Things to do in Goa
Photograph by http://betraveler.in
Beaches and Shacks:
With a large number of beaches in Goa, you will definitely be spoiled for choice. However, our quick guide here will help you decide which the one to pick. Among the most popular (thereby crowded, noisy and dirty) are Calangute and Baga Beaches with their famous shacks that attract a large number of tourists. The nightlife here is rocking with the shacks and discos operating round the clock. They are closely followed by Candolim, Anjuna and Vagator beaches which are slowly gaining more popularity among travellers but are still more quaint and cleaner in comparison. The shallower Morjim Beach is mostly frequented by Russians and is popular among kitesurfers. It has a vibrant nightlife and many restaurants also offer Russian cuisine. If you are looking to spend some time alone with the sun, sand and waves in Goa, you should head to the Avsem, Mandrem or Patnem beaches.
Casinos and Discos:
Feeling rich? Let’s get gambling at the Deltin Royale Casino. Among others, there’s Las Vegas and Casino Pride that are famous for their ambience and Bollywood style performances. Goa also offers casino cruises on the luxury ship MV Caravela. For the party people, club Tito’s lane is the place to be. The most popular night clubs of Goa are lined up together to create a lifetime experience. With good music and crazy cocktails in different clubs, this is the place to begin your night with some pub-hopping. For a different experience, you could choose to go on a night long party cruise on the Solita luxury yacht. If loud music is not your scene, you could head to the Silent Noise parties that happen every Saturday near Palolem beach.
Flea Market:
The Arpora Saturday Night Flea Market is an experience in itself with something to cater to every person. Be it shopping, food or drinks, the place has it all. From the cheap hand-made local stuff in the Lower field, to the high end branded and couture in the Upper Field, you will get it all here. The Central Field will quench your thirst and fill that belly with the most delicious food and drinks. Boutique House Bar in this Section will slay you with their crazy cocktails.
9 Top Things To Do In Goa
Planning A Trip To Goa? Here’s the 9 most fun things to do in Goa, our very own land of sin
You’ve read about all the crazy sights, sounds, places and foods of Goa, but before you embark on your visit, you might want to go through our quick overview of the 10 most fun things to experience in our very own land of sin! From Henna tattoos to cruises, Christmas masses to flea markets, this amazing land brings pleasures of paradoxes on your platter!
#9. Get a Black Henna tattoo
Photograph by www.flickr.com user akshay_charegaonkar
Get a black henna tattoo painted onto any part of your body by a tribal tattoo artist right on the beach. You can choose from a large variety of designs, ranging from simple to really intricate. The most beautiful part of a henna tattoo is that it fades away after a couple of weeks so there is no way you can be bound for too long by a beer fuelled choice of design!
#8. Visit Old Goa
Photograph by www.flickr.com user eustaquio
The Basilica of Bom Jesus located in Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It contains the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier. A must visit for first-timers! Visiting Old Goa is quite the experience and one feels totally transported back in time wandering around its corridors and by-lanes.
#7. Go on a Cruise
Photograph by www.flickr.com user harikrish82
Get on board one of the Sunset/Moonlight/Casino cruises on the Mandovi River. They’re great fun! The yachts are totally lit up at night and look like glittering jewels floating down the Mandovi. Make sure to carry your lucky charm if you’re in the mood to wager!
#6. Celebrate Christmas in Goa
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A pre-dominantly Christian state, Goa has got the prettiest Christmas culture in all of India! Goa lights up like a bulb during Christmas week. Every lane has dozens of lanterns and carols can be heard in every nook and cranny of the state. Even the Hindu population living here participates happily in this festival. There is lots of drinking, feasting and merry-making and the whole state has a wonderful charm to it.
#5. Wednesdays Anjuna Flea Market
Photograph by www.flickr.com user tanuanand
Between the months of September to March, visiting the Anjuna flea market is one the most exciting things to do in Goa. The market is open every Wednesday starting 8 pm and runs late into the night. Walking around the market amidst an eclectic mix of foreign and Indian travelers in the crowd can make for a pretty interesting evening. You’ll find over 500 stalls to shop, with items such as junk jewelry, electronics, handicrafts, paintings, Balinese batik, mirror-worked waistcoats & trendy wrap-arounds.
Shopping Tip: Be sure to bargain before you buy anything here!
#4. Saturday Night Market (Arpora)
Photograph by www.flickr.com user ipshita
A retro styled artisan market, the Saturday night market showcases cultural influences from all across the globe. The market is only held during the high tourist season (October – April) from 4pm to 11pm. You can walk through the meandering lanes and shop for everything from spices, teas, and homemade knick-knacks to handicrafts, leather products and designer jewelry. There are also plenty of options to eat and drink and some live music on offer as well.
#3. Dolphin Watching
Photograph by www.flickr.com user fleur-design
One of the popular & fun things to do in Goa, Dolphin spotting is in season between the months of October to May. Most dolphin spotting boat cruises leave from near the mouth of the Mandovi River near Panaji. Dolphin sighting trips usually start early in the morning. There are different boat tours on offer which include the services of a professional guide. Some all inclusive tours even include chilled beer and Goan barbeque in the cost.
#2. Indulge in Water Sports
Photograph by www.flickr.com user rosemilkinabottle
Goa has endless beaches and many opportunities for water sports for people with a sense of adventure. From surfing to jet skiing to parasailing, there’s something for everyone, no matter what your threshold for risk! All water sports are supervised by well trained staff so it’s quite safe as well.
#1. Party!!
Photograph by www.flickr.com user tuhinmehta
Shack-hop the night away and move from one party to the other. There are usually no charges on entering the shacks and it’s an experience one should have at least once! Expect ultra-loud electronic dance music, free flowing alcohol, lots of pretty people and er… other things!
