If you haven’t actually visited Goa, there’s no way you can even imagine half of the royal charm it has. It’s not just the beaches and the hippies that make Goa what it is, it has much more than that. A rich mix of many cultures, Goa presents an India unlike anywhere else in the country. The beaches, the city, the countryside and the forests present a different world to each unique visitor. Goa’s sun-kissed beaches offer solitude to tranquility-seekers by day and become a haven for party-goers at night. The waves offer excitement for sports lovers as the seaside becomes a rage for shopaholics and the bustle of flea markets.

A long Konkan coastline allows Goa to afford a number of exotic beaches, something that tourists to the area have loved. Pick any beach in Goa and you have a totally unique experience to offer. Anjuna Beach in Goa has the place of being the most frequented beach here. It gathers particularly for its full moon night beach parties and Wednesday flea market. However, the queen of beaches here is the Calangute beach. Its silvery white sands captivate all visitors, even when the beach offers a world of water sports activities. Baga Beach in Goa is mostly known for its famous restaurants and cafes. The nearby town of Arpora is known for its night market. A calmer experience can be had at Candolim. It stands out for its serenity and the presence of some of the most important churches in the area. Seeing a river meet the sea at Miramar beach is always a delight. As we go south, the beaches become calmer and quieter. Bogmalo and Palolem stand out especially for their serenity and calm. Colva Beach in South Goa is more happening here than its other counterparts. It is frequented for shopping, nightlife and some old churches.

Known mainly for its nightlife and party culture, Goa has kept a rich culture alive very well. A rich amalgamation of Hindu and Portuguese cultures, the state is home to some of the most exotic religious sites in the country. Mythology ascribes it to Lord Vishnu and thus has its fair share of temples. The best churches in the entire country are also located in Goa. The Bom Jesus Basilica is probably the most visited religious site in Goa. It houses the mortal remains of San Francisco Javier. Other notable churches are the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panjim, the Church and Convent of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Chapel of Saint Catherine, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Royal Chapel of Saint Anthony and the Church and the Monastery of San Agustín. . Some of the best known Hindu shrines in the state are the Mahalsa Temple at Mardol, the Mangeshi Temple at Priol, the Shantadurga Temple and the Ramnath Temple at Kavlem.

Another characteristic feature of Goa is its love of food. The best and most authentic is not available in five-star hotels, but in the cabins by the sea that are never short of visitors. Fish curry, pickles and fried fish are undoubtedly the Goan staple. Try talking to the locals or check out some good travel guides for information on where to get the best food. Different places have different specialties, so try the dishes only in the best places. To be extra safe, try the shacks on the beaches run by the locals. They serve good food and are mostly hygienic and fairly priced.

What most people don’t expect in Goa is shopping, but it is one of the best places to shop for the most unusual. Anjuna Flea Market, Anjuna Saturday Night Bazaar, Mapusa Friday Market Mapusa Friday Market offers a wide variety of groceries. Ingo’s Saturday night market in Arpora are experiences not found anywhere else in the world. The beaches are lined with stalls selling T-shirts, trinkets, trendy jewelry, quilts, mirrored clothing, electronics, Goan sausages, dried fish, cashews, feni, Goan masalas, xacuti and cafreal spices, Goan sweets and much more. . . The goodies on offer here are so tempting that you’ll probably end up buying things that aren’t even necessary. But don’t leave without picking up a bottle of Goan Feni.

Goa has even more than anyone can write about. A vacation in Goa is truly wonderful. Make sure you have good time available to enjoy the varied sights and sounds of Goa as much as possible.