Goa Tour Package From Delhi - A2Z Travel Planners

Top Tourist Attractions of Goa

People travel from all over to this small state for its diverse beaches, adrenaline-pumping activities, parties, nature, and history. You can select perfect Delhi to Goa honeymoon package in an affordable range. One of the best ways to see all that Goa has to offer is by hiring a motorbike or scooter and exploring the city and its amazing sites with ease.

Panaji: the capital of a quiet state!

Panaji should rank high on your list of places to visit in Goa, not only because it is the capital, but because many places make it a great sightseeing tour. Suppose you are Ornithologists or you love birds. In that case, you can also visit the Dr. Salim Ali Bird, which is located only 7 kilometers from here and is the habitat of migratory birds and common and rare species of birds that live in the swamps.

Vasco da Gama: Especially the beaches!

If you plan to visit Goa to spend some time on its beaches, this is the place to be. There are also other attractions, such as the 400-year-old St. Andrews Church. There is also the Naval Aviation Museum, which is one of only three museums in India. However, if you visit in March, you can attend Shigmo, which features street dances and colorful parades.

The Largo de Igreja in Margao

Dominated by Largo de Igreja, or the Church of the Holy Spirit, also know, at the city’s entrance, north of Municipal Garden square directly. The Portuguese built the church in 1675 and is one of the finest examples of architecture in the late Baroque atmosphere, pure white facade, and interior of the dripping glass doctrine and plaster.

Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa

A must-see on the Old Goa tour, the Bom Jesus Basilica is dedicated to the Baby Jesus. An example of Baroque architecture, this church has been declared a World Heritage Site. Bom Jesus Church dedicates the relics of Saint Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. On the occasion of the “Exposition,” which takes place once a decade, the body of Saint Francis Xavier is displayed to the public.

Se Cathedral in Old Goa

Se Cathedral in old Goa, is one of the largest churches in Asia, has been dedicated to Saint Catherine in Alexandria since the Portuguese led by Alfonso de Albuquerque invaded Goa on Saint Catherine’s Day (November 25) in 1510. The church contains the golden bell used during the infamous Inquisition of Goa.

Viceroy Arch in Old Goa

Viceroy Francisco da Gama, the grandson of Vasco da Gama, built the Arch of Viceroy. At the top of the arch, you can see the statue of Vasco da Gama, resplendent in his royal costume. The original arch was built with laterite, collapsed in 1948, and later restored in 1954.

Margao

Margao refers to all the past and geological events of the city of Margao. Margao, also known as Madgaon, is one of the oldest cities in Goa. Long before Portuguese colonists settled in this part of the country, this area was home to countless temples. From the second Portuguese settlers consolidated their base in Margao, most Hindu temples were destroyed.

Old Goa

Old Goa was the previous capital of the Portuguese domination of Goa. Before the Portuguese reached the shores of Goa, ancient Goa was the royal capital of Sultan Adil Shah Bijapur. After defeating the Sultan’s armies, the Portuguese, led by Alfonso de Albuquerque, began building their empire around the ancient city of Goa. As the center of the Portuguese province, Old Goa has seen an abundance of impressive churches and imposing buildings to match the city’s stature. During its happy days, the ancient city of Goa was known as the “Lisbon of the East.” But soon, frequent outbreaks of epidemics such as cholera and malaria made the city very inhospitable, and the Portuguese moved their capital to Panaji in 1843.

Things to do in Goa

This list has been compiled to provide you information on the top things to do and see during a memorable vacation in Goa.

1. Spend a day on a virgin beach

Goa is blessed with 105 km of coast and some of the most beautiful beaches you would be expecting to find in Asia, and visiting these beautiful beaches is one of the great things to do in Goa. Many beaches are lively and backed by pretty beach shacks, representing great spots to throw your shoes and have a Kingfisher beer as the sunsets. However, they are much quieter and more secluded – a peaceful oasis where the only sound is the waves and the rustle of coconut trees swaying in the ocean breeze.

2. Explore Dudhsagar waterfalls

At the easternmost tip of the state of Goa, where it meets Karnataka, is the well-known Dudhsagar Falls, the second main and highest waterfall in India, measuring a remarkable 603m. A jeep journey up to the falls is an unforgettable experience during a Goa vacation, taking you into the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary before a short bumpy hike to the base of the falls watches you climb over the rocks and pass the troops of monkeys’ locals before you get a chance to swim in the deep green waterfall.

3. Visit a spice plantation

Visiting a spice plantation will be one of the most culturally attractive things to do in Goa while on holiday. Ponda is famous for its fragrant spice plantations tours where you can see peppercorns, cardamom, cloves, cumin, saffron, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla in their natural environment. There you can also enjoy the spices in a traditional meal with a glass of Goan de Feni, the local spirit of cashews, providing a unique flavor for your stay in Goa.

4. Walk around Old Goa

It is Known as “the Rome of the East” in the 16th century, Old Goa was the largest, richest, and most splendid city ​​in all of Asia. There are lots of the churches and buildings have been wonderfully preserved, making Old Goa one of the best churches in the world for Renaissance architecture. Goa isn’t a complete vacation without a tour of the Von Jesus Church and Pi Cathedral, the largest church in India.

5. Taste delicious Goan cuisine

Food variety is one of the most satisfying things to do in Goa. Each ingredient is carefully selected and meticulously prepared to create delicious and flavorful dishes that strengthen and enliven the senses. A fusion of Indian flavors and Portuguese cuisine, Goa is unique to this inviting little state – rich, creamy coconut milk infused with aromatic herbs and spices and often served with fish and fluffy white rice.

6. Enjoy a Hindu festival

There are many colorful Hindu festivals throughout the year, offering an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. Holi and Diwali are possibly the best known and celebrated throughout India. Both festivals are visually amazing, and one of the best things to do in Goa is to make the most of the light and color for a vibrant and memorable Indian experience.

7. Barter at the Saturday Night Market

The bustling and lively Saturday night market near Arpara is one of Goa’s main attractions. Live music and exotic street food scents fill the air as you stroll past row after row of souvenir stalls. From beautiful jewellery with semi-precious stones, brassware to colourful wooden crafts, knotted hammocks, to soft silk scarves, you are sure to find many souvenirs to take home.

8. Understanding the magic of Goa at Christmas

Christmas in Goa is a perfect time, celebrated by both Hindus and Christians. The day is commemorated with the feast, fireworks, and many festivals across the state that, like Diwali, are lit up with Christmas lights and stars. Market stalls are decorated with garlands and bunting, and Christmas trees are found everywhere.

9. Overnight on a traditional boat

River cruise on the Sialis Houseboat “Relaxed Waters,” giving guests an authentic glimpse of life on the Goan backwaters. Some of the attractive places you will find include scenes of riverside village life, agriculture, cockle fishing, an incredible range of birds, and the sunset behind coconut trees.

10. Take a train ride to Hampi Hampi, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in southern India, is located about 330 km east of Goa, in the state of Karnataka, and is one of the main attractions near Goa. Once, the imperial capital of Vijayanagar, one of the largest Hindu empires in Indian history, was destroyed in 1565 when an alliance of Deccan sultans destroyed the city.

Best Time to Visit Goa

The best time to visit Goa can be based on two important aspects. One is the different times and seasons.  You can enjoy Delhi to Goa package with flights to enjoy your vacation.The other would be the timing of various music festivals and related events that are famous worldwide and have great musicians and artists pouring from different corners of the world.

March to June – Hot Summer

Temperature: These months experience an average temperature of around 30 ° to 34 ° Celsius.

Climate: The temperature is not very high since it is a city located in the coastal region, but the humidity increases the collector. Exploring the city, they may feel more tired than usual. The heats during these months often lead to the closure of many huts on the beaches, and some activities will also shut down.

From July to September – the Wet Monsoon

Temperature: The average temperature varies from 24 ° to 26 ° Celsius in the monsoon season.

Climate: These months experience a lot of rain. The climate is moderate, but the rain makes the beaches a bit risky and dirty

Why you should visit now: You can enjoy low prices for all activities, accommodation, and flight rates during these months.

October to March – the Perfect Winter

Temperature: the average temperature ranges from 23 ° to 25 ° Celsius.

Climate: the weather during these months is moderate, which means that it is not too cold or hot. You can put on a normal jacket and be comfortable. The climate is what makes these months the ideal time to visit Goa. This is one of the best seasons to visit Goa. All activities are open during these months, and you will find the famous beaches very crowded.

Why should you visit now: Since the weather is constant and does not change during these months, activities such as jet skiing, paragliding, Banana Boat, boating, diving, snorkelling, and the like are available? You can witness wildlife in the national parks and discover unique animals that are otherwise difficult to spot in other months.

In winter:

The grape getaway is one of India’s biggest wine and grape festivals and can be witnessed in January every year.

Sunburn is the biggest EDM music festival in India and is held every year in Goa in December. It spans four days and occurs during the week of Christmas and New Year. This is undoubtedly the best time to visit Goa. Some of the best DJs in the world gather to perform in Goa during these days, which make this a popular time to visit Goa. The Goa carnival is full of parades and different events that include music and dancing. If you visit Goa in February, you will have a great time as you can see all the people of Goa indulging in this carnival.

Top Hotels to Stay in Goa

The most popular areas in Goa are in the northern part, with well-known beaches such as Baga, Calangute, or Morjim. If you booked Delhi to Goa package for couples then in those packages you can select a perfect hotel by yourself. The south is much quieter and unspoiled with places like Colva Beach, Banaulim, or Agonda. They explain how these and other of your favourite beaches and areas are. Goa is located on the west coast of India, on the shores of the Arabian Sea.

Not surprisingly, its more than a thousand kilometres of coastline are home to some of the best beaches in India, many of which retain their unspoiled character.

Top 5-star hotels

• The Westin Goa
• Hotel Sea Shine
• Taj Resort & Convention Centre

Top 4-star hotels

• The Park Calangute Goa
• Whispering Palms Beach Resort
• Bogmallo Beach Resort

Top 3-star hotels

• Larios Beach Holidays Resort
• La Vaiencia Beach Resort
• De Grand Riviera

Popular Food of Goa

 If you have booked Goa tour packages from Delhi and are worried about the food you’ll be getting there, then worry not! As Goa has one the best cuisines in India and you won’t be disappointed.Goa, the smallest state in India and located in the southwest of the country, is well known for its beaches and nightlife, but its culture goes much further, and many tourists decide to travel there for its food. What makes the typical food of Goa special is the influence it has from other cultures with which it had contacts, such as the Portuguese, Arab, French, Chinese, African, and French. The one that had the most influence was the Portuguese since they invaded Goa for many years and brought different foods such as tomatoes, chilis, potatoes, vinegar, pork, etc. And that made Goan food look transformed over time. Well, you are going to enjoy some amazing dishes. India is a huge country with a long history, so the food will not leave us indifferent, you will take some unforgettable delicious tastes with you.

Typical Food of Goa

Vindaloo

Vindaloo is one of the most typical dishes of Goa. Originally, it was made with pork, but it is currently also prepared with chicken since it is the meat that they tend to eat in other parts of India. It is a Portuguese dish that is made with pork marinated in wine and garlic. You can also find it with some differences because, in some places, they mix it with potatoes and even make it with lamb.

Fish curry

What differentiates this curry from the others that you can try in India is that it is made of fish (usually “kingfish”). In addition to having the typical spices of curries, the sauce also has coconut, and sometimes raw mango is added. Like many other Asian dishes, it is accompanied by rice.

Feijoada

Feijoada (red beans with pork) is another Portuguese-influenced dish. It is prepared by frying the pork together with some spices (masala) and the red beans. They use coconut milk to finish adding a creamy touch to the sauce. It is accompanied by rice.

Sorak

Those who are vegetarians can try Sorak, a dish that is prepared especially during the monsoon season. It is a vegetable curry based on masala spices, coconut, onion, and tomato. There is the option of accompanying it with steamed rice, and locals sometimes eat it with dried fish. Dare if you are not a vegetarian!

Mackerel Recheado

Another Portuguese-influenced dish, the Recheado fish. The word ‘Recheado’ means stuffed in Portuguese. This is a dish that is prepared by stuffing a fish with onion and strong spices. Recheado masala is a red paste which is stuffed into fish like Mackerel and Pomfret. It has to be served with hot bread.

Chicken Xacuti

The Xacuti or Shagoti is a very spicy and spicy curry. Different ingredients are used, such as poppy seeds, dried Kashmir chilis, pepper, nutmeg, turmeric, other local spices, and pieces of coconut, essential in most dishes of South India.

Crab Xacuti

Another version of the xacuti is a little different since some of the ingredients are changed. Mustard seed, cloves, curry leaves, tomato, and fenugreek seeds are used. This instead of preparing it with meat, they prepare it with crab.

Goan Fried Squid

This is one of the most consumed dishes by the locals. You cannot compare it with the fried squid that you are used to eating, since, although in Goa they also eat them fried, they mix many spices, which makes them have a very strong flavor. It is usually eaten with roti (a type of bread from India) or rice. It is also a good option to eat it as a snack accompanied by a very cool beer.

Vada pav

Vada pav is a vegetarian fast food dish that is usually sold at street stalls. It is typical of the state of Maharashtra, in Mumbai in particular, but it is also found throughout Goa. Vada pav is a fried ball made of potato, peas, and spices eaten inside a round brioche cut in half, similar to a hamburger. It is eaten for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day.

Bebinca

This is one of the most popular and favorite posts of many. It is a multi-layered cake reminiscent of crepes both in appearance and flavor, as it is made from flour, eggs, sugar, and coconut milk and is prepared in a kind of pan by frying it layer by layer. If you like sweets, you can’t leave Goa without trying this post!

Duck

Continuing with the sweets, the Patolea is a rice and coconut sweet perfect for eating with tea. They are like cupcakes that are prepared by wrapping the ingredients in turmeric leaves and steaming them. It is one of the sweets that most people recommend since it is light and one of the only ones that is not fried!