GOA TOURISM

GOA TOURISM

Goa is definitely the best tourist place for India. "The pearl of the east," Goa is known for its Gothic churches, crumbling forts, palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, bubbly folk music… the list is endless! With its 131-km-long coastline, Goa is an important locale in every tourist's itinerary. Sun, sand and sea being the major attractions, Goa trip is a perfect heaven for the ones who need and want relaxation. Goa Beach Resorts always add to the fun. Christian Pilgrimage tours to Goa are extremely popular. Besides pilgrimages Goa is famous for honeymoons also.Goa, Honeymoon Packages are extremely popular with Indians. Goa, honeymoon packages cater to the needs of the tourists with varying budgets. The all-inclusive Goa, honeymoon packages tour too make interesting options.


The location of Goa makes it easily accessible. Travelling to Goa, the best tourist place for India is comfortable. Situated on the western coastline of India, the Union Territory of Goa is sandwiched between the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The capital Panaji is at a distance of 592 km from Bangaloreand 593 km from Mumbai. The waters of the Arabian Sea wash the coastline of Goa. It is split into two districts-North Goa (STD Code: 0832) and South Goa (STD Code: 0834). North Goa includes the capital city of Panjim, the former capital of Old Goa, Fort Aguada and Candolim, Chapora, Vagator, and the beaches Calangute, Anjuna, and Baga. South Goa includes Vasco da Gama Bogmalo, Margao, Colva and Benolem. Being near to the sea, Goa enjoys a maritime climate, with April and May being very hot. The Goa Beach Resorts sitauted on the beach sides are the best way to enjoy Goa. Christian Pilgrimage tours to Goa are usually taken up around the Christmas and New Year.

History

Goa has been a key destination for Christian Pilgrimage tours in India. Goa was a part of the Mauryan Empire, around 3rd century BC. The Satvahanas of Kolhapur, and later the Chalukyas of Badami, took over the governance. Other dynasties followed, including a short-lived Muslim invasion, until the Vijaynagar Empire established itself for almost a century. This era, too, ended with the arrival of the Sultans of Gulbarga, from whom the rule passed on to the Adil Shah of Bijapur. Soon, the Dutch, English, French and Portuguese, all began struggling for its possession. Ultimately, in 1510, the Portuguese conquered Goa, with Alfonso de Albuquerque leading the invasion. Having ruled for around four centuries, in 1961, fourteen years after the country's independence, the Portuguese had to leave Goa.

Best Time to Visit

The fun and frolic Goa is one of the most popular destinations in India. Its topography and climates are such, that the state can be visited anytime of the year. However, Goa possesses different flavors, which can be relished only during particular months. Thus, it is always better to know about the seasons of this beach paradise, before heading on for a trip. Listed below are the seasons and the best time to visit Goa:
Winter (October to March)
Winters are the best time to visit Goa. It’s that time of the year when the upper half of India shivers in biting cold, but Goa calls for celebration. Numerous festivals and events knock the doors of this state during these months. Sunburn, Christmas, New Year and Goa Carnival Festival are some highlights that define the perks of traveling to this part of India during the winter months. Plus, the weather stays absolutely pleasant; around 28°c (Day) and 21°c (Night).      
Summer (April to June)
It is the time when the heat peaks to its prime in Goa. Day temperatures stay in the mid-30s (around 35°C). As Goa resides on the shores of Arabian Sea, its weathers majorly carries a lot of humidity. Thus, summers is the time when you are bound to experience heat with a lot of humidity.
Rainy/Monsoon (Mid-June to September)
Goa welcomes the rains with a heartwarming welcome. Starting from the middle of June, frequent showers use to be the order of the day. If you love the monsoons, then Goa is certainly the place for you. Often the state is characterized by fun and frolic beach parties, but during the monsoons, the lush greenery of Goa takes the front row.  The weather stays pleasant and drenched, and is perfect for nature trails and camping expeditions.

How to Reach

BY AIR -

Popular as Dabolim Airport, Goa International Airport is the nearest airport, roughly 2 km away from the city center of Dabolim and 25 km away from the state’s capital Panjim. The airport is well-connected to several places such as Delhi, Mumbai, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Pune. Further, travelers can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach their main destination.


                            BY RAIL-

The state has two important railheads, namely Margaon Railway Station (37 km away from the capital Panjim) and Vasco-da-Gama Railway Station (28 km away from Panjim), which are well-linked with some important cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow and Jaipur. There are various buses and taxis available that will help you to travel further. Apart from these two, Karmali Railway Station (13 km away from Panjim) and Thivim Railway Station (24 km away) are the other two railheads, which you may opt for.

                                                     BY ROAD-

Goa is easily accessible by road from nearby states. Interstate and intrastate bus services are regularly available. It is well-connected by road to important cities of the country like Hubli (155 km), Kolhapur (234 km), Mahabaleshwar (407 km), Pune (461 km), Bangalore (562 km), Mumbai (604 km), Mysore (617 km), and Shirdi (630 km).


          TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Goa, the best tourist place for India offers several tourist attractions.Beaches and
churches are the key tourist attractions in Goa. Christian Pilgrimage tours and
Goan Carnival attract numerous visitors. In the local dialect, Goa is often referred
to as "Goa Dourada," (meaning "Golden Goa") because of its beaches, forts,
churches, Waterfalls, seminaries, and Caves. Today, Goa Beach Resorts are
attractions in themselves.
"The queen of Indian beaches," Calangute is a stretch of 7 km. Baga beach is a
handy commuting point to Anjuna. At a distance of 7 km from Panaji is the beach
of Dona Paula, which is a good site for relaxation and sunbathing. At a distance of
6 km away from Margao is another beach, Colva, which offers good accommodation.
 Calangute, Baga, Candolim, Colva are dominated by package tourism. Anjuna, the
traditional rave center is popular with the bag packers. Benaulim falls between
hype and hip, and is filled with beach shacks and low-key Goa beach resorts.
Arambol in the north and Palolem in the south are idyllic by nature. Other famous
beaches include Miramar and Agonda. Goa Beach Resorts along these beaches in
Goa are excellent accommodation options.
The Dudhsagar waterfall and Arvalem waterfall attract many tourists every year.
The rock-cut caves of Khandepar and Arvalem are also worth mentioning. The
Pilar monastery, Saligao seminary, and Rachol seminary attract the religious
minded travelers.
While nature has been so generous to Goa, man too has contributed a lot to Goa's
beauty. The strong Roman Catholic community, with the active support of the
erstwhile Portuguese rulers, has had a number of churches built in this picturesque
locale. In Panaji, one must visit the church dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate
Conception, and the Chapel of St. Sebastian. No doubt that Christian Pilgrimage
tours to Goa are so popular.
The Goa State Museum, the Secretariat, the statue of Abbe Faria in the capital is a
must see for lovers of art. The largest of the churches in Goa, the Se Cathedral is
in Old Goa and is flocked by thousands of tourists every year. The holy shrine of
Basilica of Bom Jesus, also in Old Goa, houses the mortal remains of St. Francis
Xavier.
It is a famous pilgrimage center among the Roman Catholic world. Most Christian
Pilgrimage tours include visits to these churches of Goa. Other famous churches
are the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of St. Cajetan, Church
of St. Augustine Ruins, Church and Convent of St. Monica, Church of Our Lady of
Rosary, Chapel of St. Anthony and Chapel of St. Catherine-all of which are in Old
Goa.

Love Goa """

Tourism

Travel while you’re still young. Lose yourself to find your own self. Live like there’s no tomorrow. And whatever you’ll explore today will last a lifetime with you.

What are you waiting for? It’s time to pack your bags and set on a journey to scratch off a few destinations from your bucket list.

1.        Party in Goa

Unarguably, Goa has to be the amongst the first few places to visit in India in your twenties. Young and energetic! Amazing nightlife, variety of booze, beach shacks and dirt cheap prices – Goa has everything to make a trip memorable.

2. Trek On The Hills Of Mcleodganj

The majestic mountains can call tourists to experience the best of what nature has to offer. Triund offers the spectacular view of the Dhauladhar ranges. Experience bliss while camping under billions of stars with your friends in Triund.

3. Dwell in the Valleys of Ever Changing Srinagar

If you’re in your twenties, it’s time to add Kashmir to your list of best places to visit in India. If there is heaven on earth, this it is! Experience its charismatic charm before the natural hits & turmoil spoils it all. And when would be a better time to explore a flood-hit, terror-stricken heaven on earth if not now?!

4. Conquer the fears of water with Scuba Diving in Andaman

Scared of water? Never swam? Maybe it’s time to beat the fear out of you and dive in to the deep sea and overcome the fear of water and depths, ZNMD Style. Trust us, you’d be delighted at the sites underwater and it will keep you coming back for more. And woah, aqua lovers, it is no less than a paradise!

5. Ride on the Leh-Ladakh Highway and camp under the stars in Ladakh

Undoubtedly, Leh – Ladakh is on every travel enthusiasts list of places to visit in India before they turn 30. Ride on the crazy winding roads, get stuck in the middle of no where, sleep with the locals and learn to be independent on the desert mountains as you undertake this adventurous journey.

6. Explore the Ghats in Banaras

The oldest city in the world, Banaras paints the spiritual picture of India. Banaras may not be on the list of places to visit in India before you turn 30, but the beautiful ghats, the aartis and prayers, a boat ride along the calm banks could change this picture forever.

7. Stay overnight at Marine Drive in the never sleeping city of Mumbai

The city that never sleeps and lets you live a carefree life. Mumbai is about its people, the spirit of enjoying the nightclubs and of course Bollywood. Live like a mumbaikar, bite into the vada pav and sip a chai on your way to the locals.

8. Explore an offbeat Wildlife Sanctuary – Binsar at Almora

Peace. Jungles. Heights. Chills. Wildlife. All you wildlife enthusiasts out there, head to Almora for an incredible trip of your lifetime.

9. Explore the Scotland of the south – Coorg

Coorg simply cannot be skipped from the list of best places to visit in India. A quickgetaway for many from Bangalore, this mesmerizing hill station in Karnataka is breathtakingly beautiful. A visit here sure would heal you and energize you!

10. Kolkata to Color Yourself Red in Durga Puja

The only time when the entire city gathers together to celebrate the much lauded and divine festival, Durga Puja, experience the culture of Bengal in it’s full form. Enjoy the festival with sweets, Bengali delicacies, themed pandal hoppings and grand aartis.

11. Explore The Caver’s Paradise – Meghalaya

If you aren’t afraid of heights, insects, darkness and tight spaces, caving would prove to be a great adventure for you! And if you are, what a better time to beat your fears in the deepest and longest caves of entire South Asia? What if you return as the next Bruce Wayne, err?

12. Volunteer with the monks in Sikkim

Life is not all about exploring the world. Feel the mystical essence of Buddhism around you, visit Sikkim and its host of monasteries. And if you happen to like them, maybe, volunteer with the monks and master the art of giving!

13. Visit the 7th Wonder of the World – The Taj Mahal in Agra

Tourists across the world visit India just to witness the spectacular symbol of love. The majestic monument has to be on your bucket list for its the cultural epitome of India.

14. Enchant your spirit in Kerala

To all the nature lover’s out there. A trip to God’s own country is a must in your twenties for its enchanting wilderness. Luscious green trees, pristine water, crazy wildlife experience – for more such wonderful delights.

15. Camp In The Arid Thar Desert

The place that speaks of royalty and world-class heritage, Rajasthan is vast, huge and a destination to experience the luxury of India.

16. Listen to the qawwalis at Nizamuddin Dargah, Delhi

Enjoy your gateway to the city of Ghalib, Dilli. While you’re still young, explore the cultures of your magnificent country. A stop at Hazrat Nizamuddin’s Dargah for a live Qawwali session will leave you mesmerized.

17. Solo trip to Kasol

Here’s why every man should travel solo at least once in your life – Not only will you discover a new you and find a direction for yourself, but you’d return with experiences of a life time. And there’s no better place than Kasol to begin this adventure.

18. Walk On The Living Root Bridges in Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji is a great sight for those who want to experience something surreal and out of the blue. The Root bridges will leave you awestruck.

19. Face The Unknown At The Bhangarh Fort

Bhangarh fort is on every daredevil’s list of must visit places in India. Known as one of the scariest places in India, according to a folklore, it is believed that the entire town of people seemed to have vanished in a day. Get ready to be spooked on your trip here!

20. Drive Through The Forest of Bandipur

Bandipur is a best place to visit in India when it comes to forests and drives. Get spooked by snake holes around, spot elephants, deers and monkeys as you go along the winding roads. And you might happen to spot a wild cat too. A drive through the wilderness is all you need in your twenties.

21. Explore The Ruins Of Hampi

Hampi’s world heritage site is amongst the must visit places in India. Known for its old monumental and architectural beauty , Hampi place will dispose you to a world of aesthetics. PS: Don’t plan a trip to Hampi there in summers.

22. Spectate At The Dhuandhar Falls, Jabalpur

Jabalpur may not be on your list of places to see in India before you turn 30, but a trip to these stunning white waterfalls which emanate a mist of smoke will leave you spellbound.

23. Celebration for Colors in Mathura

Allow your spirit to soak in the raas-leela of Vrindavan. The place that celebrates Krishna’s living philosophy. The festival is ecstatic to say the least and celebration of colors here would the best you’d experience ever in your life.

24. Travel To The Salt Lands During The Kutch Festival

Kutch is a must visit place in India before you turn 30. Travel to the no man’s land, the seasonal salt marsh amidst the famous Thar Desert during the kite festival where the sky comes alive with vibrant and oversized kites.

25. Beat Your Fear Of Heights – Go Paragliding In Solang

Twenties is the time to explore your wild side and indulge in crazy adventures. Head to solang for paragliding and experience the bursting thrill as you fly across the panoramic views, verdant valleys and snow-capped ranges. Solang has to on your list of places to see in India.

26. Visit Golden Temple in Amritsar

Learn to respect culture and religion before you turn 30. Visit this spiritual getaway that promises the nourishment of the soul. Spend some time in the India’s largest kitchen as you help clean the utensils or prepare langar for the visitors. The experience is simply worth it.

27. Travel To The Dangerously Beautiful Red Corridor

Travel to the red corridor once in your life. And there’s no better time than your twenties. Situated by the sea, Konark Temple in Orissa tells you many interesting stories about the origin of human sexuality. And if you’ve enough time and courage, beautiful highways in Orissa leading to some exceptionally picturesque destinations are waiting to be explored.

28. A Wildlife Trip To Dibru Saikhowa National Park in Assam

Stay set to be overwhelmed by the sceneries, flora and fauna of the Dibru Saikhowa National Park. And this wildlife expedition does not end at a jeep safari. Cruise along the brahmaputra river to witness the animals in their most natural habitats.

29. White Water Rafting in Rishikesh

With bursting energy and enthusiasm, twenties is the best time to enjoy thrill and adventure, especially with your friends. Travel to the adventure capital of India, Rishikeshand ride on the mystical but fierce fast flowing waters of Ganges. Rishikesh is a must visit place in India if you haven’t yet crossed the age bar.

30. Kalka to Shimla in a Toy Train

Revist childhood by hopping on the colorful toy train from Kalka to Shimla as it makes way through the pine forests and verdant valleys. If Shimla happens to be away for you, Darjeeling, Ooty and Matheran are there for this exceptionally elating toy train experience.

So, here we end our list of 30 best places to visit in India before your turn 30 with a hope that you’re set to explore this magnificent country in the most precious years of your life.

Travel, the time is now!