Goa is a former Portuguese colony on the Indian peninsula. It is India’s smallest but most beloved state by travelers.
People come here for enlightenment, hippie-inspired parties by the ocean and just to wait out the winter. We tell you everything you need to know about vacationing in Goa.
What to See in Goa – Resort Attractions
The sea route from Europe to India was pioneered by Vasco da Gama. It was the age of the Great Discovery, but it was not just about exploration. It was also a time of conquest. Portuguese General Afonso d’Albuquerque conquered Goa in 1510. Portugal became the first European colonial empire of the New Age. The possessions on the Indian peninsula came to be known as Portuguese India, with the capital at Old Goa.
Later, General Albuquerque was succeeded as governor by Vasco da Gama, and soon afterward he took the post of Viceroy of India. The navigator died of malaria in India, and his descendants continued to govern the new colony for many more years. The history of Portuguese India ended only in the second half of the XX century.
The golden age of Goa coincided with the heyday of Portuguese trade in India. Thousands of ships docked at the quays every year to take on board cargoes of spices and other curiosities. European settlers continued to sail to the distant Indian shore, despite the dangers they faced.
Through Goa, the Catholic Church also once came to India – the colonizers did not prevent mixed marriages, but insisted on their faith. After the conquest of Goa, the Portuguese kings did not abandon plans to conquer the whole of India, but the goals of their expansion were not achieved.
Goa’s prosperity ended at the end of the 17th century – the Dutch and English undermined the Portuguese trade monopoly in the Indian Ocean. As their colonies grew, Goa’s importance began to decline. The Portuguese governor moved to the city of Panaji, which became the new capital, although Old Goa remained the Catholic center in all of India for a long time.
None of the uprisings against the colonizers in Goa were successful. Even after the Portuguese Revolution of 1910, during which the monarchy was abolished, the people of Goa did not receive the right to self-determination. At the same time the movement for independence of British India was gaining momentum – it was achieved in 1947, but the state of Goa remained under Portuguese rule. Portugal recognized Indian sovereignty in Goa only in 1974.
In December 1961, Indian troops captured Goa along with the town of Daman and the island of Diu in less than two days, but Portugal did not recognize Indian sovereignty in Goa until 1974.
In the late 1960s, hippies flocked to Goa, many of whom later settled here. Since then, Goa has been home to a spirit of freedom, brotherhood and simple and simple life. Even today, tourists from all over the world come here for these feelings.
St. Catherine’s Church in Old Goa
Old Goa is the former capital of Portuguese India. Sometimes it is also called Goa Velha, which means ‘Goa City’ in Portuguese. The rich architectural heritage of colonial times has been preserved here. Many of the sites are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The faithful come to St. Catherine’s Cathedral to prostrate themselves before the cross in the Chapel of the Miraculous Cross. It is believed to be able to heal the sick.
One of the main attractions in Old Goa is St. Catherine’s Church. It is a Catholic church built in the Portuguese Manuelino style. The cathedral originally had two towers, but only one has survived to this day. On this tower there is a bell tower with massive bells, the ringing of the largest bell can be heard several kilometers away. The Cathedral of St. Catherine, or Se Catedral for short, is a center of pilgrimage.
Fonteynes Quarter in Panaji
Fontaines Quarter is a historical neighborhood in Panaji. Panaji was originally a suburb of Old Goa, but has grown in importance over time. After several malaria epidemics, the capital was shifted to Panaji.
Old streets, cozy alleys, small houses with open verandas, small balconies and brightly painted walls – the quarter even today resembles some Portuguese province, not at all like typical Indian neighborhoods. It is said that descendants of the Portuguese who once came to this land for spices and adventure can still be found here.
The quarter even today resembles some Portuguese province, not at all like typical Indian neighborhoods. It is said that descendants of the Portuguese who once came to this land for spices and adventure can still be found here.
Fontaines is not only residential but also the cultural center of Panaji. There are many churches and temples of different denominations such as the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady, Mahalakshmi Temple, Jama Masjid Mosque and St. Sebastian’s Chapel. Carnival evenings are held in the Fontaines neighborhood throughout the month of February. There are regular exhibitions at the Kala Akademia (Academy of Arts).
Fort Aguada
Fort Aguada is a huge fort built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. The fort is located right on the coast, near Candolim beach. Due to its strategic location, the fort was an extremely important part of the Portuguese fortification system. The fort had a fresh water source, which was used to resupply passing ships. Hence the name Aguada: agua means “water” in Portuguese.
The territory of the fort is quite large. It can be divided into two parts – upper and lower. The upper one was used directly as a defensive fortress, and the lower one was intended for mooring ships.
One of the most recognizable buildings within the fort is the lighthouse. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in all of Asia. It is clearly visible from afar, but unfortunately it is no longer in operation.
In the mid-twentieth century, one of the fort’s bastions was converted into a prison, where political prisoners were mostly held. The prison is still there today, but now it is used for drug trafficking detainees and those who have violated their stay in India.
Fort Aguada is open daily from 08:30 to 17:30. Entrance is free, but you can book a tour to learn more about the history of the place.
Sri Mangeshi Temple
Sri Mangeshi Temple is one of the most majestic Hindu temples. It is located in Priol Taulka, on the outskirts of Ponda village, near Panaji. There are guided tours to the temple, but you can also reach it on your own by public transportation or rented bikes.
It is said that when the Portuguese conquered Goa, it was only its beauty that stopped them from destroying the temple, so they left it intact. It is simple, elegant architecture, but not without features. The main highlight is the seven-tiered pagoda in light and golden colors.
Sri Mangeshi Temple is dedicated to one of the incarnations of Shiva. Inside there are altars of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha and other Hindu deities, as well as ancient stone idols. Every day religious rituals are held in the temple, and on Mondays the statue of Mangeshi is taken out of the temple to the street to music – a separate ritual.
The night market in Arpora
The night market in Arpora is a separate attraction. It is the largest, most famous market in the state, loved not only by locals but also by tourists for the ineffable atmosphere of modern Goa.
It sells all sorts of locally produced goods, as well as unique items that are brought here from different countries. The selection of goods is as vast as the market area. You can easily get lost in the narrow streets of the market, but they all lead to the central square.
There is a stage where mostly musicians with ethnic and electronic music perform. There are also two areas for dancing. Around the stage there are many bars and cafes serving strong and soft drinks, Indian streetfood, vegetarian dishes as well as the usual European fare. The biggest influx of visitors is around 19:00, and the fun can continue well past midnight.
The market is open in high season, that is, from November to April, but the best time to visit it is from December to February. The market opens every Saturday around 16:00 and remains open until midnight.
Bhagwan Mahavir Reserve
Bhagwan Mahavir is one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in India. It is located far from the coast, along the eastern border with the neighboring state of Karnataka.
Leopards, elephants, black panthers, Bengal tigers, several species of wild boars, monkeys and loris, as well as various snakes, tropical birds and butterflies – the fauna of the reserve strikes even the wildest imagination. Hidde Rensink / Unsplash
People come here to admire the virgin evergreen forests, see plants that can only be found on the west coast of India, and if they are lucky enough to meet some of the local inhabitants.
To visit the reserve it is better to choose not just an excursion, but a full safari tour to see its other attractions, such as an ancient temple, canyon and waterfalls.
Arvalem Caves
Just a couple of kilometers from the small settlement of Sankelim are the mysterious Arvalem Caves. It is believed that man had a hand in the natural origin of the cave. According to one version it was wandering monks, according to another – the Pandava brothers, heroes of the ancient Indian epic “Mahabharata”.
The cave consists of five “halls” carved into the rock. Researchers believe that three of them were used for praying and the other two for sleeping.
Not far from the caves, the Arvalem Falls are an incredibly scenic spot. Tourists often picnic at the foot of the waterfall to enjoy the views. The best time to visit Arvalem is right after rain, when the greenery is washed by the water and the waterfall seems especially full. Sometimes pilgrims from the Rudreshwar temple come down to the water. This shrine is of great importance to Hindus who believe in the transmigration of souls.
Sahakari Spice Plantation
In the olden days, seafarers used to look for a way to India just for the sake of fragrant spices. Many years have passed since then and Goa still has huge plantations of cloves, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, pepper and other spices. The most famous plantation is Sahakari.
Sahakari is located near the village of Ponda. It is better to come to Sahakari not on your own, but as part of a tour. The guides are very interesting and show how spices and tropical fruits are grown. You may be surprised to learn that a banana only looks like a tree. It is actually a grass that is cut off at the root after harvesting so that it can regrow the following year. Lunch or tasting is usually included in the price of the tour, but it’s best to check before you go.
Nutmeg and many other spices are sold here in the plantations. You can taste them before buying them. Ayurvedic medicines are also sold at the plantation shop.
Sahakari, like many other Goan plantations, is home to domesticated elephants. For a fee, you can ride an elephant through the jungle and even bathe with it. Tourists are delighted when the elephant pours water directly from its trunk.
Chorao Island
Chorao Island is the largest of Goa’s seventeen islands on the Mandovi River on one side and Mapusa on the other. You can reach here by organized ferry or private boat. The island was originally used for agriculture, but later the locals planted mangrove trees and turned Chorao into a bird paradise. Today, the island is home to the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
The reserve is open all year round. It is the only place in Goa where you can observe birds of prey, and there are more than four hundred species of birds here. These are not only marsh and river birds but also migratory birds that return to the island year after year. The best time is from October to March, when birds come to winter. The best time to visit the reserve is early morning, when birds are most active.
The island is also home to Hindu temples with unusual architecture, Catholic churches and chapels. Many of them are historical monuments, the oldest temple dates back to the 16th century.
Holidays and resorts in Goa
Goa’s coastline is a hundred-plus kilometers of sandy beaches to suit every taste. Let us tell you about a few of the most popular ones.
Arambol beach is known as one of the centers of hippie culture in India. There are rumors that the Beatles meditated under a large banyan tree in Arambol (although according to the official version, they did not even visit Goa during their journey across India). Of course, the heyday of Arambol was in the 60-70s of the last century, but the fame of the haven for creative people does not subside until now. Regular beachgoers hold yoga and meditation classes, go kiteboarding, fly kites and practice fire shows.
Anjuna beach is not on the list of top spots in Goa: the sandy strip is relatively narrow, the bottom is not the most comfortable, and the water is not the cleanest – but it is a very popular, party spot. Resort life here boils around the clock: silence on the beach can not be caught neither day nor night, and coastal cafes and bars work without weekends and breaks. Every Wednesday, a spontaneous flea market opens on Anjuna, attracting not only vendors but also masseurs, tattoo artists, piercers and hairdressers.
Candolim is one of the busiest beaches in Goa. People come here for vacation both on tours and on their own, and on weekends the locals also join the vacationers. At the same time, the beach is not noisy, it has a relaxed Goan atmosphere. Along the beach there are many eateries, or as they are called here, sheki, where you can order fresh seafood, rent a lounge chair or take a boat trip to watch the sun set from the water. Dolphins can sometimes be spotted not far from the shore.
Kolva beach is located near the fishing village of the same name, which has recently been firmly established as a resort. The beach is wide, the sand is light, the entrance to the sea is gentle and the waves are moderate. The paradisiacal picture is complemented by coconut palms that grow along the coast. Despite the measured atmosphere of South Goa, Colva is one of the few places in this part of the coast where life doesn’t stop after sunset.
In the evenings there are often discos, fire shows and acrobatic performances near the restaurants on Colva Beach.
Varca is one of the best beaches in South Goa. Wide sandy strip, fine and light sand, gentle descent to the depth, even the shallow water here is very comfortable for swimming. Vacation beach relaxed and mostly contemplative. There are few options for active recreation and no entertainment for young people, but they do not come here for partying. There are many spa centers around Varca, offering acupuncture, reflexology, and Ayurvedic procedures.
Cavelossim beach is located near Varca. The scenery here is typical of South Goa – light sand, lava rocks and palm trees behind the beach. Windsurfing, water skiing and sailing are popular activities, as well as excursions – fishing trips to the open sea and boat trips to dolphins. In the high season in the evenings there are shows on the shore – fireworks, acrobatic performances and illusionists.
When is the best time to go to Goa
There are many reasons to travel to Goa, but the main one is the opportunity to find yourself in a tropical fairy tale. Goa’s west coast is washed by the warm waters of the Arabian Sea, while the mountains to the east protect it from cold winds. It is the smallest state in India, so the climate in the north is not too different from the south.
Calendar winter is the best time to take a vacation in Goa. The high season starts as early as November and lasts till March – during this period Goa is especially crowded with tourists. The weather is dry and sunny, the sky is clear over the entire coast and there is a lot of tropical fruits – this is Goan winter. The average air temperature during the day is +30…+33 °C, water is like fresh milk – up to +28 °C.
The only disadvantage of wintering in Goa is the high price tag on accommodation, services and entertainment at this time of the year. If you want to save money but have a seasonal vacation, come in February-March.
Spring in Goa is also sunny but humid. Due to high humidity, the same +30…+33 °C are more difficult to bear than in the dry season. It is especially hot in May. In general, the period from April to June is called the transitional off-season. There are few tourists at this time, even despite the low prices. The beaches become empty and the rainy season begins.
Summer in Goa is a period of monsoons, tropical showers and just plain bad weather. It is a completely unpredictable time – you can get both quite comfortable cloudy days and daily tropical showers. However, even at this time of the year tourists come to Goa to do yoga, meditation and Ayurveda without the hustle and bustle of the resort and under the sound of rain.
In September the rainy season comes to an end, precipitation is rare and mainly at night, while the daytime is often cloudy. In October there is more sunshine but not too hot, the sea is warm and relatively calm. This is a great time for excursions and long walks, and on sunny days – and for beach vacations. It is still about a month away from the high season, but the beaches and tour offices are already coming alive, cafes and restaurants are getting crowded again, and most importantly, accommodation prices are much more affordable than in winter.
Where to stay in Goa
People come to North Goa for active vacations, excursions and “self-discovery”. The most popular resorts of the state – Arambol, Anjuna, Calangute and Morjim – are located here. Excursions for every taste – to temples and monasteries, Hindu shrines, to spice plantations and just in the jungle. There are also many shopping centers, stores and markets. Dabolim airport is also located in North Goa.
Goa consists of two districts – North and South. The notional boundary between them runs along the Suari River. The capital of the state, Panaji, is located in North Goa. The largest city in South Goa is Margao.
In South Goa, vacation is quite different. There are no noisy hippie hangouts here, and among the vacationers are mostly affluent tourists from Europe, so hotels and restaurants are generally more expensive than in North Goa. Even spiritual practices here are of a higher class – people come here to Ayurvedic clinics. The most beautiful beaches of South Goa are Palolem, Varca, Kavelossim and Kola Beach.
The level of comfort and in general the class of hotels in Goa can be clearly traced depending on their location. In South Goa is the majority of respectable five-star complexes, there is the usual modern infrastructure and a lot of entertainment facilities such as restaurants and clubs. In the north, mainly looking for hotels in the middle and budget price segment. Here the accommodation is more democratic and simple, there is much less pathos and the corresponding price level.
Cuisine of Goa
Indian cuisine in Goa has been influenced by two factors – proximity to the sea and Portuguese heritage. Apart from flatbreads, rice, curries, vegetable gravies and chutneys, seafood is also served here. The curry version with prawns, red pepper and coconut is very popular. The local cuisine inherited potatoes, tomatoes, pineapples, guavas and cashew nuts from the Portuguese. Chili peppers were also introduced to Goa by the Portuguese, but have become an important part of Indian cuisine in general.
Goa is a very tourist-oriented place. Cafes and restaurants strive to adapt to the tastes of travelers from all over the world, so you can easily find Japanese rolls, Chinese noodles, Italian pizza, even borscht and pancakes.
Hindu cuisine in Goa is predominantly vegetarian, but allows fish and dairy products. There are a lot of fish dishes: fish curry, fried fish, dried fish with onions and coconut, fish cutlets and others. Rice, lentil, and bean dishes are also popular. Sweets are also made of rice and lentils.
Many dishes have been introduced in Goa thanks to the Catholics, such as pork dishes. Goa is one of the few places in India where you can taste pork.
Indian cuisine has a long and lasting reputation for being very spicy. Goa is no exception. If you order Indian cuisine, ask for “no spice” to avoid gastritis.
You should only drink bottled water, and avoid ice in cafes altogether. There is a high probability that ice is made from tap water, which is a health risk. In high-level establishments, bottled drinks are opened in front of visitors.
What to bring from Goa
Soft cashmere, handmade jewelry, unusual decor items, natural cosmetics, incense, spices, spices – in India you definitely should not waste your time and money on standard souvenirs like trinkets and magnets.
Spices, especially curry and masala, are very popular as edible gifts. Saffron is an expensive spice even in India, so you can buy turmeric instead. Its flavor is neutral, but it gives dishes a bright, sunny, very Indian touch.
Shopping in Goa is a whole entertainment, like fishing for treasures in a pile of junk, and the markets themselves look like a separate attraction.
Blankets, pillowcases, scarves, shawls and clothes – Goa’s markets are awash with textiles of high quality. There are a lot of clothes. Most of them are quite classic, but there are also ethnic style options. Of course, the sari is not worn in everyday life, but tourists often take it away as a souvenir, and then dress up for a carnival or themed holiday. A lot of leather goods: bags, wallets, belts, shoes. A large selection of jewelry – from simple bracelets to exclusive handmade things.
Another popular edible souvenir is fruit chutney sauces. Before buying them, it is better to try several different ones to decide which one you like better. It is not very convenient to bring fruits from India, but they are so good here that it is impossible to resist. Tourists often buy the sweetest mango, green coconut or exotic tamarind.
Antiques more than a hundred years old, as well as bones, skins, teeth and horns of local animals cannot be exported. When buying expensive items, be sure to ask for supporting documentation.
Travel Tips
1. Before renting a bike, check that the headlights, speedometer and fuel gauge are in good working order and that your helmet and documents are in the trunk. Take pictures of all scratches and dents in front of the owner so that you don’t have to pay for them later.
2. No shoes are allowed inside Hindu temples. It is also forbidden to take pictures inside. There is no penalty in the form of a fine for violating the ban, but you should still respect the local religion, believers and generally accepted rules.
3. You can buy a local SIM card at telecom stores, exchange offices, travel agencies and equipment stores. The most popular carriers are Jio, Airtel and Vodafone. Their tariffs and quality of communication are about the same. A SIM card bought in Goa is valid throughout the country without restrictions.
4. European cuisine is more expensive than local food, but it will not hit your pocket. Prices depend on the level of the establishment and its location, for example, the closer to the sea or the main street, the more expensive. According to tourists’ reviews, chicken and fish are cooked better than beef and pork. Vegetarians in Goa enjoy a wide variety of meatless dishes at affordable prices.
5. Goa offers many training courses in surfing, meditation or yoga, as well as workshops to learn how to draw mandalas, weave dream catchers or drive a scooter. You can sign up to meet an astrologer or consult a tarotologist. The cost is inexpensive, and new impressions are guaranteed.
