Fuel your inner wanderlust with these enjoyable things to do in GOA with family

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Photo of Fuel your inner wanderlust with these enjoyable things to do in GOA with family by Shailja Daga
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ANJUNA FLEA MARKET (Source - Google)
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ANJUNA FLEA MARKET (Source - Google)
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ANJUNA FLEA MARKET (Source - Google)

GOA, the most loved party destination for Indians, has something for everyone. Its name is second to none when one thinks of a place to cherish the amazing locales and the rich hippie culture. Located on the western coast of the country, it is one of the most lively destinations to spend some memorable time with your loved ones, be it with family or friends.

It offers endless activities to indulge in. From saintly churches to high energetic music festivals, from the shopping craze to the spring festival, Shigmo, from a number of water sports to an even larger number of beaches, Goa has a multitude of undertakings to its credit.

Read on for awesome and truly popular and merry things to do in Goa with family. Let’s roll!

1. Hit the track with Go-karting

Go-karting is one sport that gives you the actual racing feels. The turns and corners of the 350 to 550 m long tracks are quite good. You can find one track next to the Saturday market itself, in North Goa. The karts might not be too fast but it is thrilling, cheap and fun anyway.

Where to go-

Goa Kart Racing (Google rating- 4.2)-

Track I Go Karting- Panjim Highway of Margao, behind the showroom of Tata motors, Nuvem, South Goa. Open on all days at 4 pm (except Monday)

Track II Go Karting- S. No 55, Anjuna-Calangute Road, Bardez, North Goa, India.

Open on all days at 4 pm (except Monday). Cost- INR 200 for 10 laps

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ARPORA SATURDAY NIGHT MARKE (Source - Google)
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ARPORA SATURDAY NIGHT MARKET (Source - Google)

2. Let yourself loose on the shopping spree

The vibrant colors that you’d find in this place will awaken your aesthetic sense. Clothes, accessories, souvenirs, spices, electronic devices, jewelry, vintage products, fruits, artifacts, all can be bought from here. It’s a one stop all market. The shopping locations in Goa have some unique variety of the products and it entices both tourists and shoppers alike. Keep your bargaining skills handy to bag some great deals.

Where to go- The Saturday market (in Arpora), The Anjuna flea market (Anjuna)

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Banana Boat Ride in Goa (Source - Google)
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Fly Boarding in Goa (Source - Google)
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Windsurfing in Goa (Source - Google)

3. Indulge in the water games and sports

Investing in the water sports is like a therapy. It is widely popular and famous. Numerous places offer training too for the activities. Each one of the games or sports gives a unique feeling and experience. Several beaches and islands offer sports such as parasailing, banana rides, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, white water rafting, sport fishing, water zorbing, Ringo ride, jet skiing, wind surfing and if you choose a combo then you might land a deal as well.

Where to go- Grande Island, Mobor, Malvan, Pindul cave, Dona Paula bay, Mayem Lake, Sylvan Siridao, Sao Gorge Island

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Dolphin Safari Goa (Source - Google)
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Dolphin Safari Goa (Source - Google)

4. Meet and greet with the dolphins and elephants

Dolphin spotting trips is a much loved time pass by everyone, be it kids, adults, couples or a family. However, isn’t a sure shot guarantee to spot them, the boat ride in itself is very pleasing and relaxing.

Cost- INR 200 per person approx. Rates differ according to seasons.

Timing- 9 am to 5 pm (Jan to May and Oct to Dec)

Getting splashed with water by elephants is another fun not to be missed, especially if you are with your family. The splash feels like an entire waterfall being poured on you.

Cost- INR 300 to 600 per person

Where to go- Varca, South Goa; John’s boat tour, near Newton’s supermarket, Bardez; Dolphin watching boat tour- Aguada - Siolim Rd, Sinquerim, Candolim, Aguada Fort Area, h-no 1/55, North Goa, Goa- 403515

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O’ Coqueiro at Porvorim (Source - Google)
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O’ Coqueiro at Porvorim (Source - Google)
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Britto's - Baga Beach (Source Google)

5. Try the cuisine

The varied cuisine of Goa is a paradise for a food lover. It boasts of Indian cuisine, Catholic cuisine and its main specialty is the seafood. It’s fresh and too tasty to avoid a second helping.

You got to be a pro to taste and know about all the delicacies it has.

Goan Portuguese dessert Bebinca is widely popular there and is a must must try for its melting flavours. The cuisine includes Xacuti, Vindaloo, Sarapatel, Shrimp curry, Solkadhi, Pataleo, Cucumber cake and Varan bhaat, only to name a very few.

Where to go- Britto’s near Baga Beach; Fisherman’s Paradise and Souza Lobo near Calangute; O’ Coqueiro at Porvorim.

Eateries near Anjuna include Heidi’s Beer Garden, Baba Au Rhum and German Bakery.

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Crown Casino (Source - Google)
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The Chances resort and Casino (Source - Google)
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Deltin Royale (Source - Google)

6. Gamble your day off

For its both onshore and offshore casinos, Goa has delightfully been named as the Las Vegas of India. Only above 18 individuals are allowed into its amazing interiors. They pricey casinos offer some very fine dining experience, tournaments and numerous games like American Roulette, Stud Poker Black Jack, Baccarat, Rummy, Pontoon and Flash.

Where to go- Deltin Royale, Crown Casino, Casino Carnival, Casino Pride, Marriott Hotel, Casino Palms, The Chances resort and Casino (Open 24 hours)

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Arambol Beach (Source - Google)
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Colva Beach (Source - Google)
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Candolim Beach (Source - Google)
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Baga Beach (Source - Google)
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Anjuna Beach (Source - Google)
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Anjuna Beach (Source - Google)
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Bogmalo Beach (Source - Google)

7. Beaches all around

The vast number of beaches in Goa, more than 50, is a surprise to none. Its warm, quaint and soothing evenings take you into some other world. The majestic and beautiful landscapes with a spell binding view of the entire lake makes for a tranquil treat for the eyes of a nature lover. Bathe in the seas or just stroll along the shoreline for a perfect mood.

Where to go- Baga, Anjuna, Mandrem, Arambol, Palolem, Colva, Vagator, Calangute, Morjim, Candolim, Sinquerim, Majorda, Agonda, Miramar, Ashwem and Bogmalo are some of the very pristine, beautiful and popular beaches in Goa.

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Dudhsagar Falls (Source - Google)
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Dudhsagar Falls (Source - Google)
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Dudhsagar Falls (Source-Google)
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Harvalem waterfall (Source - Google)
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Netravali waterfall (Source - Google)

8. Waterfalls

If you feel like calming your nerves down from all the partying and hangover, head straight to the beautiful lakes and waterfalls of Goa with your family. It attracts a major chunk of tourist population and also has great legends attached to its name. The nature never fails to wow your expectations. Their starting points are quite high and lend a spectacular sight to behold.

Where to go- Dudhsagar Falls, Netravali waterfall, Harvalem waterfall are among the most visited and popular ones. Sada Falls, Kuskem waterfalls, Tambdi Surla Falls, Kesarval Falls, Hivre falls also call for a splendid view.

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SUNBURN GOA (Source - Google)
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SUNBURN GOA (Source-Google)
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SUNBURN GOA (Source - Google)
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SUNBURN GOA (Source - Google)

9. Festivals to enjoy

• Several music enthusiasts flock to Goa for the music festivals like Sunburn, Supersonic. It offers a once in a lifetime experience. EDM, Dance, after-festival party gatherings are sure to rocket your mood. The night-time ambience is crazy, just like its people. It brings together many famous international bands and artists. The aura built by the DJs is ecstatic.

• The spring festival called the Shigmo or the shishirotsav just can’t be missed if you visit Goa during spring. The folks demonstrate stories and legends from their regional history by conducting parades, street dancing and by using various colorful props. It lasts a fortnight.

• The Goa Heritage Festival is a pompous show of its rich culture. The artists and craftsmen showcase their skills to help and promote Goan pottery, handicrafts and woodcrafts, crochet, paintings and also the Goan cuisines.

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Church of St. Francis of Assisi (Source - Google)
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Se Cathedral (Source - Google)
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Church of St. Cajetan (Source - Google)
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Museum of Christian art (Source - Google)
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Basilica of Bom Jesus (Source - Google)

10. Food for soul- Quaint and soothing churches

The impeccable artistry on the walls of the Goan churches and the history entwined with beautiful designing, all combine to give an experience so natural and divine that you would grow to love the spell of its silence. The lush greenery and the perfect pathways make for a brilliant picture.

The churches have various credits to their name- one is a UNESCO world heritage site, another is the only one to host sculptures and artifacts and is a museum too, still, another is said to resemble Rome’s St. Peter’s church. One is regarded and known as the largest church in Asia.

Where to go- Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of St. Cajetan, Se Cathedral, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Museum of Christian art.

11. Paintball sites

War without bloodshed means Paintball in a nutshell. The teams have to eliminate the opponents by hitting them with dye-filled gelatin capsules. This arena is fast developing in Goa and the youths love to throng there. Some places have a starting price of INR 850/ head. It’s a great adrenaline rush and is very exciting.

Where to go- Milsim Goa Paintball; Paintball X, Anjuna; Xtreme Paintball, Mapusa

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GOA SCIENCE CENTER (Source - Google)
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The Kerkar Art gallery (Source - Google)
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The Kerkar Art gallery (Source - Google)

12. For exploring

• The Goa Science Centre was established in late 2001 and has a huge campus. You can take a good look while walking around the garden with exotic flowers. Young children can get valuable lessons from the Daily Science Shows organized. There is a specially designed lab for creating IT awareness also. It is a great hub for budding minds.

Address- Marine Highway, Miramar, Panaji, Goa 403001

• The Kerkar Art gallery is India’s largest private contemporary art space and was founded by Goan artist Subodh Kerkar. It showcases some of the most applauded works of Indian and foreign artists. It had opened on 6 Nov 2015.

• The Wax World Museum houses simple yet alluring wax models of mostly Indian celebrities and historical figures. It is quite informative about the regional culture and has 30 life-size statues of famous personalities. There is a nice gift shop as well where one can buy candles of different shapes and smells.

It closes at 6.30pm.

Cost- INR 30 per person and INR 10 for camera.

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BONDLA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (Source - Google)
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BONDLA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (Source - Google)

13. Some fauna to visit

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is located in northeastern Goa in Ponda Taluka. Here, a varied number of animals can be seen including Indian bison, Malabar giant squirrel, Sambar deer and Leopards.

It closes at 5pm and INR 30 is charged per person.

So, these were some delighting places to hop in Goa. Make your journey a memorable one. Travel freaks are sure to derive the most out of it. Make your opinion count by mentioning some of your favorite locations to this list in the comments below. Also, mention the places we might have overlooked to give you better information in the days to come.