Beaches and beyond

Glistening sands, cool sea breeze, and the warm sun are a part of the pristine beaches that make Goa a favourite among most tourists. As clichéd as it sounds, a visit to India’s hottest tourist destination you are sure to be smitten by the ‘Goa trance’.

This small state sets the pace for a magical and fun trip for everybody especially with some of the prettiest beaches, old Portuguese churches, the annual carnival that takes place in February and several flea markets that give you a chance to re-discover the little pieces of Goa.

PANAJI

Panaji, the capital of Goa, is a tiny city that packs in a large punch. The church on the main square, the Baroque architecture, pretty villas, cobbled streets and interesting buildings give Panaji a distinctly Portuguese ambience.

MARGAO

Margao, the capital of Salcete Taluka and the chief town of South Goa, has a decidedly Portuguese flavour and an old world charm. Vasco da Gama is a port city in the west coast Indian state Goa. Vasco — as Goa’s most populous overgrown town is referred to, and the adjoining Mormugao port is busy, dusty and mainly commercial centres today. Mormugao Port was constructed in 1888, and is today one of the major ports of India. Between one-third of India’s ore exports leave from here.
Old Goa is the former colonial capital of Goa. Full of history, today is home to some scenic churches and convents.

MAPUSA

Mapusa, is the administrative capital of the Bardez Taluka, Mapusa is 13 km south of Panaji. Besides being a busy market town, Mapusa is conveniently close to some of Goa’s most popular beaches.

PONDA

Located in the heart of North Goa, Ponda is geographically surrounded by scenic green villages, filled with grand temples. Ponda is also known for its proximity to Goa’s wildlife, and is the cultural capital for Indian-style music in Goa,

BEACHES

Most of the action happens on Goa’s beaches and this is one of the main reason thousands of tourists come here.

Baga:

Baga Beach is known for water sports — parasailing, jet skiing, body boarding and surfing. The dolphin cruises are another tourist attraction at this beach.

Anjuna:

This beach is the most hip and happening beach and is known for its rave culture and parties especially during the Christmas- New Year season.

Dona Paula:

Dotted with palms and casuarinas, Dona Paula is quite a hotspot, for its beauty and romantic legend that gave the beach its name. The beach offers water sports facilities, especially water scootering.

Colva:

Colva Beach is a highly commercialised beach with resort complexes, large holiday crowds, trinket stalls, discos and restaurants.

Majorda:

Majorda lies 2 km north of Colva, and is a pretty beach dominated by a luxury resort, hotels, restaurants, shops, boutiques and the best European bakeries in Goa.

Calangute:

This is Goa’s most popular beach. Totally commercialised but this sizzling hotspot offers good sunbathing, and some really delicious food.

GET TING THERE

You can either travel by air, rail, road and sea i.e. the catamaran service that is available only from Mumbai. All the national highways link Goa with the rest of the country. Buses are available from every city. From Mumbai, it takes around 12-14 hrs to reach Goa by bus, around 10 hrs by train and around 45 minutes by air.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

October to February is the best time for tourism, though Goa can be visited yearround

 

 

(Source: The Times of India)