Guidelet: most beautiful state of India
A travel guide to Goa, India | Target Market: tourist | A travel guide by: creative321
Goa is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast. Goa is India's richest state with a GDP per capita two and a half times that of the country as a whole.
Summary of points of interest in this travel guide to Goa, India
Agonda Beach
Why visit:
Agonda is a great spot for sunbathing, relaxing and swimming, with still relatively few tourists. Agonda is a nice long pristine stretch of beach. Though the waters here might not be the most ideal place for swimming (you have better beaches with calm waters in Goa), Agonda is definitely a place for those who want to quit on a Monday morning.a day option
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anjuna beach
Why visit:
Anjuna Beach - Close to the Chapora Fort, its key attraction is a magnificent Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920, flanked by octagonal towers and an attractive Mangalore tile-roof. Anjuna was the second home (and main location) of the hippies in Goa in the 1960s and 1970s, after other destinations like Calangute got too "crowded" for them. It is still the venue of a (vastly-changed and more mainstream) flea market held each Wednesday. In the nearby village of Arpora, two colourful Saturday night bazaars are held in the non-monsoon seasons. This is still part of "alternative" Goa, though charter and other tourists also visit in increasing numbers to "get a feel of the hippy years".a day option
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Arambole Beach
Why visit:
a quiet beach in North Goa near Pernem. Not too many facilities in terms of hotels or eateries. The water is shallow and good for swimming. Arambol is not what it used to be, there are plenty of shops, eateries and places to stay. It has in-fact become huge and not as peaceful as it used to be, but it has turned into a cultural hub. It is like goa within goa now.a option
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Basilica of Bom Jesus
Why visit:
Built in 1605, this Basilica has the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, one of the patron Saints of Goa. It is known for its distinctive baroque architecture that has a display of architectural pieces in wood, stone, gold and granite. Francis Xavier died while aboard a ship and his body was taken to Malacca but it was decided that he should be buried in Goa. After 2 years, it was noticed that his body had not decomposed, that was no less than a miracle. After every 10 years, his body is put for public display in a silver casket designed in the 17th century.a option
at Old Goa
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Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina
Why visit:
Built in 1619, one of the largest churches in Asia, which took around 80 years to get constructed, Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. It was built to remember the victory of the Portuguese over the Muslim rulers in the city. The building has a Golden bell that can be heard in the whole of Goa. Located in old Goa, one of the bell towers of the church was destroyed during a lightening storm. The structure also consists of 14 alters inside, with each being beautifully carveda option
at Praça da Sé
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St Francis Of Assisi Cathedral
Why visit:
Built in 1661, located on the back of the Se Cathedral, this church is a beautiful piece of ancient workmanship. The structure has striking painted panels showcasing the life of St. Francis of Assisi on the walls. The adjoining seminary has been converted into an art museum, which preserves the painting that was previously kept at the Panaji Secretariat. The church also has an octagonal tabernacle decorated in an ornate stylea option
at Praça da Sé
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Church of St. Cajetan
Why visit:
Built in 1700, Church of St. Catejan has a striking resemblance St. Peters Basilica in Rome. It was built by a group of Greek and Italian priest to initiate a contrast to the other churches built during the Portuguese times. On the left, there three altars dedicated to the Holy Family, Our Lady Of Piety and St. Clare and the right-side altars are dedicated to St. Agnes, St. Cajetan and St. John. Though the building is 300 years old, but has been beautifully preserved.a option
at Divar Ferry Rd.
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Goa Chitra
Why visit:
Goa Chitra Museum, containing the largest collection of ethnographic artifacts ever assembled in one place.a option
at Benaulim
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Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Why visit:
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 52 km from Panaji in the foothills of the Western Ghats in Goa. Eight square km in size, Bondla is "rather small" even by official accounts. It includes a Mini Zoo, Deer Safari Park, Formal Gardens, Botanic Gardens and a few Ecotourism Cottagesa option
at Benaulim
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Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Why visit:
Goa's second-largest wildlife sanctuary is at Cotigao. It's terrain is fairly plain, with hills in the south and east -- at one very end of Goa. Much of the sanctuary is covered with dense forests, with a few open grass lands. Forest crown density is often over 50%. Some trees, Goa's loftiest, touch 30 metres. If you go with the intention of seeing some of India’s legendary fauna here, then you could be in for a disappointment, as spotting the more famous wild animals is not extremely common. But the expansive forestland is a welcome changea option
at Canacona
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Cafe Lila
Why visit:
Nestled along the Baga creek, Lila Cafe is soothing on even the most rattled of nerves. And considering that any city in India can rattle one up after a while, we just had to put Lila Cafe on this list! With its light, airy white and green decor, wooden cane furniture and potted plants, this is an ideal place to stopover for breakfast or lunch, or just for a refreshing beverage while catching up on the latest bestseller. The restaurant is run by a German husband-wife duo Elizabeth and Fritz-Ingo Topel who have made Goa their home for the last two decades.a dinner option
at Calangute-Baga Rd, Goa
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Souza Coffee
Why visit:
Now here's an eatery that's as old as the hills, and can still boast of the same brilliant food, service and ambience that it started with. The ambience is great, the staff friendly, and if hearsay is to be believed, the sunsets to die for. But enough about that! Let's talk food. By their own admission, Souza Lobo specializes in Sea food and authentic Goan fare. Their Prawn Curry Rice, Masala Fried Fish and Crab are to die for. The Souza Lobo Lobster Thermidor does well with guests from all parts of the world. Two other favourites are Stuffed Avocado and Baked Crab.a option
at Calangute-Baga Rd, Goa
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Taj Exotica Hotel Benaulim
Why visit:
The Mediterranean themed Taj Exotica has an appealing laid back south Goa location, on unspoiled Varca beach. Guests rave about the exemplary personalized service. The hotel also has an excellent range of facilities including golf course, spa, swimming pool, and evening entertainment. If you really want to indulge, book into the Sunset Villa with its own private plunge pool. Otherwise, the standard Garden villas at the far end of the property offer a great deal more privacy than the more expensive Pool villas. Room rates start from around $220 per night for a double, including tax, depending on the time of year. Expect to pay around $330 per night for a room in December.a option
at Benaulim
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The Leela Kempinski Goa Hotel Cavelossim
Why visit:
The Leela has a similar secluded south Goa location, on Mobor beach, to the Taj Exotica. It's a bigger and more modern property though, complete with 12 hole golf course, 24 hour casino, water sports, and spa and swimming pool. The private beach is particularly picturesque, and there are lagoons all around the property which add to the ambiance. Most rooms have a great view too, especially the ones on the ground level. Except to pay upwards of $200 per night, including tax, for a double room. In December, rates rise to $330 per night and above.a option
at Mobor, Cavelossim
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Vivanta by Taj - Panaji
Why visit:
The Taj Vivanta Holiday Village has a number of distinugishing features. First of all, it's located in north Goa (near Candolim beach), which is convenient for those who like to be amongst the action. The hotel is a 20 minute drive from Baga beach, and 30 minutes from Anjuna. Secondly, the hotel's accommodations are all cottages and villas, and they've been renewed since Taj took over the property. The hotel also has quite a focus on family holidays so it's a great place to take the kids. For the adults, the swimming pool has a swim up bar.a option
at St. Inez
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Goa State Museum
Why visit:
Goa State Museum is the best place in Goa where you can find all about Goa’s history and culture. Goa State Museum is open from Monday to Friday and is located near the KTC bus stand in Panaji.a option
at Behind KTC
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Fort Aguada
Why visit:
The Fort Aguada is well preserved and maintained and is an important landmark in Goan history and thus is among the best places to visit in Goa. It is one of the largest forts in Goa, situated on Sinquerim Beach and overlooks the Arabian Sea.a day option
at Panaji
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Anjuna flea market
Why visit:
This market on Anjuna beach consists of huge assortment of goods. The market is held on Wednesday except during the monsoon season and there are as many 500 stalls to shop from. Visitors can shop there right from morning till evening.a option
at Panaji
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