5 Things To Do In Goa

Planning for an exotic and fun filled holiday? Goa is the ideal destination for you. Land up in this small state in Western India settled along the sea coast and is famous for its breathtaking sea beaches all over the world. It is a hot favourite amongst domestic as well as international tourists, especially during the winter months. Churches, festivities, carnivals and beach side parties all over the place are the highlights of Goa for which it is thronged by millions of tourists every year. If you are wondering how to make the best of your time in Goa, here is an exclusive list of things that you must do during your exciting Goa stay:

1. Water Sports

Goa has some of the best sea beaches, not only in India but famous worldwide. Besides taking leisurely sunbaths in the fine sands, one of the best experiences that you can have at the sea is trying out the Water Sports. The best season to enjoy the thrill of water sports is October to May when the weather is dry and sea is placid.

A variety of adventure sports like water skiing, parasailing, scuba diving and wind surfing are available in Goa, all offered with international standards of safety. Go through Adrenaline rushes when your surf boat tied to a motor boat hits the waves and takes you amidst the middle of the ocean during water skiing in Baga Beach, Calangute and Candolim beaches. If you are looking for a calm underwater adventure, you don’t need to go to a foreign destination. Goa, with its rich marine life, offers some of the most unique scuba diving experiences especially around the Grand Island near South Goa. You may witness more than 5 m visibility under the sea and can gain a sneak peek at the pretty coral gardens that lie underneath.

River rafting can give you a thrilling adventure during monsoon months in Mhadei River in Valpoi, Sattari. The water scooter, parasailing and the all exciting Banana ride that throws you inside the sea right in the middle (with life jackets, of course!) are all a must do.

2. Discos and Pubs

The Nightlife is full of fun in Goa. The credit goes to its awesome beach shacks and happening discotheques. Goa changes from a serene beach experience to a heart pounding dance floor during night time. One of the most defining lanes which you should check out is Club Titos near Candolim Beach. Being the oldest and most popular pubs in Goa, it plays vivacious trance music and spoils its visitors with a mouth watering cuisine and cocktails array. Another night club loved by the hippies is Club Cabana lying close to the Saturday Night market in Arpora. You can forget all your bonds and soak in the pulsating DJ music and enjoy international performances on stage. It is famous for its Ladies nights on Wednesdays and Models on Saturdays. Don’t miss the Bloody Mary and Martini in Club Mambo which plays all sorts of techno, hip-hop and retro music. Most of the Discos offer flavoured Hookahs and one should surely try the intoxicating Vodka flavour.

3. Casinos

What if you are allowed to something which is illegal in the entire country? Well, gambling is something which you can enjoy only in Goa and Orissa. It is still a big fascination for the tourists who want to gain a Vegas-like experience on the sunny sands of Goa. To avoid the legal loopholes, the operators run Casinos on ships anchored permanently in the Mandovi River. The most sought after high-end Casino is the ‘Deltin Royale’. The ‘catch’ is to buy tickets at per head cost for which you will get equivalent non-cashable chips to play, and unlimited food and booze and you can carry back only your ‘ won’ money. A visit to the casino is worth adding to your itinerary just to have the feel of gambling in a Casino.

Casino Pride and Deltin Jaqk are more budget friendly casinos that offer a similar experience. If it’s your first experience, you should learn the rules of this whole gambling business with the help of individual croupiers. Remember, there is no end to this and you are definitely not going to win every time against the house. So, preserve your money and have fun.

4. Boat Rides Along The Coastal Line

Goa enjoys a 113 kms long coastal line and a fascinating boat ride through this distance will make you cherish those golden moments in your memories and photo albums. Some of the very professional and experienced operators provide enchanting boat tours in Goa. The most exciting part for the tourists is sighting dolphins which are best seen during early morning tours. The boats will slowly drift you away from the sandy beaches and then they will take you near dolphins that are merrily swimming, dancing and somersaulting on the sea surface. The spectacular show can be captured by your lens and treasured forever. The Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin is a rare species found in Goan waters. What more, you will be served chilled beer and Goan Barbeque on board! Fishing can also be enjoyed along if you are an enthusiast. Most of the standard resorts arrange interesting boat tours for their guests in the fresh waters of the river or in the deep blue sea. If you are travelling with kids, these boat trips that add thrill and excitement to their holidays in Goa can be worth taking.

5. Shopping By Beach Side Shops

Shopping has and will always be a pleasing pastime, especially when you are spending some awesome leisure time vacationing in Goa. Though most of the beaches are lined with simple stalls that sell general sea side stuff, still there are certain Flea markets which are really famous and the most haunted places by local tourists. Anjuna Flea market by the beach side is a lively ‘noisy’ local market which happens only on Wednesdays. You can find great bargained prices for funky clothes, footwear, artificial jewellery and handicrafts. On the same lines, there is this unique Arpora Saturday Night Bazaar which dazzles in the night time with pretty well decorated stalls selling local stuff. Haggling is a must in all these street side shopping zones. You can enjoy delicious exotic dishes and beverages in the food stalls and there also remarkable restaurants in the bustling markets which offer delectable cuisines for the tired and exhausted shoppers.

Goa has a variety of choices and its palette is full of exciting adventures for tourists. The amicable hospitality by the local people makes the place all the more friendly and welcoming. You can opt for different kinds of activities best suiting your passions. Nevertheless, the sea beaches, churches, markets, pubs, night parties, gambling at casinos, boat tours, adventure water sports are all that promise a fun filled holiday in Goa.