Located on the southwestern coast of India, Goa is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. This erstwhile Portuguese colony is best known for its serene beaches, forts and churches that date back to the colonial era, wildlife sanctuaries, museums, and rich culinary legacy. Goa also boasts of vibrant nightlife, thanks to the many beach shacks, pubs, and clubs dotting the region. What’s more, it is the only Indian state where you can find floating casinos.
Tourism and tourism-related industries and businesses form the backbone of Goa’s economy. As per the Department of Tourism, over 80 lakh tourists visited Goa in the year 2018 of which Indian tourists constitute over 70 lakhs and international tourists constitute over 9 lakhs. Also, as on June 2019, Goa had 3881 hotels sprinkled across its northern and southern districts. These hotels, which include budget hotels, paying guesthouses, heritage properties, and star hotels, cater to the influx of Indian and international tourists all through the year. The months of December and January mark the peak tourist season in the state.
Goa Tourism Information
| Capital | Panaji |
| Official Language | Konkani |
| Area | 3,702 square kilometer |
| Main Cities | Panaji, Mapusa, Margao, Ponda, Vasco da Gama, Bicholim, Canacona, and Sanguem, Bardez, and Quepem |
| Status | Indian State |
| Official Tourism Website | http://www.goatourism.gov.in |
| Nicknames | Pearl of the Orient, Tourist Paradise, the Party Capital of India |
| Major Railheads | Margao or Madgaon Junction (MAO), Vasco da Gama Railway Station (VSG), and Thivim Railway Station (THVM) |
| Airport | Goa International Airport (GOI) in Dabolim |
History of Goa
History of Goa | Goa Tourism
Evidence from rock art engravings suggests that the region that is currently called Goa has been inhabited by humans even during the Paleolithic Age. From the third century onwards, it has been under the reign of different dynasties and powers, such as the Mouryas, Bhojas, Kadambas, Delhi Sultanate, and Adil Shahis, to name a few. In the 16th century, Goa came under the rule of the Portuguese. The period of Portuguese colonialism, which lasted for about 450 years, played a pivotal role in shaping the modern history and culture of Goa. The Portuguese rule ended in 1961 when Goa was annexed to the Republic of India through Operation Vijay, the armed action carried out by the Indian Armed Forces. Although initially organized as a Union Territory, Goa was declared as the 25th state of India in 1987.
Geography & Climate
Goa is a state in the Konkan Region aka Konkan Coast which forms the western coastline of India. It shares its border with two other Indian states, namely Karnataka on the east and the south and Maharashtra on the north, while the western side is bordered by the majestic Arabian Sea. There are seven major rivers running through the state of which Zuari, Mandovi and Chapora are the most famous ones. The entire state is divided into two districts – North Goa and South Goa. While the northern part is famous as a partying hub, the southern part is ideal for laid-back beach vacations.
Due to its proximity to the coastal line, the region has a tropical monsoon climate marked by heat and humidity. The best time to visit Goa is from October to February. Summers are pretty harsh across the region and hence a trip to Goa during summers (March to June) is best avoided.
Places to Visit in Goa
Places to visit in Goa | Goa Tourism
- Beaches: Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Vagator, Anjuna, Palolem, Butterfly, Colva, and Ashwem are the most-visited beaches in Goa. For those who want to enjoy some tranquil moments, there are less-crowded beaches in Goa that include Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim, Sinquerim, Cavelossim, and Agonda.
- Forts: Fort Aguada, Chapora Fort, Tiracol Fort, Reis Magos Fort, Corjuem Fort, Cabo de Rama Fort, and Mormugao Fort are the most famous forts in Goa.
- Churches: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral de Santa Catarina, Saint Catherine’s Chapel, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Church of Saint Augustine, Church of Saint Cajetan, Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Alex Church, Mae De Deus Church, Three Kings Chapel, Nossa Senhora de Penha de Franca, and Santa Cruz Church are among the top churches to visit in Goa.
- Temples: Mangeshi Temple, Shanta Durga Temple, Mahadev Temple, Chandreshwar Bhoothnath Temple, Brahma Temple, Mahalasa Narayani Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple, Saptakoteshwar Temple, and Kamakshi Temple are some of the well-known temples in Goa.
- Museums: Museum of Goa, Houses of Goa Museum, Goa Science Center, Museum of Christian Art, Wax Museum, Big Foot Cross Museum, Indian Naval Aviation Museum, and Goa Chitra Museum are the must-visit museums in Goa for history buffs.
- Waterfalls: Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Hivre Waterfalls, Tambadi Surla Waterfalls, Arvalem Waterfalls, Kuskem Waterfalls, and Charavne Waterfalls are the most spectacular waterfalls in Goa.
- National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries: Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary are the best wildlife sanctuaries and biodiversity spots in Goa.
- Lakes: Mayem Lake, Carambolim Lake, Netravali Lake, Batim Lake, Ambulor Lake, Sarzora Lake, and Arambol Sweet Water Lake are among the top lakes to visit in Goa.
Cuisine of Goa
Cuisine of Goa | Goa Tourism
Goa is known for its amazing variety of seafood dishes, many of which carry influences of Portuguese cuisine. Rice with fish curry is one of the staple items in the region and you will get it across all restaurants in Goa. Other popular Goan food items include Pork Vindalho, Goan Fish Curry, Xacuti, Sorpotel, Chorizo (pork sausage), Feijoada, Chicken Cafreal, Fish Reacheado, Sorak, Samarachi Kodi, Sannas, Ros Omelette, and Khatkhate, to mention a few. The must-try sweet dishes of Goa include Bebinca, Dodol, and Patolea while Feni is the most popular alcoholic beverage in the state.
Shopping in Goa
Shopping in Goa | Goa Tourism
From flea markets and local bazars to stand-alone stores, and boutiques, there are a plenty of places to shop in Goa. Some of the best things and souvenirs to buy from Goa are:
- Cashew nuts
- Spices
- Goan Feni, Cabo or fruit wines
- Handicraft items made of seashells or coconut
- Painted tiles/ Azulejos tiles
- Beachwear and hats
- Kunbi saris
- Kokum or Kokum sherbet
- Bebinca or Dodol (sweet dishes)
- Flavored tea
- Sea salt
- Goan bread
Things to Do in Goa
- Relax at the beaches of Goa
- Try your luck at the floating casinos such as Deltin Royale, Casino Pride, Deltin Jaqk, Deltin Caravela, Casino Palms, etc.
- Enjoy the nightlife at the pubs, nightclubs, and shacks of Goa
- Shop at the local markets in Goa
- Take a houseboat tour
- Take part in adventure sports and water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, kite surfing, white water rafting, banana boat riding, parasailing, windsurfing, etc.
- Visit a spice plantation
- Get a tattoo done
- Go on a dolphin safari at beaches like Baga, Sinquerim, Morjim
- Partake in a silent party at Palolem Beach
- Watch a Tiatr, a traditional form of Konkani drama
