What makes any holiday destination ideal ? Beaches, thrilling night clubs, churches, historical forts or the lavish luxury hotels? Well, Goa has it all and is amongst the best holiday destinations of the world. This is an elaborate guide on things to do in Goa.

Goa’s Beaches.

The Emerald State’s USP lies in its beaches attracting millions every year. Every beach in Goa is known for its diversity and attractions that makes it difficult for tourists to stick to one. The three most sought after beaches include Anjuna beach, Calangute and Baga beach and Aguada beach.


Flea markets that can spoil you completely can be found at Anjuna beach. Tourists can shop from here for almost everything ranging from clothing to souvenir. The beach was once a favorite haunt for the hippies, still retains its distinct marks. These hippies used to organize rave beach parties having trance music that has now become the distinguishing feature of this beach. While the two adjoining beaches- Baga and Calangute are the busiest and definitely most happening beaches amongst all. The beach is dotted with thousands of shacks and classy restaurants. The major highlight of Baga beach is undoubtedly Club Tito and Café Mambo.

Nightlife.


There is literally no end to the fun when it comes to holiday in Goa. The nightlife of the city is the major crowd puller. The state is known worldwide for its ‘Sunburn’ festival which is amongst the best ninth festival in the world. The festival is an ultimate combination of food, shopping and of course loud music. Top three nightclubs in Goa include Cocktails and Dreams, Café Mambos and Club Tito. The lively Cocktails and Dreams nightclub in Baga boasts not one but two dance clubs. While Café Mambos is ideal for a wild night out and is meant for those who love to party all night long. Another place to hit in Goa is Club Tito, located in Baga beach, has started the craze for parties in the state. The club has best in-house DJs playing hip hop and rock numbers. The club is also a favorite amongst all the biggies of Bollywood.

Churches in Goa.



Churches in Goa are a true reflection of the Portuguese culture. These magnificent churches are mostly built in between 16th and 17th centuries and some of them have been listed as the world heritage sites. The top three churches include Church of St. Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus and Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The largest church in Asia is St. Catherine that has been built in the Corinthian and gothic style. Basilica of Bom Jesus has been the first church ever built in India. The church has been listed as the world heritage site and is known for its Jesuit architecture. Church of St. Francis of Assisi was constructed in the 17th century and is popular for its ornately decorated two statues- one of Jesus and the other of St. Francis of Assisi. Mosaic Corinthian style architecture is yet another attractive feature of this church.

Forts and Other Heritage Properties in Goa.


Goa is always associated with its beaches and night clubs. But the forts of Goa are regarded as Portuguese marvels reflecting the rich culture of that country. The top three forts include Chapora, Aguda and Tiracol. The massive Chapora fort was built by Bijapur Adil Shah and was later reconstructed by the Portuguese in 1617. The fort presents a beautiful view of the Anjuna beach and is built of red laterite stones. Fort Aguda is one of the most well preserved bastions in Goa. The main purpose of this fort was to protect the Portuguese goods and trading interests from the Dutch and Maratha raiders. Another attractive fort of the state is Tiracol fort that once served as a residence of a local king. The fort is now converted into a heritage hotel and is known for its adventure sports activities such as rock climbing and para-sailing.

Luxury Accommodation in Goa.



Goa is dotted with an array of luxury hotels to provide a luxurious stay for many tourists. All the luxury hotels are fully equipped with modern amenities fulfilling all needs of every traveler. The top three luxury hotels in Goa include The Leela Goa, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa and Vivanta by Taj. The Leela Goa is spread over 75 acres of land and is famous for its South Indian architecture. The resort is known for its luxurious rooms and exquisite dining. The Park Hyatt resort is yet another classy hotel of Goa and is based on thematic look of Indo-Portuguese village. The resort is famous for its breathtaking view of the gardens and lagoons. Vivanta by Taj is another luxury hotel of Goa is famous for its Jiva Spa where tourists can enjoy a pampering massage. The hotel has 170 rooms and is equipped with hardwood floors. The hotel is a favorite amongst many international tourists.


Getting There.

Goa International Airport , more commonly known as Dabolim Airport, is an international airport located in the village of Dabolim in Goa. It is the only airport in the state and shares it's runways with the military airbase. It's only direct flights (from UK, Europe, Scandinavia and Russia) are seasonal charters. It is served by domestic traffic the remainder of the year.

For more information about Goa beaches, tours, hotels, churches and other essential information, you may like to visit - http://www.goatrip.com


Author Bio.




Hari Sharma has been a traveler since his childhood days with a keen perception of his surroundings, people and culture. Together with his amateur photography skills, his travel experiences translate into thoughtful travel stories and musings. His work has appeared in several travel magazines, Online Travel Guide and travel blogs among others.

To view Tour-smart's other articles about the wonders that await you in India please click on the following links:-

RETREATING TO GOA

KERALA

THE COLD DESERT OF LADAKH

LUXURY TRAIN TRAVEL

A GUIDE TO THE CUISINE

HERITAGE HOTELS