Goa

 

Goa

 

An exquisite mix of sun, surf and beaches.

Best time to visit: December to March

Popular attractions: Beaches, Clubs, Churches, Bom Jesus Basilica, Fort Aguada, Dudhsagar Falls

 

Overview

The pocket-sized paradise of Goa is a traveller's dream. Sun, sea, sand, spices, spirituality and seafood, along with a balmy weather, call to the soul of trekkers, backpackers, nature lovers and those who simply want to languish in its slow-paced and relaxed vibes. Located by the glistening waters of the Arabian Sea on India’s western coast, the state of Goa is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, rich culture and pristine natural beauty. Formerly a Portuguese colony, Goa offers travellers a chance to experience a unique blend of sandy shores, forests, monuments and delectable cuisine, attracting tourists across age groups.

As one of the smallest states in India in terms of geographical extent, Goa packs a vast spectrum of cultural experiences. Portuguese, Maharashtrian and Konkani influences are evident in language, food, architecture, dress and dance. Several festivals are celebrated here that bear testimony to its multi-cultural glory.

 

Cuisine

As Goa was a Portuguese colony for four centuries, and also ruled by Muslim and Hindu Kingdoms for brief periods, all of these influences are evident in the Goan cuisine.

Goa has many Portuguese inspired dishes and one of them is Pork Vindaloo. Derived from the Portuguese words for garlic (alho) and wine (vinho), combined in a marinade, this spicy Goan curry originated from a Portuguese sailor’s dish made with – yes, that's right – pork, garlic and wine. However, the dish that Goa is most famous for is the Goan Fish Curry. It's a coconut based dish flavoured with red chillies and fresh fish or prawns usually served with fluffy rice.

The most famous drink in Goa is Feni, a traditional alcohol distilled from the fermented juice of cashew apples. The drink is a part of Goa food tradition from the last 400 years. Unlike other alcohol, Feni doesn’t give you a hangover. Generally, there are two types of Feni: Coconut Feni and Cashew Feni.