Top Things To Do in Goa - Namaste India Trip Planning things to do in Goa is not difficult owing to the host of activities available in this region. Form beaches to cruising on the river, form watching the old cathedrals to shopping at the markets and taking in the aroma of the spice plantations, one has a store of things to explore in Goa. With the right attitude and time for visit, the vacation will be worth remembering. Goa is a place for activities. No matter where one stays, visiting the northern and southern sides for beach variety will help one make his tour an interesting one. Here is a list of all that one can do while in Goa for a vacation. Taxi Hiring in Goa: Hiring a taxi in the daytime can cost ÂŁ10 to go the northern beaches (which can go up, for some 4-hour drive, to ÂŁ30) and much more than that while making a trip to the south side beaches. Chit-chat with the drivers can end up in making him a guide for one's tour. The south side taxis have links with the four-star and five-star hotels, making them a useful resource to find a suitable place to stay. Independent drivers charge realistic rates for the rides. Spice Plantation and Old Goa Tour: These taxi drivers offer rides up to the Old Goa region for viewing the churches and cathedrals and the Ponda area for temples and spice plantations. These plantations have exotic locations with shady areas and coolness in the air which is a pleasant change from the heat in the beach areas. One may chance upon kingfishers around the pond areas and watch the paraqueets fly in the clear blue sky. The Mandori River Cruise: One can also consider spending the evening on a local moonlight/sunset cruise in the Mandori River that can cost something more than one pound. With the right boat one can catch a glimpse of the Punjabi dance and other musical forms floating in the air with the European tourists trying to catch up with the Indians. The cruise lasts for one hour. Once one reaches Panjim, there are several top-class restaurants like the Quarterdeck and Dehli Darbaar for sumptuous delicacies of the region. For gambling, Carvella, the floating 'casino boat' is an ideal place to drink and eat. Shopping Time: Goa has a host of markets for tourists in the present-day but none can beat the Anjuna Market's popularity that comes to life on Wednesdays along with the Mapusa market on Fridays. Pricehaggling and getting to know the local spice girls in other market places remains a great activity in Goa. The Beach Experience: Most beaches come with the shack facility (temporary restaurants/bars) where both drinks and food are delectable yet cheap. If one gets to know any of the shack owners, he will not need to re-introduce himself every time he visits the place. One may also get the opportunity to view the dolphins in their play-time mood if he keeps a close watch on the waters. The sea eagles also put themselves up for display from time to time.
Based on the traveller's personality and when goes for a Goa vacation, activities may increase or decrease. For example, the rainy season is not really the time to visit the beaches as everything including the shacks and flea markets remain closed during this time. However, with flexibility in activities and enjoying the scenic beauty on one's own is much of an adventure in itself.