Goa

Goa – A Gilded Paradise Golden, Groovy, Gumptious – Goa. A cocktail of tropical influences and an oasis of white-gold sands, azure waters, and kaleidoscopic skies. Goa is a playground for historians, hippies, and spiritualists alike. It’s a backpacker’s haven, […]

Goa – A Gilded Paradise

Golden, Groovy, Gumptious – Goa. A cocktail of tropical influences and an oasis of white-gold sands, azure waters, and kaleidoscopic skies. Goa is a playground for historians, hippies, and spiritualists alike. It’s a backpacker’s haven, and a wealthy man’s fancy. With its unique blend of Portuguese heritage and Indian culture, Goa is an assemblage of charming Portuguese bungalows and luxury hotels. Whether you come for the culture, the beaches, or the food, Goa is a destination that will leave you longing for more.

Goa: A Quick View of the State

• Capital: Panaji
• Official Language: Konkani
• Dial Code: 0832
• Population: 3.34952 million (as of 2018)
• Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
• Time Zone: UTC+05:30 (IST)
• Area: 3702 square km

Highlights of Goa Tourism: Glide Through the Sands!

Churches in Goa

• Basilica of Bom Jesus: This iconic church in Old Goa is the finest example of Baroque architecture in India and is home to the preserved remains of St. Francis Xavier, believed to have healing powers. Its grand, intricate design and historical significance make it a must-visit site.
• Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception: This beautiful white church, resembling a tiered wedding cake, was the first port of call for Portuguese sailors. Located in Panaji, its gleaming façade is a visual delight.
• Se Cathedral: Built to commemorate the victory of Portuguese general Afonso de Albuquerque, this Tuscan and Corinthian-styled cathedral is the largest in Asia. Its massive golden bell is considered one of the world’s most impressive.

Forts in Goa

• Fort Tiracol: Take a quick ferry from Querim to visit this majestic fort, originally built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle and later taken over by the Portuguese. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this fort offers spectacular views of the ocean.
• Fort Aguada: Constructed in the 17th century as a defense against the Dutch and Marathas, Fort Aguada is a historical gem. Visit nearby Candolim Beach and imagine the battles that once took place here.

Beaches in Goa

• Morjim Beach: Also known as ‘Little Russia’, this beach is perfect for a peaceful day of reading and long walks on its golden sands.
• Palolem Beach: Nestled in lush greenery, this beach is famous for its colorful beach huts and calm waters, making it ideal for a relaxing getaway.
• Anjuna Beach: Known for its vibrant flea market and laid-back hippie culture, Anjuna Beach is a place where you can let your bohemian spirit run free.
• Arambol Beach: This traditional fishing village is a serene spot for reflection, relaxation, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

Festivals of Goa

• Cashew & Coconut Festival: Celebrate Goa’s rich agricultural heritage with events like cashew stomping, coconut breaking, and fenny (local liquor) tastings.
• Goa Carnival: Held in February, this festival features grand parades led by the mythical King Momo, as well as music, dancing, and vibrant street parties.
• Goa Food and Cultural Festival: Indulge in Goan cuisine from local and international chefs while enjoying live music, cook-offs, and dance performances.
• Goa Sunsplash: Asia’s biggest reggae festival, where you can immerse yourself in music, art, and the hippie culture of Goa.

Local Culture of Goa

Goa is a melting pot of cultures, blending its Portuguese and Indian heritage seamlessly. Explore its flea markets for quirky souvenirs, sample strong alcoholic beverages like fenny, and indulge in its vibrant cuisine. Goan dishes are often spiced with coconut, kokum, and chili peppers. Catholic Goan cuisine differs from Hindu Goan cuisine, but both are equally delicious. Some must-try dishes include pork sorpotel, Goan sausage curry, sannas (rice cakes), bebinca (sweet cake), and the popular ros omelette.

Interesting Facts About Goa: Riveting Revelations

• St. Paul’s College in Goa was home to Asia’s first printing press.
• India’s first medical school was built in Panaji in 1842, though it was demolished in 2004.
• Goa houses the only Naval Aviation Museum in Asia.
• Caravela, located in Panaji, is Asia’s only floating casino.
• Goa is one of two Indian states (along with Odisha) that hosts the endangered Olive Ridley turtles.
• There are approximately 7,000 licensed bars in Goa.

Location of Goa

Goa is located on the western coast of India, nestled within the Konkan region. It shares its northern border with Maharashtra, while Karnataka flanks it to the east and south. To the west, Goa is hugged by the Arabian Sea, making it a popular coastal destination.

Best Time to Visit Goa

As a coastal state, Goa experiences hot summers with temperatures soaring up to 40°C and high humidity levels. While the monsoons bring magical showers, they are not ideal for beach activities. The best time to visit Goa is during the winter months from November to March, when the weather is cool and breezy.

How to Reach Goa

• By Road: A road trip to Goa offers scenic views, whether you’re driving or taking a bus. You can choose from a variety of government-operated bus services, including KSRTC, MSRTC, and KTC, as well as private services like Neeta Tour and Travels and Paulo Travels.
• By Rail: Goa’s railway stations—Madgaon, Thivim, and Vasco da Gama—are well connected to major Indian cities. Trains like the Goa Express, Mandovi Express, Konkan Kanya Express, and Trivandrum Rajdhani are available for travelers from various parts of India.
• By Air: Dabolim Airport is the primary airport serving Goa, located just 29 km from Panaji. The airport offers direct flights to and from major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. International travelers can also fly directly to Goa from Europe and the UAE.

History of Goa: Memoirs of a State

Archaeological discoveries point to Goa being home to prehistoric human life. Evidence of the Acheulean occupation and the Palaeolithic period have been found here. Over the centuries, Goa witnessed the rise and fall of many powerful empires, including the Mauryan Empire, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Bahmani sultans. The Portuguese colonized Goa in 1510 and ruled it for over four centuries. In 1961, after Operation Vijay, Goa was incorporated into the Indian Union. Goa became India’s 25th state on 30th May 1987.

Goa is a destination that offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re looking for a beachside retreat, an exploration of historical sites, or a taste of Goan culture and cuisine, this gilded paradise promises an unforgettable experience.

 

 

A trip to Goa is the biggest wish of most college students in India. Goa tour packages are the most in-demand tour package. This beautiful state is also a very popular Honeymoon destination in India. The sea beaches in Goa attract tourists from every major city like Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Surat. With Ocean6 Holidays, you can customise your Goa Honeymoon packages as per your needs. With our affordable tour packages, you can stay at the best hotels in Goa without burning a hole in your pocket. 

Goa looks very sultry and attractive during the monsoons. We believe that the Portuguese arrived in India much before the British and even the Mughals. They left around 1961, having ruled India for almost 450 years. Very naturally they had a remarkable influence on this territory of 3700 square km. Hence, Goa emerged as a place unique in lifestyle and cuisine which is distinctly different from other parts of the country. There is something different about Goa. Apart from its serene beaches, Goa attracts tourists for its youthful nightlife. North Goa is the perfect destination for every party freak. 

Goa’s Food Culture – Goa Honeymoon Packages

During your trip to Goa do not forget to indulge in some Goan food. Goan homemade cuisine is a curious blend of Indianised Portuguese flavours which is subtle in nature but also has spice. The Portuguese specialities like ‘crisis’ which are small half-moon pasties and ‘caldeirada’ which is an onion fish stew are enjoyed immensely by tourists from all over India. Likewise, a pungent Goan sausage, a spicy sister of the Spanish and Portuguese chorizo is also relished equally. The staple of Goans is the seafood. The people of Goa loves fish and prawns so much that they sun-dry them earlier in the year to make sure that their lust for seafood is met during the rainy seasons when these gorgeous big catches are unavailable. Fish is coated in a red masala and fried in a dusting of fine semolina or stuffed with a red spice paste called ‘Richardo’ or sometimes even dunked into silky smooth coconut curries. Enjoy some of the best local cuisines with your loved one during your Honeymoon to Goa. 

Goa Honeymoon packages

Ocean6 Holidays has designed the perfect Goa Honeymoon packages that make your Honeymoon memorable. Our tour experts have put together the best hotels in Goa and the most fun activities into a single package for the perfect Goa Honeymoon trip. We also offer you the option to customise your Honeymoon package as per your choice. Be it a candlelight dinner in the best hotel in Goa or the best suite in Goa at the most affordable price, we can make it all happen for you and your partner. Our affordable Honeymoon packages are available from Mumbai, Kolkata, Gujarat and Chennai. With our customisable Honeymoon packages, you can enjoy the experiences with your loved one without having to worry about the itinerary and arrangements. 

Highlights of our Goa Packages

North Goa

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There is so much that can be said about North Goa. The restaurants in North Goa win top awards like the Bomra’s, Gunpowder, Black Sheep Bistro, Thalassa and they are fully packed in seasons. You can connect to your senses in North Goa which is an ideal getaway for weekenders by which we mostly mean the Mumbaikars and Delhites or a trip by the others from Kolkata, Chennai and Gujarat. North Goa has an atmosphere of its own, replete with resplendent beaches, throbbing nightlife, and delectable cuisine. Customise our Goa tour packages to accommodate your party plans in this part of Goa. 

Vagator

Located on the northern side, Vagator Beach is divided into two major beaches; the North Vagator Beach also known as the Big Vagator and the Ozran Beach, known as the Little Vagator Beach. This is a calm and rocky beach. Nothing can prepare you for the riveting views of the red cliffs and the freshwater springs around the visually enthralling Vagator Beach. Tourists love visiting this beach for its natural beauty. This beach is encircled with supple white sand and coconut & palm trees. One of the popular and favourite activities for the tourists here is to view the fabulous sunset through the rocks. The area around Vagator Beach has lots of cottages and farmhouses where you can stay and party. Our customisable Goa tour packages give you the freedom to choose the cottage of your choice. 

Anjuna

Time for some adventure! Goa is the party capital of India. This beach is famous for adventure seekers, nature aficionados and fun lovers. Mostly popular among the Hippie culture, this beach is the most favourite for foreigners. Anjuna Beach stretches for nearly 2 km and is lined with beach bars, cafes, family run-guesthouses, and coffee shops. This place is ideal for water enthusiasts. Water activities that take place here are paragliding, jet skiing, etc. Customise your Goa Honeymoon package to enjoy the water activities available here. There are many small rocks scattered over the sea-side where you can sit and sip your drink and enjoy the Sunrise. Casa Anjuna, Banyan Soul, Whole Bean Tofu, Cafe Diogo, etc. are some places to let your hair down. The trance parties are held from October to April. 

Baga

A beautiful seaside town in Bardez, Goa. Baga Creek and the Beach is very famous and lots of tourists flock to these places. You will find lots of shacks in Baga Beach, and it is also very popular for water sports. You can relax at the shacks and soak up the vibrant atmosphere that the place has to offer. The beach also has loads of street food vendors, bars, shops, and cafes. Baga Beach is rightly called the ‘home of nightlife’. This beach is also a very nice place to shop. Here you will find street markets as well as designer shops. Baga is the extension of Calangute beach. There are wellness centres, nightclubs, tattoo parlours, sub-decks, etc. Allow yourself to unwind on this beach during your next trip to Goa. 

Calangute – Flagship Beach of Goa

Calangute stands on the shores of the Arabian Sea. The ‘Queen of Beaches’, is also known as the flagship beach of Goa. Calangute is the biggest beach in North Goa and is a favourite destination for travellers from all over the world. Here you can engage in water sports activities such as water skiing, parasailing and many more. It is lined with shacks. 

This show-stopper beach is also very popular for organizing lots of shows like the pop-beat, rock shows, open-air dances, etc. Needless to say, there is wall-to-wall drinking and numerous nightclubs peppered all over the beach. This is Goa’s favourite party strip for the cashed-up young Indians. It’s time for you and your friends to head out to this beach with our customisable Goa tour packages. Our tour packages include the best hotels in Goa. Calangute is choc-a-bloc during X-mas and New Year. Swanky restaurants, as well as simple eateries, are found here. 

Candolim

Though we crave quietude many a time, there are some times we want to travel to somewhere where we want to let down our hair and unwind ourselves with a heavy dose of partying and fun. That is exactly what you can do in Candolim which is situated south of Calangute beach. Candolim is a quieter beach but still, you will find restaurants, packed shops, and water activities. You can enjoy bump rides, windsurfing, water skiing, catamaran sailing, parasailing, banana rides, and jet skiing. Adventure sports lovers should definitely visit this beach during their trip to Goa. The cool breeze from the sea will entwine you and the beauty of the beach will spellbind you. The beach has beautiful dunes and white sands. This popular beach is also lined with umbrellas, sundecks, massage parlours, yoga centres, etc. This is one of the most popular spots in our customisable Goa Honeymoon packages from Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and Gujarat. 

Aguada Fort

Aguada Fort was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. This fortress of tranquillity is a testament to time. This fort stands on Sinquerim Beach. The lighthouse of the fort against the sun’s rays paints a very pretty picture. The lighthouse is spherical and you will get a grand view of the surroundings from there. Aguada Fort was constructed to defend against the Marathas and the Dutch. At that time, this served as a reference point for all the ships coming in from Europe. You can witness the confluence of the Arabian Sea with the Mandovi River from the Fort. This fort can be said as the best maintained Portuguese Fort in India today. Tourists love to flock to this fort to spend some memorable time with their friends and family. 

Aguada Beach

The beach is breathtakingly beautiful with palm trees and the vast Arabian Sea in front. The beach is uncluttered and ideal for a romantic spot. This is an integral part of our affordable Honeymoon packages from Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Gujarat. You are recommended to stay here for two to three nights if you wish to explore the beach and the nearby tourist spots. You can customise our Goa tour packages accordingly. It can be said that the Aguada Fort has made the beach special. This beach, with tropical and exotic beauty, is an a-must-visit beach in Goa. The scores of tourists give this beach a very vibrant look. 

Varca

It is a beautiful scenic beach with white sand and clean waters. There are lines of fishing boats made out of wood on this beach which makes this beach look quite amazing. There are many resorts that are built-in true Goan style and take pride in spacious rooms with glorious private balconies. You can choose the best hotels in Goa with our customisable tour packages. Varka is the place to enjoy a leisurely siesta. Wake up with a view of the beautiful sea around you. 

Colva – Goa Village Tourism

Colva is a coastal village in Salcete. This Beach is quite long. This is a very popular tourist hangout. The beach is lined with shacks, budget hotels, bars, etc. This long sandy beach with coconut trees is also a place to shop. You can buy pieces of jewellery, clothes, etc. from this beach. Don’t forget to bring back souvenirs from your Goa Honeymoon trip for your friends and family. 

Palolem

Palolem is a beautiful beach dotted with palm trees and covered in white sand. The calm waters and the colourful shacks are distinctive features of this beach. Palolem has a very good nightlife. Another distinctive feature of the beach is the ‘silent discos’ as the party animals wear headphones while partying. Experience these silent discos during your next trip to Goa with your friends. 

Benaulim

This expansive long sandy strip has a laid-back feeling and is full of shacks providing drinks and foods and the prices are reasonable. This beach is for those travellers who are seeking a slice of tranquillity and serenity. The beach has a good deal of sun-beds. The picturesque beauty and the architectural marvels add more brilliance to this place. Benaulim Beach is a Heaven for tourists. It has it all. From nightlife to parties, shacks to accommodation. Benaulim Beach is the ideal spot for beach bums to relax and unwind. Our affordable Goa tour packages offer the best hotels in Benaulim.

Mandavi River Cruise – Highlight of our Goa Honeymoon Packages

Mandavi River Cruise is one of the best ways to experience Goa. You can listen to the DJ or just groove with it. The Konkan folk dances by Kunbi and Dekni add to the flavour. Corradino which is the Portuguese folk dance also takes place on this cruise. The spectacular vistas of the landmark buildings overlooking the sunset and the Arabian Sea will surely mesmerize you. The performances of the folk dancers and the DJ come in the inclusion list. Customise your Goa Honeymoon package from Kolkata, Gujarat, Chennai and Mumbai to experience the thrill of this cruise. 

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Dudhsagar Waterfalls is a four-step waterfall situated on the Mandovi River in Goa. The name translates into ‘sea of milk’. Dudhsagar Waterfalls takes pride in being the tallest waterfall in India. This staggeringly tall waterfall is 1017 feet in height. Lush green deciduous forests encircle the entire area. This is one of the most popular places included in our Goa tour packages. 

Butterfly Island – Paradise in Goa

Butterfly Island is like a paradise. Catch the glimpses of Dolphin while taking a boat ride. This hidden land has astounding marine life. The views are fabulous and the place has a calmness attached to it. There are lots of butterflies flying all over. Not many people are aware of this treasure trove of Goa. It is technically a beach which is located in the north of Palolem Beach. With our customisable Goa Honeymoon packages from Kolkata, Mumbai, Gujarat and Chennai, you can explore this hidden gem and make your trip memorable.

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