Dancing palms, ashen white sands and sparkling blue water – the three major attractions that charm and entice more than 2 million visitors each year to Goa’s beautiful shores.

Goa has been under the Portuguese rule for more than 450 years and the influence of the Portuguese culture is very apparent throughout the region. The colonial mores has permeated through various aspects of Goan life – in the delicate, disintegrating architecture; in the fusion cuisine that blends the essential Goan food with the refined flavours of Lisbon; and in the musical notes of fado that waft on the aromatic breeze. No wonder, Goa is one of the reasons why cheap flights to India are highly sought after.

One has to travel a long way in India to find the carefree languidness of the Goan lifestyle, the charm of locals or the serenity of Goan beaches. The smallest Indian state is essentially the place to have fun amongst the beholding blend of dazzling natural beauty and magnificent historical legacy.

Travellers looking to have some fun can book direct flights to Goa. Or can look out for domestic airlines that operate different Goa flights from major Indian cities.

Take a look at some of the interesting things to do in the charismatic state of Goa.

Beaches

Goa boasts of some of the most amazing beaches in the region. Calangute is one of the busiest and most commercialised beaches in Goa. While its neighbouring Baga Beach features some of the most happening nightlife spots like Tito’s and Cafe Mambo with its hip-hop and salsa nights themed nights.

Arambol Beach is regarded as a hippy haven apart from being extremely popular for dolphin viewing and paragliding. Many westerns seeking cheap flights to India, hope to land up here.

Goa’s Agonda Beach is a calm stretch that is lined with very few souvenir stalls and eating joints; while Benaulim Beach is renowned for its fishing and relaxed atmosphere.

Goa boasts of several other popular beaches like Anjuna Beach, Vagator, Benaulim and Palolem Beach.

Wildlife

Wildlife sanctuaries in Goa are major crowd pullers and attract a number of visitors every day. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the few interesting attractions that charm visitors from all over the globe. These incredible sanctuaries, located in the region’s wetlands and swamps, offer a splendid opportunity to sight an array of interesting creatures including giant squirrels, monkeys, crocodiles, cobras and pythons. And if one is lucky enough, he/she can even spot few majestic elephants, swift panthers and fiery tigers. Each of these places is popular for extensive bird population. One can also enjoy an elephant ride through these wildlife sanctuaries.

Sightseeing

Goa is not all about beaches and wildlife. There is so much to see in this magnetic place full of rich and varied historical culture.

Panaji is the capital of Goa and boasts of many popular Churches and buildings built in Gothic style. The Chapel of St. Sebastian, the Goa State Museum and the statue of Abbe Faria are few of the many must visit attractions in Panaji.

Old Goa is famous for being home to a number of old churches like Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church and Convent of St. Monica and Chapel of St. Catherine.

Food

Goa offers an exceptional regional cuisine that is famed for its rich variety of fish dishes cooked with flavoured recipes. In fact, food is a very integral part of Goan lifestyle with rice along with the delicious fish curry being the staple diet in Goa.

Indulge in scrumptious Goan cuisine and yummy drinks, and experience the legendary Goan merrymaking.

Adventure sports

Goa is the place to be for individuals with an adventurous streak in them. The place is a veritable Mecca for enthusiasts looking for some thrilling water sport activities. Be it scuba diving, water skiing, canoeing, sailing or wind surfing – Goa offers it all. With most of the luxury resorts in the area featuring their own golf courses and horse riding arena, Goa becomes all the more interesting and engaging for the sports-oriented.

Author Bio: Jack Olivor is expert travel consultant, interested in writing and sharing travel related information based on his experiences and industry updates. He has been in the travel industry since last 4 years and currently associated with Southall Travel. Find more information on travel and flights to India, USA, Australia etc. from UK at http://www.southalltravel.co.uk or refer his blog

Category: Travel
Keywords: Goa, India, Flights, Holiday, Travel, Destination