's cuisine, with dishes like vindaloo and bebinca delighting the taste buds. For those with an adventurous spirit, Goa offers a plethora of water sports, from parasailing to jet-skiing, as well as trekking through its lush forests and wildlife sanctuaries. The Dudhsagar Waterfalls and the tranquil backwaters of the Mandovi River are also must-visit natural wonders.
Goa's nightlife is legendary, with beach clubs, bars, and shacks coming to life after sunset, offering live music, dance, and a vibrant atmosphere. Festivals like Carnival and Shigmo add a splash of color and energy to the region. In essence, Goa is a destination where the sun, sea, culture, and adventure unite to create a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere. It's a place that appeals to both the laid-back beach lover and the enthusiastic explorer, making it a diverse and unforgettable destination.
Anjuna is still Goa's most popular beaches. All night beach 'parties' continue to attract crowds and the constant thump of rave/dance music pervades all the way to Vagator. Even during the day there is a constant roar of motor bikes and scooters along the roads. Then there is the Wednesday flea market.
Arambol is a large, strung out village by the seashore, approached by a road which winds across the plateau and down through cashew trees. The main beach is a stunning stretch of curving sand still relatively un spoilt. A sign at the cross roads in the middle of the village near the bus stop points down the beach, and the road passes a school and village houses sheltering under coconut palms. The villagers are very friendly, and the place less touristy than many which allows you to see local life or close quarters, and even though there are hawkers, the usual refrain is the harmless "want to buy drum?".
Calangute is the busiest small beachside town with small hotels and guesthouses. It has a good beach-no rocks and good swimming but at weekends it can get uncomfortably crowded with day trippers. There is little of interest in the town but for a fish market and a hexagonal 'Barbeiria' near the bus stand at the 'T' junction. Immediately north, the narrower Baga beach is lined with fishing boats, nets and village huts. A shallow estuary and little headland separate it from Anjuna. The main Baga road has several streets off it giving access to the sea. Village houses take it guests but it is a 500 meters walk across hot dunes to the beach.
Colva is one of the most popular beaches in southern Goa though not as developed or busy as Calangute in the north. The beach has beautiful sand, coconut palms gently swaying in the breeze and blue waters (which can sometimes be rough and grey-green). However, beach sellers and stray dogs can be nuisance.
The beach Miramar is very 'Urban' in character, the water is polluted and the beach is not particularly attractive, so it is not the ideal place for a beach holiday. Most of the hotels are on, or just off, the D. Bandodkar Marg, the road to Dona Paula along the coast.
South of Agonda, the beautiful curve of palm-fringed golden sand, is one of the best beaches. The search for the remaining un spoilt idyll brought travelers to Palolem a few years ago but it is no longer a deserted bay. 40 kms from Margao via Cuncolim, Palolem is two kilometers off the National Highway. The fairly narrow strip of beach has rather strange rocky outcrops at each end which are locally referred to as 'Pandava's drums' and 'footprints'.
The world popular church contains the body of St. Francis Xavier, a former pupil of soldier -turned -saint, Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Order of Jesuits. St. Francis Xavier remains the principal spiritual treasure of the territory .The Jesuits began work on their own church in 1594. By 1605 it was finished and consecrated. In 1613 the body of St. Francis was brought there from the College of St. Paul. It was moved into the church in 1624 and its present chapel in 1655 where it has remained ever since. St Francis was canonijzed by Pope Gregory xv in 1622 and in 1964 Pope Pius Xll raised the church to a minor basilica.
The Fort is situated at the mouth of Mandovi river, 19 km from Panaji. It was built in 1612 and supposed to have the first lighthouse in lighthouse in Asia having a room for ammunition, barrack and a church. It was a place of strength and power. It houses a jail today. Agua means water in Portuguese. It is said that once this place had seven fountains and the ships used to halt here for collecting sweet water.
Chapora fort commands the hilltop at the north end of the bay. It is an exquisite and interesting fort of the Goa coastline. It was built by the Portuguese in 1617 as a border watch post. The Fort is made of red literate, but now just some scattered remains are found of it. The tunnels which were the supply routes of the besieged defenders are still seen here. This fort is 22 kms from Panaji. North of Chapora, on the Siolim road, Badem Church overlooking the estuary is one of the nicest sunset spots.
Terekhol Fort is situated on the north west side of Goa and lies within the green and hilly valley in between Terekhol river and Arabian Sea. The fort was built by the Marathas at the beginning of the 18th century later on but was captured by the Portuguese in 1745. In 1794, for a brief spell, it was occupied by the Marathas. In 1825, the people revolted against the then Goanese Governor General D Barnado Peres De Silver, but the revolt was a short lived one. Then again in 1954, the freedom struggle gained momentum in Terekhol.
Reis Magos gets its name from the church of the Magi Kings in its surroundings. It was built by Don Alfonso de noronha between 1551 and 1554. in 1703, it was rebuilt; 35 years later it had to face the Maratha onslaught on Bardez and alone with fort Aguada remained in Portuguese hands. It was a continuation of the fort of Aguada to help as an added protection from the enemy at the mouths of the Mandovi river. This fort is located in a village Reis Magos, which is located on the river bank apposite to Panaji, 6 kms away from it.
On the outskirts of Panaji is Velha Goa, the l6th century capital of the Portuguese and a study in splendor then. Today it is almost a ghost city. Old Goa was abandoned after the great plague of 1738 struck it a deathly blow, killing more than 2 lakhs people. But the once great city lives on in its churches. Amazingly numerous in number, majestic and grand though they are, what is most appealing about the churches of Velha Goa is their aura, peculiarly Indian, starting from the face of Christ depicted as that of a Hindu saint. Boom Jesus Basilica, partially in ruins but awesome still, is a fine example of Jesuit architecture.
The waterfall is 60km east of Panaji, 10 km from Kolem railway station. It falls from a height of 603 meters. The colour of the water is milky white thus named Dudhsagar or ocean of milk.
In a pleasant shaded site with a temple near their foot, the waterfalls are formed at the end of a small gorge. This waterfall, which cascades down from the mountains, from a height of 50 metres, is one of the most awe-amazing spots. This charming waterfall is a mind-blowing experience, with Rudreshwar temple in its vicinity. The temple holds importance for the Hindus who believe in releasing the soul on the 12th day after death. The Rock cut caves are just situated nearby. The Government has also developed a park from which the view of the waterfall can be peacefully relished.