Exploring the best of Goa

Goa is one of India’s most famous destinations amongst millennials for its high-octane parties and the ever-happening nightlife that the coastal city has to offer. It is one of India’s vacation hotspots as it is unlike the other Indian cities courtesy of its wonderful climate and lovely beaches. Getting there is quite easy too as there are frequent flights flying from different parts of India to the city and a few international flights flying in too. But amidst the partying and the night life, one often tends to miss out on some of Goa’s best-kept secrets which can sometimes put its nightlife to shame. Here we have five things that you can do at Goa which does not involve partying.

Rent a bike: The best way to explore Goa is definitely on a bike or a scooter. You will have the freedom to go wherever you want to and you can have your own picturesque moment of riding along the Arabian Sea, on the comparatively empty roads (considering how crowded the roads in other Indian cities are). You can rent a scooter with prices starting from Rs. 400 a day or even a Royal Enfield at Rs. 1200 a day. You can also avail these bikes for almost half the given price during the off season. You need not worry about finding a bike rental shop in Goa, as there is one around every corner.

Visit the waterfalls: Goa does have a number of picturesque waterfalls like the Todo waterfall and the Dudhsagar waterfall for either your Instagram-worthy shots or just to sit and admire the beauty of nature. The four-tiered Dudhsagar waterfall is the most famous one as it is one of India’s tallest waterfalls, where you will have to hike up a few kilometers through the green hills and the spice plantations before you can reach it. You can also avail an eight-hour tour which involves a tour of the spice garden and a trek up to the waterfall. You can always take a dip into the pool where the water falls.

Indulge in watersports: Conquer the azure blue waters of the Arabian Sea with a wide range of watersports that you can avail from most of the beaches at Goa. The Baga beach is recommended if you want the best experience in terms of water sports. Expect activities such as parasailing, wind surfing, jet skiing, tubing, surfing and up to 30 kinds of water sports. If you aren’t the adventurous kind, don’t worry, you can always go on an island hopping/ dolphin tour where you can take a dip in the middle of the sea, or go scuba diving and snorkeling.

Shop at the Flea Markets: Flea markets are probably one of the best places for the shopaholic inside you, and the good news is that Goa is filled with them. Most of these markets are weekly where local vendors set up shop to sell handcrafted jewelry, clothes, accessories, spices and more. Feel free to test your bargaining skills at these markets to find yourself the best deal. The top markets to check out are the Anjuna Flea Market which happens every Wednesday and is the liveliest of all the markets in Goa. The Saturday Night Bazaar at Arpora where vendors sell carpets, textiles and handicrafts. Mackie’s Night Bazaar at Baga beach is for all your food needs as the market houses a wide range of cuisines, live music by local bands and also a dance floor.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Take a trip back in time: Step back into the medieval times as you visit Old Goa which has a number of temples, churches and buildings built during the times when Goa used to be a Portuguese colony. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most famous of these buildings, which is known for its architecture. Other monuments to visit are the Sé de Santa Catarina, which happens to be the largest church in Old Goa, The Shantadurga temple, which is a brilliant blend of Indian and European architecture and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi which also contains a museum which safely stores the heritage and the ancient relics of the city.

Don’t forget to visit the numerous forts spread across Goa like Fort Aguada, and Reis Magos Fort.

You do not need to worry about accommodation options which are comfortable and at the same time quite reasonable. Happy Holiday Homes offer lovely vacation rentals at competitive prices to help you enjoy Goa like a local.