Top Things to Do in Goa, India

Goa is known for its sunny beaches and exciting nightlife that is hard to resist. However, there is more to Goa than just the beaches, sun, sand, and sea. This place has been a popular tourist destination, amongst vacationers from all over the globe, given the exciting nightlife and scenic beauty Goa has to offer.

If you are planning a trip to Goa with friends, the list of the top 5 things to do in Goa, India is just for you.

5 Best Things to Do in Goa, India

Goa is a Portuguese Shangri-La on Indian soil and offers unique experiences to its visitors. Besides water sports and chilling on the many beaches, you can also see many beautiful churches and museums. Some top fun things to do in Goa are:

1. Indulge in Various Water Sports & Activities

Goa is among the few places in India famous for an array of water activities and sports to indulge in. Trying out the various water activities and sports are some key things to do in Goa, India. You can try the following adventurous water sports while you are in Goa:

• Kite surfing- Morjim and Arambol beach, Mondego Bay
• Scuba diving- Grand and Pigeon Island
• Banana Boat Rides- Anjuna, Vagator, Miramar and Candolim beach
• Water skiing- Baga, Mobor, and Majorda beach
• Snorkeling- Bat, Navy, and Grand Island
•  Kayaking- Hollant Beach, Zauri backwaters, Dona Paula beach

2. Visit the Butterfly Conservatory

While in Goa, you should visit the Butterfly Conservatory. Here, you will see a wide variety of beautiful butterflies on display. The conservatory displays at least 133 different kinds of butterfly species. It is open from 9 AM to 4 PM, and the tickets cost around $2 each. Visiting this Butterfly Conservatory will allow you to explore something different in Goa other than just laying around on the beaches. You can also feed fruits to butterflies with your hands, so you should visit this place for a unique experience.

3. Go for a Spice Plantation Tour

The spice plantation tour will offer you a unique cultural experience. You can take this tour in South Goa, Ponda. To reach here, you can take a bus or cab from Panjim, Arpora, Baga, and Candolim. Two of the most popular spice plantations in Goa are Savoi plantations and Sahakar Spice Farm, and the tour timings are from 10 AM to 3 PM. This tour will give you an idea about the history of various spices used in Indian cuisine. Moreover, this plantation is spread over a huge verdant area, so you can easily feel one with nature. The amazing spicy smells will fill your nostrils and make you hungry for an authentic Goan meal. Once you finish your tour, try a traditional Goan lunch that they serve at the plantations.

4. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Very few places in India offer hot air balloon rides, and Goa is one place that will provide you with this amazing experience. You can take the hot air balloon ride from Assolda Ground, and this activity is open from 6.30 AM to 8 AM. These hot air balloon rides present an amazing view of Goa from 900 feet above the ground, which you can't find anywhere else in the city.

5. Pay a Visit to the Various Religious Places

Besides bustling nightlife and amazing beaches, Goa has various religious places you must visit while you are there for your vacations. There are many well-known churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and Panjim Church. You can also find other places of worship like the Shree Mangueshi Temple, Mahadeva Temple, Maruti Temple, Bodgeshwar Temple, Safa Shahouri Masjid, Jama Masjid, and Betim Gurudwara. Among all these places, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is a must-visit place as it houses the mortal remains of St. Xavier's and is also a UNESCO heritage site. These places hold a lot of historical and cultural significance, so if you are a history buff, you cannot miss exploring these places while you are here.

Key Takeaways

Most people often keep their Goa trips limited to just visiting the beaches, partying hard at nightclubs, and visiting the night markets. Goa has so much to offer, and you should explore all the possibilities besides just beaches and pubs to get this place's full cultural essence. The above are the top 5 things to do in Goa, India, and partaking in these activities will allow you to explore your horizons and try something new. You can also book cruises from www.cruisebooking.com to plan out an unforgettable experience amidst the sea.