Situated along the west coast of India, Goa is one of the smallest states in India. It is famous for golden sandy beaches, palm trees, calm yoga treatments, and not-so-calm parties. The coastline stretches to 100 km which covers almost the entire state.
Why is Goa so Famous?
Goa is mostly famous for parties and beaches; however, these are not the only attractions of Goa. Along with parties and nightlife, tourists can also enjoy adventurous activities and watersports during their trip to Goa. You cannot ignore Goa’s culinary heritage; it is like a special vacation for your taste buds.
Warm-hearted people and pleasant weather with no shortage of things to do, Goa has become the ideal vacation destination for people all around the globe. Whether you are planning a long vacation with friends or family, Goa is suitable for all types of tourists.
Best Time to Visit Goa
The ideal time to visit Goa is from mid-November to March. The weather is pleasant with clear skies during these months. Tourists can witness some major celebrations like Christmas and New Year. The winter season is marked by several carnivals, parades, parties, and festivals. The streets and street shops are decorated with lights and decorations, which makes it a tropical winter wonderland.
However, it is advised that you plan your vacation to Goa way ahead of winter because the ticket prices in the peak season are at an all-time high.
Alternatively, if you wish to indulge in any sort of water sports on your tour or simply laze on the beach, summer is the best time to visit Goa. During summer, accommodation can be cheaper as it is not the peak time. A lot of money can be saved and utilized for exploration in summer. Some of the most amazing festivals such as Shigmo, Grape Escapade, Indian Bike Week, the Goa Heritage Festival, and much more can be experienced at this time.
So, pack your bags and let's start exploring the party capital Goa.
The Top 5 Beaches in Goa
While on vacation almost all Goa packages have beaches in their itinerary. So, let's start with the best beaches one can visit.
Arambol Beach
It is known as the beach stuck in time. A throwback at the generation of love, this beach has a distinct Bohemian vibe that has grabbed it a space on the list of must-visit places. It is ideal for those people who prefer spending a quiet night. The waves create soothing music, and the moonlight creates a romantic vibe.
This is an ideal spot for people looking for a romantic time on their vacation. You can stroll under the moonlight, sit beside the water, or even do some shopping with your loved ones. There are various restaurants that serve delicious and healthy meals to satisfy your cravings.
Calangute
It is commonly known as “The Queen of Beaches”. This is the best place to relax and chill during your vacation. It offers a vibrant nightlife and exciting cultures with a variety of water adventures. You will find famous Goan Cuisines and freshly prepared beer on this beach.
The beach offers quaint shacks, long palm trees, and a sea breeze which makes the beach ideal for relaxation and chill.
Baga
If you are looking for some underwater adventures and a dive among the fish, this is the perfect spot. Your dreams will be fulfilled with multiple water sports you can indulge in on the beach. The beach is full of Goan delicacies, ayurvedic spas, fast food stalls, and shops for souvenirs. All this creates a mesmerizing experience for tourists which makes it worth visiting.
Candolim
The beach offers a variety of experiences from vibrant resorts to glorious beaches. Candolim Beach consists of a lot of surprises. It is perfect to relax your body and mind with ayurvedic massages from experts.
Thrilling water sports activities, soft sandy beaches, and a chance to spot some alluring dolphins are some things that make up for the best experience.
Benaulim
Beautiful shorelines and shimmering white sands full of seashells create the best environment for tranquility. From a peaceful dip in the ocean or a picnic on the beach, you can do it all here. Compared to other beaches in South Goa, Benalium and its neighboring beaches have a buzzing nightlife scene.
That is why Benaulim should be on every tourist’s itinerary.
Adventures to Do in Goa
Goa is a one-stop destination for adventure, peace, and beauty. We have prepared a list of activities that you will love to do on your vacation. So, let’s get straight into these activities.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a simple adventure activity that can be enjoyed solo as well as with a friend or in a group. The activity involves navigating through the calm river or sea in a small, canoe-shaped boat with paddles. The rivulets and backwaters in Goa offer the perfect conditions that enable kayaking activities.
Apart from having fun, you will enjoy a new perspective on exploring the scenic beauty of the region. For additional thrills, individuals can consider visiting the Kayak festival participating in Kayak races.
Some of the best locations for this activity are Nerul River, Dona Paula Jetty, The backwaters of Zuari, etc. If you do not see this activity listed on your Goa package, you should contact your travel company and ask them to add the activity.
Scuba Diving
Goa is one of the most popular places in India for scuba diving activities. Divers are attracted here not only from India but from foreign countries too. You will be provided with diving gear for your underwater expedition. However, it is advised to get a professional diver with you.
Under the water, you will see beautiful coral regions, incredible marine life, and clear seawater. This adds to the memorable experiences you will have in Goa.
First-timers who do not have any experience can take a 1-hour training session that will help them during the dive. The best places where you can go for this activity in Goa include Grande Island, Calangute Beach, and Bagga Beach.
White Water Rafting
White water rafting gets a new thrill in Goa. It is a challenging yet fun activity that will get you the adrenaline rush. This activity includes navigating through gushing river streams on an inflatable raft with paddles.
The activity requires quick thinking and synchronized teamwork, adding to the element of high-risk reward. Some of the best locations for having the best rafting experience are Tillari river and Mhadei river.
Jetskiing
If you visit a beach and you do not take a jetski ride, you will feel you missed something. Make sure you indulge in this activity and experience the thrill of speed on the Goan waves. It is one of those thrilling experiences that you can have solo or with a companion.
If you don't know how it works you can simply relax as a passenger while the skilled operator handles the steering. The activity is available on all the beaches but some popular spots are Mobor Beach, Candolim Beach, and Miramar Beach.
ATV Biking
If adventure activity on land is something you crave, you can consider going for ATV biking. Individuals have to ride a quad bike on uneven surfaces and uneven terrains. This activity offers a blend of experiences filled with fun challenges. These challenges suit beginners as well as experienced riders.
It is a great way to explore the surroundings and natural beauty of the region and capture beautiful scenes. You can experience this activity solo or in groups, ATV biking will surely make your vacation memorable.
Some well-known places where you can find this activity are Anjuna and Ponda.
Feels like a great place to enjoy your vacation, right? Well, it is. We have also curated some facts about Goa that will help you start a conversation with the locals.
Facts about Goa
- Goa is often referred to as “the tropical paradise of India” because more than a third of the region is covered by lush greenery and dense forest.
- It is home to several exotic species of wildlife including the Indian Macaques, Indian Giant Squirrels, Mongoose, Sloth bears etc.
- Goa has a massive nightlife scene. Beachside bars, nightclubs and the availability of cheap alcohol add to its popularity.
- You will find various Portuguese buildings that are a part of history. It is a symbol of the British colonial rule.
- The Independence Day of Goa is different from the rest of the country. It is celebrated on 19th December and is known as Goa Liberation Day. This day marks the state’s independence from long Portuguese rule in 1961.
How Can You Get There?
After learning so much about the exotic destination, you might be wondering how you can get there. Well, it is not that difficult. All you need to do is go on Google and search for Goa holiday packages or Goa packages and you will get an endless list of packages for Goa tours and travel.
You can also contact any travel agency like Unify Holidays because we have complete packages that are specially designed so that you make the most of your trip. We have full-fledged itineraries that include most of the exciting locations and activities that will make your vacation memorable.
If you have any specific location in mind, you can tell us, and we will create a special package for you. We will make sure that you do not miss out on any exciting opportunities. We will take care of everything. All you need to do is pack your bags and create loads of memories.