Goa is a famed destination for vacationers living in India and abroad. Tourists from all parts of the world make a tour to this tiny state that has much more to offer than beaches, parties, history, nature and other adrenalin activities. One can make a scooter or motorbike ride to explore the Goa landscape in the best possible way. The following list has the must-sees once a traveller has reached the Goan territory.
The Beaches:
Goa's geography includes sandy coastline with beaches in multitudes. There is something for everyone, be it the makeshift huts or the luxury resorts, the tranquillity or the trance parties. One can find the ideal Goa beach depending on what one seeks from the vacation. While Baga is famous for water sports, one can find hippies in the Arambol beach. The Patnem and Agonda beaches will offer one the isolation he is looking for.
Touring Old Goa:
Old Goa was once the marvellous Portuguese India's capital. Today it has imposing cathedrals and churches which rank among Asia's largest ones. A few among them are archaeological museums today, displaying the rich and fascinating Goa history.
The Convent and Church of Saint Francis of Assisi (built-in 1521) is an interesting building in this Old Goa region. Right across this building lies the Basilica of Bom Jesus, containing Saint Francis Xavier's preserved remains, Goa's patron saint and revered missionary. The Basilica puts it on display at 10-year gap and the following exhibitions to take place in 2014. Old Goa stands very close to Panaji, Goa's present capital.
The Markets:
The Anjuna Beach's southern end holds the Anjuna Flea market on all Wednesdays, mornings to evenings, except the rainy season. This market size has exploded with time and is the most attractive spot for tourists from the entire region. With more than 500 stalls, it keeps growing every day. One can find goods in assortments here. However, one has to master the bargaining art to shop at this market. Next, one can take a break from shopping at the Curly's beach shack to soak in the sunset view.
For extra marketing one can check out the Mackie's Night Bazaar and Saturday Night Market in Arpora Baga. These are entertaining with live music playing in the background and sumptuous food for tempting the travellers, tired and hungry.
Visiting Spice Plantations:
Visiting the Ponda area spice plantations is another activity for tourists in Goa. This region grows expensive spices owing to the dense forests and tropical climate. Visitors can tour the spice farms without any issues. One gets his money's worth with guided tours and spicy lunch in the scenic beauty.
The Savoi Plantation is the most popular in the area. One can drive through the Ponda hills and dense forest to reach this place. Other spice farms include the Pascol Spice Village, the Sahakari Spice Farm, the Tropical Spice Plantation and the Abyss. These places also offer boat rides, elephant rides and lodging places.
Trip to the Wildlife Sanctuaries:
Guarding the Western Ghats, the Goa territory also shelters animals and plants. Wildlife sanctuaries make up for 20% of the landscape. One can visit these sanctuaries all through the year but October to March is the best time for visit.
The Cotigao and Bhagwan Mahavir (containing the Mollem National Park) are the two important sanctuaries. The Dudhsagar Falls lies in the Mollem National Park's border area and is worth the visit, especially after the rainy season ends. The Goa Forest Department provides lodging places for both the sanctuaries.
With the above information, one can easily make a guided to Tour to Goa any part of the year.