Why Goa should be on Every Travellers Wish List

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of India’s most crowded cities, set your sights on a trip to Goa. Located on the western coast of the country along the Arabian Sea, Goa is known for its beautiful beaches, exotic flora and fauna, and tasty fusion cuisine.

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Put these Goa sights and attractions at the top of your traveller’s wish list this year:

Hippy Culture

Goa became a hub for hippie culture in the 1960’s, when the American Yertward Mazamanian, better known as “Eight Finger Eddie,” is said to have popularised the now-infamous Goa trance party. Anjuna is the famed birthplace of these all-night dance parties, and while the beach is more commercialised now, it honours the hippie tradition by holding a sizeable flea market every Wednesday. Looking to hang with the new generation of Goa hippies? Head to the beaches of Arambol.

Portuguese-Christian Influence

On the opposite end of the spectrum from hippy culture, Goa is home to several important historical religious attractions. The Portuguese invaded Goa in 1510, and during their occupation, effectively converted the majority of the local population to Christianity. On your visit to Goa, be sure to visit the Se Cathedral, The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, and Bom Jesus Basilica, which houses the immortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. As well as being important Christian religious sites, these churches provide a brilliant example of Portuguese architectural styles from the day. Other sites you’ll want to check out for a glimpse of the Portuguese architectural influence include the Tiracola and Chapora forts and the mansions in Fontainhas.

Encounters with Exotic Wildlife

While Goa holidays are famed for their relaxing beach breaks, the lush green landscapes of the Western Ghats are worth a visit as well. In particular, several wildlife sanctuaries have been established in this area to provide protection to the region’s diverse selection of flora and fauna and are open to the public. The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is the biggest of them all, and there you’ll encounter exotic Bengal tigers, king cobras, hump-nosed pit vipers, Indian bison, and three-toed kingfishers. Birders will delight in a visit to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, while plant lovers will enjoy a trip to the botanical gardens at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tasty Cuisine

As you might expect, Goa’s tasty fusion cuisine incorporates both native and Portuguese influence. Sorpotel, a traditional parboiled pork dish marinated in a spicy vinegar sauce, is of Portuguese origin, as is the popular prawn rissoles appetizer. Speaking of seafood, fish cooked in coconut milk and crab xacuti are staple dishes in Goa. Make sure to save room for dessert as well: the region’s most popular dessert, bibinca, is a multi-layer pancake that’s too good to pass up once the main meal is done.