A Goa Trinity of Sightseeing, Food, and Shopping
Goa remains the number one beach destination in India and also a strong contender for the position of the country's most popular holiday getaway. Not surprising, considering the fact that the places to visit in Goaencompass a delightful medley of variety by way of unforgettable pristine beaches, grand old churches and forts, lots of verdant plantations and forests, and … the list is endless when it comes to describing Goa's beauty. This is not all. Goa also promises a wonderful gastronomical experience, especially in terms of seafood, and an electrifying nightlife. So, here is a quick look into some of the myriad charms of Goa.
It's hard to list down the number of sightseeing attractions in Goa as there are so many of them. Beaches alone spoil one for choice as every beach has its own distinctive character. For instance, if the Bambolim Beach is perfect for contemplative seaside meditation, the Baga Beachproves wonderful for high voltage fun and frolic. Moving from beaches, there are scores of other sightseeing beauties. Places such as Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary make the heart leap with joy, while historic and religious attractions like Fort Aguada, Terekhol Fort, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral,and Chapel of St Catherine spell as hours of blissful sightseeing.
If you start salivating at the mere suggestion of crabs, lobsters, and oysters, then your taste buds are in for a special treat as the sea food in Goa is simply legendary. Some of the most popular places for the same are Amigos, Brittos, and Copper Bowl. However, Goa is by no means limited to seafood. You can discover this delightful fact for yourself by sampling the indescribably exquisite stuff churned out at Pousada, Infantaria, Fellini, and Plantain Leaf. If, besides relishing good food, you also get turned on by nightlife, then head to Tito's or Club Cubana.
For a taste of some local shopping, head off to one of the popular flea markets of Goa. The hottest names in this genre are the Mapusa Friday Market, Anjuna Flea Market, Calangute Bazaar, Arpora Saturday Night Market, and ‘The Mackies'. These markets are full of lots of interesting local stuff such as cashew nuts, wines, special Goan Sausages, and traditional sweets like Chokros, Dost, and Bibink. While all these markets are a must visit for shopaholics, somehow the Wednesday Flea Market at Anjuna Beachhas carved out a special niche for itself amongst travellers.
Goa has a tropical monsoon climate and remains hot and sultry for the larger part of the year. During summers, temperature often cross 35 °C. Winters are pleasant and last from December to February, with temperatures tending to stay between 21 °C and 28 °C.
There are numerous excellent locations for a quick getaway from Goa. The most popular of these include Amboli, Badami, Gokarna, Hampi, Kanwar, and Sawantwadi.
Here's how to go about visiting these destinations from Goa.
The distance between the two places is almost 730 km. Direct buses, flights, and trains are available. Flying time is nearly 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Hyderabad is approximately 530 km away from Goa. Direct buses and flights are there but direct trains are not available. It takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete this journey by air.
Pune is around 340 km away. You can do this journey by air in around 1 hour's time.
What to See in Goa
It's hard to list down the number of sightseeing attractions in Goa as there are so many of them. Beaches alone spoil one for choice as every beach has its own distinctive character. For instance, if the Bambolim Beach is perfect for contemplative seaside meditation, the Baga Beachproves wonderful for high voltage fun and frolic. Moving from beaches, there are scores of other sightseeing beauties. Places such as Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary make the heart leap with joy, while historic and religious attractions like Fort Aguada, Terekhol Fort, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral,and Chapel of St Catherine spell as hours of blissful sightseeing.
Culinary Delights of Goa
If you start salivating at the mere suggestion of crabs, lobsters, and oysters, then your taste buds are in for a special treat as the sea food in Goa is simply legendary. Some of the most popular places for the same are Amigos, Brittos, and Copper Bowl. However, Goa is by no means limited to seafood. You can discover this delightful fact for yourself by sampling the indescribably exquisite stuff churned out at Pousada, Infantaria, Fellini, and Plantain Leaf. If, besides relishing good food, you also get turned on by nightlife, then head to Tito's or Club Cubana.
Retail Therapy in Goa
For a taste of some local shopping, head off to one of the popular flea markets of Goa. The hottest names in this genre are the Mapusa Friday Market, Anjuna Flea Market, Calangute Bazaar, Arpora Saturday Night Market, and ‘The Mackies'. These markets are full of lots of interesting local stuff such as cashew nuts, wines, special Goan Sausages, and traditional sweets like Chokros, Dost, and Bibink. While all these markets are a must visit for shopaholics, somehow the Wednesday Flea Market at Anjuna Beachhas carved out a special niche for itself amongst travellers.
Weather in Goa
Goa has a tropical monsoon climate and remains hot and sultry for the larger part of the year. During summers, temperature often cross 35 °C. Winters are pleasant and last from December to February, with temperatures tending to stay between 21 °C and 28 °C.
Places around Goa
There are numerous excellent locations for a quick getaway from Goa. The most popular of these include Amboli, Badami, Gokarna, Hampi, Kanwar, and Sawantwadi.
Travelling from Goa to Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune
Here's how to go about visiting these destinations from Goa.
Goa to Chennai
The distance between the two places is almost 730 km. Direct buses, flights, and trains are available. Flying time is nearly 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Goa to Hyderabad
Hyderabad is approximately 530 km away from Goa. Direct buses and flights are there but direct trains are not available. It takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete this journey by air.
Goa to Pune
Pune is around 340 km away. You can do this journey by air in around 1 hour's time.
