Beautiful Goa: The 11 Best things to do in this ‘hippie’ haven

Sarah Khan 14 Sep 2017 updated the 15 September 2017 à 10:26

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The Best Things to do in Goa
Browse our gallery to check out what this tropical paradise can offer you and your adventure-hungry soul!
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1. Frolic on the beaches in North Goa
Goa is perhaps best known for its beaches, and deservedly so. The main beach scene centres around Calangute, Vagator, Candolim and Baga in the north and Anjuna, the ultimate party beach. Further up north you'll find the more relaxed beaches of Ashwem, Mandrem and Morjim, which draws most of the yoga community.

While the beaches in North Goa steal the show, the South Goa beaches prove to less crowded. Beaches like Agonda, Colva, Cavelossim and Palolem (which is becoming increasingly popular) are the real gems known for its untouched beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Escape the beaches to enjoy the flea markets, like the Anjuna Flea Market which has been around since Goa's hippie heyday in the 1970s. Held every Wednesday, this atmospheric market is the place to bargain over trinkets, jewelry, saris, spices and hippie-worthy knick knacks, with ample food, drinks and live music playing.
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2. A tryst with history at Fort Aguada
Perched on the headland overlooking the mouth of the Mandovi River lies Fort Aguada. This has become a favourite spot to watch the sunset, with its panoramic, uninterrupted views spanning both North and South Goa. The fort was built in 1612, following the threat by the Dutch forces to Goa's Portuguese overlords then. The fort derives its name from the natural springs found on the hillside - 'agua' is Portuguese for 'water'.

Photo: Getty Images
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3. Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa
Famous throughout the Roman Catholic world, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is in fact a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Old Goa, the imposing church was built in the late 16th century and is considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Goa. The Basilica contains the tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the so-called Apostle of the Indies, whose missionary voyages throughout the East were legendary.

Interesting Fact: Every 10 years, the saint is given an exposition, with his body hauled around Old Goa in front of throngs of pilgrims (the next one will be in 2024). The basilica is the busiest during the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, held on 3 December every year, followed by a nine-day novena featuring plenty of light-hearted festivities and more solemn open-air masses.
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4. Tour the Se Cathedral in Old Goa
At over 76 metres long and 55 metres wide, the Sé Cathedral in Old Goa is the largest church in Asia. The building of the church began in 1562, upon the orders of Portugal's King Dom Sebastiao, and took an estimated 90 years for the finishing touches to complete the project. Despite that, the church's exterior and cavernous interiors are notable for its rather plain style, in the typical Tuscan tradition.

Visitors might also pick up on the slightly lopsided look to the complex, a result from the loss of one of its bell towers which collapsed in 1776 following a lightning strike. The other tower houses the world-famous Sino de Ouro (translates to 'Golden Bell'), the largest bell in Asia known for its rich tone.

Photo: Getty Images
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5. Temple Hop: The Mahadeva Temple
If you're a history buff or love exploring temples, be sure to not miss out on the remains of the Shri Mahadeva Temple, an unusual little Hindu temple located in Tambdi Surla, 12 kilometres north of Molem. Built around the 12th century by the Kadamba dynasty, the temple is the only one of its kind that has somehow managed to survive through the years and various conquering and demolishing by both the Muslim and Portuguese forces (likely due to its secluded jungle setting).

The location of the temple itself is unusual, considering that there was historically no evidence of any trade route or major settlement nearby. Structurally, the temple is very small and is built facing eastward, such that the temple deity is bathed and lit up with the rays of dawn each morning. One of its entrances leads down to a river, where ritual cleansing was carried out prior to the worship. The temple interiors are supported by four large, carved pillars bearing intricate designs that highlights not only the skill of the artisans, but the quality of the stones used.
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6. Dolphin Watch on a Boat Cruise
Let's face it: dolphin watching in real life is far better than watching it on Animal Planet. Opting for a dolphin cruise when you're in Goa is a great activity if you're traveling with family, as it's something that everyone can enjoy. There are great tour packages, like the Dolphin Trip tour by John's Boat Tours which proudly reads "No Dolphin, No Pay". Can't go wrong there!
Be sure to have your camera on the ready to capture the cheery-looking creatures gracefully jumping from the surface around your boat! The dolphin cruise trip also comes with a day tour of Goa's Grand Island - an ideal spot for a great picnic.

Photo: Getty Images
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7. Dip in the Dudhsagar Falls
Nestled in the far southeastern corner of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary lies the Dudhsagar Falls, Goa's most impressive waterfall. The waterfall, which is the second highest in India after Jog Falls, cascades from a height of 603 metres. The best time to visit the waterfall is during October, when the water levels are at its highest and the falls earn its nomenclature, Dudhsagar, which translates to 'Sea of Milk' in Konkani.

To get to the falls, you can start with a trip to Colem village, an approximate 7 kilometres south of Molem, either via car or the South Central Railway line - the scenic local morning train from Margao that actually crosses the falls, offering stunning views to passengers onboard. Upon reaching Colem, hire a shared jeep which takes you on a bumpy hour-long journey to the waterfall.

Photo: Getty Images
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8. A Taste of Authentic Goan Cuisine
And of course, you can't visit Goa and not try Goan cuisine. Goan food is starkly different from your usual North Indian fare like chicken tikka masala or paneer. It is spicy, fiery yet comforting, with a dash of sweet and sour from the coconut and vinegar bases, and a distinct Western (Portuguese) influence.

We recommend the food at Mum's Kitchen, a restaurant in Panjim, the capital of Goa. This great spot offers a smorgasbord of scrumptious Portuguese and Goan cuisine, with standout dishes like the 'Rawa Mussel Fry' and 'Spicy Chouricos' as well as a wide variety of healthy vegetarian options.

Photo: Mum's Kitchen
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9. Visit the Night Markets at Arpora
When in Goa, be sure not to miss the lively night bazaars selling a hodgepodge of trinkets. We especially recommend the atmospheric night market in Arpora, fondly known as Ingo's Saturday Night Bazaar. Set up by a German named Ingo, the market is open through six months of winter and features an arresting potpourri of jewellery, imported T-shirts, hippie merchandise, and also both Indian and international cuisine spanning from Rajasthan and Kashmir to Turkey and Spain. Not into shopping? Get your dancing shoes on at Daniel's Bar, which often sees a DJ playing there for the market.

Photo: The Goa Villa
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10. Stay in a Beach Cottage in Morjim, South Goa
Travel up to Morjim, a village in North Goa in the Pernem district on the north bank of the Chapora River estuary. This village is home to a lush variety of birds and the Olive ridley sea turtle and has become known now as "Little Russia" due to the large number of Russian expatriates living there. The beach here is absolutely beautiful (mostly inhabited by Russian tourists), which makes the beach cottage stay the perfect accommodation if you're planning to spend the night. If you're planning to sink your teeth into some water sport activity, you'll be pleased to know that Morjim is popular among kitesurfers due to the shallow depth of the sea and wide beach. The area is also great for nightlife, though notably more expensive and up-market than its other neighbouring beaches.

Photo: Booking.com
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11. Ride a Hot Air Balloon in Assolda Ground, Goa
Once you've satisfactorily explored Goa's coastal beauty, you may want to consider riding on a hot air balloon ride across the sleepy village of Assolda in Goa. The ride will take you 1,000 feet into the air, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the countryside.

Photo: Getty Images

The first thing you’ll learn about traveling to Goa: you’ll want go back again.

India has certainly gained traction in recent years as a popular holiday destination among us in Southeast Asia. While you’re probably familiar with cities like New Delhi and Agra which draw throngs of Southeast Asian tourists every year with its iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, you might be less acquainted with Goa, India’s smallest state. Just an hour’s flight south from Mumbai, the tropical paradise is known world-over as a party central.

Goa: A different taste of India

The state has been indelibly shaped its 450 years of Portuguese rule, followed by rush of hippies in the 1970s. This much becomes immediately apparently the minute you set foot in the city and take in the Portuguese-influenced architecture and distinctive meat-heavy cuisine. While Goa is perhaps better known to some as a party destination (this is certainly true for its northern areas), South Goa and its inland areas are reminders of its quieter past – and refreshingly so.

For great beaches and rave parties you’ll remember for a lifetime, definitely give the beaches in North Goa a go. But if you’re a history buff and want to sink your teeth into the wondrously rich culture and history, South Goa is your best bet. There you’ll find the Se Cathedral, the largest church in Asia, and the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Goa is not short of great nature activities as well, whether it’s the breathtaking Dudhsagar Falls or dolphin-watching atop a boat cruise.

Despite being a much-loved and frequented vacation spot among travelers across the globe with its rich history, laidback vibes, great beaches and all-night rave parties, Goa has yet to catch on as a popular vacation spot among us in SEA. Make no mistake – you’ll want to make this beach haven at the top of your travel list this year. Browse our top picks of activities in the gallery above!

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