The coastline of Goa is 161 km. Maharashtra is located towards its north, Karnataka in the southeast and the Arabian Sea on the west. The Western Ghats surround the state and keep it cool. Goa offers many exciting scenes like tranquil beaches, crazy nightlife, private parties, street shopping, casinos, scrumptious seafood, beautiful architecture in the form of churches reflecting ancient Portugal heritage, etc. Food of Goa tastes like the Konkan cuisine and, at times, like the Portugal cuisine. Either you can relax on the pristine beach or enjoy the whole night partying at a club. Temples, mosques and wildlife sanctuaries provide diversion from the beach in South Goa.
Things to do in Goa
There are more than 100 beaches in North and South Goa. They are beautiful to view and are a treat to one’s eyes. Beaches like Baga and Calangute are very busy because they offer activities like water sports, cruise, sailing and surfing. Clubs and shacks alongside the beaches have a very unique, cosy ambience. They serve delicious food, seafood in particular. There are a few popular churches that must be visited once in Goa because such churches signify the colonial era of the Portuguese.
Tourist attractions in Goa
Dudhsagar Falls, also known as the ‘Sea of Milk’, Aguada fort with a 13 m lighthouse, Bollywood’s favourite Chapora Fort, Anjuna Beach, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church and the Goa State Museum are the most famous tourist attractions in Goa. There are two 16th-century churches, namely the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, which are given the title of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Baga beach is the most popular of all the beaches.
Places to shop in Goa
The Mackie’s Night Bazaar is the night bazaar set up usually on Saturdays in the evening after 6 o’clock, which sells affordable souvenirs. Anjuna Flea Market, Calangute Market, Mapusa Market and Baga Beach Market are located along the coastline. They sell footwear, souvenirs, artificial jewellery, spices, pickles, sausages, cashew nuts and handicrafts.
Best time to visit Goa
The best time to visit Goa is from October to March. December is the most celebrated month of Goa as there are Christmas and New Year’s grand celebrations during this time. People from across the world travel to Goa to enjoy the festivity.
Modes of transport
In case people from outside the state want to visit Goa, the flight is the best and fast option to reach the state. It saves a lot of time. The local transport, including cabs, taxis and rickshaws, is available, but people prefer to rent vehicles to travel.
Weather in Goa
The temperature in Goa lies between 25°C and 30°C. Having a moderate climate, Goa does not experience extreme weather. Summers are in March, April, May and October, monsoons between June and September and winters from November to February.
Airport in Goa
The IATA Code of Goa’s Dabolim Airport is GOI. It is 30 km from Panaji, which is the capital city of Goa.