Goa
Goa is a must-visit for travel lovers, known for its beautiful beaches, culture, climate, and historic sites. With colorful buildings, lush greenery, and stunning beaches, Goa blends Portuguese and Indian culture. It's famous for its music, dance, and sunsets. At Travelojurney Trip, we have a range of Goa tour packages to suit all budgets, from affordable to luxury options.
Why Visit Goa?
- Beaches - Goa has 75 miles of coastline with beautiful beaches surrounded by palm trees and turquoise waters. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing on the beach all day long. Some popular beaches include Calangute, Palolem, Baga, Anjuna, Candolim, Arambol, Agonda, Morjim, and Miramar.
- Spirituality - While many visit Goa for parties, others come to seek spirituality. You can join yoga sessions on the beaches at sunrise, offering a peaceful experience for your mind. People from all over the world come to Goa to learn yoga and reiki. Some popular yoga centers include Ruban Yoga, Brothers Yoga Retreat, Cyril Yoga Ayurveda Center, Aranya Yoga, and Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Center.
- Shopping - Shopping in Goa is a fun experience, with vibrant markets offering clothes, accessories, spices, and handmade items. Many markets stay open late, some even until 2 AM, making them a top attraction. Be sure to leave extra space in your bags for all the great finds!
- Activities - One of the best activities in Goa to indulge in is hiking. Apart from this, you can also enjoy the water adventure sports such as parasailing.
- Adventure in Goa: Scuba diving, Sunset kayaking, Flyboarding, Sunset sailing, Snorkelling, Rafting, Trekking
- Nightlife - The most famous attraction in Goa is its nightlife. If you are not a part of this, you are not meant for Goa. You can party all night till the dawn and there are several places for this. From beach parties to clubs and pubs, you can go anywhere to find the cool crowd that loves partying.
- Nightlife in Goa - Club Cubana, Tito’s Bar and Club, SinQ Night Club, Cafe Mambos, Curlies, Shiva Valley, Hilltop
- Religious places - Goa is home to ancient temples and churches, some from the 17th century. You can visit these places to pray and admire their architecture. Notable ones include the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Shantadurga Temple, Rachol Seminary, Shree Mangueshi Temple, Se Cathedral, and Mahadeva Temple.
Best Time to Visit Goa
Goa is a place where time seems to disappear. You lose track of the hours while enjoying the sunset and dancing under the stars. The lively beaches and the happy tourists create a sense of excitement, as if something magical is always about to happen. Goa blends day and night into a nonstop experience of fun and relaxation, like one big party. But it’s also about finding peace away from the crowds, in quiet, cozy cafes, where you can enjoy some time alone or with someone special. Goa is the perfect mix of calm and energy.
Goa in Winter (November – March)
In winter, temperatures in Goa range from 21°C to 32°C. After the monsoon, the landscape turns lush and green. The sun feels warm on your skin, while cool winds play with your hair. The salty sea breeze and clear skies invite you to explore. The pleasant weather makes winter the perfect time to visit, attracting many tourists. Winter in Goa is all about relaxing late nights by the sea, wrapped in a light shawl, watching the waves crash on the shore.
Goa in Monsoon (June – August)
During the monsoon, temperatures in Goa range from 24°C to 30°C. The weather is often rainy, with light drizzle and occasional thunderstorms. The air smells of both the sea and fresh rain, making it a perfect time for nature lovers. Days are humid, but nights are cool and comfortable.
Goa in Summer (March– May)
In summer, temperatures in Goa range from 25°C to 35°C. The weather is perfect for watching the sunrise on the beach, sunbathing, and enjoying cold drinks to stay cool. If you're up for a challenge, try water sports like snorkeling, jet skiing, or scuba diving. Just remember to bring sunblock and sunglasses for protection.
Top Places to visit in Goa
- Palolem Beach : A Teanquil Oasis
Palolem Beach in South Goa is a beautiful, crescent-shaped beach surrounded by palm trees and clear blue waters. You can relax on the soft sand, swim in the calm waves, or try water sports like kayaking and paddle-boarding.
- Basilica of Bom Jesus : A Heritage Gem
The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful Baroque design. This 16th-century church is home to the remains of St. Francis Xavier and has a stunning interior to admire.
- Dudhsagar Water Falls
See one of India’s tallest waterfalls, flowing from green cliffs in the Western Ghats. Enjoy the stunning views of the forest and wildlife sanctuary. For adventure, take a trek or jeep safari to the waterfall’s base and cool off in the refreshing water.
- Fort Aguada – Historical Landmark
Fort Aguada, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, sits on a hill with views of the Arabian Sea. Explore the fort, enjoy the coast’s stunning views, and visit the lighthouse for amazing sights.
- Anjuna Flea Market
Visit the Anjuna Flea Market in North Goa every Wednesday. Shop for colorful crafts, clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs, and enjoy local street food in a lively atmosphere.
- Chapora Fort : Sunset Serenity
Chapora Fort, famous from the movie "Dil Chahta Hai," offers stunning views of the landscape and Arabian Sea. Explore the fort’s ruins on a hill above Vagator Beach and enjoy breathtaking sunset views.
- Baga Beach
Known as the “Queen of Beaches,” Baga Beach is Goa’s most famous and busiest stretch of coastline. Relax on the golden sands, enjoy water sports like parasailing and jet skiing, or explore the bustling beach shacks and markets lining the shore.
- Spice Plantation
Take a guided tour of a spice plantation in Goa to learn about spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Enjoy a traditional Goan meal made with fresh spices.
- Fontainhas : A Special Portugal
Explore the narrow lanes of Fontainhas, Goa’s Latin Quarter in Panaji. Enjoy the colorful Portuguese-style houses, visit art galleries and shops, and soak in the neighborhood's charming atmosphere.
- Arambol Beach
Relax at Arambol Beach in North Goa, a peaceful spot with a bohemian vibe. Popular with backpackers and yogis, you can take a walk along the beach, enjoy sunset performances, or join a calming yoga session.
Top Activities / things to do in Goa
- Drink in the local Sprit
When in Goa, try the local drink, feni, made from cashew apple juice or coconut sap. Cashew feni is double-distilled, and the first distillation, urrak, is a refreshing drink, especially in summer. These drinks are unique to Goa. Start with urrak or coconut feni, which are milder, or try a feni cocktail at a bar.
- Experience a Cozy Evening of Goan-Portuguese Culture
Goans are passionate about football and music. To explore the latter, visit a 200-year-old home in Panaji, now the Centre for Indo-Portuguese Arts (CIPA). Inside, you'll find Madra Goa, a charming room decorated with oyster shell panes, umbrellas, and instruments like the ghumott and Portuguese guitar. One wall even looks like a street in Lisbon. Here, Goan fado singer Sonia Shirsat performs intimate concerts, where she introduces songs and encourages the audience to sing along. During breaks, enjoy delicious Indo-Portuguese snacks like bacalhau, pork empadinhas, pastéis de nata, and choris pao.
- Visit the Centuries-Old Saint's Preserved Body in Old Goa
Old Goa is a must-visit for anyone in Goa, known for its beautiful old churches, chapels, and monuments, some listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The highlight is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a grand granite church that houses the well-preserved body of St. Francis Xavier in a silver casket. His body, which has been preserved since his death in 1552, is displayed every decade for pilgrims to visit. This year, the exposition runs from November 21st to January 5th.
- Learn to Surf on Goa's Beginner-Friendly Waves
Surfing is becoming popular in Goa, with surf schools in places like Morjim, Ashvem, Mandrem, and Agonda. Goa's long coastline, gentle waves, and good lifeguard services make it perfect for beginners. Surf lessons are available year-round, except during the monsoons. Popular surf schools include Vaayu Surf, Banana Surf School, On Da Wave, and others.
- See a croc. in the Wild
While dolphin watching is popular in Goa, a more adventurous activity is crocodile watching. Crocodiles are seen as guardian spirits in Goa, especially the freshwater mugger found in the Cumbharjua Canal. A ride through the canal lets you explore backwaters, mangroves, and the local wildlife, including birds, crabs, and crocodiles. These crocodiles often sunbathe on the shore, blending in with the mud. Although they look scary, they are used to humans.
- Eat Fish, Curry and rice
In Goa, the typical meal is fish, curry, and rice. This simple dish uses fresh seafood, local rice, and a flavorful curry made with coconut, spices, and kokum. You can find it in many restaurants and shacks, but it’s best enjoyed at small thali restaurants serving fresh fish. A Goan thali includes rice, curry, fried fish, vegetables, salad, kismur (dried shrimp salad), and solkadi (a digestive drink with kokum). It’s a satisfying meal best eaten with your hands.
Best Shopping Places
Goa is famous for its beaches, lively nightlife, and mix of cultures, but it’s also a great place to shop. With lively markets, unique boutiques, and local treasures, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for Goan products, beachwear, or souvenirs, this guide will help you find the best shopping spots in Goa. So, grab your shopping bags and let’s go!
Anjuna Flea Market
The Anjuna Flea Market in North Goa is a popular spot, held every Wednesday. It offers handmade jewelry, clothes, souvenirs, and local artwork. Bargaining is common, so be ready to haggle for the best prices.
Mapusa Market
The Mapusa Market, held every Friday, is a vibrant spot where locals and tourists buy spices, fruits, vegetables, clothes, homeware, and handicrafts. It’s a great place for an authentic Goan shopping experience.
Calangute Market
The Calangute Market Square, near Calangute Beach, is a popular shopping spot. Vendors sell sarongs, jewelry, beachwear, and souvenirs, making it a great place to pick up colorful and affordable beach essentials.
Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs
A trip to Goa isn’t complete without buying local handicrafts and souvenirs. The markets and shops are full of traditional Goan items made by local artisans.
