Vacationing in Goa - enjoy songs on beach, swift waves from the sea

Goa is a mesmerizing destination for most of the visitors. The laid back routine, the party mood riding all minds, the relaxed way of life, the shining sun, and the magnificent beaches - what more could you ask! Read the article to know which places to explore in Goa during your visit.

Along the Arabian Sea, Goa is the most happening place for most of the tourists in India. The old Portuguese haven has now transformed into a vibrant and trendy destination for those seeking fun, recreation, and the bliss of nature.

Here are some places to visit in Goa that you might not like to miss during your trip:

1. Calangute Beach - Let’s begin with the most visited beach of Goa. Calangute is often called the Queen of Beaches. It is the most commercialized beach as well. It is more of a family spot as most of the events close down by 10 pm. If you like junk jewelry and antiques, Calangute is the place for you. You can also get handicrafts from TIbet, Indonesia, Kashmir, and Rajasthan at this beach.

2. Anjuna Beach - Anjuna Beach is a center for bohemian recreation and hippie fun. The beach is renowned for its trance parties and it is considered one of the coolest zones for parties in Goa. It has many bars and restaurants as well. A flea market is held here every Wednesday and you can buy a lot of souvenirs, such as jewelry, clothes, and even electronic stuff. The vendors have exotic fruits as well.

2. Baga Beach - During the 60s and 70s, Baga beach was thronged by hippies from all over the world. Now the intensity has diminished reasonable, but the vibe of this beach would get you within minutes of your arrival. Watering holes, nightlife, eateries, flea market, and the sunbath make Baga very famous among the tourists.

4. Madgaon - It is the religious center of Goan region. It is the second largest city of Goa and situated on the banks of river Sal. It has many temples and churches and was once a major hub of Vaishnavites. You can visit Madgaon for shopping as well as offering prayers. The architecture of the churches is worth noticing.

5. Mollem National Park - Goa is much more than just beaches and Mollem National Park just proves that. Spread over 240 sq. km, the park is situated close to the Karnataka border. You can spot several species of wildlife here. You can also see some exotic species of butterflies. Mollem National Park also has some ancient temples from the Kadamba Dynasty. There are trekking trails and waterfalls as well.

6. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary - This is another wildlife reserve in Goa. Watchtowers, natural trails, diversity of fauna, etc. are the main attractions of this sanctuary. You take your own vehicle as private vehicles are allowed inside the sanctuary.

7. Dona Paula - This is the posh location of Goa and mostly residential. It is often thronged by tourists during the peak season.

8. Arambol Beach - This is one of the most beautiful beaches of Goa. It is a bit far from Panaji, situated at about 55 km. The place is popular for paragliding and water sports. Foreigners prefer to spend time at this beach.

9. Mandrem - Now this is not a typical beach but rather a coastal village of Goa. Mandrem is a nice place for relaxing under the sun and spending long vacation with family or friends.

9. Morjim Beach - If you like a more secluded, but equally scenic beach, Morjim is your place. Surrounded by greenery, this resort like beach is a serene and quiet spot for some relaxed time. You can watch the fishermen go about their business or simply sunbathe. Morjim is peaceful and shelters many types of birds.

If exploring this all on your own seems like a time-constraining challenge, just choose from many of the Goa tour packages that are offered every now and then. These tour packages are custom-ready to let you enjoy the charms and fun of Goa and its best places in a limited period of time.