Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. This is the state located in the south of the country. It is washed by the Arabian Sea and is famous for its pristine beaches and picturesque nature, and is also considered one of the best places for a beach holiday in winter . We suggest you enjoy the sights of India by visiting the resorts of North or South Goa.
What to see in North Goa?
It is to the north of the state that the same advertised Indian color belongs, which draws tourists here. Relatively low prices, noisy parties, simplicity of customs and the famous beach sunsets of North Goa at one time made it so popular. "Discovered" Goa for Europeans fans of hippy culture back in the early XX century. So, what should you look for when you come to the north of Goa?
Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Calangute - these are not just beaches, but the center of club hangouts in the north. Small people during the day, at night they represent the busiest place in the state. Among them, Anjuna is the largest and famous for its flea market, and Calangute - water attractions. All 30 km of beaches offer everything for entertainment: cafes, bars, restaurants with Indian and European cuisine. Night parties ("trans-party") in North Goa attract a large number of young people from all over the world.
Arpora and Malusa are popular Indian markets. As a rule, tourists get spices, souvenirs, clothes, costume jewelry here. Arpora begins to work at night, after sunset, and Malusa - day market. Fairs are often held here, especially during the holidays. The peculiarity of Goa markets is the opportunity to bargain, reducing the initial price several times.
San Candolim - the center of architectural attractions of North Goa. The local "Mecca" is the Costa Frias Palace, the fortress of Aguada and the chapel of St. Anthony. The local architecture is very affected by the fact that earlier India was a Portuguese colony. Also, lovers of the beauties of nature come here to enjoy the unusual spectacle - red water lilies, which you will not find anywhere else. Rest in Candolim can be called calmer than in Anjuna and Calangute.
What to see in South Goa?
The southern part of the state is more civilized, but also more expensive in terms of recreation. Here come tourists who are hungry for not thrills, but, on the contrary, a calm, measured rest. South Goa is often referred to as "Indian Europe": here you will find many respectable hotels, restaurants with traditional European cuisine, clean sandy beaches, standard and exotic entertainment.
The city of Margao - the center of the southern district of Goa - will please you with Buddhist and Catholic temples, very interesting for acquaintance and study. Do not forget to visit the caves of Pandava and appreciate the ancient frescoes of Buddhist monks. Margao is also the center of local trade, so good shopping is provided for you!
Not far from Margao is the waterfall Dudhsagar - one of the most spectacular sights of Goa. Its height is more than 600 m, and three powerful jets of water fall on a practically vertical wall of stones. Dudhsagar is an extraordinary sight, but to see it, tourists will first have to cross several rivers on jeeps-off-road cars. In the park, where the waterfall is located, you will also meet monkeys and huge lake fish.
Spice plantations in Goa are a unique place. Here for many years grow cumin, curry, cinnamon, cloves, coriander and many other plants that are familiar to us as seasonings for food. All this grows in the shadow of numerous coconut trees, specially planted here, because most of these plants do not like the direct rays of the hot sun. Visitors to the plantation are given tours where you can sniff and taste any spice, taste an exotic dinner served on bamboo plates, and Indian vodka. All products grown on the plantation are environmentally friendly.
