THINGS TO DO
* Ask your host at Casa de Tartaruga to help you with bookings and logistics for outdoor excursions.
"Beaches, Sunsets and Crazy Nights"
East meets West in this sun-soaked state, where Indian culture intertwines with Portuguese influences left over from a 500-year occupation. The beaches have long served as a magnet for serene hedonists. To the north, the tourist-centric scene is prevalent, with an international flair that is now skewing more hip than hippie. Travel south for stretches of unspoiled sand and an escape from large resorts. Temples, mosques and wildlife sanctuaries provide diversions from the beach.
Best Time to Visit Goa - November to February is generally considered to be the best time to visit Goa. The weather is perfect, not very cold, not very hot. It's also a good time as almost all the beach shacks are open during these months. Water sports, like banana boat ride, jet ski, parasailing, etc. are also open to tourists during these months on most of the popular beaches. Lots of music festivals including the Sunburn festival happen around December and January. If you like being in the crowd and are looking for fun party time, this is the time to go to Goa. Goa is considered to be one of the best places in India to enjoy Christmas and New Year season as the entire Goa is full of festivity.
Beaches
Chapora Beach
Location: North Goa
Distance: 2 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Water Sports: Jet skiing, Ringo rides, Parasailing and Windsurfing.
Beach Side Restaurants: The 9, Camlin, Sunset, Big Chill Goa 2007, Ferms, Mango Tree, Helinda.
Bowed in the silhouette of a Portuguese fort on the contrary, Chapora Beach is located on the northern side of the Vagator, which is at the distance of 10 km from Mapusa. It's one of the best beaches of Goa that touches a chord in the heart of tourists with its white sandy unfold, black lava rocks, sapphire expanse, and shaking palms. It's the favourite spot for the one, who love the surf and the sand. It's one of the most cloistered and tranquil beaches in Goa, which brings a lot of shacks and restaurant all around. However, a long walk through Chapora Main Street will simply take you to the past traditional buildings, luxury restaurants, pubs, bars and other stores.
One of the best leisure paradises in Goa, Chapora is a cloistered beach and beautiful sight to behold always. Bordered by green hills, this beach is no doubt a perfect destination for relaxation, fun and entertainment. The atmosphere around the beach is very calm and serene. The seashore offers adventurous water activities, hippy nightlife and famous tourist attractions that fascinate travel explorers from worldwide. However, it's a lovely silvery beach that makes it more peaceful place from other beaches of Goa. It has more or less held back its natural charm and maintained itself on a stingy budget and unceasing efforts of the local habitats. So, if you want a break from hustle and bustle of your city, visit Chapora and have a wonderful time at the beach with delicious seafood to bask upon.
Vagator Beach
Location: Vagator Goa
Distance: 3 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Beach Side Restaurants: Kumar’s and Our Shack
Vagator Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in North Goa. It is located in Bardez taluk of Goa about 21 km northwest of Panaji.
Located away from the other touristy places in Goa, Vagator is clean and quiet. Vagator is split into two as it is separated by a headland. When you stand on the headland facing the sea, the beach on your right is the Big Vagator Beach or North Vagator Beach and the beach on the left is Ozran Beach which is popularly known as Little Vagator Beach. The beach is a good place to spend some time in peace and helps recover from the glitz and crowds of Anjuna.
Swimming is an option but do it if you are confident and at your own risk as there are no lifeguards on the beach. The beach is also an excellent place to have a picnic without disturbance while you enjoy the sunset. Tourist season that starts in December and ends in January makes the stalls and everything in Goa a bit pricey but there are many clubs that are still worth a visit for a nice time dancing to trance and psychedelic music played by digital jockeys who come from all around the world mainly for the very popular Sunburn Festival.
Anujna Beach
Location: Anjuna, North Goa
Distance: 3.7 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Water Sports: Jet skiing and Paragliding
Beach Side Restaurants: Banyan Soul, Cafe Diogo, Whole Bean Tofu or Casa Anjuna
Anjuna Beach is not just another popular beach of Goa but destination which has seen Hippie culture long back and whose flea market still stands the number one position! The most famous beach amongst foreigners; this seaside is well-known amongst back-packers, hippies, long-stayers and the ones who are looking for cheap stays or guesthouses.
Folded up by the azure waters of Arabian Sea and with hills in the background, Anjuna Beach in Goa is a perfect paradise for beach lovers. Situated just 8 km away in the west of Mapusa town, this beach is blessed with a bizarre array of red laterite rocks. It is beautifully embellished with picturesque sceneries and so the place is reckoned among the hottest tourist destination of India. Further, its credible palms and rocky crescent give great pleasure to be at Anjuna Beach. It's distinguished due to the formation of unusual rock placed on a small inlet of white sand and black rock protruding into the sea. It's a complete package of tourist attractions that have a wide range of activities to offer. Chock-a-block with nature enthusiasts every year, the beach which always beckoned the tourist most is none other than Anjuna Beach tour.
Anjuna beach Goa is an ideal choice for nature buffs, who love to enjoy full moon parties during the New Year and Christmas. Visitors on this very day rejuvenate themselves in a pleasurable atmosphere of the lucent full-moon casting a magic charm and the soft frothing waves snuggling their feet. So, if you wanna experience the real beauty of landscapes, luxury accommodation, seclusion, nightlife parties, reliable seafood dainties and voguish shopping opportunities, plan for Anjuna Beach Holidays and make it your best ever holiday experience for ages.
Baga Beach
Location: Baga, North Goa
Distance: 7.5 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Water Sports: Best-known for its jet skiing, parasailing, banana ride and boating water-sports.
Beach Side Restaurants: Go With The Flow, Jamie’s Restaurant, Fire and Ice, Chelsea Beach Shack, Britto’s Bar and Restaurant
Baga Beach is the most famous of all Goan beaches and as a tourist visiting Goa you really haven’t been to Goa if you haven’t been to Baga. Full to the brim with activities you can indulge in, Baga Beach and its surrounding areas will not give you time to get bored. There is always something exciting going on here. In the morning, the beach is a great place to lounge in, soak in the sun and interact with tourists from all over the world.
When you’re done with the sun, it is time to take in the salty sea winds with some adventurous water sports. Head over to lunch at one of the many restaurants that populate the beach and which offer various dining options. If it is fine dining you want, you can take your pick from some of the top restaurants of Goa. But even if you’re just in the mood for casual food, you can find some pretty good places near the beach which will delight your appetite.
The night is the time when the beach virtually comes alive. Lots of great party options make Baga Beach an amazing beach to party the night away. Tito’s, Café Mambo, Kandy Club and many more clubs make Baga beach a party haven every night.
Calangute Beach
Location: Calangute, North Goa
Distance: 9.7 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Water Sports: Calangute offers the best in water sports- enjoy kayaking, sailing, wind-surfing, water snorkelling, water-skiing, and fishing here. Parasailing is also a sport you can indulge in.
Beach Side Restaurants: Pousada by the Beach, Zuperb, Sousa Lobo, A Reverie, The Chocolate Room
The largest beach in Goa, Calangute Beach is also affectionately known as the “Queen of Beaches”. It is among the top ten beaches in the world, which means it is one of the tourist places in Goa that you should not miss. It is a big, serene beach with activities enough to fill your mind for the entirety of your trip. The beach alone is a great attraction for tourists. The beach is ideal for both the options, lying down in the sand without the fear of being run over or trying your hand at some water sports.
There are a lot of options to choose from. The distance of Calangute from Baga Beach is not great; the two beaches are only separated from each other by some rocks. You can choose to have breakfast or lunch at Baga or Calangute. There are also many great sight-seeing opportunities near Calangute such as Morjim Beach, St. Alex Church, the Water Pond of Arambol, Ashvem Beach, the Aguada Lighthouse & Aguada Fort, Nerul River, the Friday Local Mapusa Market, River Betul & Betul Estuary.
And at night, you will find Calangute transformed into a party hub as good as the one at Baga Beach. Since Calangute Beach is connected to most other important tourist spots in North Goa, it is a good place to reside in during your Goa visit.
Candolim Beach
Location: Candolim, North Goa
Distance: 11.9 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Water Sports: You can try parasailing, diving, jet-skiing, snorkelling, banana-boating or get on a boat and go bird and dolphin watching. Sea excursions are also available here.
Beach Side Restaurants: Soi, House of Lloyds, Café Jazz, Bomra’s, The Mermaid Restaurant, After 7
Running from Calangute Beach on one side to Fort Aguada on the other is the Candolim Beach. The day activities offered on this beach are its best attraction. You can perform a whole host of activities on the beach including a vast array of water sports, all at very reasonable prices. You can choose to spend some time at Candolim Beach and then head over to Calangute next door or just spend all your day on this beach and explore the sights nearby.
Renting a scooter in order to get around freely is the best option and will only cost around Rs.300/- for the day. Many churches and chapels dot its neighbourhood and there is also an old lighthouse which stands inside Fort Aguada. The Fort Aguada Jail is also a tourist attraction. The best part about Candolim Beach is that it has significantly lesser footfall. You can enjoy the beauty of Goan beaches along with the activities they, have to offer without the crowds of Baga or Calangute. This also allows other activities to flourish on Candolim. Yoga is one such example.
The beach is an ideal place for couples on their honeymoon or on a romantic getaway because it offers much-desired solitude but not at the cost of leaving you absolutely bored. There are some great resort options near Candolim like Hyatt, Radisson Hotel, Taj and there are also several villas out for hire. Also, make sure to drop by the Stone House for some great blues live music in the evening when in Candolim.
Location: Arambol, North Goa
Distance: 17.5 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Water Sports: Paragliding, Kitesurfing
Beach Side Restaurants: Shimon, Fellini, Double Dutch, Rice Bowl, German Bakery
Arambol Beach is located in North Goa and first became popular when people came to it in order to escape Baga and Calangute beach crowd. Today it is famous in its own right and draws several tourists, though not in the quantity that Baga and Calangute do. This is a good beach to visit if you are searching for a place that combines adventure sports with relaxation. The strong winds on the headlands around the beach make it an ideal spot for paragliding and kitesurfing.
These sports are more well-known on the Arambol scene than the water sports which characterize the other beaches of Goa. The village of Arambol is a little distance away so you can get a feel of authentic local life if you step by the house sometime. Accommodation is available in the many huts that have come up around the beach and the food options around the place are many and varied owing to the numerous shacks that line the beach. If you want to step away from the crowd for a bit, you can walk onwards to Mandrem to the south. Kalacha Beach, north of Arambol, is where the best paragliding in Goa takes place.
A verdant jungle near the beach makes for a good trekking option. Depending upon the time of the year, you can go swimming in the sea too. The Arambol “Sweetwater lake” and the banyan tree on the hilltop can be counted upon as its best sights. You might even catch the Tribal Dance Convention or the Annual Juggling Convention taking place here if you are lucky. A variety of musicians from India and abroad also tend to gather here, making it a good music destination too.
Morjim Beach
Location: Palolem, South Goa
Distance: 10.8 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Beach Side Restaurants: Little World, Fatima’s Corner, Zest, Rockit Restaurant, Ourem 88
Morjim Beach is definitely one of the best beaches of Goa. It's a poet's paradise which sky changing colors and sun setting in. Located south of Ashwem beach it is considered to be one of the most tranquil beaches of Goa, offering peace and serenity. Tourists come here for relaxing and dining out. This place is lined up with restaurants and cottages which offer some of the best relaxation things. Morjim Beach is also locally known as “Little Russia” because of huge inhabitation of Russians here who stay for more than a month in this beautiful heaven.
Morjim Beach is famous for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. Spend time here enjoying these beautiful creatures. Giving food to them and disturbing them is not allowed. Tourists often click photos with these turtles.It's a peaceful beach and not the activity. Tourists like to spend lazy evenings and afternoons in the beachside shacks and sun beds.
Morjim beach offers a plenty of things to do apart from water sports adventures. Enjoy the beach with watching dolphins swimming in the deep sea, diving for seagulls, look out for water birds including beautiful kingfishers, kites and other species. Adventure sports is not much here due to the inhabitation of water animals.
It's a peaceful beach with lots of Russians inhabiting this beach and its surroundings. That is the reason why local eateries and restaurants sell a lot of Russian cuisine along with Goan food. Enjoy both of these cuisines. A lot of private beach sun beds, coco palms, Russian sports bar and beach touching restaurants can be found here. It's a clean beach and your rights are bound to keep it clean.
Dona Paula
Location: Dona Paula
Distance: 28 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Water Sports: For a small beach, Dona Paula offers much to do. Windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, snorkelling, ski-bob, kayaking, yachting, swimming, sports fishing, toboggan ski-biscuit, and harpoon fishing can be undertaken here.
Beach Side Restaurants: The Black Sheep Bistro, Peep Kitchen, Café Azul, Laranja, Soft Rock Café
A small beach with a tragic history involving love and suicide, the Dona Paula Beach is the closest tourist spot from Panaji. It offers plenty of to do in terms of water sports and sightseeing. The jetty right next to the beach is frequented by tourists who come here for the lovely view it offers of the Arabian Sea. The beach is home to the tragic myth that the ghost of Dona Paula emerges at night from the sea wearing only a necklace of pearls and searching for her love. She is believed to have committed suicide on the beach and her tomb, Cabo Raj Niwas, is another tourist attraction.
The myth is a powerful one and draws many tourists to the beach. Among sight-seeing options can be included the National Oceanography Institute, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and Reis Magos Church. The party scene of Dona Paula is not that high profile as it is eclipsed by the Baga Beach scene a few kilometres away. You can head over to Dona Paula on the day you have some time to kill at Panaji.
Location: North Goa
Distance: 27.1 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Water Sports: Scuba-diving, parasailing, jet-skiing are some options.
Beach Side Restaurants: Bambolim Beach Resort, Chulha, The Dining Room
A short 7 km away from Panaji, this beach is a little gem hidden from popular touristic eyes. This is of great help in maintaining the serene and pristine nature of the beach. Those who stumble upon this beach stay to stare at the amazing view of the sea that the beach offers. The beautiful white and golden sands are lined by lush green forests that add a delightful splash of warm colour to the scenery. It is a great place to simply sit back, rest your eyes and take in some deep, calming breath.
Of course, if adventure is what you want, adventure is what you will get with the many water-sports offered here. It is one of the few places you can go scuba-diving in Goa. Barring some rocks around the beach and in the sea, the beach is a good place to swim. There aren’t many accommodation options as resorts have not been built around here. But the Grand Hyatt Resort is located on this beach so you can check-in there if you want a luxury vacation.
There isn’t much in terms of shacks and night-clubs on Bambolim Beach. But since the other popular beaches are not far off, this is not a problem even if you are staying at Hyatt. You can easily make a day trip to Bambolim either on your way from or to Panaji. It is one of those places in Goa that you must visit if only to see a different aspect of the tiny beach state. And if you want to indulge in some Goan cuisine, this is the beach you want to visit.
Location: Benaulim, Salcete, South Goa
Distance: 54.2 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Water Sports: There are plenty of water sporting options like parasailing, jet skiing, boat ride and windsurfing.
Beach Side Restaurants: The Farmhouse Restaurant, The Pavilion, Li Bai, Dinha’s Restaurant, Cavatina Cuchina
Benaulim Beach is located just 2km from Colva beach, and it is a good place to kick back and relax. The beach is made up of the soft white sands that make Goa such a joy to travellers. But it also has plenty of options for things to do apart from lying in the sand and letting the sun soak you. You can indulge in the various water-sports available here. You can also participate in excursions around the town and also go up to Paradise Island, a little island accessible from the Benaulim and Majorda beaches.
It is a beautiful green spot that everybody will love walking through. If you wish to stay for a couple of days, you have some good resorts here to choose from including Taj Exotica, L’Amour Beach Resort, Palm Shades Spring.The nightlife here includes the usual party clubs like Fiplees Pub and Disco or Adega Camoens Nightclub. But there are also options for candle-lit beach dinners if you are looking for a romantic evening.
Sightseeing options range from Joe Ruby Desa Beach, Sernabatim Beach, Sernabatim Lake, Ramola Super Market, to Copelwaddo Chapel, St Anthonys Church, Holy Trinity Church, and Laxmi Temple. There are many things to do in and around Benaulim Beach so there is no fear of boredom.
Tourist Attractions
Location: Badem, Goa
Distance: 500 meters from Casa de Tartaruga
Our Lady of Miracles Church, Badem, Goa is called ‘Nossa Senhora dos Milagres Igreja em Badem, Goa’ in Portuguese. The Our Lady of Miracles Church at Badem, Goa is popularly called ‘The Badem Church’ locally in Goa. The Badem Church was originally a chapel which was affiliated to the parish of Assagao. The Badem Chapel was built in 1848 and again entirely rebuilt in 1925. The church of Our Lady of Miracles at Badem, Goa was elevated to the status of a parish on August 28, 1946, to cater to the spiritual needs of the people of Badem and the surrounding villages.
The Number of Catholics in the Parish of Our Lady of Miracles Church at Badem, Goa is 191.
The Feast of Our Lady of Miracles Church at Badem, Goa is celebrated on the 2nd Tuesday of May every year.
The Our Lady of Miracles Church, Badem, Goa parish is Administered by the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines).
The Parish Priest of Our Lady of Miracles Church at Badem, Goa is Fr Siran Joaquim Rebello SAC.
Location: Chapora Fort Road, Bardez, North Goa
Distance: 2.2 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on all days of the week
Once a huge, commanding structure which was the site of many battles, and which was passed from the hands of the Portuguese to the Indians and back several times in its long history, the Chapora Fort is a good tourist spot in Goa. The present building was constructed in 1717. The Fort rises on the banks of River Chapora and commands a great view of its surroundings. This feature of the fort is what led to the many battles for its possession in the past.
It stands on the head of a natural valley which leads directly to the sea. As you can imagine, the view from the fort is breathtaking. You can spend a couple of hours in this fort, exploring it and taking in the natural landscape around it. Winds blowing in from the sea make it a good place to sit and relax. You can even take a walk from the fort to the sea if you feel energetic enough. Carry your food along as there aren’t any food providers here and the sea breezes are real appetite generators.
Anjuna Flea Market
Location: Anjuna, North Goa
Distance: 5.0 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 8 am, Wednesday
Many tourists associate the name of Anjuna with its wild nightlife and trance scene. But that is just one aspect of Anjuna. The weekly Wednesday Flea Market is another. Flea markets are a quintessential Goan experience and the Anjuna Flea market is one of the best in Goa. It is an interesting offset to the beach scene and is only in operation from mid-November to April. The market first came into existence alongside the party scene at Anjuna beach in the eighties.
Hippies from all over the West congregated here to sell off their personal items, like Levis jeans and other trinkets, in order to fund their stay. Partying does cost a lot after all. But now, the place has evolved into a good-sized market with goods from all over India being sold here. Both Westerners and Indians mill around the place buying and selling and generally enjoying themselves. You can snag some great cloth pieces for really good rates at the market.
Tea stalls and snack stalls line the streets too, allowing the visitors to have a good time without worrying about food. Other breakfast places are close at hand. Visit the Anjuna Flea Market in order to get a taste of the other side of Anjuna and some interesting trinkets.
Grand Island
Location: Grand Island, South Goa
Water Sports: Grand Island is the nirvana of Goan water-sports. There are plenty of water sporting options like snorkelling, scuba diving, boat ride and windsurfing.
Timings: Varies with the ferry service provider. A day trip usually lasts from 8.30am to 4 pm.
There is no dearth of water-related activities in Goa, of course. But while the different beaches up and down Goa offer tourists many options, these options are not to be found all in one place. Not so in grand island. Grand Island is the nirvana of Goan water-sports. There is a lot to be experienced here from diving to snorkelling to fishing. Scuba diving is the most popular activity around Grand island because it offers so much in terms of underwater exploration.
There are shipwrecks to be found here as well as some reefs. The “Suzy” wreck and the “Davy Jones Locker” are especially popular with divers as are Serge City, Bounty Rock, and Turbo Tunnel. Experienced and beginner divers both find something to satisfy in Grand Island. You can also go snorkelling. Professional instructors will provide the equipment and the instructions. Bumper boats and banana boats are also popular around the island.
End the day with a fishing trip and a barbeque of the produce you caught. A day trip usually lasts from 8.30am to 4 pm but it can be negotiated beforehand. If you want an in-depth underwater experience, Grand Island is one of the places to visit in Goa. You will come back from your trip exhausted but well-satisfied with your day. Make sure to carry all your swimming and beach essentials as well as spare clothes for the day.
The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
Location: Emilio Gracia & Jose Falcao Road, Panaji
Distance: 19.1 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 10am-12.30pm & 3-5.30pm Mon-Sat, 11am-12.30pm & 3.30-5pm Sun, English Mass at 8am daily
This is one of the most frequented sight-seeing places in Goa. The lovely church which stands tall in the capital city of Goa has had a long tryst with the past. It was first built as a chapel in 1541. Over this chapel, the larger building of the church was then constructed in 1619. It has since undergone many revisions, but the original building has remained. It draws devotees from all over the globe and has been a spiritual and geographical landmark for centuries.
Old Portuguese sailors who crossed the perilous seas safely and landed at Goa would pay their first thanks at this church. Today, this church is a gorgeous white landmark in Panaji with a lovely multicoloured interior that at once imparts peace and delight. It is at its best in December as the feast of Our lady of immaculate conception is celebrated on 8th of December followed by the Christmas and New year celebrations.
If you’re in Panaji even for a couple of hours at any time of the year, drop by this church and simply revel in the silence within its walls.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Location: Sanguem Taluka
Distance: 88.2 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
The Dudhsagar Waterfalls are situated on the Goa-Karnataka border and are one of India’s must-see sights. The four-tiered waterfall structure is one of the tallest in India and is located on the Mandovi River. The whitewater cascades down from a height of nearly 1017 feet off a nearly steep mountain face. They form a part of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, so the best way to reach them is by entering the national park and taking a van allocated by the park to the falls.
The Dudhsagar trek inside the park is closed to the public but you can still reach the waterfalls by trekking from Kulem and following the jeep trail. Another possible route is the trek from Castle Rock in Karnataka. Reaching the waterfalls will not be an easy task but it is one that is worth every ounce of effort put into it. They are best experienced during the monsoons as they lose their force during the dry season.
Many tours are organized over this time so you can choose to go as a part of a group. Some tours even have overnight camping options. But remember to go well-prepared to ensure a good experience, especially if you are going on a self-organized trek. The lush green jungle and the beautiful waterfall sending up their forceful sprays are a sight to remember long after you have left Dudhsagar behind.
Fort Aguada
Location: Candolim, North Goa
Distance: 16.1 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Another heritage from the Portuguese, Fort Aguada has been standing stern on the beach facing the Arabian Sea from 1612 when it was built in order to provide defence against the invading Dutch and the Marathas. It was a grand old fort in its time with the capacity to hold 79 cannons among other weapons of defence. It was one of the prized possessions of the Portuguese. Today, it stands as a famous landmark dividing the Sinquerium Beach and the Candolim Beach.
There is an old lighthouse standing within the fort which was built in 1864, the oldest lighthouse of its shape and size in India. Fort Aguada is a great place to explore when you are out visiting the Candolim or Sinquerium Beaches. The architecture gives a good insight into the building techniques of old Portuguese architects and it has some amazing views you should really see. The old fort provides a good view of the sea and the sunset is reckoned to be lovely.
The fort is a great way to spend an afternoon. Afternoons are usually too hot to spend on the beach. But you don’t want to be cooped up in your hotel room when in Goa. So, head over to Fort Aguada and spend your time exploring it. Once you’re done, you can simply sit down and enjoy the sea breezes as you let the afternoon pass by. And then you can head over to either of the two beaches that strike your fancy in the evening. It makes the perfect resting point during your tour of the beaches in North Goa
Divar Island
Location: Divar Island
Distance: 27.3 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: (Ferry) 7 am to 8 pm
You really have to see Divar Island in order to believe it. The fact that such a small, pristine, and simple place can exist in Goa alongside the crazy party scene If you’ll visit it, only then you will be able to experience it. Absolutely unlike any experience in Goa, Divar Island will leave you feeling happy and satisfied. This is because the entire place gives off a rich, wholesome, almost home-like vibe which is particularly attractive to those who prefer quiet and natural beauty.
The small island is covered with dense forests and there is only one village on it with a small set of residents. This creates that intimate home-like environment which is soothing, to say the least. The hilltop views are pretty too. It does not have any commercial tourist attractions but the local sites like the whitewashed Church are worth a visit. These are simple and yet intricately designed structures which are elegant in their own way.
Reaching Divar Island is easy and convenient. Ferries operate round the clock after every 15 minutes from morning to evening. If you happen to fall in love with the island and want to stay there, you can stop at Divar Island Retreat, situated in an old Portuguese mansion.
Casino Cruise
Location: Varies by the Cruise you go to
Timings: 24 hours
This is a little out of the way thing you can indulge in when in Goa. A Casino Cruise is essential, at the basic level, a restaurant, but with the additional casino features for those who want to try a hand at Vegas-style entertainment. The ship is docked on one of the many rivers in Goa and is fitted with posh furnishings. The view outside and the rooms inside both make for a great set-up. The casinos are open all round the clock but they really come to life in the night from 9 pm to 3 pm. They are like clubs but instead of the DJ and the party music, you have casino games and low music. They are well-fitted spaces with fine dining options in place including a good selection of drinks.
The visitors can stay on board for up to 12 hours and enjoy the ambience of the cruise. If you are lucky, you might even end up slightly richer when you come out of the Casino Cruise. Some places even have playrooms for children in case you want to take them along. The tickets are slightly expensive but seeing that they come inclusive of the provision of food and drinks as well as the various other entertainments apart from the casino rooms.
There are dance shows and ballrooms and lovely decks where you can hear the river waters dapple against the ship. If you are visiting Goa as a honeymooning couple, this is a very romantic place to be. There are many Casino Cruises in Goa like Deltin Royale Casino, Casino Pride, Casino Royale, Casino Carnival etc. Most are located close to Panaji.
Mollem National Park
Location: Sanguem taluk, Eastern Border of Goa
Distance: 82.8 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
The Mollem National Park is a part of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and is situated 60km away from Panaji along the border with Karnataka. This is a great place for family trips. Both the kids and the parents will come out with an amazing experience. The things you can do in Mollem National Park range from trekking to animal spotting. It is also a nice picnic spot if you are looking to do something offbeat.
Mollem National Park is populated with lush green trees that make up a dense forest which is home to several unique species of birds and animals. For example, you can spot several species of snakes including the King Cobra, Hump-nosed pit viper, Indian rock python and Malabar pit viper as well as many birds like fairy bluebirds, wagtails, great Indian Hornbill among others. Butterflies also populate the forest.
There are also many good treks you can undertake including one to the Devils Canyon, Sunset Point, and Tambdi Water Falls. Ancient temples dedicated to various gods are also a part of this national park. The Tambdi Surla Devi Temple is one such temple and was built in the 12th century. Dudhsagar Falls, which also fall within the perimeters of the national park, is a popular tourist attraction. Overall, there are a lot of things that you can do in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, so your day will be well worth it.
Bom Jesus Basilica
Location: Old Goa
Distance: 27.7 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings:
-Weekdays – 9.00am to 6.30pm
-Mass: Sunday – 8.00am and 9.15am
-Weekdays – 7.00am and 8.00am
One of the most important of all tourist places in Goa as well as a central landmark for Catholics, the Bom Jesus Basilica is the place in which the incorrupt body of St Francis Xavier is kept. The Church was built in 1605 and the body of the Saint was brought to it in 1622 where it has laid since in its glass mausoleum. The body is perhaps the greatest attraction of the Basilica. A gallery of Modern Art is also a part of the Basilica.
The building is constructed in baroque style and is considered one of the best examples of baroque architecture in India. You can visit the Bom Jesus Basillica in December for the best experience of the tradition as the feast and novena take place at that time along with Christmas celebrations.
Popular Restaurants & Nightclubs
Ciao Bella Restaurant
Location: Assagao - Badem road, Vagator
Distance: 400 meters from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 6.30pm onwards.
Located on a calm road in Assagao, Ciao Bella prides itself on serving authentic Italian food. The décor is charming and romantic, and the ambience, relaxed and inviting. The menu lists appetizing dishes with many made from ingredients imported directly from Italy. For good food and a friendly and sociable atmosphere, make an evening of treating your taste buds and making new friends.
Though only recently on the culinary scene, Ciao Bella has already earned itself a loyal and returning customer following. Some even go there alone to eat; because they know that they can enjoy a lovely dinner and meet like-minded people through their appreciation of quality food.
Run by two Italians, the concept of the restaurant was to only serve traditionally-made dishes. Offering a true and delicious taste of the Mediterranean, the dining experience is complemented by the simple, yet beautifully decorated space. Soft music plays throughout the evening and there is a choice of four separate dining areas. With a white and wooden colour scheme, curtains drape exposed beams around this open-plan restaurant. The tables are quite impressive to the eye, with some tops being tree trunk slices with a log as a base, whilst in another area; others give a stylish café look with a similar table top but with twisted cast iron legs. Alternatively, you may choose to eat on the small terrace or have a bite to eat and enjoy a glass of wine in the chill out area in the section at the back of the restaurant.
Bistro Villa Blanche
Location: Assagao, North Goa
Distance: 2.7 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings:
- Monday to Saturday 9:00 - 23:30
- Sunday Brunch Buffet: 10:00 - 16:00
A charming bistro set in the tropical garden of a restored Portuguese house in the middle of an idyllic Goan village, where great home cooking, quality ingredients (purchased directly at source from across the globe), a friendly ambience and a whole lot of love creates a very special dining experience.
Villa Blanche is a cozy bistro in a charming tree-lined avenue in Assagao. It is set in the enchanting tropical garden of a renovated Portuguese house. Named after the house's original owner, Ms. Blanche, the house is actually painted in blue (often misleading for the café’s first-time guests who expect the house to be white).
The ambience here is homely, as is the food served, which epitomizes home-cooking at its finest. Sit at hand-crafted mosaic tables or in the colourful pillow and throw adorned lounge area. The bistro also house a little shop retailing fashion and lifestyle accessories.
Gunpowder
Location: Assagao, North Goa
Distance: 4.6 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings:
- 08:00 AM to 03:30 PM.
- 07:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Ka-Boom! One would expect a blast like that when ignited- we are referring to gunpowder. And yes, in the sleepy village of Assagao, there has erupted a peninsular kitchen of that very same name...believe you me, the after effects will make you sit up and take notice. Mr Satish Warier had opened up his very first 'Gunpowder' in Haus Khas in Delhi, and after its popularity in the capital city, we are now privileged to taste it here too.
The peninsular kitchen: covering the South Indian Peninsula which includes Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and parts of Maharashtra
Restaurant with outdoor tables serving regional and south Indian dishes.Gunpowder is a not a typical South Indian restaurant, where you get Idlis, Dosas and Uttapams. South Indian cuisine has a variety of options to offer and Gunpowder taps them, which is their main highlight.
Its open, its airy an old house converted to house 'People tree' a creative boutique and out in the gardens, a funky styled seating under trees with creative spider webs with cloth designed flowers spun between them. Sit on old straight-backed chairs right out of Grandma's dining room or on cushioned cane chairs the open air ambience appeals in a wayward sort of way.
Location: Vagator, Goa
Distance: 4.6 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
"Thalassa" is an acronym for the "sea" in Greek, and this Greek taverna offers stunning views of Goa's Thalassa. Perched on the edge of a high cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea in Small Vagator village, this open-air restaurant offers one of the most breath-taking sunset views in Goa and a fabulous evening ambience. Conceived, owned and managed by Mariketty, diners are invited to share the 'Greek culture' that infuses this enchanting taverna, from its authentic and delectable Greek food to the music and the warm hospitality.
Set upon a high cliff that offers a stunning ocean-view, and styled completely in white, replete with cane furnishings, white plastered walls and billowy white muslins-drapes, this elegant open-air Greek restaurant is reminiscent of any classic chic eat in Mykonos.
With the azure waters of the Arabian Sea serving as the backdrop, soft lounge music wafting through the speakers and the attentive (and knowledgeable) staff who magically appear whenever you need them, it is easy to see why this Little Vagator taverna is one of North Goa's most adored restaurants.
If the food, the view and ambience were not enough, the Thalassa hospitality ensures your experience here is truly memorable. The staff is courteous and attentive to every guest, from the parking lot attendant who welcomes you upon arrival, the managers and hostess who immediately secure you the perfect table, the waiters who are all always at your side without hardly a summon and can answer any query about the menu with a smile; the service here is nothing short of impeccable.
Mango Tree
Location: Vagator Beach Road, Vagator
Distance: 2.1 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
This Vagator roadside restaurant/bar serves as a popular stop for those seeking a quick bite and a refreshing drink. The restaurant’s menu is multi-cuisine featuring many common favourites from across the globe. Open late into the night, with refreshing cocktails, fruity concoctions, spirits and chilled beers, it is easy to see why this watering hole is one of the neighbourhood favourites!
Mango Tree is conveniently located on Vagator's main street and is open from breakfast till late night, serving Goa's residents, local and international, throughout the day.
The roadside eatery is simply yet comfortably furnished and offers a laid-back, convivial atmosphere. The bar wraps around the exterior of the restaurant, with one side facing the street, the other within the restaurant. In the morning, this is where the regulars prefer to have their breakfast and coffee, akin to the stereotypical American diner; by sundown, however, this transforms to a cocktail bar. The dining area comprises table seating that accommodates small to large groups.
The patrons here are as diverse ad Goa's landscape, comprising families with children to lone bikers and ageing hippies to young backpackers and tourists. Mango Tree is the quintessential neighbourhood diner bar, serving everyone, everything they need in a friendly, laid-back environment.
Teso Waterfront
Location: Vagator Beach Road, Vagator
Distance: 2 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: Open 8 am - Midnight
Breakfast: 8 am – 11 am
A mélange of international and local cuisine is specially conjured to seduce and tease the epicure’s palate. It hoists its inspiration from the olive-growing Mediterranean lands and beyond. Our pristine cabanas are all for you to take pleasure in. Savour the divine flavours of lands far away, brought to you on a plate. Enjoy the taste of our food while being seated by an immaculate view of the river and coastal foliage, surrounded by the glimmering of the distant villages.
The Goan sun sets the perfect mood for all that Tesò has to offer. Indulge in a hearty breakfast surrounded by the zesty orange rays of sunrise. Kick-back with a leisurely lunch and experience the Sossegado way of life. Settle down into one of our cabanas at the end of the day with some refreshing sundowners and enjoy the rosy hues of the mellow sunset. Perhaps begin the evening with a delectable moonlit dinner. And prepare for a taste of Goa’s haute and high-octane nightlife at Tesò.
Curlies
Location: Anjuna Beach Strip
Distance: 5.2 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 8.30 am to 3 am
Entry Fee (Couples and Stag):
-Free for ladies
-Couples: 1200/- approx.
-Stag: NA
Curlies is one of the necessary places to visit in Goa. This club also provides a variety of accommodation options so you can, in fact, choose to stay here for a day or two. It will be well worth the stayover. Curlies is an all-in-one beach “shack”. Not only is it known for its good quality of service and its equally good food, it is also very famous for its sea view. Curlies is located almost at the edge of Anjuna beach which means that, figuratively, the sea waves knock right at its doorsteps.
This is a great set-up if you’re lodging at Curlies because you just have to put on your beach slippers and step out into the sand and the sea in the morning. You can spend the entire day on the beach soaking up the sun, knowing that everything you need is right next to you in the hotel. If you’re here to party at the spacious beach dance floor that can hold as many as 500 people, you will find yourself in a perfect party setting.
Loud, cheerful music, a whole host of foods and drinks to choose from, and a breath-taking view. If you’ve never seen how beautiful the sea looks at night, your night at Curlies will surely reveal it to you. The rooftop lounge area is great to relax in after dancing as is the pool area.
Club Cubana
Location: Arpora, North Goa
Distance: 4.6 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 9.30pm to 4 am
Entry Fee (Couples and Stag):
-LOW SEASON: Couples: Rs.1000 to 1700/-; Stag: 1400/-; Women Only: 700/-
-HIGH SEASON: Couples: Rs.1800 to 2200/-; Stag: 1500/-; Women Only: 700/-
Club Cubana calls itself the “Nightclub in the Sky”. It is an appropriate name for a club located in a remote location on top of the Arpora hill in North Goa. But though remote, Club Cubana is a great attraction for partygoers. It has revolving flashlights which throw their colourful lights all over the neighbourhood all night long, thereby attracting customers. There is a spacious dance floor where you can groove to the beats and there is also a swimming pool with a lounge which adds to the feeling of luxuriousness that characterises Club Cubana.
The club operates within strict parameters. It is open only from October to April and caters especially to couples and ladies. Stag entries are not encouraged though some are allowed in on rare occasions, for example, if they form part of a larger group of couples. Their attempt is geared towards maintaining an environment where people can let their hair down without worrying about security concerns.
If you are heading over to Goa with your girl gang, Wednesday is Ladies Night at Club Cubana. This means free entry and complimentary drinks for women. If a guy intends to accompany you, he will have to pay for entry. The dance floor, the lounge, and the bar are all located on different floors so you can easily pick and choose which activity to undertake first. But don’t expect great food here, you’ll only find the most basic food items to go with your drinks.
However, you will definitely find an amazing ambience here.
Tito's Street
Location: Tito’s Street, Baga Beach, North Goa
Distance: 7.5 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 6 pm to 3 am
Entry Fee (Couples and Stag): 6 pm to 3 am
-Rs. 1000/- for two.
-Free entry for ladies.
-Rs. 2000/- stag entry
Goa is India’s favourite party place. Therefore, you simply have to visit one of the many clubs scattered around Goa on your visit there. Tito’s Street is one of the best clubs you can visit. Tito’s Street, named after the street it is located on, is a club that attracts a lot of crowds especially because of its prime location and its top-notch service. Baga beach, where the club is located, is a party hub so it is no wonder that loads of tourists find their way to Tito’s Street after sundown.
The club is known for its excellent services and this compensates amply for the slightly overpriced tags on drinks and food. The place is made up of two levels: the lower level is a dance floor with a separate dance space for couples; the upper level allows people to sit and watch the activity below while enjoying their food and drinks. The DJ is reckoned to be very good and you’re sure to get in some soul-pumping dancing on your visit.
There are various entry vouchers which have complimentary services included. The vouchers begin from Rs. 1000/-. Their security is also among the best which is very important in a party-climate like Goa’s. It does not matter whether you go during in or off-season. Tito’s Street is an exciting place to party in all year round. Their cocktails are the talk of the town, so make sure you try them out. Nonetheless, even if you aren’t looking to drink, Tito’s Street is one of the places to visit in Goa.
Head over to Tito’s Street if you want a great experience which is worth your time and your money.
Cavala
Location: Cavala Beach Resort, Saunta Vaddo, Calangute-Baga Road Baga, North Goa
Distance: 6.5 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 07:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Cavala is one of Baga's more popular resorts and is located a stone’s throw from its bustling beach. A charming blend of old-world hospitality and modern comfort, this intimate seaside resort offers comfortable and well-appointed guestrooms and suites, a restaurant that features delectable continental and Goan cuisine, and a bar that has become the place to be on Friday nights.
The Cavala Resort sits in the enchanting garden of exotic plants and tropical flowers. The resort comprises the guest accommodations, garden restaurant and the Cavala popular bar.
The resort offers a range of 30 well-appointed rooms to suit every budget and requirement, from single, double and twin, each spotlessly clean and equipped with every modern comfort, without any added frills. All rooms open to a balcony, terrace or sit our area.
Britto's Restaurant & Bar
Location: Calangute, North Goa
Distance: 6.6 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 08:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Cavala is one of Baga's more popular resorts and is located a stone’s throw from its bustling beach. A charming blend of old-world hospitality and modern comfort, this intimate seaside resort offers comfortable and well-appointed guestrooms and suites, a restaurant that features delectable continental and Goan cuisine, and a bar that has become the place to be on Friday nights.
The Cavala Resort sits in the enchanting garden of exotic plants and tropical flowers. The resort comprises the guest accommodations, garden restaurant and the Cavala popular bar.
The resort offers a range of 30 well-appointed rooms to suit every budget and requirement, from single, double and twin, each spotlessly clean and equipped with every modern comfort, without any added frills. All rooms open to a balcony, terrace or sit our area.
De Baga Deck
Location: Calangute-Baga Road
Distance: 8.0 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 24 hours open
Open the entire day, De Baga Deck is a great place both for the day and for the night. The food quality is good enough though not out of the world. Its location is its best attraction as it is located near the Baga- Calangute beach stretch. That means an ample beach with great water-sporting opportunities close by as well as shopping facilities galore. If you wish to try out the food here, go for the Goan dishes which are a speciality of De Baga Deck.
Their karaoke is also known to be pretty good. Because it is not right onto the beach, the crowds here are on the lesser side which is a blessing for people who are looking for a place where you can sit comfortably enough and chat with friends. The staff and service is good and the music lively and the prices are not too steep. It also offers accommodation so you can check out that aspect of the club too. Its convenient location makes this a nice option on all counts.
Shiva Valley
Location: Anjuna Beach
Distance: 5.3 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 6 pm to 6 am
Entry Fee (Couples and Stag): Free for all
This is one of the places in Goa that you must visit if you are looking to party long and party hard. Located on Anjuna beach, this is a one of the kind club. It has a strong psychedelic vibe to it so if you count yourself as one of the hipster crowd and enjoy psychedelic music, or even simply want to experience it, Shiva Valley is the place to head to. It is modelled around the Natraj figure, that is, the dancing avatar of Shiva, and thus the name.
The theme also inspires the ambience- Shiva Valley is best known for its Trance nights, some even call it “the temple of Trance”. Trance is a global phenomenon and you will find many people here who have been returning to the trance floor of Shiva Valley for years upon years. The trance is an intense dancing set-up. It is a great way to unwind and if you are in need of an emotional purge, this is one of the best ways to do it.
Simply dancing till sunrise is an experience enough, but dancing to psychedelic trance music is an experience to really remember. The ambience of Shiva valley is not just fun, it is also very powerful. All in all, it should definitely be on your party to-do list for Goa. Visit on a Tuesday night for the best experience. And do not forget to have some piping hot tea and cheese omelettes with the Chai Mamas outside.
Love Passion Karma
Location: Candolim
Distance: 13.3 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 9.30pm to 3.30am
Entry Fee (Couples and Stag):
-Couple: Rs.1500/- to 2000/-
-Stag: 3000/- approx.
-Women only: Free
Touted to be the best party club in town, Love Passion Karma hits its customers with an amazing vibe made up of great music, trippy lighting, and a dance floor and a DJ that can compete with the best. If you’re aching for that “dancing all night” experience, you should give LPK a definite try. Dancing all night is not just a distant possibility here, most people actually end up doing so. It is that special combination of lights and music that generates such high-powered energy.
LPK will give you a party experience to remember. You can visit it on any of their variously themed nights. Ladies going in a group can visit on Ladies Night to enjoy some good company and a complimentary drink. The LPK water-front is one its famous features. The glittering water is lit up at night by the huge LPK logo shining upon it making for a very surrealistic scene. Their venue has some lovely structures built to serve expressly as photography backdrops.
The entire location is very attractive and you will find yourselves wanting to return to it day after day to dance the night away. LPK is not a place which offers dinner options, and the few food options they do have are quite expensive. You would be better off dining outside before visiting the club. They are situated in a beautiful location but a remote one at that, as a result reaching there might get a little tricky unless you solidly research the route.
Hidden Treasures
Lamgao Caves
Location: Bicholim, North Goa
Distance: 27.2 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Going to North Goa to hit one of the beaches? Make sure to take some time out and visit Lamgua caves. One of the ‘hidden’ tourist places in Goa, Lamgau Caves are made up of two man-made caves which were meant to be a residence for monks. They are of great importance to the Hindu community in Goa and they reflect the transition from Buddhism to Hinduism. The caves are designed in a Buddhist fashion but the idols of Nandi and the Shivaling outside the main entrance of the smaller of the two caves reveal another aspect.
The other cave is much larger and is basically a place where one can sit and meditate or take shelter from the rains. The scenic route up to the caves is another reason to visit them. The caves are located inside a dense areca nut plantation and trekking up to them can get tough because of the rugged nature of the paths. You pass several small Goan villages on your way, these are good and hospitable resting spots during the trek.
The many interesting local temples on the way are an added attraction of the trek up to Lamgau Caves. You can visit the caves on some early morning. This will allow you to go over the entire location peacefully and enjoy the small details that you might otherwise miss out.
Verna Springs
Location: Near the village of Cortalim, South Goa
Distance: 36.6 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 9 am to 7 pm
Verna Springs, popularly known as Kesarval Springs, are located near the Verna Cliffs, hence the name. ‘Kesarval’, on the other hand, is a reference to the days of old when eagles (kesar-val) had a nesting ground near the springs. The Eagles are gone but the springs gush out from between the huge rocks and green trees just as chirpily as ever. This is a good spot to visit for some nature sighting. The surroundings are quiet and only the hum of the forest fauna is to be heard.
The Verna Springs, however, might be a little noisier on account of the many people who frequent the Springs. The Verna Springs are popular not only for their natural beauty but also for their rumoured healing properties. The water from the Springs is said to hold curative properties. The skin, eyes, internal ailments can all purportedly be cured by a dip in the water of Verna Springs. As a result, you will come across all manner of people here who are enjoying a taste of the waters in the hope of curing some physical ailment or the other.
The Springs is big enough to take this influx of people and they are active enough to sweep away the resultant dirt in their strong currents. The best time to visit is during the monsoon season when the water is flowing at full force even though they continue to exist in the dry season albeit to a much less forceful extent. Take a spare set of clothes or your swimming costume along if you too wish to take a dip in them.
Mangueshi Temple
Location: Mangeshi Village, Mardol
Distance: 38.2 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 6 am to 10 pm
This is a temple dedicated to Lord Mangueshi, a form of Shiva which is recognized only in Goa. A major tourist attraction in the state, the Mangueshi Temple is a great place for those of you who want a taste of authentic Goan life away from the Westernised beaches. This temple was built in 1560 when the site of the Mangesh Linga was shifted from the original spot in Kushasthali to Mangeshi following the Portuguese invasion. The current structure was built 150 years later under the Maratha rule, when it was upscaled from a simple construction to the imposing structure it is today.
Many domes, balustrades, and pilasters are a part of the architecture. An imposing Nandi statue near the entrance and a magnificent 7 storeyed lamp-tower add to the charm of the elegant temple. Pujas are performed throughout the day. A set of pujas in the morning is followed by a maha-aarti at noon and a grand Panchopchar puja at night. Devotees flock to the temple in droves which makes the spot an active one.
The location is especially alluring as the Mangueshi Temple is set among lush green forests and resplendent paddy fields with mango and jackfruit grooves nearby hand in hand with tall palm trees. This makes a perfect place for a meditative retreat. There are sellers outside who sell trinkets, goods to use in the temple and saat, a local speciality made from jackfruit. The Temple can be visited throughout the day but it really shines out at night as candles by the dozen illuminate it. This is a good place to visit in Goa.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Location: Island of Chorao, River Mandovi
Distance: 22.4 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is so named after India’s top ornithologist. It is a hidden gem that not many people visit but it makes for a top sight-seeing place in Goa. The Sanctuary is located on Chorao Island on River Mandovi which necessitates a ferry ride across to the island. The island is covered in mangrove swamps and frequented by birds of all kinds. Both local as well as out of state birds make a home in the sanctuary. You can spot many species of birds here like Pintails, Blue-winged teals, Maddar ducks, Purple herons as also storks, flying foxes, jackals, and crocodiles.
The mangrove swamps are a good breeding habitat for many birds, fishes, and insects. There is a watchtower in the sanctuary from where you can watch the various kinds of birds that frequent the island. Visitors would be well advised to lather themselves up in insect repellents when visiting the sanctuary. The island is easy to visit but it needs some planning in advance as you require a permit from the Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department, Junta House, Panaji.
This is a relatively small sanctuary but it is rich in nature’s attractions and makes it to the lists of numerous travellers. Its short distance from Panaji makes the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary especially convenient to visit.
Arvalem Waterfall
Location: Mapusa, North Goa
Distance: 36.3 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 7 am to 5 pm
The Arvalem Waterfalls are one of the places to visit in Goa especially if you have children in tow. They are not as huge as the Dudhsagar Waterfalls since they are only about 50 meters high and 7 meters wide. But reaching them is far easier than reaching Dudhsagar. Their location is also perfect since they are not located far from the popular North Goa beaches and have other sight-seeing places nearby. The Arvalem Waterfalls are located in Mapusa, near the Bicholem Village.
The Lamgau Caves are close by as is a location fit for white-water rafting which is 13km from the site of the waterfall. The Arvalem Waterfalls in themselves are a pretty sight, and especially imposing during the monsoon months when the fall into the lake below with a fearful force. They dry to a trickle in the summer leaving the lake to become a swimming pool for avid swimmers. There is a well-maintained government park close to the waterfalls, which is a great spot for a picnic.
You can make a fulfilling day trip to this location and also take part in the other activities close by. The children will have an especially good day.
Corjuem Fort
Location: Corjuem, North Goa
Distance: 18.6 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 6 am to 7 pm
One of the two inland forts still intact in Goa, the Corjuem Fort is a popular spot with tourists and makes for a nice break from the beaches. The Fort was built in 1550 and has since seen many parties take control of it- from the Indian rulers to the colonists. This fort made an especially attractive possession because of its strategic position. The fort is so situated as to be a great defensive location for Panaji. Hence the numerous battles that took place here for control.
The Fort was rebuilt by the British in 1705. Though it has fallen into disuse now, it is still an attractive spot and you might come across history buffs and architecture enthusiasts going over the fort for its structure and its past. The view attracts tourists since it reveals a breath-taking landscape. The Fort is built across the Mapusa river which can be seen cutting through the green Goan countryside. It is a view that is capable of instilling peace.
Photographers are also attracted to this location in hordes. All in all, the Fort is a good passing tourist attraction that you can visit for some hours on one of the afternoon of your visit to North Goa. This is one of the interesting historical places to visit in Goa.
Naval Aviation Museum
Location: Bogmalo Road, Mormugao
Distance: 44 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
The Naval Aviation Museum in Goa is one of the two military museums in India and overall one of the best museums you can visit in India. If you are on a trip with the kids, do not give this museum a miss. Both parents and children will love a visit to the Naval Aviation Museum. It has two sections- the indoor area and the court outside. You can roam around the park outside and look at the various out-of-commission aircrafts that served in the navy. Some of the aircrafts there are Breguet Alizé (IN 202), Hawker Sea Hawk FGA Mk 100 (IN 234), Westland Sea King Mk 42 (IN 505) among numerous others.
These are all very important aircrafts and have played crucial roles in the Indian Defence Strategies. The interior of the museum is designed to look like INS Viraat, an important Indian Naval base, and hosts several interesting galleries where you can read about the many battles the Indian Naval Forces have been a part of. There is also a room dedicated to naval equipment like warheads, bombs, torpedoes, rockets etc and another room has the collection of underwater radars used to detect underwater enemy targets.
The children will love the simulation room inside the museum where visitors can experience being inside the cockpit. The Naval Aviation Museum is a great educational experience combined with fun. Everything about the museum makes it a perfect sight-seeing place in Goa, including the magnificent ocean view. Pay the museum a visit one afternoon and spend the evening on the beach nearby for a good end to your day.
Spice Plantations
Location: Approx. 30km from Panaji
Distance: 45.4 Km from Casa de Tartaruga
Timings: 6 am to 10 pm
For many people, Goa is all about the beaches and the nightclubs. This has influenced its popular public image to the extent that we forget that there is more to Goa than the beaches. In truth, Goa is also the hub of many types of spice Plantations. A huge variety of the common spices that we use at home, as well as the more exotic and expensive varieties reserved for special occasions, are grown here. By making a visit to these plantations, you get right into the natural habitat of the ingredients so beloved in Indian kitchens.
You can take a tour of the plantation and understand how the spices are grown, what goes into making them strong and appealing, and why certain spices cost as much as they do. You can also get some useful usage tips that might just transform your cooking experiences. Apart from the actual spice farming, you will also find yourself having a good time drinking the special teas offered on the plantations, eating the delicious home-made food delicately tinged with homegrown spices, and enjoying the general ambience of the space.
If you can manage it, go during the monsoon season. Any farm is worth a visit when the falling rains fill the air with a lovely scent but imagine how compounded this effect will be on a spice plantation. Spice Plantations are one of most delightful the places to visit in Goa, so don’t miss out on them. Savoi Spice Plantation, Sahakari Spice Farms, Tropical Spice Plantation are some plantations to look into. Most are located roughly 30km from Panaji and easily accessible via cabs.
Outdoor Adventures
Private Island Trip with Adventurous Activities in Goa
Duration: 6 hrs
Timings: 9 am to 3 pm
Goa is definitely an important beach destination for all travellers in the world and there are hundreds of activities offered at the different beaches in Goa to make each one enjoy the level best.
here is a private island trip with multiple water sports in Goa. Partake in this one day tour after you get picked up from Calangute / Baga / Candolim / Arpora / Panjim / Prvorim in the morning around 09:00 am.
You will reach the island around 11:00 am.
The activities included in the package are Jetski 1000 cc, Banana Ride, Bumper Ride, Kayaking Ride, Water Zorbing, Fishing, Battery Boat, Paddle Boat etc.
You will be taken to the island on a yacht or catamaran or pontoon.You can make use of the changing rooms, washrooms and enjoy the sights along with liquor and music. Soft drinks, beer and snacks will also be served.
Wind up the tour by 02:00 pm and start your return journey to the drop points and conclude the tour at 03:00 pm.
Activity :
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Jetski 1000 cc
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Banana Ride
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Bumper Ride
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Kayaking Ride
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Water Zorbing
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Fishing
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Battery Boat
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Paddle Boat
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Island visit
Monsoon Water Sports Combo in Goa
Location: Bambolim, South Goa
Duration: 2 Hours
Trip Starting From : Candolim
Trip Location: South Goa
Make your Monsoon's Special with a full day trip to Tsunami Island in South Goa and enjoy four different water sports.
Start your tour at 8:30 AM after getting picked up from the hotel in North Goa at Candolim, Bala, Arpora, Calangute and Panjim in a shared vehicle.
Travel to Tsunami Island and witness amazing sights on the way like old Goa Church, Dona Paula Beach, Miramar Beach. Fish Aquarium, Colva Beach. Have some wonderful time with your friends while trying these exciting activities like Speed boat ride, Banana boat ride, Jet Ski and Ringo ride.
Enjoy each these activities for 10-15 minutes.
Enjoy a Packed Lunch, Soft Drinks and Other Refreshments.
End this exciting activity after getting dropped back at the hotel at 6:00 PM
Activity:
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Banana Ride
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Speed Boat Ride
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Jetski
Trek To Todo Waterfalls In Goa
Location: Goa
Duration: 1 Day
Embark on this trekking expedition in Goa and get a chance to revisit history, heritage, and thrills with a twist in this region.
Leave Panjim at 7:00 AM and reach the start point at around 9:30 AM.
Start trekking at around 9:45 AM after a quick briefing from your guide. Trek through the lush green thickets and pass some small streams as you continue your trek.
At around 1:00 PM reach the waterfall and click some excellent pictures with the amazing background.
Delight in a delicious lunch at around 2:00 PM and then continue trekking.
Enjoy the amazing sight of the waterfall a delight in a quick bath.
At around 4:00 PM reach the road ahead an exciting day.
Drive back to Panjim at 4:15 PM while enjoying the evening sky.
End this exciting day at around 6:30 PM in the evening and head back home with lots of memories.
Activity:
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Trekking
Inclusions:
Breakfast, Lunch & Evening Tea, English & Hindi Speaking Guide, Permit to Wildlife Sanctuary, Transport from/to Panjim, First Aid & Taxes.
Adventure Boat With Activities In Goa
Location: Goa
Duration: 3 Hours
Start your adventurous day at around 10:00 AM and board at Panjim, Goa. Alternatively, you could get on the cruise at 2:30 PM.
Witness coastal Goa like never before by indulging in this exciting luxury cruise that provides you with an unparalleled experience for 3 hours.
Try some exciting activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, crab catching, fishing and swimming as you continue sailing.
This is your chance to enjoy the luxury side of the seas of Goa along with your friends.
Enjoy some snacks and a delicious lunch while enjoying these activities.
Languish in the clear waters, even as you swim and snorkel to admire the sheer vibrancy of underwater coral and marine life.
Conclude this amazing day at 1:00 PM/5:30 PM and head back home with lots of memories.
Activity:
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Stand-up Paddle Boarding
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Kayaking
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Line bait fishing
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Swimming
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Crab Catching
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Sunbathing
Cycling At Divar And Chorao Islands
Location: Divar, North Goa
Duration: 3 Hours
Start your trip at Soccour Church around 7:00 AM in the morning and get ready for the day.
After a quick briefing on how to use bicycle gears, safety instructions and a brief overview of the tour ahead, travel across Comburpha Ferry and head to the magnificent Chorao Island.
Stop en route for breakfast at a local eatery and delight in the food chores before you head on to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and experience bird watching as you pedal through uninhabited areas in Chorao Island and ride back!
We head to Divar Island, in case your body permits you to ride more. Drive through the picturesque village of Divar while enjoying the stunning sights.
Tour ends back at Soccour Church, after a wonderful cycling expedition.
Conclude your tour at around 12 PM and head back home with lots of memories.
Activity:
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Stand-up Paddle Boarding
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Kayaking
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Line bait fishing
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Swimming
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Crab Catching
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Sunbathing
Adventure Jungle Walk In Goa
Location: Dharbandora
Duration: 8 Hours
Enthrall in this exciting walking and trekking expedition in Goa and get a chance to explore the enduring beauty of this region.
Start this exciting activity at around 9:00 AM in the morning after reaching the tour locality.
Feel the thrill as you walk up the hills on the rough roads.Hike through steep roads and click some amazing pictures of the western ghats.
Visit the amazing Dudhsagar waterfall on your way and let your eyes explore the wonders of nature.
End this exciting tour at 5:00 PM and head back home after clicking some pictures.
Activity:
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Trekking
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Jungle walk
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Waterfall visit
South Goa Sightseeing Full Day Tour
Location: South Goa
Duration: 11 Hours
Get away on a sightseeing tour of South Goa as you are picked up from the hotel in Candolim, Baga, Calangute and Panjim at around 08:30 AM by bus and 10:00 AM by car
The sights covered are the Basilica de Bom Jesus, St Cathedral church, Mangeshi temple and Mahalsa temple in the region.
Continue your tour and visit Panjim, Shantadurga temple and the famous Clovia beach.
You can also indulge in Dona Paula Jetty and a boat cruise along with rest of the group members at an additional cost.
End this exciting tour at around 7:00 PM in the evening after getting dropped back at your hotel.
Activity:
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Sightseeing
Day out with Crocodiles at Cumbharjua in Goa
Location: North Goa
Duration: 5 Hours
Visit the amazing Cortalim jetty, take a boat, and go to Cumbharjua canals for watching the aquatic predators- crocodile.
Unlike a zoo, you get to see the crocodiles at one of the biggest wetlands in Goa.
A glimpse of the mangroves, the idea of the crocodiles lurking in the mushy wetland and the silence contributes to the mystery and adventure.
The tour lasts for 5 hours and is one of the most intriguing experiences.
Meal Types:
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Snacks,
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Soft drinks and
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Beer
Activity:
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Crocodile Tour
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Boat Ride
Elephant And Village Plantation Tour In Goa
Location: Dharbandora
Duration: 6 Hours
Enjoy the rural scenic beauty of Goa with a fun elephant visit and village plantation tour of Goa with your friends and family! Take in the amazing sights of this beautiful countryside as you are taken along to see some of the most unique plants and flora that make this coastal town so exquisite and unique! Explore the vast green and spend a good amount of time with the big-bellied friendly elephants who will welcome you with love and joy!
Activity:
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Elephant Tour and
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Plantation Visit
Overnight Houseboat Cruise at Chapora River
Location: North Goa
Duration: 1 Day and 1 Night
Get picked up at around 4:30 PM from the mentioned location Panjim, Calangute, Baga and Candolim in an air-conditioned shared vehicle and reach Siolim at 5:00 PM
Head to sunset point for a magnificent view of the evening sky. Indulge in some of the indoor games like cards, chess, scramble, ludo etc.
You will also indulge in exciting activities like line fishing, bird-watching, etc. This cruise is specially designed for the ones who love nature by the day and it is also a Birdwatchers dream.
Enjoy a lavish authentic Goan dinner cuisine on board.
Witness another side of Goa on the overnight houseboat cruise on the backwaters of Chapora River in North Goa.
Enjoy the river breeze, lush greenery and scenic beauty as you relax in the comforts of this Paradise.
Santa Lucia is a Luxurious Wooden House Boat, one of the most beautiful and preferred holiday destinations around India. It has three deluxe bedrooms, one lobby cum dining area and two open sit outs on the upper deck. All bedrooms have individual bath toilets with modern amenities.
Its well-stocked bar & friendly crew will pamper all your needs during your stay onboard.
End this exciting tour at around 1:00 PM the next day after a tasty breakfast.
Activity:
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Cards
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Chess
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Scramble
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Ludo
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Line Fishing (At recommended fishing grounds)
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Bird watching (At Bird watching points)
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Sand Extraction by local artisans (enroute to Colvale)
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Shell Fish extraction (enroute to Colvale)
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Binoculars and Fishing tackle available on board
Art, Culture & Events
Bonderam Festival
Location: Island of Divar
Date: 4th Saturday of August every year
This is the most happening festival celebrated on a grand scale on the Island of Divar. The word "Bonderam" originated from the involvement of flags. "Bandeira" is the Portuguese word for the Flag. It is stated that during the Portuguese rule in Goa there were frequent disputes between two sections of the Divar village over property issues. These often led to violence and fights in the village. To find a solution to this problem, the Portuguese introduced a system of demarcation of boundaries with flags. The festival is a memoir to the protest by the local villagers against the Portuguese while trying to resolve the property ownership disputes. This festival starts with a flag which is accompanied by the brass band. Later there is a fancy dress competition which is followed by the traditional float parade. This is followed by a live band performance by the famous music bands of Goa. Bonderam is a very popular monsoon festival in Goa and it draws huge crowds from all parts of Goa and world over.
World Tourism Day
Location: Goa
Date: 27th September every year
World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on 27th September with much festivity by the travel, tourism and hospitality industry here in Goa. A large number of activities, programmes and events are organized throughout the State both by the private sector and the Tourism Department, Government of Goa-based on the theme of World Tourism Day. Goa Tourism organizes competitions and activities for local Goans to participate.
Narkasur Parades
Location: Goa
Date: Eve of Diwali every year
On the eve of Diwali, the people of Goa celebrate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king, Narkasur. Effigies of the demon Narkasur are paraded on the streets before being burnt. This marks the commencement of the festival of light and end of evil and darkness. The festival is therefore known as Narkasur Chaturdashi. Preparations begin many days before the festivities and the young and old both engage in the painstaking job of designing and constructing the large effigies that dance in the streets on the eve of Diwali. To commemorate the occasion, competitions are organized and prizes are awarded before the effigies are reduced to ash. Narkasur parades are undertaken with pomp and fervour and are a great attraction for those who choose to spend their Diwali-time holidays in Goa.
Vintage Bike and Car Festival
Location: Goa
Date: October
A one-day Vintage Bike and Car Festival is organized by Goa Tourism to promote the passion for restoring and maintaining vintage bikes and cars. Last year more than 50 such vintage vehicles (bikes and cars only) were slated to drive downtown in the capital city which offered a feast for the eyes at the INOX Courtyard. Vintage two-wheelers and four-wheelers dated from 1933 to 1970 were on display. Cars that one got a glimpse of at the festival included the Austin, Morris, Cadillac, Ford, Chevrolet, Mercedes, Volkswagen and bikes like Norton, BSA and BMW.
International Film Festival of India
Location: Goa
Date: November
The international film festival of India, commonly known as the IFFI, is the first international film festival to have been held in Asia. From its humble beginnings in 1952 the festival has been held annually in India. Since 2004, this festival has been held in the state of Goa, on the west coast of India. The festival attracts delegations from across the world and screens a variety of films in a ‘babel’ of languages.
Goa International Jazz festival
Location: Goa
Date: November
The three-day festival brings together a host of progressive young and modern musicians, alongside established talents from across the globe. The festival gets talented musicians to showcase their music on a single platform to a curious and open-minded audience. Last year the festival included jazz aficionados like Canada-based Shuffle Demons, the Tarun Balani Collective, Goa Acid Fusion Jazz – playing a tribute to Srinivas – Louis Banks Trio, keyboardist Malcolm Braff-led Greenwoman. The festival showcases a wide range of talents and all jazz lovers have a great excuse to land up in Goa.
Tripurari Poornima
Location: Goa
Date: November
The traditional Tripurari Poornima boat festival is celebrated at Sanquelim in the last week of November and is a major draw for tourists from far and wide. According to mythology, Lord Krishna defeated and killed the Demon Tripur on the day of Kartik Purnima. People celebrated Krishna's victory and the end of demons by releasing lamps in the river. Since then it has been a tradition all over India to release small lamps in the river during the time of Diwali especially Kartik Purnima. An interesting element about the way this is celebrated in Goa is the distinctive local touch. The tradition takes the form of a very unusual competition - that of making miniature models boats and ships made out of thermocol and other materials. The shipbuilding competition has become the main highlight of the festival drawing a large number of spectators and participants from all over Goa. Besides the main boat competition, there is a host of cultural programmes including songs by well-known artists, performances of various Goan traditional folk dances such as Goff, Dhalo, Tony Kamel, Veerbhadra, Samai Dance etc along with a display of fireworks.
Mando Festival
Location: Goa
Date: December
Mando is a beautiful dance performance. The theme is usually one of love – bitter and sweet passion which is slow and deliberate in movement and well expressed through words and graceful movements of dance. Young men and women gracefully weave rhythmic patterns to the beat of a ghumot (mud percussion instrument) and the romantic strains of the violin. Slow and sad at the beginning, the Mando ends in the lively Dhulpod. The theme of the traditional mando is Love and romance, but of late there has been some innovation with a diversity of thematic subjects. The spectator's eye is entertained by varied poses in unending silhouettes, some more grave, others more graceful. In earlier days the Mando dance was performed usually in the evenings in celebration of weddings in the hall of an aristocrat's residence. Today, public performances are limited to festivals and other events. The Mando Festival has been continuously held in Goa for over 30 years. Since the 7th year of the festivals -- in 1974 -- the Goa Cultural & Social Centre has been organising the event, annually.
Sunburn festival in Goa
Location: Vagator, Goa
Date: December
Sunburn Festival is India's premier Electronic Dance Music Festival. Organized in the picturesque environs of Goa, it is the biggest party for music lovers. Sunburn is synonymous with non-stop music, dance and fun. International names rock the stage making audiences’ sway to their tunes. Voted as the 7th most popular international music festival, crowds from far lands come to attend the event. Not just music, crazy parties, entertainment extravaganza, delicious food, drinks; it is the best time of your life. Every year in December, Goa comes to life as the festival brings on adrenalin gushing music, dance and fun. Get ready to be sunburnt!
Goa Liberation Day
Location: Goa
Date: 19th December
Goa Liberation day holds great significance in the history of Goa. It signifies the day when Goa was released of Portuguese dominance by assistance from the Indian Navy. The liberation helped the people of Goa to relieve themselves from the exploitative rules of the Portuguese. The liberation also made the independence of India complete as after the British left India, Goa was the only part that remained under the British rule.
The day is celebrated with a lot of fanfare in Goa. The celebration features a torchlight procession that takes off from three various locations of Goa. The three processions ultimately meet at the Azad Maidan. At this place, the participants of the procession pay their tribute to the martyrs. Cultural programs like Sugam Sangeet are also organized to celebrate the day.
Christmas in Goa
Location: Goa
Date: 25th December
Christmas is a festival that is celebrated all over the global with a lot of enthusiasm and joy, cutting across the barriers of religion. But there is a special charm in the Christmas in Goa that sets it apart from celebrations of Christmas anywhere else in India. Being predominated mainly by the Christians, Goa, during this time comes alive in a kaleidoscope of colors and revelry.
During Christmas in Goa, all the streets are lit up and the marketplaces are all decorated with tinsel and buntings. There are Christmas trees shining and glittering in every corner of the streets and inside the houses. All the houses and churches are brightly lit up and decorated. Celebrations start from Christmas Eve when the beautiful harmony and melody of the Christmas carols fill up the pleasant ambience of Goa and brings the festive mood. The wonderful smell of baking cakes and the songs of the church bells fills up the air that is already vibrant and colourful with the celebrations of the Goa Christmas. There are the parties, morning masses, prayers, the music, shopping, dance and other festivities that all add up to the exotic fiesta that is in sync with the beat of the sea, the sun and Christmas.
Feast of Three Kings in Goa
Location: Old Goa, Panaji
Date: 10 Days in January
The Feast of Three Kings in Goa is celebrated as an ode to the ‘Our Lady of The Mount’, a statue of Virgin Mary with infant Jesus in her hand, considered to be the protector of the people. On this day, the Lady of the Mount is adorned with jewellery and people from all over climb up to her to seek her blessings. The Festival of the Three Kings is celebrated after 12 days of Christmas to commemorate the visit of the three wise men to infant Jesus. The legend says that the boulder on the nearby hills still bears the footprints of Virgin Mary and the baby, where she supposedly rested before reaching the Hill of Remedies. Many states that the site of the Chapel of Remedios which stands there now was once a Hindu Temple site. Every year during this time, there are hundreds of Christian as well as Hindu devotees who make the annual pilgrimage to the Mount to offer prayers to Madonna, with candles, flowers and incense.
The Feast of Three Kings Festival continues for 10 days. During this time, there is continuous dance, music and partying that keeps the spirit of Goa high. During the nine days of continuous revelry, the devotees come to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount to offer prayers and seek her blessings. The last day of the festival is celebrated in a unique fashion when three small boys aged between 8 and 10 are dressed up as the three Kings who brought gifts for infant Jesus. These boys, chosen from the local villages dress themselves up and make preparations for the grand event when they become the king for a day. The boys arrive at the chapel to offer wealth to the lady of the Mount and each of them takes a different path and is accompanied by a jovial crowd. After the end of the rituals, there is a grand fete and fair organized where one can buy a wide variety of things, such as copper, brassware, furniture, clothes, toys, trinkets, bangles and spices.
Goa Carnival
Location: Goa
Date: 10th February to 13th February 2018
The most amazing thing about Goa is that fun and festivities that begin in December with the holiday season does not stop upon arrival of the New Year but continues up to the celebration of Goa Carnival or the pre Mardi Gras revelry, a tradition that dates back to the arrival of Portuguese in Goa way back in 1510.
Based on the Christian tradition of Mardi Gras (also known as Fat Wednesday) which refers to the events of the carnival celebrations; Goa Carnival is a festival that celebrates the culture and cuisine of Goa on a grand scale every year.
Originating from the tradition of Mardi Gras, a tradition of hedonistic feasts and dancing & drinking bouts before the fasting and abstinence associated with the penitential season of lent, Goa Carnival is a 4-day razzmatazz that is observed all through the state with great gusto and zeal.
Goa Carnival features a frenzy of tourist activities. Tourists indulge in feasting, merrymaking, drinking throughout the day. The festive mood is even more aggravated by the huge parades that move the various streets of Goa. These parades are accompanied by live bands and dances. Goa forgets to sleep during the carnival as these parades continue throughout the night. Most of the streets are decorated with attractive lighting and grand balls.
The festivities during Goa Carnival include dancing troupes, revellers wearing masks and costumes usually, electrifying music which is generally performed live, sports competitions, floats & parades and hedonistic pursuits like great food and drinking.
