Mesmerizing beaches, vibrant culture, surreal nightlife, and Portuguese monuments define this place. Yes, it is Goa-The land of beaches where the East meets the West. Its beaches are so terrific making it a must-visit destination for tourists throughout the world. What makes Goa standout is the exemplary number of sight-seeing and adventure options. It is the most preferred destination in India. People from all the corners of the world visit Goa which houses some of the best beaches in the entire world.
It is a calm place with a not-so-extreme population. The general populace pursues Christianity. Goa welcomes all with open arms. Feel free to explore all the famous places in Goa without any jeopardy. Goa is a rainbow of colors especially the Portuguese Quarters in Fontainhas. Being a former Portuguese dominion, many holy sites revered here are churches, chapels, and Basilica. The chapels and churches are the perfect places to visit on the off chances to find some tranquility and have an otherworldly experience.
What makes it more interesting is the plethora of adventure sports options available here. Goa is not just about the beach, it is more about some extremely enthralling adrenaline rush exposure. Name any water sport and strike it off your checklist here. Fly skiing, parasailing, kite surfing, and waterboarding are some of the water sports options one can try among many others.
Goa is everything a beach lover can ask. But, it is not just beaches and nightlife. With adrenaline-spiked adventure sports options, it is a heaven for adventure enthusiasts. It houses the remnants of Portuguese-era forts, basilicas, etc. Do not miss the amazing Graffiti on many houses and in many places around the city.
If you are one of those who are looking forward to a trip to Goa, here are a few intriguing attractions of the city that you must unravel.
1. Fort Aguada
Enough about beaches and nightlife! Are you looking for something cultural and has a historical touch to it? Then, one such attraction is Fort Aguada. Built during the 17th-century, this fort acted as a barrier and protected the Portuguese colony against attacks by the Marathas and the Dutch. It has a gigantic bastion for protection. Earlier, there used to be a freshwater channel that ran here which runs dry currently. Today, the fort stands and shows the prowess of the bygone era. Its importance in shaping the culture has made it a vital tourist destination in Goa. There is a moat, a four-story lighthouse, and a secret passage used during war and emergency. A few areas of the fortress act as a prison while the rest are open to visitors. Located on the mouth of the Mandovi river, the fort has a beacon to view the panorama of the landscape and the entire Arabian sea till the eyes reach. Tourists reach up to the point to see the vivid view.
2. Basilica of Bom Jesus
Goa was a Portuguese colony. It was a European settlement. Hence, Christianity was the main religion. It was on the zenith before autonomy, which justifies the significant number of churches and convents spotted here. One of the best of its kind is the Basilica Of Bom Jesus. It is a Roman Catholic Basilica. It has Portuguese colonial architecture with a tinge of Baroque architecture. It is very significant to tourists, Christians, and devotees as it houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The relics of the saint are placed in a casket and shown to the public during religious festivities. The fresco and murals are made with precious stones embellished to it. This site is a legacy of the spread of Christianity and is flocked by tourists the year-round.
3. Mapusa Market
Located 10.3 km from Anjuna Beach in North Goa, Mapusa Market is a weekly market and a major tourist attraction of Goa. Many people from neighboring districts set up their stalls every Friday to sell a variety of local produce. It is one of the best, biggest, and intriguing local markets of Goa. A wide assortment of fishes, meat, vegetables, nuts, spices, jewelry, pottery, garments, coir mats, and wines are sold in the market. Try the local alcohol famously known as Feni here. The stores are assembled according to the type of items sold. It is a shoppers’ paradise and a great place to buy souvenirs for family and friends at a pocket-friendly rate.
Let’s Goa
Goa is more about different aspects of life than just beaches. Many cultures are intricately strewn here and reside peacefully simultaneously. What makes Goa an appealing place is its bourgeois nightlife. Bars and eateries are plentiful. Stay at the shacks at beaches to enjoy the scintillating atmosphere. It is almost every traveler’s goal to visit and know every aspect of Goa. Night outs, the Casino extravaganza and rave parties on the beaches are a paradise for vacationers. Not that it is all loud in Goa. The history, culture, Portuguese architecture, and monuments attract many spiritual and historical buffs. So, if you intend to visit Goa make an itinerary first. Plan early, book tickets, and lodgings accordingly at minimized rates. Make a list of things to do, attractions to visit, etc. Make the most out of the trip and enjoy the amalgamation that Goa is.
The Whiteboard of Life 