Goa is the smallest state of India, but when it comes to fun; the travel opportunities even beat the magnitude of a continent. It might be small geographically but people from all walks of life and various places in the world have bestowed it as a tourist heaven. Thousands of people visit this place every year to enjoy the beach parties and the ethereal beauty of the sea which outlines its western borders. While it wins the heart of bachelors, who are looking for having fun with friends and meeting new people, even as a family-person you can do a lot of things. There is so much more to expect in Goa than the Casinos, plush nightlife, and other things.
Especially in the upcoming few months, the city will give you a taste of Rio de Janeiro during Christmas. Here are the places to visit in Goa, where you can enjoy with your family and would always want to visit again.
1. Goa Beaches
Goa is synonymous with beaches. The pristine seas are the first image that crosses your mind. You can either enjoy some romantic time on the sandy beaches or enjoy the evening walks. And there are so many beaches to visit in Goa. The beaches in the north are the best as they offer you various adventurous activities. Some of the other beaches and places to visit in Goa on your trip are, Anjuna Beach, Arossim Beach, Utorda Beach, Baga Beach, Calangute Beach.
Amusing Activities to do here:
One may indulge in various activities such as scuba diving, jet-skiing, kayaking, etc. in Goa. Dive into the pristine sea, have a rendezvous with fish in the water. Coral reefs are the best place to start your adventure.
Banana boating is another sport that will give you the maximum rush of adrenaline. The northern beaches are known for offering banana boating activities, there are also many food shacks where there is a good variety of food to enjoy. The candlelight dinner at the beach refreshes you and fills you with energy to break the monotony.
2. Spice Plantations
We all love spices; they are aromatic and make your food delicious. In Goa, you get the opportunity to explore the farms where your favorite spices are grown. Peri-Peri, the world’s hottest pepper is grown in this state. Sahakari Spice Plantation is one such place from where you can start exploring.
You can have long walks all across the farms as they are pretty big. Or you may taste some Peri-Peri. It is like walking in a big cantaloupe filled with aromatic spices. There is one more thing that will blow your mind, a bath in the elephant shower. Yes, elephants are loved, they are friendly animals and considered cuter than a puppy when it comes to engaging in funny activities. You can just watch them bathe and do playful things in water or help the workers in bathing them. And when you are famished, there is delicious Goanese cuisine waiting to delight you. Most of the delicacies served in the restaurants are cooked by the innate spices which grow in Goa. If you are a nature-lover, this is surely one of the best places to visit in Goa as you are going to love it here!
To make it more memorable, you can have Pheni, a local drink made of cashew nuts. Bird watching is another thing you can do here. Exotic birds are quite common here, including hornbills that migrate here in some seasons.
3. Basilica of Bom Jesus
Goa was a colonial state and it has persevered to conserve its architectural marvels. This state has been referred to as the “Rome of East” for the churches and convents, some of the most beautiful architectural marvels in India.
The church that should be one of the classic places to visit in Goa is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a world heritage site officiated by UNESCO. It is the oldest church in Goa and attracts a large number of visitors. There are also many bungalows and centuries-old architecture open for you to explore and deeply investigate. If your budget is on the higher side, you might even get a chance to stay in one of these bungalows.
4. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife sanctuaries are some of the great places to visit in Goa to become one with nature. You will not only have to rely on the beauty of the sea when you are in Goa. Located in the eastern part of Goa, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is a place where you can spend some time in the cacophony of animals and birds, clear your mind and unwind yourself.
Another place which you can consider visiting is the Mollem National Park. Various species such as mouse deer, barking deer, sloth bear, panthers, etc. can be seen here. Fairy bluebirds, kingfishers, the great black woodpecker, and paradise flycatcher are also found in this national park. Being located in the Western Ghats, one can easily imagine the beauty associated with these places.
5. Dolphin Cruise
You can take a cruise to the Grand Island and watch dolphins swim past you in the Arabian sea. The dolphins that one generally gets to spot are the Indo Pacific humpback dolphins. Watching these playful mammals swim beside your cruise will surely make your trip to Goa memorable. And, if you have the required budget you can enjoy a private boat trip.
Final Words
Traveling is a great opportunity for you to come close to your family, and Goa has the best itinerary for you to enjoy and pull a family vacation. Archaeological museums, flea markets, temples, naval aviation museums, Cansaulim Monte, etc. are some other places to visit in Goa while paying a visit there. Go and explore with your family now!
