Attracting over 2,5 million visitors every year to Goa is not a difficult task for this stunning area.

When you think of Goa tourism, you think of white sand, sparking and clear waters and swaying palm trees.  These balmy shores have been attracting people to travel Goa for a long time. This tiny slice of Indian glory is just not to be missed, so book one of Goa tour packages.

Previously, Goa was a Portuguese outpost in India for almost 500 years, which means that Goa was significantly influenced by a colonial rule. The influence is visible in its architecture, cuisine and culture.  In fact, you can not find the genuine laid back feeling of smooth serenity nowhere else in India. For those who pick Goa tour packages, Goa really has a lot to offer,

Goa Tourism

Generally, Goa tourism is focused on the coastal areas.  The activity of tourists is decreased inland, however there is plenty more to see in Goa than the beaches, although they are counted as one the most beautiful in the world.  There are two main tourist seasons in Goa, winter and summer.  The winter season is when many European tourists travel to Goa to enjoy the climate, and the summer season is when many domestic travelers come for their holidays.

For those who want to spend their Goa tours on the beach, the most popular are Anjuna, Arambol, Calangute and Vagator. Other than the beautiful beaches, there are wildlife sanctuaries, Fort Aguada, Calangute, and Old Goa with its 16^th century churches, convents and monuments that are worth visiting. Goa heart lies in its charming villages, so take some time and visit Benaulim, Britona and Reis Magos. Explore local bazaars, and shop for local handicrafts. Huge variety of decorative items made of shells, bamboo, clay and coconut make great gifts to friends and family and will bring you back memories of your Goa tour.

Goan Culture

Goa has many prominent local festivals like Chavoth, Diwali, Christmas, Easter, Shigmo, Padvo, and they are just some of the Festivals that represent some of the local religions in Goa.  The Goan Carnival is also known to attract very large numbers of people. Hindu people in the Goan area are known to enjoy Natak, Bhajan, and Kirtan. Many famous Indian classical singers come from Goa, that made Goa even more popular. Other than music and dance, theatre is another outlet for cultural Goans. Much of the theatre performances in Goa are stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.  But they also delve into modern social subjects which are narrated with song and dance.

During your Goa tour package, do not miss the chance to enjoy local specialties. Goa cuisine is higly appreciated for its exotic spices and interesting combinations of ingredients.

Environmental Goa

Goa is home to an equatorial forest cover which is mostly owned by the government.  Most of the forested areas of Goa are located in the interior eastern regions.  The Western Ghats which run along the eastern side of Goa are internationally recognized as a biodiversity hotspot. Goa boasts with several amaying Wildlife sanctuaries which have over 1512 documented species of plants, over 275 species of birds, and as more than 60 different reptiles, together with other animals typical for India.

Goa is known internationally as a popular tourist destination due to its sparkling waters and white sandy beaches. It is very important that tourists and visitors pay their attention and to be environmentally friendly while on their Goa tours, in order to preserve this beautiful land for future generations.