Located on the Konkan coast, this state, whose capital is Panaji, is widely distinguished from the rest of the country by its uniqueness. While in the rest of India, it is above all a question of visiting and discovering a new culture at the antipodes of our Western life, in Goa, the watchwords are relaxation and celebrations. Here, it’s holidays in the sense of “idleness”. It enjoys a sulphurous reputation around the world because (or thanks?) to its music scene.
Being under Portuguese influence since the 16th century, Goa has been part of the Indian union since 1961, 14 years after the rest of the country. At this time, we are in the midst of the hippie movement and in Europe and the United States, young people are rebelling against their previous generations and rejecting the western consumer system.
A number of them choose Goa to come and settle. The primary dimension of India and the idyllic setting of the region corresponded then totally to their new expectations.
Here, these newly arrived hippies live in a very simple way. They live there in a very simple way and spend their time meditating, playing music…it’s the era of psychedelic rock and the taking of psychotropic substances.
Over time, the music evolved into techno and in Goa, Psytrance was created and more particularly Goateck is still appreciated all over the world.
The Goa tour is being considered as one of the ultimate life goals of every Indian of the modern generation. For taking a break in a busy life and enjoying some time with friends or family, there is hardly any other better holiday destination. At present, you can choose a GOA TOUR PACKAGE which can help you enjoy your holiday as per your plans. However, with multiple places to visit in Goa, planning the trip duration and finding a reliable Goa cab service is also essential to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.
Today it is no longer only populated by hippies. The facilities have evolved and the original small huts have for many been transformed into luxury hotels. Wealthy Indian tourists and internationals (including many Russians) flock there every year for the season from October to April.
The atmospheres are different depending on the city you want to stay. Along the coast, north of Goa, towards Arambol, the atmosphere is still very hippy with many backpackers coming to take advantage of cheap rooms and chalets.
Throughout the day there are many dance, yoga, meditation, creation workshops… Every evening on the beach, everyone meets to do the flea market where many artists sell their creations and finds and where you can meet for an improvised percussion and dance session.
Arambol beach
Moving towards South Goa, the next towns are Ashvem and Mandrem and there is clearly a higher degree of accommodation and catering.
These are much quieter villages but where life is good. The beach there is very pleasant. In the evening, there are many upscale clubs to party and spend lavishly.
Next come the famous neighborhoods of Anjuna and Vagator, best known for endless parties. These are the villages that welcome a maximum of tourists for a very festive atmosphere at all times. The biggest Psytrance festivals take place in Vagator.
Every Wednesday and Friday, the big market takes place. This market is a real curiosity because the sale of all kinds of holiday souvenirs is cut with the setting up of many concerts for a very festive atmosphere.
Just next lower, and close to the capital of Goa Panjim (Panaji) , we find Calangute and Baga beach . These are upscale neighborhoods and many wealthy Indians have their second homes there.
Further, in the very south of Goa, we find this hippie atmosphere in Palolem, much calmer than Arambol. Palolem Beach (Canacona) is considered one of the best beaches in Goa
What to see in Goa?
Beyond the beaches of Goa, the city has several tourist places such as the Basilica of Bom.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus (or Basilica of Bom) was built in 1605 and houses the relics of Saint Francis Xavier who is considered the patron saint of Goa.
The body of the saint would have kept an exceptional preservation for more than 400 years, which is very surprising even for scientists. The basilica displays fascinating Portuguese architecture.
Goa Cathedral, built in 1632, is still one of the largest in Europe today. It is dedicated to Saint Margaret because it was on Saint Catherine’s Day, November 25, that Afonso Albuquerque conquered the city in 1510.
During your stay, you can go on an excursion to the heart of the spice plantations. Accompanied by a guide who will explain the properties of each exotic plant that grows nearby, you can discover the lush beauty of the Goan jungle.
To name just a few species, we will pass near plantations of pepper, coffee, cinnamon, vanilla, coriander, cashew, jackfruit, bananas, papayas, pineapples….
Excursion to Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar Falls in the state of Goa
Located much further inland, towards the border with the state of Karnataka, the Dudhsagar Falls are well worth the effort. Just the road to these will allow you to discover an abundant and luxuriant nature. The falls are among the highest in India and are more abundant during monsoon periods.
In English the translation of Dudhsagar means an ocean of milk because the movement of the falls resembles the flow of milk being poured.
According to legend, the king’s daughter was very fond of bathing at the edge of the falls during summer periods. She used to finish her bath by pouring a jug of sweet milk over her body. One day while she was taking her bath, a prince watched her.
Embarrassed and distraught, she poured the carafe of milk down the front of her body as if to cover her chest. Since then the milk would continue to flow down the mountain as a reference to the modesty of this young princess.
When to go to Goa?
The tourist season takes place from October to the end of March. From the month of April it is very hot there then the monsoon arrives around the month of June. Even so intense, it offers a whole new face which becomes very green like the rest of South India.
An essential step for your tour in South India before going even lower to visit Kerala and join the tourists on the beaches!
While before, most businesses remained closed during the monsoon, there is more and more activity during the monsoon months with even festivals and restaurants open.
