Goa – Land of the beaches

Goa is the smallest state in terms of area but yet one of India’s finest beach cities spread over a area of 1,429 sq mi and with a population of 1,400,000. Goa is situated along the west coast of India also known as the Konkan region. The capital of the state of Goa is Panaji. Goa has beautiful churches and old Portuguese kind of architecture in many of the parts of old Goa. It is one of the most visited places in India; it is thronged by international travelers who come there for its beaches and lifestyle.

There are many beautiful places to visit while in Goa such as the World Heritage site of Bom Jesus Basilica in old Goa, which is dedicated to Infant Jesus. This church was built in 1605 and was elevated to a minor basilica in 1946. The basilica contains the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier who dies on December 2, 1552. It is believed that the mortal remains are still fresh as they were when he died. This basilica attracts lots of people to it especially when the moral remains are kept for public viewing once in every 10 yrs in December during the anniversary of the saint’s death. People believe that the saint had miraculous healing power. There are other churches like the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of St. Cajetan, Chapel of St. Catherine, Church of St. Monica that have a blend of Indian, Moghul and Portuguese style of architecture.

Goa is a land of beautiful beaches, it has a coastline that stretches to almost 100 km. The palm fronted beaches, with pristine surroundings entice the tourists with their bustling waves and inviting azure waters. Each beach is different from the other in its temperament and natural beauty in spite of sharing the same coastline. Tourists can enjoy all kind of water sports such as kayaking, wind-surfing, water-skiing, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing in the beaches here. The most famous of all the beaches in Goa are the Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Calangute Beach and the Palolem Beach. There are beautiful shacks on the beaches that serve food and drinks and make life at the beach more colorful and lively.

The night life in Goa is one of a kind. It has some of the best restaurants and bars and pubs that India could offer with the best of music playing to make you groove. The nightlife in Goa is very exciting and offers many ways to spark up the evening. The night spots in Goa are simple yet very relaxing places to hang around with your family and friends. The most popular of all the nightclubs in Goa is Tito’s near the Baga beach, which is a very popular hot spot with tourists. The other poupular night clubs are The Alcove and Temptations near the Vagator Beach, Johnny’s Cool and Ziggy’s near the Colva Beach.

Goa also has 2 casinos’ that attract a lot of people. You can choose to go to Chances Casino near the Cidade De Goa resort near the Panjim Beach or the Las Vegas Casino near the Candolim Beach and spend your night making some quick money if you’re lucky. There are numerous bars and pubs that are open till midnight catering to the night birds such as Bob’s Inn that is right in between the Candolim and Calangute Beaches, Pete’s Bar near the Calangute Beach and Britto’s near the Baga beach. So next time you want to go on a rather inexpensive beach vacation, think Goa and come and enjoy the lively laid back lifestyle of the people in Goa.