Cover image via Goa Holiday GuideTucked into the southwest coast of the Indian subcontinent, the beautiful beach town of Goa – India's smallest state – has long been a paradise hotspot for beach lovers and partygoers
But don't discount it for its size just yet! Goa possesses its own quaint charm with a wealth of experiences to offer:
1. Bask in the sun on one of Goa's many scenic beaches. Spare some time to watch the sun set too!
Image via gauravm22's YouTube
Mention Goa, and the first thing that comes to mind are the beaches along its 80-mile (about 125km) coastline. Beaches in North Goa are where the parties and excitement are at, while South Goa's beaches are for those who are looking for some relaxation and tranquility.
Image via myTravelo.com
Image via Goa Holiday Guide
2. Make the most of your beach experience with a myriad of water sports to feed your inner adrenaline junkie
Almost every beach in Goa has water sports facilities, such as parasailing, windsurfing, jetskiing, banana boat rides, and even scuba diving and dinghy sailing! Depending on the season, beach location, and the number of rides, such activities can cost you up to Rs. 1500 (about RM91).
Image via Peanuttt
Image via Heera Holidays
3. Goa isn't dubbed India's party capital for nothing. Party all day and all night with the ambient live music scene at any one of its psychedelic beach parties and vibrant clubs!
Holiday makers have been flocking to Goa for some serious party business for decades, with many finding themselves returning year after year, having fallen in love with the state's almost spiritual approach to partying! Some of the most 'happening' nightlife spots – beach shacks, clubs, and the like – are located at Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Vagator Beach, Palolem Beach, and Arpora.
If you plan your trip right, you might just stumble upon some of Goa's famous music festivals such as the Full Moon Party, Silent Noise Beach Parties and Sunburn Music Festival at the end of the year!
Image via What's Up Goa
4. Soak in a piece of architectural history at some of Goa's oldest churches and convents, which have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Don't forget the temples and museums too!
Image via Somewhere Lost
Image via Aruna Radhakrishnan / Flickr
5. Treat your palate to an explosion of flavours with fresh seafood and traditional Goan cuisine, a fusion of Indian and Portuguese gastronomy
Image via Tours Planet
Image via Global Vision Tours
6. It may be a tourist-y spot, but Goa is noticeably less crowded and noisy than most Indian states. You'll also find that people are a lot more laidback and friendly too!
Image via itripto
7. Shop 'til you drop at Goa's infamous street markets, where you will find a variety of vintage and bohemian goods as well as an assortment of food and snacks from all over the world
Image via Miran Rijavec / flickr
Image via Make My Trip
Image via Make My Trip
8. Whip out your camera (or smartphone) to capture the vivid colours and Instagram-worthy surroundings in Goa
Image via A Travelling Life
Image via Dietmut Teijgeman-Hansen / Flickr
Image via Dietmut Teijgeman-Hansen / Flickr
9. Outdoor-lovers will adore the natural scenic beauty and wildlife of Goa. For a little more excitement, take a dip in the waterfalls, play with some elephants, and try to spot some dolphins!
Image via itripto
Image via Make My Trip
Image via Route Explorer
10. Keep your eyes and nostrils open for a visit to the Sahakari Spice Plantation in Ponda, the largest spice farm in the region
Image via A+K Weltenbummler
Image via Somewhere Lost
11. Most importantly, Goa is pretty much affordable for everyone. You could probably spend an entire day with just Rs. 400 (RM25) in your pocket!
Image via Goa News
Intrigued yet? Experience the marvels of this beautiful beach town in person and book a flight to Goa!
Psst… AirAsia flies direct from Kuala Lumpur to Goa from RM199 (one-way) 3 times weekly. Head on over [here](http://www.airasia.com/my/en/promotion.page?icid=iaf072hpmba&utm_source=says&utm_medium=cpuv&utm_campaign=aa_my_goapush&utm_term=story) for more info.
