Top 10 things to do in Goa

The secrets to having the best vacation in Goa

Goa! Goa!! Goa!!! If you want to experience Goa at it's fullest, then you will have to think of yourself as a Goan - the local people - first. The reason being that every Goan or 'Goemkar' in Konkani takes pride of being born in the Paradise, blessed with pretty seas, lands and waterfalls. Their hearts bleed for each other. They are known for their kindness and generosity and their love for neighbors.

Secondly, only a Goan known the best spots around the state to enjoy oneself. As a Goan myself, I will share with you our everyday life and our favorite getaway places and restaurants/ shacks / foodcarts.

Here's how to have the best holiday in Goa

• Rent a 2-wheeler ride to enjoy the 'cool wind in my hair' moments: For those who have already been to Goa, you very well know that hooking up for an economical scooter first is much more essential than finding a hooker. That should be your topmost priority. You could ride to your rented apartment/ room later. Once you get that sorted, you're certain to take back a colossal amount of memories back with you. That is the fundamental step to enjoying your stay whilst in Goa. 
  
  

Let me put it in a better way! If you don't get yourself a ride, you're more likely to get a heart attack from seeing the bill of travelling just 5 miles distance via a taxi, let alone a tour guide for the entire day. If you're worried about the tan and stuff, get yourself packed with a scarf. It's trending in Goa and hence, you won't feel yourself left out. 

Now! Renting a car is a good choice but you've heard the excellent one already. There is a simple reason behind this ranking - TRAFFIC! 

Nothing can disrupt your fully planned short-timed vacation more than a traffic freaking Jam! I guess we can all agree on this one. Most of the Goan roads are narrow; so yeah, scooter or a failed trip. 

•  Enjoy the picturesque view from Cabo-de Rama plateau: Many of you eondo consider this in your list because you haven't heard of it. But you did hear of Agonda or Palolem and it's pretty much on the way. Which one do you think is better? A beach or a view of the ocean from the plateau?? Based on this answer, you can decide if you want to make a pit-stop on the way or head straight to the beach and just sun-bathe. 

Here's a fact: that is where all the locals throng. The evenings are always amazing on the Canaguinim and Cabo-de-Rama plateau. You don't have to worry about the music; there is some wannabe DJ playing his tracks loudly for everybody to appreciate it. P.s make sure you don't disturb the love birds. Leave them to it!!

That's Goa for you

• Indulge yourself with steak bread/ choris pao / shawarma / ros omlet: All of it had to be in Bold. There was nothing nominal in it. You're missing out on alot if you come to Goa and don't cherish on the food that the locals eat; you know what I mean? It's like you visiting Mumbai and not having a vada pav! How atrocious!! 

  

  Delicious chicken tandoori

Talking about these fast food delicacies, you wilk find them at every nook and corner of Goa, literally. At every corner of the road and most importantly at the junctions, you are sure to find a food cart that gives you shawarma or steak bread or both.

 Goa has a unique take on this servings. You will find a twist in it's taste from the authentic ones. What the vendors tried to do is serve it in a way that the locals would also like it. You will find the taste to be different from the norm but still delicious. Therefore, jump in at one of the crowded foodcarts and treat yourself with one of Goa's best fast foods.

The special fish thali from Shrada Classic

And finally, no tourist in their right minds would come to Goa and not get their hands on a Goan Fish thali. That would be absurd, wouldn't it? For the ones who are trying fish for the first time, you've come to the right place! I personally visited the best fish thali serving restaurants based on google reviews and sorted them out for you in my other post. The Google reviews are always of mixed opinion, so I reviewed them personally to give you a better picture.

You get fish thali for as less as Rs.50 to a more expensive fine dine experience at Rs.250. The choice is yours.

• Walk back in time through the historical architecture and monuments. A tour of Goa is incomplete without a tour of it's rich heritage and edifices dating back to the 16th Century. The Bom Jesus in Old Goa is one such example where people from all over the world pay their respects to the remains of reverent St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint and protector of Goa. 

Also, there are temples, bungalows, forts and monuments left behind by the Portuguese empire that are simply marvellous, considering their age and structural integrity.

• Try the adrenaline pumping water thrill rides and fishing activities: The best memories are those where your energy levels were off the roof. So, get out of your comfort zone and take that leap for pure thrill through parasailing, scuba diving, trekking, dolphin trips and trying different types of fishing methods. You only have this moment for afew days - make them count.

• Have a fun water splashed weekend at one of the waterfalls and wild activities. There's colossal number of waterfalls to pick from. I have discussed them in my other post. My all time favorite is the Savari Waterfall in Netravali, Canacona. It brings me so much joy to trek through the wilderness to reach this beautiful, tall waterfall. 

• Like all other people, visit a discotheque or pub to enjoy the night life. There are regular rave parties in Goa - the north district particularly. If you're the kind that enjoys such carousal events, head towards the Anjuna and Candolim stretch. You will be spoilt for choice in terms of the top pubs in the country, let alone the state.

Come during the December months and you'll find a plenty of events taking place in the state, including iffi, supersonic and sunburn. The months of November, December and January are the peak season time to visit Goa.

• Enjoy shopping the local flee market for the best home made foods: Visit the local flee markets to be awed by the beautiful handcrafted materials and tasty homemade food. You will really be overwhelmed by the choices.

• Enjoy a homestay at one of the Goan houses instead of fancy resorts. What is the point if you book a fancy room in a 5-star resort with pools and other amenities only to be out exploring the amazing Goa? I think it is completely superfluous. You don't have time for any of the hotel facilities, so why pay for it? 

What you could do is opt for a homestay; it comes with surplus benefits 

1. The owner and his/her family will help you out with your holiday by suggesting you better places to visit (maybe even better than what you had in mind). 
2. They might pamper you with home-made food, especially when they have functions. I receive this from ELVA MANSION every year. The owner and his wife never cease to amaze me.
3. The apartments and rooms will be much more cheaper and the family will do whatever is in their power to make your stay a memorable one so that you remember them next time you pay Goa a visit.

The balcony view of Elva Mansion

• Relax on the beach and tell yourself you enjoyed your holiday to the fullest and recovered all your enthusiasm back: Just relax! I don't think I have to say much about this. Just sit back and enjoy the sunsets and early sunrise at the beach while sipping on your pinacolada. 

If you found this article useful, do share it with your friends. Don't be selfish! 
Have an amazing vacation!

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