Goa
Goa is one of the most popular destinations in India, both internationally and domestically. While here, it's obvious you will want to spend most of your time on its beautiful beaches, but it also offers some very old churches and forts worth visiting. Once an overseas province of the Republic of Portugal, it is well-connected by road and rail and its international Dabolim Airport is situated in the heart of the city.
Sightseeing
North Goa
Calangute Beach
Offering watersports such as parasailing and water skiing, the spacious Calangute Beach has become the most popular beach in Goa. It does, however, get a bit crowded during the month of December.
Anjuna Beach
Anjuna beach is considered one of the most 'happening' beaches in Goa and many tourists prefer this particular beach for a longer vacation. Like all of the places in Goa, Anjuna was ruled by the Portuguese for many years and is world famous for its 'trance' parties held on the beach during the tourist season (December to January). For variety, a visit to St. Michael's Church in Ajuna (founded in 1595 and dedicated to S.Miguel), is worth a trip. The feast of S.Miguel is celebrated on September 29th.
South Goa
Colva Beach
Colva beach with its clear water, white sand and coconut palms is the most popular beach in South Goa. Fresh fish offered in many of Colva's sea food shacks provides a large variety to choose from. While in Colva, Our Lady of Mercy Church and the engraved statues of Dona Paula are worth visiting. Much of India's richer society lives in this area.
Palolam Beach
Palolam beach is largely unspoiled and uninhabited. It is considered to be one of the safest beaches for average swimmers. It offers unique cottages facing the sea and is an ideal beach for sunbathing.
Dona Paula Beach
Dona Paula was a charitable woman known to have worked for the betterment of the villagers. After her death, the villagers decided to rename their village (Oddavell), Dona Paula.
Churches
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Built in the 16th Century, Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of Goa's world heritage sites. The mortal remains of St.Francis Xavier are housed here and it is dedicated to the infant Jesus.
Se Cathedral Church
Unarguably the largest church in Goa, Se Cathedral has a beautiful interior. Although old Goa has many churches, this one is right up there in the ranking and one of its five bells is made of gold.
Important Festivals in Goa
| Holi | February to March |
| Goa Carnival | begins on the Sunday prior to Easter |
| Vasco Saptah | July to August |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | August to September |
| Dussehra | September to October |
| Diwali | October to November |
| Feast of St.Francis Xavier | December 3rd |
| Christmas | December 25th |
Travel
| Airport | Dabolim International Airport |
| Train stations | Madgoan and Vasco da Gama |
| Weather | Mostly sunny with a rainy season June to September |