Top 10 things to do in Goa

A vacation in Goa means a lot for avid travelers. Touted as "India's Favorite State" by all of us here at The Beach Company, Goa attracts tourists for its impressive coastline, long cultural heritage, natural wonders and the long list of things to do. The following is a list of top 10 things to do in Goa.

1. Enjoy Water Sports: International tourists like to stay near Goa’s beaches. It becomes easy for them to enjoy one of the many beach activities that are possible here. Banana boating is quite popular among tourists with kids. Adventure sports such as wind surfing and scuba diving can also be experienced here. Other options include jet skiing, water skiing, parasailing, and dolphin cruises.

   
   Parasailing at Calangute Beach (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2. Spend a Night on the Beach: Most beaches in Goa come to life when the sun has set. The lively atmosphere will entice you into spending a night on one of such beaches. Anjuna Beach is probably the most happening spot with quite a few shacks remained open after midnight despite sound restrictions. Arambol offers a bit relaxed atmosphere with live music and jam sessions.

   
   Anjuna Beach (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

3. Explore Nature: Follow the nature trail and go into the wilderness to discover amazing wildlife of the region. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is a good option located near Molem. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is also worth a visit if you have time. Discover waterfalls, such as Dudhsagar Waterfalls and enjoy natural scenery.

   
   Dudhsagar Waterfalls (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

4. Visit Churches and Historical Landmarks: Goa has a rich cultural heritage. Churches built during the colonial period leave an everlasting impression on the visitors. Basilica of Bom Jesus offers a treat to your eyes with is architectural magnificence. Se de Santa Catarina will captivate you heart with its awe-inspiring look.

   
   The Basilica of Bom Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

5. Go Shopping: Local marketplaces and flea markets offer a good opportunity for bargain shoppers. Ingo Saturday’s night bazaar is highly popular with tourists. Ethnic wears, jewelry, souvenirs and many other things can be had from this market. Another popular shopping spot is Anjuna flea market that is held every Wednesday. Streets shops can be found at major beach areas. It is important to bargain well before intending to buy.

   
   Anjuna Flea Market (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

6. Relish Food: You will be delighted to find great dining spots in Goa. The region is famous for its exotic cuisine. However, it is not difficult to find restaurants serving continental food as well. Some of the famous names in this regard include Martin’s Corner, Britto’s, Curly’s, Infantaria, and Souza Lobo.

   
   Pawn Curry, a popular dish in Goa (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

7. Go Biking: There is much to discover when you go away from the beaches. It is not easy to do that on foot, so hire a bike and go biking. Goa is full of intricate little roads and intriguing pathways. Ride on a bike and explore Goa. See paddy fields and spot rows of quaint village cottages. Stop by something that interests you, experience it, and go biking again.

   
   See paddy fields in Goa (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

8. Party all Night: The real fun starts when darkness sets in. Hop from one bar to another to see what is happening or go straight to shacks and sway over the beats of loud music. Enjoy drinking all night long and have a blast.
9. Visit the Casino: Gambling is legal in Goa, so it is not unusual to see a number of casinos scattered across major hotels. Some are even found on boats. It may excite you to go for a casino cruise. Alternatively, you can try your luck at places like Casino Royale, Casino Carnival, and Casino Caravela.
10. Celebrate Christmas: Visitors must book flights to Goa sometime around Christmas to enjoy the festive atmosphere of this pre-dominantly Christian state of India. Every street and corner of the state is perfectly decked up to set the festive mood of locals as well as visitors. The celebration is marked with lots of drinking, feasting and merry-making.

(c) The Beach Company, Jan 2014