Goa Tourism Guide

The beautiful land of Goa has become India’s favourite holiday destination ever since it gained its independence from the Portuguese. Rising to prominence with the boho and hipster culture, Goa tourism has achieved a legendary status over the years. Starting out as an exotic hippie town, the holiday experience of Goa has now evolved to match some of the best holiday destinations around the world.
With a rich history and an abundance of things to do, you can have a memorable holiday in Goa. The modern infrastructure complements the rich historical significance of this holiday destination extremely well. The people of Goa take immense pride in their heritage and history. In fact, most of Goa tourism concentrates on showcasing their history and preserving it for their future generations. Each Goa tourist place focuses on highlighting its culture and heritage.
Once you have been to Goa, it will carve its own place in your heart. You will keep coming back to replenish the well of your memories straight form the source. Pure and unadulterated.
Trust Goa tourism to take you on a magical ride every time you visit here.

Quick Overview

Goa Geography

Goa sits pretty in the Western Ghats region of India. Separated from the Deccan Plateau by the rising escarpment of the Konkan region, Goa has a mixed terrain. It can be divided into four main regions based on its topography.
1. The Coastal Plains are made up of areas like Mormugao, Salcete, Tiswadi and Bardez.
2. Eastern Sanguem, Ponda, Pernem, Bicholim and Quepem make up the Central Valley region.
3. The Eastern Hill region is comprised of areas in the Western Ghats like Canacona, Sattari, Ponda and Sanguem.
4. Finally, the flood plains are made up of the coastal plains and the undulating uplands.
This varied topography has resulted in a rich ecology that is supplemented by a strong monsoon every year. With a 105-km-long coastline facing the Arabian Sea in the West, Goa shares its border with Karnataka in the south and east while it is bordered by Maharashtra in the north.

Goa Climate

Goa is blessed with tropical climate that makes its summers hot and the winters mild. Goa becomes unbearably hot during the summer months of March, April and May – and once again during October. Temperatures in summer can go as high as 40°C.
Goa receives plenty of rainfall during the monsoon which lasts from June to September. The rains come as a relief after the hot and dry summer months. The monsoon rains replenish the rivers and Goa’s natural beauty really blossoms during the rainy season.
As the rains begin to recede around September, November sees a dip in minimum average temperatures heralding the arrival of winter. With the mercury dipping as low as 15°C at night, Goa tourism is at its peak during this season. The cool nights and the mild days draw in hordes of tourists who descend on Goa to celebrate life and create memories of a lifetime. If you are planning a Goa trip, November to February is the best time to visit Goa.

Goa Culture

Goa has a unique culture. After spending around 450 years under Portuguese rule, the Portuguese influence can be seen on every aspect of the life in Goa and the Goan tourist places and culture. That includes the architecture and the cuisine and even the concept of ‘Susegad’ that is based on the Portuguese word ‘Sossegado’. Though many travel guides describe susegad as “a relaxed attitude and enjoyment of life to the fullest” it means “contended form of life” which you can see during your Goa travel..
The Portuguese influence on Goan food has created some iconic dishes like the Vindaloo and Sorpotel which are now known and loved all over India. The Portuguese influence further extends into the art and music of the region. Goa also celebrates all the Indian festivals like Shimgo, Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi. It also celebrates the Mardi-Gras-inspired Goa Carnival with equal fervour and passion.

Goa Tourism

Goa tourism offers a variety of experiences to all sorts of travellers. Travellers can explore the oft-unexplored interiors of Goa which are as beautiful as the better-known coast. Goa has 10,000-year-old rock carvings and a thriving bird sanctuary that hosts winged guests from other countries during their migration. You can also get up and close to Dolphins Indo – Pacific Humpback dolphins and shy Finless Porpoises in their natural habitat.
In Goa, you can indulge your James Bond fantasies at a casino or simply enjoy an evening walk on the Mandovi Promenade. Soak in a bit of culture at the Kala Academy or explore Goa’s rich history at the Goa museum. You can also walk amidst Goa’s history at the old Latin quarter in Fontainhas as you take in the quaint colourful houses with terracotta roofs.
Then there are the beaches in Goa. They are at the heart of Goa’s tourism experience. The parties and pubs at Baga are a stark contrast to the serenity at Mendrem beach. You can enjoy with your family at Calangute beach or get some unexpected bargains at the weekly market in Anjuna. No matter which goa beach you visit, every one of them will give you a different taste of Goa.
In addition to the beaches, Goa is also home to some grand old forts which have withstood the ravages of time to offer a peek into the life back in the days. And you can build an entire itinerary out of temples and churches in Goa. One interesting aspect of the temples in Goa is that the Portuguese influence has even made its way into the architecture. Goa tourist places showcase the distinct Portugese influence on its architecture and layouts which are seen across all places of worship.
No matter what kind of an experience you are looking for, Goa will fulfil your expectations – from spiritual pursuits to the hedonistic indulgences of the carnival. Sambhav Holidays has some excellent Goa tour packages to take you to Goa. Book yours today and create memories in this beautiful land of sun and holidays.