Goa, since its existence has been an extremely popular tourist destination which not only caters to Indians but also to many International tourists who come to explore his heavenly paradise. Swaying palms, white sands and aqua blue waters are the three essential elements that attract over a million tourists to Goa every year.*See Video Below at end of article*
The Portuguese culture and influence of the colonial rule can be clearly seen almost everywhere in Goa. Be it the exquisite architecture or the East-West cuisine, the scented breeze or the siesta-saturated lifestyle that the Goans themselves call Susegad, is all influenced by the Portuguese culture and colonial rule.
Goa offers visitors plenty of beaches to explore but with Goa being one of the main tourist hubs, this little paradise is over-crowding every day. Goa's has an exciting beach nightlife. You can also spend your evening on the beaches of Goa where party goes on until midnight and beyond. There are, however, Goa still has a few of the finest untouched beaches that will mesmerize you. Below is a list of three of them:
Arambol Beach, North Goa
Arambol beach, also known as Harmal is one of North Goa's most famous and developed beach resorts and even today is the choice of many travelers, especially those seeking peace in the beaches of North Goa. The Arambol beach has developed over the years and offers visitors a great time with the beauty it offers to one's sight. It is never too crowded, unlike, the other beaches of North Goa and offers you a lot of peace and tranquillity. This beach is gently curved and is quite safe for swimming, making it a tad more popular among travellers. Arambol is very famous among international tourists as it is very quiet and located a little far from the bustling city that is filled with tourists. The beach however, has a few shacks that offer some scrumptious meals and the famous local alcohol of Goa, called feni or uraq. A short walk around the northern side of the beach brings you to the Kalacha Beach, behind which lies a sweet water lake. The northern side of Arambol offers one the best paragliding in Goa.
Palolem Beach, South Goa
Palolem is undoubtedly Goa's most perfect beach, with palm-fringed sand facing a calm bay. This beach is wide-spread and offers one a magnificent view of white sands and clear blue waters. Never too crowded, this beach is perfect for people who want to isolate themselves and take a break from the crowded world outside. Palolem is one of the safest beaches to swim in Goa and offers adventurists kayaking in the sea which fascinates them. There are quite a few shacks that have rooms for those who want to sit indoors and yet have a view of the beautiful beach. The butterfly island which is a famous tourist attraction in Palolem is quite an isolated beach. One can however make a trip there by boats that offer you and island tour. Palolem is a place which gives you a sense of peace and serenity but also keeps you excited. With fewer clubs or restaurants, that offer great cocktails and delicious seafood. Palolem offers visitors a relaxing beach holiday.
Agonda Beach
Agonda is a great spot for sunbathing, relaxing and swimming, with still relatively few tourists. Agonda is a nice long pristine stretch of beach. Though the waters here might not be the most ideal place for swimming (you have better beaches with calm waters in Goa), Agonda is definitely a place for those who want to quit on a Monday morning. Most mobile connections do not work here (of those having SIM cards easily available to foreigners, only Vodafone does), so that is an added bonus for those looking forward to a quiet and relaxed holiday.
Other Popular beaches in Goa include:
Dona Paula Beach
Water Sports is the most important attraction of this beach. The Dona Paula Sports Club offers water-scooter, cycle, and motorboat rides. Other water sports include windsurfing, para-sailing, water-skiing, toboggan ski-biscuit, skibob, sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking, and yachting.
Calangute Beach
Baga Beach
Counted among the most popular and lively beaches in Goa, Baga Beach is literally an extension of Calangute. Baga is smaller than the Calangute and Colva beaches lying on either side of it. It is favored by tourist who want to sun bathe in peace during by day and enjoy the Goan nightlife by night. However, Baga can be just as exciting for the more active tourist and offers a wide range of water sports from jet skis to parasailing. Baga is known to have the best range of restaurants and the liveliest nightlife in the area. While you are there don't miss the Saturday Flea market for all kinds of odds and ends, handicrafts, jewellery and snacks.
Getting to Goa:
Goa can be reached via its sole airport (Dabolim), by train, and by the many buses connecting the state with cities in India (primarily Mumbai, Mangalore and Bangalore). If you are traveling from Mumbai or Pune, car travel will provide you a journey through breathtaking scenery of the Konkan area.
The Dabolim airport in Vasco da Gama is Goa's only airport. Some airlines fly directly to Goa, but most international flights arrive via Mumbai. Qatar Airways offers flights from London to Goa with a connection in Doha, Qatar (along with convenient connections to Western Europe), and from the United States Qatar Airways offers flights to Goa from New York City JFK with a connection in Doha.
From within India you can get great rates on domestic flights from Mumbai and other cities in India can be found on India's popular Yatra.com where you can also book your hotel in Goa!
Where to stay:
There are many Goa hotels where you can check in. From the luxurious resorts to the modest budget hotels, you can easily find an accommodation of your choice. However, it will be advisable to book Goa hotels in advance since the place is teeming with tourists through-out the year.
Where to eat:
There are several restaurants, food joints, food stalls and café where you can find mouth-watering food. Goa hotels also serve delicious food of varying cuisines. Do try Goa s seafood and also enjoy the coconut juice at the beaches.
Where to shop:
You can shop for handicrafts and souvenir in Goa s local markets. Do check out the famous Anjuna flea market and Indigo s night market.
When to visit:
For westerners, who find it incredibly cheap, winter sun is guaranteed between November thru March the daytime temperature tends to be around 90F (32C) and during these months there is barely cloud to be seen, let alone rain.
Local festival: Winter carnival, All Saints Feast, Feast of St Francis Xavier
As a holiday destination, Goa has a lot to offer in terms of culture, cuisine, lifestyle and the mysterious beaches. It is a destination, suitable for all people. If you are one, wanting to explore the pristine and finest beaches of Goa, then you must add these beaches to your Goa package.
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