Top Tourist Attractions You Should Not Miss in Goa

Goa is a famous tourist destination and you will find no dearth of popular tourist attractions in Goa. Read on to find out more about the top 5 tourist attractions in Goa and also check out some good Goa hotels.

The state of Goa is located in the western coasts of India and is best known for its pristine beaches. Goa is well connected and can be reached by roads, railways and airways. The International Airport at Dabolim connects Goa with some of the important cities of the world. The common belief is that the only thing worth seeing in Goa is its beaches but you need to visit inland Goa. With its untouched natural beauty, waterfalls and spice plantations you will see a completely different side of Goa that will make you come back again and again.

1. Beaches of Goa- Undoubtedly the most popular tourist destination in Goa, the numerous beautiful beaches attract thousands of tourists from all over the world. The long coastline of Goa ensures that you will run out of time before you run out of beaches. The beaches have something to offer for every traveler from luxury resorts to shacks and noisy beach parties to tranquility.

2. Churches of Goa- Goa were one of the last colonies to be annexed and its long subjugation means its culture and religion have been heavily influenced by Europeans. The Portuguese were almost obsessed with building churches and converting people which led to the huge number of Churches found today. The beautiful churches are a must visit for their European style buildings and the beautiful architecture and the stained glass windows.

3. Dudhsagar Waterfalls- This is located near the Goa border 60kms from Margao and can be reached by bus from Panjim. The waterfalls are situated in idyllic locations surrounded by nature. It is one of the popular picnic spots in Goa and should be visited after the monsoons to enjoy the full torrent of the waters.

4. Old Goa- North Goa or Old Goa is the best place to observe Portuguese and Christian influences up close. The place is known for its numerous beautiful old Churches and Cathedrals that are now museums. Two of the most famous Churches in Old Goa are the Bom Jesus Basilica and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.

5. Spice Plantations- The spice plantations around Ponda are some of the popular tourist attractions in Goa. You can make a visit to the farms, enjoy the scenery and end up with a fine spicy lunch.

Top Rated Hotels in Goa

Park Hyatt Goa Resort is one of the finest 5 star hotels in Goa and is situated in Cansaulim. It is one of the most recommended luxury hotels in Goa and has been praised by guests for its service, food and facilities. The hotel offers many facilities and beautifully furnished rooms that are equipped with all major amenities and costs Rs.13800.

Graciano cottage is one of the popular budget hotels in Goa and is ideally located near the Colva beach. It has earned numerous positive reviews from customers who have praised its location and hospitable staff. It enjoys a customer recommendation of 96% which leaves nothing to doubt. It offers well equipped rooms that cost Rs.2000.

Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Goa & Good Goa Hotels

Goa is India’s smallest state of India and is located in its Western part, in the Konkan region. It is known for its splendid coastline which extends up to 101 km. Its lush and beautiful breathtaking beaches, naturally favorable climatic conditions, captivating churches and terrific temples form part of the top 5 tourist attractions in Goa which make it a hub for thousands of tourists who visit the place every year and carry its rich heritage and cultural values with them in the form of souvenirs to cherish for a lifetime.

Talking about the 5 top tourist attractions in Goa, here is a list.

1. Bon Jesus Basilica- While in Goa on a holiday, half your day would go in visiting the Bon Jesus Basilica which preserves the lethal remains of the patron saint of Catholics, St. Francis Xavier and is one of the most frequented places of Goa. Even a visit to the holy hill of old Goa which holds the ruins of St. Augustine’s Chapel is a major tourist attraction.

2. The Viceroy’s Arch, hosting a stone structure dedicated to the navigator, Vasco da Gama, is also a good choice to spend the day while holidaying in Goa.

3. Fort Aguada – Goa’s architectural heritage reflects in its Fort Aguada which showcases the Portuguese influence on the traditional Goan structural buildings. It is a treat to watch and a nice place to spend your day.

4. Dudhsagar lake- For nature lovers and people more inclined towards hiking and trekking, Budhasagar Lake, situated in Sanguem district, is advisable to retreat and explore.

5. Goa beaches- Apart from its heritage value, Goa is famous for its extended coastline with exotic beaches and sensuous silvery sand on them. The most renowned ones are the Calangute Beach which is also termed as the Queen of beaches, the Arjuna beach with its picture-perfect prolific feature and an utopist gateway, the Benaulim, Candolim and the Colva Beach. All these palm fringed beaches offer a perfect backdrop for sunbathing and relaxing in the serene beauty and arms of nature.

Among hotels in Goa, it is very important to choose from good Goa hotels in order to make your stay comfortable and worth remembering. The Graciano Cottages rates among good Goa hotels and is situated right on Colva beach. It consists of well decorated rooms with all modern amenities and is known for its extraordinary hospitality and services. The hotel is very close to the airport and railway station and even consists of a lounge, a beautiful garden restaurant and a scintillating bar. It is a budget Goa hotel which fits into the needs of the common man. Star rated 4.5, the room tariffs of this hotel is just Rs. 1,750, including complimentary breakfast.

Among good Goa hotels, another choice is Hotel Supreme. It is among the top 2-star hotels in Goa and is star rated 4.5 by its guests. It is situated right in the heart of the city, at a distance of 2 km from Dabolim airport and 7 km from Margao Railway Station. The hotel offers best quality services, along with all modern facilities and also hosts a multi-cuisine restaurant, named Seven Seas Fine Dining, which excels in typical Goan delicacies. One has to shell out Rs, 1,999 to stay in this Goa hotel which even offers free breakfast with every room booked.

Pick a Good Goa Hotels for a Great Summer Vacation

Goa, situated in the coastal area of the Konkoni district, near the Western Ghats, offers a perfect blend of traditional and modern aspects to travelers flocking from all over the planet. With an ideal combination of the four factors sun, sand, sea and surf, Goa is much appreciated by tourists who love to experience a spellbound holiday package. Summer vacation in Goa can be quite relaxing, in spite of its soaring temperatures, as hotels in Goa make all arrangements to make your summer vacation in Goa, a memorable and admirable one.

A summer vacation in Goa can be quite exciting. It enables you to relish the beauty of nature, enjoy and relax on its beaches by sunbathing and indulging in water-sport activities like navigation, snorkeling, sea-rafting and a host of other fun activities. In-spite of the mercury rising to high levels, it offers grandeur and magnificence to its tourists. A fun-filled summer vacation in Goa features a nice sunny time, with extravagant, clean and beautiful beaches in the region of Margao. Main beaches in this area include the very famous Colva beach, Benaulim and Palolo beach, among some. Abundance of restaurants along the coast of these beaches, offering typical Goan cuisine on their platter, it makes for an excellent destination to chill out and rejuvenate. There are many yoga and Ayurveda centers which excel in services, to relax your mind, body and soul. Sunbathing, walking along the shore of the quiet beaches at dusk or late in the evening, splashing in the waves, partying at the beach and watching the galoring sunset are some of the highlights which one can enjoy only during the summer time. Goa during the summers is less frequented by tourists. So, it is a perfect spot for honeymooners and for those who love solitary and privacy. Summers in Goa is low on visitors with lesser crowd at the beaches, discounted packages and the best time to explore its cool waters and even gather shellfish. Moreover, the winds from the Arabian Sea sweep you off your feet, while you stroll lazily along its shore. It relieves you of your stress and effort, with the sun prevailing for almost 9 to 10 hours. You can even visit the small tents which are built on the beaches, providing both food and music, and a perfect choice for merry-making in a summer evening. Summer vacation in Goa stretches from March to May and is the best time to leisure in its splendid beauty and serenity.

Graciano Cottages is a good Goa hotel which is located right on Colva beach. It offers a splendid feel of the silken sands, with well organize rooms and excellent services. The hotel is centrally located from the city center and close to the airport and railway station. The hotel features a lounge, garden restaurant and a ravishing bar. Recommended by 96% of its guests, this budget Goa hotels rocks. The room tariffs here are Rs. 1,750, including complimentary breakfast.