Why goa is a tourist destination

The bus takes approximately two hours. The beach has a really lovely stretch of white sand which extends for nearly 25km. Soft winds that blow salt sprays into your face are an added bonus. The ambience of the beach is perfect, being just the right balance between commercial and quiet. There are dozens of shacks that cater to the needs of visitors so food and drinks are easy to lay hands on. There are a lot of pubs and clubs here which contribute to the nightlife of the beach like The Gatsby Club, Club Margarita etc.

Admittedly, the night scene here is not as high or wild as at the clubs of North Goa but if you want just a taste of partying when at Colva, these clubs are not bad options to pick from. Sight-seeing opportunities include the white-washed Our Lady of Mercy Church built in , and the markets at Margoas. Water Sports: Paragliding, parasailing, jet ski's banana rides, dolphin sighting are activities you can take part in on Colva Beach.

How to reach from Panaji: A bus or a taxi is a convenient option to in order to reach this beach. You can also take a train up to Madgaon railway station. A short 7km away from Panaji, this beach is a little gem hidden from popular touristic eyes. This is of great help in maintaining the serene and pristine nature of the beach. Those who stumble upon this beach stay to stare at the amazing view of the sea that the beach offers.

The beautiful white and golden sands are lined by lush green forests that add a delightful splash of warm colour to the scenery. It is a great place to simply sit back, rest your eyes and take in some deep, calming breath. Of course, if adventure is what you want, adventure is what you will get with the many water-sports offered here.

It is one of the few places you can go scuba-diving in Goa and the barring some rocks around the beach and in the sea, the beach is a good place to swim. But the Grand Hyatt Resort is located on this beach so you can check-in there if you want a luxury vacation.

But since the other popular beaches are not far off, this is not a problem even if you are staying at Hyatt. You can easily make a day trip to Bambolim either on your way from or to Panaji. It is one of those places in Goa that you must visit if only to see a different aspect of the tiny beach state. And if you want to indulge in some Goan cuisine, this is the beach you want to visit. Alternatively, you can hire a scooter.

Goa has been a hub for the people due to the diversity of activities that it has to offer. And if you are an enthusiast for casinos, Goa is certainly the place for you. Get your nights thrilled with the extraordinary experience and the never stopping fun at the Big Daddy Casino.

Set off the coast of Mandovi river, Big Daddy Casino is an offshore casino that constitutes a bizarre blend of grand gaming and high living experience. The amusing neon lights, the eternal beat of the music, and the brook of games filled with entertainment are the ideal traits to define how this casino vibe you with Goa. This offshore casino offers a regal ambience to professional and amateur gamers out to try their luck at the multiple table games round-the-clock.

Housing tables in an area of around 50, square feet spread over three decks, the casino includes all national and internationally played games ranging from Indian Flush to games such as American Roulette, Black Jack and various variants of Poker available for avid gamers.

This is one of the places in Goa that you must visit if you are looking to party long and party hard. Located on Anjuna beach, this is a one of the kind club. It has a strong psychedelic vibe to it so if you count yourself as one of the hipster crowd and enjoy psychedelic music, or even simply want to experience it, Shiva Valley is the place to head to. It is modelled around the Natraj figure, that is, the dancing avatar of Shiva, and thus the name. Trance is a global phenomenon and you will find many people here who have been returning to the trance floor of Shiva Valley for years upon years.

The trance is an intense dancing set-up. It is a great way to unwind and if you are in need of an emotional purge, this is one of the best ways to do it.

Simply dancing till sunrise is an experience enough, but dancing to psychedelic trance music is an experience to really remember. The ambience of Shiva valley is not just fun, it is also very powerful. All in all, it should definitely be on your party to-do list for Goa.

Visit on a Tuesday night for the best experience. And do not forget to have some piping hot tea and cheese omelettes with the Chai Mamas outside. Embark on an energetic and fun-filled night out delight with your squad and spend great times at Hammerzz, devised to cater you some great thrills when you are in Goa.

The club is an amalgamation of three entertainment zones that implies a state of art nightclub, a splendidly built rooftop restaurant and a brilliantly devised bar- perfectly blending you for some real party fun. Enjoy unlimited music, fun and food in this one-stop destination for all party animals in Goa and avail the chance to explore the nightlife of Goa.

Get amazed to witness and absorb the super fun vibes of the best DJ Nights in Goa and share a party with India's best musical talents. Being in the best in catering the party freaks, this spot shall never fail to revive the party beast in you. Touted to be the best party club in town, Love Passion Karma hits its customers with an amazing vibe made up of great music, trippy lighting, and a dance floor and a DJ that can compete with the best.

Dancing all night is not just a distant possibility here, most people actually end up doing so. It is that special combination of lights and music that generates such high-powered energy. LPK will give you a party experience to remember. You can visit it on any of their variously themed nights. Ladies going in a group can visit on Ladies Night to enjoy some good company and a complimentary drink. The LPK water-front is one its famous features. The glittering water is lit up at night by the huge LPK logo shining upon it making for a very surrealistic scene.

Their venue has some lovely structures built to serve expressly as photography backdrops. The entire location is very attractive and you will find yourselves wanting to return to it day after day to dance the night away.

LPK is not a place which offers dinner options, and the few food options they do have are quite expensive. You would be better off dining outside before visiting the club. They are situated in a beautiful location but a remote one at that, as a result reaching there might get a little tricky unless you solidly research the route.

Making Morjim a perfect spot for happening nights, Club Fresh is an upmarket nightclub that remains open round the clock. Set on the shoreline of the Arabian Sea, the club is widely acclaimed by music aficionados as you get to drink in a buzz created by a mix of electronic-rock, funk, punk rock, and EDM.

You can also pamper your taste buds here with an extensive range of food delights from multiple cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Japanese.

The club boasts top-notch dance floor, elegant chill-outs, and VIP areas in addition to an ultramodern sound technology for a refined musical experience. If you are planning to become a part of some swanky event during your Goa trip, Club Fresh might be the best option you have. If you are visiting Goa to break the monotony of your routine, Hill Top is ranked among the top tourist places in Goa for partying. A famous nightclub frequented by both Indian and international party lovers, Hill Top offers the best of everything till late at night.

This iconic party venue has a wide range of exotic drinks to give you a sweet ecstasy, which will be further elated as the trance music tracks are introduced to your system. For the most astonishing artist lineups and a hypnotic aura, be here to catch special events towards the year end. There are hundreds of places to visit in Goa, but the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is very different from the other Goa tourist places.

It is the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Goa and is very famous amongst the children and the environmentalists. The sanctuary has a number of species of flora and fauna. The species of animals and plants which one gets to see here are some of the rarest one in India. Many Photography enthusiasts from all over the country come to the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary just to capture a beautiful moment, of the animals or the plants, in their camera.

The area of the sanctuary is just 8 square km, making it the aptest wildlife sanctuary as one can tour the entire place in one day itself. How to reach there from Panaji- Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is 47 km away from Panaji and one can take a bus to reach there.

For many people, Goa is all about the beaches and the nightclubs. This has influenced its popular public image to the extent that we forget that there is more to Goa than the beaches. In truth, Goa is also the hub of many types of spice Plantations. A huge variety of the common spices that we use at home, as well as the more exotic and expensive varieties reserved for special occasions, are grown here. By making a visit to these plantations, you get right into the natural habitat of the ingredients so beloved in Indian kitchens.

In your Goa trip you must take a day time to visit this plantation. You can take a tour of the plantation and understand how the spices are grown, what goes into making them strong and appealing, and why certain spices cost as much as they do.

You can also get some useful usage tips that might just transform your cooking experiences. Apart from the actual spice farming, you will also find yourself having a good time drinking the special teas offered on the plantations, eating the delicious home-made food delicately tinged with homegrown spices, and enjoying the general ambiance of the space.

If you can manage it, go during the monsoon season. Any farm is worth a visit when the falling rains fill the air with a lovely scent but imagine how compounded this effect will be on a spice plantation. Most are located roughly 30km from Panaji and easily accessible via cabs. How to reach from Panaji: Cabs are the most convenient option unless you have a scooter on rent. Verna Springs, popularly known as Kesarval Springs, are located near the Verna Cliffs, hence the name.

The eagles are gone but the springs gush out from between the huge rocks and green trees just as chirpily as ever. This is a good spot to visit for some nature sighting.

The surroundings are quiet and only the hum of the forest fauna is to be heard and one of the best places to visit in Goa with family. The Verna Springs, however, might be a little noisier on account of the many people who frequent the Springs. The Verna Springs are popular not only for their natural beauty but also for their rumored healing properties. The water from the Springs is said to hold curative properties. The skin, eyes, internal ailments can all purportedly be cured by a dip in the water of Verna Springs.

As a result, you will come across all manner of people here who are enjoying a taste of the waters in the hope of curing some physical ailment or the other.

The Springs are big enough to take this influx of people and they are active enough to sweep away the resultant dirt in their strong currents. The best time to visit is during the monsoon season when the water is flowing at full force even though they continue to exist in the dry season albeit to a much less forceful extent.

Take a spare set of clothes or your swimming costume along if you too wish to take a dip in them. How to reach from Panaji: Take a bus or train to Cortalim and then local transportation up to the springs. Alternatively, you can go by your rented car or scooter or by cab. The Springs are only 22km from Panaji. This is a great market to visit if you are planning on staying in Goa for a longer period of time.

Every Friday, traders, and farmers gather together in Mapusa, a small town in the Bardez district of Goa, and sell a wide variety of fresh food items here. Local varieties of fish, farm vegetables, and fruits, even tamarind are sold here.

Pickles and preserves, spices, earthen pots, glass bangles, channa baskets coir mats, and the famous Goan 'chouricos' ready spiced Goan pork sausages , dried fish and prawns are also sold here, as is the local Goan liquor. Goan tamarind is noted for its delicious taste so do grab some of it.

Though the shops are in place all day on Friday, you should visit early in the morning to get the best pick of the lot.

There are many tourist attractions in Goa and one of that attraction is the Todo Falls. The Todo Falls is arguably the prettiest waterfall present in Goa. The most exciting thing about the Todo Falls is the journey to the falls.

One has to trek and reach the falls. Trekking is a very thrilling and tiring activity but when one finishes the trek, they get to see the Todo Falls. This makes it one of the best things to do in Goa. The breathtaking view of the waters cascading down from the top of the cliff is mesmerizing, to say the least.

Todo Falls in a must for everyone visiting any part of Goa as this is amongst prettiest sight in Goa. One feels closer to nature and wants to delve deeper into its beauty when they go to the Todo Falls.

The Lamgau Caves are close by as is a location fit for white-water rafting which is 13km from the site of the waterfall. The Arvalem Waterfalls in themselves are a pretty sight, and especially imposing during the monsoon months when the fall into the lake below with a fearful force. Among all the places to see in Goa, this is one of the most beautiful ones. They dry to a trickle in the summer leaving the lake to become a swimming pool for avid swimmers.

There is a well-maintained government park close to the waterfalls, which is a great spot for a picnic. You can make a fulfilling day trip to this location and also take part in the other activities close by. The children will have an especially good day. The Museum of Christian Art was built in and is a major tourist attraction of Goa. The residents of Goa are very artistic people and they love their art. This love of theirs can be witnessed by visiting any of the museums in the state.

The Museum of Christian Art is a very famous and unique Museum. The museum is one of a kind and no other museum in Asia is like the Museum of Christian Art. The museum contains artworks of only Christians. There are some outstanding sculptures, paintings, furniture, precious metals, etc.

One should definitely visit the Museum of Christian Art if they are going to Goa as one gets to learn a lot about the culture about the people living there. How to reach there from Panaji: Museum of Christian Arts is 13 km away from Panaji and one can hire a scooter or cab to reach there.

Goa is not a very diverse state. Almost all of the people residing in Goa follow the same religion, Christianity. Since Christianity is the most widely followed religion here, there are many churches in the state.

Churches in Goa take a very important part in the life of the residents. The Church of St. Cajetan is one of the most famous churches in Goa. The church possesses a very strong resemblance with the popular St. Peters Basilica church located in Rome. Cajetan is nearly 2 decades old, but the church has been very well preserved and one will not be able to guess the age of the church just by looking at it.

One should definitely visit this church as they will get to know about the religion here. How to reach there from Panaji: Church of St. Cajetan is very close to Panaji and one can take a cab, bus or auto to reach there.

Going to North Goa to hit one of the beaches? Make sure to take some time out and visit Lamgua caves. They are of great importance to the Hindu community in Goa and they reflect the transition from Buddhism to Hinduism.

The caves are designed in a Buddhist fashion but the idols of Nandi and the Shivaling outside the main entrance of the smaller of the two caves reveal another aspect.

The other cave is much larger and is basically a place where one can sit and meditate or take shelter from the rains. The scenic route up to the caves is another reason to visit them. The caves are located inside a dense areca nut plantation and trekking up to them can get tough because of the rugged nature of the paths.

You pass several small Goan villages on your way, these are good and hospitable resting spots during the trek. The many interesting local temples on the way are an added attraction of the trek up to Lamgau Caves. You can visit the caves on some early morning.

This will allow you to go over the entire location peacefully and enjoy the small details that you might otherwise miss out.

How to reach from Panaji: Many buses ply on the route connecting the villages. Cabs are also a good option. One of the two inland forts still intact in Goa, the Corjuem Fort is a popular spot with tourists and makes for a nice break from the beaches.

The Fort was built in and has since seen many parties take control of it- from the Indian rulers to the colonists. This fort made an especially attractive possession because of its strategic position. The fort is so situated as to be a great defensive location for Panaji. Hence the numerous battles that took place here for control. The Fort was rebuilt by the British in Though it has fallen into disuse now, it is still an attractive spot and you might come across history buffs and architecture enthusiasts going over the fort for its structure and its past.

The view attracts tourists since it reveals a breath-taking landscape. The Fort is built across the Mapusa river which can be seen cutting through the green Goan countryside. It is a view that is capable of instilling peace. Photographers are also attracted to this location in hordes.

All in all, the Fort is a good passing tourist attraction that you can visit for some hours on one of the afternoons of your visit to North Goa. This is one of the interesting historical places to visit in Goa. This is a temple dedicated to Lord Mangueshi, a form of Shiva which is recognized only in Goa. A major tourist attraction in the state, the Mangueshi Temple is a great place for those of you who want a taste of authentic Goan life away from the Westernised beaches.

This temple was built in when the site of the Mangesh Linga was shifted from the original spot in Kushasthali to Mangeshi following the Portuguese invasion.

The current structure was built years later under the Maratha rule, when it was upscaled from a simple construction to the imposing structure it is today. Many domes, balustrades, and pilasters are a part of the architecture. An imposing Nandi statue near the entrance and a magnificent 7 storeyed lamp-tower add to the charm of the elegant temple. Pujas are performed throughout the day. A set of pujas in the morning is followed by a maha-aarti at noon and a grand Panchopchar puja at night.

Devotees flock to the temple in droves which makes the spot an active one. The location is especially alluring as the Mangueshi Temple is set among lush green forests and resplendent paddy fields with mango and jackfruit grooves nearby hand in hand with tall palm trees.

This makes a perfect place for a meditative retreat. There are sellers outside who sell trinkets, goods to use in the temple and saat, a local specialty made from jackfruit. The Temple can be visited throughout the day but it really shines out at night as candles by the dozen illuminate it. This is a good place to visit in Goa. There are professional facilities available for snorkeling and they also provide one with the equipment and the instructions.

It is also a lovely place to experience some marine life around Goa. Varieties of fishes like the parrot fish or the butterfly fish, lobsters, turtles and sea cucumbers live near Bat Island and can be spotted with ease.

Reaching the island is not an issue. There are numerous boats moored along the Vasco De Gama Beach and the fishermen will gladly drop you off if you ask them to. There are other speed boat and yacht options too. You can take one of those transport means to reach here and then take a boat to Bats Island.

Fort Tiracol is one of the greatest tourist attractions of Goa. This particular Fort has played a huge role in the earlier years when everyone was struggling for freedom. Since it has witnessed so many wars, victories and defeats it is considered as a symbol of the bravery of all freedom fighters of Goa. This Fort was destroyed in the wartime but was again rebuilt after a few years and has stood tall and proud ever since.

The Fort is full of intricate carvings and some great architecture that can be awe-inspiring for all history lovers out there. This fort also has a view of the Arabian Sea from the terrace which is breathtaking. Located on the northern tip of Goa one needs to set aside a whole day to explore this place and take a ferry to reach the Fort. How to reach there from Panaji- Fort Tiracol is 49 km away from Panaji and one can take a train, a bus or a cab to reach there.

The Naval Aviation Museum in Goa is one of the two military museums in India and overall one of the best museums you can visit in India. If you are on a trip with the kids, do not give this museum a miss.

Both parents and children will love a visit to the Naval Aviation Museum. It has two sections- the indoor area and the court outside. You can roam around the park outside and look at the various out-of-commission aircrafts that served in the navy. These are all very important aircrafts and have played crucial roles in the Indian Defence Strategies. The interior of the museum is designed to look like INS Viraat, an important Indian Naval base, and hosts several interesting galleries where you can read about the many battles the Indian Naval Forces have been a part of.

There is also a room dedicated to naval equipment like warheads, bombs, torpedoes, rockets etc and another room has the collection of underwater radars used to detect underwater enemy targets. The children will love the simulation room inside the museum where visitors can experience being inside the cockpit. The Naval Aviation Museum is a great educational experience combined with fun. Everything about the museum makes it a perfect sight-seeing place in Goa, including the magnificent ocean view.

Pay the museum a visit one afternoon and spend the evening on the beach nearby for a good end to your day. It is a hidden gem that not many people visit but it makes for a top sight-seeing place in Goa. The Sanctuary is located on Chorao Island on River Mandovi which necessitates a ferry ride across to the island. The island is covered in mangrove swamps and frequented by birds of all kinds.

Both local as well as out of state birds make a home in the sanctuary. You can spot many species of birds here like Pintails, Blue-winged teals, Maddar ducks, Purple herons as also storks, flying foxes, jackals, and crocodiles.

The mangrove swamps are a good breeding habitat for many birds, fishes, and insects. There is a watch tower in the sanctuary from where you can watch the various kinds of birds that frequent the island.

Visitors would be well advised to lather themselves up in insect repellents when visiting the sanctuary. How to reach from Panaji: Take a bus or a cab up to Rabandar ferry and then take a ferry to the sanctuary. This must-have experience in Goa is very beautiful and unique than any water sports or adventure activity. This beautiful city offers amazing river and sea cruises that will make your Goa holidays memorable.

Read More: Best Cruises on Goa 6. Nightclubs If you are still thinking about why goa is an amazing holiday destination , then clubs are the main reason. To groove all night long at this fantastic destination, Goa consist of hundreds of clubs that allows you to dance, drink, eat, and party all night. It proves, how goa offers a happening nightlife to Indian tourists. These churches of Goa show stunning Portuguese design and architectural beauty that you should not miss at any cost.

Catherine, etc. Read more: Best Churches in Goa 8. Stunning Nightlife Goa is a famous tourist spot for Indians because of its dazzling nightlife that never ends. This city offers amazing, and exciting nightlife that starts from nightclubs, bars, beach shacks, and more with non-stop music, latest songs, perfect ambiance, dizzy neon lights, delectable food, and fancy drinks. It is also great for taking a boat ride and enjoying the expanse of the sea and the beauty of nearby Butterfly and Honeymoon Beaches.

One of the most happening beaches in Goa, Baga Beach is where you will find water sports, fine dining restaurants, bars, and clubs. A cosy and quieter beach, Palolem is popular for its Silent Noise Party and relaxing ambiance in Goa.

One of the longest beaches in Goa, Candolim Beach is also sometimes called the gateway to the other popular beaches in the state. Arambol Beach is a perfect place for taking Yoga classes. The beach also has a drum circle; a weekend beachside market; and a mystical baba sitting on top of a hillock. The beautiful Aguada Beach is primarily known for the impressive Fort Aguada.

This beach in North Goa is ideal for strolling and watching the sunrise and sunsets. It is also the busiest beach in North Goa with restaurants, shacks, and clubs fringing it. Those enthusiastic about water sports should not miss out visiting this beach during their holidays in Goa.

Anjuna Beach is known for its lively nightlife. It has a number of nightclubs like Paradiso that offer great music, dance floors, and ambiance to keep the nights alive. Bambolim Beach is located about 7 kilometers from Panaji, the capital city of Goa. Those looking to enjoy a picnic or a quiet day at the beach, should head to Bambolim Beach. A quiet beach in South Goa, Bogmalo is the destination for those beach lovers who want to spend sometime enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

One of the quieter beaches of North Goa, Morjim Beach is also known as Little Russia due to its immense popularity amidst Russian travellers. Sinquerim Beach is located just beside Aguada Fort, a major tourist attraction in Goa with immense historical significance.

What also makes Benaulim Beach so special is that despite not being as touristy as the other beaches in Goa, it offers you opportunities to try out a variety of water sports. Majorda Beach, located in South Goa, is one of the prettiest beaches of Goa. It is for those seeking solitude along with a bit of fun thrown in between. Vagator Beach is the most photographed beach in Goa. Varca Beach relatively uncrowded compared to the other beaches in Goa, and gives you the privacy you need while enjoying a vacation in Goa.

Galgibaga, or Turtle Beach, in South Goa, is one of the few beaches in Goa that are the nesting ground of the shy Olive Ridley Turtles, a protected species. From Banana boat ride to water skiing, the beaches in Goa offer thrilling water activities to enjoy. Set out on the sea and enjoy the beauty of azure waters and views of dolphin pods swimming along your boat. Goa has a tropical climate and can be visited all throughout the year with each season offering an amazing experience to the travellers.

Summers in Goa are more popular with families and kids whereas the destination in monsoon let the tourist indulge in some of the water activities. Goa in winter season experiences cool and comfortable weather making it a perfect time for sunbathing. Goa offers a plethora of exciting activities for the tourist. From water sports in scenic sand beaches, shopping in flea markets, visiting colonial churches, to adventure tourism, chill and grill life of rave parties, yoga and ayurveda for rejuvenating your soul and spectacular views of picturesque beaches, Goa has it all.

Moreover, Goa is a paradise for delectable seafood and awesome destination weddings. You should head over here to check out the views of Pernem, Vagator and the Arabian Sea.

Every Wednesday, Anjuna hosts one of the best shopping destinations in Goa. Goa is a treasure trove filled with places to explore and experiences to saveur. These are our favourite things about the state. Tell us your best memories of Goa in the comments below.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Like most cities in the South of India, the people of Mysore take their dosas, idlis, and vadas very seriously. While there are many variations to these dishes, Mysore cuisine Most of the people only know Kolkata as the place for the beautiful places and locations.

But not most of the people are aware of the fact that there are Treebo hotels announce the inclusion of Jesant Valley Holidays Homes to its portfolio. Rishikesh is a famous pilgrimage site and is also well-known for the adventure sports activities made possible by its landscape. These two activities are followed by shopping, which is a Treebo derives its name from "Bo Tree", the fig tree under which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.

The fig tree family - banyan, peepal among others - has inspired not just our name but also what we do. Top 15 Destinations for Budget Travel in India. Breathtakingly beautiful places in India that are more beautiful at night. Top 10 breathtaking palaces and forts of India that you should not miss. Reasons Why Goa Is Famous 1. Fantastic Beaches Palolem in South Goa. A parade in Goa. A decorated church at Christmas time. Watersports in Goa. Shacks on the beach.