With strong Portuguese influences, Goa has music, culture, dance, and fun running through its very veins. This culture has been the cornerstone for the rising hospitality industry in the state with a plethora of hotels across all price ranges. Moreover, the varied landscape interspersed with hills, rivers, beaches and lush green fields make the state even more scenic. Good quality roads connecting even the remote corners of the state make it easy for the traveler to explore. With the mighty Arabian Sea on the west and the majestic Sahyadri mountains on the East, Goa is a travelers’ paradise.
Getting to Goa is easy. It is well connected by air, rail and road with major cities in India. Connected by air with some international destinations as well. As one of the smallest states in India, with around 4,000 square kilometres, Goa is packed with an abundance of beaches, hills, fields, valleys, and bright Goan houses.The population of around 1.5 million happy, fun loving and hospitable people speaks English, Konkani, Hindi and Marathi. You will also find some enthusiastic retailers speaking in Russian.
Not many are aware, but there are some grand and amazing forts in Goa. These include Tiracol, Chapora, Aguada, Reis Magos and Cabo de Rama. Venture to one of these forts for some history and breathtaking views. The state is also abundantly blessed with rivers such as the Tiracol, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal and Talpona
Of course, there are plenty of beaches to choose from - the popular and famous include Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Vagator and Anjuna and the less popular but beautiful Arambhol, Mandrem, Morjim, and Keri. The south of Goa also boasts some spectacular beaches including Majorda, Utorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim and Palolem.
There is a large variety of food options and restaurants in Goa. You will get all kinds of cuisines in Goa – Indian, Chinese, Italian, French, Thai, Burmese, European and so much more. The popular and staple food is fish. The fish thali is a must try and is available at many small and large restaurants.
With the abundance of nature, there are several wildlife and bird sanctuaries to visit in Goa. The Charao Island houses the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. To the east, there is the Bondla zoo and the Mollem wildlife sanctuary close to the Dudhsagar waterfalls in the eastern part of the state.
Goa is a magnet for festivals – some religious and some for the fun. For the past few years, Goa has been host to the Sunburn and Supersonic music festivals. Christmas and Ganesh Chaturthi are the biggest festivals. Then there is the carnival, San Jaoa festival, and Bonderam. There is also the wine festival, cashew festival, food and cultural festival, IFFI and many more reasons to celebrate.
With so many things to do and enjoy in Goa, a traveler is completely satiated and relaxed here. The wide variety of stay options - the usual hotels and resorts and the cozy comfortable villas and serviced apartments, make your holiday even more enjoyable.