There are many famous things in Goa, which are more than just the places. Here is a list of things you can find here in terms of its art, architecture and entertainment.
16. Beautiful Beaches
Goa should definitely be in your bucket list if you are a beach person. It has some of the best beaches in the world. For instance, Calangute, the longest beach in North Goa, offers some of the best water sports and shacks for tourists.
On the other hand, Anjuna Beach stretches over 2 km, offering exciting and fun-filled activities for tourists. Another popular beach is Butterfly beach, also known as Honeymoon Beach, for being secluded from the hustles of the city.
17. Anjuna Flea Market
Shopping is a major activity for tourists. When visiting Goa, it is essential to check out different products at the lowest price range. Anjuna Flea Market can be considered here. This market offers a wide range of products, including Kashmiri jewellery, Keralan spices, wooden toys from Karnataka, Jimi Hendrix t-shirts, and others at a reasonable price. Apart from that, this market hosts live music and band performances, another reason behind tourist attraction.
18. Carnivals
There is a carnival celebrated in Goa every year in February. This festival originated in the Portuguese era, showing its historical significance. Catholic communities of the city mainly take charge of this carnival, where people dress up in traditional clothing and other fancy dresses. They parade across the streets to put on a show, creating major pomp throughout the state. Moreover, lip-smacking food and beverages further add to its appeal.
19. Festive Atmosphere
Goa is known for having a festive atmosphere, welcoming tourists to participate. It is filled with multiple churches, as the Portuguese ruled it for the longest time. This community naturally celebrates Christmas with enthusiasm. There are dance celebrations with decorated, well-lit streets. Moreover, you can expect many weddings and carol parties during the Christmas celebration in Goa.
20. Water Sports
If you are wondering what Goa is known for, you must underestimate its water sports. There are numerous popular beaches in Goa, which offer a range of water sports. On these beaches, you can enjoy snorkelling, banana boat riding, paragliding, and parasailing. Moreover, there is an option for scuba diving in some of these. Therefore, you must consider visiting Goa to enjoy such activities.
21. Beach Shacks
As discussed already, Goa is known for having several picturesque and well-known beaches. Most of these beaches are linked with shacks for most of the year. Some popular ones include the Greek restaurant Thalassa in Vagator and St Anthony’s in Baga. These come in multiple shapes and sizes, meaning they can fit the different needs of tourists. These places serve a mix of traditional and continental food and alcohol.
22. Delicious Food & Restaurants
While Goa might be popular for its beaches and scenic beauty, one cannot underestimate its food items. Tourists mostly prefer fresh seafood in this region. There are multiple reputed seafood restaurants here, where you can find delicious items like Sheet Kodi Nustey, Pomfret and Fried Fishes, Crabs, Prawn curry, etc. Some other popular dishes in Goan cuisine are Pork vindaloo, Sanna, Red Rice, Chris pão (sausage bread) and Bebinca.
23. Cheap Alcohol
Goa maintains low taxes to support tourism. This applies to the alcohol items here, making them cheaper than their price in other states. For instance, beer in Goa is a third of its price in Mumbai. This also applies to international liquor brands. Moreover, Goa has its own alcoholic liquor, known as feni. It is a powerful drink from cashews and coconuts, which is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Goa.
24. Architectural Brilliance
Among other popular things in Goa, Goan architecture cannot be neglected. Churches, cathedrals and forts of Goa attract tourists from across the globe. Most of the forts are over 400 years old. Moreover, a Portuguese style is evident in the architecture of Goa. There are various villages with houses built in such styles. This makes it worthwhile to take strolls or go for a ride on these roads
25. Dolphin Spotting
If you love dolphins and wish to see them diving, you should plan a trip to Goa. Multiple organisations arrange dolphin sighting excursions for tourists. Otherwise, you can hire a boat and venture into the deep Arabian Sea. It will help you enjoy the sights of dolphins without having to deal with other tourists and guides. Moreover, this dolphin will bless your eyes and help you learn more about wildlife.
26. Wildlife Sanctuaries
Talking of wildlife, Goa is also popular for having numerous sanctuaries preserving exotic wildlife. For instance, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary houses many bird species, such as Drongos, Eagles, Kingfishers, Curlews, Kites, Sandpipers, etc. The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is another popular one, which houses rare and endangered fauna, including jungle cats, Indian pangolin. Similarly, in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, you will find sambar, Bengal tigers, leopard, spotted deer, etc.
27. Trance & Headphone Parties
Goa is popular for having a vibrant nightlife. Parties usually go on for a long time, and the tourists can have a great time here. The choice of music often includes Trance and EDM. Moreover, there are also silent parties for those who are not comfortable with loud music. Here, you can simply wear your headphones and dance to the beats of your favourite music. Parties usually go on for long hours and can be a great form of entertainment with food and alcohol.
28. Casinos
Goa has a good collection of casinos where you can try your luck. In addition, there are several floating casinos around Panaji. Here, you can enjoy various forms of entertainment and fun-filled games. Moreover, you can also win money if your luck permits. Some popular casinos are Deltin Royale, Casino Pride and Deltin Jaqk.
29. Bike Rentals
Goa has broad and well-maintained streets with palm trees on both sides. This makes it the perfect place to go for long bike rides. Renting a bike here is convenient and relatively inexpensive. Tourists can rent a bike and go for long bike rides through the mesmerising streets and comforting breeze coming from the sea beaches. Quad bikes are particularly important near Mandrem Beach.
30. Shopping
Shopping is a common tourist activity in any tourist destination. Goa is famous for its flea markets, where you can find a range of items at affordable prices. Anjuna is one market where you can purchase items like clothes, spices, jewellery, handcrafted art pieces, etc. Apart from Anjuna, there are Arpora Night Market, Mapusa Friday Market, Calangute Market, and others.
31. Cruise Holidays
Goa provides an unparalleled experience of cruising to tourists. It is a factor which has enhanced its value as a tourist destination. Tourists can opt for a cruising holiday and wander about the city across its beautiful seas and beaches on a lavish cruise. These cruises come with beautiful journey plans, good food, entertainment and other facilities.
32. Kayaking
Another fun activity can be kayaking in the rivers and seas around Goa. Kayaking among the beautiful palm and mangrove trees can be a magical experience here. With this, you can hire a kayak and sail across the rivers to experience the beauty of nature and surrounding villages and trees. It will help you calm your mind by developing a serene and peaceful environment.
33. Natural Beauty of Goan Streets, Beaches and Waterfalls
While Goa is mainly famous for its beaches, various other natural attractions appeal to tourists. The waterfalls here offer stunning views, which most tourists prefer to capture with cameras. Apart from that, the streets in Goa are covered with palm trees, while mangroves surround the rivers. All these contribute to making this city appear more beautiful.
34. Spice Gardens
The spice plantation has been high in Goa. Various farmers provide guided tours of their farms. Here, you can explore the colourful world of spices and learn more about Goan spices and cuisine. The strolls in these fields will also help you enter an aromatic environment of unpolluted spices. Moreover, you can purchase these fresh and authentic spices from the flea markets in Goa. A few popular spices include pepper, cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon and turmeric.
35. Hot Air Balloon Rides
Riding a hot air balloon are also a fun activity that tourists enjoy. Tiger Balloon Safaris in Panjim and Goatoursplanner in Assolda Grounds offer such rides to willing tourists. Such a ride will help you admire Goa's beauty while gaining mental peace.
Therefore, as you can see, there are many reasons for which Goa is famous for. As this article observed, Goa has excellent scenic and natural beauty. It is the perfect tourist destination with beautiful beaches, waterfalls and parties. Moreover, you can enjoy fun activities and find modes of entertainment all around this city.
