If you are looking to travel to Goa and desire to know more about this wonderful place, here are few ideas that will help make planning your trip easier and exciting, you will be glad you did. Goa is a state in western India that stretches along the Arabian Sea’s coastline. Prior to 1961, it was a Portuguese territory, as evidenced by the area’s intact 17th-century churches and tropical spice plantations.
Calangute Beach: Waves and Booze
Meet people from all over the world at the largest and busiest Calangute beach in North Goa. Calangute beach in Goa offers long coastline with the bewitching view of the sea. The dotted shacks, restaurants, clubs and shopping areas around this beach make it on the top priority list of the visitors. Encircled by palm and coconut trees, the beach is spread four miles along the Arabian Sea. So, don’t forget to chill at ‘queen of beaches’- Calangute beach.
Calangute Beach in Goa is known as the “Queen of Beaches” and is ranked among the top ten bathing beaches in the world. It is teeming with dining spots, shacks, and clubs providing cocktails, beer, and seafood, as it is one of Goa’s busiest and most commercial beaches. Water sports such as parasailing, water surfing, banana rides, and jet skiing are popular at Calangute Beach.
While the days are spent at the beach, the evenings are spent at cheerful parties and letting your hair down. Calangute is also a popular place to stay in Goa because it is close to other beaches in the north, such as Baga, Anjuna, Candolim, Aguada, and others.
Fort Aguada
Fort Aguada is a 17th-century Portuguese fort overlooking the Mandovi River’s confluence with the Arabian Sea. The fort’s decaying ramparts can be found on Sinquerim Beach, some 18 kilometers from Panjim. The fort’s feature is a lone four-story lighthouse (the only one of its kind in Asia) and a breathtaking sunset outlook.
Fort Aguada, built in 1612 as a defense against the Dutch and Marathas, was the Portuguese’s most cherished and important fort, covering the entire peninsula at the southwestern tip of Bardez. The fort was named after the Portuguese word for water, ‘Agua,’ and served as a freshwater replenishment point for sailors. In actuality, it was one of Asia’s largest freshwater reservoirs, with a capacity of 2,376,000 gallons of water.
Aguada jail was once housed in Fort Aguada. A statue honoring the independence warriors stands in front of the jail, adding a sense of patriotism to the fort.
Cruises
A cruise in Goa allows you to take in the diverse scenery, pure waterways, and magnificent sunset views. Simple evening cruises, sophisticated and romantic dinner cruises, backwater cruises, and other cruises are among the several sorts of cruises available in Goa. All of these mainly originate in Panjim’s Miramar Beach.
Several Goa cruises also provide dinner alternatives, as well as guaranteed fun and entertainment throughout the day, depending on the time of day, sunset, and moonlight. Booking a cruise vacation in Goa is simple, as many of them have online booking options. You can select the ideal package for you based on your needs and the amount of time you wish to spend on the boats.
Water Sports
Goa has a long, unbroken coastline with comparatively calmer surf and more level seabeds. While water sports can be played on any of Goa’s beaches, particularly those in the north and south, they are more popular and attract large crowds at Baga, Calangute, Benaulim, Candolim, and other nearby beaches. You can participate in a variety of water sports activities while you’re here, including knee-boarding, kite surfing, snorkeling, parasailing & paragliding, diving, kayaking, and more.
If you like, there are numerous vendors of various water sports on the beach where you can participate in your favorite activities. You can also participate in your favorite activities through a variety of licensed water sports package operators like Atlantis Water Sports, Aqua Sports Goa, and others.
These packages range in price from INR 2000 to INR 4000 or more, depending on the activities selected.
Dudhsagar Falls
The Dudhsagar Falls, one of India’s tallest waterfalls, is located within the Mollem National Park. The magnificent falls are located 60 kilometers inland on the Goa-Karnataka border, about 60 kilometers from Panaji. The 310 m high Sea of Milk waterfall on the Mandovi river is separated into four tiers and resembles a massive rush of milk pouring effortlessly down the hill.
While the majority of visitors arrive at the Dudhsagar falls by vehicle or their own private transport from Panaji and the surrounding areas, others prefer to visit the falls via train or trekking. The popular Dudhsagar Railway trek is now closed to the public, however the lower falls walk is still available.
The finest time to see the Dudhsagar falls is during the monsoon, when it is in full flow and the surrounding deciduous forests are at their lushest. Getting to the falls during the monsoon, however, is difficult, and it is closed if the water level rises too high.
Anjuna Beach
Anjuna Beach, which stretches over 2 kilometers and is located near Panjim at a distance of 21 kilometers, is one of the most popular beaches in North Goa. It is known for its rocky outcrops, which make it a hippie paradise. Anjuna Beach is known for its golden coastline, nightclubs, beach shacks, watersports, full-moon parties, and flea markets, which cater to everyone from families to adrenaline junkies.
Come to Curlies to rock the night away, or to Cafe Lilliput to dance to techno. During the day, stop by Burger Factory, Baba Au Rhum, or Basilico for some delectable cuisine. Anjuna Beach, often known as the “Jewel of Ozran,” was a favorite hangout for hippies in the swinging 1960s and it has the same vibe today. When you visit, you will undoubtedly meet a diverse group of tourists from all around the world! Anjuna’s allure attracts both long-term visitors and first-timers.
Chapora Fort
The Chapora Fort, 10 kilometers from Mapusa, is unquestionably one of Goa’s most famous forts. Chapora Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1717, has a long and fascinating history. The ‘Dil Chahta Hai Fort,’ as it is more often called, is most known for the 2001 Bollywood blockbuster that was filmed here. It’s a thrilling retreat with stunning views over the sea and the Chapora River.
Long before the Portuguese arrived in Goa, defenses surrounded the current location of Chapora Fort. It was originally known as Shahpura and was erected by Muslim monarch Adil Shah. The fort was then rebuilt by the Portuguese, who named it Chapora after the Chapora River, which runs immediately next to it. The fort’s attraction is the spectacular view of the Arabian Sea from the surrounding Vagator beach, especially around sunset. However, a 10-minute hike to the summit of the now-ruined fort is required.
Over the centuries, Chapora Fort has passed through the hands of several kings, from the Portuguese to the Marathas, and the ruins tell their own story! The entry points of the two tunnels created by the Portuguese to serve as an emergency escape route may still be seen.
Baga Beach
Baga Beach, one of North Goa’s most popular beaches, is located near Calangute Beach, around 30 kilometers north of Panjim. Baga is the ideal location to experience Goa’s vibrant nightlife, since signature establishments such as Britto’s, Tito’s, and Mambos are all close by. Baga Beach, one of the most popular in the North, also offers a wide choice of water activities.
The ‘Baga creek,’ which flows into the Arabian Sea, is named after Baga. It is also well-known for its designer boutiques and street markets. Grab a great breakfast at Infantaria – a highly recommended diner – while in Baga, relax by the beach all day, and let the party animal in you come alive in the evening. Baga Beach is said to be an extension of Calangute Beach because they are located on the same stretch of beach.
It is lined with tattoo parlors, tarot shops, palmistry shops, spas, sun decks, and even renowned shacks, giving you the opportunity to live out your ideal beach vacation. If you choose not to party, you can start your mornings with some beach Yoga, a healthy breakfast by the sea, and then spend the rest of the day reading peacefully on a beach recliner. Baga has enough to offer every type of traveler!
Divar Island
Divar Island is a bit of heaven buried away in lush woods amidst the splendor of nature, located 10 kilometers from Panjim in Goa. This island, which is only connected to Old Goa by ferry, is synonymous with natural beauty, tranquility, and tranquillity. Because it is isolated from city life, the area is yet undeveloped and unexploited by tourists or commercialisation.
Divar Island is bordered by lush paddy fields and is studded with vintage residences built in the Portuguese style. It is also littered with medieval churches. Unlike Goa’s loud and hippy party culture, this location offers travelers a stark contrast in calm and atmosphere that entices them to simply explore it.
The name ‘divar’ comes from the Konkani word ‘dipavati,’ which means’small island.’ ‘Divaddi’ is how the phrase is pronounced. Although Divar Island does not have many tourist attractions, the natural beauty and charm of the narrow winding roads, little tea kiosks, and general atmosphere will make you want to stay on the island forever.
Tivai Vaddo Beach: Essence of Love
Not everybody knows about Tivai Vaddo beach, but all those who visit this beach falls in love with it. This immaculate beach is filled with pristine sights, serenity, and tranquility. You can also enjoy delicious seafood and a variety of Goan dishes available at reasonable prices from numerous beach shacks here. Ritz Cafe is one of my favorite shacks there. In the 6 days, we spent here; we had most of our meals here. This beach is perfect for a peaceful dip, walk or just simply staring at the sea.
The beach shack multi-cusine eateries dot the shoreline, offering everything from an omelette to superb sea cuisine at very low costs, and the cooking is excellent. They feature a cushioned bed or chair as well as an umbrella to shield you from the sun.
Meet Sunset and Trance at Curlies
Get the perfect combination of eclectic menu, beachfront location and of course chilled-cocktails at Curlies, one of the original shacks on Anjuna Beach. Indulge in deep senses; lose yourselves in the moment, like you own it! Yes, be ready to feel the beat like never before! Do not miss your chance to blow it off!
The service is excellent, as is the ambiance. Curlies beach shack on Anjuna beach is best visited around 4 p.m. Sit on the rooftop and have a fantastic meal and a few beers while watching the sunset. The service is excellent, and you can sit there for hours without having to worry about anything. Even if you’ve finished your meal and paid your expenses, the staff will not evict you from the hut.
Beach parties, which take place every week during the season, are one of the most talked about events at Curlies – every Tuesday, trance fans from all over the world gather to dance away their worries till the early hours of the morning.
These beach parties, which can easily accommodate up to 500 people dancing to high bpm music without a care in the world, are reminiscent of the old days in Goa, when the hippie culture was at its height — the music is often reminiscent of the tunes of Goa Gill and other legendary trance musicians from the time.
Inexplicable Peace Homestay
Waking up to the chirping of birds and magnificent sunrise, this place is designed to make you feel like you are in heaven! The crystal work over the walls, the perfection in every room, even the minute detail has been taken care of! Peace Homestay is truly a dream house! You will have to say “wow” at every step! This house is a delight for every art lover! Situated at the dead end of Chapora at the base of a hill on top, this place has it all!
Enjoy the best of Goa when you stay at this beautiful peace of paradise. When you return there after a fun time out, taking in the beaches and other wonderful scenery, it is great to know Homestay is that place to settle for the night after a long day. You can find other places to stay, but few will give you the experience of this place.
