Goa is a place in India that you would like to visit again and again. The culture and ambiance associated with this place make Goa a must-visit destination during vacations.
There are numerous activities to keep a person busy in this coastal town. Listed below are some of the best things to do in Goa. Check out the list and try your hand at some of these activities.
- Visit the beaches
One of the best things to do in Goa would be to begin the trip by visiting numerous beaches in the region. Beaches in North Goa are the most visited; however, it does not mean that the offbeat beaches located in South Goa should not be visited. Arossim and Utorda Beach near the town of Majorda are perhaps the best in the Southern part while Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna definitely make it to the list when it comes to North Goa. Jet skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving are some of the recommended activities that can be tried at these beaches.
- Visit the Spice Plantations
The spice plantations in the Ponda region of Goa known by the name of Sahakari spice plantations should ideally be visited when you are in Goa. You can pluck and taste pepper, Peri-Peri (among the hottest chillies in the world) and feast on a sumptuous lunch cooked at the farm. What better way of trying a traditional Goan meal, if not at the Sahakari spice plantations.
- Visit the Churches
History seems to have come alive in Panjim. This part of South Goa is known for its churches, museums, art galleries, bakeries, and bungalows. Se De Santa Catarina, which happens to be the largest church in Goa and Basilica of Bom Jesus, the oldest church in Goa is known for its architectural richness. These are some of the most visited churches in the region.
- Plan a trip to the wild
Besides its beaches, Goa is also known for its wildlife which you can witness in plenty if you plan a visit to The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park that are known to have animals like sloth bear, barking deer, mouse deer, and panther. A number of species of birds like the black woodpecker, paradise flycatcher, emerald dove, and Malabar pied hornbill are also found in the National Park. Its location in foothills of Western Ghats also makes it a perfect recipe for an adventure trail.
- Visit the uncommon market of Ingo
The market is named after a German who set up the same on leased property. The Ingo Saturday market in the Arpora region operates during 6 months in the winters and offers an exclusive range of junk jewelry, T-shirts that have been imported, a range of hippie merchandise and Indian and global cuisine for an avid foodie.
- Attend the Dolphin Cruise
Watching a dolphin play in its natural waters is one of the biggest delights anyone can experience. Goa offers this unique experience through its Dolphin cruise. This is a daylong tour that will also take you to Grand Island which is a perfect place for a serene picnic.
- Get your Tryst with History
Museums are another worth visiting places in Goa and you will get to see a collection of Hindu artifacts done in a Portugal set up which in itself makes the entire experience unique. The Archaeological Museum of Old Goa has some collection of Hindu relics along with bronze statues set in Portuguese ambiance which looks quite unique. Other museums that deserve a visit to Old Goa include The Naval Aviation Museum and Institute Menezes Braganza.
- Try visiting the Restaurants
Trying the Goan cuisine at some of the local restaurants is perhaps one thing that should not be missed. Mum’s Kitchen is one such eatery in Goa that offers finger-licking Goan cuisine and some Portuguese delicacies. The rawa mussel fry is one such specialty that can be tried here. Martin’s Corner in South Goa is another such restaurant that offers delicacies like king crab, garlic chicken and seafood with a lot of sauces and spices. Incidentally, it also happens to be the favorite restaurant of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, another reason why it should be on the wish list of every foodie.
- Visit the Beach Shack
When at Baga Beach, do not forget to visit the St. Antony’s bar, restaurant, and the shack. This place gets livelier by the minute as the sun sets on the beaches of Goa. With live music and karaoke performances in the background, the place is a real heaven for someone who has a temperament for exploring the real essence of Goa. You can also try the flavored hookah here which would be a unique experience in itself.
Check out these things and places to make your trip to this unique wonderland special in every aspect.
