Goa, India

Goa guide

Goa is the smallest state in india and has around 1.5 million residents. The main tourist hub is to the north where white-sandy beaches go on forever, you can hear the sound of the Arabian sea crashing against the shore and feel the sun beating down on you face; then in the evening the resorts turn into lively social gatherings. Konkani is the native language in Goa and the main religious practice is Hindu; although some do have a catholic faith from when Goa was under Portuguese rule for many centuries until 1987 when Goa finally became a fully fledged Indian state.

Lively Resorts

Fort Aguada, Calangute and Baga are neighbouring resorts and some of the liveliest in North Goa. Watersports are available such as jet-skiing, speed boats, paragliding and plenty of sun-bathing areas and straw huts. There is a small village with a barbers, rug merchants amongst others. You will find an 18th century Church of St. Alex. Nightlife is thriving particularly in Baga you will have a good choice of bars and restaurants.

Anjuna was the original hippie refuge from the 60's; and home to some Europeans who simply didn't want to leave! The beach again is beautiful and a perfect way to relax. There are still Christian monuments from the Portuguese era such as the Church of St. Michael and Archangel. There is a flea market. Nightlife is good with some great places to drink late into the evening.

Vagator and Chapora are neighbouring resorts heading north. Not as popular as Calangute, Baga and Anjuna; however Vagator and Chapora are still worth a visit. Chapora sits on the Chapora river and has a beautiful harbour. Chapora Fort is at the tip of the river and originally built by Adil Shah but was then rebuilt by the Portuguese in the 18th century. Popular amongst Europeans; Big Vagator is an ideal swimming spot. The evenings aren't very lively but if you want to chill out this is the place to go.

Quieter northern resorts in the evening are Morjim, Ashvem, Mandrem, Arambol, Tiracol and to the south Sinquerim, Nerul (Coco Beach) and Candolim.

Flights to Goa Airport (GOI)

Goa International Airport is 45 km form Colangute Beach.

To and from Goa Airport

Activities and sightseeing in North Goa

Calangute and Baga - Casa dos Proencas, Church of St. Alex.

Anjuna - Little Yellow School House, Church of St . Michael and the Archangel, Flea Market.

Vagator Chapora - Chapora Fort, Chapora River, Big Vagator (swimming).

Sinquerim and Fort Aguada - Aguada Lighthouse, Fort Aguada Jail, Church of St. Lawrence, Nerul River, Kingfisher Villa.

Nerul (Coco Beach) and Candolim - Our Lady of Hope Church, Casa dos Monteiros.

Quiet beaches - Morjim, Ashvem, Mandrem, Arambol, Tiracol.

Panjim (State Capital) - Church of Immaculate Conception, Garcia da orta Garden, Mahalaxmi Temple, Boca de Vaca Spring, San Sebastian Chapel, Goa State Archaeological Museum.

Old Goa - Arch of the Viceroys (stone gateway), Basilica of Bom Jesus, Chapel of our lady of the Rosemary, Convent and Church of St. Cajetan.

Eating and drinking in Goa

Seafood is readily available such as prawns, pomfrets, lobster, clams, ladyfish, mussels and oysters. Other mainstays are turning these into a curry with rice. Most Goan food will be hot and spicy; try prawn balchao and sorpotel. If you don't want to be adventurous with your palette there will be European food available.

Many places will be open late in the livelier resorts and serve a variety of drinks from beer to cocktails!