Goa- The Ultimate Travel Destination

by Shashi D. digital marketing

Goa, a state on India's West coast, is a former Portuguese colony with a rich history. Spread over 3,700 square kilometers with a population of roughly 1.8 million, Goa is little by Indian standards. It has a unique mix of Indian and Portuguese cultures and architecture that attracts an estimated 2.5 million visitors each year (including about 400,000 foreign tourists). Since the 1960s, Goa has been attracting a steady flow of visitors -- first the hippies and returning expatriate Goans, then the charter tourists (starting with the Germans in 1987), pilgrims visiting Catholic and Hindu shrines, those opting to settle in Goa as their home, people going for medical treatment, and a growing number of these who attend seminars and conferences in Goa.

Here are some places to visit in Goa.
1)Panjim City is the capital of Goa and a place you have to see if you’re on vacation there. Located on the Mandovi River Panjim City is a well maintained medium sized city that is home to beaches, restaurants, gardens, and busy local markets. With a population of roughly 40,000 people, Panjim is large enough to be worth a visit but small enough to not get lost in.

2)Basilica of Bom Jesus located in Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom (Good) Jesus may be a World Heritage Site that sees thousands of tourists per annum. The basilica was inbuilt 1594 using European architecture styles like Baroque. What truly draws guests, however, is that the basilica is the resting place of St. Francis Xavier who was canonized as a saint in 1622.

3)Palolem Beach is a pristine beach located in south Goa. Crescent shaped and roughly a mile long the beach is dotted with small shacks along the shore where tourist stay. The currents are mild and the ocean floor slopes down gradually making this a relatively safe place to swim. Aside from tourists, the beach is also popular with local fishermen.

4)Anjuna Flea Market is a popular stop if you’re looking to do some shopping. Open on Wednesdays the Anjuna Flea Market is bright, colorful, very busy, and offering a wide selection of things to buy. Wares for sale include species, ornaments, trinkets, clothing, and fresh food. In addition to shopping, you can also enjoy food and music at the local market bar. The marketplace is open during the tourist season of October through April.

Goa is a growing hub for adventure sports and thus is becoming popular with various adventure lovers. Some of the famous adventure sports and zones in Goa are:

Parasailing at calangute
Scuba diving at sail rock
Water skiing at candolim
Church-Basilica of Bom Jesus (It holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier)
speed boat rides
wind surfing at Morjim

Staying options in Goa:

Beach Huts (Shacks)
Beach huts or shacks are a good choice for those who want to constantly enjoy the sea- breeze, party hard but stay away from the scorching sun.

Heritages Homes
Heritage Homes are for those that have an interest in living within the eras gone . Old mansions and houses are converted into resorts which allow the guests to live in a piece of history while enjoying all the modern day comforts.

Luxury Villas
One can stay in the tranquility of Goa in luxury resorts and villa rent in north Goa and south Goa.

Goa is among the most loved holiday destination in the entire country. Do visit Goa and enjoy your stay.

Author’s Bio:

The author is a travel enthusiast and has a keen interest in exploring destinations.