Cradled in the Sahayadri range in the Western Ghats, Goa is bound by the Arabian Sea on the West, Maharastra to the north and Karnatka to the east and south. If its sun, sand and sea that you're looking for, Goa's got it all in abundance. Goa brims over with a surfeit of choice. There are sensational beaches, wired with a continuous buzz and forests which have their own spice. In Goa, they say life is a beach but actually Goa is much more than the beaches and seas. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.

Goa's beauty will compel you to surrender yourself to excess. Sink your teeth into scrumptious churisso-pao; splurge on the latest in couture and slip into tranquil pools that rejuvenate. Goa is a buffet for the senses- Go Goa and raise a toast to feni.

See & Do

Sensuous Beaches - Goa is a land of beaches and it is much ahead of other beaches in India in terms of popularity and facilities. One can enjoy exotic cuisine, water sports, drinks like feni and beer, shopping near the beach side and a midnight bon fire.

Beaches that will drive you crazy............

Anjuna Beach Baga Beach Arambol Bogmalo Benaulim

Calangute Colva Dona Paula Palolem Vagator

Other beaches in Goa

Mabor Varca Majorda Miramar

Aguada Sinquerim Candolim

Churches - There are a number of churches in Goa , majority of which were built during the Portuguese regime. The churches have great historical significance and reflects the great European architectural styles.

St. Francis Of Assisi, Old Goa Chapel Of St. Catherine, Old Goa Basilica Of BomJesus, Old Goa

St. Cajetan Church, Old Goa Chapel and Tomb of St. Francis Xavier

Forts in Goa - Climbing the Goan fort and relishing the view of the Arabian Sea or watching the sun turn its old ramparts to the burnished gold is certainly an experience of a lifetime. Some of the forts of Goa worth mentioning are:

Tiracol Fort Chapora Fort Fort Aguada Reis Magos Fort

Cabo Fort Mormugao Fort Cabo Da Rama Terekhol Fort

Lakes, Waterfalls and Springs - Mother nature is at full glory in Goa bestowing on the land some of the most picturesque lakes, waterfalls and springs. Enjoy the view of:

Mayem Lake Carambolin Lake Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Arvalem Waterfalls Kesarval Spring

Worship Centres - One finds peace of mind, body and soul after offering prayers in one of the many well maintained temples of Goa.

Shri Datta Mandir Shri Bodeshwar Temple

Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Shri Damodar

Wildlife Wonder - The wonderful life of the wild can be witnessed here at its full bloom. The flora and fauna are very well preserved in the wildlife sanctuaries of Goa. Amidst nature's splendour, evergreen forests and deciduous trees the animals and other creatures inhabiting in the sanctuary find solace.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa :

Bhagvam Mahavir Sanctuary Bondla Forest

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Go Shopping

Goa is certainly a shopper's paradise. Goan handicrafts are very popular and are made from the abundant raw materials that are strewn all around its beaches and villages. On offer are goods prepared by local artisans in shells(lampshades, jewellery, mirrors), terracotta (pots, urns and wall hangings), jute, coconut shell, bamboo and brass. One other item that no traveller forgets to carry with them is the famed cashew nuts. The nuts are available in a wide variety of tastes ranging from plain, salted and masala.

The Government Emporia
The best places to pick up authentic Goan handicrafts at reasonable prices are at the Government - run handicraft emporia across the state. Buying handicrafts off the shelf at the various government emporia is an easier and cheaper option.

Flea Markets
Many of Goa's bigger villages are home to weekly haats or bazaars and some of these have become a firm part of the tourist itinerary. The more famous markets are the weekly Wednesday Flea Market at Anjuna and the Saturday Night Affairs.

Anjuna's Wednesday Flea Market
This market was set up in the 1980's by hippies. Today it has expanded into a full fledged market with an unusual mix of natives and hippies competing to sell their wares. The market is colourfully demarcated by bedsheets tied between coconut trees that serve as roofs for the numerous shops. Pone can buy handicrafts, paintings, Balinese batik, mirror worked waistcoats and trendy warp-around thai trousers.

The Saturday Night Affairs
The Saturday Night Bazaars at Anjuna and Arpora are very happening. Abuzz with live music played by the local bands, bars, food all make the shopping experience much more of a night out. Special items to look out for are incense sticks, junk jewellery, some of which is really creative, handmade shoes, exotic lampshades , funky T- shirts, miniature statues and bags. There are also fortune -tellers and tattoo bars.

The Friday Bazaar At Mapusa
The vendors of the The Friday bazaar are locals and gypsy ladies called Lamanis who wear colourful clothes and can even stun you with their fluent English. The market is famous for ground masalas, whole spices, dry fish, fruit vegetables, sausages, feni, urak and cashews. You can also take back home handicrafts, leather, ceramics, linen and bamboo- products.

The 18th June and M.G Roads are the main shopping avenues in Panjim.

The Municipal Market in Margao lies to the east of the Municipal Gardens. Specialities here are shoes, linen and a variety of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, trifala, dagadful and teflam which are used for Goan dishes.

Apna Bazaar in Vasco
The Apna Bazaar is home to about 25 shops selling designer garments, cosmetics and jewellery. It is a regular shopping centre.

Foodie's Paradise

Goa to the foodie is a bottomless pit of goodies. There are literally thousands of eateries here and many are located on the beaches and other best lie in quiet corners of Goa's villages. The Hungry holidayers certainly would enjoy the exotic range of cuisines served in Goa apart from capturing the luring beaches of the place.

There are umpteen restaurants in the captivating land of Goa. Each restaurant has a little carnival of its own with barbecue, bonfire, fire works and lots of sea foods. However Goan Vindaloo is a must try for all the visitors.

Restaurants in Anjuna
» Basilico, Cuisine- Italian
» Cafe Antonio, Cuisine - Continental
» Cliff Monty's Restaurant And Bar, Cuisine - Multi-cuisine
» Fernandes Restaurant And Bar, Cuisine - Multi- cuisine
» La Franza Restaurant, Cuisine - German, Continental, North Indian

Restaurants in Arambol
- Eyes Of Buddha Restaurant And Bar, Cuisine - Multi-Cuisine
- Little Italy, Cuisine - Italian, Israeli, Continental
- Loekie Cafe, Cuisine - Continental
- Oasis Restaurant And Bar, Cuisine - Goan, Continental, Chinese, North Indian, Sea Food

Restaurants in Baga
» Lila Cafe, Cuisine - German, Swiss, Continental, Mediterranean, special home made bakery products, multi- cuisine
» Sai Krupa Mirabai's Goan Village, Cuisine - Goan, Chinese, North Indian

Other Restaurants are:
- Dominick Restaurant and Bar
- JoeCon's Garden
- Coconut Creek Restaurants
- Full Moon Restaurant
- After Eight Restaurant
- Capricorn Bar & Restaurant
- Emma's Kitchen
- Plantain Leaf Restaurant
- Rustler's
- Souza Lobo Restaurant

Climate's Hide & Seek

Goa usually experiences tempearte climate, except during the monsoon season. The weather of Goa is pleasant and sunny. There are no extremes in temperature and no clear demarcations from one season to the other except for the monsoon. The average temperature varies between 25°C - 30°C (67.96F - 81.56F Approx). May is the hottest month while January and February are the coldest.