Goa, the party capital of India purveys a vibrant amalgam of Indian and Portuguese cultures, where sun-kissed noons with picturesque vistas of sea & sand, and delicious seafood awaits visitors from across the world to cater countless surprises. Spirituality has its own colours when you talk about this pocket-sized paradise, Goa. Glittering golden beaches with sky-scraping palm trees and the exquisite leisure vibe of this tropical paradise lures holidayers to visit this place again and again. With a perfect contrast between urban beliefs and rooted culture, Goa is one of the best places to experience in India. If you are planning the Goa holidays then here are the finest encounters that you must include in your tour plan.
1. Beaches: When someone talks of Goa, the first thing that flashes in mind is the beaches. From tranquil beaches of South Goa to colourful evenings at North Goa beaches, the presence of sand, water, and quarrelsome waves are just a few steps away when you are holidaying here. A getaway to the crescent-shaped Palolem Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea where you can indulge in adventures, including kayaking, dolphin-sightseeing, swimming, etc. or a sneak peek at Colva Beach, where you can rent a Jet Ski, banana boat, or even parasail and feel like a bird, beaches in Goa features endless thrills.
2. Spice Farms: If you sneak peek at the history of Goa then out of numerous other reasons, one prime factor that lured invaders to the place was spices. The southern part of India boasts a plenitude of spice vegetations, and you can scent the aroma of black pepper, cardamom, cloves, etc. while unravelling these terrains. Now, you can capture the sights of the local spice scenario by touring the famous spice farms. Tanshikar’s Working Spice Farm & Ecological Rest House is one such place where you can get yourself surrounded by greens and watch the farms of pepper, nutmeg, turmeric, vanilla, cardamom, chilli, etc.
3. Basilica de Bom Jesus: The Basilica de Bom Jesus is a prominent religious site in Goa that dates back to the 16th century. The site has the remains of St. Francis Xavier and was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in the year 1999. The intricate architecture of the basilica feature an amalgamation of Doric, Corinthian, and Baroque style of designs. The lime plaster of the building was stripped in the 20th century and its structure has evolved worn by monsoons. The Annual Feast of St. Francis Xavier attracts believers to the church which occurs during late November and early December.
4. Dudhsagar Falls: Dudhsagar Falls is one of the most refreshing sites where four-tiered waterfall cascades from around 310 m and is counted among the highest falls in India. You can plan a getaway to the falls by taking a taxi or boarding a train to Colem. From there, you can hire a shared jeep that passes through the forest, amlong with capturing the sights of Devil’s Canyon on your way to the falls. If you wish then rent a life jacket available at the waterfall and take a dip in the waters. If you are planning to go to Dudhsagar Falls on your Goa holidays then make sure that you make all the bookings in advance. This is an exceptional encounter worth experiences on a Goa tour.
5. Anjuna Market: You can not miss out on going for a shopping while being in Goa as these vibrant places are the windows to the real Goan vibes. There are numerous markets here, however, Anjuna Market is quite popular among visitors. Wednesdays come up with an array of local vendors and hawkers featuring glittering setups on Anjuna Beach allures wanderers with a variety of items, including ornate textiles, sculptures, woven bikinis, hammocks, magnets, skirts & dresses, t-shirts, beaded jewellery,etc. If you are not interested in shopping, you can plan a sneak peek at the market to taste delicious local food and capture the glimpse of twinkling settlements by the beach.
6. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: Another interesting tourist attraction in Goa is Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary which is an ideal place to plan a getaway for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Spread across 240 sq km it is the biggest wildlife sanctuary in the region and abodes Molem National Park. If you are lucky then you may spot black leopard, Malabar giant squirrel, Bengal tiger, wild boar, slender loris, python, ruby-throated yellow bulbul, etc. on your visit. Do plan a visit to the 12th century temple, Tambdi Surla Temple that is located within the premises of the wildlife sanctuary.
Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, Terekhol Fort, Reis Mogos Fort, Cabo De Rama Fort, Corjuem Fort, Church of St. Francis Of Assisi, Church of St. Cajetan, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, etc. are other famous tourist attractions worth exploring here. Don’t forget to add the mentioned places to the itinerary of your upcoming Goa holidays.
