Interesting, offbeat things to do in Goa for a memorable trip
Panchali Dey, TIMESOFINDIA.COM, TRAVEL TRENDS, GOA Created : Jun 2, 2022, 19:00 IST
Interesting, offbeat things to do in Goa for a memorable trip
Goa has a vibe that is hard to resist, and it has stayed as one of the popular tourist destinations in India. You can visit Goa to indulge in a wide range of activities, however, it can be a bit overwhelming to decide what to do when here. To help you sort your itinerary, here are some cool things that you should definitely do when in Goa for a memorable trip.
Check out the marvellous forts
Home to many spectacular and majestic forts that exemplify architectural brilliance and the region’s glorious past, Goa makes for a great vacation spot for heritage lovers. Also, most of the forts in Goa offer stunning views of the surroundings. Some of the best spots that you should visit here are the Chapora Fort, Sinquerim Fort, Terekhol Fort, and Aguada Fort.
Don’t miss the ‘Mummy of Francis Xavier’ the Basilica of Bom Jesus
This red laterite stone building is one of the most famous landmarks of Goa, and is the highlight of Old Goa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also special as it is a revered pilgrim site and houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. An annual feast is held here on December 3. There is also an art gallery here that showcases how carpenters carved intricate statues that are installed in the Basilica. Do note that use of still or video cameras is prohibited in the gallery.
Visit historical temples
This is also one activity that you should try out when you are in Goa, and are done with partying and beach hopping. Take time out on your itinerary to explore the beautiful temples of Goa, and it will be worth all your time and effort. Some of the popular temples that you should definitely visit are the Mangeshi Temple, Mahadev Temple, Brahma Temple, and Chandreshwar Bhootnath Temple.
Have an evening at the casinos
A trip to Goa is considered incomplete if you don’t try your luck in casinos. Finding a casino when in Goa will also be easy as most of them are located around the state capital Panaji, where you will enter a world full of enter games, entertainment, and fun. Some of the top casinos in Goa that you can check out are Casino Pride, Casino Palms, and Deltin Royale.
Visit Goa State Museum for a history
Keen to learn about the fascinating history of Goa… If yes, visit the Goa State Museum where you can check out the remarkable collection of artefacts that exhibits the saga of Goa’s past, and features more than 8000 relics, including coins, bronze artworks, rock statues, and much more.
Enjoy spectacular beauty of Dudhsagar Falls
Goa turns prettier when it rains. If you plan your trip during this time, do check out the forested hinterland that turns alive during the monsoon. Also, Goa’s beauty is not just defined by the spice plantations and pristine beaches, for it is also home to the breathtakingly beautiful Dudhsagar Waterfalls. You should definitely not miss visiting it, no matter which season you pick for a trip to Goa.
Indulge in water sports
Goa and beaches can work as synonyms, as the very first picture that pops in mind when thinking of Goa is more likely to be beaches. Reason why a trip to Goa will not be complete if you don’t indulge in some water sports. So while exploring its beautiful beaches, do try some water sports, such as snorkelling, paddle boarding, parasailing, and much more.
Shopping at Anjuna Flea Market
If collecting souvenirs is your thing, you should definitely try out shopping at the Anjuna Flea Market. It’s a famed weekly market, the ambience of which is lively, and you get into the vibe the moment you are near the spot. This place is buzzing with stalls selling stuffs from garments, jewellery to hammocks, and handicrafts. You can indulge in shopping here, but make sure you bargain to get a steal deal.
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