Goa Tourism

Goa Tourism Overview (2023)

The popularity of Goa tourism is not a recent phenomenon. Goa has been everyone’s favourite beach destination for as long as we can remember! Tourism in Goa is naturally driven by its gorgeous coastline in Western India along with the never-ending beaches, pristine natural wonders, stunning architecture, diverse culinary treats and pulsating nightlife. These are only a few of the reasons contributing to the steady popularity of Goa tourism packages. Goa is the smallest state in the country and has its own unique philosophy of Susegad which translates into a happily laidback and blissful state of mind. Nestled within the Konkan region, Goa covers only 3,702 kilometres and is also known for its warm and friendly locals. Not for nothing has it been a key inclusion in multiple India tours over the years.

Goa tourism also gives travellers an opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of the state at different times of the year, including fabulous Christmas and New Year celebrations, music festivals, the Goa Carnival and many others. Of course, any mention of Goa tourism is incomplete without discussing the delicious food on offer across the beach restaurants, shacks, bars, pubs, cafes and multiple nightlife joints. Goa has been under the Portuguese for close to 450 years and this influence is beautifully visible through the amazing churches and forts across the state. The Latin Quarters and the charming houses are only a trailer into what Goa has to offer architecturally.

Goa tourism offers amazing landmarks and activities that can be explored in two major divisions, namely North Goa and South Goa. The former has been a cornerstone of tourism in Goa for decades now. North Goa is truly the vibrant hub of the state with its famous beaches, beach shacks, clubs, flea markets, museums and a lot more. There are more tourist places in Goa in its Northern half. On the other hand, South Goa, with its more laidback vibe and premier resorts, is steadily making its way into contemporary Goa tourism packages. This is a more serene part of Goa, offering quieter beaches, wellness experiences and a lot more. Here’s taking a look at the history of Goa before going through the wonders of Goa tourism across both its Northern and Southern halves.

History of Goa

Goa has a rich history of its own. Here are some key points regarding its evolution over the years:

• Goa was initially built at the southernmost tip of the island as a city which was mentioned in the Puranas and other inscriptions as Govapuri, Gove and even Gomant.
• The Kadamba Dynasty ruled from the 2^nd century CE till 1312 and then Muslim rulers conquered it from 1312-1367. It became a part of the Vijayanagar Kingdom and then came into the Brahmani Sultanate who founded Old Goa in 1440 on this island.
• Goa was subsequently controlled by the Bijapur King Yusuf Adil Khan from 1482. Afonso de Albuquerque conquered it in 1510. He recaptured the city after a war with the King and appointed Timoja as its Governor.
• Goa was once the Portuguese Empire’s Asian capital, receiving similar privileges as the city of Lisbon, becoming prosperous from 1575 to 1600. The Dutch blockaded the city in 1603 and again in 1639, while the Marathas attacked it in 1739.
• The Government seat was shifted to Mormugao and then to Panjim in 1759. The British temporarily occupied Goa in 1809 and there were subsequently Governor’s powers exercised by the Portuguese prince Affonso Henriques duque de Oporto from 1896.
• Post independence, there was pressure on Portugal to surrender Goa to India. Nationalists set up a new administration around 1954 while there were Satyagraha protests as well in 1955.
• Indian troops then occupied Goa, Daman and Diu in 1961. All three territories then became a part of India.
• Goa attained statehood in 1987.

Official language of Goa

The official language of Goa is Konkani which is widely spoken in the southern part of the state. However, Hindi, English and even other languages like Marathi are widely understood throughout the state, making communication easy when it comes to Goa tourism.

A Brief Look at North Goa

Goa tourism packages can be customised with endless attractions and activities, particularly when you’re in North Goa. Tourism in Goa is an eclectic mix of beaches, watersports, architecture, heritage buildings, fun, food and nightlife. You can expect to find all of these delights in North Goa.

Beaches of North Goa

The essence of Goa tourism lies in exploring the state’s incredible coastline. This is where North Goa does not disappoint! You can party and capture fabulous landscapes at some of the state’s hottest beach destinations, most of which are fixtures in Goa honeymoon packages. These include the following:

• Calangute Beach

The Calangute Beach is known as the Queen of Beaches with its soft sands and lovely panoramic views. You will also love the chilled-out vibe here at the shacks, the delicious food and bustling market and art galleries. Calangute Beach is popular for watersports like water skiing and parasailing along with surfing.

• Baga Beach

Baga Beach is just near Calangute Beach and has a similar vibe with several nightlife jaunts. It is known for activities like speed boating and offers numerous shopping and dining options for tourists. It is a key highlight in many Goa packages from Delhi or Goa packages from Mumbai.

• Candolim Beach

The Candolim Beach is beautiful and comes with watersports attractions like jet-skiing, parasailing and banana rides for tourists.

• Anjuna Beach

The Anjuna Beach is a pivotal part of every Goa tourism itinerary with the serene atmosphere, musical and hippie legacy, famous flea market and watersports galore. Anjuna is a hip zone in general and the amazing coastline views are definitely worth relishing!

• Vagator Beach

The Vagator Beach is perched on a cliff and offers a more peaceful ambience for visitors.

• Morjim Beach

The Morjim Beach is famous for its Olive Ridley Turtles who come here in the nesting season.

• Mandrem Beach

Mandrem Beach is ideal for meditation, yoga and long shoreline walks with your significant other. It has started gaining prominence in several Goa tourism 

Forts & Churches of North Goa

• Goa tourism itineraries are incomplete without Fort Aguada, the imposing structure in North Goa. The Portuguese design influences are visible in this crowd favourite which is an automatic inclusion in Goa tour packages from Ahmedabad or any Goa package from Bangalore. The name comes from a fresh water spring that served the Fort with constant potable water or Agua. The structure comes with a citadel, secret pathways and a huge cistern. The views are simply stunning from the top.
• The Church of St Lawrence is also worth visiting for its charming ambience and architecture.
• The Church of St Francis of Assisi is another wonder of Goa tourism that should not be missed.
• A Goa package is also incomplete without visiting the Iconic Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji. The imposing white structure dates back to 1541. It lies on the previous Conceicao Hill and became a church in 1600. You can plan your Goa package for December, since the church hosts a fest on 8^th December with stunning fireworks displays, brass bands, feasts and a local fair.

Museums of North Goa

Goa is also home to many museums that reflects its rich history, culture and past. Some of the popular museums in North Goa are:

• The ASI Museum is a must-visit. It has several wonderful artefacts from the Portuguese rule throughout its eight galleries.
• Houses of Goa Museum will draw your attention with its unique ship-like design and the section on old homes in the state.
• The Museum of Christian Art is the only one in Asia to showcase items related to the rise of Christianity in the region.
• Goa also has its own Wax Museum which is famous for its Last Supper sculpture that weighs 500 kg and goes up to 22 feet in terms of length.

Exlpore More in Goa Tourism

The Goa tourism department promotes local markets and bazaars with a view towards showcasing the handicrafts and unique offerings of the state for tourists. Goa has always had a weekly bazaar system in place and many of these markets have now become national tourism hubs.

• Anjuna Flea Market

The iconic Anjuna Flea Market is so popular that tourists now want to include it as an attraction in their Goa 2 nights 3 days package or even a 3 night 4 days Goa package. It is known for almost anything and everything at a diverse spectrum of price points.

• Mapusa Market

It is a popular Friday market which offers local clothing, bags, jewellery, jams, confectionaries, vegetables, juices and more.

• Arambol Flea Market

It is known for it’s distinctly hippie flavour and the beachside setting makes it simply gorgeous.

• Night Markets

There are several night markets including the Mackies Saturday Night Bazaar along the creek in Baga. Arpora has two night markets currently. These markets also offer an opportunity to taste delicious culinary delights from several parts of the world.

Restaurants of North Goa

A visit to North Goa is incomplete without checking out the top restaurants in Goa. Some of them include the following:

• Britto’s Restaurant and Bar
• La Plage
• Gunpowder
• Bomras
• Venite
• Black Sheep Bistro
• Fiesta
• House of Lloyds
• Baba Au Rhum
• Pousada By The Beach
• Sakana

Festivals in Goa

Some of Goa’s major festivals include the following:

• Goa Carnival- This festival takes place for three days and three nights, just before the Lent month in February. It has a rich history dating back to the 18^th century, having been reportedly introduced by the Portuguese rulers.
• Christmas- Christmas is a huge festival in Goa with homes and churches beautifully decorated, in addition to carols, midnight mass and many other wonderful celebrations.
• New Year’s Eve- Innumerable people come down to Goa for unmatched New Year’s Eve celebrations. The fireworks, music, parties and other attractions are a sight to behold!
• Feast of St Francis Xavier- This is another popular Goa festival which pays tribute to Saint Xavier and his demise. He is popularly called the Lord of Goa or Goencho Saib by local residents.

Facts About North Goa

Here are some facts about North Goa that you should know before booking Goa packages.

• North Goa has Panaji as its administrative headquarters while being divided into sub-divisions like Panaji, Pernem, Mapusa and Bicholim.
• It also has five Talukas namely Bardez, Tiswadi, Pernem, Sattari and Bicholim.
• It became a district on 30^th May, 1987, with Goa getting statehood.
• Goa holidays are incomplete without visiting North Goa’s attractions and you will find public transportation facilities aplenty like taxis, bike taxis, buses and even rental cars/bikes here.
• Dabolim is the nearest airport to North Goa.

A Brief Look at South Goa

You will often find South Goa cropping up as a prominent inclusion in Mumbai to Goa cruise package or even in most Goa 5 days packages. South Goa is all about enjoying the Susegad vibe to the fullest, while offering natural beauty and wellness prospects unlike any other. The region is also known for its untouched beaches that you should know about:

Beaches of South Goa

South Goa tourism is a lot about exploring lovely beaches with their gushing waters, soft sands, greenery and tranquil ambience. Here are some of the beautiful beaches of the region that you must visit during your trip:

• Benaulim Beach

This has a few hospitality establishments, a long coastline, watersports activities and great food at the shacks.

• Colva Beach

Another serene beach in South Goa, this offers privacy and tranquillity.

• Mobor Beach

This beach is ideal for those who like long evening walks.

• Agonda Beach

This is South Goa’s hidden wonder and will delight travellers immensely.

• Palolem Beach

It encourages you to slow down and relax, with its lovely sands, great food and beverages at nearby hotels and shacks and more.

Famous Resorts of South Goa

There are quite a few popular resorts in South Goa that travellers should know more about. They include the following:

• Holiday Inn Resort Goa
• Bogmallo Beach Resort South Goa
• Fortune Resort Benaulim
• The Fern Kadamba
• Agonda Shell Beach Resort
• Planet Hollywood Beach Resort
• Radisson Blu Resort Cavelossim Beach
• Caravela Beach Resort

Markets of South Goa

South Goa offers several beachside shopping markets for tourist. There are local markets near almost all the beaches offering handicrafts, clothing, jewellery, accessories and other knick-knacks. Shopping is an integral part of Goa tourism packages. Some of the top markets include the following:

• Palolem Beach Market

This market is organised on Saturdays and offers reasonable bargains on diverse items.

• Colva Beach Market

It is a colourful market with souvenirs and other attractions aplenty for visitors.

• Gandhi Market

Once a major shopping zone for vegetables and fruits, it has now evolved to include, clothing, shoes, handbags and more.

• Covered Margao Market

This market offers great seafood and other necessities for visitors.

• Margao Municipal Market

This market offers fish, cashews, spices, beverages, sweets, souvenirs, clothing, shoes and a lot more.

Restaurants of South Goa

Some South Goa restaurants deserve a special mention for their lip-smacking cuisine. No Goa tourism is complete without feasting on authentic Goan delights at leading eateries. Some of them include:

• Margarida Tavora
• Avocado Garden Restaurant and Bar
• Riverside, The Leela
• Zeebop
• Lobster Shack
• Village Square
• Da Tita’s
• Blue Planet Café
• Martin’s Corner

Facts About South Goa

Here are some interesting facts about South Goa:

• The South Goa District covers 86 kilometres from north-south and 40 kilometres from east-west. The total district area is 1966 square kilometres.
• South Goa has seven Talukas, which are Canacona, Quepem, Salcete, Dharbandora, Sanguem, Ponda and Mormugao or Vasco-da-Gama.
• The Sahyadri Mountains lie along the eastern side of South Goa and is home to a major chunk of forests in the state. It is famous for peaks like Dudhsagar in the Sanguem Taluka and Chandranath in the Paroda zone.
• The Talpona, Zuari, Galgibag and Sal rivers pass through the district.
• South Goa is well connected through several major roads and buses are also available from the Margao Terminus. Bike taxis and cabs are also available along with bike/car rentals.
• Dabolim is the nearest airport from South Goa, which is now an integral part of almost every Goa tourism 

Goa- The Land of Eternal Sunshine (Well Not Literally!)

It all boils down to which side of the state you wish to explore as a part of your Goa package. Do you want to explore its partying, vibrant, festive and carefree side? North Goa can be a better bet in this scenario.

Alternatively, do you wish to know more about its nature-oriented local lifestyles, charming villages, soothing drives, tranquil beaches and more? Then you should definitely prioritise South Goa.

Many Goa packages have a combination of both these districts and zones in order to give you a distinct feel. Both halves of Goa are culturally rich, with several museums and other attractions. At the same time, good music, shopping and lip-smacking food are synonymous with the state almost anywhere and everywhere. Goa is truly a land where the sun never sets, there is always something going on, and of course, there is an eternally carnivalesque spirit all around!