A Trip For Adventure Junkies & Beach Lovers - Goa
Goa, India's tiniest and most unique state, is renowned for its endless beaches, fantastic nightlife, a wide variety of seafood, and world-heritage-listed architecture. It lies on the western coast. It is one of the few locations open every day of the year, yet it is a far cry from a beach retreat or a haven for hippies.
While North Goa is the nightlife hub and home to all the touristy beaches, flea markets, and beach shacks, South Goa is home to luxurious resorts and a laid-back beach lifestyle.
Visit one of Goa's countless whitewashed churches, crumbling forts, or majestic churches. The ochre-coloured houses, yellow homes with purple doors, and oyster shell windows complete the kaleidoscope of Goa’s architectural styles.
List Of The Major Tourist Attractions
Goa has several tourist attractions, including well-known beaches like Baga and Old Goa's wonderfully designed churches and temples. Dance the night away to Trance music and wake up to the most serene sunrises on the peaceful beaches since Goa is known for its vibrant nightlife.
1. Calangute Beach
The longest beach in North Goa is Calangute Beach, which stretches from Candolim to Baga and is located 15 kilometres from Panjim. It draws tourists and travellers from all over the world due to its size and notoriety.
The Calangute Beach in Goa is known as the "Queen of Beaches". It is one of Goa's busiest and most popular beaches and is teeming with bars, shacks, and restaurants providing beer, seafood, and other alcoholic beverages. Jet-skiing, water surfing, banana rides, and paragliding are some water sports available at Calangute Beach.
2. Anjuna Beach
One of North Goa's most popular beaches, Anjuna Beach, is around 21 kilometres from Panjim and is 2 kilometres long. The stunning coastline, nightclubs, beach shacks, watersports, full-moon celebrations, and flea markets of Anjuna Beach are well renowned. It is perfect for both exhilarating excursions and family vacations that are restful. Hippies might find heaven at Anjuna Beach.
3. Dudhsagar Falls
Within the Mollem National Park is the Dudhsagar Falls, one of India's tallest waterfalls. The spectacular falls are located a little further inland, some 60 km from Panaji, on the boundary between Goa and Karnataka. Because it resembles a flood of milk flowing softly down a hill, the four-tiered, 310-meter-high Sea of Milk waterfall on the Mandovi River earned its nickname.
The monsoon season is the best time to visit the Dudhsagar Falls since both falls are at their peak flow and the surrounding deciduous forests are at their most lush.
4. Basilica Of Bom Jesus
Only the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church in Goa is recognised for having beautiful baroque architecture in India. About 10 km from Panjim, in Old Goa, near Bainguinim, is where you'll find the church.
UNESCO has declared the Basilica of Bom Jesus a World Heritage Site, recognising its significant historical and theological significance. This church, which means "Holy Jesus," is the only one in Old Goa without an exterior plaster finish. The triangular roofing of the church's exterior has the initials "IHS," an abbreviation for the Jesuit symbol that stands for "Jesus, Saviour of Men," artistically engraved onto it.
5. Baga Beach
Baga Beach, one of North Goa's busiest beaches, is around 30 km north of Panjim. Baga is the perfect location to take in Goa's exciting nightlife.
Baga Beach has a variety of tattoo parlours, tarot stores, palmistry shops, spas, sun decks, and some well-known shacks. It gives you the chance to experience your ideal beach vacation. If you choose not to party, another option is to practise beach yoga in the mornings, eat a balanced breakfast by the water and then unwind on the beach.
6. Divar Island
Divar Island in Goa, 10 kilometres from Panjim, is a hidden gem surrounded by greenery. This island is renowned for its breathtaking landscape, peace, and quiet and can only be accessible by ferry from Old Goa. Because it is isolated from city life, the area is referred to as a "village stuck in time," which is yet unexplored and undeveloped by tourists and commerce.
7. Dona Paula
Around 7 km from Panjim, one of Goa's most popular tourist spots is Dona Paula, known for its expansive beach. The pier (Dona Paula Pier) close to the tiny beach, known as the Lover's Paradise, provides a stunning view of the Arabian Sea and Mormugao Harbour. Another attraction is the neighbouring "Image of India" statue, a whitewashed depiction of Mother India and Young India.
8. Arambol Beach
One of the best beaches in North Goa is Arambol Beach, which is nice and serene and gets very little use from tourists. One of Goa's most impressive beaches, Arambol Beach has a decidedly bohemian air that attracts tourists across the globe.
Keri or Querim Beach, one of Goa's northernmost beaches, borders the beach on one end and Morjim on the other. On one end, jungles encircle the rocky and sandy Arambol Beach, and on the other, the ocean.
9. Vagator Beach
One of Goa's most beautiful beaches is Vagator Beach, in the Bardez Taluka. The beach lies 21 kilometres from Panaji and is renowned for its soft white sands and striking yet beautiful granite cliffs. The two main areas of the beach are Little Vagator and Big Vagator. Vagator Beach is renowned for its trance festivals, beach shacks, and panoramic vistas.
10. Palolem Beach
One of the most well-liked places for travellers to visit in Goa is Palolem Beach, a paradise of white sand in South Goa. Cancona is located about 38 kilometres from Madgaon. Palolem Beach is known for its peace in comparison to other of Goa's more well-known beaches. The primary draw of Palolem Beach is the dolphin-spotting excursion.
Some Adventure Activities For Your Bucket List
Given that Goa offers everything, it should come as no surprise that it is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in India and the rest of the world. Because of this, it is among the top destinations for kids and adults.
We have some of the most exciting and adrenaline-pumping things you will surely add to your list of adventure activities while visiting Goa.
1. Parasailing
Who wouldn't like to glide through the skies at great altitudes, seemingly defying gravity, and admiring the stunning Arabian Sea? Parasailing is one of the most popular adventure sports offered in Goa. The most popular type of parasailing for tourists is winch boat parasailing, where the parachute is opened and lands on the winch boat, connected to the other end of the parachute.
Parasailing is a favourite activity for families, kids, and couples because it offers the perfect amount of thrill and enjoyment. The best time to go parasailing is from October to May when the sea is calmer and the wind is perfect for gliding the parachute.
2. Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
Scuba diving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience because of the vibrant corals, historical wrecks, and the excitement of being in the endless sea. You'll be ready to take part in the sport 12 metres under the water after an hour of instruction with the instructors. The ideal time to go scuba diving is between October and May when the seas are calm.
3. Kayaking
Kayaking is a peaceful water activity that isn't challenging. Take in Goa's natural beauty and glimpses of daily life as you navigate its thickets, backwaters, and rivulets. In Goa, several groups offer activities including moonlight kayaking, picnics, and kayak racing.
The optimum time to enjoy it is between October and May when the water is calm and the currents are mild. It is popular in South Goa.
4. Water Skiing
Water skiing is one of the riskiest and most thrilling water activities. A pair of skis that are also attached to a speedboat are worn by skiers. A person dragged by a racing boat must maintain balance as the boat picks up speed. This sport is not appropriate for kids under five years of age because it can be a little challenging for beginners. But if you put some effort into it, you can have a thrilling experience!
5. Kite Surfing
Kite surfing combines wakeboarding, jet skiing, and surfing. Only adults are allowed to take part in this challenging activity. This activity must be practised with the assistance of trainers to operate the power kite. Kitesurfing is best practised early in the day throughout the season when the winds are not too high and support the activity.
6. Banana Boat Rides
Banana boat rides are a well-liked tourist activity in South Goa. Amazingly quickly, a steamboat and a banana-shaped boat launch the passengers into the water. The passengers then lift themselves back into the boat and the process is repeated. Although immensely enjoyable, this workout is also very hard. You might combine this activity with Ringo rides and jet skiing to up the thrill level of your excursion.
7. Aqua Zorbing And Zoccer
Due to its simplicity, this water sport appeals to both adults and children. There can only be two people within a zorb or floating inflatable balloon. Although it can look easy, it takes work to cross water and to keep balance inside the zorb. Zoccer, a water-based version of football, is another option. While visiting Goa, water zorbing is a terrific, risk-free pastime to check out. It is also quite enjoyable and a great way to stay active.
8. Windsurfing
In windsurfing, elements of sailing and surfing are combined. The rider must maintain a stable position on the board, grab the corresponding sail firmly, and steer in line with the strength of the wind and the waves.
The best place to learn to windsurf is Dona Paula Jetty, Candolim Beach, Calangute, and Baga. Go windsurfing in the late afternoon rather than the early morning when the winds are higher and make for a more challenging experience for the surfers if you wish to be more courageous.
What Is The Ideal Time To Visit Goa?
The ideal time to visit Goa is from November to February. The temperature varies between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius during this period, which is also Goa's busiest travel season.
The monsoon season in Goa, which lasts from June to September, is another wonderful time to come if you like going to the beach while it rains.
Goa is not recommended to visit in the summertime as the temperature range of 25 to 35 degrees Celsius characterises the weather from March to May, which is quite hot and humid.
Final Words
Goa is a place where you can do a lot of things. Plan a trip to Goa in the ideal months for a better experience. Get an adrenaline rush by doing adventure activities. Sit alongside the peaceful beaches and enjoy yourself surrounded by the lush greenery.
