GOA

Goa is the perfect mix of natural beauty, lively nightlife, and tropical environs. Check out our Goa blog portal, where you will find all the essential information to help you plan an awesome sauce vacation to the party-state. From the best tourist attractions to plush resorts, this collection of travel blogs on Goa will make your trip fun and hassle-free. Discover the tropical state’s best-kept secrets in these blogs. Each Goa travel blog showcase essential information such as the best time to visit, how to reach, and other nitty-gritty tips and information for you to enjoy your vacation fully. We have treated every Goa tour blog as a platform to showcase our love and fervor for India’s favorite party destination. Don’t limit yourself to crowded beaches and attractions when you can explore new and offbeat places with the help of these Goa trip blogs. Whether it’s North Goa or South Goa, these Goa travel blogs have got you covered for both parts of the Portuguese corner of India. Pin your favorite articles and feel free to share on your social media channels to kick start everyone’s wanderlust to Goa. Watch out our this space for the latest updates and new exciting information every day.

NORTH GOA

PLACES TO VISIT IN NORTH GOA

1. Chapora Fort

Chapora Fort captured the attention of wanderlust souls around the country when it was featured in the Bollywood blockbuster Dil Chahta Hai. So much so that many people now refer to it as the Dil Chahta Hai Fort. Dating back to 1717, the fort was a silent witness to the various historical events that unfolded here over the ages. Standing above a hill-top near the Chapora River, it offers excellent views of the surrounding areas and is definitely worth a visit.

Location: Chapora
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, every day

2. Vagator Beach

A stunning beach with dramatic red cliffs adorning the shore, Vagator presents a breath-taking sight. The beach here is split into two main beaches, namely Big Vagator and Little Vagator. It is the perfect place to put your feet up and enjoy your dose of sun, sand, and sea. But if you are up to some water fun, Vagator has plenty of options including jet skiing and parasailing. You can also enjoy lovely sunsets and look forward to a wonderful nightlife.

Must-try Activities: Jetskiing, Parasailing, Dolphin watching

3. Anjuna Beach

Glowing white sands, adventurous water sports, and a scintillating nightlife, that’s Anjuna for you. One of the most popular beaches in the northern part, Anjuna embodies all that Goa stands for. If the rocky shore seems enticing during the day, wait till the night kisses this place and it awakens with a party vibe. Adding to the appeal of the beach is the flea market held here every Wednesday, which is a top draw among the tourists.

Must-try Activities: Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Windsurfing, Parasailing, Water skiing, Banana ride, Water scooter, Dolphin Sighting

4. Fort Aguada

Majestic is the word that best defines Fort Aguada, one of the famous forts in Goa. The imposing fort enjoys a strategic location even as the waves of the Arabian Sea play along its lofty walls. Steeped in history, this colossal fort dates back to the 17^th century and offers a spectacular view of the sea that spreads in front of it. Among the main attractions of the fort are a series of prison cells and an ancient lighthouse, which is the oldest one of its kind in Asia.

Location: Candolim
Timings: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, every day

5. Baga Beach

It’s not without reason that Calangute is often referred to as the queen of beaches in Goa. Stretching from Baga to Candolim, this place is easily the most happening hub in North Goa. The beach here is a picturesque sight, which explains why it is almost always crowded. Be it beach fun during the day or jazzing parties during the night, Calangute ticks the boxes for everything. It is also one of the best spots in North Goa for a great shopping experience, thanks to the buzzing street market here.

Must-try Activities: Speed boat rides, Parasailing, Jetskiing, Water surfing, Banana ride

7. Candolim Beach

Tranquil ambiance, thrilling water sports, and an enchanting nightlife make Candolim one of the most appealing beaches to explore in the north. You won’t find much commercial activity around this place, but the spellbinding beauty of the beach more than makes up for it. If you are looking forward to enjoying adventurous water-based activities in a calm and serene beach, Candolim is your best bet.

Must-try Activities: Water scooter, Dolphin sighting trips, Banana ride, Jetskiing, Water surfing

8. Sinquerim Beach

The gorgeous Sinquerim Beach beckons you to a scenic sandy shoreline. Apart from enjoying a host of water-based sports and adventurous activities, you can also indulge in swimming. More often than not, nightlife on this beach is marked with music festivals. Sinquerim also boasts of a number of restaurants serving excellent food and beverages, making it a preferred destination for foodies.

Must-try Activities: Scuba diving, Windsurfing, Water skiing, Dolphin sighting trips, Jetskiing, Swimming, Paragliding

9. Arambol Beach

A spectacular beach with a distinct Bohemian vibe, Arambol exemplifies the perfect blend of scenic beauty and serenity. This rocky-cum-sandy beach is counted among the less-crowded beaches in Goa, which makes it ideal for you to spend some romantic moments with your special someone and indulge in some amazing water-based activities. You can even shop for knick-knacks and junk jewelry from the small shops lining the beach or have a drink or two at one of the shacks surrounding the beach.

Activities: Dolphin sighting trips, Paragliding, Swimming

10. Reis Magos Fort

Standing on a hilltop, Reis Magos Fort has played many roles in its long history spreading over more than four and a half centuries. From serving as a residence for viceroys and other significant personalities to being a prison and then lying as an abandoned fort, Reis Magos Fort has seen many chapters of history unfold within its walls. Today, the fort serves as a cultural center and draws in a large number of tourists.

Location: Bardez
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays

SOUTH GOA

1. Dudhsagar Falls

This enticing waterfall magnetizes tourists from different verticals of the world as it has a breathtaking charm which in turn makes it one of the most visited tourist places in South Goa. The literal meaning “ Sea of Milk”, this waterfall is a treat to the eyes. It lies in the proximity of Panaji city which is about 60 km. The waterfall is located inside the Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary and has a height of 1,000 feet.

2. Se Cathedral Church

One of the most striking churches in India is the “Se Cathedral” located in the Southern part of Goa. This magnificent church exhibits excellent artistry of the Portuguese-Manueline style with beautifully arched interior and an impressive courtyard. Previously, the cathedral had two towers but one of them collapsed in late 17th Century and was never rebuilt.

3. Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach is probably one of the most gorgeous beaches of South Goa and generally famous among foreign tourists who flock here often. The tranquil surroundings makes an ecstatic setting for indulging in an occasional stroll or just appreciate this amazing landscape. The beach remains packed with shacks, hawkers, restaurants, and eating outlets occupying the one mile long shore in crescent shape.

4. Johnny Cool

This place gives a new dimension to the dining style, which is a combination of beach, exotic cuisine, and serene aura. This deadly combination can be experienced at the Johnny Cool Beach Bar which lies on the Dover Beach, famed as one of the most alluring beaches of Goa.

Here, one can savor mind-blowing Caribbean

5. Colva Beach

It is one of the most popular beaches in South Goa and attracts a lot of Indian visitors. The beach is an ideal destination to enjoy a range of activities from sunbathing, water sports to other leisure activities. Adventure freaks particularly flock here to get the adrenaline rush with adventure sports. You can find many shacks here selling street food and drinks to satiate your hunger and and its one of the best places to visit in South Goa in

6. Agonda Beach

Agonda Beach in Goa is ideal for individuals searching for an energizing time in the water. The cool wind and warm summer sun help you alleviate the anxieties brought by the everyday routine. This shoreline is long and desolate, bordered with palms and casuarinas and overwhelmed by an expansive slope toward the south. In the event that you are searching for some tranquil minutes, Agonda Beach is the place to be.

7. Cabo De Rama Fort

This decrypted structure with towers and rustic cannons was claimed by the Portuguese monarchs. It was a well-equipped fort with 21 guns and several military barracks and a chapel but, when the Portuguese left India, the place was abandoned and, later used as the government prison. Now, the fort is housed only by the ruins but is a popular tourist place in South Goa.

8. Benaulim Beach

Benaulim Beach is one of the evergreen beaches of Goa and a popular tourist spot. It has everything ideal from captivating shorelines, extravagant gleaming sands, superb convenience, to nightlife and late night vibrant parties. Far from the clamor and busyness of the city, the shoreline is an ideal place for beach lovers to unwind and recover their spirits.

9. Mobor Beach

Mobor Beach is vibrant with tourists and always bustling with parties and activities that go one here perpetually. The beach is beautified with natural creations with blooming lilies in ponds, sandy dunes and coconut palms which adore the landscape. This place is ideal for the individuals who need to make their vacation a more offbeat experience or just feel the light of common life in Goa.

10. Bogmalo Beach

Nestled amidst the coconut palms and fishing villages, this sea side is a definitive destination to enjoy lovely moments with friends or family members. It’s an excellent place to enjoy a long stroll with your friends and family or a plunge in the Arabian Sea. Bogmalo is also famous for its nightlife and luxury accommodations which make it a strong contender to be one of the best beaches in Goa.

Aside from water sports and other intriguing activities, there are various top of the line shops that are known for exquisite handicrafts. This shoreline is an ideal mix of clamor and peacefulness, spotted with basic magnificence where one can feel loose

2. Culture and Heritage:

Goa is a place where even life takes it easy. The laidback attitude and easy going lifestyle is mainly due to the inherent affable Goan nature and the easily adaptable Goan traditions and customs. The place has been ruled by different empires and from time to time, the customs and traditions have been moulded according to their beliefs and thought patterns. This has led to the flexibility of the traditions and customs of Goa. Though laws prevailing in the state are stringent, people go easy on traditional practices.

The tradition of Goa is rich and possesses a unique legacy of different cultures. In Goa, tradition and customs have affected almost every aspect of its lifestyle. One can see the typical Portugal custom of constructing a house. Churches are in traditional Portugal style. People are free to practice the religion of their choice and they respect the existence of other religions too. At the same time, they move ahead with the world and are in sync with the latest trends and beliefs.

The traditions and customs of Goa have allowed secularism to flourish and have made people more tolerant towards other religious practices. It is not uncommon to see people from another religion going to a church or a temple or a mosque. They follow the tradition of their choice and at the same time respect other customs. This is what makes Goans stand out in a striking contrast to the rest of India. The Goan tradition and customs have truly given a unique identity to the state and made it a role model for others to follow

Susegado’ – laid-back or chilled out is how one would describe the typical Goan. The people of Goa are open and fun-loving; they have music coursing through their veins, and are ever ready to break into song and dance. Virtually every restaurant/ bar/ café boasts a live band, even if it’s no more than a single Spanish guitar! Their laid-back lifestyle is truly enviable. Where else, but in Goa, would you find motorcycle cabs? Or have the fine tradition of a post-lunch siesta that ensures everyone from shopkeepers to vacationers and even street dogs curl up for a postprandial snooze.

The culture of Goa is an amalgamation of Indian and Portuguese culture. The long Portuguese rule has influenced the culture in more ways than one and many of the Portuguese traditions are reflected in the Goan culture even today.

Dance and music is deeply embedded in the Goan culture. The most popular dance forms in Goa are Fugdi and Dhalo, which are traditional dances, performed only by women. Some dances are specific to an occasion or festival they are performed in. The Dhangar is performed during the Hindu festival of Navaratras and during the Shigmo festival women perform a lamp dance. Goa comes alive in the festive

The crafts and arts of Goa also reflect Hindu, Muslim and Christian origins. Handicrafts are mainly made of materials easily available here like- clay, seashells, paper, bamboo, brass, wood, jute, stone and coconut shells amongst others. With the heavy inflow of tourists the handicrafts industry has also witnessed a boom. The Government of Goa has taken additional steps to further the handicrafts industry in Goa and has set up the Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC) that has provided employment to many craftsmen.

4. Nightlife:

As dusk grabs the smallest state of the country in its claws, the glitz Goa nightlife crawls out with a striking charm. Delectable food, jazzy neon lights, and intoxicating music perfectly define the truly addictive nightlife of this place. The party capital of India is packed with a plethora of amazing nightlife options, such as swanky nightclubs, snug pubs, colourful beach shacks, iconic bars, and boisterous night markets.

From partying their hearts out and shopping till they drop to enjoying a beachside bbq-bonfire night and dining at posh restaurants, tourists visiting this cutting-age nightlife destination can have an action-packed evening once the sun goes down.

Party animals visiting Goa can expect to have a hard time choosing among the popular nightclubs and bars of the state, including Club Cubana, Club LPK, Shiva Valley, and Cafe Mambos. If you have a thing for gambling, you can check out the most sought-after casinos of the place like Deltin Royale Casino, the Casino Pride, and Deltin Jaqk.

You can also go night shopping at some of the lively night markets of Goa including Arpora Saturday Night Flea Market and Anjuna Flea Market. In addition to these amazing nightlife activities, you can also enjoy singing at the various karaoke bars, take a street food tour, groove at a night cruise party, go stargazing on the beach, or experience late night bike rides.

5. Adventure and Activities:

1. Scuba Diving in Malvan
2. Sunset kayaking at Mandrem Beach
3. Flyboarding at Morjim
4. Sunset Sailing at Dona Paula
5. Trek to Todo Waterfalls
6. Snorkeling At Grande Island
7. Rafting at Valpoi River

As everyone authentically assures, GOA is the unpredictable beauty in West India over-packed with colourful beaches and parties. But have you ever wondered to know the chances one gets to indulge in adventure sports in Goa apart from the usual ones? Yes, Goa vehemently suggests millions of adventure activities, perhaps, the inimitable types, both on land and in water.

Among the land based adventure activities, trekking is the most superior one. Multiple types of trekking are available at reasonable rates- jungle trekking, beach trekking etc have quite a large number of admirers. Trekking shows us the second facial expression of Goa, remarkably different from the alluring common photographs of the beaches, the sunset, and the beach side restaurants.

Along with these activities, water-based common adventure activities like parasailing, banana boat ride, jet skiing, cruises etc also have their own part to play in inviting more guests every year to the land of beaches.

6. Best Time :

Being a tourist hotspot, Goa can be visited at any time of the year, but the best time to visit Goa is from mid-November through mid-February. The average temperature during this time is 20°C to 28°C.

10. Insider Tips:

1. Respect The Culture And Religion

Goa is home to the world’s most famous religious places and tourists from across the world come here to observe its elegance. Also, famous churches and temples are a few of the most sacred destinations to be explored here. However, proper etiquette and due respect should be showcased while visiting these religious places. Shoes and slippers should be removed before you enter any place of worship. Also, you have to switch off your mobile phones or turn them on silent mode, if you are visiting any churches, temples, or museums in Goa.

It is highly recommended to cover your heads and dress decently while visiting these holy places. No matter which religion you dwell from, treat all the holy places with utmost respect and faith. This is among the foremost tips for any Goa trip.

2. Keep Your Essential Documents Safe

While traveling to Goa, all the important documents like driving license, passport and visa should be kept in a hotel locker room. For safety, you should carry soft copies of your passport, driving license, as well as your visa on your phone while you’re out about and exploring Goa. Also, make sure these travel documents have been uploaded online on your personal email ID as well so that you can access them in case you lose your phone too. This is one of the most important Goa travel tips.

3. Avoid Carrying Too Much Cash

Popular places are often the targets of pickpockets and thefts. You may get robbed or lose your money if you are carrying a huge sum of cash and not taking proper care of it. To avoid this misfortune, you can use plastic money which is more convenient. One of the important tips for first-time visitors to Goa is that cash or any valuables should not be kept in hotel rooms.

Have a keen look at all your bills of the hotel and restaurants you visit to ensure there is no misunderstanding. As it’s a holiday destination, do not wear and show off large sums of money or jewelry. If you are visiting from outside India, don’t exchange money in the black market. All Goa tour tips suggest people to always demand a receipt while exchanging money from a certified money exchange center. Carry change and tips for public transport. This is undoubtedly amongst the most important tips for Goa trip.

4. Think Before You Click

Goa is a gem for all photography freaks out there. Many pre-wedding shoots are carried out in this mind-blowing location and also it serves as an ideal spot for a destination wedding. However, before flashing your camera, look out for signs that say “No Pictures” or “Photography Restricted”, and respect that request. Moreover, there are many museums in Goa where photography is banned, along with many temples, churches, caves, and forts. There may also be locations where signboards read “No Flash”, so make sure you turn off your camera flash in those places. If you’re clicking a person, ask for their permission first. Don’t forget these photography tips for Goa in order to capture beautiful memories here and not get into trouble.

5. Keep A Check Of What You Eat

Popular Konkani proverb states that “You can’t think until you’ve eaten well”. If you’re a foodie, then the mouth-watering Goan cuisine has a lot to offer right from classic Goan curry to the delicious prawns! But even foodies need to follow some Goa travel tips to avoid unnecessary hassles. Avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach and don’t like spicy food. Meat-based dishes in Goa aren’t only restricted to fish, prawns, and chicken. Confirm the contents of your order before you place that order so that you do not regret what lands on your plate.

6. Shopaholics, Stay Alert!

Goa houses one of the best shopping destinations and is a shopaholic’s dream place as well. Apart from night bazaars and flea markets, there are designer boutiques and studios that particularly sell beachwear and tees. Jazz up your wardrobe with a collection of Goan attire and jewelry, but follow these Goa travel tips before you do so. Bargain well, but not stubbornly. These handmade goods are the sole means of livelihood for many vendors and sellers in the cheap markets. Check the quality of the product before finalizing any deal. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially in crowded Goan markets.

7. Packing Essentials

Make sure you have all the things in your bag before heading to Goa. Abide by the packing tips for Goa for a comfortable trip. Flip flops will be your best buddies throughout the journey so make sure you have a pair of them in your bag. If you are planning to swim, then carry a proper beachwear. Wear light-colored cotton tees and hot pants. Sunglasses are a must, accompanied with a hat or a scarf to avoid the harsh sun rays. Don’t forget to apply generous amounts of sunscreen before you step out. And don’t leave your mosquito repellent behind. Also, one of the most essential packing tips for Goa is that you carry a first aid box for a safe journey.

8. Say No To Drugs!

Consumption of drugs (unless prescribed by a doctor) is banned in India and is a non-bailable offense in every part of the country. While Goa is the center of many happening rave parties, it is advisable to avoid the same so that you do not land into legal trouble or end up harming yourself. Although enjoyment is at the peak in Goa, one can only have a safe and happy vacation by abiding by all these Goa travel tips.

9. Enjoy The Nightlife, But With Caution

You are bound to get hooked to the nightlife in Goa. Once the sun sets, Goa transforms into a party hub with lit nightclubs, beach clubs, bars, pubs, beach parties, and much more. They say where fun exists, danger prevails. So you must take additional care while partying in Goa to ensure your safety at all times and of those around you. Be extra vigilant and don’t accept drinks from strangers. One should avoid walking alone in the remote and deserted areas of Goa.

tales from the party capital of india

INCREDIBLE GOA (TALES FROM THE PARTY CAPITAL OF INDIA)

GOA