Looking for a quick getaway destination in India? Goa is the place to go. The smallest state by area has an enormous checklist of things to do for the visitors. Forget the stress of everyday life and enjoy the calmness of sun, sand and the sea.
Goa is the magnet for all sorts of travelers: beach lovers, nature enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. Goa attracts several tourists every year. There is a sense of freedom and the slowness of time. Goa is a sharp contrast to the other states of India; thanks to the hippie culture brought to its soils in the late 60s. It gave us shacks, all night parties and the Bohemian lifestyle. But, it’s not all about sitting on the beach and sipping martinis. The land has much more to offer.
Here is a list of 11 things to do in Goa.
1. Silent Noise Party:
Silent Noise parties are trending world over. In a silent noise party you put on your headphones, select which music you want to listen to and dance to its beat without disturbing anyone or getting disturbed. The party starts after 10 pm and goes on till 4:00 am at Neptune Point in Palolem.
2. Laze Around in a Shack:
Whether you are staying in a luxury hotel or a two star motel, make sure you spend a day lazing around on a beach chair of a shack. Enjoy the sunset or sunrise, cold sand along with a cold beer in hand.
3. Get a Massage:
You are at the right place if you are in the mood for some authentic Ayurvedic or Balinese massage, and that too on the beach, lying comfortably on the beach chair. The messages are blissful and done with a lot of love, a must for someone who is on a vacation.
4. Explore a Ship Wreck:
Dive in the azure waters of Goa and instantly be part of the Portuguese era. Explore the shipwrecks along the Mormugao harbor and Bat Island. Try your hand in finding some long, lost treasure that is not less than 450 years old. You won’t be alone in this. Thanks to the salt-water lagoon, you can swim with the exotic fishes.
5. Shopping in a Flea Market:
The nightlife of Goa also offers late night markets that can be found around several beaches. Enjoy the unique atmosphere created by a live band, karaoke, shopping and delicious food. You can find these markets at Anjuna, Arpora, Calangute and Baga Beach.
6. Go Dolphin Watching:
Enjoy a close encounter with the dolphins and watch them do summersaults in the blue waters of the Arabian Sea. Most boat cruises leave from Mandovi River, Panaji between October and May and offer a ride at a cost of 250-1000 rupees. Some of the companies also provide pick up service from the hotel.
7. Party on an Island:
Apart from endless rows of clubs, you can also arrange for a private get-together at a secluded island on Tsunami Island or Sao Antonia Island. Any local boatman would take you to the island, help you set up a camp fire followed by dinner. However, you are allowed to be on the island from 6:00pm to 11pm.
8. Water Sports:
For some adrenaline rush, try some widely available water sports at the beaches of Calangute, Candolim, Morjim, Palolem, Baga, Bognallo, Cavelossim and Colva. Activities include Kayaking, jet-skiing, kite-surfing, windsurfing and rafting. However, these activities are open between the months of October and May.
9. Take a Cruise:
Try your luck at gambling by boarding one of the casino cruises. You can find one along the Mandovi River. The floating yachts might bring you some lucky charm.
10. Pray at a Church:
Goa is home to the largest church in India. The beautiful churches of Goa were built as early as 1541. Most of the magnificent churches can be found in Old Goa. The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa is an excellent example of baroque architecture in India. It is believed that the saint has healing powers.
11. Visit a Fort:
Forts offer a window into the rich heritage of Goa. During the Portuguese era, the forts had economic, political and military importance. Enjoy the idyllic sunset on the Arabian Sea. Fort Aguada, Chapora, Corjuem and Terekhol offer romantic settings. The visiting hours are 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
The true essence of vacation is captured by Goa in every sense. The experience will smooth your tense nerves and you will feel closer to nature. There is no better place than Goa to indulge in some port wine, food, history, shopping and romance.