Goa

A holiday in Goa is an experience of a lifetime. Thousands of tourists from India and all over the world come on their Goa holiday vacation each year, with many of them coming back again and again. Goa has emerged as a top vacation destination in Asia. Also known as India’s Party Capital, Goa brings varied images to the mind. From its pristine beaches, to its casinos, from the loud neon-lit clubs to the crumbling remains of Portuguese settlements, from its vibrant Technicolor markets to its upscale fine dine restaurants, tourism in Goa is truly a mixed bag of experiences with something for everyone.

While North Goa is the hive of activities with its numerous bars, vibrant markets, thrilling water sports and countless upscale restaurants, life tends to slow down in South Goa. Here you would find Caribbean style white sand beaches with coconut groves and luxurious resorts and hotels. Yet again the UNESCO heritage areas of Old Goa will transport you to the Mediterranean. Its distinctively colonial architecture with Portuguese churches will take you back to Portuguese India of the 16th century.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Goa is between November and March when the Goa weather is beautifully balmy & clear with a cool sea breeze blowing through. These are the best months to visit the party capital since the weather is pleasantly cool and comfortable. It’s the perfect time to relax on the beaches amidst other tourists who make the most of these three months in Goa. December is the time when Goa witnesses one of its most popular festivals, Sunburn, besides extensive Christmas and New Year celebrations and is home to lakhs of visitors from across the world.

How to Reach

Flight: The Dabolim Airport lies just 29 kilometres from the state’s capital, Panjim. It is well connected by daily flights from Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Cochin and Bangalore.

Rail: The two major railheads in Goa are Madgaon and Thivim, which are well connected by trains from all over the country. Being a part of the well-connected Konkan Railway, these stations make for quick and convenient transit into Goan lands irrespective of where in India you’re travelling from.

Road: There are a number of public as well as private bus operators in Goa, which offer options for intra-city and inter-city conveyance. The frequency of buses leaving for Goa throughout the day is pretty good especially if you are travelling from Mumbai, Pune or Bangalore wherein the journey accounts for 12-14 hours of travel time.

Places to Visit

• Calangute Beach
• Baga Beach
• Dudhsagar Falls
• Shri Mangueshi Temple
• Fort Aguada
• Anjuna Beach
• Basilica of Bom Jesus
• Chapora Fort
• Dona Paula Beach
• Panaji
• Colva Beach
• Se Cathedral
• River Cruise – Mandovi River
• Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception