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01
Pick the best time to visit Goa
The best time to visit Goa is from mid-October to mid-March, which means just at the start and end of the season. During this time, you can grab a deal at a price you won’t believe. Less crowded, the weather is pleasant, where the shacks are also open during this time. So, if you are a first time visitor to Goa, and want to see what all this destination has to offer, mid-October and mid-March should be the ideal time.
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02
Relish delectable Goan cuisine
Over the years, Goa has been influenced by many cultures, which directly have influenced its cuisine as well. Here, you can get a fusion of Arab, Portuguese, French, Brazilian, African, Chinese, Konkan, and Malabar flavours to tickle your tastebuds. So, when here, try experimenting with the taste and flavours of Goan cuisines, some of the must-try ones are pork vindaloo, Goan fish curry, and bebinca. Plus, don’t miss to try out their local liquor, Feni, but have it in limited quantities as it can get you high real quick.
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03
Explore the area on two-wheels
The best way to enjoy sightseeing when in Goa is on a bike/scooter. This will not only help you save some extra bucks, but will also give you the freedom to travel at your own pace. The roads are safe and well-maintained, whereas it’s quite easy to rent the bikes, depending on the season. Do note that the rent rates will considerably go up if you are renting for more days. Also, make sure that you take your bike for a test run, before finalising your deal.
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04
Indulge in some thrilling activities
After you are done exploring the beach, it’s time to indulge in some thrilling activities. When here, you get options like jet skiing, scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking, parasailing, and much more to test your stamina and strength. Goa is one of those ideal destinations where you can try all these things, so make sure you do not leave this place without ticking a few of them off the list.
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05
Don’t stick to just popular beaches
Goa is undoubtedly a beach lover’s paradise. Featuring a huge coastline, it’s dotted with a number of beaches. Vagator, Baga, Calangute, and Candolim are some of the most famous beaches of the state, which remains crowded mostly. However, if you are keen to take a detour and want to give the crowd a miss, there are a number of unexplored beaches, which you can visit to spend time in solitude, such as the Butterfly Beach, Kakolem Beach, Mobar Beach, and Hollant beach.
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06
Witness breathtaking sunsets from Goa forts
The forts of Goa are still standing tall to tell their story. These forts are now not only visited by history-lovers, but also by travellers of every kind to appreciate their magnificent architecture. These are also the spots where one gets to witness the breathtakingly beautiful sunset views over the ocean. Some of the popular forts to visit when in Goa are the Chapora Fort, Aguada Fort, and Chapora Fort, Reis Magos Fort.
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07
Shopping at flea markets
The flea markets in Goa are a shopper’s paradise. Be it footwear, clothing, handicrafts, junk jewellery, spices, toys, these markets feature all that you want. Also, the best thing about these colourful markets is not just shopping, but also beer and food, and a number of gigs to keep their visitors hooked and entertained. Don’t forget to bargain to get your desired stuff at a great deal.
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08
Check out the World Heritage Sites in Old Goa
Don’t miss visiting Old Goa, the former capital of Portuguese India, during your first visit to Goa. This part of Goa features several UNESCO World Heritage sites that were built during the 16th and 17th centuries. There are must-visit churches, like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which are now World Heritage Sites that display several forms of architectural styles, and one of the reasons why Goa is often referred to as Rome of the East.
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09
Best place to stay during your first time in Goa
This will depend on your budget and choice. However, if you want a safe choice, Candolim in North Goa can be one of your best options. With an endless expanse of beach, there are also a number of colourful beach shacks where you can choose to spend a day or two. Then there are no dearth of restaurants, bars, and shops, where you can get lovely souvenirs to take back home or relish some tasty Goan dishes.
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10
Visit the spice plantations for a change
Yes, Goa is also famed for spice plantations, and grows spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and much more. Interestingly, some of these spice plantations are open for tours, which lets visitors learn more about the herbs, spices, and fruits grown in the region. After the tour, you can also grab the opportunity to indulge in a buffet lunch in traditional Goan style. Some of the famous spice plantations to consider here are Savoi Spice Plantation, Pascoal Spice Village, Sahakari Spice Farms.
