Tourism Bharat: Read about TOURISM IN GOA, know GOA’s Popular Destinations, points of interest, best time to visit & More!
Goa Tourism
Goa — Sun, Sea and Sand! These three words perfectly sum up what Goa offers to travelholics, adventurers and holidayers.
One of India’s smallest states, Goa is strategically situated in the Sahyadri Range in the Western Ghats. The vertical strip of the state begins from Tiracol in the north to Palolem in the south and is surrounded by the majestic Arabian Sea on the west, Maharashtra to the north, and Karnataka to the east and south.
Goa is India’s most popular beach destination with superb beaches that are thronged by millions of travellers each year. The culture of Goa is a blend of Indian and Iberian (Spanish & Portuguese). It is rich in folk culture with a delightful blend of dynamic Konkani folk songs and miscellany of Portuguese dance and music.
Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Ponda are the main cities of Goa. Its beachnik lifestyle is best experienced during the winter months i.e. between October to February. However, being an all-weather holiday destination, the state attracts tourists all around the year.
Popular Destinations In Goa
The state of Goa is among the smallest states in India. With an area of 1,429 square miles, Goa is majorly divided into two regions — North Goa and South Goa. Panaji serves as the headquarters of North Goa as well as the state. Madgaon (Margao) is the headquarters of South Goa.
Places To Visit In North Goa – Best Destinations (cities)
North Goa has three subdivisions (cities).
1. Panaji
One of India’s most hassle-free state capitals, Panaji (Panjim) crowds around the peninsula overlooking the broad Mandovi River, where cruise boats and floating casinos pursue the waters, and advertising signs cast neon reflections in the night.
A magnificent overwhelmed church lords over the vivacious city centre, a broad leafy concourse skirts around the river, and the grand colonial-era buildings rub shoulders with arty boutiques, old-school bookshops, state-of-the-art malls, and backstreet bars. But it’s the twist of narrow streets in the old Latin Quarter of Fontain that really steals the show. Portuguese influence is more candidly experienced here than anywhere else in the country. A day or two in Panaji is an essential part of your ultimate Goan experience.
2. Mapusa
Mapusa, also known as ‘Mapsa’, is the largest town in northern Goa, and is most often visited for its busy Friday market. Every Friday, the Mapusa market bulges at the seams, with apparently every square inch of space occupied by sellers with only just enough room for the prospective buyers, the alleys between the regular stalls being occupied with temporary mats and boards.
The ancient Goan agrarian community had a well-established Gaunkari or Community Farming System, where villages formed associations, worked on community land and shared profits. Market day was a major event, with goods brought in from every district to one central area. Mapusa has thus remained a prominent market centre for many centuries. Many travelers pass through Mapusa nevertheless as it’s a major transport hub for northern Goa buses. Most facilities are arranged around the Municipal Gardens, just north of the Kadamba bus station and the main market site.
3. Bicholim
Bicholim, also known as Dicholi, is a city and a municipal council in North Goa district in the state of Goa, India. It is a town in the territory of Goa. It is in the mining heartland of Goa. The major part was of an independent Warlord (Prabhu Desai of Sankhali/Sanquelim). It was taken over by the Portuguese in the late 18th century as part of the New Conquest.
Mining constitutes a major chunk of the economy of Bicholim. Wednesday is the market day when people in and around Bicholim gather in the main market region to trade small goods/commodities. The church of Our Lady of Grace dominates the city square. A historic monument Nimuz Ghar (possibly Namaz Ghar) stands on the hilltop prominently overlooking the town of Bicholim. The monument was built to commemorate the victory of the combined Muslim and Hindu forces over the Portuguese. The peaceful Mayem Lake is a major tourism destination in Bicholim.
Places To Visit In South Goa – Best Destinations (cities)
South Goa is divided into five subdivisions (cities).
1. Vasco da Gama
Vasco da Gama often shortened to Vasco, is the largest city in the state of Goa on the west coast of India. This city in the former Portuguese territory of Goa is named after the famous Portuguese explorer and navigator, Vasco da Gama (who also held the title of Governor of Portuguese India). It lies on the western tip of the Mormugao peninsula, at the mouth of the Zuari River and also serves as the headquarters of the Mormugao sub-district. Mormugao Port remains a busy shipping route in Asia. Even today, it is one of the major ports of India and around one-third of India’s ore exports take place here.
Hollant (Issorcim) and Baina are two smaller beaches around Vasco. Apart from the nearby beaches, the city of Vasco is bereft of any major tourist attractions, the salient monument being the 400-year-old Igreja de Santo André (St. Andrew’s Church), located at the entrance of the city. However, the Naval Aviation Museum, near the airport is a popular tourist spot and is one of three such museums in India. Vasco is known for the annual Shri Damodar Bhajani Saptah fair held in the Shravan month of the Hindu lunar calendar preceding the festival of Nag Panchami. Like all towns and cities of Goa, Vasco celebrates the Shigmo/Xigmo Carnival annually with a street parade where floats from all over Goa participate.
2. Margao
Margao traditionally known as Mathagra, is the second-largest city by population, and the commercial and cultural capital of the Indian state of Goa. The town has many sights and destinations. These include a large number of churches and temples in Margao since the population is predominantly Hindu with a significant Roman Catholics present in the area.
Madgaon railway station is Goa’s biggest and busiest. Being a railway junction, it is positioned at the intersection of the Konkan Railway and the South Western Railway. All trains stop at Margao. Hence, it is used more commonly as a transit stop rather than a tourist destination by many people. Margao is connected by road to other cities like Mangalore, Udupi, Bhatkal, Kumta, Karwar, Ratnagiri, and Mumbai through the National Highway 66 (NH66). Also, there is a road, which connects Margao to Ponda and other towns of the state.
3. Ponda
Ponda is a municipal council in the Southern Goa region. It is also known as ‘Antruz Mahal’ because of the presence of abundant famous temples and rich cultural heritage. Ponda lies along National Highway 4A, which connects Panaji to Belgaum in the neighbouring state of Karnataka. The industrial center of the state, Ponda is abode to many large factories and industrial estates and is Goa’s fastest-growing city. Ponda is the gateway to Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries, both the Bondla and the Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuaries are present here, and also to the well-known Dudhsagar Waterfalls. The nearby Butterfly Conservatory of Goa attracts nature enthusiasts. It is at Pisgal, Priol, and very close to the Tropical Spice Plantation.
Ponda is connected by road to the capital of Goa Panaji, to the main railway junction of Margao and to the International Airport at Dabolim. Buses to nearby villages and towns, as well as interstate buses, also depart from the same bus stand. There are buses regularly between Ponda and Dharwad, Hubli, and Belgaum run by the Kadamba Transport Corporation and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation. The National Highway 17B connects Ponda to Vasco via Verna. The National Highway 4A connects to Belgaum/Hubli and Panaji.
4. Quepem
Quepem town is the administrative capital of the Quepem taluka. The town was established by a Portuguese noble man Deão Jose Paulo. Curchorem and Sanvordem are the major towns located near Quepem town. The place is known for the annual Ganeshotsav Festival, Carnival, and Shigmostav celebrated with solemnity and cheerfulness. The centre of such celebrations is the Municipal Garden, which is at the centre of the town. The village banquet of Holy Cross is also celebrated with great zeal in May and October.
The main tourist attractions in the area are the Holy Cross Church, the Old Dam (Band), the Holy Cross Hillock (valé-tempi), and the Palácio Do Deão. Quepem is also known for its picturesque beauty during the monsoon season.
5. Dharbandora
Dharbandora is a sub-division of Goa that came into existence as a part of Five Panchayats — Dharbandora, Kirlapal-Dabhal, Collem, Mollem, and Sancorda. Konkani is the Local Language here. There is no railway station near Dharbandora in less than 10 km. However, Madgaon railway station is the major railway station 26 km away from Dharbandora. This area of Goa is a perfect destination for offbeat travel enthusiasts. Dharbandora offers you Elephant Safari, Surface Rappelling, Rock climbing, Zip lining, and enjoying a shower with giant elephants.
Goa tourism places – tourism near goa explained!
1. National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Reserves
Popular national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and national reserves to visit in Goa are Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) Wildlife Sanctuary, Chorao Island (Dr. Salim Ali) Wildlife Sanctuary (Bird), Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhagwan Mahavir (Mollem) National Park.
2. Religious Places
Temples: Popular temples in Goa include Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple, Maruti Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple, Mahadeva Temple (The Tambdi Surla Temple), Shri Shantadurga Temple, Shri Damodar Temple, Mahalasa Temple, Mangeshi Temple, Shri Nagesh Temple, Brahma Temple, Shri Kamakshi Temple, Laxmi Narasimha Temple, Shri Ramnath Temple, Shri Bhagavati Temple, Shri Rudreshwar Temple and 1008 Shri Adinath Digambar Jain Mandir.
Churches: Popular churches to visit in Goa are Bom Jesus Basilica (a UNESCO heritage site), Se Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Church of St. Cajetan, Chapel of St. Catherine, Church of Lady of Rosary, Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, Monte Hill, St. Alex Church, Nossa Senhora de Penha de Franca, Church of Our Lady of Miracles, Church of Our Lady of the Mount, Mae De Deus Church, Three Kings Chapel, St. Diogo’s Church, Santa Cruz Church, Holy Cross Shrine, St. Andrew’s Church, Our Lady of the Lourdes Church, Church of the Cross of Miracles, St. Clara’s Church, Chapel of Saint Sebastian, Our Lady of Penha de Franca Church, St. John the Baptist Church and St. Elizabeth’s Church.
3. Fairs and Festivals
The main festivals, fairs, and carnivals celebrated in Goa include Christmas, Shigmo, Three Kings Feast, St. Xavier’s Feast, Christmas, Sao Joao Festival, Bonderam Festival, and much more.
4. Trekking Places
Travellers can enjoy trekking at many places in Goa. Popular trekking destinations in Goa are Dudhsagar Falls Trek, Trek to Todo Waterfalls in Goa, Ocean Trek to Neuti Beach, Keri to Arambol Trek, Trekking at Udaan Dongor, Valpoi (via Cintol) to Krishnapur Canyon, Netravali Waterfall Trek, Tambdi Surla Waterfall Trek, Sada Waterfall Trek and Sonsogor (Sonsogad).
5. Forts and Palaces
Popular forts and palaces to visit in Goa are Chapora Fort, Reis Magos Fort, Corjuem Fort, Terekhol Fort, Aguada Fort, Sinquerim Fort, Nanuz Fort, Cabo de Rama Fort, Rachol Fort, Mormugao Fort and Anjediva Fort.
6. GOA Beaches
There’s no other place in India that can match Goa when it comes to beaches. The coastal state has over 30 mesmerizing beaches for rest seekers and these beaches turn out to be the best Goa tourism site. These Goa tourism spots in the category of beaches include Baga Beach, Palolem Beach, Vagator Beach, Calangute Beach, Colva Beach, Anjuna Beach, Chapora Beach, Arambol Beach, Candolim Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Morjim Beach, Cavelossim Beach, Butterfly Beach, Agonda Beach, Dona Paula, Cabo de Rama Beach, Mobor Beach, Mandrem Beach, Bogmalo Beach, Bambolim Beach, Majorda Beach, Varca Beach, Miramar Beach, Ashwem Beach, Patnem Beach, Benaulim Beach, Cola Beach (Khola Beach), Betalbatim Beach, Utorda Beach, Querim Beach, Betul Beach, Coco Beach, Galgibaga Beach, Talpona Beach, Polem Beach, Siridao Beach, Kakolem Beach and Rajbagh Beach.
Goa tourism Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Goa is from mid-November to mid-February. However, the weather is decent throughout the year which contributes to the enormous amount of visitors it attracts. The period between November and February is considered to be the best time to visit Goa because the weather is generally cooler and pleasant than the rest of the year. The pleasant weather allows the vacationers to relax on the beaches and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the party capital of India.
Similar to its neighbouring state of Maharashtra, Goa also gets a good amount of rainfall during the monsoon season (June-Sep). During this period, it is normally recommended to avoid going there for family vacations. However, if you are looking for adventure and thrill, then you can try visiting Goa during the monsoon season too.
Things to do in Goa
1. Adventurous Water Sports
When it comes to water sports, Goa is heaven for water sports lovers. Here are some of the water sports that you can try out in the deep waters of Goa for a fabulous beach vacation: Kneeboarding, Kayaking, Wakeboarding, Windsurfing, Scuba Diving, White Water Rafting, Jet Skiing, Banana Tube Boat Ride, Parasailing, Flyboarding, Yachts And Cruises, Water Skiing, Paddleboarding, Snorkelling, Speed Boating, Kite Surfing, Dinghy Sailing, Water Zorbing, and Ringo Ride.
2. Savor Exquisite Goan Cuisine
Goa was ruled by the Portuguese for a long period, however, before that it was ruled by many Hindu and Muslim dynasties. All these people have left a mark on Goan cuisine. Every year swarms of gastronomes visit this place to savor Goan delicacies. Goan cuisine is a perfect amalgamation of East and West. Some must-try specialities of Goa are pork vindaloo, prawn balchao, pork feijoada, fish Recheado, fish Caldeirada, fish Caldeen, prawn Balchao, pork Assad, caldo verde, bebinca, sorpotel, payasu, patoli, madgane and kheer.
3. Visit Tropical Spice Plantation in Goa
Not many of us know about this wonderful experience of Goa. There are two tropical spice plantations in Ponda. Here, you can learn a lot about different spices during the tour and have an authentic Goan lunch too. For more details, you can contact their website: http://www.tropicalspiceplantation.com/index.php. You will feel closer to nature here than anywhere else in Goa!
BONUS ADVICE FOR YOUR GOA TRIP
Before you set off for your Goa tour, don’t forget to carry the following essentials to double the joy of your Goa Trip.