Goa Holiday Packages

From sightseeing and visiting historical places to adventure and water sports, everything is available in Goa. Choose the best and perfect Goa tour packages to visit Goa beaches, places that attract history lovers, and other attractive places. Whether a family trip, a lone vacation, or a Goa honeymoon package, this tropical paradise offers an enticing experience for all.

Top Reasons to Visit Goa - complete change

While Goa is revitalized by sun and sand, it is not solely a beach state but a tropical journey. Here’s why you should add Goa vocation to your travel bucket list:

1. Stunning Beaches

When it comes to beaches, the first destination that comes into people's minds is Goa. Beaches range from bustling Baga and Calangute to calm and cozy Palolem and Agonda, and Goa has a beach for every temperament. Whether it is bathing, water skiing, snorkeling, or simply taking cocktails beside the shore, Goa beaches are the places to be.

2. Vibrant Nightlife

Goa’s nightlife is legendary. Beach parties, nightclubs, and many occasions of open-air beers flex till morning. Tito’s, Club Cubana and Curlies are a a few of the most visited places in Goa, including music, dancing and a a pleasant atmosphere. For a more relaxed atmosphere, many small huts offer food and beverages on the seashore or right on the beach with the stars as lamps.

3. Heritage and Architecture

The architecture of Goa clearly reveals its centuries of rich history. Old Goa churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral are examples of Portuguese architecture. Besides, Panaji, where the capital of Goa is situated, has a Latin Quarter where houses are painted in bright colors, and the street arrangements show a colonial look of Goa.

4. Adventure and Water Sports

For adventurers, Goa has quite several activities for visitors and tourists. Take a parasail ride, rent a jet pack, windsurf, or cruise the coast on banana boat rides. For water lovers, it is essential to try scuba diving or snorkeling to discover the underwater attractions of Goa. Other attractions include hiking trails, hot air ballooning, and tours taking visitors to watch dolphins.

5. Delicious Cuisine

Goa’s cuisine is heavily drawn from the Indian palate with strong flavors of the Portuguese era. New delicacies include prawn balcho, fish curry, vindaloo, and the famous bebinca. Beachside restaurants consist of barbecue seafood, while Goan cuisine can be found in cafes and restaurants ranging from international dishes to Goan food.

6. Lush Greenery

This is one of the best parts of Goa; each street and every nook has greenery all around, and even the roads are lined with high trees and dense forests. If you are there during the monsoon season, a place you can decide to visit is referred to as ‘Tropical Spice Plantation,’ which is fabulous and breathtaking for visitors. This place is one of the oldest and one of the best places to visit in Goa, and if anyone is visiting this place, one can also purchase the spices available in the plantations.

7. Festivals and Events

The Goa Festival is the living form of Goa. The funfair carnival of Goa, especially the carnival festivities, the parades, the music and the dancing, is always looked forward to throughout the year. The Shigmo Festival is a traditional Goan folk dance and music festival and the International Film Festival of India for cinema lovers.

8. Wildlife and Nature

Besides coastlines, Goa has nice forests and animals and plants. You can trek inside the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, observe beautiful birds at Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary or watch wildlife and birds at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. It gives a feeling of rich and great tourism, with attractions such as the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of the largest in India.

Things to Do in Goa - headings

It is seen that Goa has many possibilities, which is why it is considered a versatile destination. Here are some things to do in Goa to enhance your vacation:

1. Take a break and relax on a quiet beach

Goa has a coastline of 105km and quite possibly some of the most beautiful sandy shores you could wish to find anywhere in Asia. What better reason to visit these beaches? Most of them are lively and have vivid beachside bars; in all seasons, they are perfect places to relax, put off your shoes, and enjoy a King Fisher beer with a fading sun. Some are very active, while others are very isolated – places where nothing stirs, apart from the sound of the sea and the whispering of coconuts in the wind.

2. Take a swim in the waterfalls at Dudhsagar

The longest waterfall in the country is Dudhsagar Falls, located at the eastern extreme of Goa, bordering Karnataka. It is the second-highest waterfall in the country, with a height of 603 meters. A jeep ride to the waterfalls is one of the most exciting things to do during the Goa tour packages, which sets you into the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary; a short though somewhat slippery walk up to the base of the waterfall lets you cross over the rocks and the monkey gangs before finally getting the opportunity to swim in the stunning clear water of the plunge pool- one of the more unique things to do in Goa.

3. Experience the joy of a Hindu festival

There are many bright Hindu fests all year round, and there is never a better chance to get acquainted with local traditions. Of them, Holi and Diwali are probably the most recognized and are celebrated across the country. One can simply marvel at the visuals of both these festivals, and it would be on the list of things to do in Goa to celebrate the great Indian color and light to the fullest.

4. Enjoy the enchantment of Goa during Christmas

Christmas, in particular, can be described as a fairy tale because Hindus and Christians experience it in Goa. It is celebrated by feasting and with many fireworks all over the state, fully illumined as Christmas stars and lights. Christmas tree decorations, tinsel, and buntings are present during the special festive season.

Popular Local Cuisines in Goa

Culinary-wise, Goa is as colorful as its people are. Below are some of the foods you should not miss while on your Goa tour packages.

1. Goan Fish Curry

Considered a specialty of Goa, this recipe comprises coconut milk, spices, and any fresh fish that is available here.

2. Vindaloo

One of the famous Goan dishes is vindaloo, which is a spicy curry from pork or chicken that has a Portuguese connection.

3. Bebinca

The main product to prepare is a local layered dessert – an excellent airy sweet stew containing coconut milk, eggs, and sugar.

4. Prawn Balchão

A spicy dish prepared in acetic liquids, which might be ideal for the consumption of seafood.

5. Feni

The Goan cashew or coconut spirit will not be disappointing for locals who want that traditional Portuguese Goan drink.

6. Goan Chorizo

It is a tasty snack served with meals like porridge or boiled potatoes.

Culture of Goa

Culturally, the state of Goa is a melting pot of Indian and Portuguese; therefore, it is an excellent place for cultural sightseeing. This mutual tolerance and even respect is reflected in everything from customs and celebrations to building designs and routines throughout the state.

Festivals and Celebrations:

Goa has a fast pace for celebrations and festivals; the carnival in Goa is the most famous one. It hosts an elaborate, joyous carnival featuring troupes, floats, music and dance – something that Goans do best. Some others are Sao Joao, which is more related to water, and Ganesh Chathurthi, which shows the protestant of the Hindu community.

Architecture:

Goa has the richest and most infrastructure development, and it is beautiful evidence of the Portuguese influence in the region, which can be seen in churches, forts, and painted houses. Bom Jesus Basilica and Se Cathedral are prominent places and global attractions among UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Music and Dance:

Music is very essential to Goan culture. Both classical versions of dance, such as Dekhni and Fugdi, and the latest modern electronic dance music are present, making Goa a dance city.

One cannot understand the essence of the Goan culture without experiencing its resorts, festivals, food and other aspects. Goa holiday packages enable tourists to take a round of this culturally advanced state completely with the blend of tradition and class.

Shopping in Goa

Anjuna Flea Market

The Anjuna Flea Market is a popular shopping site in the northern part of Goa. Taking place every Wednesday, this market is significantly larger and sells anything from handmade jewelry, clothes, souvenirs or artwork, to name a few. Negotiation is common, so do not expect to get the best prices without entering into some talks.

Mapusa Market

This market is considered a traditional public market situated at the center of Mapusa town and operates every Friday as the official market day for local customers and tourists; the markets sell different products ranging from spices, fruits, and vegetables to clothes, home products, and handicraft items. All in all, the Mapusa Market is the closest real Goan market that one can visit.

Calangute Market Square

Because of the strategic location of the market, the Calangute Market Square is among the favorite shopping destinations in Goa. This is close to Calangute Beach, and traders offer items including sarongs, jewelry, beach wear, and other rated souvenirs. Thus, it’s a great place to get many colorful and cheap beach items.

Panjim Market

A relatively new shopping experience that retains the essential Portuguese flavor, the Panjim Market is at the heart of Goa’s capital. It also brings food items like spices, cashew nuts, wines, fish, cattle products, and other local products such as Goan spices, cashew nuts and wines, Goan handicrafts, etc. The market is fully operational and varied due to the state’s Goan culture.

Saturday Night Market at Arpora

While markets are organized almost daily, the Saturday Night Market in Arpora has its own energetically. This market houses food sellers, living bands, and other sellers of clothes, accessories, nick-nacks, and food items from different countries. It is a perfect day and evening place to enjoy the city’s culture and environment.

Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs

Goan Pottery

The Goan pottery is quite beautiful and is world famous for its quality as well as for the designs it possesses. Besides, you can check out the local markets and handicap pottery shops throughout the Goa to get a piece of this craft.

Azulejos Tiles

Azulejos are tiles that bear evidence of the Goan Portuguese style architecture. These hand-painted ceramic tiles with moving picture-like high colors are from Panjim and Mapusa galleries and shops.

Cashew Nuts and Local Spices

Every visitor cannot afford to leave the place without purchasing the famous Goan cashew nuts and spices. These items are ideal for souvenirs and can be bought freely at places like Mapusa, exporters, and spices suppliers, such as Panjim.

Best Time to Visit Goa

The best time to visit Goa is during the winter season, which is from November to March, because of its good weather for most beach activities and carnivals.

Summer (April-June):

Sweating and humid, but good if you’re the kind who enjoys going on cheap travel deals.

Monsoon (June-September):

Rich plantations and that touch of romance, but not many water-related activities.

Winter (November-March):

This is when the climate is hot, best suited for festive occasions, water activities, and sandy shores.

How to Reach Goa

Goa is actually one of the most visited tourist places in India. Therefore it is easily accessible by all the major means of transport viz air, rail and road transport from within the country and abroad. Here’s a quick guide on how to reach Goa:

By Air

The easiest means of transportation to get to Goa is by flight. Dabolim Airport is the state's major airport, 30 km from Panaji. It connects to many Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad and international destinations, including Dubai and Doha. To get around after arriving in Goa, one can use taxi services or other organized forms of transport, such as pre-paid car rentals.

By Road

Goa can be accessed by road from other states, especially Maharashtra and Karnataka. The National Highways NH66 and NH748 communicate with other important cities such as Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore. For ease of transport, you can hire private buses, state buses, or car rentals for self-drive. Travelers also prefer buses for the night and luxurious coaches.

By Train

Goa is easily accessible via railways through Madgaon (Margao) stations and Vasco-da-Gama. Most trains, like the Konkan Kanya Express & Mandovi Express, pass through the Konkan region, which is as beautiful as Goa. These trains facilitate traveling from Goa to other cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Mangalore. Several transport facilities such as cabs and buses are provided at the stations to move to the next destination.

Essential Tips to Know Before Traveling to Goa

• Clothing can be light, especially light-colored garments to respond to the favorable tropical climates of Goa and sunscreen.
• A scooter or bike can be hired to commute and conveniently discover out-of-the-way places and beaches.
• Be more conservative when dressing, especially in religious places and old monuments.
• Have small cash for shopping from the flea markets or small vendors.
• Drink a lot of water and avoid going out under the sun during the hottest part of the day in summer.
• Use a trusted Goa travel guide to plan your trip, including accommodations and must-visit places.
• You should always book your accommodation and travel tickets in advance, particularly during a holiday or specific year period.
• Go beyond the beach and visit spice gardens and wildlife parks.