Goa's history is ancient in origin. The archaeological evidences throw indications of an important inhabitancy during times with other tribes such as Kunbis and Gawdas. The first reference to Goa is found in the ancient Sanskrit literature, such as "Mahabharata" and "Ramayana." In these texts, this region is referred to as "Gomanta" or "Gomantak." It is believed, according to the legends of these texts, that this land was gifted with all kinds of natural beauties, and it formed part of the mythological world.Goa was a part of some of the ancient empires in the initial centuries of the Common Era. It was only in the 3rd century BCE, under the reign of Maurya Emperor Ashoka, that, after several hundreds of years, control of the western coast, which comprised Goa, was finally asserted. Goa came to be dominated by the Satavahanas as they ruled over Deccan from the 2nd century BCE till the 3rd century CE when the Mauryas were on their way out. They developed ports and had contact through trade, mainly with the Roman Empire. Remnants of Romans are present in Goa, as proved through archaeological evidence. Explore more coastal adventures in our Weekend Getaways from Bangalore guide featuring beaches, heritage sites, and road trips.The following dynasties, beginning with the Chalukyas of Badami, followed the decline of Satavahanas. These were the Rashtrakutas and the Kadambas of Goa, who formed their rule in the 10th century. Kadambas made Goa their capital and turned it into an extremely important centre of trade as well as culture. Lots of temples were built, and this region was now thriving due to the fact that it existed on the western coast of the country. By the end of the medieval period, Goa had been occupied by the Muslim rulers of Deccan. Then, this place came under the rule of the Bahmani Sultanate from the 14th century till the early 16th century, and later on, it was conquered by the Bijapur Sultanate. The Deccan was ruled by some Islamic rulers, and such rulers were very influential. Its impacts could be experienced here in this state, i.e., in its structures, culture, and ruling. However, the power of Goa was becoming quite low as the foreigners could easily occupy that place. Experience beaches, nightlife, forts, and heritage attractions with our Goa trip package from Bangalore.The Best Time to Visit GoaNovember to February: when the weather is amiable and ranges from 20°C to 30°C (68°F and 86°F), ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration. It is the peak tourist season, and expect vibrant nightlife, festivals such as Christmas and New Year, and crowded beaches and markets.March to May: Shoulder season weather is excellent, with temperatures reaching about 35°C (95°F). It's a good time to avoid crowds, which are thinner than at any other time of year except for the winter months; although the heat can be oppressive inland.The wet season falls during June and September; hence, it is the wettest month. Temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C or 75°F to 86°. It is the low season; hardly any tourists come in. Most of these businesses have to shut up shop for this reason alone. It is not all that great for the lover of beach activities. Nevertheless, it is excellent for nature lovers and those preferring isolation. It is the last part of the monsoons, from September to October. It really comes out to be a very good time because the climatic condition has improved so much, and there are relatively fewer tourists. So it turns out to be the best time for those people who would actually love to avoid crowds but would love to have perfect weather. Planning a coastal vacation? Read our Beach Trips From Bangalore blog for top beach destinations.Places Around/Neighbouring Attractions1. Baga Beach: Baga Beach is among the most crowded beaches in Goa and can get really happening at night for water sports and beach parties. Baga Beach is located in North Goa and is a favorite of both locals and tourists. A number of beach shacks along the beach offer mouth-watering seafood, cocktails, and Goan delicacies. Some of the most popular water sports here are parasailing, windsurfing, and jet skiing. The night clubs Tito's and Mambo's also are on the beach, so this place is suitable for a person who likes to spend most of his or her time in this beach party environment.2. Calangute Beach: Calangute Beach is one of the largest crowded beaches in Goa. This is very popularly known as the "Queen of Beaches." Everything can be obtained from this beach ,from water sports to shopping and dining options. This beach's sand is golden in color with smooth waters. It is apt for sunbathing and relaxed walks. It has tourist crowds throughout the year, giving it a very colorful, touristy feeling. And it is packed with many beaches, thus basing an operation here means trip to the other end of Goa should not be a hassle3. Anjuna Beach: Anjuna Beach is one of those favorite places that depict this kind of bohemianism. They call it the favorite as the hippies, who first came into this place during the early 1960s, were very popular and propagated further by some time. The beach boasts vibrant flea markets where one can buy handicrafts, jewelry, and clothes. In fact, the festivals of trance music and the beach parties are tremendous fun here, especially during tourist season. If a visitor is in the mood for a quiet time, then there are quiet retreats that exist on the north side of Anjuna with minimal crowds. Quaint cafes and bars have risen along the beachside and increased the laid-back feeling of the place.4. Basilica of Bom Jesus: It is one of the oldest churches and the most famous of ancient sites in India, placed in Old Goa-Basilica of Bom Jesus. This is a totally ravishingly maintained UNESCO World Heritage site portraying one of the significant edifices wherein Christianity was introduced. The site holds in it a conserved body of one of the world's greatest Catholic missionaries, St. Francis Xavier. His body has been kept in a silver casket, which brings thousands of people every year, especially when the feast of St. Francis Xavier falls. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in all respects, with fine wooden work, paintings, and sculptures.5. Se Cathedral: Se Cathedral is one of the largest and most beautiful churches in India and stands in the old Goa area. It was erected by the Portuguese in the 16th century and dedicates itself to St. Catherine of Alexandria. The architecture of this cathedral gives an amazing representation of the Portuguese as well as the Indian styles, and it is one of the best examples of what religious structures were during the time of colonization in Goa. This Cathedral houses the Golden Bell, which is Asia's largest bell. It is believed to have a lot of religious rituals and pilgrims along with tourists because of the historical importance of its architecture.6. Dudhsagar Waterfalls: Dudhsagar Waterfalls is one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in India, and it is on the border of Goa and Karnataka. The place is covered by thick forests, so it has become even more beautiful. Dudhsagar literally means "Sea of Milk," owing its name to the white, foamy water falling from a height of 310 meters (1,020 feet). A short trek takes one to the falls, and jeep tours are arranged for those people who would like to see the falls without following the trekking route. The Dudhsagar Falls look at their best in the monsoons when full water flows down. It is a great place for nature lovers and adventure seekers.7. Fort Aguada: Fort Aguada is one of the best conserved forts in Goa, and it was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. Located on the mouth of the Mandovi River, the view of the Arabian Sea from this fort is an awesome phenomenon. The lighthouse here is one of the great attractions of the fort. Inside the complex, there is a large water reservoir and water supply to the Portuguese ships. Fort Aguada was a very important strategic defense formation in colonial times, and its location made it one of the sensitive points of the Portuguese defensive system. Now, this place gets visitors thronging them during their tour to Goa for a glimpse of their historic colonial past.8. Chapora Fort: Chapora Fort in North Goa has become very famous recently after the Bollywood movie Dil Chahta Hai. The fort itself has some fantastic views of the Arabian Sea and the coastline surrounding it. It is quite a popular photography spot and tourist spot as well. It was originally constructed by the Portuguese back in 1617 and was later captured by the Marathas in the 18th century. Though the fort is a ruin now, it carries a mystique and beauty. One finds this place a haven from crowds with serenity all around for a perfect quiet retreat.9. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on the island of Chorao is a must-visit destination for all bird lovers. This sanctuary is named after the great Indian ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. It provides for the varied species of birds, both residents and those that have come to stay for some time this winter. Rich mangrove forests, mudflats, and salt marshes add to the riches of habitat in this place for both its residents and visitors. Visitors can have access to the sanctuary through boat rides that would give them an excellent chance to view rare birds in their natural habitat.10. Goa State Museum: Goa State Museum is located in Panaji and possesses deep insight into the rich cultural and historical past of the state. This is the boast of this museum's vast collection of artifacts, sculptures, and works of art portraying history from the early days of Goa to colonial rule. Traditional Goan dresses, ancient inscriptions, religious sculptures, and relics of the Portuguese period form some of the prominent exhibitions. This is one of the fine museums for all the persons interested in its historical aspect as well as for persons who want to know more about different cultures that developed in Goa.11. Cabo de Rama Fort: Cabo de Rama Fort is the oldest one that is present at Goa along the southern coastline of this state. The Fort gives fine views of the Arabian Sea beside the surrounding terrain. The fort was initially planned by the Hindus, but the Portuguese had enriched it. The fort now stands in a state of ruins, yet full of glory. Among all the forts in Goa, Cabo de Rama is very less crowded, and thus perfect for a peaceful visit. Even the adjacent beach is less commercialized. It generates a very soothing and peaceful atmosphere.12. Shri Mangueshi Temple: One of the most massive temples for Hindus is found at Shri Mangueshi Temple at Priol. It is one of the best architectural, having a sense of the spirit. The temple of Lord Shiva is this, with whitewashed walls and marvelous carvings, along with a great big dome. This temple stands within a serene surrounding that gives serenity to the viewers. This is one of the major centers of pilgrimages. Thousands come to this temple on Maha Shivaratri every year.13. Terekhol Fort: Terekhol Fort stands on a crest looking onto the Terekhol River and Arabian Sea in northern Goa and was built back in the 17th century. It was designed first by Marathas while later Portuguese conquered the place. The view around this fort is very great, although it is less crowded as compared to all the forts of Goa. Another location that is accessible for visitation within the fort grounds is the Terekhol River. It is a fantastic boat tour, especially if one is soothed and quiet in one's mood. This destination is perfect both to a lover of history and to one of nature.14. Palolem Beach: It is one of the pictorial beaches of South Goa. The place is already accustomed to crescent-shaped shores and sparkling clean water bodies. So it is quite suitable for the peaceful, idyllic getaways of people who want a quiet atmosphere with serenity in such places. Cozy cottages at the beachfront, yoga centers and the tranquil lines of shores attract visitors who want relaxation and wellness. Kayaking and dolphin watching can be most wonderfully done in Palolem. And so can the sunset by the beach. It is miles away from the party-hub beaches of North Goa, so it is suitable for family and honeymoon tours.15. Spice Plantations: Goa also has spice plantations. Spice plantations can be availed of guided tours on how spices like pepper, cardamom, cloves, and vanilla are harvested. The spice plantations exist in the interior part of the state, leafy and green, thus embracing a scope of exploring nature at its best. The tropical forest expeditions take the visitor into spice gardens so they may visit, enjoy their just freshly spice-flavoured meals, and buy such spices they wish in the spice gardens. Outside these being centers of enlightenment, spice gardens are perfect serenity retreats for those wanting to be away from beach crowds.ActivitiesBeach life: lie down in the sun's rays, take a bath, or just lounge on Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, and Palolem beaches. Most of the water sports contain parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boat ride escapades.Adventure and water sports: Scuba-diving and snorkelling will be at its many sites, like Grande Island as well as Pigeon Island. The feeling that windsurfing or even parasailing can be gained on Goa's shore really can be.Cultural Experiences: Visit the Churches of Old Goa, consisting of the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. Take a walk through the Latin Quarter in Panaji for an old-world colonial ambience. Enjoy the best of the traditional music and dance of Goa at the Carnival, Shigmo and Glimpse of Goa festivals. It covers wild animals and nature safari.Go on in the sanctuaries: Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. There, one may go for trekking while watching wildlife and birds.Spice Plantations: Visit spice plantations and view the local preparation of spices and other crops in Goan agriculture. Taste all varieties of Goan meal delicacies, beginning from the seafood through curries and some desserts-the specialty Goan dessertNightlife and Parties: North Goa is more filled with lively nightlife, which hosts beach parties, live events, or nightclubs in Anjuna, Baga, and Vagator, whereas the southern one offers a relatively sedate form of nightlife and with side restaurants for a beach.Yoga and Wellness: There is participation in yoga and meditation sessions taken in resorts and wellness retreats in Goa. Ayurvedic treatments and massages are undertaken to unwind and revive the self.Shopping: Souvenirs, handicrafts, jewellery, beachwear, and local spices from Anjuna Flea Market and Mapusa Market.How To ReachGoa is well connected to cities across the country as well as to some international destinations by air, train, road, and sea.By Air: The Main airport of Dabolim Airport, Goa International, lies about 30 km away from the State Capital, Panaji. Major domestic flights connect leading cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and some more international destinations for the Middle East and Europe. Arriving at this airport one would easily find enough taxis to reach the destination.Railway Travel: There are two major railway stations in Goa. One is the South Goa called Madgaon Junction and Thivim Railway Station is North Goa. Direct routes to Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore from here. The person can hire a taxi or local transport from the railway station to reach the room.By Road: It's road accessible. Besides, many tourist places have connectivity with the nearby states. Mumbai, Pune, and some others have even run luxury and state buses. Besides, it leads from Mumbai to Goa at 590 km, or from the city, like Pune, at a distance of 450 km that passes through a scenic path in between. Personal automobiles/taxis are allowed also to cross the state over interstates.By Sea: There are cruise ships from Mumbai and other port cities that go to Goa in a comfortable manner, but it is not accessible to everyone.It is easy to travel through Goa with taxis, bicycles on hire, auto rickshaws, and local buses. It is free to roam around the beaches, culture, and places of Goa.
