Goa – An Old Portuguese Outpost and Host To Some Of The Coolest Beach Parties In India

Home to some of India’s most beautiful beaches, old churches, UNESCO heritage site, serene backwaters, and many others amazing attractions, Goa is a highly popular tourist destination in India. It is an old Portuguese city and today a bustling tourist destination. Visit the place to explore all of its aspects and pick from the best hotels in Goa.

Redefining the holidaying experience in India, Goa is probably the most popular tourist destination in Indian tourism circuit. With gentle waves of the Arabian Sea flickering on its western coast, Goa is home to long and stunning beaches. It is one of the smallest states in the country, which until 1961 was a Portuguese outpost on Indian soil. Although the Portuguese may have left, but their impression is still very much alive in the place in the form of old narrow streets, colonial bungalows, churches, forts, and other time-beaten structures. It is one of the states in India that see huge influx of tourists year long. Backpackers from far and wide pack their bags for Goa to explore the monumental places, walk through the old streets, and to experience a small part of Portuguese culture on Indian soil. Apart from that, the other prominent attractions that lure travelers to the place are stunning beaches, adrenaline activities, serene backwaters, grand parties and festivals. Amongst this setting, it is evident that filled with numerous tourist attractions and places of interest, Goa offers every tourist a holiday experience that they will cherish for long.

Goa has a large and varied window for accommodation. Starting from the most popular hotels in Goa to beach houses, guest houses, resorts, motel, shacks, etc., travellers can pick from a multitude of options. The amenities and services offered by the hotels will depend on the size of your wallet.

Goa is famous for its flea markets that are held on specific days. The Anjuna flea market is worth checking out. Held on every Wednesday on the southern end of Anjuna Beach, the market attracts people from all over Goa such that there are times when the traffic gets congested. There is a large assortment of goods that are sold by 500 plus shops and stalls. You can find anything and everything, however, make sure that you bargain first. In addition to the Anjuna flea market, Mackies Night Bazaar and Saturday Night Market are two other markets that you should check out.

The famous beaches of Goa, namely, Anjuna, Calangute, Colva, and Arambol are the major attractions that are present in every traveler’s wish-list. They are probably the most visited places in the state. Today, most of the beaches offer a wide range of water-based activities thus attracting a large count of adventure junkies — swimming, water surfing, boating, and wind surfing being the most popular activities. Majority of the beaches are beautiful with never-ending streak of palm trees and beach hotels and restaurants along the coastline. Apart from that, the beaches are also the hosts of some of the wild parties for which Goa is widely popular.

A few among the most significant tourist attractions that are simply not-to-be-missed when in the place include: Vasco da Gama, Panaji, Dona Paula Beach, Candolim Beach, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Arvalem Caves, Aguada Fort, Mahalaxmi Temple, and Chapoli Dam.