Replete with sandy beaches, serene sunsets, whitewashed forts, colonial architecture, majestic churches and colourful ceremonies, the tropical paradise called Goa is a perfect blend of modern and traditional offerings.
| TRAVEL SEASONS | MIN/MAX TEMPERATURE | SEASON |
| March – May | 25-35 °C | Sunny and hot days |
| June – August | 24-30°C | Slightly cooler with frequent rain showers |
| November- March | 21 to 32°C | Cool and pleasant winds |
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Rainfall (mm) | 0.9 | 1.6 | 4.1 | 12.7 | 82.0 | 486.0 | 559.0 | 377.2 | 191.2 | 97.1 | 22.5 | 3.7 |
Being a tourist hotspot, Goa can be visited at any time of the year, but the best time to visit Goa is from mid-November through mid-February. The average temperature during this time is 20°C to 28°C. It is also the peak season when the tourist activity in Goa is highest, especially in the month of December due to Christmas and New Year festivities.
Due to its coastal location, Goa is renowned for its abundant supply of fresh fish and seafood: tiger prawns, lobsters, red snapper, lady fish, squid are often found on restaurants menus and definitely worth sampling. Coconut is an essential ingredient of Goan food. It makes Goan dishes Distinct & Delicious. Cashew Fenny is a very popular alcoholic drink of the State.
Top Things to Buy in Goa: Cashew Nuts, Goan Spices, Cashew Feni, Goan Handicrafts, Wooden Crafts, Painted Tiles etc. In Goa you are actually spoiled for choices, from the shacks on beaches like Calangute, Vega, and Vagator etc. to amazing flea markets and night bazaars to rich mall feature many colours and an array of products that truly make your shopping experience elite.
The official spoken language of Goa is Konkani, followed by Hindi, English, Portuguese, Marathi, Urdu and Kannada.
1.BEACHES
Goa is one of the top tourist attractions in India which is famous for its mesmerizing beaches. Although all the beaches of Goa have something unique to offer to its visitors, here is a list of few of the best beaches in Goa that are a must visit. Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Vagator Beach, Anjuna Beach, Candolim Beach, Benaulim Beach and Colva Beach.
2.CHURCHES
Churches in Goa are the important landmarks and major tourist attractions just like its beaches. Built during the Portuguese era, the churches of Goa are rich in history as well as in architecture. For the most part, Old Goa is the most popular destination for witnessing some of the most beautiful and oldest churches in Goa. Amongst the major attractions in Goa are the 17th century Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the relics of St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa; Se Cathedral, the most beautiful church of Old Goa; and Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.
3.FORTS
A quick ferry from Querim will lead you to Fort Tiracol. Originally built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, this imposing fort later became a part of the Portuguese maritime defence. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, it offers a picturesque view of turquoise and steel grey. Fort Aguada, with its imposing façade, was built in the 17th century as a defence mechanism against the Dutch and the Marathas. Visit Candolim beach and be transported back to an ancient period of warfare.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES – (AS OF JANUARY 2023)
CHURCHES AND CONVENTS OF GOA
1.PANJIM
Panaji, also known as Panjim, is the capital city of Goa and is one of the most revered tourist attraction. Situated on the banks of the Mandovi River, Panaji has a cluster of terraced hills with the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church overlooking the city. Panaji showcases the convergence of past and the present in its architecture with its old Portuguese styled buildings and new commercial buildings, casinos and restaurants.
Places to visit in Panjim: Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Mangeshi Temple, Dona Paula, Fontainhas and Sao Tome, St. Augustine Church, Calangute Beach
2.FONTAINHAS AND SAO TOME
Fontainhas and Sao Tome is a beautiful Latin Quarter located in Panaji on the banks of the Ourem Creek and named after the natural springs nearby. It was laid out on a piece of land acquired by a Goan in the 18th century who had made a fortune in Mozambique. The quarter is now recognised as a heritage site and is famous for its charming Portuguese style houses on the base of the Altinho hills.
3.VASCO DA GAMA
Founded in 1543 by Portuguese, Vasco Da Gama has evolved into an important industrial center in Goa. This largest city in Goa is named after Vasco Da Gama, the famous Portuguese explorer. To have an insight in to the culture and lifestyle of Goa, you need to visit this city.
4.CALANGUTE BEACH
Head to Calangute Beach, also known as the ‘Queen of Beaches’ for its charm and spectacular beauty. Offering some of the best natural offerings, including a chance to savor glorious landscape views, laze along splendid beaches, enjoy sunbathing and jaw-dropping sunset and sunrise views, it is a paradise for nature lovers in true sense.
5.DUDHSAGAR WATERFALLS
Being one of the highest waterfalls in the world, it is divided into four tiers. And, as one looks at the waterfall, it seems like a heavy stream of milk cascades from the top of the hill, making it one of the ultimate destinations to visit during a Goa excursion.
6.FORT AGUADA
Offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, a walk through the fort to the lighthouse located on top is a must while touring Goa. The lower portion of Fort Aguada has now been converted in to a beach resort. The crumbling ramparts of the fort stand on the Sinquerim Beach, approximately 18 km from Panjim. The highlight of the fort is a lone four-storey lighthouse (which is one-of-its-kind in Asia) and a stunning view of the sunset.
7.ANJUNA BEACH
Anjuna Beach is among the most popular beaches in North Goa, stretching almost 2km. From family outings to adrenaline-filled adventures, Anjuna Beach is famed for its golden coastline, nightclubs, beach shacks, watersports, full-moon parties and flea markets.
8.CHAPORA FORT
Chapora Fort, located 10 km away from Mapusa, is undeniably one of the most famous forts in Goa. Built by the Portuguese in 1717, Chapora Fort has a long and fascinating history attached to it. More popularly known as the ‘Dil Chahta Hai Fort’, its claim to fame was the 2001 Bollywood blockbuster shot here. A scintillating escape, it offers beautiful views of the sea and Chapora River.
9.BAGA BEACH
One of the most popular beaches in North Goa, Baga Beach is located close to Calangute beach, around 30 Km North of Panjim. It is the perfect destination to witness the dazzling nightlife of Goa as signature places such as Britto’s, Tito’s and Mambos are located in the vicinity. It is also known for a vast range of water sports.
10.COLVA BEACH
The captivating Colva Beach, located in South Goa, is one of the most visited beach of Goa. The 2.5 km long beach is known for its powdery white sands flanked by swaying coconut trees that add to its beauty. It looks more stunning with shacks, nightclubs and souvenir stalls all around. Colva Beach is also popular for water sports like paragliding, jet-skiing, snorkelling, speed boat ride and banana boat rides. It is visited by tourists for its stunning sunset and calming blue waves.