Your Unforgettable Day - Goa Beach Wedding Plan

A special day you would want to remember forever – You wedding. How about a Goa Beach Wedding? It would be a perfect setting. The white sand and palm fringed beaches with the blue water of the Arabian Sea makes Goa a dream destination for your unique wedding. Goa beaches attract a lot of people from over the world and they keep coming back year over year.

The carefree atmosphere and the beauty of nature make Goa Beaches an exotic venue for your wedding. Nestled among swaying palms and the beautiful Arabian Sea, Goa has a century’s old culture, magnificent churches, lush tropical greenery and a people who have all smiles. The beaches of Anjuna, Baga, Bambolim, Candolim, Calangute, Chapora, Dona Paula, Morjim, Mabor, Majorda, Sinquerim, and Siridao are a few of the beautiful venues.

A sunset beach wedding, with golden sands, clear sky and the blue sea will be a truly lifetime affair which will remain forever in your memory for a lifetime. It can be a fun event with Fireworks, Fire-eaters, Goan Folk Music and dance with a Portuguese touch and not to forget the Goan Cuisine. It will be a magical moment that will always stay with you. There are lots of options and planners willing to plan your unique wedding as per your style.

Whether it is an Indian traditional wedding or a Christian style you can have it all. You could have various themes arranged in order to make it memorable. However take care to see you get permission from the Government of Goa for the beach wedding, as it is mandatory. A Goa Beach Wedding is a dream for most romantic couples. Make your dream come true having your wedding planned in Goa – a special place for a special occasion. Feel the sea breeze, the sunset, and end your special day with fun filled revelry and moments of togetherness around a bonfire.

Gamble Along And Soak In The Sun - Goa Casinos

If you are a person who loves to gamble in the background of loud music with a cool martini in your hand, Goa is your destination. Goa is well known for its lively nightlife with it nightclubs, Discos and Casinos and parties that go on till the break of dawn. Goa casinos are a tourist attraction in India as they are the only ones in India. Casinos are a recent addition from 1993 to promote tourism and not many are aware of the Casino culture here. Otherwise it is illegal in India to gamble. The local don’t visit, it mostly the foreign tourist who favour these casinos. A typical Goan Casino you can enjoy gambling with chilled drinks, loud music, blinding lights and lots and lots of games. You can try your hand in Rummy, Stud Poker, Slot machines, Baccarat, Pontoon flash, Black Jack and American Roulette. For those new to gambling games they have specialized trainers to train you to play by accepted international standards. So any one can try their luck and beginners can play Reel and Poker slot machines.

Goa has offshore casinos too on board of luxury liners.  Offshore Casinos are becoming popular, as they are not bound by federal law restrictions on the land. These offshore casinos attract a lot of tourists as they offer the additional convenience of credit card, traveler’s cheques, digital security lockers and state of art surveillance system. Some of the famous Casinios in Goa are Advani Pleasure Cruise Company, Caravela ; Chances Casino, Cidade de Goa; Las Vegas - The gaming club, Cavelossim ; Ramada Caravela Beach resort, Salcette ; Treasures Casino, Salcette; Winners casino and Hacienda, Margao.  Who would not like to try their luck in such entrancing environment? So pack your bags for a next trip to Goa and you can have a feel of being in Las Vegas!

It’s Carnival Time - Goa Carnival

The Goa Carnival is one of the most colorful and popular festivals that attract a lot of tourist form all over the world year after year. The non-stop three-day festival of color, song and music provides a healthy entertainment to all-alike whether be young or old. You can enjoy being a audience or join the fun and frolic. You just cannot but enjoy, as there is so much enthusiasm and happiness around. It is celebrated before the lent i.e. 40 days of fasting before Easter.The Goa Carnival festival is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year. Though essentially a Christian festival, all people of Goa, irrespective of their faith and religion take part in this festival. There is lots of version of the meaning of carnival. The word carnival is supposed to be derived from Latin ‘Carne’ meaning flesh and ‘vale’ meaning goodbye.

Another version links it to the ‘carnislevamen’ or ‘pleasure of the meat’ focusing on the enjoyment of meat before refraining from it during the lent. The Goa Carnival is an integral part of the Portuguese heritage of the state. It also stands for the fun loving culture of the Goans. The Portuguese introduced it when they established their colony in India. Since then it has become a regular feature every year and all Goans take active participation in the carnival. It is a feasting and merrymaking time.

Goa comes alive and the entire state becomes colorful decorated with streamers and colorful ribbons and papers. On the opening day starts with Momo, the king of Chaos ordering his subjects to indulge in merry making.  The daytime is dominated by singing, feasting and organizing street plays, while dancing and balls on the streets dominate the evenings. There is an increasing popularity of the Goa Carnival as more and more tourists visit Goa every year.

Mayem Lake Goa – Place For Newlywed Couples

If you happen to be planning for a honeymoon, and finding it real difficult to decide where in Goa one should spend those precious days, then you don’t have to look any further than Mayem Lake Goa.
Mayem Lake Goa, might sound unfamiliar than the usual beach kind of places that dots Goa, but if you are looking for some quality time without missing all the trappings of goa, then Mayem Lake Goa should be the first place on your list.

One look at Mayem Lake Goa, will tell you why this place should be the place to be in with your newlywed. A pristine lake, covered from all sides with mountains full of thick forest, lots of cottages nestling in those hills, easy availability of the tastiest cuisines that Goa offers and some of the best boating facilities to spend your time with your beloved on the blue waters of the lake.

Mayem Lake Goa is situated near Bicholim village in the north of Goa, 35 kilometers from the capital Panaji. The rural setting, the lush green hills, the lake home to a large no of birds all ensure that not only you have the space to be with your loved ones, but at the same time you are in the lap of nature. The hustle bustle of the beach joints are just a short distance away, thus you get to enjoy both the worlds with ease.

The cottages in Mayem Lake Goa are comfortable, clean and give an ideal romantic view of the surroundings. The food is obviously influenced by fish and Goan cooking, and the lake can be traveled in leisure with paddleboats. Once on the water you are bound to see, exotic birds like Egrets and Heron, Bronze-Winged, Pheasant-Tailed Jacana and exotic species such as Comb Duck and Cotton Pygmy-Goose.

The Unforgettable Cruise - Goa Cruises

Goa is a natural abode of sea and rivers and cruising on these waters is an important ingredient of Goa tourism. Cruises in Goa have their own charm and you could choose from lots of options to suit your requirement, budget and time limit. As time and money permits you could go for any of these Goan cruises. You could take the exciting Goa Sea cruise along the Arabian Sea coast. You need to board these at Mumbai straight to Goa, or have stops at Kadmat Island and Kochi and then proceed to Goa.

These cruisers are equipped with modern amenities and state of the art technology. Or you could opt for the River cruises on the Mandovi River. The Goa tourism Corporation offers a choice of river cruises – Daytime, Sunset Moonlight. You can choose from the Daytime cuises - the first one is down the Mandovi River into the Zuari bay while the second one is up the Mandovi to Aldona and a mineral water spring.

You can marvel nature’s greenery and maybe spot some crocodiles in the river as you cruise the Madovi River. Also the cruise has a variety of Goan delicacies and a choice of cocktails and mocktails to offer. The one-hour sunset cruise is fun filled and entertaining. You can see Professional artist performing traditional dances of Goa like Dekni Temple Dance, the Fugdi Dance and the Corredinho Dance. You can dance along if you like.

You can also spot a few historical architectural building like Reis Magos Church, the Reis Magos Fort, the Aguada Fort and the Cabo Raj Bhavan. If you have the time, go on a romantic holiday with your partner, you could go on the moonlight cruise. What more can you ask to sail across Madovi River covered with moolight with your beloved. So when are you planning your trip to Goa?

Goa Nightlife —All Night Long

Goa is full on—all day, all night. Goa is rated the best place in India for nightlife music, dance and booze. In the 1960s Goa became a stakeout for hippies, drugs, and illicit sex.  Since then, Goa has evolved into the nightclub of India.  Much of the illicit is being toned down by the local cops, but there’s no stopping the good life of the night. There are some fantastic places you can visit for partying all night long.

The nightclub in the sky, Club Cabana was voted the best nightclub in India. Situated at the foot of Arpora Hills this Club is open the whole week long till 5:00 a.m. Wednesdays is Ladies Night and entrance is free. There are themes throughout the week like Hip Hop Mondays, or Tequila Tuesdays.
 
If you’re into Goa’s famous psychodelic trance music, Shore Bar on Anjuna Beach is the place to go.  The party goes on all night especially on Wednesday nights after the Flea Market closes on Anjuna Beach. 

If you’re looking to enjoy the night with a tighter group of friends or family, you’ll find many of the homes in Goa turn into a bar with comfortable seating in the night.  You and your friends and family are welcome to hang out all night, enjoy the booze and rock all night long. 

Some of the other popular night spots are Bottle Bay at Baga Beach, Nine Bar at Vagator, Paradise at Anjuna, On the Rocks at Baga Beach (especially on a Saturday night), and Kingfisher Beer Garden.  Tito’s is a popular indoor nightclub, outdoor pub, with a 24-hour coffee shop.

Rave parties happen from November all through Christmas and New Year. The venues for these parties are usually kept top secret till just a few hours before the event.  You have to be in touch with the right crowd, and be careful … don’t hitch a ride from strangers who promise to take you there.  Rave parties can last for days changing location each night.  There’s trance music, booze, drugs and sex. And … be warned, sometimes even a police raid.

Goa - A Beautiful Honeymoon Beginning

Goa is a one of the most exotic destination for honeymooning couples.  Goa offers you a unique culture, distinctively Goan, with a wide range of activities and adventure.  Where else in India will you be treated to a candlelight dinner for two against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea, and a romantic serenade?  

What’s more Goa offers you the special quietness of times together along with times when you feel like blending with the crowd. When you’re in the mood for more company join the hulla bulla of a holiday life which is pure Goan.  Party all night—there’s dancing on the moonlit beaches or take a midnight stroll down a less crowded beach.

For a quiet resort, honeymooners usually prefer Alor Holiday Resort, Highland Beach Resort, Cidade de Goa, Victor Exotica, or Majorda Beach Resort.  All these hotels serve great Goan and Portuguese menus, and offer great packages for honeymoon couples. Some of these have casinos and beach games.

If you’re in the mood for adventure, go parasailing, windsurfing or water skiing.  Enjoy the multi-cultural experience of Goa which demonstrates itself in a variety of song and dance.

You can explore Goa by visiting some of the historical sites.  Goa has an interesting history which dates back to Vasco da Gama. It was once a Portuguese settlement and their legacy is visible in the impressive cathedrals and historical monuments they have left behind. 

Or if you are nature buffs, enjoy your honeymoon amid wild, wild nature!  Goa offers beautiful wildlife sanctuaries with cottage resorts inside the wildlife sanctuary itself.  Nature trails help you explore some of the beauty of forest life, the animals and birds it is home to. This is the place where you can get away from the crowd and enjoy each other’s company.

Most honeymoon couples love the beaches in Goa, which are world famous, but there is much more to do and much more to enjoy in the state of Goa. The lull of the ocean, the beautiful cobalt waters of the Arabian Sea, just the two of you—time almost seems to stand still here for honeymoon couples. 

Goa - Its Exciting Wildlife

Goa offers more than just sun ‘n’ sand on its beautiful beaches. Goa is also a treat for wild life and bird lovers! There are four wildlife and bird sanctuaries in Goa.

Just about 50 km from Panaji is the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Goa called the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary—a jungle resort complete with tourist cottages.  This sanctuary for wildlife is more like a small zoo and has a Deer Safari Park.  Here you can spot wild boars, sambar, black panthers, giant squirrels, scaly ant eaters, flying lizards and occasionally, if you’re lucky, a herd of elephants.  The Indian bison, called the gaur, is the state animal and is frequently seen here. For the more adventurous, nature trails offer wildlife education as you walk. This sanctuary also has a botanical garden, Nature Education Centres and a rose garden.  There is even a watch tower hideout to spy on animals as they come to drink at water holes.

The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, also about 50 km from Panaji, is the largest sanctuary in Goa. You’ll need to spend at least 2-3 days here for the full wildlife experience it offers.  Famous for spotting gaur, spotted deer, sambar, jungle cats and leopards, giant squirrels, birds as well as pythons and cobras.

Cartigao is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Goa.  It offers a view of the same wildlife animals and birds found in the other sanctuaraies. Cartigao is deep in the forestland and a quiet place to enjoy nature in all its varied beauty. 

The famous Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, the only bird sanctuary in Goa, is situated on the island of Chorao.  A ferry can take you from Ribander Ferry Wharf, across the Mandova River to Chorao Island.  The bird watchtower in the Sanctuary allows you a better view of the amazing variety of local and migratory birds. Besides birds, you can see flying foxes, jackals, crocodiles, and turtles.

While you enjoy the beautiful, sun-kissed beaches of Goa, make sure you visit at least one of these wildlife spots.

Goa Museums – Reliving The Past

Goa is worldly famous for its beautiful beaches. Amidst the scenic beauty of Goa, the archaeological side of the city is not given its deserved due. There are many museums in Goa that reflect the ancient culture of the city and its residents.

Some of the famous Goa museums include:

Archives Museum Goa/ State Museum- The Archive Museum is located in Panaji. It is also known as State Museum. The museum showcases beautiful and ancient eclectic collection of items of local significance like antique lottery machines, works of historic arts, etc.

Archaeological Museum- The Archaeological Museum was established in the mid-1960s and is located in Old Goa. The museum is an abode to many rare artifacts and large statues. The museum is designed in a unique way that exhibits eight separate galleries based on different themes. The main attractions of the museum are the collection of ceramics, stamps, coins, wooden sculptures, etc.

The Houses of Goa Museum- This museum is located in Torda, Goa. The Houses of Goa Museum is a renowned piece of art due to its beautiful architect that resembles a ship structure. The museum takes you back to the ancient and traditional architect that prevailed in Goa, along with information about different building materials used.

Museum of Goa Daman and Diu- This museum is located in Panaji and is wholly devoted to archaeology and local archives. You can view some of the exceptional mixture of textiles, period furnishings, Hindu art works, etc in the museum.

So, if you are planning a visit to Goa, don’t forget to include all these museums in order to relive the past that prevailed in the city.

Goa Forts - Relics Of The City

Along with being a beautiful holiday destination, Goa is a place of rich history and culture. There are many historic forts in Goa that reflect the artifacts and relics during the Hindu and Portuguese rulers.

Some of these forts include:

Fort Aguada- This is one of the oldest forts present in Goa and is located 18 km from Panaji. The fort was built in 1612 with the purpose of protecting the northern shores of the Mandovi estuary from Dutch and Maratha raiders. The fort derived its name from the presence of several natural springs that provided the drinking water for ships arriving in Goa from different parts of the world. 

Chapora Fort- This fort is located on the southern headland of the Chapora River and   was built Adi Shah of Bijapur. In 1617, Portuguese built the red-laterite bastion on the rock bluff, which was deserted in the 19th century. The fort is also quite near to Anjuna beach.  

Mormugao Fort- This fort is located in Mormugao and was started building in 1624. The fort was built to protect the harbor, located near the Vasco da Gama town. This was a significant fortress on the western coast and consists of towering bulwarks, chapel, five prisons, and quarters for the guard.

Teracol Fort- The fort is located on the north of Arambol in the Canacona District of South Goa. Taken over by the Portuguese in 1746, previously the fort belonged to a local king. Today this fort is converted into a heritage hotel and was used as the base for freedom fighters during the liberation of Goa in 1961.  

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