A Travel Guide To India’s Ultimate Party Destination: Goa

A former Portuguese colony, Goa is famous for its beaches, nightlife and neo-gothic structures. The state is a popular holiday destination for Indians as well as foreign tourists. The best time to visit Goa is between the months of October and March. However, those who enjoy water sports and don’t mind the heat should definitely visit Goa in the months of April and May. Even though the temperatures are high, there are plenty of water-based activities to cool you off.

Travel Guide To Goa: The 10 Best Things To Do

Visit Old Churches

Those interesting in history and architecture will love what the old churches in Goa have to offer. Dotted across the state, these churches were built using English and Portuguese, gothic and renaissance architectural styles. Many of the churches have interesting histories, while others house important relics and artefacts.

Best Churches to See in Goa:  Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Saligao Church, St. Francis of Assisi Church, Church of St Cajetan

Trek Up To Dudhsagar Waterfall

If adventure is your thing, you’ll love trekking up to Dudhsagar Falls. There are two routes you can take: the first is a man-made pathway, the second is a mud path that leads to the top of the waterfall. The best time to visit Dudhsagar Waterfall is during the monsoon, when the weather is amazing and you can enjoy the waterfall in all its glory.

Location: Dudhsagar

Ride On A Houseboat Along Chapora River

If you thought that you could only ride on a houseboat in Kerala, think again. On the Chapora River in North Goa you can drift along and soak in the stunning views of Goa’s backwaters. End your trip by visiting the famous Chapora Fort to watch the sunset.

Location: Chapora River

Shop At Anjuna Flea Market

Goa is a fabulous place to shop for quirky casuals and one of the best places to buy clothing and accessories at bargain prices is at Anjuna Flea Market. From t-shirts with funky prints to sarongs, junk jewellery, flowy dresses and other accessories, you can find it all at the flea market. Besides clothes, you can also shop for artefacts, handicrafts and items such as books and spices. The added benefit of shopping here is the  delicious food on offer from the many stalls. There are also  live music performances.

Location: Anjuna

Feel The Thrill Of Water Sports At Calangute

Goa is a great place to enjoy water sports. On the many beaches in Goa, you can enjoy water sports such as jet skiing, banana boat rides and regular boating. If you are up for something challenging yet fun, try  parasailing. Prices of parasailing start from Rs. 700 a person for a 20-30 minute ride.

Location: Calangute Beach, and other beaches in Goa

Re-Live Goa’s Past at Ancestral Goa

Ancestral Goa is a museum and park in South Goa that showcases life in Goa before the Portuguese era. The place is famous for housing a footprint that is said to be lucky when prayed to and is adorned with flowers. The museum also houses a lateral stone statue of Sant Mirabai, believed to be the largest in the world.

Location: Loutolim

By Aruna at ml.wikipedia [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0  or CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

Go Scuba Diving

A little known fact is that you can go scuba diving in Goa. Enjoy scuba diving at the Grande Island in South Goa. There are different courses available and prices depend on the duration of the course.  If you are up for an adventure, you will be thrilled with what you will get to see under the sea at the Grande Island.

Location: Grande Island

Visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Goa has its own wildlife sanctuary: Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. At the wildlife park, you can go on a safari and click pictures of exotic animals. Popular species of animals found inside the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary are panther, Indian Bison, gaur, leopards and elephant. During the migratory bird season, you will be able to spot some exotic birds, too.

Location: Caranzol

Enjoy Nightlife in Goa

If there is one thing Goa is famous for, its nightlife. In the North as well as the South of Goa, tourists can find trendy and cool beach shacks, pubs and nightclubs to chill out at in the evenings. These places are famous for the good music they play and the excellent seafood that is served along with a wide range of cocktails and drinks.

Locations: Some famous places to enjoy nightlife in Goa are Mambos, Titos, Hilltop, Leda and Café Mojo

Visit a Casino

Try your luck at the slot machines and other games at the many casinos in Goa. Situated inside cruise ships on Miramar Beach, these casinos are a fun way to see another side of Goa. Gambling is allowed only for those above the age of 18, and you will need to show age proof before entering the casino.

Best Casinos in Goa: Deltin Jaqk, Casino Pride

If you are looking for good and reasonable accommodation, book a room at one of the Treebo Hotels in Goa. Treebo offers great rooms with excellent amenities, free toiletries, free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast. Treebo Hotels in Goa are the perfect choice for a relaxed and fun holiday in Goa.