Located in the western part of the Arabian Peninsula, Goa has long established itself as a fertile land for recreation, with a warm sea, beautiful landscapes and smiling people. Despite the fact that it is the smallest state in India, millions of tourists come here every year to enjoy an unforgettable vacation and developed infrastructure. Is there a paradise on earth? Yes, and it is here, attracting already experienced travelers and surprising newcomers to the discoverers. Where it is better to relax in Goa, what beaches, cuisine and climate are here, they will learn from travel agencies from friends and acquaintances. It is difficult to make a mistake, since any chosen place will amaze you with its cosiness and unforgettable atmosphere.
Goa Features
This state is different from other Indian territories. Firstly, it is fully provided for visiting tourists, accordingly, everything has been done here for their comfort and pleasant stay. Many hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues will not make you bored, and wide beaches with golden sand and turquoise surf will be imprinted in your memory for a long time, as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Where it is better to relax in Goa and how to diversify your vacation, tell the smiling locals, kind staff and visitors like you, there are so many here that they outshine the natives, creating the impression of a completely European country.
Secondly, the state is divided into two parts. The southern zone is considered to be elite, here expensive hotels and small private beaches. North is more suitable for a budget holiday. Along the entire 100-kilometer coastline, there are small islands where you can hide from society and enjoy privacy.
The history of the resort
It is quite rich, since the active development of land began in the XV century. Then the famous navigator Vasco da Gama moored to this Indian coast. As a Portuguese servant, he proclaimed Goa the property of his country. As a colony, the land existed until 1962, adopting many European features in the development of culture and economy. For a long time, Goa and its inhabitants survived through trade. But with the liberation from the rule of Portugal and the accession to India, the territory became a famous resort and tourist center.
Today, travelers who have been here are not stingy with positive and enthusiastic reviews. "Oh, a vacation to Goa, India and the Arabian Peninsula is just part of the fantasy, a first-class pastime," they say. And it is not difficult to believe in it by looking at photographs taken against palm trees and the blue surface of the sea. And having arrived here, you are once again convinced that Goa is that piece of land where you really feel like a happy person, free from troubles.
Panaji
If you do not know where it is better to relax in Goa, then visit this nice town. It is the main administrative unit of the state. The city is not like other Indian settlements. Its narrow streets, bell towers, verandahs in flowers and tables of cafeterias right on the street are more reminiscent of a European country province. In Panaji, there is a synthesis of different world cultures and faiths.
Be sure to visit the islands along the river. At one of them, Chorao, is a well-known and popular bird sanctuary among tourists. Here live birds of all kinds, sizes and colors. Another attraction is the statue of Faria, the abbot. It is also called the symbol of the city and its national heritage. The holy father, possessing hypnotic abilities, became famous thanks to Alexander Dumas and his novel "The Count of Monte Cristo."
When asking local people about where to have a good rest in Goa, you will hear the name of their city in response. They do not have a soul in Panaji and will definitely recommend you to visit the beautiful and ancient chapel of St. Sebastian. Look also at the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the architectural complex of Largo da Igreja, they will leave only positive impressions. And having visited the Academy of Cala, you will become part of all the cultural events in Goa that will certainly take place in this building.
South goa
Of course, when you go to a distant warm country, your main goal is to lie on the beaches, listen to the surf and plunge into the salty sea. All this you can do in the southern part, where it is best to relax in Goa for people with a good income, loving privacy and comfort. Palolem - a picturesque beach, remote from the bustle, will surprise even the most demanding traveler with the clear sea. And Colva will wrap himself up in calm and unhurried rhythm of life. This beach is famous for fine sand and a wide coastline. Colva is the heart of the southern part of the state and its main tourist center.
It is very easy for fish gourmets to choose where to relax in Goa. The best beach of Goa, famous for its sea delicacies, is definitely Benalium. It is located next to the fishing village, so the table will serve you the freshest and most delicious dishes. The silence and purity of the local waters attracts not only tourists, but also dolphins who like to frolic in the Benalium crystal waves.
North Goa
Holidays spent here will be much cheaper than in the south. This is a great budget place where it is better for people of middle income to relax in Goa. Arambol is one of the local beaches. Hippies used to be very fond of him for stunning sunsets, virgin sands and natural beauty. Nearby is another beach, Mandrem. It is more suitable for family vacations, as there are gentle slopes ideal for children, a sandy bottom and a small number of street vendors.
Ashvem will also please solitude. On this wide and clean beach you will not find hordes of intrusive sellers. There are also many restaurants, whose menu is rich and quite expensive. Morjim beach is suitable for people who like to relax in the company of compatriots. Most of the population here is Russian-speaking, who came from the CIS countries for permanent residence. And Candolim can be advised to older people who do not know where it is better to relax in Goa. They will like the good infrastructure, comfort and cleanliness of these places.
Attractions and entertainment
Of course, sea water and golden sands - this is the main thing that tourists come for. But resort idleness does not prevent them from visiting excursions, as well as interesting events of a local scale. After all, Goa is an interesting object for long cognitive walks. Particularly attracts tourists to Old Goa, in which there are many unique monuments and temples. Their design, exterior decoration, beauty delight and attract. And the atmosphere of the interweaving of Indian and European cultures magically affects any traveler.
In addition to man-made art, natural wonders will also captivate you, which harmoniously fit into the landscape. For example, the caves of Pandava, mysterious and mystical. Many legends have been written about them, which local Aborigines will gladly tell you.
If you are not a fan of architectural and natural values, then go in search of entertainment. Goa has excellent conditions for diving and sports. The city of Bogmalo is the best place for underwater excursions. There is a wide variety of marine life, as well as very romantic and colorful sunsets.
Kitchen
Its main ingredients are fish and seafood, vegetables and fruits, coconut oil and spices. When you ask yourself the question of where it is better to relax in Goa, in India, you will certainly want to know the features of dishes in this region. After all, delicious food is a very important part of any vacation. Do not be afraid to go to Goa, there is an acceptable menu everywhere, because the Portuguese culture was very influential. The mixture of European and Indian has generated an interesting flavor combination that will appeal to any tourist.
The main foods are rice and curry sauce. The restaurants have a lot of fish dishes, mainly from tuna, sardines, mackerel. You can also savor cuttlefish, shrimp and mussels, which are caught in tons in Goa. Shakuti is popular among meat dishes, it is based on chicken, fried along with pepper, coconut and anise.
Where is the best place to relax in Goa? Of course, everywhere where served fen - a popular local alcoholic drink. It is unique, as it is made from coconut palm and cache tree only in Goa. Among the fruits in this region, citrus and mango prevail.
Shopping
This is one of the ways to have fun in Goa. People who came here want to stock up with exotic souvenirs and interesting things, symbolizing the local culture. Where is it better to relax in Goa if you are a shopping lover? Of course, in Anjuna. Here is a large flea market. It works on Wednesdays. You can spend the whole day wandering between endless shopping arcades, trying on hats, scarves and necklaces.
Boiling trade in Mapus. On Fridays, a huge market opens where you can buy everything your heart desires. These are musical instruments, and rare spices, and various amulets. At your service is also provided a tent for fortune telling, where tourists learn their future. If desired, you can get a tattoo quickly and efficiently. In any case, bargaining is necessary, since prices are always too high.
In addition to markets, Goa has many shops, large shopping centers and souvenir shops that work every day. Their only minus is that they close very early, so shopping is best done in the morning.
Climate
If this is India, it is already clear that the summer pleases local residents almost all year round. In this Indian state, the climate is subequatorial, pronounced. The air temperature is almost stable, it ranges from 25 to 35 degrees, depending on the time of year. The rainy season lasts from June to August, when it can cool down to 20 degrees. During this period, it is better for Europeans not to come here, since a vacation in Goa is ideal in winter. From December dry, hot weather is restored here, which reigns right up to the end of February.
The gentle sun and salty sea will give you a magnificent tan that will last a very long time. And chic restaurants and hotels will make you a lover of comfort and a relaxed atmosphere.
Now you know where, when it is better to relax in Goa, how to make your vacation diverse and interesting, how to get the most out of your chosen pastime. In any case, you will bring a lot of impressions home, and all of them will be positive and full of admiration.