According to Allcitycodes, Goa is a hugely popular tourist destination within the large Asian country of India. In this smallest state of India, it is mainly the old forts, temples, beautiful beaches and the wonderfully quiet life that make many tourists decide to visit here every year. Years ago, it was mainly the hippies who came here to soak up the good ‘vibes’. Now nowadays it is very attractive for everyone. Young people mainly visit the many music festivals and others soak up the culture that can be found everywhere. Beautiful waterfalls, wooded areas and the old Portuguese influences immediately put you in a calmer gear than what we are used to in the Netherlands.
Top 10 things to do in Goa
#1. Dudhsagar Waterfalls
On the river Mandovi in the Sanguem district of Goa is a special waterfall. Due to its white milky appearance, this waterfall is literally translated as ‘the ocean of milk’. In the dry season the waterfall is very quiet, but during the monsoon the water thunders down with great speed. The Dudhsagar waterfall is about 310 meters high and is therefore called the fifth largest waterfall in India. The area around this natural phenomenon is very popular among climbers and hikers. There are a number of different routes, so be well prepared. It is also possible to visit the waterfall by train. The highest waterfall in India is Kunchkal. It is no less than 455 meters long.
#2. Goa Spice Plantations
It is well known that Indian food contains many spices. In the center of Goa, about thirty kilometers south-east of the capital Panaji, there are a few large spice plantations where the most diverse spices are grown, cultivated and processed into powder. The most famous plantations are Abyss, Sahakari and Savoi. During the tour you will see how the herbs are obtained from the sometimes quite high trees. Some plantations also have fruit orchards in addition to the many herbs.
#3. Borea Jezuchi Bajilika / Basilica of Bom Jesus
This beautiful and impressive basilica is located in the former capital of Old Goa. The church stands out because of its baroque appearance. The Jesuit church was built around 1600. Because the body of Francis Xavier is located there, healing and healing powers are attributed to this place. The Borea Jezuchi Bajilika is considered one of the oldest churches in Goa and India. Other special churches are: Church of the Immaculate Conception of Mary – St. Anna Church – St Cajetan Church and the Church of St. Francis
#4. Reis Magos
This cozy yet picturesque village, which lies on the bank of the Mandovi River, is known for its fortress. This well-preserved Reis Magos Fort dates back to 1551. The fortress is named after the three kings we know from the bible. It was placed there by the Portuguese to protect the area around the Mandovi. At the bottom of the fortress is the Magos church. Another very interesting fort is Aguada Fort from the early 1600s. It is located in Goa on Sinquerim beach. This fortress overlooks the Arabian Sea and therefore had a very strategic place.
#5. Shanta Durga Temple
This enormous temple complex was built around 1730 for no less than eight years. It is located in the village of Kavalem in the Ponda region. The temple worships Goddess Durga or Shantadurga. The temple stands at the beginning of a mountain range surrounded by greenery. The adjacent pointed white column is the Deep Jyoti Stambh. It is a traditional Hindu building that is often beautifully decorated and can be found next to a temple. Other famous temples in Goa are: Shree Shantadurga and Shree Mangeshi at Mangeshi, Mahadev Temple at Tambdi Suria, Saptakoteshwar Temple at Narve and Annath Temple at Savoi Verem.
#6. Buddhist caves
In the south of Goa near Rivona there are caves that were once dug by Buddhist monks. At the time, the monks were drawn to the serene tranquility and the overwhelmingly beautiful environment in this place. There are various drawings and carved stones in the cave and at the entrance, depicting Lord Hunaman, among others. The caves are also known as Arvalem Caves.
#7. Festivals
Due to its beautiful mix of cultures and traditions, there are various festivals to celebrate in Goa. Of course there are many Hindu festivals, but also music festivals such as Jazz Music Festival. The most important festivals are Shivratri, Basant Panchami, Ramnavami, Gokul Ashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dusshera, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Shigmoutsav, Grape Festival, Novidade and of course the Goa Carnival. House and other music festivals are regularly held on the coast.
#8. Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park
This more than two hundred square meters natural park is located near the town of Sanguem taluk. In addition to the forested area with its diversity of animals such as Bengal tigers, deer, leopards, squirrels and porcupines, there are also a number of temples. For example, there is a temple from the twelfth century with the name Tambdi Surla Temple. Also in this park are a number of beautiful waterfalls such as the Dudhsagar Falls and the Tambdi Falls. The most beautiful view can be found at Sunset Point.
#9. Goa State Museum
In this museum you will find a lot about the history of the state of Goa. The museum was established in 1977 in the town of Panaji. Since then, the museum has an impressive collection of historical objects, paintings and other artefacts. The whole will quickly introduce you to the fascinating history and culture of the country.
#10. Beaches
Goa has some particularly beautiful beaches. Due to its long coastal strip, the choice is enormous. Some beaches are decorated with beautiful palm trees and others have more rock formations. The most famous beach is in the north. This is Calangute. Festivals and other activities are regularly organized here. The more quiet beaches can be found in the south. Some notable beaches are Candolim, Baga, Vagator, Anjuna, Sinquerim, Miramar, Auada, Majorda and Colva.
