Goa has drawn a steady flow of visitors – first hippies and then returning expats from the West, charter tourists in search of sun, sea and sand, families on summer vacation, pilgrims at Catholic and Hindu shrines, and a growing number of people coming here for medical treatment or to settle down. The Goar tour is popular with tourists.  

Aside from its pristine white beaches, Goa is also renowned for its lip-smacking cuisine and traditional dance forms. The best time to go is during the peak season from November to February, when you can take part in a wide range of water sports and revel in the colorful festivals that celebrate Goa’s rich Portuguese history. 

Other highlights include the capital, Panaji, with its tangle of narrow streets and beautiful heritage buildings in pastel hues. Don’t miss the Reis Magos Church, a fine example of Portuguese Baroque architecture and home to a mesmerizing wood relief of the Three Wise Men handing gifts to Baby Jesus. 

There’s a lot to explore in Goa’s lush forests, too. You can hire a scooter and explore the spice plantations, hinterland and local villages at your own pace, and experience a side of Goa that few visitors ever get to see. You can also visit one of the many sanctuaries preserving exotic wildlife, including the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, which is home to rare and endangered species like drongos, kingfishers, kites and curlews, as well as wild boar and Indian spotted deer. 

The cultural scene in Goa is equally vibrant, with a lively music scene led by the energetic Kunbis. They have their own unique style of dancing, known as fudgi, in which the clapping of the hands creates rhythm and movement. They’re also famous for their songs, which are performed at harvest time and during festival celebrations such as Sao Jao.