Goa is smallest coastal state of India but is big on pleasures!!

Goa - the most famous of sea side resorts in India, has always been an attraction for the tourists, who want to be close to the sea, sand and enjoy sun. In the 60's Goa was among the most frequented places in India. The hippies thronged the place. With them came a culture of careless, unbounded life style.

Today all this has changed. Instead of the hippies, one spots serious tourists who come to enjoy the beaches and colourful culture of Goa.

Today the beach parties might be small but they are more lively and have much more fun to offer than the 'stoned' parties during the hippy trails of the past.

Goa has steadily carved a place for itself in the ‘favorite tourist destinations in the world’ list and there has been a corresponding increase in the number of travelers visiting Goa every year. The tourism industry has responded well to the influx of tourists and tourism facilities have received a significant boost in Goa.

The travel and tourism industry is well developed in Goa. Tourist have been traveling here and enjoying its many delight since the time of the British Raj. Its crowning glory is undoubtedly its immaculate virgin sandy beaches, for Goa lies on the beautiful West Coast of the Indian peninsula. Nestling along the slopes of the Western Ghats, it undulates from hills to valleys and flood plains, and then as if tired by its exertions, gently comes to rest by the Arabian Sea. An esoteric mix of a colonial Portuguese connection, original traditional craft, incredible natural beauty, carefully preserved heritage museums as well as multicultural architecture make Goa a sumptuous experience to be savored and remembered for life.

Goa is best known as a tourist paradise, both in India and abroad. Lavishly gifted by nature for its scenic beauty, virgin beaches girdling its 105-km long palm-fringed coast interspersed with enchanting coves, bays and estuaries, paddy fields, shady coconut, cashew and mango groves dotted with tiny picturesque villages, temples and churches renowned for worship and pilgrims, forts and monuments and above all, friendly and hospitable people, Goa presents an ideal tourism profile

Here is a list of 8 tourist attractions in Goa apart from the beaches…

 

1. Dona Paula:Dona Paula is famous because it is here that two of Goa’s famous rivers, the Zuari and the Mandovi join the Arabian sea. From the secluded bay of Dona Paula, one can get a panoramic view of the Mormugao harbour. The place also attracts tourists with its aura of romance and myth — Dona Paula de Menezes; tourists throng the Dona Paula beach not only in search of the deceased beloved, but also to indulge in water sports on the clear waters.

One can take part in a host of activities like scooting and motor boat rides out here. As one of the most visited places in Goa, it is 7 km from the capital, Panaji, and transport is easily available. 

2. Agonda Beach: The Agonda beach down at the southern tip of Goa is fast emerging as a tourist spot. Nearly 50Km form the commercial capital of Goa,Margao,and close to the Karnataka border, people from different walks of life flock to it. The beach hosts picnics round the year. the beach also presents a beautiful scene in the mornings as the local fisher-folk drag their nets onto the shore as the boats bring in the night’s catch to deliver to the local market.

3. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 km south-east of Chaudi, was established in 1969 to protect the remote and vulnerable area of forest lining the Goa-Karnataka border. Encompassing 86 sq km of mixed deciduous woodland, the reserve is certain to inspire tree lovers, but less likely to yield many wildlife sightings. Visitors, however, stand a good chance of spotting at least two species of monkey, a couple of wild boar, and the old Gaur. Cotigao is a peaceful and scenic park that makes a pleasant day trip from Palolem, 12 km northwest. The wardens at the reserve’s small interpretative centre will show one how to get to a 25m –high treetop watchtower, overlooking a waterhole that attracts a handful of animals around dawn or dusk. 

4. Netravalli waterfalls: Netravalli waterfalls are located in the Neturlim village of Sanguem Taluka. Nestled in the mountain range bordering the village, it is nearly 55 km away from Margao, the South Goa capital. There is a motorable road to the waterfall. One has to trek nearly 20 minutes through the forest to reach the place. The way winds around a rivulet, which has its source at the base of the waterfall. The waterfall itself is a delight to the eyes of a nature lover. One can take a swim in the cool waters at the base of the fall, or just leisure around marveling at the sheer beauty of the place. It’s an ideal spot for outings.

5. Dudh Sagar Waterfalls: The magnificent Dudh Sagar waterfalls is perched in the high peaks of the Western Ghats and is a sight to behold especially in the in the monsoons when it is in its full and furious glory. From a distance, the waterfall appears like a stream of milk rushing down the mountain side. The exuberant and spectacular waterfall is located in the Sanguem Taluka. Measuring a mighty 600 meters from head to foot, this waterfall on the Goa-Karnataka border, attracts a steady stream of visitors from the coasts and plateaus into the rugged western Ghats. After pouring across the Deccan Plateau, the head waters of the Mandovi River form a foaming torrent that splits into 3 streams to cascade down a near-vertical cliff face into a deep green pool.

The konkani name for the falls, which literally translated means “Sea of Milk”(Dudh–Milk, Sagar–Sea), derives for the clouds of milky foam that rises out of the bottom of the falls. Dudhsagar is set amidst breathtaking scenery overlooking the steep, crescent-shaped head of a valley carpeted with pristine tropical forest that is only accessible by foot or train. Near the top of the falls, the railway line from Vasco to Londa crosses the mountain side, with excellent view.

The falls can be reached by train from Margao. The train takes around 2 hrs. Alternatively, taxis and buses can be hired.

6.Mayem Lake: This is the most famous lake in Goa and one of the most popular tourist destinations on the itinerary of all the conducted sight-seeing tours. The lake is located in Bicholim taluka in North Goa, east of the market town of Mapusa. The region in which the lake is located, is mostly unspoilt countryside full of sleepy villages. The lake itself sits on wooded shores in a landscape of low hills. Bird life is plentiful here, with a large variety of birds resting on the shores. The placid waters of the lake make it ideal for boating.  

 

7.The Salulim Dam: The salulim dam in a picturesque hilly area is just 3 km from Sanguem town. This water body is the lifeline of South Goa because it supplies water to the southern part of the state. Picnickers come to see the dam at all times during the year. But the best time to visit the dam is during the rainy season because the water gushing down into the river is a spectacle. Moreover the view from the dam is breathtaking. There is a motorable road leading to the dam and a government rest HOUSE for those who want to spend a day or two in the serene surroundings.

8.Rivona Spring:  This beautiful village located nearly 25 km away from Margao captures your attention as you make your way either by bus, by CAR or on your bike. The scenic village is lined with houses on both sides of the road. One can feast your eyes on the greenery of the village teeming with fields, fruit orchards, coconut trees and small hills. The river passes through the village keeping it cool. Undoubtedly, the main attraction of the village is the spring. People from far and wide flock to the place during summer to bathe in the pristine and cool waters. The experience is sure to inspire you to visit the place again, as it happens with most visitors. The best time to visit the spring is during summer.

Winter Honeymoon for Couples..

The pleasant winters are perfect for honeymoon couples to enjoy some cozy time with one another. For a winter honeymoon tour, India offers numerous lovely destinations but Goa beats them all. The magical charm of the place allures couples to spend their honeymoon here.

 Honeymoon couples from all over the world pack their bags and come here to spend intimate moments in the paradise. The amazing range of LUXURY RESORTS makes for loving honeymoon HOLIDAYS which is available in various budget and packages.

If you are on honeymoon then grab Goa Winter Honeymoon tour packages and indulge in the flowing:

1. Goa is the ideal place for those who love summer above all. The climate allows people to go at the beach and enjoy water and sun any time you want.  Goa beaches are just paradise. There are more than 50 options suitable for every mood. You can pamper your body and soul there. Participate in all the possible sea activities such as jet skiing, swimming, para-sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling or any other relax in peaceful atmosphere sipping coconut water or the range of drinks Goa is so famous for. And if to think that summer never ends here.

2. Goan food is a heavenly buffet. Tantalizing tastes make for amazing holidays.

3. Goa has a special atmosphere of celebrating festivals. If you are planning to TRAVELnow enjoy the Carnival being celebrated on 14th February.

4. Mother Nature has endowed Goa not only with pleasant climate but also with beautiful greenery, animal world and landscape. This allows honeymoon couples enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. You may go hiking, rafting or jungle trekking. A river cruise, a candle light dinner or party on the beaches.

5. Goa makes for an interesting expeditions. The churches of the Portuguese era, the colonial mansion, the forts and other historical aspects interest couples for a romantic experience of stepping into the past.

Fun filled Evening Cruises

Every evening - 6:15pm, 7:30pm and 8:45pm

A pleasant way to spend a thoroughly enjoyable evening in Goa is to take the ‘EXCITING EVENING ONE HOUR CRUISE” from the Tourism Jetty, below the Mandovi Bridge, Panaji Goa. A tastefully decorated cruiser named the “PARADISE”, Goa' BIGGEST & BEST TRIPLE DECK CRUISER, takes the guests for a lovely ride down the river Mandovi past Adil Shah’s Summer Palace towards the Arabian Sea at Reis Magos Fort from where one can get a panoramic view of -- the Grand Fort Aguada, majestic CABO – the Governors Palace, the sprawling Miramar Beach and the glorious sun setting over the vast Indian Ocean for the sunset cruise.

The atmosphere on the river boat is festive.  Guests are welcomed on board by the friendly compere who from time to time fills you in with details of well known landmarks on the shore while advising everyone to let their hair down, have a drink and get into a mood for the program ahead that is “Fun for Everyone” - fun for the young and fun for the young at heart.

The DJ now takes over starting with the welcome song for the kids to dance to.

This is followed by the welcome dance – the dekni – the immortal saga of a girl’s endearments and the romantic boatman’s reluctance, which is so captivating.

This dance is followed by the DJ playing the latest Hindi & English tracks. He also played different tunes of different eras to please the crowd. There is a round of dancing for the couples in the crowd.

Soon it is time for the second dance – the harvest dance or kunbi dance which depicts the process of farming – sowing, growing, the bountiful harvest and the celebrations of the same.  Colorfully dressed farmers in their traditional kunbi clothes – dance their graceful way into your hearts.

The DJ then continues playing tracks for the gents to dance to. This is followed by a break from the program, giving everybody a chance to refresh themselves, recharge or cuddle up taking in Goa by night on the river.

The program is back on with a colorful & exciting Portuguese dance – the corredinho that is performed in colorful costumes and to the beat of the triple clap that has everybody clapping.

The DJ then plays his last set of songs for only the ladies to dance to, followed by a round for everyone.

We also have a fully air-conditioned Disco on the bottom deck which has a DJ playing non-stop dance music for the people who just want to dance. This is one of the first floating discos in Goa.

We have a Bar & Snack counter on the middle deck which caters to the needs of the tourists. We provide all sorts of alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks. We provide warm beverages, steamed corn, pop corn, ice-cream, snacks, a chaat stall, fast food items.

Then cruiser heads towards the historic Mandovi bridge where it gently re-docks.  What makes the trip really enjoyable is not only the program but the attitude and the services offered by the Paradise Cruises staff who are always around, helpful, friendly, courteous and full of bon-vivant.