Goa calling - Beaches, Sunshine & Memories to Treasure

Vagator Beach

College days are among the most colorful chapters of our lives, filled with laughter, friendships, and unforgettable adventures. Class trips and outings, in particular, leave behind memories that stay etched in our hearts forever. In my final year of college, we set out on a trip to Goa—right around the time when the Hindi blockbuster Dil Chahta Hai was ruling the theatres. That film was my first glimpse of Goa’s charm, but experiencing it in person was something else entirely.

I can still recall the joy of those days: the golden beaches, the lively parties, the endless shopping, and the mouthwatering food shared with friends. When the trip ended and we returned home, I was left with a lingering desire—a constant urge to go back to Goa again.

That’s the magic of Goa. It isn’t a place you visit once and cross off your list. The first trip sparks a longing to return, and by the second, it begins to feel like a tradition waiting to be continued.

Goa is renowned for its legendary full-moon beach raves, vibrant hippie-run night markets, and that unmistakable laid-back tropical vibe you rarely find outside Asia. It stands as one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing travelers from across the world. Centuries of Portuguese rule left behind a unique cultural imprint, shaping Goa’s people, architecture, and traditions in ways that set it apart from the rest of the country. The combination of Portuguese colonialism in the past and a high number of foreigners visiting in the present, make Goa seem like the least Indian part of India.

Travelling as a family made the journey even more special. We had often heard that Christmas is the best time to soak in Goa’s festive spirit, and it truly was. The lights, the music, the joy in the air—it all felt magical. That trip wasn’t just a vacation—it turned into a lasting memory, one that brought us closer as a family while we soaked in the beauty of Goa.

The beautiful beaches

It always has to start with the beaches! North Goa usually steals the spotlight with its lively shores, but the beaches down south have a charm of their own. Colva Beach, with its soft white sand and rows of coconut palms, is one of the region’s most iconic spots. Just nearby is Majorda Beach—a quiet, peaceful stretch where you can simply breathe, relax, and enjoy the calm without the usual crowds.

When it comes to North Goa, beaches like Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Vagator, and Anjuna are always crowd favorites. Each one has its own vibe, but what really adds to the thrill are the water sports—jet skiing, parasailing, and the hilarious banana boat rides. They’re all must-try experiences because the rush they give is simply unforgettable. We had an absolutely amazing time on the jet ski—the rush of speed, the waves splashing against our faces, and the sheer thrill of gliding far out into the sea made the whole experience unforgettable!

The Sinquerim beach is another beautiful beach that has a spectacular stretch of sand. It is an ideal place for swimming and one should not miss visiting this beach when on their travel to Goa for beach holidays. Near the beach one can see the famous historical Fort Aguada that was built by the Portuguese to defend them from any attack from the sea route. All the beaches (....well, all those that we've been to) are constantly monitored by lifeguards, and the swimming areas are flagged for warnings. There are many beach shacks in almost every beach and they serve amazing food and cocktails.

Sunsets truly bring out the magic of Goa’s beaches. Watching the golden sun dip slowly into the horizon of the Arabian Sea is a sight that never gets old. Earlier that morning, we had wandered along the same shore and witnessed local fishermen returning with their fresh catch of the day, their boats gliding back after hours of toil. It was a beautiful reminder of how much hard work goes into the simple joys we often take for granted.

Old Goa or Velha Goa (velha means old in Portuguese)

Famous for the architecture, Goan churches are worth a visit. In Panjim, history comes alive. There are so many churches, convents, museums, art galleries, government buildings, bungalows and bakeries to explore. Not to forget, today Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Yet, Basilica of Bom Jesus and Sé de Santa Catarina are the most visited ones. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is known for its architectural magnificence. It holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The church is over 400 years old. The Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina also known as Se Cathedral is the largest church in Goa. It has five bells. The existing tower houses a famous bell, one of the largest in Goa and often referred to as 'Golden Bell' on account of its rich tone which has been immortalised in a Portuguese poem....so I have been told. 

In the same vicinity there is one more church- St. Cajetan Church, which is a very beautiful church. It is said that it had been modelled on the original design of the Basilica of St. Peter, in Rome. Right beside the church is the Viceroy's Arch (an arch that was erected in memory of Vasco Da Gama) that leads to a ferry station.

Panoramic view of the beautiful architecture inside St. Cajetan Church

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, located in the heart of the city, in Panjim, is one of the first churches to be built in Goa. Its most striking feature is the double flight of stairs that leads up to the pearly white church. History wise....it is said to have acted almost like a lighthouse for Portuguese sailors, who would come here to offer thanks after their long hard voyages from Portugal. 

Forts and view points

Chapora Fort

The Chapora Fort was once ruled by the Portuguese for over 150 years. But today it is a crumble of picturesque ruins with only the outer walls remaining. Although the fort has lost its glory....the main reason tourists climb up the hill is to see the beautiful panoramic view and relax. From the fort, magnificent views of Anjuna beach, Chapora beach and Vagator beach can be seen. 

The lighthouse inside Fort Aguada

Fort Aguada and its lighthouse is a well-preserved 17th century Portuguese fort standing in Goa, on the Sinquerim beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea. It was a reference point for the vessels coming from Europe at that time. A freshwater spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that used to stop by. This is how the fort got its name, Aguada: meaning water. Crews of passing ships would often visit to replenish their fresh water stores. The fort also houses a four storey Portuguese lighthouse.....one of the first and oldest of its kind in Asia. 

The architecture inside the fort

Dona Paula is a secluded bay with a magnificent view of the Marmagao harbour. This idyllic rocky spot is where the two rivers - Mandovi & Zuari meet at the Arabian Sea. There are a few romantic myths associated with Dona Paula. One of them being that Dona was married to Paulo, a lowly fisherman. He had ventured into the deep seas for fishing and is said to have never returned. Dona, his dutiful wife waited for him at the jetty for so many years that she finally turned into stone. Another myth says that Dona and Paulo were lovers separated by their caste and nationality and with no other option left, they decided to end their lives by jumping off the cliff. The statue in the rock is dedicated to them. There are more stories and myths like these been said, not sure if there is any truth in them....but it does bring in many tourists to this place. And the view from up here is splendid. 

Night Markets & Clubbing

Once upon a time...but not that long.... a German named Ingo set up this new market on a leased property. Fondly known as Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar, this market in Arpora  is on for about six months of winter and presents a potpourri of junk jewellery, footwear, bags, imported T-shirts, hippie merchandise, jackets, Indian and global cuisine from parts of India and Europe! We’re not really big on shopping, but the Saturday night market was absolutely worth the visit. The dazzling lights, the lively ambiance, the buzzing energy, the delicious food, and all the colorful, vibrant merchandise—it was an experience in itself, and we loved every bit of it!

Nightclub in the sky - Club Cabana

Apart from great picturesque beaches, Goa is also considered the hub of the greatest parties in the country. Some of the happening clubs are the SinQ Beach Club, Cafe Mambo, LPK Waterfront, Club Tito's....to name a few. Mr. Peter and I headed to Club Cabana, Asia's No. 1 nightclub. Often referred to as the "Nightclub in the Sky", this multi levelled and secluded club is a winding maze of levels and terraces. This is a hilltop venue and one of the most legendary places to party in North Goa. With all things fluorescent, the club provides a warm and buzzing ambiance like no other. Club Cabana is a glamorous joint, with a hilly entrance and popular for its late night pool party scene, which it had been hosting for about a decade. 

Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike
at Sunburn Goa Festival 2015

And then there’s the music—festivals like Super Sonic, Sunburn, and After Dark bring people together, filling Goa’s nights with energy, rhythm, and unforgettable memories.

 

Food for thought 

A trip to the beach can cure a bad mood and so can Goan food !!!

The Goan cuisine is an interesting mix of varied influences. The long period of Portuguese rule, besides that of the Muslim and Hindu kingdoms, has left an indelible influence on the original style of Goan cooking and this has led to an exotic mix of truly tasty and spicy cuisine. Rice, seafood, coconut, vegetables and local spices are some of the traditional main ingredients in Goan cuisine. 

Garlic Prawns

The area is located in a tropical climate, which means that spices and flavors are intense. With over a hundred kilometers of coastline it’s no shocker that fish and seafood are staples here. A Goan meal is incomplete without Fish, Rice and Curry cooked with coconut. Apart from fish, pork is widely available too. Some of the dishes to definitely savour apart from the Goan fish curry would be the rawa fried fish & prawns, squids, chicken cafreal, prawn xacuti, pork vindaloo & sarpotel. And when in Goa, do try their local spirit - Feni....especially the one made with cashews. 

Beef Steak at Brittos, Baga Beach

Continental food is also widely available around Goa. The beach shacks are filled with awesome food. Brittos in Baga beach, was our favourite place. 

Goa, with its centuries-old churches, striking architecture, sun-kissed beaches, flavorful cuisine, and even Bollywood landmarks, stands out as one of India’s most distinctive destinations. The lively party scene—especially in North Goa with its blend of history and nightlife—adds an extra spark to the experience. From bustling nightclubs and beach shacks to vibrant bars and casinos, there’s always something to keep you entertained. So, when the call of the sea and celebration beckons, don’t wait—pack your bags and let Goa welcome you to an unforgettable vacation.

I'm definitely going back.....again!!!!

View of the Vagator Beach from on top of the Chapora Fort