From late October to early April is the best time to visit Goa; the peak season is between mid-December to mid-January. Tourist from around the world visit Goa during this peak season time, make sure you have done your hotel reservation way in advance due to high demand. Goa Carnival Festival which is held in late February and early March is another great reason to visit Goa.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
By Air
The international airport of Goa is at Dabolim which is 30km away from the capital city Panaji. There are regular domestic connection from Mumbai, Delhi, Banglore, Chennai and Kochi.
By Train
Margao and Vasco da Gama are two major railway stations in Goa. Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Rajkot and Thiruvananthapuram have major connections to Goa
By Road
There are bus connections to Goa from Mumbai, Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Pune operated by Government Transport Corporation and Public Operators. One can also travel to Goa by private car.
History & Culture
Goa a perfect holiday destination has been the retreat of Gods as per Hindu scriptures. According to the scripts Goa was created by Sage Parashuram. It also mentions that Lord Shiva visited Goa twice after marital spats with his divide consort Parvati. If we refer to modern history Goa was part of the Mauryan kingdom and was ruled by Emperor Ashoka until his death in 232 BC. Till the time Goa was captured by Portuguese in 1510 it came under suzerainty of various Hindu dynasties and some Muslim rulers. It remained with Portuguese till 1961 and was ruled by Roman Catholic for around 450 years. After its independence it remained as Centrally Administered Union Territory for 26 years and was granted full statehood on 30 May 1987. In Goa one will find a hybrid of Eastern and Western culture due to its history.
Top Attraction
Basilica of Bom
Goa carnival
Miramar Beach
Fort Aguada
Baga Beach
Chapora fort
Popular Destination in Goa
Mapusa
Mapusa is the main market town of Goa its Friday market is the biggest attraction of the region. It is also an important transport hub of Goa.
Margao
Margao is an important religious and agricultural center in the medieval times. There are few Catholic churches giving Margao a Portuguese flavor.
Old Goa
Old Goa was founded by Afonso de Alburquerque and it was the captil of Goa until Panaji was set as new capital in 1843. There are many churches, cathedrals and museums in Old Goa.
Panaji
Panaji is the capital of Goa; it was earliesr known as Panaji. Panaji is situated on the left bank of River Mandovi. The most prominent and elegant church of Panaji Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is a must visit place in Panaji. One can also indulge in some water sports activity at Dona Paula beach which is 7kms away from Panaji.
Vasco
Vasco is named after the famous Portuguese mariner Vasco da Gama who discovered the sea route to India 500 years ago, Vasco is a major shipping centre in Goa. Indulging in the beauty of beaches is the best way to spend time in Vasco.