Goa – The Party Capital Of India is the ideal fusion of tropical surroundings, vibrant nightlife, and natural beauty. Visit our Goa blog portal to gather all the details you need to know to organise an awesome vacation to the party-state. This collection of travel blogs on Goa will make your trip enjoyable and hassle-free, with information on the top tourist attractions and opulent resorts. In these posts, learn about the state’s best-kept secrets. Each Goa travel blog provides essential information such as the best time to visit, how to get there, and other nitty-gritty tips and information to help you make the most of your vacation. Every Goa tour blog has served as a platform for us to express our passion for India’s favourite party destination.

Don’t limit yourself to crowded beaches and attractions when you can use these Goa trip blogs to discover new and unusual places. These Goa travel blogs have you covered for both parts of the Portuguese corner of India, whether it’s North Goa or South Goa. Pin your favourite articles and feel free to share them on your social media channels to pique everyone’s interest in visiting Goa. Every day, keep an eye on this space for the most recent updates and exciting new information.

This tiny state is a highlight of India’s southwestern coast. The state is bounded on the north by Maharashtra, on the east and south by Karnataka, and on the west by the Arabian Sea.

The state is divided into North and South Goa, each with distinct geographical and cultural features that contribute to an unforgettable tourism experience. Panjim is the state capital, and Vasco da Gama is the largest city.

History of Party Capital of India

Goa has a long and varied history that dates back to prehistoric times. The current state, as we know it, was established only in 1987. There is archaeological evidence of human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods.

The Maurya and Satavahana empires ruled the state during the Iron Age, followed by the Kadamba, Vijayanagara, Bahmani, and Bijapur Sultanate rulers in the mediaeval period. The Portuguese invaded and defeated the Bijapur Sultanate in 1510.

The Portuguese ruled for 450 years, during which time they shaped the country’s people, culture, art, and architecture. The Indian army annexed the state in 1961, deposing the Portuguese. Goa was a union territory until 1987, when it was granted statehood.

Hidden Facts About Goa

Here are some interesting and fun facts about Goa

• The state has at least 7000 bars and pubs, which is more than most Indian metropolises.
• Because of its thriving tourism industry over the years, this state has the highest per capita income and Human Development Index.
• It is the only state that has official bike taxis, which are two-wheelers that serve as taxis.
• Goa has two independence days: one national on August 15 and one local on December 19.

Things to do in The Party Capital of India

Don’t forget to have some adventures in Goa while you’re exploring old forts, churches, popular beaches, and other famous places in Goa. For the ultimate travel experience, try these exciting activities.

Visit the ancient palaces and mansions from the time of Portuguese rule, such as the Fernandes House, Braganza House, or the Fontainhas and Sao Tome.

Experience the nightlife on the beach at infamous clubs such as Love Karma Passion, Mambos, and SinQ.

Take a dining cruise down the Mandovi River, and while you’re at it, try your luck at the casino cruises.

Parasailing, banana boating, jet skiing, scuba diving, and other water sports are available in Goa.

Explore the bustling pubs on Baga or Calangute beach, Anjuna, Arpora, Ashwem, and other northern beaches. Relax and dine at the exotic beachside restaurants and diners on Palolem, Patnem, Canacona, Colva, and Majorda’s south beaches.

Investigate the food trail. The Konkan state’s cuisine is a heady blend of traditional Konkani fare and a rich culinary legacy derived from its Portuguese past. Try traditional Goan dishes like vindaloo, xacuti, and cafreal, as well as traditional sweets like bebinca, dodol, and guava cheese. Remember to try freshly caught fish.

Hire a car rental in Goa to easily get around and experience all of these major adventures.

Best Places to See in Goa

There are endless places to see and visit in this beach paradise, with its palm-lined shores, golden sandy beaches, calming blue sea, clear sky, and vibrant cosmopolitan culture. Goa’s tourist attractions are divided into two sections: north and south.

The northern beaches of Goa are known for their nightclubs, pubs, and beach adventures, while the southern beaches are known for their serene and peaceful vibes.

Places to Visit in North Goa

Anjuna Flea Market

On Wednesdays, Anjuna Flea Market is a treasure trove of trinkets, handicrafts, hippie clothing, souvenirs, and everything else from cheap bags to footwear and junk jewellery. The Anjuna Flea Market, also known as the “Queen of Hippie Flea Markets,” is as much a part of the Goa experience as the beaches. The market is a must-see, offering everything from Keralan spices to Kashmiri jewellery, Karnataka wooden toys to Jimi Hendrix t-shirts.

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception was Goa’s first and one of its oldest churches. It was constructed in 1541. The “Praca de Flores,” or “Square of Flowers,” was added in 1843. The Panjim Church is situated on a hillside, just above Adil Shah’s Idalco Palace. Standing on the gallery of the church, you can see the entire city of Panjim.

The church’s interior is straightforward. There are two altars in the church. The main altar is dedicated to Mary Immaculate, with Jesus crucified on the left and Our Lady of the Rosary on the right. Near the altars are beautiful statues of St. Paul and St. Peter. Another highlight of the church is the St. Xavier’s Chapel.

After the Golden Bell in Se Cathedral in Old Goa, the great bell at the Church of Mary Immaculate Conception is considered Goa’s second largest church bell. This massive bell in the central belfry was transported from the ruins of St. Augustine Church in Old Goa. After Panaji became Goa’s capital in 1871, it was relocated to the Mary Immaculate Church.

Every year on December 8th, the feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is celebrated. This church is beautifully decorated with lights during the feast, and the entire Church Square is occupied by a lively fair. Numerous film shoots have taken place in the churchyard.

Fort Aguada

The Aguada Fort is a popular tourist destination, particularly in Goa. With the passage of time, Bollywood has shown an interest in this location for the filming of beautiful films such as ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ and ‘Rang De Basanti.’ During the monsoon season, its beauty is at its peak, allowing you to spend unforgettable moments here.

Fort Aguada in Goa has the reputation of being one of India’s most forbidding and impregnable Portuguese-designed forts. Many tourists have fallen in love with the 17th-century fort. If you are planning a trip to Goa, this is a must-see. It is located on a hilltop on Sinquerim beach in North Goa. Motor vehicles can quickly transport you there. The fort’s purpose was to provide water to all passing ships. In terms of architecture, it is simple and made of laterite stone. Observe living quarters, prisons, and barracks.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

The Salim Ali bird sanctuary is one of Goa’s smallest protected areas, named after India’s foremost ornithologist, Dr. Salim Moizzudin Ali. This slice of ornithological paradise is unquestionably a fantastic insight into the fragile eco-system that is the mangrove marshes. Rare bird and animal life will be spotted as ornithological enthusiasts paddle around the sanctuaries narrow canals in a dugout canoe.

When to Go

The sanctuary is best visited during the winter months, from October to March, when the migratory birds that frequent the area are also present. The sanctuary’s inhabitants are most visible in the early hours of the morning and at sunset. The sanctuary is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the week.

However, because the Mandovi is a tidal river, not all areas of the Salim Ali sanctuary are accessible at low tide, especially by boat. Canoes, which are much shallower crafts, can usually access more of the sanctuaries’ watery byways.

What to See

The Salim Ali Sanctuary is home to a variety of common and uncommon marsh bird and animal species. Visitors can expect to see white egrets and purple herons on a regular basis, as well as colourful kingfishers, eagles, cormorants, kites, woodpeckers, sandpipers, curlews, drongos, and mynahs. The sanctuary’s other rare residents include the little bittern, black bittern, red knot, jack snipe, and pied avocet (on transient sandbanks).

In addition to birds, there are some reptiles and crustaceans that live among the mangroves. Mudskippers, fiddler crabs, crocodiles, otters, flying foxes, and jackals are among them. Pintail ducks are among the migratory birds that call this area home.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa is one of the most well-known attractions in this small paradise state in India. Goa, which is still reeling from Portuguese rule in the state, is home to a plethora of architectural marvels that harken back to a bygone era. One such location is the Bom Jesus Basilica. Hundreds of locals and tourists visit the Bom Jesus basilica church in Goa, also known as the Borea Jezuchi Bajilika, throughout the year.

Basilica of Bom Jesus Architecture

The Jesuit church is designed in the Baroque style. Its white-washed exterior is regarded as India’s finest example of Baroque architecture.

The church is in Old Goa, and freelance guides are available right outside the church to explain the significance of everything outside and inside the monument. However, there is no need for a guide because there are plaques inside and outside that explain everything.

Modern Art Gallery

The modern art gallery of the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa is one of the major attractions to explore here, with around 36 paintings depicting various Biblical scenes. This gallery, which was built between 1973 and 1976, is Asia’s largest of its kind. This gallery’s most popular paintings are ‘Genesis’ and ‘The Last Judgement.’

Places to Visit in South Goa

Dudhsagar Falls

The breathtaking beauty of God’s creation is exemplified by the Dudhsagar waterfall. The gorgeous waterfall, strategically located on the Goa-Karnataka border (but primarily in Goa), attracts thousands of tourists to its bounty. The gushing water from the streams gives the impression that milk is flowing through the mountains. It exudes power and beauty, as if it were a background from a Michelangelo painting. The strong currents and rushing sound of water drown out all other unnecessary mental chatter. A gentle mist from the Dudhsagar waterfall on your face can make life’s chaos seem insignificant.

Best Time To Visit Dudhsagar Falls

The best time to visit the Dudhsagar waterfalls is determined by what you hope to see at these magical streams or the club of streams. From October to June, the waterfall has pleasant weather and gushing, tamed water. During the monsoon season, which lasts from July to September, the water flow is both furious and exquisite.

Geographic Description

With a staggering 600-meter height, the three-streamed, four-tiered waterfall is India’s fifth highest waterfall. Dudhsagar, which can only be reached by train or on foot, is one of nature’s most beautiful and pristine creations. Even the most depressed people can be enchanted by the sight of the milky white waterfalls. It’s as surreal as a water oasis in the middle of the Thar Desert. Only the most enthusiastic eco-tourists will accompany you here, which is dotted with lush vegetation on every side. At times, the local villagers will captivate you with their knowledge and warmth. Indian macaques will frequently try to befriend you.

The railway track provides an excellent vantage point from which to appreciate this splendour. And the view is spectacular, as the vapour emitted by the exuberantly gushing water creates a painting of clouds descending to witness the magnificent falls. You can see for about 200 metres up to the fall and down to the green lake in the lush Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, which is about 100 metres down from the track. The foam of water at the base of waterfalls lends an ethereal quality to the scene. The green puddle is a great picnic spot where you can swim and spend time with your family and friends.

Butterfly Beach

Butterfly Beach is a hidden paradise full of adventure, stunning views, and aquatic life. The hidden gem’s beauty exudes a sense of tranquillity and bliss. The semi-circle shaped landscape, millions of butterflies flying over the hilltop blossoms, and dolphin acrobatics ensure a wonderful experience at Goa’s Butterfly Beach.

Butterfly Beach, as the name suggests, is home to a plethora of beautiful butterflies. What the name does not tell us is that the beach is littered with crabs and goldfish during low tides, when the seashore widens. Sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and even redfish can be found here.

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the foothills of the Western Ghats and covering an impressive 240 square kilometres, is Goa’s largest wildlife preserve. This sanctuary is home to a wide range of plant, bird, and animal species. Hiking trails that traverse this vast tract of land are popular with nature lovers and hikers. The sanctuary is home to the famous Dudhsagar waterfall, the Devil’s Canyon, the Tambdi Surla temple, the Tambdi falls, and a number of other historic and religious sites, in addition to a large amount of biodiversity.

Where to Go

This sanctuary is near the village of Mollem on the eastern border of the state of Goa. It is approximately 53 kilometres from Margao and 54 kilometres from Panaji. It also includes the 107-square-kilometer Mollem National Park.

When to Go

This sanctuary is a popular tourist destination all year. Although it is most popular during the tourist season, which runs from October to March, it is especially beautiful during the monsoons, when the waterfalls are at their peak and the trees are dressed in their monsoon garb of fresh green.

The sanctuary is open from 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. every day of the week.

Places to Visit near Goa

Chorla Ghat Waterfalls

During the monsoon season, Belagavi comes alive with natural beauty. Surla Waterfall is about 50 kilometres from Belagavi in the direction of the Western Ghats. The route leading to the waterfall is ideal for a 2-kilometer trek through Surla Village, with the waterfall visible throughout.

This natural beauty is at its best during the monsoon season, when there is plenty of water flowing through the fall, making it a thrilling and energising place to be. From Panaji, take the Hathkhamba-Goa Road to Surla Waterfall.

Kurumgad Island, Karwar

Kurumgad island is a captivating island in Karwar that is well-known among tourists due to its distinctive tortoise-like shape. Kurumgad island should be one of the top tourist places to visit in Karnataka if you are a true island lover or a water baby. Kurumgad Island, one of the region’s five islands, is now privately owned. It is owned by Suresh Mathias, a Coffee Planter. Green, grey sea, and magical blue of the sea combine to create a scenic natural sight that is a treat for the eyes and food for the soul, with beautiful palm trees dotting the coastline.

The island itself has many interesting sightseeing spots and is known as a hub for a variety of water sports and adrenaline activities. This island, with its unspoiled natural beauty, attracts a large number of visitors. It is also a popular destination for devotees, as the island also houses the well-known Narasimha temple. We have included all of the important information about the beautiful Kurumgad Island in this article so that you can make your trip even more memorable.

Why Should You Visit The Kurumgad Island In Karwar?

• Interesting Sightseeing Places
• Narasimha Temple
• Plethora of Fun Activities
• Water Sports

The Kurumgad Island Timings

There are currently no set times for visiting Kurumgad Island. It is always open, so this top tourist attraction in Karnataka can be visited at any time. However, if you are going for the day, you must return by 5 PM because once it gets dark, finding transportation to get back can be difficult.

Head to The Party Capital of India for epic parties

Curlies

The party night is on Thursday and admission is free. Curlies, located on the rocky and hippie beach of Anjuna in Goa, is a pretty happening spot for partying with friends. It has become synonymous with the hippie lifestyle, laidback nature, and freedom that the destination offers, and is possibly one of the most popular hangout spots in Goa.

HillTop

Backpackers, locals, old school Goa hippies who have been visiting for 30 years, and domestic Indian tourists are all present. People are welcoming and laid back at these events, so there is no “exclusive” vibe. The biggest parties are held on Sundays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the parties last all day. It does cost to enter! Depending on the party, the cost ranges from 500 to 2,000 rupees. The majority of the amazing trance parties here are a little pricey. The DJs here are well-known throughout the world; they are some of the most incredible trance DJs, and people travel here just to see their favourites perform. HillTop is located on Vagator’s large hill.It’s been around since 1976!

Shiva Valley

This spectacular location is also on Anjuna Beach. It is located right next to Curlies and is one of the best places to listen to trance music. Throughout the year, tourists flock to Shiva Valley. And, while you’re there, don’t forget to try the delicious seafood they have to offer. On Tuesdays, they have a big party that everyone attends. There is a cover charge and it begins around 5 p.m.

Chronicle

Chronicle is also on Vagator Cliff, but a little lower down. It has levels and breathtaking views. Chronicle isn’t known for trance/psy, but it does have a wide range of electronic music, including techno and deep house. Chronicle is also a restaurant with a shop on the premises. I suppose you could call it a more upscale party venue. It primarily serves international clients and is open until the early hours of the morning.

Club 9 Bar

Vagator Cliff is a different kind of place. It has some outside parties, but it also has an inside space that is soundproof and is a small dungeon. It definitely has that “trance” vibe, and it’s a really cool place to visit. They bring in DJs from all over the world. Because it is close to many hostels and guesthouses, tourists frequently visit for parties. This location has beautiful views of the Arabian Sea.

Silent Noise

Silent Noise in Palolem undoubtedly has the wildest nights and the craziest parties. You are given wireless headsets that you can use to listen to music of your choice from a variety of DJs and soundtracks. The parties are held every Saturday and are an unforgettable experience. The best part about Silent Noise parties is that they allow guests to enjoy the atmosphere while listening to whatever music they want!

Leopard Valley

South Gia Leopard Valley is situated in the green and serene surroundings of Palolem in Canacona. Goa is one of the unique night party spots in Goa, located in the midst of a jungle quarry and equipped with all the amenities required to enjoy an evening at a nightclub. The dense foliage and canopy of the trees provide a unique and refreshing perspective on partying. Decorated with psychedelic trance settings, laser lights, and fire pits, as well as numerous world-famous DJs and musicians performing throughout the night and an abundant supply of food and drinks, you will not want to return to your regular routine once you visit this place.

Tito’s

Tito’s Pub in Calangute is a must-visit pub that hosts the most popular night parties in Goa. The pub is synonymous with the nightlife in Goa. Tito’s Lane refers to the entire lane in Baga where the pub is located. Large queues would form outside the Tito Pub and restaurant due to its excellent ambiance and diverse DJ lineup. The nightclub, on the other hand, has a one-time entry fee that includes unlimited food and drinks. With a tagline like “Tito’s Where Else,” it’s safe to say that this nightclub should be on your Goa nightlife bucket list.

Best Time to Visit Goa : The Party Capital of India

The weather is usually pleasant all year, with warm, humid summers and cool, pleasant winters. Typically, September to January is the best time to visit because the weather is pleasant enough to spend time outdoors, participate in water sports, and explore all of the beaches all day. The best time to visit Goa is in December, when they have Christmas celebrations, followed by New Year’s and the Goa carnival.

Chorao Island – Goa’s Best Kept Secret

Goa can be anything you want from your ideal vacation: adventurous, exciting, memorable, relaxing, and rejuvenating. However, apart from what you see and know about Goa, India’s favourite beach destination has more to offer than meets the eye. And hidden among its lush vegetation and beyond the waves are ancient treasures. Chorao Island Goa is one such best-kept secret (that is no longer so secret). The island is steeped in history and still exudes the old vibes, with antiquated churches, colonial homes, and cemeteries.

Reaching Chorao Island

Chorao Island, located 5 kilometres north of Panjim, is a historic Portuguese settlement along the Mandovi River. To get to the island, take a ferry from Ribandar. The ferries are well-equipped to transport a car as well as other smaller vehicles. The island is also connected to the nearby towns of Mapusa (10 kilometres) and Vasco (50 kilometres). If you are coming from a town or village in Goa, you can hire a car to get to Chorao.

History of the island

Chorao Island is the largest (in terms of land area) of Goa’s 17 islands. As much as the island is linked to history, its existence is also mentioned in mythology. This piece of land is said to have emerged from under the water after Yashoda, Krishna’s mother, threw a handful of diamonds into the sea. As a result, the island was given the Sanskrit name Chudamani (precious stone). When the Portuguese noblemen arrived, they renamed it the Ilha Dos Fidalgos, or the Island of Noblemen, to reflect their nobility and lifestyle. They also changed the name to Chorao Goa to better suit their linguistic abilities.

Exploring Chorao Island

Chorao’s main attraction is its extensive bird sanctuary, which is Goa’s largest. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary covers an area of 178 hectares. This natural reserve is surrounded by dense mangroves from the sea’s inlets and is home to a variety of bird species including kingfishers, coots, egrets, pintails, and others. Along the swamps, you may also see some wild animals and Goan crocodiles. A canoe or a local dingy is the best way to tour the sanctuary.

Travel through the countryside in a Goa car rental. Driving through the palm-lined roads of Charao village, with its clusters of mud houses and thatched roofs, you may feel as if time has stopped here for centuries. The island’s rich heritage is reflected in the distinctive Portuguese architecture with white-washed churches and colourful homes with intricate woodwork. All of this, set against a backdrop of sun-kissed greenery, makes this island appear straight out of a postcard.

The charm of Chorao Island Goa extends to its temples and churches. The majority of the churches on this island date from the 16th century, when the Portuguese arrived and built places of worship for their people. St. Bartholomew’s Church is the most visible of all Catholic Churches. This church, built in 1569, reflects a classic Neo-Roman architectural style with multiple spires and a subdued façade, but it still exudes an aura of old grandeur.

The ‘Our Lady of Grace church,’ with its spotless white façade and blue bell tower, is another notable place of worship in Chorao Goa. There is also a small village chapel, which is unnamed but is frequented by the local villagers, for those who want to explore the unknown.

On the other side of the island, there are a few ancient Hindu temples. Saptakoteshwar Temple in Narve is one of the most well-known..

With a strong influence from the ancient Saraswat Brahmins to Portuguese noblemen, the Chorao Islands Goa retain their heritage and make this tiny settlement a must-see!

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