Goa is one of the popular holiday destination in India. However, I would say it is an international tourist spot. For international tourists, Goa is among the must place to visit in India. Goa has a relaxation aura. There are many beaches in southern India, but Goa has its own charm. You can easily feel it as soon as you land here.
Goa is a state in India within the coastal region known as the Konkan, in Western India. It is bounded by Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south, with the Arabian Sea forming its Western coast. It is India’s smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population
How to reach
By Air
The Dabolim Airport lies just 29 kilometres from the state’s capital, Panjim. It is well connected by daily flights from Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Cochin and Bangalore.
By Bus
There are a number of public as well as private bus operators in Goa, which offer options for intra-city and inter-city conveyance. KSRTC, MSRTC and KTC are some of the Government undertakings that operate from Panaji, Madgaon and Vasco Da Gama. Private bus operators include the likes of Neeta Tour and Travels, Paulo Travels and Naik Tours and Travels. Goa enjoys daily bus service from important cities like Mumbai and Pune.
By Train
The two major railheads in Goa are Madgaon and Thivim, which are well connected by trains from all over the country.
https://www.makemytrip.com/travel-guide/goa/how-to-reach.html
Best time to visit
Summer (March, April, May & October)
Summers in Goa are extremely hot with temperatures touching 40 Degrees C (104 Degrees F). Being a coastal state, the humidity levels remain sky high. The sea remains nice and tepid, and the beaches always have a nice balmy breeze flowing through them. Mornings and evenings are pleasant, but noon to evening can get pretty unbearable, and it’s best to remain indoors to avoid the risk of sunburn and heat stroke
Monsoons (June, July, August, September)
The monsoons in Goa typically last from June to September. This is the season during which people avoid Goa, simply because people associate Goa with beaches, sun and sand, and therefore, a rainy day is a huge letdown for beach bums. Unfortunately for them, they don’t know what they’re missing out on, for Goa is beautiful during the rains! The rainy season in Goa is a magical experience. After the harsh heat of May, the smell of wet earth is incomparable. Paddy fields are at their peak as the scorched, dry land gets infused with a new breath of life. If you’re interested in a beautiful and relaxed holiday, with no noise, no crowds and lots of soul searching time, choose Goa in the rains.
Winter (November, December, January, February)
Winter in Goa is a time of great celebration and by far the best time to visit Goa! When the monsoons end, Goa looks like it’s just back from the laundry – every tree and building looks spanking clean. The Goa weather at this time is just perfect and the streets begin to fill up with thousands of holidaymakers, out for their fix of fun, sun and sand. People can pick from a host of watersports as the water is just right at this time of the year. Winter in Goa is a fun season with fairs, parades, festivals and parties that wind up late in the night on the beaches.
http://www.tripcrafters.com/travel/goa-weather-and-best-time-to-visit-goa
Popular Places to Visit
Calangute Beach
At a distance of 14 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 10 km from Mapusa and 41 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, Calangute Beach is the largest Beach in North Goa. The beach is often represented in promotion of Goa Tourism.
Baga Beach
At a distance of 15 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus stand, Baga beach is located in North Goa. This beach is bordered by Calangute Beach to its south and Anjuna Beach to its north. Baga Beach starts right where Calangute ends. Named after the Baga Creek that merges into the Arabian Sea on the northern part of the beach
Aguada Fort
At a distance of 15 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 4 km from Candolim and 49 km from Margao Railway Station, the grand Fort of Aguada was constructed to prevent the entry of ships into the River Mandovi thus protecting old Goa from the attacks of Dutch and Marathas. Aguda Fort is one of the prime Goa tourist places and one of the major heritage sites in Goa state.
Se Cathedral
At a distance of 9 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 27 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 23 km from Mapusa, Se Cathedral is considered to be one of the largest churches in Asia, situated in Old Goa, opposite to Basilica of Bom Jesus. The beautiful Se Cathedral is one of the top places to visit in Goa. This place is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site (Churches & Convents of Goa).
River Cruise
The river cruise, especially the evening sunset cruise is a beautiful experience. Most of the cruise trips last for one hour with a ride across the Mandovi River till the Miramar Beach point. The cruise trips are usually accompanied with Goan cultural activities like Music, Dance, etc. The activities also include tourists joining the dance at end of the program.
Candolim Beach
Candolim Beach is positioned between Sinquerim and Calangute beaches. It is another relatively busy soft sandy beach that due to erosion can be narrow in some places. Despite numerous pledges by both local and central government, she still lays rusting. Various attempts have been made to salvage or refloat the ship.
Mangeshi Temple
Goa may have a long Portuguese history and quite a few famous churches, yet it is also home to beautiful temples and ornate mosques as well. Ponda region in Goa is famous for the 16th century Safa Shahouri Mosque as well as the 450-year-old Shri Mangesh temple dedicated to Shiva. The highlights of the temple are the seven-story lamp tower (deepstambha), a magnificent water tank, believed to be the oldest part of the temple and there is a prominent Nandi Bull as well inside the temple. Located on a small hillock, it is also one of the largest temples in Goa. Because of its temples and churches, it is also a popular tourist destinations in India for religious travel.
