Best time to visit: November – March
How to reach:
Airport: Dabolim Airport
Closest Railway stations: Madgaon, Thivim, Karmali.
Via Road: Goa is well connected by roads to major neighbouring cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad with good regular bus services
Must visits:
- Basilica of Bom Jesus
- Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
- Fort Aguada
- Dudhsagar Falls
Must taste:
- Seafood , Sorpotel, Chouricos, Bebinca, Dodol, Feni
Must try:
- Water sports especially beach parasailing, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving
- Shopping at Anjuna Flea Market
- Fishing and dolphin sighting
- Attend a Goan carnival
- Take a sunset river cruise on Mandovi river
- Dine and relax at the beach shacks
Must buy:
- Spices, tea, cashew, exotic fruits
- Goa figurines, jewelry boxes, vases, lampshades, trays, jewelry and Papier-mâché items
- Handicrafts made of natural materials: bamboo crafts, macramé, braid made of coconut fiber, coconut peel, straw, etc
Some tips:
- Carry all your ATM and credit cards and all the necessary documents, and take care of your ready money also.
- Beware of touts at most tourist spots who are ready to provide you with anything and everything
- Always listen to the lifeguard. The calm waves might look inviting, but they could hide a current or a sudden depression
- If you are travelling on the train, don’t leave your baggage unattended and do not accept food items from strangers
- Always be ready to bargain in most small establishments. Shop at Government emporia/handicraft centres for quality products at reasonable price
- Guides may be hired from Government approved agencies. For verification, you may ask for identity card
- Pay taxis/autorickshaws by meter only or by tariff card issued by Directorate of Transport and available with the driver
- While at the beach please read sign boards before entering the water and please follow the instructions on the signboards and avoid swimming during monsoon.
- Check out the small hotels at the tourist spots for exotic and authentic Goan cuisine.
- Drink enough water and fluids to keep yourself dehydrated
- Driving vehicles on the beach, export of live plants is prohibited
- Please note use, possession and trade of drugs (hard or soft) is totally illegal in Goa
- Articles made from rare, endangered and protected species of animals are banned. Do not buy these from roadside sellers or even shops
- Nudity on beaches and public places is forbidden and punishable under the law
- Smoking and spitting is banned at all places of public use
What to pack:
- Cotton clothes
- Flip flops
- Swim wear or beach wear
- Sun glasses and hats
- Sunscreen lotion and mosquito repellent
Amazing facts:
- For a small state, Goa has an astounding number of 7000 bars
- St. Francis Xavier’s non-decomposed body which is more than 400 years old is in the world-famous Basilica of Bom Jesus church.
- The Goa Medical College was the 1st medical school setup in India and the 1st English school was established in this state
- Goa houses the only Naval Aviation Museum that exists in Asia
- The character of Amtabh Bachhan in the movie ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ was dedicated to Anthony Gonsalves an eminent musician and violinist of 1950s who was born in Majorda of Goa
- The first printing press of Asia was installed in Goa at St Paul’s college in 1556
- Goa is the 2nd state after Orissa where the world famous Olive Ridley Turtles lay their eggs on Morjim Beach
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