Goa, a former Portuguese colony, is affectionately referred to as the ‘Rome of the East’. Having been inhabited and colonized by the Portuguese for nearly 450 years, the culture of Goa stands apart from the rest of the nation. Here’s a brief overview of the rich and diverse heritage of Goa.
Goa boasts a captivating historical legacy that traces back to the 3rd century BC. Once a significant territory of the Mauryan Empire, Goa held paramount importance due to its natural harbors and extensive river networks. It wasn’t until 1987 that Goa attained the status of an independent state, with the regional language Konkani recognized as one of India’s official languages.
Calangute Beach as “The Queen of Beaches”
Located 15 kilometers from Panjim, Calangute Beach stands as the longest beach in North Goa, spanning from Candolim to Baga. Renowned for its vast expanse and popularity, it serves as a focal point for tourists and backpackers from across the globe.
Dubbed as the “Queen of Beaches,” Calangute Beach holds a prestigious position among the top ten bathing beaches worldwide. As one of the busiest and most commercial beaches in Goa, it teems with eateries, shacks, and clubs offering cocktails, beer, and delectable seafood. Additionally, Calangute Beach is celebrated for its plethora of water sports activities, including parasailing, water surfing, banana rides, and jet-skiing.
While the days are brimming with beachside enjoyment, the nights beckon with lively parties and opportunities to unwind. Calangute also serves as a popular accommodation choice in Goa, providing convenient access to other northern beaches such as Baga, Anjuna, Candolim, Aguada, and more.
Shopping at Calangute Beach offers a delightful experience, with a plethora of options ranging from antiques and junk jewelry to keepsakes and beachwear. Visitors can discover amazing deals on handicrafts sourced from regions like Kashmir, Tibet, Indonesia, and Rajasthan.
The roadside markets are particularly enticing, showcasing a wide array of offerings including cute beach outfits, earrings, necklaces, and more. Whether you’re looking for unique souvenirs or trendy accessories, Calangute Beach is the perfect destination to indulge in some retail therapy amidst its vibrant ambiance.
Calangute Beach Nightlife
One of the most happening things to do at Calangute Beach of Goa is to attend one of its parties once the sun goes down. Be it crazy dancing, psychedelic music, delicious drinks or scrumptious food, you will find all the elements of a memorable night, right here. Some of the most preferred party places are:
1. Tio Tilly’s Bar and Kitchen: The exquisite interiors and facilities such as full bar, live entertainment, live sports screening, smoking area, board games, live music and outdoor seating make Tio Tilly’s a perfect choice for a wild night out. The average cost for two people is INR 1000, including alcohol.
2. Carvalho’s: Dig into Goan, Continental, North Indian and Chinese delicacies as you sip on delicious cocktails and mocktails at Carvalho’s. The average cost for two people is INR 600 including alcohol.
3. Spice It: Casual dining and chilled out drinks call for a night out at Spice It, where you have full access to resources such as full bar, buffet, outdoor seating, nightlife and smoking area. The average cost for two people is INR 1800 including alcohol.
In addition to these, some of the other popular places include Cantare, Hipster, Souza Lobo, Tonic – Hard Rock Hotel, IVY, Moon Pub and Clove.
Dinner Cruise In Goa
If you’re seeking a memorable dining experience amidst the stunning vistas of the Goan landscape, then a Dinner Cruise in Goa is the perfect choice. Embark on a journey filled with various activities, including captivating dance forms like Dekhni and Fugdi, as you set sail from the Jetty in the Santa Monica to the serene waters of the Mandovi River.
As the cruise progresses, you’ll glide past notable landmarks such as the majestic Adil Shah Palace, the colonial buildings along the promenade, and the picturesque Miramar beach. Eventually, the cruise will navigate back to the shores of Vetem and Betem before returning to the Santa Monica Jetty.
This enchanting experience offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing you to unwind amidst the serene setting of the Mandovi River. It’s also an excellent opportunity to bond with friends and family while enjoying dance performances and other entertainment activities on board. To top it off, indulge in a delectable buffet spread and complimentary beverages, ensuring a memorable dining experience as you cruise along the Mandovi River.
Timings: From 8:30 pm (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Goa remains a perennial favorite for those seeking a laid-back holiday experience. However, in recent times, many travelers are opting for the lesser-known One Day Goa To Dudhsagar Waterfalls Trip.
The Dudhsagar Waterfall, renowned worldwide, emerges from the Mandovi River and earns its name “Sea of Milk”. It stands as one of India’s tallest waterfalls, boasting a height of 310 meters (1017 feet) and a width of approximately 30 meters (100 feet) across its four tiers.
Goa caters to a diverse range of travelers across different age groups and budget preferences. Whether indulging in water sports activities along the vibrant beaches of North Goa or simply unwinding amidst the tranquil shores of South Goa, the state offers something for everyone.
From hopping between beach shacks to marveling at the captivating architecture of forts and churches, Goa is the epitome of a perfect holiday destination. For adventure enthusiasts, embarking on a one-day road trip to Dudhsagar Waterfalls is an absolute must.
Located on the border of Goa and Karnataka, Dudhsagar Waterfall sits 75 kilometers away from Panjim and can be reached within approximately 2.5 hours by car.
Travelers can book this day trip to Dudhsagar Falls from Goa to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience. What sets Dudhsagar apart is not only its majestic waterfall but also the pristine natural forest area that envelops its surroundings.
The surrounding plantation is predominantly deciduous, adding to the allure of the area. The ideal time to visit Dudhsagar Waterfall is post-monsoon, when it is brimming with water from the rains, offering a spectacular sight to behold.
