December 24, 2015 TnH Global 0

Discover Goa – Pearl of the Orient

Beautifully located on the western coast of India, Goa is one of the most favorite tourist destinations in India. Enclosed by Arabian Sea in the west, Goa is blessed with amazing geographical features. With sparkling golden beaches to ancient monuments and picturesque landscapes to remarkable kaleidoscopic culture, it attracts a large number of tourists (both domestic & international) every year. Though, all seasons are good to enjoy this place’s beauty but the winter season which starts from mid-November and lasts till mid-March is the best time to discover the ecstatic picture of this lively place. With the start of peak season for travelers to Goa, Travel and Hospitality magazine would like to suggest some great ways to discover its beauty….

Party Hard – As Goa is Party Capital

Internationally, Goa is best known as the “Party Capital of India” and many foreigners come here to enjoy the parties organized here. For instance, the 3 day Sunburn music festival is thronged by EDM lovers. In fact, it is Asia’s largest electronic music festival, hosted on 27, 28 and 29 December every year. The next music festival is “Supersonic Festival”, held at Candolim which promotes local and international talents. Another highlight of peak season is the Saturday Night Markets which starts from 6 pm and remains open till the wee hours of morning. Here, one can find amazing music, food, clothes and accessories, vintage items and live concerts (if you get lucky!). Rest of all, the New Year’s Eve is the most exhilarating event of the year (in December). Then, in the month of February, 3-4 days celebration of Goa Carnival is the event of merrymaking. This carnival adds spice to the party spirit of Goa.

Enjoy Adventurous Water Sports at Popular Beaches

Goa is known for its Sun and Sand combination at the beaches. But, apart from just enjoying water at beaches there is a lot you can do. Goa is an excellent destination for variety of adven turous water sports that can be enjoyed at beaches. Some of popular adventurous water activities or sports you can take up include water skiing, Jet Skiing, Wind Surfing, Parasailing, Catamaran Sailing, Banana Boat / Bump & Ringo Rides, Speedboat rides, Scuba diving / Snorkeling etc. Some of the popular beaches to enjoy these water sports are Baga Beach, Vagator Beach, Calangute Beach, Benaulim Beach and Palolem Beach etc., while Miramar Beach, Colva Beach, Majorda Beach and Dona Paula Beach are few of the beaches to relax. Along with these activities, Dolphin cruise, Grand Island day trip and sunset / moonlight cruise on the Mandovi River can also be tried if you have extra time.

Indulge in Nature’s Bliss

Goa is blessed with almost all kind of wealth, be it golden beaches and its under-water animals, or wealthy fauna on land. In order to experience Goa’s nature and wildlife, you must explore few attractions such as the Sahakari spice farm in Ponda, where you can enjoy regional and folk dances. Also, one can go for an overnight stay in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary to spot night animals. Later, you can opt for Arvalem, Lamgau and Rivona caves which are an evidence of prehistoric existence.

Journey into the Heritage

Once a major Portuguese colony, Goa boasts of remarkable architecture and artifacts related to Indo-Portuguese time. However, the true feel of Goa’s rich heritage and culture can be felt at the Old Goa, which is about 20 minutes west of Panjim. In this ancient hub, you can explore beautiful churches, convents, art galleries, bungalows and bakeries which are living evidence of rich combination of Indian and Portuguese culture. Though, there is an array of monuments to see but the magnificent Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is something which is a must! Apart from that, you can revisit history at Se de Santa Catarina, the Archeological Museum of Old Goa, the Naval Aviation Museum and Institute Menezes Braganza and get transported back in time.

Relish Gourmet Delights

Often, it is said that any place’s specialty lies in its food, and such is in the case of Goa! When you are in Goa, you can’t miss the delicacies such as Goan prawn curry and rice, which is a staple but traditional dish of Goa. However, the Goan cuisine offers a fine combination of diverse food cultures including the Konkan, the Portuguese and the Bahamani Nawabi traditions. Some popular eating joints and restaurants where you can enjoy authentic and delicious Goan delicacies are Infantaria (at Calangute beach), Curly’s (at Anjuna) and Souza Lobo (at Calangute).

Rejuvenate Yourself

Last but not the least, Goa is an ideal place to unwind and rejuvenate your senses. Apart from the water sports and sight-seeing, Goa has an array of Yoga / meditation, and reiki centres. The Ayurvedic treatment in the Keri village is a prime Ayurvedic centre in Goa. In short, you can go partying at the beach (especially during winter season like, Sunburn Festival, Goa Carnival etc.), enjoy water sports, try your bargaining skills in shopping at Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar, Anjuna Flea Market, and market near Mangeshi temple.