Goa: The Paradise
Goa is one of the most favourite destinations both for Indian tourists as well as foreigners with its beautiful beaches, winding roads, vibrant cosmopolitan culture and its unique cuisines. The most important thing about Goa is that it will not drill a hole in your pocket.
Forts
Some of the best-known forts in Goa need a mention because of their location and scenic beauty.
Fort Aguada, North Goa: This fort was built in the 19th century by the Portuguese and also includes a lighthouse which lies close by. Some other mustsee forts are Chapora; Reis Magos; Corjeum; Terekhol; Sinquerim; Cabo de Rama; Rachol; Mormugaoand Anjdiv.
Religion and Culture
Goa is an amalgamation ofnatives of Goa -- 30% who are primarily Christians, 65% are Hindus and 5% Muslims. The whitewashed churches, the Christ and Virgin Mary are often adorned with Hindu flower garlands and the temple architecture is a hybrid -- blending Muslim and Christian elements into traditional Hindu designs.
Mangeshi Temple: It is located in Ponda, and is situated amid beautiful surroundings and is a perfect example of Hindu Goan architecture. This area is also the birth place of the famous singers Lata and Asha Mangeshkar.
Bom Jesus Basilica:A UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by the Portuguese when they colonized the region. Inside lies the body of St. Francis Xavier, kept in a tomb which is uncovered every 10 years to display to the public.Some other religious sites are Shantdurga Temple; Rachol Seminary; SafaShahouri Masjid; The Mahalsa Temple; Sé Cathedral; Mahadeva Temple; Brahma Temple and theChurch of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
Markets
It’s a sight to see markets or bazaars in Goa. There is something for everyone.
Mapusa Friday Bazaar, this bazaar is a great place to spend the late afternoon post sightseeing. It offers a huge variety of local products at great prices. Anjuna Market is extremely lively, bustling, and huge. You must take out time to window shop, bargain and then settle only if you're satisfied with the value for money. The Sahakari Spice Farm located in Pondaoffers all types of spices like cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, bay leaves and curry leaves.
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Restaurants
No holiday is complete without the local flavours of the place. Traditional dishes have a touch of Portuguese, Hindu and Muslim influence, thanks to the rulers.A combination of coconut, chillies, vinegar and spices are used liberally and dishes like fish curry rice, cafreal (similar to Portuguese grilled chicken), xacuti (a spicy curry made with coconut)and vindaloo (a fiery curry made with red chillies, vinegar and marinated meat) are staples.
Ku, Morjim Beach: A reservations-only place, Ku keeps it simple by offering only two options on its menu – a Goan fish thali and a Goan veg thali.
Some other popular Goan cuisine places are Cafe Sussegado Souza, Calangute; Venite, Panjim; Mum’s Kitchen, Panjim; Avanti, Panjim; Florentine, Saligoa etc.
Goa is famous for its night life too. A 30-minute drive from Fort Aguada, Club Cubana is perched on a hill in Arpora in Goa. Go at sunset to get a good spot and spend the evening here.
Beaches
A great place to sunbathe is Chapora Beach: a quieter beach with its own unique charm.
Vagator Beach: There are splendid-looking cliffs rising from the ocean water that makes for the perfect sunset on the rocks of course.
Anjuna Beach: The fun begins in Goa when you hit the popular Anjuna Beach along with your friends!
A host of cheap yet surprisingly good eateries by the beachesare an added attraction. Other must visit beaches if time permits areQuerim; Arambol; Morjim;BagaPalolem; Calangute; Candolim; Sinquerim; Miramar andMajorda.