coastal state offers the tourists an entry to a magical realm of fun, and frolic all year around. Let us discuss what are you likely to experience once you visit this surreal land and how to make the most of your time once you are there.
SOTC offers several tour packages to Goa that can be perfect according to your idea of an ideal Goa vacation. From adventurous to serene, you can easily find the right Goa tour package for you, including the ones below.
Goa is well-connected to many cities in India via flights. The nearest airport to Panaji is Dabolim Airport. Apart from domestic flights, Dabolim Airport also receives international flights from Germany and the UK during the peak season.
You can reach Goa very easily by train. The main railway stations in Goa are Madgaon and Vasco-da-Gama. Most of the trains enter Goa via Mumbai.
You can even board a bus to reach Goa. Bus services to Goa are available from many cities in the country. An alternate option is to go for a road trip. You can either take your car or opt for a car rental service to head to the tropical paradise.
Places to visit in Goa
Goa is dotted with attractions. And even for your short break, you can actually cover many attractions. The only thing to keep in mind is that some options are better to be visited after dusk, while the rest of them can be covered in the day hours.
- Chapora Fort
- Bom Jesus Basilica
- Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
- Baga Beach
Let us discuss them in length:
Chapora Fort
Chapora Fort is mainly popular for its history. However, after Dil Chahta Hain was shot here, the attraction became even more famous and fetches tourists. While on your Goa trip, you cannot just miss out on visiting this place.
What’s special: You can enjoy splendid views of Ozran Beach, Vagator Beach, and Morjim Beach from the fort.
Major attractions: Vagator beach, Cahpora beach, Anjuna beach, Sinquerim fort, etc.
Transportation: You can take a taxi, auto, rickshaw, local buses, or two-wheeler to reach the fort.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
This is one of the most frequented and oldest attractions in Goa. You can visit this attraction to witness Baroque architecture.
What’s special: It was built by the Portuguese between 1609 and 1612
Major attractions: St. Augustine Tower, Candolim beach, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, etc.
Transportation: You can hire a taxi to reach the Basilica of Bom Jesus
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
This is the second largest wildlife reserve in Goa. You will be able to witness wild animals in their natural habitat here. Apart from this, you can also enjoy the silence of the woods in this wildlife sanctuary.
What’s special: Wild animals like Laughing Hyenas, Sloth Bears, and Indian Bisons
Major attractions: Palolem beach, Agonda beach, Goa Chitra Museum, etc.
Transportation: If you are heading from Panaji, you can hire a cab
Baga Beach
Baga Beach is perhaps the most popular beach in Goa which is mostly visited by every tourist who goes to Goa. Apart from witnessing the beautiful sea touching the beach, you can also indulge in various water activities.
What’s special: Shacks and beachside cafes
Major attractions: Aguada Fort, Anjuna beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus, etc.
Transportation: To reach Baga beach from Panaji, you can take a taxi or book a scooter
Apart from these, there are many other places to visit and attractions to cover in Goa. You can find some information about them by checking out the
places to visit in Goa that we include in our Goa tour packages.
Culinary charms
A Goa trip is just not complete without trying the sumptuous food here. You can choose from the variety of
food in Goa, such as:
- Goan Fish Curry
- Goan Pork Vindaloo
- Feijoada
- Samarachi Kodi
Let us talk a bit more about these Goan cuisines here.
Goan Fish Curry
Also called Xitti Kodi, this can be called the staple food of Goa. It is a bit on the spicier side and you can find the rich flavor of coconut in it. The tangy touch in this curry comes from raw mango. The fish mainly used in this curry is pomfret.
Goan Pork Vindaloo
Along with pork, onion, garlic, and chilies, vinegar is also added to this dish. This is an overnight preparation and it is worth the time taken.
Feijoada
This is basically a stew made of pork and red beans. This is lighter on the tummy and super delicious on the mouth. Coconut milk is also added to the stew to bring an authentic Goan touch.
Samarachi Kodi
This is a must-have for prawn lovers. Well, you need to know that it is a bit tangy and spicy too. Coconut milk in it brings the typical flavor to this dish.
To know the places where you can try these dishes along with many other cuisines, you can click here.
Shopping in Goa
Apart from the beaches, food, watersports, and nightlife, Goa is also popular for the markets. A few of the markets where you can go shopping are:
- Mapusa Market
- Anjuna Flea Market
- Saturday Night Market
Here is a bit more information about these markets:
Mapusa Market
The goods sold here are mainly by farmers and small businessmen. Things that you can buy from this market are clothes, souvenirs, accessories, artifacts, etc.
Anjuna Flea Market
Fruits, clothes, electronics, accessories, you can get all of them at this market. The market remains open till midnight. Therefore, even if you are starting your day late, you can visit this gorgeous market.
Saturday Night Market
Name it and get it in this market. You can get almost everything in Saturday Night Market. You can even witness live concerts in this market.