Goa Travel Guide, Goa Tourism, Places to Visit in Goa

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Goa Travel Guide

About Goa

imageStretches of endless silver sand and white surf beaches wetted by the rush of the ‘azure’ Arabian sea, the tarvernas, white churches and temples resting against plush green padding fields and coconut trees, the nostalgic atmosphere, longer days of sun, in other words – Welcome to Goa.

Contrary to popular belief, Goa is not a city. It’s a State – amongst the smallest in India. This beautiful Coastline State dotted with swaying palms can be divided in three tourist segments. North, South & Old Goa. Within each you could make sub divisions… beaches, forts, churches, temples, bazaars, bars, food shacks… makes sense to visit each one of them.

Goa’s 450 years under Portuguese rule produced a unique blend of East and West that is at once exotic and strangely familiar. Although Hindus outnumber Catholics by 70-30 it is a world where you find Christmas celebrated with as much zest as Diwali.

Goa’s beaches cover about 125 kilometres (78 mi) of its coastline. These beaches are divided into North and South Goa. North Goa is more commercial and touristy with an abundance of mostly low and medium budget tourist accommodations; whereas South Goa is where most higher-end hotels and private beaches are located. A notable exception in South Goa is Palolem Beach which features basic accommodation and is one of the most visited beaches in Goa. The further north or south you go, the more isolated the beaches get. Some of the more popular beaches are Colva, Calangute, Baga and Anjuna. These beaches are lined with shacks that provide fresh sea food and drinks. Some shacks arrange special events to attract more customers.

The Goan people display a sense of liberality and civility, which you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere in India. Goa is perhaps the only place in India where shorts and tank tops are not frowned upon anywhere except at religious locations.

Goa is the highest literate state in India and English is widely spoken and understood, Konkani (the official state language) and Hindi are the other languages used for communication.

Goa Climate

The climate of Goa is temperate, except during the monsoon, which lasts from June to September. The average temperature varies between 25°C – 30°C (67.96°F – 81.56°F) and the average daily hours of sunshine is nine to ten.

Goa more than Land of Beaches

But there is more to Goa than beautiful beaches and warm sunshine, there is the famous Anjuna flea market every Wednesday and the Saturday night market provides an eclectic mix of shopping, entertainment, food stalls and socialising.

If you go further up in the North then you find the Manderam Ashwem and Arambol Beaches which are probably the most cleanest and beautiful beaches in the North Goa coastal line. Less crowded, many secluded spots still with lot of positive nature’s energy and tranquility echoed by the mesmerising periodic waves. Sorrounded by shacks and many restaurants..Manderam and Ashwem beaches offers the perfect holiday and Yoga destination for Yogis.

There are amazing churches, fascinating spice plantations, wildlife and fauna and for the more adventurous even go karting. Whether you want to relax and chill or explore and discover there is really something for everyone. And when you need reviving Goa’s restaurants offer a range of options you would find from around the world, many are unsurpassed.

Goa Ideal Place for Yoga Holidays

Goa is the ideal place for a yoga holiday, and the School of Holistic Yoga and Ayurveda Goa ( SOHYAA) with its Ayurveda treatments and massages, comfortable accommodation and experienced yoga teachers – is the perfect place for a yoga break in India

Come and immerse !