One of the most alluring places that India Tourism has to offer, Goa has been calling to travelers for hundreds of years.

Laid back on the silky white sand of Goa India beaches could make anyone forget their troubles.  Grab a bargain, soak up the sun or visit some of the wonderful cultural churches around the state, experience the magical Goa tourism. Exciting Goa tour packages won’t leave you disappointed.

Tourism in Goa, India

There is much more to discover here than just the sand beneath your toes, but let us start with some of the best beaches you can enjoy during Goa Tour Packages:

Calangute Beach- it was the main gathering point of hippies that made her world famous. Today, this beach is very crowded but still, it is surrounded with many popular clubs and it has nice options for enjoying the local food. It is not a place for a family vacation, but on the other hand, a right place to visit if you are young and you want to enjoy the night life while on vacation.

Baga Beach- a very good place for a family to relax and enjoy its India Tour.

Anjuna Beach- somewhat part of alternative Goa tourism offer, very close to Arpora village which you should definitely visit on Saturday night when the bazaar is being held, or on Wednesdays if you want to explore its famous flea market.

Colva beach- world famous for its scenic beauty you will never forget.

Palolem Beach- extremely beautiful, with numerous small islands and rocks close to the shore, and not that much crowded.

Chapora Beach- close to Calangute and Anjuna, with a popular tourist attraction, Chapora Fort. Fort is built on the top of the hill, and it’s a bit challenging to find the way in, but you will be rewarded by amazing view on the sea and the beach itself.

Condolim Beach- once a small, fishing village, now becoming increasingly popular among tourists.

While here in Goa, India, you should take the opportunity to explore its little know areas.  Although Goa’s beaches are its main attractions, there is much more that can be explored here.  Fields dotted with palms and quaint cottages with red roofs make for some really nice holiday snapshot backgrounds. Goans mainly live in villages, and they are the very heart of this small, but beautiful state. Villages are usually very close to the places where tourists are accommodated, so take some time and have a nice walk to some of the neighboring villages. It would be very interesting if you decided to visit Benaulim, Britona, or Reis Magos. You can also take a trip to a vanilla plantation that will fill your head with a beautiful, warm smell while a walk along the banks of the States Rivers will leave your ears full of birdsong. For those of you who would love to explore flora and fauna during their Goa tour package Bondla and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuaries are the perfect places.

If you would like to explore the cities of Goa, India, then you can visit Old Goa, which was once the capital of Goa, back in colonial time. Old Goa is famous for its churches and cathedrals, all of them extremely well preserved and worth visiting. Old Goa is 10 km away from Panjim (Panaji), today’s capital of Goa. You can take a day and visit both places. Do not miss the trip to islands around Panaji, they are accessible with ferry. You can also visit Dona Paula, beautiful beach that has been popular shooting place for many Bollywood movies. Or, visit Margao, said to be Goas cultural and commercial capital and see Presentation Convent, Fatima Convent or Clergy Home and many other interesting places.

Activities in Goa, India

Goa Tourism offer is very rich and there are many things that you can do while on your Goa tour package. Besides relaxing on the beaches, you should try diving. The best season for divers is between October till May. Water is very warm, between 27 to 30C, with good visibility, from 5 to 6 meters, and very rich underwater life with many different species of fish and a lot of corals. Several dive centers are organizing PADI courses.

Goa is very popular for its cheap, adventure sports on the beach, so if you wanted to try paragliding, kitesurfing or jet-ski, Goa tours are perfect opportunity for it.

Goa Culture

India travel is a great opportunty for exploring other cultures because the country is very diversed and every region has its own unique catacteristics. Goa is very small, but still, it has two World Heritage Sites: Borm Jesus Basilika, that hold remains of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, and Convents in Old Goa. For more insight in culture of Goa, visit Goa State Museum or Naval Aviation Museum, Goa Science Center in Panjim, or National Institute of Oceanography.

Culture of Goa is in fact, a unique mix, made of numerous elements, mostly Indian and Portuguese. It is best displayed during some of it famous festivals: Chavoth, Diwali, Christmas, Easter, Shigmo, and Samvatsar Padvo.

Bargain Haggling in Goa, India

Justifiably proud of their state the people of Goa are incredibly friendly and hassle free and this reflects in the easiest haggling for bargains in the country. Look out for loal lacquerware toys, hand painted ceramics, or a buy some of the wide range of other handicrafts made from coconut fiber, clay, bamboo or sea shells. There is Portuguese influenced wine and food and beautiful colonial era architecture.  Many visitors become long term residents which is definitely a sign of a great place.

Goan Cuisine

You can enjoy a mix of Goan, Chinese, Portuguese inspired and Hindi food here, which is well worth it if you are a food lover. The Goan staple diet consists of rice and fish curry along with pickles and fried fish. This can be found on many of the beach shacks. The Goan cuisine is a blend of Portuguese and local flavors. Many dishes such as prawn Balchao and Kingfish in garlic have distinct Portuguese flavor. Other dishes found in Goa, such as vindaloo will be familiar from restaurant menus around the world but are originally Goan dishes. Most of the beaches here have food shacks that serve quite good meals.  A specialty here is seafood and the service is great with many shack staff asking to see how you liked your food. Beware of taxi and auto rickshaw drivers who offer to take you to fancy restaurants as they often receive a commission.

Environmental Goa

During your Goa tour, you should do as much as possible to reduce your impact upon the environment and to do your part in helping Goa preserve its nature. Same applies for all other India Tours you might choose.