Things To Do In Goa: History, Food And Adventure At Its Best

Goa is the perfect holiday destination in India, where you can enjoy all the pleasures in one place. This beautiful city lies on the western coast of India, with many tourist attractions. It is for this reason that Goa is also known as the “Pearl of Orient” and “Tourist Paradise.”

Goa has different beaches, historical attractions, water sports, festivals, etc. You need at least a week to explore the delightful parts of Goa, and the hospitable locals will make your time memorable.

The things to do in Goa also involve visiting the waterfalls and going on a shopping spree. November to February is the best time to visit Goa if you want to explore the attractions. However, for a pluviophile, August to September is the best time, allowing you to behold the greenery and mighty waterfalls at their best.

Top 10 Things To Do In Goa:

The upcoming tourist season in Goa (2024-25) will be more fun. The shacks are getting ready in anticipation of an early tourist fall. Around 80% of the 350 shacks in Goa have already been put up in mid and late October, whereas the peak tourist season begins in December.

So, as Goa is all geared to welcome its guests, we must explore what we can do in this land of Sun, sand, and good vibes.

Did You Know?

4.03 lakh foreign tourists visited Goa between January to November 2023. The numbers show a whopping 130.29% growth over 2022.
2022 was another great year for Goa tourism, considering a 695.45% growth over the number of foreign tourists in 2021.
Press Information Bureau, Government of India

1. Water Scooter Rides:

As we know, Goa is famous for its beaches and seas. It is one of the best places you can choose if you want to visit these features. In the same way, many water sports attract tourists. One of them is the Water scooter ride. It is a very joyful ride thrashing through powerful water waves.

Scooter riders are available at Baga Beach, Dona Paula Jetty, Majorda Beach, and Candolim Beach. This is the best water sport in Goa. It is the best destination to head to if you want a memorable water scooter ride experience.

2. Beaches:

The word Goa makes everyone think about beautiful beaches and seas. The table below gives you a list of the best beaches in North and South Goa.

Beaches in North Goa	‣ Calangute Beach ‣ Candolim Beach ‣ Baga Beach ‣ Sinquerim Beach ‣ Anjuna Beach ‣ Morjim Beach
Beaches in South Goa	‣ Palolem Beach ‣ Agonda Beach ‣ Gonsua Beach ‣ Hansa Beach ‣ Talpona Beach ‣ Colva Beach

Along the beaches are refreshment joints where you can enjoy a glass of your favorite juice or wine. 

3. Waterfalls:

Waterfalls in Goa are another attraction for tourists. Famous waterfalls in Goa are Dudhsagar Falls at the height of 1,017ft. It is one of the things that you should not miss out on when touring this destination.

Famous falls in Goa and the Arvalem Falls at the height of 164ft with a beautiful park. You can get to any of them depending on the place you choose to visit and your budget.

Kesarval Falls is different from others because it carries medicinal properties. Visiting these famous falls is the best thing to do in Goa. The site and atmosphere of the waterfalls are quite amazing.

4. Shopping Destinations:

Goa is famous for its shopping destinations. No one misses the shopping in Goa, and the available things here are clothes, shell works, fashion things, and handicrafts. Therefore, you will not lack something for yourself and your loved ones.

When you leave friends and relatives home, it is good to take them something that shows that you are from Goa. Famous shopping destinations for these things are Calangute Market Square, Anjuna Flea Market, Mapusa Market, Panjim Market, etc.

5. Cruise Rides:

One of the most exciting things to do in Goa is a ride on the river cruises. This is the best way to explore the wonderful coastal landscape of the state.

Popular cruises in Goa are the Sundown Cruise, Backwater Cruise, Sunset Cruise, and Dinner Cruises. There is so much that you can get by going for cruise rides in Goa.

6. Adventure Sports:

For a thrilling and crazy tourist, Goa will make you enjoy adventurous rides on waters. The unusual and breathtaking adventurous activities in Goa are Parasailing, white water rafting, water skiing, dinghy sailing, etc.

Almost many people from all over the world visit Goa for these courageous acts. If you are a lover of water sports, Goa has you in the plan. There is so much that you can experience by choosing Goa as your next vacation destination.

7. Festivals:

Apart from tourist attractions, fairs and festivals in Goa are the most exciting experiences in Goa. Goa is dominated by Christians. However, some Hindu festivals also add glory to Goa tourism. Goa has so much for the visitor when it comes to festivals.

Famous fairs and festivals of Goa are Goa Carnival, Sunburn Festival, Christmas, and Sao Joao Festival, etc. You can take part in any of them as you get a better understanding of the locals. These festivals will also help you to understand the culture of the land.

8. Olden Forts:

Goa was once ruled by the Portuguese. Given this fact, you can experience the construction and architectural styles of Portuguese in the city. You will come across some of the old but beautiful designs in the region.

The most famous historical monuments in Goa are the Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, Terekhol Fort, and Cabo Fort. Each of these buildings has a unique character to present to you. Just make sure that you spare some time for each of them.

Almost all these forts are laid near the coastal line. Once these forts were used as keeping prisoners, storing large ship tanks, etc. It is good to have the first-hand experience on each of them by paying a visit to these olden forts.

9. Food:

Goa is at its best to serve the most delicious food. Never miss tasting  food in Goa. Many restaurants, food stalls, and corners can suppress our hunger.

If you are a fan of local meals, then this is also the right place for you. Get a local chef, and you will want to keep tasting the food every single minute. You will get served by various local dishes that will entirely satisfy your spirit of adventure.

If you think the best meals are found in five-star-star hotels, you are very wrong. That is not the case with Goa.

Some of the meals you will find in Goa are a perfect way of connecting with the local culture. Your local tour and a travel agent will guide you to the best places to get some of these meals. You can try the following dishes when in Goa.

Pork Vindaloo
Chicken xacuti
Bebinca (The Signature layered cake of Goa)
Prawn Balchao

If you are a vegetarian, then you are even luckier. Most Indians are vegetarians, and you will find a variety of local dishes like Khatkhate and Feijoada.

10. Churches:

The Churches and Convents of Goa, a serial property, is enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architectural styles of the churches, especially the Basilica of Bom Jesus, stand as proud examples of Baroque style architecture and “evangelization of Asia.”

Famous churches in Goa are Se Cathedral Church, Basilica of Bom Jesus, St. Cajetan Church, etc. Plan to visit one or two churches so that you can understand the history and religion of Goa.

Some of these churches date back to the 15th century, and catching up with prayer sessions there is a fulfilling experience. 

These churches and temples carry so much in terms of the history of India. They provide crucial information and lead to ancient India and also some superb spiritual nourishment. 

Conclusion

These are the top 10 things to do in Goa when you visit. So have an excellent India tour for a memorable and lavish vacation. Plan for your time well so that you can do as much as you can in Goa. You will discover that Goa has so much in store for you. You need to set aside enough time and budget for the best experience.