Goa It is one of the most popular tropical destinations in India. It is the goal of many backpackers looking for good beaches, exoticism, culture and diversity. This state of India is close to the Arabian Sea and enjoys a warm weather most of the year, although you have to be attentive to the rains and extreme heat in certain months.
Today we have to venture into Goa and then plan our next trip to India.
Goa
As we said, it is a state of India that occupies little more than 3.700 square kilometers of surface, with a lot of coastline and in a tropical zone near the Arabian Sea. The hottest days occur in May, followed by monsoon rains that last until September.
Goa is divided into North Goa and South Goa y its capital is the city of Panaji. The Portuguese colonized this part of India in the early XNUMXth century to control the spice trade, defeating the Muslims and the locals. A) Yes, Goa became the capital of Portuguese India and the kingdom's base of operations in the region. Silk and ceramics from China, pearls and coral from Persia, Malaysian species would pass through the viceroyalty of Goa ...
With the arrival of the Dutch navigators the Portuguese power in Goa began to decline. This situation was compounded by an epidemic, then clashes with local lords and finally, after moving the capital to what is now Panaji, the British occupied Goa at the beginning of the XNUMXth century. Portugal was neutral during WWII so many German ships were seen here seeking refuge.
Finally India gained independence from Great Britain in 1947 and so Portugal was formally asked to return Goa. Portugal did not want to and then the demonstrations against them and the blockades began to force them to leave. Everything ended in some fighting in 1961, the Portuguese left and Goa became one of the states part of India.
Goa Tourism
Having said all this, I always find it necessary to know something about the history of a region that you plan to visit, let's see what it offers to travelers. First of all, what one comes to look for in this part of India: Beaches. The least populated beaches are found in South Goa and here the best are the beaches of Arossim and Utorda, near the city of Majorda. Within North Goa is Baga, Anjuna and Calangute.
In all the beaches of Goa you can do water sports such as jet ski, paragliding, diving, snorkeling or fun banana rides or visit spice plantations, which is why Europeans originally came to India. For example, the Sahaki Spice Farm or the Parvati Plantation, the specialized hot pepper plantation in Ponda. If you go on your own, try to go early because afterwards organized groups arrive and it fills up.
You can also kayaking on the Aguada River or rafting on the Mandovi River or Valpoi. A popular spot on Baga Beach is St. Anthony's Bar. There are sun loungers, tables with candles, music, karaoke and lots of fun. Next door is the Britto's restaurant, another recommended destination. When night falls, everything comes alive for backpackers so get ready to socialize.
Panaji, the capital of Goa is another of the places that you cannot miss. Is where is the Old Goa, known at one time as the Rome from the Estand. This is where you will see old churches (Basilica of Bom Jesus or the Church of Santa Catarina, the largest and the most visited), convents, museums, colonial buildings and art galleries. You can walk through the Latin Quarter, with its old Portuguese-style houses, great for posting photos on Instagram. Indeed, Old Goa it is World Heritage.
Beaches and history, but also wildlife. You can visit the Mollem National Park to meet panthers, bears and deer, or the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. There are more than 200 species of birds and the site is at the foot of the foothills of the Western Ghats, and can be visited every day from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. You can too see dolphins if you take a cruise to the Big Island or in the waters of Candolim, Calangute or Sinquerim. A good cruise agency on John's Dolphin Tour, with its "no dolphins, no pay" philosophy.
Beaches, history, wildlife and crafts. Where? In the Ingo's Uncommon Market. The origins of this market have to do with the arrival of a German named Indo who proposed to open a flea market, a kind of Saturday bazaar in Arpora. It lasts six months a year, in winter, and you find a bit of everything between sweatshirts, hippie necklaces, kitchen utensils and condiments, etc. There is a live DJ and if you don't like crowds you can go at night.
Goa is 590 kilometers from Bombai, about eleven hours by road and just one hour by plane. It is a good idea to start with Panjim and staying in the historic district is a good idea here. If you have money there are charming boutique hotels as they operate in old colonial houses. If you like the idea of staying on the beach, both in the north and south there are accommodations of all kinds. If you like Airbnb there is also an offer here.
The ideal is to spend more than 10 days touring Goa, to enjoy, to have time, not to run. You rent a motorcycle and you have more autonomy too, in addition to being the best option to really know everything.