11 Reasons Why Malaysians Should Make Goa Their Next Holiday Destination
Famously known as India's beach paradise and party capital, you will soon find that there is so much more to Goa than just those two things.
Published for AIR ASIA, 07 Aug 2015, 12:00 PM
Tucked 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
Just 1,429 square miles, with a population of 1.5 million, this is where the crowded cityscapes of urban India give way to coconut groves; the blare of traffic yields to birdcalls and the insistent whisper of sea on sand.
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!
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.
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).
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!
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!
Old Goa, the state capital for the better part of three centuries and known as the ‘Rome of the East’, houses cavalcades of churches, convents, museums, art galleries, government buildings, bungalows and bakeries.
Goa’s architecture is a unique mix of Portuguese and Hindu Goan styles. Take a day trip to Old Goa that has loads to offer, including a museum of Christian Art, an Archaeological Museum and Wax World, Goa’s answer to Madam Tussauds.
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5. Treat your palate to an explosion of flavours with fresh seafood and traditional Goan cuisine, a fusion of Indian and Portuguese gastronomy
Tiger prawns, lobsters, fish steaks - the freshness of seafood makes Goa’s food definitely delicious. Traditional Goan cuisine with its vindaloo, sorpotel, xakuti and the refreshingly lip-smacking sol kadi will leave you asking for more.
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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!
Goa is an affluent, laidback place (horizontal, in fact) where doing very little is the order of the day and a smile always gets a smile in return.
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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
Ingo's Saturday Night Bazaar at Arpora presents a potpourri of junk jewellery, imported T-shirts, hippie merchandise, Indian and global cuisine from Rajasthan and Kashmir to Turkey, Spain and the rest of Europe.
You might also want to check out Mapusa Market, Anjuna flea market, Calangute Market Square, and Mackie's Night Bazaar for more shopping options.
8. Whip out your camera (or smartphone) to capture the vivid colours and Instagram-worthy surroundings in Goa
The lush green of the paddy fields, the produce in the markets, the furious, orange sunsets, the brightly painted houses and the hand painted adverts for ‘Idea’, ‘Reliance’ et al on the side walls of shops. Colour forms a great part of the sensory overload that is India, just make sure you have your camera at all times!
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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!
The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park have animals like the panther, sloth bear, mouse deer and even barking deer. Then there are 200 species of birds including the Indian great black woodpecker, Malabar pied hornbill, paradise flycatcher, fairy bluebird, emerald dove and kingfisher.
10. Keep your eyes and nostrils open for a visit to the Sahakari Spice Plantation in Ponda, the largest spice farm in the region
This largest spice farm of the region lets you pluck and taste pepper, bite a Peri Peri (hottest chillies of the world), bathe through an ‘elephant shower’ and feast on a traditional Goan lunch cooked with farm spices.
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!
Air tickets and accomodation are another matter altogether, but you can easily pick some options for budget travellers that won't burn too big a hole in your pockets.
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