If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Okay, yes, the possibilities are endless, and if you’re anything like me you can easily come up with at least 100 places across several continents for your bucket list.
For me, Goa was always the one that stuck out as THE dream destination. I live on Canada’s West Coast so it would have been easier to pack a carry-on and head on over to Hawaii (something I try to do as often as possible!), but as far as tropical spots go, this was the one that really filled me with wanderlust.
Goa is the perfect oasis, particularly if you’ve been travelling on a gap year in India for a month or so, like I was. It thrives on tourism, yet manages to retain a unique and laid-back way of life. It combines the incredible culture of India with white sand beaches, palm trees, and the Arabian Sea.
Here’s why you will fall in love with Goa.
1. Weather
Let’s start with the obvious reason to come to Goa: the sun. The region has a lot to offer the travelling beach bum, particularly in the winter months, when little towns along the coast spring to life with seasonal huts and seaside bars. This is a warm destination almost all year round!
2. Beaches
If there’s one thing Goa is famous for, it’s the beaches. Think golden stretches of sand fringed by palm trees and lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
With such a vast range of beaches to choose from no matter where you’re based on your holiday in Goa, you won’t struggle to find somewhere to sit back in the sunshine with a good book and simply unwind.
Among the top stretches of sand to consider visiting are Calangute, Anjuna and Colva, although there are plenty more lining the coast of the state.
Some of my favourite beaches include:
1. Palolem. Think white sand beaches, colourful boats, and crowded cabanas – a definite must-see.
2. Khola Beach. This is a delicious spot to get away from the crowds and explore Goa by boat or bike. It’s known for its secluded bay, freshwater pool, and trees full of monkeys.
3. Baga Beach. Known for its water sports, nightlife, and dolphin sightings, Baga is a popular stop for the adventure junkie – it’s the perfect place to test your mettle with some scuba lessons, parasailing or windsurfing.
3. Mix with a New Culture
Although it would be easy to spend your entire time in Goa at one of its beach resorts, it would be a shame not to venture inland to see a bit more of the region and learn a little about how people here live.
One of the best ways to gain a greater understanding into the daily way of life in Goa is to go on a backwaters cruise to a spice plantation. This will enable you to see how the communities along Goa’s rivers and canals catch fish using traditional methods, while your tour of a spice plantation will give you a fascinating insight into the many flavours that are incorporated in Goan cuisine.
Alternatively, you can visit one of the many Hindu temples in the region, as these are focal points for many of Goa’s communities. One of the most impressive places of worship is the Shree Bhagavati temple, which is around 28 km from Panaji – the state’s capital.
This temple is made out of black stone and is said to be more than 500 years old. Among its most notable features are the life-sized images of two elephants that stand either side of the entrance.
4. Explore Historical Sites
In addition to the selection of temples dotted throughout Goa, there are some other interesting historical relics from the period when the state was controlled by the Portuguese. Among the most famous of these is Aguada Fort, which stands guard over the estuary of the River Mandovi.
However, it is Old Goa – the former capital of the state – that is where you will find the greatest concentration of monuments. This settlement is littered with churches dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. The most imposing of these is the Se Cathedral, but you’ll also be able to visit Goa’s oldest surviving Christian place of worship – the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary – on a trip here.
Another important church in the area is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier are interred. This is one of several buildings that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers much of Old Goa.
5. Nightlife
The rumours are true. Goa has a crazy amount of options for those seeking some after-dark adventure. Whether you’re looking to taste some coconut Feni (local spirit) or dance your heart out under the stars, Goa’s got you covered.
The obvious option is, of course, the seaside bars, which can be found on pretty much every beach along the coast. Each bar has its own unique draw, but in general they all provide tiki torches, boozy drinks, sandy floors, and live music and/or late-night DJs to keep you dancing ‘til dawn. Rumour has it that in August you can even find some spots serving up free booze (e.g, Guru Bar at Anjuna Beach or Found Things at Palolem beach).
If bars aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of other options. Head to the beach for a late night stroll or sunset horseback ride, take a starlit biking tour through town, explore your open-air options for a late night dinner, or seek out the best spot in town catch a movie (my personal fav is the projector screen and floor seating at Saxony’s in Agonda).
If you want to take a gap year in Asia and India is on your list of places to visit, make sure you squeeze in a trip to Goa while you’re travelling. Has this article made you want to visit Goa? Check out tours with top rated travel company G Adventures. Or for more recommendations, view some India travel tips from locals.