7 Things to Do in Goa & Goa Hotels

A short Goa Travel Guide: Worn out of the scorching heat and the dusty city lanes? Squeeze out some time to visit the destination known for its lush beaches, favorable climate and natural landscapes. Here is a catalog with the “must see” / “must do” profiles in the state that is known as the 'Rivera of the East'. Recapitulating the reviews and suggestions of numerous travelers we put forth a list of things no tourist can afford to miss. Enjoy reading!

Check out a wide range of highly rated hotels in Goa with tariff.



Goa - Goa, a tiny emerald land located in South West India in the region known as the Konkan is known for its breathtakingly beautiful blue beaches, sensuous silvery sands, fabulous flora and fauna, rich cultural heritage, captivating churches, and terrific temples. It is the foremost state of India ranked topmost for the best quality of life it offers to its visitors. Typical hybrid of the Latin influence and Indian color, Goa brags of a unique culture well woven in the Goan life style. This Indian state beckons you for the time of your life. As a traveler states, "Exhilarating, Beautiful and Enchanting Goa!!!"

As put forth by another traveler, "You will want to go back for more. That's Goa". Here are some things every tourist to Goa would never wish to miss:

1. Half day visit to the Bon Jesus Basilica which holds the lethal remains of St.Francis Xavier regarded as the patron saint by Catholics. Once every twelve years, the cadaver is taken down for reverence and for public viewing. The ruins of St. Augustine's Chapel built on the Holy Hill at Old Goa, is an imposing 46 meter high structure preserved by the Archeological Survey of India.
2. Fontainhas in Panaji proclaimed as a cultural quarter, cabinets the life, architecture and heritage of Goa and is a must visit. (Park Plaza is a nice hotel in Panaji / Panjim, Goa) The Viceroy's Arch is a charming stone structure dedicated to the navigator Vasco Da Gama and is another explicit work of architecture. Fort Aguada the signature of Portuguese architectural influence in Goa provides an extravagant view of the Madovi River and its coastline.

3. Goa with an elongated stretch of coastline is a beach-lover's ecstasy. Experience the mesmerizing beauty of the Calangute Beach known as the Queen of beaches and the Anjuna Beach a picture perfect utopic gateway. Swimming, sunbathing and relaxing on the palm-fringed beaches with the scenic sights provide virtual treat to your eyes. Other popular beaches are Benaulim, Candolim and the Colva Beach.

4. Boat trips, fishing, dolphin spotting in the Arambol, Benaulim and Palolem beaches; elephant safari, bull fights at Santa Cruz and water sports like paragliding around Anjuna and Arambol will take another two to three days. Kayaking in Palolim (South Goa), Para sailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides and helicopter rides are some of the other sports this city has in store.

5. Goa's popular destination for nature lovers, hikers and trekkers is the Dudhsagar Lake located in the Sanguem district. The Bondla zoo, Mollem wildlife sanctuary and the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary in Canacona extend a true taste of the wild side of this tropical paradise.

6. Goa's markets reflect its cosmopolitan and contemporary lifestyle. The Friday market at Mapusa is home to everything from curios and old coins to dried fish and spices. On Wednesday mornings the Anjuna market dawns a frenzied look and offers a good selection of trendy apparels. The Baga Beach markets mesmerize the visitors with its colors, sights and sounds. The Calangute Market Square a diverse variety of commodities comprising souvenirs, metal crafts, leather items, jewellery and clothes. Flea markets at Arpora and Vagatore are known for their excellent and unique handicrafts.

7. Goa's inimitable hybrid culture is a blend of Portuguese, Arabian and Hindu influences and is replicated in its cuisine. A sample of true Goan cuisine is the sorpotel-a dish made of pig organs. Pork vindaloo mopped up with cumin rice and green salad and bibinca-a dessert made from eggs, coconut milk, flour and nutmeg are a treat. Sannas are the local steamed rice muffins that usually accompany meat curries. A taste of the most finger-licking masala shark, grilled lobster, tandoor kingfish, and fish xacuti and mackerel raechad is made available at the numerous beach shacks at incredible prices. Souza Lobo at Calangute beach and Ritz Hotel in Panjim is by far the best restaurants for fish in Goa.

Other things to do in Goa

• The three day extravaganza of fun, frolic, amusement and jollity that takes place in the month of February is The Goa Carnival festival, one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year. Though essentially a Christian festival, Goans, irrespective of their faith and religion take part in this colorful festival.

• Talking walks down Goa's civic and rural community is a world away from the wild parties that happen in Goa's beaches. See Portuguese styled domiciles and peep into the local village life as you pass through Goan houses and landscapes.

• The Shantadurga temple in Ponda, North Goa exhibits domes and arches similar to buildings seen in Europe. Marvel at the grandeur and unique culture of the temple. Mangeshi Temple set amidst natural beauty and pleasing surroundings is an illustration of the passive and co-existent nature of different religions and societies in Goa.

Hotels in Goa
Golden Goa offers a wide range of choice in accommodation from budget hotels to exquisite beach resorts. Graciano Cottages sited just 20 km from the domestic airport is a budget hotel that has a customer rating of 4.5 stars (out of 5) and is highly recommended by travelers (rates Rs.1750). Delta Residency in Calangute beach is another highly rated hotel. Ticlo Resort is another highly acclaimed budget hotel at just 10 meters from the bus domain nestled between the beaches of Calangute and Baga (rates Rs. 900). Amigo Plaza carrying a recommendation of 84% is a well preferred hotel in Goa (rates Rs. 1000). Read reviews of Goa hotels .

Tips from other Goa travelers:

• Don't miss the legendary open-air parties with the main party hotspots being Vagator's Disco Valley and the Bamboo Forest within Anjuna.

• Whatever you buy, do negotiate over the exaggerated price, to ensure that you don't pay over the odds as estimated by most shopkeepers. The secret to a good shopping fiesta here is 'BARGAIN TILL THE SHOPKEEPER DROPS'.

• In Goa, hire a bike or a car depending on the size of your group.

How to reach Goa?

• Goa is well connected by road, rail and air from Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore.

• Dabolim; the states lone airport handles several chartered flights. Airport is approx 70 km from North Goa.

• River crossings in Goa are serviced by flat-bottomed ferry boats, operated by the river navigation departments.