Churches in Goa

One of the major tourist attractions in Goa are Churches. Goan churches are famous for their interesting architecture usually a blend of two or more forms. Legacies of Portuguese colonization, some of Goa’s most famous and magnificent buildings and structures are these churches. Goa, Jewel of India, is studded with churches, which remain as silent but forceful witnesses to the intense religious history of the diverse people who lived here.

Christianity was imposed upon the Goans by the Portuguese during the period of the ‘Inquisition’. Temples were demolished randomly and this continued until 1812. Most of the Churches yhat now exist in Goa were built over the ruins of the demolished temples. Lands were confiscated from the temples and were handed over to the churches and the ‘communidades’.

Most of the churches during the Portuguese rule were built in Old Goa and today Old Goa along with its churches is a world heritage site. Though over a period of time a significant change has come over in the architecture of the churches but the churches built during the Portuguese rule were different. Though each of them had some uniqueness to it yet certain commonness marked them all. Be it the baroque style architecture or the ornated altars.

The importance of these Churches are not just religious or historical, but also architectural. The Churches in Goa are also of social importance, as the contribution of the Church to education in Goa is immense. Today all the churches are part of the Archdiocese of Goa.

St Francis of Assisi
The beautiful whitewashed Church of St. Francis of Assisi, which today houses part of the archaeological museum is located in Old Goa. It is a 17th century structure of religious art. It lies to the west of the Se Cathedral.

The structure is built of laterite blocks and is lime-plastered. The church faces west and has a nave with three chapels on either side, a choir, two altars in the transept and a main altar. To the north of the main altar is a belfry and a sacristy. The convent, which forms an annexure to the church, now houses the Archaeological Museum. In fact, the Church of St. Cajatan, built by an Italian architect in 1651, was modeled in miniature on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Exhibits include prehistoric items from a distant tribal past as also reminders of Goa Dourada, Golden Goa, also known as the 'Pearl of the Orient' or 'Rome of the East' during its heyday. It was the concentration of magnificent churches, symbol of a powerful conquering presence, which justified this last title.

Inside the church
The interiors are Mosaic Corinthian in style, the arch ribbed, the walls are illustrated with scenes from Bible and vault ribbed. The church has a main altar and two other on either side in the transept, a nave with three chapels on its either side and a choir on first floor. The choir has, in between carved wooden panels, a portrait of Fransiscian hagiology (literature related to their lives). The church has a belfry and a sacristy towards the north of the main altar. A wooden pulpit exquisitely carved with floral patterns on the left welcomes sight as you enter. Buttress walls are adorned with frescoes depicting sophisticated floral designs. These walls inside the structure separate the three chapels and support a gallery above.

The main altar dedicated to St. Francis is heavily ornated, the style is Baroque with Corinthian touch. Also on the altar is an equally large statue of Christ on the cross, underneath are mentioned the three vows of the saint - poverty, humility and obedience. On both sides of the nave are beautiful paintings made on wood illustrating instances of his birth, his first anointment, taking oath and joining the Dominican and other such important instances marking the life of St. Francis. Beneath the main altar is a tabernacle supported by four evangelists. This tabernacle was earlier used for exhibiting the holy sacrament.

Basilica of Bom Jesus
The Bom Jesus Basilica or the Basilica of Bom Jesus is a nine Kilometers journey from the capital Panaji. A a milestone event in the history of Christianity, is the world famous church of Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus. It is best known for housing the tomb of St. Francis Xavier, the Jesuit missionary to India and Japan.
One church at Goa in India which tourists never fail to visit is the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa which was built in 1605. The history of this Goan church is as interesting as the beautiful architecture that this church in Goa, India, is proud of. Basilica of Bom Jesus has now been declared a World Heritage Monument. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is covered with marble and inlaid with precious stones and paintings depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier. The basilica is considered the finest example of baroque architecture in India.

The church houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, who died while on a sea voyage to China. Though he was buried there, his body was brought back to Goa after two years in accordance with his wish. It was then discovered that the body was still intact. The body at that time was laid in St. Paul's church but after St. Francis Xavier was Canonized in 1662, it was shifted to Basilica of Bom Jesus where it remains till date. This miraculous phenomenon continues to attract the devout from all lands, and an Exposition or public viewing of his body every ten years attracts lakh of pilgrims.In 1946, the Basilica of Bom Jesus became the first church of India to be elevated to the status of Minor Basilica. The chapel attracts large numbers of visitors every year. Declared a world heritage site, Basilica of Bom Jesus stands as a fine example of Jesuit architecture.

Attached to the church is a modern art gallery, the Bom Jesus Church art gallery. It's the first and largest art gallery in Asia. A buttress wall on the northern side is a recent addition to the structure. Basilica also organizes a sound and light show based on the life of Christ, St. Francis Xavier and Blessed Joseph Vaz and the feast is held every year on December 3. The basilica is open from 6 am to 6:30 pm. everyday.

Se Cathedral Church
One of the most ancient and largest churches in Asia, this magnificent 16th century monument to the Roman Catholic rule in Goa under the Portuguese is the largest church in Asia. Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine as it was on St. Catherine's day, November 25, that Alfonso de Albuquerque, Portuguese Naval General conquered Goa. The original church erected was that of mud, stones and straw. Subsequent modifications were made and a second church came up in 1515. Later the status of church was elevated to a cathedral and the structure demolished to make way for the subsequent building.

Believers are awe-struck to hear of the Cross of Miracles, which is placed in the cathedral, its earlier church having been destroyed. People have had a vision of Christ on this cross and the rock on which it was found was said to spout water while, today, the cross is slowly growing. Earlier, it was at Se Cathedral that the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier were shown to the public.

The Cathedral was commissioned by the Portuguese Viceroy, Redondo to be "a grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific". The final edifice is bigger than any of the churches in Portugal itself. No church in Portugal today can beat Se Cathedral in terms of its size. This west facing church is made in shape of a cross. Construction of body of Cathedral was completed by 1619 and then the Blessed Sacrament was placed on the altar on the feast day of the Guardian Angel amidst great solemnities.

Portuguese Gothic in style, The exterior of the church is a confluence of Tuscan and Doric architecture styles, while the interior is a blend of Mosaic-Corinthian style. In contrast to the Tuscan-inspired mundane exterior the interiors are majestic with an imposing principal chapel. There are four chapels to either side of the main altar. There were originally two towers, one on either side of the façade, but the one on the southern side collapsed in 1776. The loss of one bell tower, which was never rebuilt, has given the building a unique look.

The largest church in Asia also has the prestige of being the seat of Archdiocese of Goa. The church is one of the most sacred buildings for the Christians and has been declared a heritage site by UNESCO. Located opposite the Basilica de Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral is open seven days week 7:30 am to 6:30 pm except during mass. The neighbouring convent is now an Archeological Museum for public viewing and behind the cathedral is the two storeyed Palace of Archbishop. However, this is not in use anymore.

Temples in Goa

Most people have the misconception that Goa is largely Christian. Goa has a Hindu population comprising 65 percent, and its diversity shows up across various parts of the region, particularly the temple heartland of Ponda.Goa is home to some of the most famous temples of Hindus. Each of the temples in Goa is based around a deity which is the centre of worship. However, the architecture of the temples in Goa is a little different because of historical reasons. The basic design of all Hindu temples is organized around the central shrine or the ‘Garbagriha’ (the ‘sanctum sanctorum’) that houses the main deity. A ‘Shikara’ (tower) arises from the main shrine and is traditionally pyramidal shaped. There are usually two or more smaller shrines enshrining other deities known as ‘Parivar Devatas’ around the entrance to the Garbagriha.
Amid the dense woodland and areca groves are brightly painted Hindu temples. Though quite far from the coastal resorts, these temples are worth a visit Following are some of the prominent temples of Goa:

• Mahalakshmi Temple
• Sri Mahadev-Bhumika
• Sri Mahalsa Temple
• Ramnath Temple
• Sri Shantadurga
• Shri Naguesh
• Shri Bhagvati Temple,Pernem
• Shri Chandranath
• Sri Kalika Temple
  

Mahalakshmi Temple
It is Located at the heart of the Panaji city. The Mahalaxmi temple enshrines the deity of Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of wealth. The special feature of this temple is that there are 18 wooden images of Lord Vishnu. But the temple is dedicated to Shakti or various forms of Durga. The presiding deity is Mahalakshmi who strangely wears a Lingam on her head. The main festivals at this temple are Navaratri and Chaitra Purnima. The Mahalakshmi temple assumes significance for being the first Hindu temple to be built in Goa after the Portuguese invasion by Alfonse de Albuquerque.

Sri Mahadeva Bhumika-It is the only surviving example of the Kadamba-Yadava architecture.built in the 13th century in basalt rock, is another temple complex with beautiful natural surroundings. is another temple complex with beautiful natural surroundings.
The intricate carvings on its pillars and walls are striking. The temple has a tower with the image of the Hindu trinity - Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma - carved on it.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple's entrance faces east so that the sunrays at dawn fall directly on the deity. At the centre of the temple is the state of Nandi, Lord Shiva's mount. The Surla River flows near the temple and many devotees take a dip in it before entering the temple premises. The entrance has ten pillars and the ceiling is decorated with floral motifs.
The temple is famous all over Goa and Sindhudurg district for its annual festival of "Gade", which is a three-day religious affair from Phalgun Vadya 1 to 3. Devotees believe that people can have Darshan of 'Devchar' at night during the festival and hence the Gade attracts huge crowds even from urban areas of Goa.

Sri Mahalsa Temple
This temple, located in Mardol village, the deity worshipped is an attribute of Vishnu (Mohini during the fight between Devas and Asuras). Main Festivals: Zatra (February) and Navaratra. The temple site is pleasant and peaceful A huge 'Dipa Stambha' made of five metals greets the visitors at the entrance of the temple, which was built in the 17th century. It has exquisite wooden carvings of ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Huge round pillars held the 'Sabhamandapa' at the entrance, which is being reconstructed to recapture the glorious past of the original temple situated at Verna in "Salcete Taluka" What makes this temple exceptional is its 21-tiered deepmal (lamp tower) which is perched atop Kurma, the tortoise incarnation of Vishnu. The 12.5 metre-high brass oil lamp is believed to be the world's largest. It is lit during all major festivals and is beautiful.

Ramnath Temple
Located 22 km from the state capital Panaji, the origin of the temple of Lord Ramnath is steeped in mythology. The temple is dedicated to Ramnath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva and is equally revered by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Natives believe that after slaying King Ravana of Lanka, a remorse-filled Lord Rama installed a shivalinga on the shores in order to atone for his act. Since then the temple came to be known as Rameshwar or Ramnath.
Besides the shrine of the main Ramnath deity it has four small temples for Shri Laxminarayan, Shri Shantadurga (Sateri), Shri Betal and Shri Sidhanath. The five together, constitute Shri Ramnath Panchayatan. The temple was built around 1566 AD and was renovated in 1905. The "Sabhamantapa", however, is a recent addition.

Sri Shantadurga
Shantadurga Temple was built in 1738 during the reign of Shahu Maharaja of Satara. Located in Kavlem, the temple is known as Santeri Temple among Goans. Sri Shantadurga is worshipped all over Goa and there are many temples dedicated to the deity. Legend has it that Shantadurga is the combination of two forms of Parvati - Shanta and Durga - the violent form is Durga and the peaceful form is Shanta.It has rich and beautiful Gharbhakada or the holy of holies were the deity is kept. The deity was shifted from Keisi. Agrashalas provide lodging faculties to devotees.
The temple is remarkably well decorated. The roof is made of stone slabs and there is a five-storey lamp inside the complex. The main shrine contains an image of goddess Shantadurga flanked by Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple also has a huge tank, a Dipa Stambha and Agrashalas.Shantadurga is worshipped by Hindus and Christians alike, as the devotees believe that she asks in their dreams anything she likes and they offer the things demanded by Goddess with great veneration. Hence, the temple has much religious sanctity. The principal festival is "Jatrotsava", which attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over Goa.

Shri Naguesh
It is situated in the village of Bandode about 4kms. to the east of Ponda. One of the ancient Hindu temples in Goa, the Naguesh temple is dedicated to Lord Naguesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It was built in 1413, the temple was renovated by King Shahu, grandson of Shivaji. The temple is one of the few that still retains its original site. It closely resembles the Shantadurga Temple.

The galleries of the Sabhamantapa contain exquisite specimen of intricate woodcarvings of famous episodes from Ramayana on one side and wooden images of "Astadikpal" and "Gandharva".There is a five-storey lamp tower decorated with nagas (snakes). The lower half of the tower has brightly painted deities. The temple also houses a century-old water tank, surrounded by palms and weathered stones. In the inner shrines is a lingam, a symbol of Lord Shiva, and in front of the shrine is an image of Nandi, the bull, carved in black stone. The temple's most important festival is Anguish Starap, celebrated in November.

Shri Bhagvati Temple,Pernem At the entrance of this temple are two elephants who await your welcome. This temple is over 500 years old. Two life size images of elephants in standing position, made of blackstone, on either side at the entrance, welcome visitors. The presiding deity of temple is Goddess Bhagavati in Ashtabhuja (eight hand) form. Bhagavati is said to be one of the incarnation of Parvati and is related to Goddess Durga.The principal festival observed are the 7 days "Bhajanisaptah" at Mandrem, which is celebrated in Kartika. The Zatra, Dussehra and "Shimgo" are other festivals, which are attended by large crowds. Surrounding the main temples can be seen some exquisitely sculptured ancillary deities.

Shri Chandranath Temple-It is 45kms, it is situated on the top of 350m high hill of Chandranath at Paroda The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Chandranath or Lord Shiva who is also the Titular deity of Bhoja Kings. The South Goa Bhojas worshipped the deity years before the Christian era till the middle of the 8th century AD. The temple has the famous Shiva Linga, which was supposed to ooze water with the touch of moonlight.
The main attraction of this temple are the rock carved Shivlings .Shivalinga is carved out from the rock which oozes water whenever rays of moon fall on it. The temple is so designed that Linga receives moon light on every full moon. The temple commands a panoramic view and its surroundings are enchanting.. The ancient wooden chariot in the temple has some very beautiful carvings on it.

Sri Kalika Temple
One of the most important Hindu monuments in North Goa is the temple dedicated to Sri Kalika situated in the Gilla Mahalakshmi Temple. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, which is the Rudra form of Goddess Durga. The temple represents a fine blend of aesthetics and architectural designs. It is very old temple almost 800 years old.
The Daivadnya Brahmans are the main devotes of this deity. A huge gold "Kalash" atop the dome of the temple beckons thousands of devotees and inquisitive visitors to this otherwise secluded place. Divided into outer halls, supported on seven rows of four pillars, has a stage to perform dramas on festive occasions. The inner shrine contains the revered image of the Goddess 'Kali', a fierce form of Devi. Agrashalas (Rest Houses) surrounding the temple provide facilities for lodging to the devotees.

Beaches in Goa

Mile after mile of unspoilt beaches fringed by exotic palm trees and lapped by the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. By day its sun, sea and surf and by night its fun, fish and feni ( the local firewater ). Whether you are looking for a busy budget consiuos break or a secluded and more sedate sojourn, Goa has it all.

Goa has many attractions, it is its beaches that make it a most sought after destination among tourists. But many people have this wrong impression that Goa is a coastal state that has one long stretch of beach. In fact, Goa has numerous beautiful beaches contesting with each other for supremacy.

Anjuna
This notorious beach is the hippie hotspot with rave parties. The sheer beauty of the beach is indescribable. With its rocky crescent and swaying palms, it's a delight to be here. Visit the beach to have a first-hand experience of how pleasurable it can be.

Anjuna attracts a weird and wonderful collection of over Landers, monks, defiant ex-hippies, gentle lunatics, artists, artisans, seers, searchers, sybarites and itinerant expatriates who normally wouldn't be seen out of the organic confines of their health-food.

In Anjuna there is magnificent Albuquerque mansion built in 1920, flanked by octagonal towers and attractive Mangalore tiled-roof. It's famous throughout Goa for its Wednesday flea market where you can get second-hand imported clothes, and handicrafts from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Visit it for the thrills of nightlife. This is a good place to stick around for a while, make some friends and engage in mellow contemplation while the sun goes down.

Arambol
A unique beach in the North Goa, it is a rocky and sandy beach and much sought after. It has a sweet water pond right on the shore. The Arambol beach is just a walking distance from the Keri beach. The Portuguese interpretation of the name of the village "Hamal" gave Arambol its present name.

The beach is an uninterrupted and stunning stretch of curving sand, still unspoilt in comparison to other beaches. The beach is quiet except on Sundays, when a large crowd of local picnickers gather here for holidaying.The villagers are friendly and the place is less touristy allowing you to have a close experience of local life and culture. There is relaxed environment and peace and tranquility attracts many day-trippers from other beaches nearby.

Agonda Beach
Agonda is a beautiful, extremely peaceful beach about 15 minutes from Palolem by bike. At one end a small river joins the sea. At the other end, over a hill is the stunning 'Butterfly Island' - a secluded cove that is accessible only by boat.

It’s long and lonely, fringed with palms and casuarinas and dominated by a large hill to the south. It’s not safe to swim out too far on this beach. Not many tourists frequent visit Agonda beach and you will find no souvenir stalls, no restaurants, nothing. So if you are going to Goa Agonda beach, it is always better to equip yourself with all the necessary items that you might want at Goa Agonda beach and if you are the adventurous type, you can hire a tent and camp the night at the Agonda beach.

Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach also known as Gaspar Dias Beach. This beautiful beach is located about 3kms from Panaji. It lies adjoining the estuary of the river Mandovi as it opens into the Arabian sea.. The word ‘Miramar’ in Portuguese stands for viewing the sea. From the beach across the river is an excellent view of Fort Aguada. On account of its good location, the Miramar Beach of Goa is ideal for evening walks. The tourists can spend a nice time in the Palm shaded area that is quite captivating for the tourists visiting the beach. Silver Sands Factory Stores, encompassing more than 100 designer outlet shops. You could be away from the beach for quite some time.

Palolem Beach-The Paradise Beach
Palolem is the beach in Canacona, This beach lies on the southern coastline of Goa amidst outstanding natural beauty. It’s a beach of white sand facing a blue bay between two headlands. There are colourful lampshades in shacks made of rice straw, jute, bamboo, papier mache or plain cloth. The shacks lend colour to the coastline at night.

The major attractions nearby this beach are Agonda and Chaudi. The best time to visit Palolem Beach is November to March. The other attractions on this beach are the Dolphin cruises and the fishing trips.

Dona Paula Beach
Dona Paula is 7-km from Panjim and is different from other Goan beaches in the sense that this is one of the beaches that’s washed by both the Goan sea and the goan riversDona Paula Beach is associated with the legend of the daughter of a Portuguese official who killed herself when she was not permitted to marry the man she loved. Also known as Lovers Paradise, Dona Paula Beach in Goa is a water sports enthusiasts' dream come true, with a range of water sports activities on offer for tourists to enjoy on beach vacations in Goa.

The Dona Paula Beach offers an opportunity to the tourists to have a sunbath and buy cheap seaside goods from local vendors.

Vagator Beach
Vagator Beach is located about 22 Kms from Panaji and is situated in Bardez taluka. This beach has dramatic red cliffs looking down on the shore and two fresh water springs within a stone's throw of the sea. But Vagator has little by way of seaside accommodation.

Vagator Beach is split into two main beaches by a seaside headland which holds the car park and lots of stalls selling trinkets, clothes, soft drinks and snacks. As you face the sea, on your right is North Vagator Beach and on your left Ozrant Beach, also called mini-Vagator Beach.
Best places to vist are Nine Bar located just near the beach, they play different types of trance and psychedelic music from different DJ's around the world, mainly from Europe. Its advisable that you have your own mode of transport if you are planing to visit here.

Colva Beach
Colva beach, in south Goa, is a hit with tourists looking for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of other beaches. It remains quiet and uncluttered for most parts of the year. It is well equipped with all modern amenities like air-conditioned resort complexes, tourist cottages, discos, seashell artefact stalls, refreshment stalls, eateries, guest houses, expanding the village enormously. You can savor a quiet stroll on the silvery sands of the Colva Beach on a moonlit night or a sunbath on the golden sands of Colva on sunny morning. That certainly makes your stay at Colva an utterly romantic experience.

Calangute Beach
Calangute Beach is only nine miles north from the Goan capital, Panaji.It is known as the “Queen of Beaches”, it is the most famous of all beaches in Goa. This idyllic fishing village with its beautiful coconut tree lined, pristine beach was said to have been discovered in the 1960 s by the hippies. Excellent accommodation facilities are available, particularly at the tourist resort and cottages. The beach is filled with average sun worshippers and their children. Fresh seafood is everywhere on sale. But it s definitely the choice of the extrovert, and not for those seeking solitude. Sightseeing .

Goa Adventure

Goa has become a hub for adventure activities. If you are an adventure sports admirer, then Goa is the perfect destination in India for you. Adventure Sports in Goa beckons adventure lovers to indulge in the extraordinary activities and challenges that they are likely to confront while embarking on such sojourns.

Water Sports

Parasailing in Goa
A prominent name among various water sports in Goa, parasailing is all about fun and frolic. Parasailing that involves a parachute attached to a motor vehicle that is usually a motorboat. The parachute goes up in the air as the motor boat starts moving and the person tied to the parachute just need to take a step or two forward before sailing in the air. The popular water sport in Goa that needs just a little basic training before you actually start flying in the sky has become enormously famous among the tourists coming to Goa for the fun attached to it.

Water Skiing
Water skiing is a slightly new adventure sport in the Indian scenario. Literally, water skiing is skiing over water. However, water skiing is a lot more thrilling than snow skiing. The thrill comes from the fact that every time the skier feels he has accomplished something, the drive to learn more and experience more attracts him. It's exciting and it's addictive.

This sport requires practice, be prepared to tumble few times before you are ready for the final adventure. Strong legs and back muscles are pre requisite for water skiing. But it's the operators who train you before you get on, unless they are assured, you will not get a chance. You can water ski at Candolim, Calangute, Arossim, Utorda and Mobor and Rajbaga.

Jet-skiing
Jet Skiing is the ultimate water sport for speed lovers. Jet skiing is one of the most thrilling water sports activities. 100-135hp powered jet skis in Goa are sure to set you pulsating. The machine is also very simple to use but still the operators usually send instructor along lest you should get carried away with the fun. Usually the pre-defined area for jet-skiing is within operator's sight. Some beaches where you can pursue this jet skiingis:
· Colva
· Candolim
· Calangute
· Miramar
· Arossim
· Utorda
· Benaulim
· Mobor
· Rajbaga

Scuba-diving and Snorkelling
SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) Diving is a popular recreational, underwater activity made possible by providing breathing gas, usually air. The equipment used is either an ‘open circuit’ Aqualung or a ‘closed circuit’ Re-breather in which exhaled gas is recycled. All you need to enjoy scuba diving and snorkelling is good physical and mental health. And you don't need to be an expert swimmer to take a plunge in the blue waters. Yes, basic swimming skills are necessary. The equipments you need for scuba diving are facemask, snorkel, fins, dive tank and buoyancy jacket.

Though Goa does not boast of a great coral reef but it has enough to keep you hooked while you are there under the water. While snorkelling is for kids and families. Scuba diving is all about exploring a new world under turquoise blue waters and taking back a wonderful experience.Goa provides an excellent opportunity for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Windsurfing
Windsurfing (also called board sailing)Windsurfing is a unique blend of surfing and sailing, which requires the surfer to adjust his strength and balance to the changing patterns of wind and water.

The Dona Paula beach is considered ideal for the beginners, because the water here is lake - like both for the prevailing wind and the sea. For beginners best time to surf is in the mornings, when the wind is calm and the experienced can surf in the afternoon.
Bogmalo, Miramar, Calangute, Arossim, Utorda, Benaulim, Vagator, and Baga are the beaches where you can windsurf but if you are learning then head for Dauna Paula bay.

Land Sports

Hiking and Trekking
Hiking and trekking involves a wide range of skillful and physically demanding activities such as rock-climbing, rappelling, river-crossing and jummaring. Rock climbing is though difficult but with better equipments, safety levels have increased. Rappelling is descending a rock with the rope and harness and jummaring is ascending a rock using the toothed metal clamp. Another exhilarating activity is the Tyrolean traverse. You are suspended over a river, valley or a ravine with a rope and you back crawl on the rope but of course there are safety equipments also.
One can go for trekking and hiking anytime round the year but October to December is the best time. The usual trips are trekking to the Dudhsagar waterfalls, rock-climbing and rapelling at Kalen Rock in Sanguem. There could be tailor cut trekking expeditions according to your requirements also.

Go-Karting
Goa has one of the best karting tracks in the country so don't miss this opportunity of go karting in Goa.There’s nothing quite like go-karting which is the latest craze in Goa. The thrill of getting behind the wheel of a four-wheel drive cannot be explained. You get the works, squealing tyres, burnt rubber and the adrenaline rush of the true racing enthusiast. Young and old alike relish this sport, which lets you race around in two or four stroke engine karts. It combines the thrill of fast vehicles with sharp turns and collisions. Go-Karting requires no special training beforehand, contrary to the fears of most people, it is quite safe and enjoyable. Anyone can do it.

Microlite Flying
A recent addition to the water sports is microlite flying. Its a motorised machine with a forty feet wing span. Two to three people can sit in it at once including the operator. You don't need to learn gliding for this activity as it's the operators job, you just have to sit and enjoy Goa unfold beneath you. As its a recent activity, its only available at Calangute.

Goa Carnivals

Goa is a land of joy and merriment.Goa Party season exudes a charm of its own inviting people with open arm to make merry and unwind. Ever since the hippies made Goa their hangout zone, partying has come to be an integral part. The carnival is full of colour, music and dancing people.

The tourists who are looking for an absolute party time in Goa can visit Goa during the Goa carnival, which is in the month of February. The month of February brings along with it an air of festivity that all the Goans as well as the tourists eagerly wait for. Carnival in Goa is a time for fun and frolic in Goa. Colourful processions and lavish floats parade the streets of Goa. Singing, dancing and masked people mark the uproarious and flamboyant Goan celebration. The unique thing about Goa carnival is that the people of Goa have inculcated different items in the carnival that takes us on a cultural journey of Goa.The exotic beaches, the breathtaking ambience and the joyous festivities that rule Goa provide an ideal ambience for the party celebrations. The streets of Goa are crowded for three days and it is nothing but a carnival of colors, a carnival of fun and a carnival of joy for the Goans as well as the tourists who make it a point to plan their Goa visit during that time.

Goa Cuisine

Food from Goa is spicy, hot and comprises mainly of seafood. Coconut also forms the main ingredient of most dishes available.

Goans are known for their mouth-watering preparations of fish curry and rice. The excellent Prawn Balchao, the Sorpotel, the Goan Vindaloo, the Cafreals, Prawn Curry, are ones that top the list for most tourists and locals. The most popular dishes comprising of prawns, lobsters, crabs, pomfrets, clams, kingfish and mussels are used to make a variety of curries, soups and pickles. The bebincas and such other pastries will have you craving for more.