DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Goa (Pocket Travel Guide)

Clockwise from top: Palolem Beach, Church of St Francis of Assisi, colourful Goa Carnival float, paddy field in South Goa, Fort Aguada, Baga Beach shacks, spices at Anjuna Flea Market

Idyllic beaches, sleepy fishing villages dotted with pretty white-washed churches, grand Indo-Portuguese mansions, mouthwatering coastal cuisine and lively nightlife heighten Goas appeal as one of the countrys most popular holiday destinations. Whether youre looking for a relaxed beach holiday or a cultural break, this enticing destination will offer you an experience, quite simply, like no other. With Eyewitness Top 10 Goa, its yours to explore.

Indias sunshine state has a distinct culture with ample evidence of the 400-odd years of Portuguese rule still apparent in the peoples dress, language, cuisine and music. Its capital, Panaji, and Central Goa are at the historic and cultural heart, home to the Latin-influenced old quarter, Fontainhas, Old Goas glorious Baroque churches, the exotic spice plantations of Ponda, Molems wild nature reserves and the spectacular Dudhsagar Falls.

Goas splendid beaches stretch over 105 km (65 miles), drawing around two million visitors every year. From Querim in the north to Mobor in the south, each beach has a distinct character. The continuous string of bustling North Goa beaches, including Baga, Candolim, Calangute and Anjuna, are packed with upscale resorts and have a bohemian vibe while the serene South Goa beaches offer a more relaxed atmosphere. A study in contrasts, Goa is simultaneously traditional and modern, noisy and serene.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything Goa has to offer, from palm-fringed golden beaches to a vibrant nightlife. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus six easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Goa.

Exploring Goa

A favourite year-round holiday destination, Goa is packed with things to see and do. While it is tempting to find the perfect beach and just luxuriate there, the equally enticing hinterland offers an amazing variety of treasures to discover. Whether your visit is short or long, these itineraries will ensure that you experience the very best that Goa has to offer.

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Two Days in Goa

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Day 1

Morning

Begin with a heritage walk of Latin Quarter, Fontainhas. Next, visit the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the citys most important landmark.

Afternoon

Explore the renowned for a cruise along the Mandovi.

Day 2

Morning

Head to for excellent Burmese cuisine.

Afternoon

Enjoy windsurfing or parasailing at .

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Seven Days in Goa

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Day 1

Start the day early with a yoga session at .

Day 2

At legendary nightlife.

Day 3

Visit some of the oldest churches in to explore the capitals oldest district, Fontainhas.

Day 4

Head to to visit the many temples here. Next, take a tour of the Tropical Spice Plantation and enjoy a Goan buffet lunch. Then, head north to the village of Khandepar to admire the rock-cut caves, one of Goas oldest historical monuments.

Tropical Spice Plantation grows a wide variety of spices and fruits. Spices have long been a principal export and an essential ingredient in Goas fiery cuisine.

Day 5

Set out early for the village of , the main entry point to the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Explore the sanctuary before heading to Dudhsagar Falls for a swim.

Day 6

Visit Goas heritage city, . Take a tour of the grandest colonial mansion in the state, Braganza House. Stop for a traditional meal at the Palcio do Deo. In the evening, head to Colva Beach for spectacular sunset views.

Day 7

Start at quiet , a nesting site for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. Next, head to Palolem for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Then make your way to Silent Noise for a night of dancing.

Agonda Beach is famous as the nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles. Its calm waters that make it a great spot to relax and unwind.

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Top 10 Goa Highlights

Fishermen on a wooden outrigger boat on Baga River

TOP 10 GOA HIGHLIGHTS

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CANDOLIM AND AROUND

Once a sleepy fishing village in North Goa, Candolim derives its name from the Konkani word kandoli meaning dykes a reference to the system of sluices used to reclaim the land from the nearby marshes. In 1787, it was at the centre of an attempt made to overthrow the Portuguese. Today, it is famous for its beach, Our Lady of Hope Church and nearby attractions such as Fort Aguada, Reis Magos and the Museum of Goa. A string of bars, restaurants and nightclubs line its main street and side lanes.

Candolim and Around

NEED TO KNOW

Fort Aguada & Fort Aguada Lighthouses: Fort Aguada Rd, 0982 359 3995; open 9:30am6pm daily