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Goa Tourism

Explore the finest beaches and get involve in fun, food, drink, dance and adventure.

GOA - Welcome to the Beach Paradise

“All Goa plans are not meant to be cancelled, some become reality”

Goa may be best known for its palm-fringed beaches, Portuguese architecture, and bustling nightlife but apart from these, you’ll find some untouched landscapes and waterfalls ripe for adventures. It may be the smallest state of India, but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to outside activities. From parasailing and water skiing to the slightly deeper snorkeling and scuba diving adventures underwater, you enjoy every bit of Goa. Culturally, Goa Carnival, which runs in March each year attracts a lot of tourists around this year as the streets come alive and colorful with bejeweled outfits, drums, and bands that ring out through the streets accompanied with the hospitality and passion of the locals.

Goa is busiest around the new year with ‘Sunburn,’ one of the most famous music festivals. Although fear not, even if you decide to visit outside of these months, Goa can hardly disappoint.

Popular Beaches in Goa

Salt water can heal everything! The warm sunshine and sand under your feet can make you supremely happy. That’s where you need to be! Goa is the answer. It is a state in Western India, which is filled with shacks, five-star and four-star properties, and beaches. No matter where you go in India, this is the place where you would find the most precious beaches.

There are myriad of activities one can indulge in at the beaches. If you think Goa is just meant for party people, the thought is absolutely incorrect. There are many beaches that offer adventurous as well as peaceful activities.

If you are planning a trip to Goa, it is important to know about all the beaches. For starters, you must know that the state has two parts – South Goa and North Goa. The former one is known for clean beaches and a peaceful environment. The latter is ideal for happening parties, crowded beaches and shopping.

We put all our efforts to list all the beaches in North and South Goa. Let’s quickly skim through the list!

The Happening and Bustling North Goa Beaches

If the whole idea is to drink like a fish and party all night then North Goa beaches are the best. Travelers who are heading to Goa for party purpose should consider this part of the state. This is where all the fun and crowd is! The beaches are crowded and there are excellent shacks where live music and electron nights will keep you busy. Additionally, you get to mingle with new people from all over the world. 

Exploring the Peaceful and Serene South Goa Beaches

Looking for tranquility and clean beaches? Head to South Goa! You will not find too many beaches in this area but the existing ones are super clean and precious. They will be cleaner than the popular beaches – Anjuna and Calangute.

Featured Goa Tours

If you are planning a trip to Goa, explore the state’s true beauty. There are churches, shacks, beaches, forts, and lush gardens where one can find therapeutic plants and trees. Here’s an elaborate post that tells you about all the activities you can indulge in Goa. Let’s get started!

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Information & Things to do in Goa

Activities to do in Goa

‘Goa is not only the land of beaches or the city of churches. It is a feeling that defines thrill in the most amazing way.’

Activities for Adventure Junkies

We are starting with the list of activities for adventure junkies! Since there are too many beaches in Goa, you will find there is a range of activities that you can participate in. If you are afraid of the water, this is the best time to bid adieu to them.

The activities are performed under the supervision of experts. The majority of the adventure sports are done with an expert accompanying you. Also, all the safety measures are there. Should you be worried about drowning? The answer is a resounding NO!

Here is the list of activities that you can participate in:

Parasailing

Do you wish to fly high? This is a fun activity for anyone who wants to get rid of the fear of heights. You can indulge in parasailing in Goa!
Where: Calangute Beach, Dona Paula
Duration – 5-10 minutes approx
Cost – INR 999
Patrons can also opt for a complete adventure package that includes parasailing, scuba diving, and more.

Jet Skiing/Water scooter

You may not be able to ride a motorbike on the road. On second thoughts, driving a motorbike on-road can be dangerous, especially when you are speeding. However, it is safe on the water! A lifeguard comes along with you and the thrill is irreplaceable. Lucky riders get to spot the beautiful dolphins!

       Where: Dona Paula, Majorda, Candolim and Cidade de Goa

       Duration: 10-15 minutes

       Price: INR 250 – 300 per scooter

Scuba Diving

Everyone developed the craze of scuba diving after watching Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Will it be the same experience here? It is certainly NOT SPAIN, but you say hello to the fishes and witness the aquatic world.

Where: Grande Island
Duration: 30 Minutes (The trainers give you all the instructions and train you before you go underwater) It takes approximately 20-30 minutes for the experience.

Price: INR 1500-3500

Banana boat ride

How about a ride on a banana? The whole purpose of this ride is to flip over and make all the members fall inside the water! This is a fun water sport activity that you MUST try. The boat resembles a banana and 4-6 members can ride it. Yes, you will be wearing a life jacket all along!

Where: Dona Paula, Calangute, Candolim, Miramar, Baga, Anjuna, Agonda

Fly-boarding

How about doing an action movie stunt? Fly-boarding is such a fun and interesting water sport! It is a combination of the jet pack and jet skiing. You will be 15 meters up in the air with the help of the fly board. It is not meant for the faint-hearted!

Where: Baina Beach

Windsurfing

Windsurfing has become a popular water sport in Goa. It is perfect for beginners and does not require you to speed up a lot. It gives you the experience of surfing as well as sailing. However, the adventure depends on the wind! If the wind is perfect, you will get to experience the thrill of windsurfing.

Ringo Ride

Imagine you are sitting on a couch with your best buddy and a vehicle drags you on the water! This is a completely safe and fun ride. The speed boat drags you while you and your partner are sitting on a sofa-like tube. You can try it in Dona Paula.

White Water Rafting

You can indulge in white water rafting in Goa. You can witness the scenery and enjoy the rafting experience. The majority of the adventure junkies look forward to this experience.

Where: Mhadei River

These were the list of the most thrilling activities in Goa. What about peace lovers or people who love dancing and partying? Let’s find out!

Activities for Party Lovers

Goa is all about living your life to the fullest. When you are in Goa, you must try the following activities. In case you are able to participate in adventure activities, these set of activities will still make you feel like you are ALIVE!

Cruise experience in Goa

Panjim is such a happening place! You can enjoy the cruise dining experience. There are cultural performances, drinks, DJ and much more on these cruises. The 2-3 hour cruise is one of the most exciting experiences of anyone’s life. This is a family-friendly tour where you can dance to the beats, click pictures for everlasting memories, and eat good food. The cruise leaves Santa Monica in the evening! Make sure you do the bookings beforehand. This is a MUST-DO activity in Goa.

Partying all night long

There are famous shacks where you can party all night. The live music scene is quite popular at Anjuna Beach. Visit Club Cubana in Calangute, Cafe Mambos, Curlies in Anjuna, Club Tito’s in Calangute, and Leopard Valley in Canacona. Beer is super cheap in Goa, and the lip-smacking seafood is something you cannot miss!

Activities for Peace and Nature Lovers

Fishing trip

How about a long fishing trip to Bogmalo Beach? The beach was originally a fishing village, and now it seems a lot of tourists all year round. Get in touch with boat owners and indulge in fishing activity during your trip. Just so you know, it requires a lot of patience to catch a fish. The fishes can act tough! Since Goa is known for its seafood, the boat owners will help you with the right gear. They will teach you the basics of fishing! You will not come back home empty-handed. You can also do fishing in Candolim!

Swimming

You cannot swim in every beach because of the tides! However, there are a few beaches which are perfect for swimming. Consider going to Sinquerim or Donna Paula. This is where you can swim safely without the fear of drowning. The water is calm and you can view the sunset as well.

A Trip to the Spice Plantation

A guided tour of the spice plantation is a fun activity. You can take the ticket which includes a sumptuous lunch and a guided tour of the plantation. The travelers are in groups and they get to see the therapeutic plants/trees in the area. The guides tell you about the benefits and even the plantation process. What’s more? You can buy some spices and cashews from the little shop in the plantation.

Sunbathing on the beaches

There are quite a few beaches that are peaceful. You can visit Vagator Beach or Miramar Beach for sunbathing. The beaches in South Goa are calmer and cleaner as compared to North Goa beaches. The majority of the foreign tourists want a tan and that’s precisely why they go sunbathing.

Activities for History Lovers

Dear history lovers, there is so much for you to see in Goa. The most famous historical place in Goa is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. What’s the most interesting fact about this place? The remains of St Francis Xavier is still in good condition. They have been in good condition even after four hundred years! The majority of the travelers visit the church to get a glimpse of the remains.

Did you know that St Xavier’s hair and nails are still growing even after his death?

Secondly, you can visit Fort Aguada. This fort stands tall on Sinquirem Beach. Built-in the year 1612, the fort was built for protection from the Marathas and Dutch.

Cabo de Rama is another fort that you must pay a visit to. It is a great spot for pictures and you will get the best view of the sea! Originally, it was built by Hindus but the Portuguese captured it. They used it as a military base and then as a prison.

Explore Goa with a different lens

Shop at the flea market in Anjuna Beach. It has some amazing handicrafts, clothes, and accessories to offer. You can take back some gifts for your loved ones. If you are a food lover, try the seafood available in shacks. Fresh crab, prawns, squid, and kingfish are totally worth a trial!

Goa is heaven for seafood lovers! There is no doubt that alcohol lovers will enjoy a drink with a view. The shacks are amazing to catch a drink and witness the beauty of Goa. So, pack your bags and explore the state with a different lens. If you are a party lover, head to North Goa and the peace lovers can find a property in South Goa.

Best places to visit in Goa

Goa is a sanctuary where you can just trust your gut and pick a backpack and still find a place for yourself. It captivates with its beauty and culture, but mostly, it laid-back vibe that tourists cherish, far away from their work life. However, before you set your foot to explore, why not have an itinerary for convenience.

Travelers Common Questions ?

Why visit Goa?

Goa is a unique escape that offers something special. Whether it is a lazy day on the sand, a fascinating wildlife exploration, a cultural element, heart racing adventurous activity, or a slice of geographical wonder you won’t find elsewhere. So if you are looking for an inspiration to set your mood to finally book a ticket to Goa, we have picked five reasons for you to visit Goa this year.

Relaxing environment

This has the number one reason why so many people travel to this lovely place. You might find beaches at many other places in India, but the cosmopolitan crowd and ‘nobody gives a damn’ attitude of this place attracts the people most. Nobody is judging you for anything, and you can have a hell of fun time with your friends, family, or even alone. You can just spend an entire day sitting beside the sea while sipping on your favorite drink.

Beaches

Now, there can be many other places with beaches in India, but if you are looking for the one with safe and calm waters, Goa has some of the most serene shorelines in India. While most popular ones can be really crowded, some beaches in the far south or even far north are unspoiled. Mandrem and Ashwem in the north and Palolem and Agonda in the south are some of the least crowded beaches in Goa. There are around thirty beaches lining the state, so you will definitely find a place for yourself.

Food

If you are traveling to Goa, try out the Goan Cuisine that offers delectable local flavors with a hint of Portuguese influence. You can try different types of seafood, rice, and coconut-based dishes that are mouthwatering.

There is nothing better than trying out the freshly cooked seafood or even Dosa while you wait for the sun to go down. Bistro, Cafe Cotinga, Curlies are just a few names where you can splurge on your favorite dish or let your taste buds try out something new. You can also try out some offbeat restaurants in Goa like Ku, Mum’s Kitchen, and Bean Me Up. You will be surprised how the aroma of a meal can overpower your sense of being.

Architecture and Colorful Streets

Goa bears some of the most magnificent churches that tell about the prowess of the architectural expertise of people from history. The streets are filled with colorful and beautiful residences that speak a lot about the influence Portuguese left on this place. The quiet roads are fun to travel on, and you can just hire a cab or scooter to explore the nearby villages, spice plantations, and some unconventional places at travel on your own terms.

Pulsating Nightlife

Whether it’s clubs, bars, pubs, festivals, or anything else, Goa has it all. Nightlife in Goa is not for the ones with strict curfews, but if you want to enjoy Goa with its fun late-night parties, hungover mornings, and one hell of a good time, Goa offers endless options. Everything here is beautiful and including the wine and beer.

You could even find some places offering the cheapest cold beer with a great ambiance that allows you to enjoy Goa at its best. Who knows you might decide to show some of your moves on the dance floor? Some would even call this party culture overhyped or overrated, but you know it’s not, once you are here.

Best time to visit Goa

Goa is our country’s marvel that captivates each individual with terrific beaches and unique culture. It has been attracting people, especially youth from all around the country. It is one of the most desirable places to go-to in the bucket list of most of the people who are planning to travel.

Now before you decide to hit the road, make sure that you have got all your facts right and know the best time to visit Goa. Although Goa is never dull, some seasons have the advantage due to better climatic conditions and festivals that are celebrated during certain months.

Goa receives most of the tourists between the months of November to March due to Christmas and New Year’s celebration. However, do not be discouraged to visit Goa during the offseason. You can steal some holiday deals at really cheap prices, which you will find at exorbitant prices in the peak season.

Monsoon season can also offer you the opportunity to indulge in some beautiful treks and excursions. So if you are a nature enthusiast, do not miss this season.

If you are finding it difficult to decide, we have put all the details for you below –

Peak Season

The months between October to March are packed with tourists. The climate during this time is pleasant and beaches remain cooler. Also, the festivities charms people into planning the holiday during this time of the month. All the hotels and restaurants provide all the facilities and despite being expensive,  you will be able to enjoy some of the best concerts and festivals during this time of the year.

Needless to say, December and January can be really overwhelming due to the amazing party scene during Christmas and New Year’s Eve. You can witness one of the craziest events where both national and international DJ’s will compel you to rock your body all night long.

Best Months mid-December to mid-January

Climate – Temperature around is time is about 30 degrees Celsius with a relative humidity that ranges from 33% to 85%. It is the perfect time to go for some adventure sports and sightseeing without worrying about the weather. There is hardly any chance of rainfall at this time of the year.

What you should be planning to do?

Goa is at its full charm during peak season. However, if you are looking for a quiet place, you will be disappointed. Still, if you do want to search for someplace where you can spend your trip in isolation, try some of the unconventional places that most of the travelers miss when they come to Goa. Nevertheless, if you are here to be the part of the crowd and enjoy the Goan culture to the fullest, this is the best time to witness it.

Things you can do –      

  • Enjoy unique beaches and dazed ambiance.
  • Visit some of the most magnificent churches of this country and get a chance to spot the most celebrated Christmas festival.
  • Indulge in the colorful merriment of the Goa Carnival
  • Tap your feet in the celebrations of Mando festival and have a scrumptious food at the Feast of Saint Francis Xavier.
  • Don’t forget to enjoy some of the adventurous activities like snorkeling and deep-sea fishing.
  • Other activities can be visiting a casino, tasting one of the best and authentic wines, visiting spice plantations, or simply shop around and bargain to steal some deal at cheap prices. 

Off-Season

Budget holiday trips are in trend these days and many solo travelers are finding ways to travel to different places and still managing to do it with style without putting a hole in their pocket. One of the best ways to save a lot of money on hotel bookings and airplane tickets is to travel to the place in an offseason. Everything during the offseason is ridiculously cheap and you might as well get even a luxurious hotel at a discounted price.

Also, Goa is way less crowded at this time and you can actually enjoy isolation at one of the most popular beaches which otherwise would be brimming with people.

However, the downside to this season is the hot and humid climate and absence of festivities and activities that are available only during the peak season.

Off-season months – May to September

Climate – Climate is at its worst during these months. The month of May is the hottest and June onwards, the combination of humidity and high temperature make it hot and sweaty. However, the rainy season that starts from June puts down the temperature to some extent and you will be surprised how well the rainy Goa can treat you with its amazing greenery and cold breeze.

What you should be planning to do?

Goa is a place where the party never stops. While most of the clubs in the offseason are hibernating and have minimal activity, there are some places that organize parties and fun activities during this season. Some popular beaches like Calangute and Baga remain open throughout the year and will not disappoint you with the quality of their services.

Things you can do –

  • Witnessing the sun going down the sea never gets boring and out of season. You can still enjoy the breeze and the sparkling sand with your loved ones.
  • Try different delectable dishes from Goan cuisines and explore some amazing food joints in Goa, surprise your taste buds with ‘I have never had something like this’ kind of meal. Have you ever heard of Curly’s on Anjuna or Britto’s on Baga? If not, why not go and find out yourself?
  • Know about the Goan culture by participating in the Chikhalkar festival. It’s a local festival celebrated in Marcel. Similarly, Sao Joao is another fun festival that is remarkably colorful and you would be compelled to tap your feet on the tunes of the local music. Did we mention you get to get drunk on feni and jump into ponds?

Rainy Season 

Rain gods put relief on Goa’s soaring high temperature and make the overall weather bearable and to some extent, even pleasant. Although you cannot venture into seas due to high swell in the sea, you can certainly enjoy the rivers that come out of its dormancy during this time of the year. Also, it is the best time to witness nature blooming to its zenith making you feel like you have entered a luxury to trip to heaven. Again, the crowd is way lesser than it is in the peak season, allowing you to actually enjoy your own company in peace.

Rainy months Between June to September

Climate – The cool drops of rain puts down day temperature to 30°C. Nights can be much cooler with a temperature between 22 degrees to 24 degrees Celsius. It rains about 325 cms and rains almost every day during this time.

What you should be planning to do?

Monsoon brings out the best of Goa’s biodiversity, the waterfalls are at its full, rivers are exuberant, and the landscape turns more colorful with a green background. Rain brings out the vibe of romance and juvenility in the atmosphere. So, why not explore something different?

Things to do? 

  • Explore some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the rainy season. Trek through the forests and hear about some amazing stories of the jungle from locals.
  • Get your heart racing while rafting through the waves of the river. The rains are only going to double your excitement as water swells up during monsoons.
  • Although you can’t enter the sea when it’s rough, you can enjoy the view from a distance and take in the breeze breaking the silence of the place.

Water sports season

 If you are looking for some adventure, Goa can be the right vacation spot for you. In Spite of a pretty laid-back atmosphere, there are many adventure activities that will compel you to scream your heart out. The months between October to May are pretty neutral in terms of weather. Rain is long gone, and the sea is calm enough to be safe for adventure activities.

Water sports activities

If you are planning to indulge in some adventure activities, make sure you go through our list –

Scuba Diving – Dive into the sea to explore the marine life and experience a whole different view of nature. Scuba Diving is available at Bats island and Grande Island.

Parasailing – If you want to fly, let Goa give you wings. Fly high to the extent that you can view the entire coastline and experience the thrill of the magnificent sea below you.

Water Skiing – Sliding through the waves of the sea can be quite an exhilarating experience if you are into water skiing. Let nothing stop you from enjoying the best moments of your life.

Swimming – How about simply relaxing while swimming through the tides? Nothing can be better than enjoying a warm and gleaming day that includes stroking your best moves in the open seawater.

There are a lot more activities like kayaking, banana ride, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, etc.

The most popular beaches in North goa are :

  • Calangute Beach
  • Baga Beach
  • Anjuna Beach
  • Arambol
  • Vagator
  • Morjim
  • Candolim
  • Sinquerim
  • Ashwem
  • Dona Paula
  • Miramar

Famous Beaches in Sout Goa Are

  • Majorda
  • Colva
  • Palolem
  • Agonda
  • Bogmalo

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