Goa is India’s premier beach resort and perhaps one of the few destinations in the world where you will find the most alluring combination of the sun, sand and surf. Nestled in the Sahayadri Range in the Western Ghats with the Arabian Sea on its west, this small beautiful coastal state commands an important place in every tourist’s itinerary. Goan beaches are among the finest beaches in the world and are equipped with the best of facilities for a memorable beach holiday. Here you can dance on the sands with a glass of Feni or beer while having a mid night bonfire on the beach or go shopping around by the beachside markets. Enhance your appetite with some exotic cuisine or become adventurous with a range of water sports facilities. The magical spirit of Goa extends beyond the sun, sand and the sea. Being the favorite haunt of the sea faring Portuguese, Goa reflects a fine blend of Indian and European culture. The sight of European style central squares and Indian bazaars, Gothic Churches alongside Hindu temples and villages and Mediterranean hamlets surrounded by green paddy fields is enough to pamper you to visit the place again and again.

Attractions

Calangute Beach -“Queen of Beaches”, the Calangute, Goa is a heaven for the hippies from the west, who discovered it in the late 60s…. known all over the world for its scenic beauty. Its pristine surroundings and blissful serenity have brought hoards of European tourists to the place year after year. Calangute has been considered as the most busiest and commercialized tourist spot in Goa today. The beach is also a perfect site for various water sport activities.

Basilica of Bom Jesus - This 16 th century chapel is one of the richest churches in Goa. Covered with marble and inlaid with precious stones and paintings depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier. The basilica was India’s first Minor Basilica, and is considered one of the best examples of baroque architecture in the country. St. Francis's body was brought to Goa almost 150 years after his death, which now lies in an airtight glass coffin, placed inside a silver casket in this church.

Goan Carnival - Goa is at its best during the Carnival as this is the time when the streets come alive with full color. Continuous singing, dancing, loud music, historical plays, lots to eat, floats and processions mark the week long Carnival of Goa. Goan Carnival begins just before the Lent season (during the month of February to March) but preparations for this grand Carnival starts from January itself. Anjuna Beach - Anjuna beach is one of the most celebrated Goan beaches, known for its palm trees, soft sands and bewitching natural beauty. The beach is also famous for the full-moon parties that are held here for young tourists particularly during Christmas and New Year. There lies a major shopping hang out by the side of the beach and visitors can also have a day trip to the famous flea market while enjoying the sun, sand and the sea at Anjuna.

Colva - Colva is the oldest and the largest beach in South Goa. It is a place ideal for those who want to celebrate the tropical flavor of Goa minus the crowd. At Colva visitors have infinite time to laze around with just the murmurs of the waves to disturb. Just a few distance away from the beach is The Church of Our Lady Of Mercy, famous for its miracle statue of Menino Jesus.

Dona Paula - Filled with romance and myth, Dona Paula is a paradise for water sports lovers. It indulge you in sports like windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, toboggan ski-biscuit, skibob, sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking, and yachting on the beach. While water scooters and speedboats buzz across the bay guides will intimate you on the woeful tale of a star crossed maiden who fell in love with a handsome man below her status.

Get there

Air : Daily flights connect Goa with all major cities in India including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. The International airport, Dabolim, is 29 km from the capital Panaji.

Rail : Goa's two main stations Margao and Vasco da Gama are connected by train with Bangalore, Belgaum, Hospet and Hyderabad and via Miraj to Bombay, Delhi and Agra.

Road : There are regular bus services to Mumbai, Bangalore, Hampi and other destinations from Goa.