10 Things You Can Do For Amazing Time In Goa

Goa, the richest state of India known for the best quality of life, is a fascinating land of beaches and fun. It is visibly different from the rest of the country owing to 450 years of Portuguese rule.

The state is known to be the most peaceful state in India as Hindus, Christians, and a minority of Muslims live together without conflict. Goa is famous for being a romantic getaway for its vibrant beaches and relaxed surroundings make an ideal wedding destination. It is also perfect for a dreamy honeymoon or a fun-filled holiday.

Here are Top Ten Things You Can Do in Goa:

# Relax at the Beach

Magnetism of Goa is in its abundant beaches. You can spend a relaxed day at one of the beaches of Goa to enjoy the serene beauty of the sky and the sea. Anjuna beach, close to Chapora Fort is known to be the second home of the hippies. Palolem Beach in south Goa has a picturesque beauty, with rhythm of the water hitting the rocks some hours spent here can take you away from stress.

Morjim Beach is mostly occupied by Russians and is popular for its nightlife and kitesurfing. Known for its quaint beauty, Colva Beach is another place where you can visit. Do not expect it to be very clean though. The Queen of all Beaches, the Calangute Beach is also very crowded but the souvenirs and water sports are main reasons to visit it.

One of the best places to visit is the St. Anthony’s bar, restaurant and shack at the Baga Beach. Candle lit tables, tasty seafood dishes, live karaoke performances, accompanied with local beer or wine sitting by the water on beach chairs is the best way to spend a fun evening.

# Indulge in Water-Sports

Goa presents wonderful opportunities for many water sports like dinghy sailing, water skiing, water scooter, and angling parasailing. One of the most popular sports is windsurfing that requires the surfer to adjust his balance with the movement of water. Dona Paula Bay is considered the most favourable place for the activity. Trainers are also available for beginners.

One can also try scuba diving here as they can find a wide range of coral reefs and marine life here. Under-water wreckages of old Portuguese and Spanish ships can be found here to add to the adventure. You can also take a dolphin cruise tour of Grand Canyon to view these cute animals spy hopping around your boat.

# Check out the Rome of the East

The capital of the state, Panjim is known for its demonstrations of churches, museums, galleries, convents and bakeries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a very good example of brilliant architecture and ancient designs. The magnificent Basilica of Bom Jesus distinctive baroque architecture in stone, wood, gold, and granite. One of the must visit places in Goa is one of the largest churches of Asia is Sé de Santa Catarina. It has a very big Golden Bell than can be heard in the whole state. The oldest church Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church of Goa is 450 years old. It has the 2nd largest bell in the world.

# Taste Goan Delicacies and Seafood

Mum’s Kitchen in the capital of Goa is one of the famous restaurants to serve various healthy Portuguese and Goan dishes. One of the most popular restaurants is Martin’s corner, situated in Betalbatim village. It serves delicious chicken and sea-food like prawns, crabs with sauces and mouth watering spices. The place is a magnet for celebrities, locals, and tourists alike.

# Explore the Wildlife

One of the key places to see the wild animals are the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. Here you can see sloth bears, barking deers, panthers, porcupines, and mouse deers.

The tropical evergreen forests and deciduous forest is home to around 200 species of birds like fairy bluebird, India great black woodpecker, emerald dove, Malabar pied hornbill, kingfisher, and paradise flycatcher. You can also watch birds at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary located at the tip of Chorao Island. Apart from the birds you can also see the black drongo and mudskippers.

# Elephant Trek to Spice Plantations

Give your nostrils a treat by visiting the spice plantations of Ponda, the Savoi Plantations. You can take an elephant tour of the place. Here you can taste the hottest chillies of the world, bathe in the Elephant Shower, and taste Goan cuisine. Pineapples, betel nuts and coconuts are grown also grown here. Other spice plantations that you can visit are the Rustic Plantation, the Pascoal Spice Village, Parvati Mandav Park Plantation and the Sahakar Spice Farm.

# Shop in Goa

One of the attractive markets of Goa is the Ingo Saturday Night Bazaar. Here you can find funky jewellery, imported T-shirts, and hippie products. If you are not into shopping, then you can come here to taste Indian and European cuisine while music entertains you through the day and night. Another place that is popular for shopping is the Wednesday fair held at Anjuna beach. Here you can find attractive items like clothes, jewellery, second hand bikes, cameras, and mobiles, at cheap prices. People are frequent here for its trance parties and tattoo parlours.

# Drink the local Beer

The indigenous Goan alcoholic drinks is considered to be one of a kind. Local brews called Feni is a spirit produced from either cashew apple or from the sap of the coconut tree. The drink is not allowed to be sold outside Goa and thus tourists love to drink cashew feni and coconut feni in abundance whenever they visit the state.

# Celebrate the Goa Carnival

One of the most happening festivals of the country includes the Goa Carnival that is usually held sometime in the first half of the year. Spectacular parades, extravagant costumes, bright colours, and music that will make you dance are a part of this grand event. Goa celebrates the four day festival with fun and glamour.

# Visit the Casino

You can visit the casinos spread across the state. Gambling, being legal in the state, is a favourite sport for many. The most popular casino in Goa is the Casino Royale. This casino is situated on a large boat at the Mandovi River. It has 30 slot machines, 50 gaming tables, and a kid’s zone with computer games.

Another famous gaming house is the Casino Carnival that has a huge selection of slot machines. Here you can play Black Jack, Roulette, Casino War, Baccarat, and other Casino games.