Goa: A Snapshot

Hello, Future traveler. 

Let me start off this journey with a small intro.

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Goa, the tiniest state of India lying on its western coast under the umbrella of the Arabian sea, is one of the best tourist destinations in India. Every year around 400,000 tourists from around the globe come to visit Goa. A wide diverse bunch I would say. 

The best time to visit Goa is mid-November to mid-February according to statistics. But one can visit it any time of the year as all the activities and businesses are always open for the tourists.

A place which was a Portuguese colony for ~450+ years, thus, Goa has a unique mix of Indian and Portuguese cultures and architectures. Goa is visibly different from the rest of India, owing to its Portuguese Colonial roots. Goa might present a somewhat different picture of the country to foreign tourists. The Portuguese have left behind a great number of world heritage architectures and churches. Churches are a major tourist attraction. Bom Jesus Basilica is the famous church in goa dating back to 1605 which one might have always seen in the advertisement of Goa. 

Bom Jesus Basilica Church

"The beauty of the land lies in the diversity of its people"

Goa's heart is in its villages, as most of the Goans don't live in cities. They live in villages (towns) and travel to work in cities. There are so many places in these villages that one must explore to get the real feel of Goan culture. 

The Goans (people of Goa) are friendly, helpful, and generous towards the tourists. (You might once in a while get stares from random people when you walk by them but believe me, they are harmless. They are just curious). 

Its population is a mixture of Hindus, Roman Catholics, Muslims, and others. (~ 65% Hindu and ~ 24% Christian). There is also a small Muslim population. You will find them all living in harmony. The actual Goan population hovers around 1.8 million. But, people from all over India, speaking different languages live and earn their livelihood in Goa.

It is blessed with a radiant coastline of ~160 km (about 99 miles) which houses ~40+ beautiful small and big beaches. Among them, Calangute beach is referred to as the 'Queen of Beaches'. If you are seeking solitude then do visit the hidden beaches, to name a few, Butterfly beach, Cola beach, Kakolem beach, Vainguinim beach.

Beaches are the place where most tourists can be found at any moment. Its the vibrancy of them that grips you. Most of the parties and music fest (like Sunburn) takes place here. Beaches are where you will get to witness the stellar nightlife in Goa. It harbors some of the most exciting nightlife options. Shiva Valley, Hilltop, Silent Noise Club, Tito's Club are some popular places to enjoy music and nightlife.

If you are a food lover then you are in for a treat during your travel. Goan cuisines are eclectic, which you won't find anywhere else. The beachside shacks are one of the best places to enjoy exquisite seafood. Goan fish curry, Pork Vindaloo, Prawns Balchao, Chicken Xacuti, Goan Squid fry, Chicken Cafreal, are few popular dishes you must try.

Goan Fish Thali

Goa is much more than what I have just introduced you to. We will take a deeper dive into the details latter throughout this journey. 

So stay tuned for more.  

Thank you for reading.