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