Top Things To Do In Goa, India

Goa may be the smallest state in India, but it is also one of the coolest. Whether you want to relax on the beach, party at the clubs, uncover some history, try some water sports or just go shopping; you can do it all in Goa. Peak season time is between the cooler months of October and March; the best time to plan your stay. Here is a rundown of the best things to do in Goa, including sights, beaches and attractions.

Anjuna

Famous for its lively nightlife and infamous weekly flea market, hippy haunt Anjuna tops the list of must see places. A big favourite among backpackers, for its laid back and welcoming atmosphere, you’ll be pleased to know that you won’t get the same persistent hassle from sellers like at the other nearby beaches. Leaving you free to relax along the long stretch of beautiful white sand; as ambient chill out music drifts from the beach hut bars.

Enjoy the friendly beachside service of Hippies Bar, Janet & John’s and Seahorse Cafe, or admire a view of the rocks at Guru Bar; a place where you can often spot Monty Star, India’s Strongest Man, among its revellers. And if you’re up for partying into the night, discover Goa’s psychedelic dance scene and full moon parties at Curlies, Lilliput and UV Bar, who throw some of the best nights on the beach.

Make a date for Wednesday’s vast and colourful flea market to pick up souvenirs. Here you will find a vibrant selection of clothing, jewellery, furnishings, drums, trinkets and more; as well as live bands playing throughout the day at the market’s pop up bars and cafes. A good tip is to head there late afternoon, as the prices decrease as the sellers are eager to make final sales!

Wednesday is also ladies night at one of Asia’s most impressive and renowned night spots, Club Cubana. Dubbed the ‘night club in the sky’ for its location in the hills, head there post shop to check out the picturesque views, dip in the pool or sip cocktails on one the four poster beds on the terrace!

For a change of scene, visit Splash Down Water Park and let your inner big kid run wild on the variety of water slides and pools. Post swim, stop for a bite at Sid’s Café opposite. Run by an ex Mumbai biker, you’ll be impressed by the themed décor that includes a tower of tyres as a table, car seat sofas and a motorbike light installation.

Forts Aguada, Terekhol and Chapora

Walk along the stone walls of one of Goa’s most impressive historical sites, Fort Aguada. Facing the Arabian Sea, the fort was built during the 16th Century Portuguese rule to guard against Dutch and Marantha invaders.

Climb the hills of Vagator Beach and you will find the ruins of Chapora Fort. A perfect picnic spot, enjoy breath-taking views of the palm tree lined beaches and the neighbouring valleys below.

Travel north to the enchanting Terekhol Fort and grab a spot of lunch from the restaurant, while admiring panoramic views of the ocean and unspoilt beaches. Combine your trip with a visit to one of the many deserted beaches along the way, including Querim, Arambol, Morjim and Asvem.

Mapusa Market

Popular with the locals, head to Mapusa Market for reasonably-priced meat, fish, fruit, veg and spices. You can also pick up a number of household goods, clothes and shoes too. Friday is the popular day for tourists, but shopping on any other day is quieter.

Calangute and Baga

Calangute is one of Goa’s most popular and naturally, overcrowded beaches. Here you can wander through its colourful markets – though head to the quieter beaches for the best bargains. Experience the best in Ayurvedic massage and yoga, buy exquisite jewellery from the Tibetan Market and sample the mouth-watering delicacies of the region too. You can also book excursions including scuba diving, fishing, crocodile tours, dolphin watching and island trips here.

The equally as popular Baga is the place to head for water-sports as well as a thriving, though more commercial club scene. By day take part in parasailing, jet-skiing and banana boat rides, and in the evening cool off at one of the many beach bars that pump out all the biggest tunes of the season. Sit under the harem tents at Café Laval, Bottle Bay and Café Del Mar and enjoy a fresh seafood barbecue at Love Shack, Dream Catcher and X9 Surfers Lounge. Or head to Tito’s Road, a strip with the most popular nightclubs and bars – though it may feel a little like you’re in Benidorm or Zante. For a full on night of house or hip hop and r ‘n’ b, head to the big three: Cape Town Café, Tito’s and Café Mambo’s and get a post club snack at Baptis.

Panaji

Experience a mix of old and new in Goa’s state capital. Browse the Secretariat Buildings for their colonial architecture, explore the ancient artefacts housed in Goa’s State Museum and appreciate the decadent art displayed at the Goa Central Library. Then head to the city’s main square for the grand view of the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, one of Goa’s major landmarks.

Later catch the latest Hollywood or Bollywood blockbuster at the impressive INOX multiplex, and don’t forget to try the cinema snacks which include samosas, tandoori chicken nuggets and traditional Goan cakes. Indulge yourself at the plush Snips Spa and Salon for extravagant beauty and hair treatments. This particular branch is better value compared to its Calangute counterpart, though no less luxurious. Finally, round off your day with a sunset cruise along the Mandovi River, where you’ll be treated to professional dance performances and the chance to get up onstage yourself.

Old Goa

Explore the grand churches, cathedrals and monasteries of Goa’s most religious site. Marvel at the revered beauty of the Church of Francis of Assisi, explore Asia’s largest church, the Se Cathedral; and catch a glimpse of the tomb of St Francis Xavier, Goa’s patron saint, at the majestic Basilica of Bom Jesus. Also visit the nearby Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection of portraits, sculptures and stone carvings.

If you’re up for a walk, trek to the Church of Our Lady of the Mount for its scenic views, then wander through the ruins of the Monastery of St Augustine. Round off your trip with delicious pastries at Mongini’s Cake Shop, it will literally taste like a slice of home. Also make a date for the Feast of Francis Xavier festival on the 3rd December.

Palolem Beach

One of Goa’s most beautiful beaches, Palolem is literally like walking into paradise. During your stay hire a beach hut and sleep right by the ocean. Bohemian resort Cozy Nook offers some of the best bungalow options on the beach. Also take a trip into the backwaters and go dolphin watching in one of the fishing boats. The northern beaches are great to escape the hectic tourist spots further south.

Dudhsagar Falls

Lying close to the state border is India’s second highest waterfall. Take a day trip down to the nearest town Collem, close to the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. From here ride a jeep along the rocky terrain to reach this spectacular nature spot. There you can bathe under the waterfall, spot local wildlife and take an option of riding and bathing elephants.

Spice Plantation and Temples

Visit Ponda for a tour of the Tropical Spice Plantation. Take in the beautiful views as you head across the rope bridge that will instantly make you feel like you’re on safari. Here you’ll be greeted with a lemon grass tea and trip around the jungle-like grounds of herbs, spices, wildlife and exotic plants; all rounded off with delicious Goan feast of curries, breads and sweet rice. Additionally you can opt for an elephant ride and wash within the grounds too.

Combine your trip with a visit to one of the seven Ponda temples. Dedicated to a particular Hindu god, each of these colonial-built shrines combine European, Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. One of the most ornate, Shree Saunsthan Mahalaxmi, displays a beautiful statue of Lakshmi and houses a 16th Century carriage. Monkeys can also be seen swinging from the rooftops and trees. The historical Safa Shahouri Masjid Mosque is another must see, as its Islamic designs contrast the Hindu temples of the area.

Arpora Night Markets

Make a date for Saturday’s two evening markets, Mackie’s Night Bazaar and Ingo’s Night Market. While sell similar items to the flea market and the beach stalls, go for the evening out aspect. Relax in the giant outside bar areas, watch local bands and eat from the alfresco kitchens serving up roast dinners, baked potatoes, barbeque, Belgian waffles and more. The chance to eat some familiar food may be enough to keep you returning every week!

Words and images by  Sandy Dhaliwal

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