Goa Tour Guide
Goa, as its name, is the smallest state in India. But, the interesting part of Goa is that its ancient name isn’t as short as its current name. Gopakapattana, Gopakapattam, Gomanchala, Gopakapuri, Govem,Mahassapatam, Sindapur, and few more. Goa was discovered as an Indian state in 1987 before which the Portuguese ruled here. The Indian army got Goa under its control in 1961 when it was declared as a Union territory. The Portuguese rule lasted in India for about 450 years and they lived in Goa for the whole time. Vasco De Gama was the one who founded Goa in 1524. Along with finding India, he was the one to explore and reach to Goa to find it. However, before the Portuguese, the Bhojas ruled here and kingship was there in the state. In fact, currently in Goa, there is a small portion of Goans who are the descendants of the Portuguese. Post this, the Christianity arrived to Goa by the end of 16th century by St. Francis Xavier and the Jesuits. This period was the golden era of Goa and was then referred to as the Lisbon of the East.
The Bhojas, the vassals from the Mauryan Empire were the first rulers of Goa. They ruled in Goa for 500 years after establishing their separate empire. They ruled from 4th to the 6th century. Then came the Chalukyas of Badami who ruled the place from 6th to the 8th century. The third dynasty of ruler of Goa was Rashtrakutas of Malkhed, Shilaharas who ruled from 8th to 10th century. The next legends to rule were Kadambas, Yadavas of Devagiri, Vijaynagar Empire, and Bahmani sultanate. It was then Portuguese who entered the area and annexed it for 450 years. They invaded Goa in 1510. Afonso de Albuquerque, the governor of Portuguese India captured the city first. They left in 1961 after the Indian invasion there.
Importance in Tourism: Goa is one of the top tourist destinations in India and holds a significant place in India tourism. It is one of those places where tourism is always high except for the summer season. Goa earns enough through the tourism sector and tourism is always needed for Goa for boosting its economy. Tourism in Goa is popular because of the beaches, might life, adventure activities, parties, sight-seeing spots, religious places.
Tourist Places to Visit in Goa: Goa is the most loved and famous tourist destinations in India. Every Indian has a bucket list of visiting Goa to experience the vibe and the beauty of the place. With the passage of time, the popularity for Goa tourism is constantly increasing with scores of beaches and several monuments, religious as well as historical. Here are the most famous tourist places to visit in Goa.
Fort Aguada: The most famous fort in Goa is the Fort Aguada that is visited by every tourist. It is a Portuguese heritage that was built to provide defence from the Dutch army. The majestic fort has been taken over by a Tata group company to convert it into a real heritage hotel.
Baga Beach: In the state of beaches, the most amazing and happening beach is the Baga Beach. It is located in north Goa. The beach is always crowded by the tourists and during the weekends it is even more fun to be at here. Baga Beach is famous for its late night entertainment parties. This bubbly beach is water-sports enthusiasts’ paradise. There are several hotels nearby.
Dudhsagar Falls: As the name says this waterfall looks milky white while falling from a height of 1017 feet. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in India that falls in a four tiered structure. It offers a delightful view to the tourists.
Anjuna Beach: It is one of the most pleasing places of Goa and is very glamorous on its outlook. Anjuna beach, highly popular among the visitors, is also located in north Goa. The resorts and shacks in Goa are just next level pretty. Anjuna Beach attracts the tourists for not only beach activities but also for Wednesday flea market and full-moon night parties.
Fontainhas: Fontainhas is a French colony in Goa that has a lot of colourful houses of different shapes and structure. Popularly called as Latin Quarter of Goa, Fontainhas is located in Panjim, Goa’s capital. It is a very fun place to explore, click pictures, and taste a slice of French culture.
The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception: This is the most famous church of Goa that is even shown in various Bollywood movies. It is a beautiful church and literally there is no church like this anywhere in India.
Some other famous places to visit in the state are Bogmalo Beach, Calangute Beach, Candolim Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Bom Jesus Basilica, Grand Island, Chapora Fort, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Butterfly Beach, Vagator Beach, Anjuna Flea Market, Mangueshi Temple and Sinquerim Beach. Some of the places to party in Goa are Love Passion Karma, Tito’s, Shiva valley, SinQ, Chronicle Goa, and Hilltop.
The other offbeat places to explore in Goa are Verna Springs, Chapora river, Mapusa Friday Market, spice plantations, Divas Island, Todo falls, Lamgau caves, Mollem National park, and Bats Island.
Famous Fairs – Events – Festivals: India is land of festivals. Every day some festival in some part of India is joyously celebrated. Goa also contributes its share of regional festival celebrations, in addition to national festivals.
Goa Carnival: This is the most famous Goa festival whose celebrations are done in the most lavish way. People from across the world visit to experience the Goa Carnival.
Shigmotsav: It is a spring festival that is held in March every year by the Hindu community of Goa. The festival is celebrated to welcome the spring season.
New Year: New Year’s Eve and New Year is all about the parties and the best place to party in India is hands down in Goa. The celebrations here whole night continues like nowhere else.
Christmas: The best place in India to enjoy the Christmas holidays is Goa. The nightlife along with the traditional celebrations are carried out here with utmost zeal.
Three Kings Feast: The said feast is dedicated to The Lady of Mount Virgin Mother Mary with infant Jesus in her lap. It is a 9 day feast celebrations.
Other famous fairs and festivals in Goa are Grape Escapade, Goa cashew and coconut festival, Goa food and culture festival, Sao Joao, Sunburn, Vasco Saptah, and Goa Mango festival.
Best Time to Visit Goa: Normally, October to February is the duration when a large number of foreign tourists visit Goa to enjoy its colorful culture and laze on serene beaches. During these months, the hotels’ tariffs remain at their peak. Domestic tourists can be spotted round the year. During summer and Monsoon seasons, the hotels tariffs remain at their lowest. From climatic condition’s point of view, winter season is most suitable time to visit Goa.
How to Reach Goa: Goa is thoroughly connected with all parts of India and the world by air. Regular daily flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow etc reach Goa. Direct international flights to Goa are from United Kingdom, Oman, Qatar, UAE etc. Goa is well connected by train and road from every nook and corner of India.
1 Day – Anjuna Flea Market Tour
1 Day – North Goa Tour
1 Day – Old Goa Tour
1 Day – Margao Full day Tour
4 Days – Goa Honeymoon Tour
5 Days – Goa Beach Tour
8 Days – Mumbai Goa Tour
9 Days – Golden Triangle with Goa Tour
12 Days – Karnataka Heritage with Goa Tour
13 Days – Golden Triangle with Varanasi Goa Tour
14 Days – India Family Tour
