If anyone is asked to picture Goa, certainly, images of the beach, the lights of Baga, and the markets come to their minds. Yes, Goa beyond beaches. All these components combine to make Goa a great destination. Those who love the beach, but there is so much more to this coast than the sand. This means that there are countless things to experience and explore in Goa. From the culture and history of this place you’ll have different places to try. Now, let us consider why else Goa stands out from other popular locations for tourism.
Scuba Diving in Goa: Exploring Underwater Treasures
For the adventure freaks, this is a good chance to enjoy Scuba diving in Goa and explore the sea world. The coastline of Goa is rich in the colors of marine creatures and corals; there are even sunken ships. There are diving destinations such as Grande Island, Suzy’s Wreck, and Bat Island, and are a sneak peek at the beautiful underwater world. Anyone, starting from amateurs, will find the Goa scuba diving facilities appropriate for all levels. This makes it one of the most exciting attractions for tourists.
Also read: Top 10 Adventures to Experience in Nepal
Best Resorts in Goa: Luxurious Retreats
Talking about places to stay, it will be appropriate to note that Goa houses some of the finest resorts that offer both luxury and seclusion. The best Goa resorts have what you are looking for, comfort, beautiful scenery, and quality service delivery. Some of the tourist-friendly hotels include the Taj Exotica, The Leela, and Alila Diwa. They offer great services and are located in excellent areas. These resorts make it possible to discover some of the cultural destinations that go unnoticed in Goa. At the same time enjoying the comfort and dignity of luxurious accommodations.
Goa Beyond Beaches: A Cultural Odyssey
If one wants to look at Goa beyond beaches, it becomes imperative to explore the cultural aspect of the region. Like any other state in India, Goa too has its unique blend of Portuguese, Indian, and other cultures reflected in the Buildings, food, and people.
- Old Goa: More commonly known as the Rome of the East, Old Goa is a World Heritage Site and is rich in magnificent churches and cathedrals. The Bom Jesus Basilica where the body of St Francis Xavier is preserved and Sé Cathedral are iconic structures that depict Portuguese architectural engineering.
- Fontainhas: The Latin Quarter in Panaji is a beautiful area that consists of narrow, meandering streets, houses in typical Portuguese style, and coffee shops. The whole area has a very colonial feel to it and has the feel of a time capsule of sorts. This provides a look at Goa in the past.
- Spice Plantations: While on tour in Goa, one cannot afford to miss a tour through the spice plantations of the region. These large plantations provide conducted sessions whereby tourists are taken through the growing, harvesting, and grading of various spices. To savor the Goan produce and meet with the local farmers – it is one of the most exciting ways to explore the rich agricultural roots of Goa.
- Museums and Art Galleries: There are several museums in Goa giving a brief history and development of the place culturally. The Goa State Museum, the Museum of Christian Art, and the Ancestral Goa Museum are the best places to start. Local art galleries such as the Sunaparanta Centre for the Arts can offer art enthusiasts an insight into the Goan art of today.
Also read: Sip and Savor: The Magical World of Kerala’s Tea Plantations
Places to Visit in Goa: Hidden Gems
Apart from the beaches, there are lots of tourist attractions in Goa. It gives a blend of nature, history, and adventure.
- Dudhsagar Falls: Dudhsagar Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in India and looks gorgeous when the water is in full flow, particularly in the monsoons. The entangled flow of water amidst the greenery of the trees makes it a perfect place for a day outing.
- Divar Island: Offbeat from the tourist places Divar Island packs scenic beauty, picture-perfect villages, and a serene environment. It is also one of the most suitable areas for cycling and for a stroll.
- Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: For nature and wildlife lovers there is a possibility to trek in this sanctuary and to have a look at different types of flora and fauna. There is also a temple of Tambdi Surla temple which is an architectural marvel situated inside the sanctuary.
- Arvalem Caves and Waterfall: These are some old rock-cut caves and a waterfall nearby which one can visit. These are not very much frequented but the historical and geological importance cannot be denied.
Conclusion
As it has been depicted, Goa is much more than just sand and sun. It has a long history and cultural life and the opportunities for entertainment and leisure activities are very versatile. From scuba diving in Goa to the selection of the best resorts in Goa, or moving on to the various places to visit in Goa, you will realize that the truism of Goa seems to be the duality of Goan life. Therefore, the next time you sit to plan a holiday destination, do not just focus on the beaches but uncover Goa beyond beaches.
