South Asia’s captivating country of India is a land of rich culture, great heritage and wondrous landscapes. As a popular tourist destination, every year India welcomes approximately 10 million foreign visitors with 6.5 million of those tourists visiting the Taj Mahal alone. Made up of twenty-nine states and seven union territories, India has a lot of variety across the country to offer to travellers. The state of Goa on the South West coast is famous for white-sand beaches and remarkable hospitality making it an ideal vacation spot for both national and international travellers. Goa is India’s paradise corner overlooking the Arabian sea and the state is influenced by a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese culture.
Watch the Train at Dudshsager
Dudhsager Falls is a four-tiered waterfall located in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. Dudhsager Falls is one of India’s tallest waterfalls at the height of 310 metres and the name, Dudhsager, translates to sea of milk. With the water falling from such a height, the crashing water creates the illusion of a milky stream and you can understand why the name came to be. The waterfall itself is famous for having a train track running right in front of the waterfall making it a popular photo opportunity and it has often been depicted in Bollywood movies. The base of the waterfall is shallow and many tourists stop for a swim. The national park in which the waterfall is set is also home to a population of cute and cheeky monkeys who love to interact and eat peanuts. Visits to the national park and waterfall are organized by a variety of tour operators.
Price: Entry to national park ₹30 (tour prices may vary)
Hours: Tours may vary
Haggle at Saturday Night Market
Goa’s famous Saturday Night Market is a must-do. The market has an incredible atmosphere with locals and tourists mingling throughout the market. With a wide variety of stalls, you can find bargain prices and unique finds. The air is filled with the scent of spices and incense from the variety of stalls available and the market also has live entertainment including musicians, djs and fire dancers.
Price: Free entry
Hours: Saturday’s 6pm – 11pm
Explore a Spice Plantation
Spice farms and plantations are frequently found across Goa and are a great way to experience both a local lifestyle and local cuisine. Sahakari Spice Farm offers an impressive range of herbs, fruits and spices across their 130 acres. A tour through the farm will introduce you to the medicinal benefits of a large variety of nature’s products which are used for holistic healing throughout India. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant and taste the fresh ingredients of the farm.
Price: ₹400
Hours: Daily 9:30am-4:30pm
Sunbathe with Cows
The beaches of Goa are incredibly beautiful with golden sand, crystal clear water and scenic backdrops. With beach bars and huts across the lengths of most of the beaches, a full day at the beach can be enjoyed with food and drink easily accessible. The beaches are home to a variety of unique scuttling crabs which are cool to see but the most unusual thing to find on the beaches are cows. Cows everywhere. Cows in Goa can be found outside hotels, on the streets, holding up traffic and even sunbathing on the beach next to you!
Price: Free
Hours: 24/7
Visit Basilica of Bom Jesus
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most famous church in Goa. The beautiful architecture is the main reason the church is popular with its intricate design and spectacularly carved statues. The Basilica is also home to the tomb and remains of St. Francis Xavier known as the Apostle of the Indies. Mass and confession are both still held daily at the basilica.
Price: ₹100
Hours: Daily 9am-6:30pm
Try Goan Fish Curry
The Goan cuisine is a delicious fusion of Hindu and Portuguese flavours. With fresh ingredients and an infusion of spices, the menu options in Goa are incredibly flavoursome. The most famous dish in Goa is Goan fish curry. An aromatic mix of India’s herbs and spices with coconut milk, white fish and fluffy rice. You will find Goan fish curry pretty much everywhere as it is the state’s national dish and eaten twice a day by the majority of the population.
Price: Varies by establishment
Hours: Varies by establishment
Enjoy a Spot of Yoga
India is a dream destination for many yogis and the country is rich in yogic history. The history of yoga in India goes all the way back to 5000BC and the practice has incredibly strong roots in the country. Indian yoga has a huge focus on meditation, breathing and cleansing techniques alongside some mantra chanting and traditional asana flows. India is a great place for yoga retreats for beginners with an offering of affordable retreats and wide selection of ashrams. Goa is a popular destination for yoga in India and you will find a variety of classes taking place across the state. Most yoga centres are located on the ocean-front offering beautiful, scenic views whilst you practice. Goa is also one of the world’s most popular destinations for yogis to complete their yoga teacher training.
Price: Varies by establishment
Hours: Varies by establishment
Goa is a beautiful state with incredible culture and scenery showcasing India’s laid-back side. With a variety of activities and reasonable prices, Goa is a perfect destination for both backpackers and families to visit. From exciting excursions to relaxing experiences, Goa has something for everyone and is an exceptional location to visit.
