1- Calangute Beach
"The Queen of Beaches"
Calangute Beach, Goa Overview
Situated 15 km from the Panjim, Calangute Beach is the longest beach in North Goa, stretching from Candolim to Baga. Due to its sheer size and popularity, it is a hub for tourists and backpackers from all over the world. As the sound of the waves merges with rhythms of music from beach shacks, Calangute Beach comes alive in all its beauty. It is the perfect place to look for accommodation as it keeps you well-connected to the other beaches in the north such as Baga, Anjuna, Candolim, Aguada and many more. Moreover, there are a number of options to choose from depending on your budget. You can also sample the sumptuous culinary fare here at Souza Lobo's, Oriental, Electric Cats or the Tibetan kitchen, all of which can offer a unique taste palette. Embark on a number of water sports at the beach or walk into a cafe and read, there is no shortage of options when it comes to Calangute Beach.
Being one of the busiest and most commercial beaches of Goa, Calangute is swarming with eating joints, shacks and clubs serving cocktails, beer and seafood. The Calangute Beach is also known for its water sports activities like parasailing, water surfing, banana ride and jet-skiing. While the days here are filled with beach fun, nights call for upbeat parties and letting your hair down. Moreover, with some of the most amazing nightclubs and pubs within reach, Calangute Beach attracts tourist from all around the world.
2- Basilica of Bom Jesus
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa Overview
The Basilica of Bom Jesus church is one of a kind in India and is known for its exemplary baroque architecture. Built in the year 1594 and consecrated in 1605, the building of this church coincides with the beginning of Christianity in India. The church is located in Old Goa in Bainguinim about 10 km away from Panjim. The oldest church in Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, a special friend of St. Ignatius Loyola with whom he founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Even after 400 years, the remains are in a good condition and are taken out once every decade. A site with rich cultural and religious significance, the Basilica of Bom Jesus has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Literally translating to 'Holy Jesus', the basilica of Bom Jesus is the only church in Old Goa that is not been plastered on the outside. The facade of the church has a triangular roofing which is delicately carved with the initials 'IHS', which is an abbreviation for Jesuit emblem meaning 'Jesus, Saviour of Men'. Inside, the floor of this church is made of marble mosaic with precious stones, giving it a solemn appearance. The interior is embellished with a screen that runs from the floor to the ceiling and has the image of St. Ignatius Loyola protecting an infant Jesus. Above all is the image of the Holy Trinity, which is the most sacred symbol in Christianity. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is over 408 years old and is open to the public every day.
3- Water Sports in Goa
"Sun, Sea, Surf, and Waves"
Water Sports in Goa, Goa Overview
Water Sports in Goa have always seen its fare share of excited tourists and adventure seekers. The beach capital of India enjoys a long and uninterrupted coastline with relatively calmer waves and even sea floors. While water sports in Goa can be enjoyed at any one of the beaches in the north or the south, they are more popular and draw huge crowds at Baga, Calangute, Benaulim, Candolim, and nearby beaches. While here, you can choose from a number of water sports activities such as kneeboarding, kite surfing, snorkelling, parasailing & paragliding, diving, kayaking and many more. If you prefer so, you can engage in your preferred activities through quite a few vendors of these water sports on the beach. Alternately, you can also engage in your favorite activities through a number of licensed water sports package operators such as Atlantis Water Sports, Aqua Sports Goa etc. The cost of these packages ranges between INR 2000 to 4000 or more, based on the activities chosen.
You need not worry about being a pro at adventure and having a lot of training or experience because water sports in Goa have been devised to cater to every traveller's need. You can be a complete newbie and still experience the adventure of a lifetime, or you can be a pro and yet manage to get the most fun out of these experiences. There are numerous water sports operators in Baga, Calangute, Benaulim and Colva beaches. Try paragliding in Anjuna or Arambol beach.
4- Fort Aguada
"A Fortress of Tranquility"
Fort Aguada, Goa Overview
Fort Aguada is an epitome of Portuguese architecture built in the 17th century. Its lighthouse and the fort itself have braved the ravages of time and stand like silent sentinels on the Sinquerim Beach, approximately 18 km from Panjim. Built in 1612 as a protection from Dutch and Marathas, it was the most prized and crucial fort for the Portuguese and covers the entire peninsula at the southwestern tip of Bardez. The view from the fort is breathtaking as it overlooks the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea.
The fort is so named after the Portuguese Word for water i.e. 'Agua' and used to be a replenishing source of fresh water for sailors. In fact, it has the capacity to hold 2,376,000 gallons of water and was one of the biggest freshwater reservoirs of Asia.
Fort Aguada has also been used as Aguada jail. A statue in front of the jail salutes the freedom fighters, giving the fort a touch of patriotism.
In its heyday, the fort may have been a silent sentinel but today, it is bursting with tourist activities and happy chatter. The mesmerising view of the setting sun combined with pristine water of Arabian Sea from the top of the lighthouse is so picturesque that it can capture the heart of anyone who comes here.
5- Baga Beach
"The Home of Nightlife "
Baga Beach, Goa Overview
One of the most popular beaches in North Goa, Baga Beach is located close to Calangute beach, around 30 Km North of Panaji. It is so named after the 'Baga creek' which flows into the Arabian Sea. Baga is the perfect destination for you if you wish to witness the excellent nightlife of Goa as signature places such as Britto's, Tito's and Mambos have made their mark in their hearts of party-goers. The shacks come to life in the late evening with some pumping music and mouthwatering food.
It is also famous for its designer stores as well as its street-side markets where you can shop till your feet ache and your wallet grumbles! Being one of the most visited beaches in the North, Baga also has a vast range of water sports that you can try your hands at. Grab a sumptuous breakfast at Infantaria - a highly recommended eatery, relax by the beach all day, and in the evening let the party animal in you come alive - it's all possible at Baga Beach. Baga Beach is considered to be the extension of Calangute Beach itself since both of these lies on the same stretch of the shore.
Lined with an array of tattoo parlours, tarot shops, palmistry shops, spas, sun decks and some legendary shacks, it gives you a chance to live out your perfect beach holiday. If you are not a party person, you also have the option of starting your mornings with some beach Yoga, having a nutritious breakfast by the sea, and then just spend the day reading quietly on beach recliner. There is something for every kind of traveller in Baga!
6- Cruise in Goa
"A Journey through the Rivers of Goa"
Cruise in Goa, Goa Overview
Cruise in Goa allows one to explore the exotic scenery, pristine waters and marvel the breathtaking view of the sunset. Bounded by numerous rivers, Goa makes for an exciting and diverse cruising destination. There are several types of cruises in Goa, and each of them offers a unique experience. These range from simple evening cruises, elaborate and romantic dinner cruises, backwater cruises, and of course casino cruises such as Deltin Royale. All of these usually originate from Miramar Beach in Panjim.
Several cruises in Goa also offer dinner options along with guaranteed fun and entertainment activities are carried through the day depending upon the daytime, sunset and moonlight. So book a cruise in Goa and take back some unforgettable memories.
Booking a cruise getaway in Goa is fairly simple as a number of them also offer online booking options. Depending on your requirements and time that you want to spend on the boats, you can choose a package that suits you the best.