Goa – the smallest Indian state – has  a bountiful of attractions to make a trip to Goa a worthwhile experience. In the must-visit list of almost every traveler, Goa is an obvious travel destination. The pristine beaches that mark the identity of the state, along with its Portuguese monuments, yummy seafood and welcoming locals, attract tourists to spend their vacations in Goa. This is a comprehensive guide including about the hotels, Goa beaches and must-visit tourist spots in Goa:

About Goa:-

Goa is an Indian state with an area of approx 3700 sq km (43km x 86km). About 120 km, out of the total perimeter of Goa (about 260 km), is coastline. The state is divided into two districts, namely South Goa (with district headquarter at Madgaon) and North Goa (with district headquarter at Panjim). There are about 22 beaches in Goa and the structures showcase the Portuguese style of architecture. According to the survey, the state handles about 1/8th of the total foreign footfall in India. The state with the GDP per capita of 2.5 times the national average is the richest Indian state.

How to Reach:-

Vasco-da-Gama is the airport in Goa. If you are reaching Goa by train, there are three railway stations in Goa, namely Madgaon, Vasco and Thivim. Additionally, Madgaon and Panjim are the two major bus depots in Goa. The Indian state of Goa is well-connected with all the major Indian cities. Read More

Packing Essentials:-

While packing your luggage, do not miss to pack these essentials. The below mentioned list might seek little stupid, but these are the some commodities that travelers miss while packing their bags to spend vacation in Goa.

• Footwear: Pack a pair of beach slippers apart from a pair of sandals.

• Shorts: About 3 to 4 pairs

• Swimwear: About 2 to 4

• Shampoo & Conditioner: The beach sand in your hair might give you a bad hair day.

• Sunscreen: Direct sun rays and staying in water for prolonged period might leave your skin tanned.

• iPod/mp3 Player: Carry the music gadgets and earphones as you can relax at the beach and listen to your favorite music.

• Books: If you are a reader, make sure you pack a book or two for light reading on the beach.

• Camera: Pictures are the best way to capture a moment and cherish it lifelong.

• Driving License: while taking bikes on hire, you need to have your driving license along.

Food & Lodging:-

Traveling in the most economical way with the assurance of excellent trip is requirement of every traveler. There are various food and lodging options available in Goa to meet the personal preferences of the guests:

• Food in Goa: Try out food at small eateries. Believe it or not, there are numerous small beach shacks that specialize in authentic Goan culinary delight. Booze is relatively cheap in Goa.

• Accommodation: March to October is a non-peak season in Goa, thus you will get great deals for accommodation. You can find good hotels within a distance of 1km radius of popular Goa Beaches. With a little negotiation, you can find hotels in Goa at great prices. Read More

Transportation:-

If you want to explore Goa and want to save the extra cent, the best way is to get bikes for hire. Please note, the fuel cost is over and above the hiring rate. Read More

Goa Beaches:-

There are about 22 beaches in Goa including 12 beaches in North Goa and 10 beaches in South Goa. There are a few beaches, where you can enjoy tranquility, on the other you can enjoy thrilling water sports. Read More

• North Goa Beaches: Anjuna, Arambol, Bambolim, Baga, Calangute, Chapora, Candolim, Miramar, Sinquerim, Morjim, Vagator, and Dona Paula.

• South Goa Beaches: Agonda,  Bogmalo,  Cavelossim,  Majorda, Mobor, Varca, Benaulim, Canaguinim, Colva, and Palolem.

Sightseeing:-

If you think, Goa is only about the beaches, you should think again. There is always a lot to explore and see in Goa. The list includes the churches, wildlife sanctuaries, museums, pubs, forts, go-karts, and a lot more. Read More

Some of the popular tourist spots in Goa are:-

• Basilica of Bom Jesus: The structure was built in 1605 in the gothic style of architecture. This contains the remains and the tomb of St. Francis Xavier.

• Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception: This attraction has been featured in various Bollywood movies such as Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Josh, Ajab Prem ki Gajab Kahani, etc.

• Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: This is a mini zoo and a deer park. Here, the visitors can spot various species of deer.

• Naval Aviation Museum: This museum is dedicated to the past of Naval Aviation in India.

• Aguada Fort: This is a fort-cum-lighthouse; build in 1613 by the Portuguese.

• Chapora Fort: This fort was featured in a popular Bollywood movie – Dil Chahta Hai.

• Go-Karting near Verna: King’s Pub is a pub located at the foothill. Here, the guests can find a good selection of beers, amazing music and is economical.

Dining Options In Goa:-

There are numerous dining options available right from small eateries to upscale restaurants. If you have craving for sumptuous seafood, you can visit any good beach shack. Crabs, prawns and squids are must-try cuisines. Read More

Some of the popular dining options in Goa are:-

• Café Mambo (Baga Beach)

• Martin’s Corner (Majorda)

• Bora Bora (Morjim Beach Shack)

• Mango Tree (Vagator Beach)

• Curly’s (Anjuna Beach)

• Joet’s Restaurant and Bar (Bogmalo)

• Lasagna (Vagator Beach)

• Tito’s (Baga Beach)

• John’s Seagull (Bogmalo)

Rock Culture & Live Band Performances:-

Goa supports rock culture and thus, this has blessed the state with some local and popular bands to perform live.  There are numerous small restaurants in Goa, which feature gigs by various small and upcoming local bands. While enjoying your booze you can dance to the tune of live music.

Casino:-

In India, Goa is one of the few states where gambling is considered legal. Try your luck at any of the casinos in Goa. Most of them are either featured in five star hotels or on boats docked in the Mandovi River. Read More

Some of the popular casinos, to give a try, are:

• Casino Royale

• Casino Pride

• Casino Carnival

• Chances Casino and Resort

• Dunes at the Zuri White Sands

Luxury Cruises:-

To instill the element of unspoilt luxury, make sure you enjoy at least one cruise ride. There are various cruises owned by Goa tourism or privately owned. Partying, and dining while moving in the river is a lifetime experience. Read More

Some of the popular cruises in Goa are:

• Dolphin Discovery

• Santa Monica

• Kadmat Island Goa Cruise

• Goa Cruise

• Kochi Goa Special Cruise

Important Travel Tips:

• Do not disrespect Goan people.

• Do not litter. Keep the roads and beaches clean. Use the dustbins to throw the wrappers and garbage. You might get punished for polluting the area.

• Pictures play an important role to restore the story of your trip. But, do not convert it into a click-fest. Try to take as minimum pictures of one place as possible. As photography is not your major motive of visiting Goa.

• Do not drive when drunk.

• Carry your driving license along.

• If your option for hiring a car or bike, while driving do not break the traffic rules and disrespect Goan traffic.

• If your plans include liquors at night, make sure you find a good place near your hotel or hire a cab while returning.

• Do not panic if the count of place visited is less than that you heard of. Important is to have fun and make the trip memorable. Make sure you had at least one attraction of every category ranging from beaches, churches, forts, casinos, cruises, etc.

[ Plan your Holiday in with these Goa Tour Packages ]

Written By Neelam Talreja

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Hari Sharma is a Travel Writer with a keen interest in writing about incredible destinations. His write-ups are detailed and comprising of all relevant details that could accommodate. All write-ups are written after thorough research with a blend of creative writing that will make you travel along.