By Thira
The shores with waves rounding up around the edges of soft sand where you can rest your mind and breathe anew – Goa is more than just a place, it’s the overwhelming thrill you feel in your nerves. The love for this city rests in every youth travel plan. A plan they eagerly want to map out through roads.
Within the Konkan region, on the southwestern coast of India – Goa stretches alongside the Arabian Sea. Goa spans 3,702 km per sq. which makes it the smallest state in the country. Regardless, Goa is sorted by travelers from all over the world, and even within the country, it is the most popular state for vacation.
A staggering nightlife and a merged culture intrigue all the visitors, as the Portuguese influence spiced up the Indian culture. The timespan of over 450 years has fascinatingly blended the two cultures since the Portuguese merchants conquered and pursued their control over this city in the 16th century.
From rolling across the beaches and praying at wonderful churches to exploring unique flea markets and venturing amongst colorful Portuguese houses, particularly in Margao city, shall be an unforgettable part of your travelogue. It is undeniably a paradise where your heart longs to stay forever.
01.
FONTAINHAS
Constructed as an old Latin Quarter in Panjim – Fontainhas was envisioned and built-in 1770 by an expatriate named Antonio Joao de Sequeira, who was a Goan working in Mozambique. A colorfully designed quarter with red-tiled roofs and balcony bars of pale yellow color – explicitly intends an emphasis on how influential Portuguese architecture was.
02.
THE BEACHES OF GOA
BAGA BEACH
Located towards the north of Panjim, the capital of Goa – Baga Beach serves as one of the most famous beaches in this city. The shores of the beach here rejoice in your inner spirit and allow you to enjoy the most beautiful shimmers of the sunlight. The shops here range from palm reading to absolute relaxations at spas.
CALANGUTE BEACH
Calangute Beach in North Goa is amongst the most sorted beaches in Goa. It is a commercial hub with a regular hustle, people from all over the world visit this beach since it is amongst the top ten beaches across the globe. It also connects a list of beaches in the north comprising Anjuna, Aguada, Baga, etc. If you wish to explore adventure sports in Goa, this beach is a priority.
ANJUNA BEACH
Situated at a distance of 18 km from the Capital city of this state, Panaji – Anjuna Beach is an astonishing sight shoring across the western coastline. This beach brings together all the delightful experiences from its water sports to its Chapora Fort. It is a perfect stop for the lively Hippie lifestyle that eases the overall aura, alongside being a family destination for the best vacation.
VAGATOR BEACH
Situated right opposite the Chapora River and precisely north of Bardez Taluka, Vagator Beach waves towards soft white sand shimmering across the beach. This beach dramatically splits into two, one being the Big Vagator, and the other one Ozran Beach. Both of these curl around radiating nightlife and sights that could captivate you for a lifetime.
03.
SE CATHEDRAL
Built in 1619 and echoing with the purest sound of the Golden Bell – Se Cathedral is designed in the Manueline architectural vibe depicting its Portuguese essence. The church has intricate carvings with 14 altars adding to the simplistic and decent style of the overall ambiance. It is known as the cathedral of the Latin rite Roman Catholic Archdiocese situated in Old Goa. Once you visit this church, the curiosity to know more about it increases just as the tremors of the bell ease you further.
04.
AGUADA FORT
Famous for its one-of-a-kind, four-storied Portuguese Lighthouse built in 1864 – Aguada Fort was a treasurable gem for the Portuguese as it served as a safe place against the attacks from the Marathas and Dutch. Constructed in 1612, it once served as a grandstand for 79 cannons.
This serene fort name is symbolical of the Portuguese word for water – aqua. The remaining structure of the fort resides on Sinquerim Beach while it gazes toward the Arabian Sea. A mesmerizing sight to seek a unique view, away from the clustered crowds.
05.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH
Built as a chapel in 1541 with an overview of the city of Panjim and later substituted for a church with a lot more grandeur by the early 17th century to depict religious upheaval – Immaculate Conception Church is very well entrenched with the Baroque style of Portuguese architecture. It serves as a home to a profound ancient bell recovered from the ruins of Our Lady of Grace Church. It is perhaps the second largest bell after the Golden Bell of Se Cathedral. This church has kept everyone intrigued for quite a long time and holds its charm to date.
06.
ANJUNA FLEA MARKET
The flea market is open from 7 am to 7 pm on Wednesdays (through October till May) and is at the far south end of Anjuna beach. This weekly Bazar started in the 1960s as a way for hippie travelers to barter their goods. Today, the shops offer souvenirs, handicrafts, paintings, and hippie clothes at a drift cheap rate.