Nestled in the lush mountainous Western Ghats, Goa is the ultimate nirvana for travel junkies, adventure seekers, explorers, or just ordinary tourists looking to unwind. Despite the fact that this little slice of tropical getaway has already been discussed and written about extensively, it has risen to fame for its vibrant nightlife, exuberant music, raving beach parties, Cruises,cheapest booze, and water sports. And though, we find people overemphasizing the upbeat nocturnal parties while underplaying all the daylight fun and frolicking. It’s still a little unfair to the entire state of Goa as the place is equally ravishing even during the day!
Commonly referred to as “The Pearl of the Orient,” Goa was officially integrated as the 25th state in India in 1961 after being liberated from the 500-year-old Portuguese reign. The influence of Portuguese colonial rule, which brought in an ‘East meets West culture’ makes Goa a desirable tourist hotspot, attracting visitors from all over the world. Thousands of travellers flock to this party capital because of the immaculate sandy beaches,enthralling locales, and spectacular scenic wonders. Goa offers a plethora of outdoor activities, some of which are best experienced during the day or early morning.
But the question remains, is Goa better during the day or night? In all honesty, Goa is gorgeously stunning at any time of the day, making it tough to pick. However, during the daylight hours the colours of nature and the picturesque charm of Goa are evident in all their glory. And we bet you can’t contain yourself staying indoors while in Goa!
So now how can you make the best of your daylight hours during a trip? Well, you can definitely enjoy your day if you followed our tips below:
An early morning stroll down the beach to catch the sunrise
Do yourself a favour and witness nature’s most stupefying spectacle ever – the sunrise by the beach. Imagine ambling bare feet across the cool sands on a quiet beach in the wee hours while watching the sunrise. As the skies liven up from a lovely magenta to violet then to a gradual livid that finally blooms into bright azure, you just can’t help but notice how nature plays with different hues to create a masterpiece on the horizon as it brings life & light to mother earth.
To catch this mesmerising art is absolutely an out-of-the-world, awe-inspiring, and soul-satisfying experience of a lifetime!
Begin your day with a plunge into the sea
Another marvellous way to begin your day in Goa is by taking a plunge in the majestic morning sea. And this could well be the ultimate rejuvenating experience that you may want to start your exploration with. North Goa’s most well-known beach, Baga Beach, swiftly fills up with happy swimmers and youngsters. So, it would be wise to leave early in order to enjoy a leisurely, prolonged swim in the cool beach waters. And later, you can swing by a beachside shanty for a hearty breakfast. Sounds like a plan then?
Explore the Bom Jesus Basilica
Would a holiday trip even be considered complete without surveying the Bom Jesus Basilica located in old Goa? We hardly think so. Bom Jesus Basilica is one of the most visited tourist spots and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church was built over the course of roughly ten years in a Baroque-inspired architectural style. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, a close friend of St. Ignatius Loyola, are also housed in this church. The relics are preserved in a silver casket. Apparently, Cosimo III, the Grand Duke of Tuscany and the final member of the Medici family, sent this coffin as a gift. The interiors of the walls and domes of the church are done in golden which gives it an exquisite appeal.
Survey the Flea Market of Anjuna Beach
Visiting Goa to let loose and not exploring its flea market in Anjuna beach doesn’t really sound right. With all its popular sites thronged by tourists, the Anjuna Beach flea market is as touristy as it gets! From fresh spices, cashews, local handicrafts, rugs, fabrics, and clothes, to home decor items and souvenirs – you find everything under one roof at really cheap prices. In addition, you may indulge in regional cuisine if you’re hungry and exhausted. Also, since you cannot see the entire market in a single day, you might need to visit this beach more than once before departing Goa.
Watching birds in their natural habitat
Goa boasts a significant chunk of forest cover and a wide range of plant and animal species. It is home to two bird sanctuaries where you can observe various bird species in their natural habitat. You can visit either the Merces Bird Sanctuary or the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Head to the Morjim beach if you wish to observe seabirds. And a day spent watching rare, exotic, and colourful birds is a day well spent.
Walking around in Goa’s Spice Village
In the foothills of the Western Ghats, on the banks of the river Khandepar, is a farm that cultivates organic spices called Spice Village. Nearly all tropical spices, fruits, and around 2500 different garden plants and flowering species can be seen on this 50-acre farm. You will get a traditional reception that includes a garland, a shower of flowers, and a welcome beverage. This will be followed by a tour of the plantation with professional guides who will explain the different spices and their therapeutic uses.
Try your hand at Fishing
Another popular daytime activity in Goa is fishing. The best time to go fishing is early in the morning when you can catch big fish. Fishing excursions in the city are scheduled by a large number of local tour providers at various times of the day. You can book a fishing trip in advance and head out into the sea with a group of local fishermen.
Gaming at a Casino
Goa offers so much more than outdoor pleasures which reflect in casinos unquestionably delivering a far greater value! And the Deltin casinos are among the top in the industry and are open during the day. Gourmet meals and complimentary drinks with a stimulating ambience are a part of the amazing deals in gaming packages. Deltin Royale are entertainment-filled mega-resorts where you can relish every minute of the day!