GOA, what comes to your mind when you hear the word Goa? Blissful beaches, booze, clubs, Dil Chahta Hai movie, Chapora Fort, seafood, spicy curries, vibrant markets, crazy nightlife, Sunburn festival, and much more, all infused with the special and captivating blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures.
Goa is India’s West Coast paradise. From the glorious sands of beaches to the electric nightlife, there are many well-loved places to visit in Goa that is very popular among the holiday goers. There’s so much to experience in this small state of India. I can guarantee you that you gonna have a different experience every time you visit Goa.
Where to stay?
There is something for everyone in Goa, from luxury hotels and world-class fine dining restaurants to cheap and cheerful beach huts, to adventure sports to wild all-night beach parties, and hippie markets. We stayed at The Belmonte Suites by Ace, near to Vagator Beach. It offers you a luxurious stay with great food and awesome service. An all-suite resort amidst a serene environment is located at only 3 km away from the Vagator beach and is in very close proximity to the famous Chapora Fort and other famous tourist attractions in Vagator.
Places to explore
Chapora Fort
It is one of the favorite places of people to chill out. The fort overlooks the Chapora river and hence its name. However, there is a more interesting name given to this fort i.e. ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ Fort. And let me tell you the best time to visit Chapora Fort is in the evening time because sunset sky looks spectacular from here. Moreover, when the sky paints everything around, especially the Chapora River and beaches of Chapora, in its sunset color, ah! the sight is just out of this world. I can spend the whole day at the fort.
Vagator Beach
Believe me Vagator beach is one of the cleanest and quietest beaches of Goa. It's my favorite beach. If you are an introvert, who loves spending time with themselves then you must visit this beach in the evening. There's something calming and reassuring about the steady lapping of the waves. The back and forth of the tide-pulled waters are so soothing to the soul. Take some time out to just be. Life is so much better at the beach. Everything is better there!
Baga Beach
One of the most popular and busiest beaches in North Goa. Baga is the perfect destination for you if you wish to witness the excellent nightlife of Goa as signature places such as Britto's, Tito's and Mambos have made their mark in their hearts of party-goers. The shacks come to life in the late evening with some pumping music and mouthwatering food.
Aguada Fort
Fort Aguada is one of the most popular Portuguese forts along with a lighthouse, standing in Goa, on Sinquerim Beach. You can simply sit there and relax while watching the sunset because it is one of the most popular tourist spots in Goa to enjoy the sky painted in fleeting shades of red and orange while the sun bids a farewell to the day for then.
Dudhsagar Waterfall
The picturesque Dudhsagar waterfall, is one of the tallest waterfalls of India, boasting a clear fall height of around 1017 ft. It is located on the Goa-Karnataka border. It justifies its name as the gushing water from the streams creates an illusion of milk flowing through the mountains. The first sight of the milky white waterfalls can spell-bind even the direst of people. It is said that there were only 98 jeeps earlier and mostly foreigners used to visit the waterfall. But soon after the movie, Chennai Express was shot here, there was a tremendous increase in the number of jeeps. Now there are 450+ jeeps. People loved the shot where the train crossed the bridge over the falls and Indians started visiting this place.
The way to the waterfall is beautiful, its an adventurous bumpy Jeep ride that leads you to the spectacular fall and it takes 45 minutes to reach there. You get exactly 1.5 hours to explore the forest and waterfall. You can swim, play and enjoy the waterfall. A light shower from the water stream on your face can make all the chaos of life seem insignificant.
Places to eat
1. Toro Toro
2. Thalassa
3. Purple Martini
4. German Bakery
5. Bean me up
6. Artjuna
7. Fisherman's Cove
Where to shop?
The Wednesday Flea Market of Anjuna is a perfect Goan market to shop. But you gotta know how to bargain. Also, you can find several shopping markets near the beaches.
You can never get enough of Goa. The hangover of Goa is going to be forever. I wish Goa calls us every six months. It is a destination for all occasions and celebrations. So come, party, enjoy it! Cheers!
Also, we are glad that Goa was our last trip because we don't know when will this nightmare end and we will be back on our toes catching flights, running for the trains, enjoying the scenic view from the train and planes. Anyway, Goa you were amazing and we miss you.
