Goa which is a small state on the edge of the Arabian Sea in India is a very popular tourist destination. Travelers from across the world head here for a vacation in search of a perfect getaway.Goa is strategically located and is easily accessible from anywhere in India. It is about 586 Kilometres from Mumbai and 556 Kilometres from Bangalore. Many airlines fly to and from Goa International Airport and it is quite convenient to do your Mumbai Goa flights booking or from any other city in India like Bangalore. What is it that makes Goa such a popular destination? Why do people return to Goa again and again? Here are 5 reasons that make Goa an irresistible destination to head to on your next vacation.
Reason One- The Beaches of Goa
A coastline of 101 Kilometres with gorgeous beaches and the azure waters of the Arabian Sea is one of the main reasons why tourists flock to Goa. The beaches of Goa can be a beehive of activity with water sports and food courts and a great place to head to with family and kids. On the other hand Goan beaches can transform into venues of vibrant beach parties under the stars. In Goa one can head to one of the popular beaches like Calangute, Baga, or Anjuna but if one prefers the seclusion of quiet beaches where one can walk or laze on the beach watching the waves crash on the shore then one can head to lesser known and less crowded beaches like Velsao Beach, Palolem beach, or Bogmalo beach. Whatever your mood or preference you are sure to find a beach to suit your tastes in Goa.
Reason Two- The Churches of Goa
When in Goa you are never far from a beach or a church. Long before the beaches of Goa started luring travelers to its fold, Goa was a centre of the Catholic religion in Asia. It used to be referred to as, “Rome of the East”, and was a major evangelist centre. More than 450 years of uninterrupted Portuguese rule till 1961 is evident in the exquisite and historic churches that dot Goa. The churches and convents of Old Goa are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the famous Churches of Goa is the Basilica of Bom Jesus which was consecrated in 1605. This Church contains the holy relics or the body of the famous catholic saint, St. Francis Xavier. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the oldest existing church in India. The other famous churches include the Church of St. Francis of Assisi which was built in 1661, and Se Cathedral that was built in 1619 among others. The churches and convents of Goa are a sublime side of the vibrant and exuberant Goa that attracts millions to its shores.
Reason Three- The Adventure Sports in Goa
Goa with its beaches, hills, rivers, and forest areas is an ideal location for indulging in outdoor activities and adventure sports. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving are natural corollaries when you have a vast coastline, Goa offers exciting diving and snorkelling options in Grande Island. The natural beauty of the countryside of Goa is a great place for trekking and some exciting treks include trekking in the Western Ghats that lies on the fringes of Goa. Cycling is another thrilling outdoor activity that one can indulge in Goa. Apart from these, other water sports like Kayaking, Rafting, Water Skiing, Parasailing, Windsurfing and Water Scooter Rides are available on the beaches of Goa. Goa is indeed a hub of water sports in India.
Reason Four- The Music of Goa
There is music in the air in Goa. The strains of music ranging from the soothing notes of Church choir to the vibrant beats of heavy metal greet you in Goa. The lilting melodies of the folk music of Goa are sure to set your feet tapping. Goa is also the venue of many large Music festivals that surcharge the air with vibrant music. Goa is also the home of Electronic Music which took root during the early sixties when hippies flocked here and brought their music with them. The Electronic Music slowly evolved into a unique genre which came to be known as Goa Trance. However over time Goa Trance slowly disappeared and was replaced by a genre known as Psychedelic Trance or Psy Trance. The music festivals that literally rock the land of Goa include the Goa International Jazz Festival which features genres like new age Jazz, Hip-Hop, and R&B. Another unique Music Festival that happens in Goa is the World Mouth Harp Festival that brings the talented and best Mouth Harp Players of the World together to showcase their music and enthrall the audiences. Yet another unique festival is the Monte Music Festival which showcases the best of Western Classical Music and Indian Classical Music on one platform. If music is what you think life is all about, then you must head to Goa to experience the mystical dance and trance of music.
Reason Five- The Cuisine of Goa
In the unlikely event of the music, adventure, beaches, and churches of Goa leaving you unmoved, you are sure to succumb to the charms of its cuisine. The various cultural influences spanning the annals of history have left their magical impact on the cuisine of Goa too. Goa is a literal melting pot of the cuisines of the original Hindu culture, Portuguese culture, Catholic cuisines, as well as the best of Muslim cuisine. Being a coastal land seafood predominates the cuisine. No authentic Goan meal can be considered complete without fish. Some of the well known Goan dishes include Goan Fish Curry, Goan Prawn Curry, a dessert called Bebinca made from coconut milk and jaggery, and of course the globally known dish called Vindaloo. The tantalizing aromas and flavours of Goan cuisine are sure to leave you smacking your lips and asking for more.
These are just glimpses of the incredible experiences that Goa in India promises. One needs to head to Goa to experience the varied experiences that it offers and lose oneself in its natural beauty and vibrant culture.