Goa Travel Guide – Introduction
If there is one place in India that every traveler ends up going to, it has to be Goa
Think of the word “Goa” and you’re likely to conjure up images of lazily swaying palm trees, golden sands, beer-swilling hippies, dance parties, and yoga sessions. This beach gem of India was established as a firm favorite on the Hippy Trail of the 70s and the rest, as they say, is history.
Beach shacks and shacks have been (mostly) “upgraded” to makeshift plywood and in some places concrete: built ostensibly to attract riders; only the high-rollers really didn’t make it. Instead, mass tourism has reached Goa in recent decades, leaving behind a large influx of waste.
A large part of the coast has fallen to mass tourism: First from Europe, then from Russia, and now also from India. In a way, Goa has itself to blame: once known as the land of hedonism, people flocked to taste themselves.
Along with mass construction came minimal planning: Garbage was dumped out of sight and out of mind without proper disposal, and sewage flowed directly into the sea.
Tourism in Goa has created as many problems as it has opportunities: But is there still a way to travel in Goa without mass tourism?
As a destination that is often the first taste of India for tourists and travelers, I was hesitant to come here during my travels in India, but in the end, we wanted to find out: Is it still possible to enjoy Goa?
Beaches: Goa is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Baga, Anjuna, and Palolem.
Seafood: Goa is famous for its delicious seafood, such as fish curry, vindaloo, and prawn fry.
Nightlife: Goa is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many beach shacks and clubs to choose from.
Heritage: Goa has a rich cultural heritage, with many historic churches and temples to visit, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Shanta Durga Temple.
Adventure: Goa offers a variety of adventure activities, such as water sports, paragliding, and scuba diving.
Relaxation: Goa is also a great place to relax and unwind, with many yoga and spa options available.
Offbeat: Goa also has many offbeat places to visit, like Dudhsagar waterfall, Salim Ali bird sanctuary, and Butterfly Conservatory.