Goa is so magnificent that you cannot visit once and cross it off your list of dream destinations. You will only need to be here once and it will be enough to make it a tradition of returning for more.
The fact is most tourists here have visited before but seem enchanted by a spell, which keeps them coming. The place is known for its Portuguese influence, which turns it into a charming world of Shangri-la. There many activities to undertake here, which will define your trip
1. Beauty and the Beach
You will always want to start at the beach because of its traditional styled-canoes and old log huts rooms. The beach is the limelight of the south beach and is the least crowded too.
Near the town of Marojda are two beautiful beaches; Utorda and Arossium, which capture tourists the most on the southern side. The people’s choices for the best Northern beaches are Calangute and Anjuna so you are bound to find crowds there.
Water sports are in abundance from jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, and falling from a banana boat. To make the best beach experience, book yourself a room early in the best resorts; before the holidays arrive
2. Spicy Sights
The Sahakari spice plantation in Goa is an enticing place visit. Wait until your nostrils get the smell that attracted the Europeans in the 18th and 19th Century.
Here, you will find the largest spice farm ever where they will allow you to pluck and taste the pepper. Peri-peri (the hottest chilies in the world) is in abundance.
You can also bathe through an ‘elephant shower’ and feast on a traditional Goan lunch cooked with spices. Although not many foreigners find it necessary to go to the spice farms, the few who do praise them as much as the beaches.
3. Goa Jungle
If you did not think of wildlife, now you know. There is an abundance of wild game from the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary to the Mollem National Park with unique animals such as the panther, mouse deer, sloth bear, and the barking deer. At least 200 bird species fill the sanctuary with visitors allowed only between 8:30 am to 5:30 pm every day.
4. Old Goa
There is a long history alive in Panjim, Goa. This is the state capital for the better part of three centuries and is the ‘Rome of the East’. The calvados of churches, convents, museums, art galleries, government buildings, bungalows, and bakeries tell the old Indian story.
There is all about ancient India to find here and little you will not find. The architectural magnificence of the basilicas and other natural places made Old Goa a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Market of Ingo
The fondly known unique market of Ingo was set up and popularized by a German name Ingo. It is now renowned for its Saturday’s Night Bazaar in Arpora and on half of the year during winter.
It presents potpourri and junk jewelry, imported T-shirts, hippie merchandise, Indian, and global cuisines. You will always find delicacies from Rajasthan, Kashmir, Turkish, and Spanish cuisines. If you are not shopping, there is music and lots of entertainment to enjoy.
6. Dolphin Drive
If you have never had a live interaction of Dolphin, try Goa’s Dolphin Drive and you will notice they are a different sensation compared to Animal Planet.
They will pop out of the sea around your boat in graceful motions reserved for the daring to have closest looks. The dolphin cruise ship is always followed by a day-long tour of Grand Island, which is ideal for a peaceful picnic.
7. Martin’s Corner
Martin’s corner is a famed restaurant in a small village of Betalbatim in South Goa where you can enjoy cheap local food. The food is legendary even for the local residents.
You will find the biggest variety from King crabs, garlic chicken, seafood, to prawn vindaloo and many more mixed with the best variety of Indian spices.
8. Anthony’s Beach Shack
This bar, restaurant, and the shack is found at the edge of the Baga beach where you can relax and enjoy drinks as you take in the feeling of being in Goa.
It gets livelier by the minute; it has tables with candle-lamps and beach chairs by the water with live music or karaoke performances in the background.
You will find delicious seafood in the restaurant and the widest variety of Indian dishes to go down with local beer and wine. Britto’s is a similarly sized alternative found adjacent to St. Anthony’s famed for the food and service.
9. Mum’s Kitchen
You can have a taste of ancient times and the combination of cultures by tasting Portuguese delicacies mixed with the finger-licking blend. They are spicy and delicious and have a wide variety of healthy dishes. After a scrumptious meal, the tour proceeds to places where you can pick souvenirs such as cashews and footwear.
10. Travel back in time in the Naval Aviation Museum
If you want a close encounter with the long Indian history, the museum may be a monotonous term but not until you step into this majestic structure in Goa. You will find a combination of Hindu, Portuguese, and British colonial setup stories to connect the extreme worlds. This is not your usual perception.