Goa Package

Goa was conquered by the Portuguese in 1510 and had been a Portuguese colony for about four centuries. It was finally declared free of Portuguese rule in 1961, fourteen years after independence. Goa was conferred statehood and Daman and Diu were made separate union territories in 1987. Travel to Goa with a range of Goa Tour Packages and know this beautiful land most elaborately.

Tourist Attractions in Goa

Goa has a large number of interesting tourist sites such as forts, churches, waterfalls, seminaries, and caves. However, the most prominent of them all is undoubtedly its long and lovely beaches.

Anjuna Beach

Anjuna is a small village in north Goa that is popularly known as the freak capital of the world. Its full-moon rave parties and the Wednesday Flea Market that take one back to the hippie days have gained international fame.

Colva and Benaulim Beach

Colva is the longest beach in Goa with a stretch of 20 km of virgin sands, palm-fringed, and sun-kissed shore. Just 2 km from here is Benaulim which provides a peaceful escape from the crowds of the city. Take a stroll here and visit the Old Portuguese houses.

Mapusa Beach

Mapusa must be visited for its weekly Friday market which is full of souvenirs and fascinating articles like wooden carvings, coir mats, wood furniture, straw hats, and freshly baked bread. It is also more typically Goan, with fish, fruit, vegetables, and other fresh produce sold alongside tourist goods.

Vagator and Chapora Beaches

Vagator and Chapora are quaint fishing villages where the sea turns from aquamarine to emerald green. Nearby is a 500-year-old Portuguese fort that to date leaves a visitor spellbinding.

Dudhsagar Waterfall

The Dudhsagar waterfall and Arvalem waterfalls attract numerous tourists every year. The rock-cut caves of Khandepar and Arvalem are also worth a visit, and so are the Monastery of Serra do Pilar, Saligao Seminary, and Rachel Seminary.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a World Heritage Monument and houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, in a glass coffin inside a silver casket.

Cathedrals of Saint Catherine and Saint Francis of Assisi

The Cathedral of Saint Catherine was completed in 1619 and is the largest Christian church in Asia. Both the churches are splendid examples of Renaissance architecture.

Se Cathedral Church

The Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine and is the seat of the Patriarch of the East Indies. It was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese under Afonso de Albuquerque over a Muslim army. This battle led to the capture of Goa in 1510.

Church of St. Cajetan

The Church of St. Cajatan was built by an Italian architect in 1651 and was modeled on St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. A theological college is housed here now.

Temples in Goa

Most of the temples in Goa have idols brought from the Mithila region in Bihar, by the Saraswat Brahmins. Most popular among them are Shri Mangeshi, Shri Shanta Durga, Shri Ramnath, and Tambdi Surla. Along with religious importance, they are also known for their beautiful temple architecture.

Other Sights

Goa has a large number of other interesting tourist sites that make for excellent travel opportunities such as Baga Beach, the Church of Our Lady of Rosary, the Reis Magos Church, the Church of the Three Magi Kings, the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, etc.

Excursions in Goa

Goa has several excursion sites located close by. From wildlife, lakes, and rivers to Medieval and colonial architecture, Goa has it all.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa

The wildlife sanctuaries of the state of Goa do not have as much variety of flora and fauna and are smaller than many of the other Indian wildlife sanctuaries. However, they have a peaceful atmosphere and better tourist facilities which make them a must-visit place. Bondla is renowned for its gardens, mini zoo, and deer park, and is a real treat for the children. The Molem Wildlife Sanctuary is the biggest of three wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. Dandeli is another place worth visiting that is located on the Goa-Karnataka border and is known for its beautiful landscape, apart from the rich flora and fauna.

Mayem Lake

The Mayem Lake is the favorite escape of the local Goans who pack their picnic baskets and set off to this delightful haunt. See the migratory birds as you paddle a boat for a romantic ride.

How to Reach Goa

Goa’s International Airport is located at Dabolim, at a distance of 29 km from Panjim, on the coast near Vasco Da Gama. Goa’s two main railway stations are Margao and Vasco Da Gama. Reaching Goa by train is easy from Mumbai (490 km), Bangalore (430 km), and Delhi (1,874 km).

Important Travel Information

Temperatures in Goa are moderate with not much variation. The summer is at its hottest in May while the winter months of January and February are the coldest. The state experiences tropical weather the rest of the year.

When traveling in Goa, carry plenty of sunscreen/sun tan oil, glares, a small foldable umbrella, and comfortable carry bags.

Goa is infamous for drugs and one must be careful at all times.

Coconut, cashew, and jackfruit grow in abundance in Goa and the markets are full of them. Be sure to take some home!

Champaran travels offers a wide range of Goa Package. For more details, send us your query.