Intresting Things to do in goa
1. Water sports It's not just Goa's beaches that are dotted with people. You can find them up in the sky as well, screaming their lungs out! Goa's popular beaches are filled with various beach activities like parasailing, banana boat riding, jet-skiing, etc. Along with a brief list, I've also included some indicative prices. The activities you'll find on most beaches include:  Water Skiing/Knee & Wakeboarding Rs. 400-1200 for 15 minutes  Jet skiing (locally referred to as water scooter) Rs. 400, 1000, 1500 for 2, 10, 15 minute trips respectively  Wind Surfing Rs. 300-600 for an hour  Parasailing Rs. 500-1250 for 5 minutes  Banana Boat/Bump & Ringo Rides Rs 200 for 15 minutes  Catamaran Sailing Rs. 600-1500 for an hour  Speedboat rides Rs. 800- 1200 for 3-6 people for 10 minutes  Grand Island Day Trip  Dolphin cruises  Scuba diving/ Snorkelling Rs. 2500 per dive  Sunset/Moonlight cruise on the Mandovi River 1. Most are run by private operators and some may not have the requisite licenses/safety features. 2. All water sports are shut in the monsoon when the sea's rough. 3. It's always best to bargain down to an agreeable price before your ride. 2. Nature Trails  The Sahakari Spice Farm in Ponda is a hidden gem. They offer a tour of the plantation, where you can learn about and taste the different spices and produce, take a cold shower, enjoy a traditional Goan lunch, and additionally get a chance to watch folk dances, swing between trees a la Tarzan, and bathe and ride elephants.  The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary near Molem offers as much as you want to pack in. Overnight stays in a tent/dorm, a chance to spot panthers, sloth bears, mouse deer, barking deer and over 200 species of birds. Also on offer are camping trips, elephant activities (shows, bathing, riding, painting), yoga and more.  Crocodile Watching in Cumbarjua Canal, Quepem, Chorao or Thivim. With an expert to guide you, you can watch them in their natural habbitat of thick mangroves, from the safety of a canoe or boat.  The Arvalem, Lamgau and Rivona Caves among many others are worth a visit as they overlook the sea, have evidence of prehistoric existence, and some beautiful legendary stories. 3. Heritage Hunt 20 minutes west of Panjim, you'll go back in Indo-Portuguese time. To Old Goa, where churches, convents, museums, art galleries, government buildings, bungalows and bakeries abound. Gasp at the magnificent Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se de Santa Catarina, The Archeological Museum of Old Goa, The Naval Aviation Museum and Institute Menezes Braganza. 4. Shopping Spree  Ingo's Saturday Night Bazaar in Arpora, can be an overload on your senses, and you never know what you might discover. When we say you can find anything, we really mean anything. The hundreds of stalls, stock items from all over the world – bohemain clothing and jewellery, stoner paraphernalia, music, and bikes. Even if you aren't shopping, this market really is a fun night out. You're sure to find fire eaters, poi jugglers, live musicians/DJs and great food from all over the world and don't forget to stop by Daniel's Bar.  Anjuna Flea Market is held on Wednesdays, and once again has clothing, jewellery, souvenirs, and a whole lot of rubbish along with a whole lot of treasures. This one's on the beach, so it's really quite lovely even if it's small. If you take the walking route (not motorable) from the last shack on Anjuna beach, you'll be sure to pass a small shop that sells ultra-violet paintings, paint and canvas. You'll want to pop in. 1. Street Shops in popular areas like Baga, Calangute, etc are plenty and they sell the basic stuff like sarongs, clothes, bags, jewellery, shells and other souvenirs. 2. Most beaches also have vendors who walk around toting their wares. 3. If you don't want something, it's important to be firm with the vendors and shopkeepers, especially the women who can be rather pushy. 4. Always, always bargain. 5. Why not  Get a Black Henna tattoo painted onto your body by artists in the markets and on beaches. Pick any design, it washes off in a couple of weeks!  Braid your hair with colorful embroidery threads and beads by the tribal women who sit on the beach and in markets.  Get a massage from the masseuses who walk the beaches. They'll pamper your legs and back for a great price, with or without oil, right in the comfort of your beach lounger.  Sip coconut water from the ladies who walk the beaches. It's cheap and wonderfully cooling.  Spend a night on the beach but only if you're a larger group or a bunch of guys. 6. Gluttons & Gourmets There really are so many eating out options in Goa and overall, the quality of food doesn't leave one complaining (unless it's a bad shack). That makes coming up with a list next to impossible, so what we've done is compiled a short list of favorites that we visit every time we're in Goa.  Martin's Corner in Betalbatim, is legendary for it's king crabs, prawn vinadloo, garlic chicken and sea food that is grilled, fried, roasted, steamed and mixed with sauces and spices. Here's the best part, a meal for two costs around Rs. 1200.  Britto's on Baga is another popular restaurant and shack famed for its food and service. Best for a candlelit dinner, with the breeze in your hair and your toes in the sand.  Infantaria at Calangute is the place to go for breakfast with their large collection of superbly prepared snacks and bakes. Get there early, before the crowds.  Curly's on Anjuna is a lively, popular shack that serves some seriously good food. We love the banana-nutella waffles with honey, as well as the limonada juice that's seriously healthy.  Souza Lobo at Calangute is an old establishment, set up in 1932. While they serve a varied fare, try their traditional offerings. Bikers Anonymous If you can tear yourself away from the beaches, Goa has miles of intricate roads and paths that run right through paddy fields, cottages and bungalows. With the wind in your hair, and Goa at your feet, it's not just a great way to get around, but also a great way to get lost. 8. Party Animals From shacks with karaoke, retro English, Bollywood, popular club and electronic music, to the standard bars to uber luxe lounges and nightclubs, to open air, hilltop, beachside and semi-jungle raves, Goa has something to offer for every kind of party goer. Tito's on Baga and Hilltop at Anjuna are evergreen, but new places keep popping up and shutting down all the time, so just keep an eye out for party posters and flyers, and a ear out for hushed whispers. 9. Holistic Healing  Ayurvedic treatments abound in Goa, but the best place to go is Keri village where experienced ayurvedic doctors run an age old natural practice.  Yoga/Meditation is taught at almost every corner, but for yoga holidays, recommended places include Yab Yum, Yoga Magic, Ashiyana and The Mandala.  Reiki is practiced and taught at several locations in Goa and we've heard lots about Neo Yoga Centre.  Vegans and eco conscious people get their fill at Bean Me Up; a soya-station cum health food cafe in Anjuna. 10. Glamorous gamblers There isn't too much gambling one can do on Indian soil and that's where Goa's famed Casino cruises come in. Lately machine operated casinos onshore have become popular as well. But if you're expecting a Vegas-style casino experience, forget about it. Goa's casinos are largely frequented by men and there's a reason why it's at the bottom of this list! But if you do want to try it out, dress up, put on your lucky perfume, and hope to get lucky! Best Time to visit goa The best time to visit Goa is between late October and early April. The peak tourist season is from mid-December to mid-January, when the weather is near perfect, with daytime temperatures rarely going beyond 32° C. People from all over the world descend upon Goa at this time of the year, so be sure to have made your hotel bookings well in advance as accommodation prices hit the ceiling due to high demand. Christmas and New Years is celebrated through out Goa with a lot of gusto and everyone literally lets down their hair to be part of these celebrations.
The Goa Carnival festival is held in late February or early March and this again is a great time to be in Goa. The festivities are filled with music and dancing, pageants and parades!
The rains descend upon Goa during the months of June and July. Although really wet, Goa looks beautiful and lush and while swimming in the sea is not recommended, the flip side is that there are not too many tourists around so hotel prices are bottomed out. Take advantage of the low prices and visit Goa in the monsoons for a very different experience! Climate Goa is warm and humid throughout the year, with little variation in the temperatures, which stay around 28°-33° C (average maximum temps). You can expect it to rain heavily during the months of June through August, with July receiving as much as 133 cm. (52 inches). The rains taper off by early October and the months between November and February are usually dry.
Place to visit in Goa History & Culture (4) Ancestral Goa Museum/Big Foot
Ancestral Goa museum, also known as Big Foot in Loutolim is around 10 km from Margao. This open-air museum-cum-parkland covers an area of about 9 acres and is the first of its kind in India. The museum showcases large life size statues and structures depicting culture and tradition of rural Goa.
Chapora Fort
At a distance of approximately 12 km from Mapusa lies the Fort of Chapora. The fort is easily accessible from Vagator over the hill leading to the fort. This fort was also made famous by the hindi bollywood movie Dil Chahata Hai which was shot here. The towering fort perched atop a rock.
Fort Aguada
The grand fort of Aguada was constructed in 1612 in order to prevent the entry of ships into the river Mandovi thus protecting old Goa from enemy attacks. Located at a distance of around 22 km from Bardez, Fort Aguada boasts of the first ever light house in Asia. Equipped with ammunition rooms.
The Secretariat
The Secretariat in Panaji, located along the riverside is one of the most striking monuments in Goa. Considered one of Goa's oldest buildings, the Secreteriat houses Goa's state legislative assembly. Originally, a palace of the Muslim ruler Adil Shah of Bijapur the monument was converted into viceroy's official residence in 1759 by the Portuguese. Numerous attempts at renovation and repair have slowly converted an overtly Islamic structure into a giant colonial building, which boasts of a sloping tiled roofs and iron pillars.
Nature (13) Anjuna Beach Jagged laterite boulders welcome you to the land of Goan rave. Enchanting red cliffs kiss the golden sandy shoreline with waves hitting relentlessly. The coconut plantation roof and plethora of restaurants and food joints offering sumptuous lip smacking sea food delicacies.
Baga Beach
The Baga beach is sandwiched between the two bigger cousins, the Candolim beach and the Calangut beach. The beach is somewhat smaller in size but is definitely cleaner and more relaxed and recluse than the other beaches in Goa. Apart from the usual beach activities and tasty food Baga beach
Calangute Beach
The Calangute Beach, located around 17 km from Bardez, is famous for being the first beach to inculcate the hippie culture in the 60's and 70's. The hippies were edged out slowly as the mainstream tourists started to flock Goa in search of peace and enjoyments of a tourist place.
Candolim Beach
The Candolim Beach is well known for its serene atmosphere and a long stretch of peaceful silvery beach which has very little commercial activities on it. Stretching from Escrivao Vaddo to Vaddy Vaddo expanse along the Calangut Candolim highway the Candolim beach provides an ideal gateway
Cansaulim Beach
Arossim, Cuelim and Cansaulim beach consortium form a formidable stretch of beaches which is considered as the second longest stretch of beach in India. The Cansaulim beach situated at around 16 Km from Margao is a vast stretch of pristine beach which is mostly secluded.
Chapora Beach
The Chapora beach lies amongst some of the most well known places in Goa and that maybe exactly the reason why it has been reclusive for such a long time and neglected by general tourists. Flanked by Vagator, Anjuna, Siolim and the Old Portuguese Fort, Chapora beach holds its own charm
Colva Beach
Colva is one beach which has almost everything to offer for everyone in the family. If it is drinks and great food for the elders and shopping and carnival / festive atmosphere for the ladies, the children are often seen building sand castles or playing beach ball or else paddle waves in the shallow
Dona Paula Beach
This exquisite seashore delight located to the south of Miramar is a small atoll knoll. The long stretches of silver white sand on Dona Paula, promises its visitors a gala time. Dona Paula de Menzes was the daughter of a Portuguese Governor of Goa who fell head over heels for a local fisherman
Majorda Beach
Majorda beach is one of the most renowned and attractive beaches of Goa. The natural beauty, clean environs, multitude of water sports, great food & drink make this a perfect sea shore to spend the day.
Miramar Beach
The River Mandovi traverses the lands of Goa and finally descends into the great Arabian Sea forming a marvelous spectacle. The Miramar beach is a silent spectator to this beautiful union and provides an opportunity to its visitor to enjoy the same. Situated in Panjim, Miramar
Morjim Beach
Situated near the mouth of Zuari River, which joins the Arabian Sea, the Morjim Beach is known for its natural beauty sans any commercialization. Known for being a breeding and nesting ground for the protected Olive Ridley Turtles the beach gains prominence amongst naturalists & tourists alike.
Savoi Plantation
Goa, with its exotic beaches, churches and pulsating nightlife has a lot more to offer. The spice plantation in rural Goa, which claims to use organic methods of cultivation and farming, is worth exploring. Located around 15 km from Ponda in Goa, Savoi Plantation is a great place to visit.
Vagator Beach
The Vagator beach has something, which very few beaches can boast of - its beautiful silver sandy stretch has huge red cliffs overlooking it. These imposing stalwarts also ooze out two fresh bubbling springs just near the shore making for a spectacular sight.
Wildlife (2) Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary The Molem village of Goa plays host to the largest wildlife sanctuary in the state. The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a host of wild animals viz. spotted deer, Indian bison, jungle cats, leopards, pythons, cobras and monkeys, the park is one of the major attractions of tourism in Goa.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Covering an area of approx 1.8 sq km, the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on the Chorao islands. Named after the world famous ornithologist, the park is located on a beautiful island which has not dropped any of its old Portuguese charm complete with villas and Churches which are white-wash
Religious (8) Basilica de Bom Jesus It is one of the most important attractions of Goa. The Basilica was constructed in 1605 and is world famous for housing the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier who is considered by Catholics as one of the patron saints of Goa. The body of the saint is still in very good condition.
Church & Convent of St Francis of Assisi
The Se Cathedral has a prestigious neighbour towards its west where the Convent of St. Francis of Assisi is located. Created in the year 1517 by the famous eight Franciscan friars this Convent started off the block as a small chapel with a few houses belonging to Thanedar Joao Machado
Church and Monastery of St Augustine
The Church and monastery of St Augustine was built by a group of 12 Augustinian friar way back in 1572 as they arrived in the city of Goa on 3rd September 1572. Though the church was constructed almost 30 years, later the Convent was started with an aim of further consolidation.
Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
Goan churches are well known for a strange amalgamation of Indian and Portuguese architecture. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is an imposing building situated right at the main square (Church square) of the town.
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
Believed to be one of the first churches to be constructed in Goa, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is perched atop the Holy hill / Monte Santo while providing an enchanting view of the River Mandovi and Divar Island below.
Royal Chapel of St Anthony
Saint Anthony was renowned and revered as the patron saint of the Portuguese Army as well as the Portuguese Navy. The Royal Chapel is situated opposite to the dilapidated Church of St. Augustine. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is also located nearby.
Se Cathedral
The Se cathedral, which took more than 62 years to complete, is an imposing building, commissioned in 1631. The church is dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria since the Portuguese sailor Alfonso de Albuquerque believed that he could defeat the Muslim armies in 1510 on the feast day of the saint
Shri Mangueshi Temple
The phenomenon of destruction and desecration of religious places also succeeded the victory march of armies. There is no dearth of places with such history. The Mangueshi temple in Priol tells a similar story wherein the temple, originally located in Kushasthali (Cortalim) was shifted under
Adventure (11) Banana Ride Funny as the name suggests, the Banana ride has caught the imagination of tourists and enthusiasts worldwide and are proving to be a star attraction at many beaches in Goa. Almost all major beaches have operators who cater for these rides.
Dolphin Trip
Goa offers a host of activities and Dolphin sighting is one of the popular and fun activities enjoyed by both adult and children with great enthusiasm. This activity is conducted on all the well-known beaches of Goa, among which the beaches of Cavelossim and Varca are the most popular ones.
Elephant Ride & Splash
An adventure activity that can be enjoyed while in Goa would be an elephant ride and splash. Like humans, elephants love to splash in water, and with a small fee you can enjoy elephant ride and splash during your trip to Goa. In Goa, elephant ride and splash are available at Sahakari Spice Farm,
Go Karting
The passion of driving in the fastest lane is surely catching up in India and the facility of Karting in Goa is a right indication towards it. The Go-Karting race tracks in Nuvem, situated towards north of Margao (South Goa) is very popular and is billed to be one of the best in the entire country
Jet Skiing
The Colva, Calangute, Candolim, Mobor, Miramar, and Rajbaga beaches offer an array of adventure water sports and jet skiing which is beyond doubt the most thrilling experience of them all. Normally preferred around winter season, as the waves go easy the instructors and operators on the beach.
Parasailing
Imagine being whisked by a motorboat at very high speed, when your legs barely touch the waters in a vain attempt to find a holding as you soar high in the air and the sail behind you tugs with full force of gushing winds. That is Parasailing adventure for you. A high adrenalin pumping adventure.
River Cruise (on Mandovi River)
Goa, aside from its golden beaches has many things on offer. The place has many scenic rivers making it a perfect location for long river cruises. A must do while in Goa is to take a river cruise tour, which in fact is a major attraction of the place.
Speedboat Rides
Speed thrills and it does so doubly if one is on the water surface. Let loose & ride on the speedboats experiencing the cutting of waves along the water surface at extremely high and fearful speeds!. Being a group activity the operators on various beaches.
Water Scooter
Goa with pristine beaches is also well known for exciting water sports. While in Goa, tourists can enjoy various thrilling water sports. One of the latest additions to the adventurous water sports in Goa is water scooters. Water scooter ride is extremely exciting sport that should not miss in Goa.
Water Skiing
One of the thrills of the oceans and beaches is the adventure of water skiing. The experience of gliding over the surface of water at high speeds is sure to knock wind out of the lungs and leave one breathless with excitement. Various beaches in Goa cater for Water Skiing viz. Calangute,
Windsurfing
Windsurfing appears to be one of the easiest and exciting sport when viewed from a distance but ask any surfer he is sure to feed you with a few of his examples of the difficulties faced and the enjoyment thereafter. Colva, Calangute, Baga, Vagator, Dona Paula etc. cater for this high adrenali.
Fun & Entertainment (23)
9 Bar The cliffs overlooking the Vagator beach hold a treasure chest called 9 Bar, the fantastic joint which boasts of some of the best crowd in Goa. The action starts at 6 PM and gets into full swing at around 10 PM. This is when the music is set to the techno beat.
Aqua
The Cavelossim beach in Mobor holds various attractions and is famous for its party scene. The Aqua Bar is extremely popular with the party crowd due to its charming environment which grows with every passing minute in the evening. Grooving trans music fills the corners of the Dance club
Cafe Mambo
Café Mambo, located at the Baga beach, is within walking distance from Calangute. The café started as another run of the mill joint, gained immemnse popularity immediately. However, the crowds started dwindling after some time. Efforts are being made to develop into hip and hop place,
Calangute Road
The Calangute Road, which leads towards the beach has gained prominence over years due to the wide variety of shopping avenues and showrooms that have soprung around it. With numerous banks, travel agencies, resorts, pubs, fast food joints sprinkled along the road the, Calangute Road has fast turned
Caravela Casino
The Government of Goa had an innovative solution for approving the casinos in Goa. They permitted Casinos onboard ships thus subverting the requirement of having one built on the land. The Caravela Casino is located on a 215 ft cruise ship which is capable of accommodating more than 300 gamble
Club Cubana
There are few places in Goa which have created a legend of their own. Club Cubana, for instance is one such place which has created its own loyal customer base which insists on entering the Club even during renovation shut down.
Club West End
It is not surprising to find pubs and clubs near the beaches of Goa becoming the focal points after sunset. However, a few clubs attract the regulars as well as the first timers due to the reputation gained and maintained over many years. Club West End is one such club,
Congo
The Congo Pub on the Candolim Beach, in Goa is a great combination of alcohol, barbecued meat snacks all gulped down with some great music is the icing on the cake. The pub located close to the beach is a hot spot for the regulars as well as for the newbies who continue their party sojourn
Curly's Beach Shack
The Baga -Calangute - Candolim stretch in Goa is extremely popular due to the long string of beach shacks. These beach shacks have a culture of their own and the crowd frequenting these shacks swear by the drinks, food and music dished out. The Curly's beach shack along the Little Anjuna Beach
Flea Market
Flea markets are an inseparable part of the folklore of Goa. With its vast coastline, & thriving tourism industry the Flea markets are bound to attract visitors. The Anjuna Wednesday, Ingo's Saturday Night Market, The Friday Bazaar at Mapusa, Arpora Saturday night market are among the popular flea
Hacienda de Oro Casino
If the oldest sins still lures you and the cling of the slot machines is music to your ears, then Hacienda de Oro is the place for you to spend a day, an evening or even a night. With a multitude of choices, as far as drinks and gambling is considered, this casino, situated at Mobor Beach.
Ingo's Night Market
The Saturday night gathering when started in 1999 was a low key affair with a motley group of westerners turning up with their beers and guitars for a night of gossip and musical extravaganza. However a German citizen named Ingo separated from this group and started his own night market
La Plage
There are few pleasures that equal the experience of lying under a starry night listening to a cool dude strum his guitar and sing your favourite song while the bonfire crackles and barbecue steak smells exquisite. The beach shack of La Plage promises you just that and much more.
Liquid Lounge
Pub is a place where the liquids flow freely and the Liquid Lounge Pub near Mobor beach in South Goa is no different. The pub due to its vicinity to the beach is generally crowded with Indian as well foreigners who jump across the beach in the evenings to enjoy a pint of beer and some good music
Loekie Cafe
It is said that restaurants and Cafes mature and become more alluring with age, just like old wine. The Loekie cafe has just completed 14 years of great service and has soared in ratings as one of the leading food and relaxation joints of Goa.
Ozone
This Pub at the Marroitt on Miramar beach, Goa is one place where the term letting your hair down gets a new meaning. The pub has been artfully done up by creating a modern bar and some creatively carved out space for the crowds to kick back & have a good time.
Paraiso de Goa
The Anjuna beach is carved out from a small hillock adjoining it, thus the hillock overlooking the beach gains prominence and so does the swinging trance bar Paraiso de Goa or Paradiso which is located right atop the hill. Sipping cocktails at Paraiso de Goa while watching the waves wash the Anjuna
Rio Rico Bar
The Mandovi hotel is situated on a very scenic spot and has been so since a long time. It is the beautiful location, great food that is served by the hotel and the Rio Rico bar on the top floor of the hotel, which makes this hotel a hit amongst the locals as well as the tourists.
Rock Your Blues
Apart from standalone pubs, there are numerous pubs and discotheques, which are owned and run by the bigger hotels in Goa. The Taj Aguada hotel houses the famous Rock Your Blues Pub. This creatively designed and executed pub is a major draw amongst the crowd visiting Aguada fort and beach.
Shore Bar
The Shore Bar on Anjuna beach is sure to remain permanently etched in your memory forever. The beautiful setting and great ambience, with its innovative design and creative structure, is an experience not to be missed. The bar resembles an open tent, which has been pegged on the open canvas
Splashdown Water Park
Located at Anjuna, around 18 km from Panaji, Splashdown Water Park is one of the popular water parks in Goa. The park is an ideal place for kids and grown-ups to have lots of fun. Splashdown flaunts of having 5 pools, a wide range of slides, flumes and other interesting features.
Tito's
The Baga beach houses one of the most famous discotheques of Goa, the Tito's. Established in 1971, Tito's bar is one of the most modern, well-equipped and acoustically aesthetic discotheque in Goa. This discotheque makes sure its guests have a great time all round the year and prides itself
Villa Sol
The Villa Sol hospitality is sure to mesmerize visitors with an array of facilities and pleasant service staff. The place has been tastefully decorated and remodeled with an aim to create soothing ambiance, to suit all types of guests. Serving a blend of Indian as well as Western cuisines,
About the Author
Tell others about
this page:
Comments? Questions? Email Here