Golden Goa

Goa is undoubtedly one of the most talked about and most frequently visited destinations in India. Bearing the impression of a past that is enriched by the Portuguese influence, Goa is India's reply to the tourist hubs in the western countries.

The vacation options that Goa offers are myriad and quite versatile. You can roam around in the major cities of this tiny state or spend hours in the exotic beaches under the sun, be a part of any Goa festival or find tranquility in the beautiful churches, taste the traditional dishes along with some mind blowing sea food or plan some adventure sports. Goa will not disappoint you. Make sure your travel plan is flexible as there is every possibility that you might need to extend the dates!

Beaches of Goa are the typical examples of any ideal beach holiday with goldust like sand, coconut palms, blue sea and a equally blue sky. You can easily spend a whole day in the beaches taking a warm sun bath with your drink on the side table and the novel that you were supposed to read lying face flat over your chest. The major and the most wonderful beaches of Goa are Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Aguda, Benaulim, Bogmolo, Caveloism Colva, Dona Paula, Candolim, Miramar, Varca and Vegator.

The evenings in these beaches come with several awesome beach parties where you will get everything you need to have a good night out. Don't miss out on the pubs and clubs scattered across and try some new cocktails and wine while the ever alive Goa music playing at the background.

Take out time to visit the main towns in Goa as they are the representative of the collective Goa culture and tradition. Though not as big and grand as compared to other Indian cities, the towns like Panaji, Margao, Ponda, Vasco and Vehla Goa are the destinations that will surely give you a different sort of experience.

They are graced with several very significant churches and other off the track tourist attractions. For example, you can visit The Se Cathedral, dedicated to St Catherine in Vehla which happens to be the largest church in Goa or the The Basilica of Bom Jesus that is a World Heritage Site . Capital Panaji is also home to a few fine spots like the Idalcao Palace, Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, and Chapel of St Sebastian.

If you are someone who is interested in fun events, no other place in India is as vibrant as Goa when it comes to wholesome and pure celebration in an open society. Here you will find the joy ridden Goa Carnival in every February where the entire state assumes a festive look or be a part of perhaps the only beer festival in India- 'The Grape Escapade' organized by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. Apart from these, other cultural events like the Shigmo, Igitun Chalne, Feast of St. Anthony, Feast of Our Lady of Miracles and many more brings alive the real colors of Goa.

Time will fly by stealthily and you won't realize how it went past during your stay in Goa.