Goa
is sun, sand and spices
Why I love Goa
“After travelling overland from Delhi through central India and Mumbai to Goa back in the 90s, the beaches, all-night parties and laid-back tropical vibe came as a blissful surprise. I've been back numerous times and while some things may have changed, the essence remains the same. I love hanging around by the beach, cruising through impossibly green countryside on two wheels, and the evening ritual of watching the...” Read More
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Goa activities
Full-Day Malacca Tour from Singapore
The journey on the road from Singapore to Malacca takes around 3–4 hours, starting with hotel pickup. Savor the view outside as you travel across Singapore and Malaysia or catch a nap in the vehicle. The Malacca city center showcases unique history and culture spanning more than 600 years, gained from previous colonization by Europeans such as the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. On arrival, the first thing to catch your eye will most likely be the iconic red building called Christ Church, said to be the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia. On its opposite side is the Red Clock Tower that was erected in 1886.Next, you will go to see Porta de Santiago (A Famosa). This major historical landmark is probably the most photographed structure in Malacca. This small gate is the last of what was once a mighty fortress — one of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in the whole of Asia. Following the white flight of stairs up along the slope, you will find yourself at St. Paul's Church. Although what remains of the church are now only ruins, the thick bricks are a reminder that this chapel was a magnificent piece of architecture at one time. In front of the church stands the Statue of St. Francis Xavier, a missionary who met his death on his way to mainland China; his remains were first taken to Malacca before their final resting place at Goa. Learn from your guide the unfortunate tale of his right arm.The Malacca Straits Mosque (Masjid Selat Melaka), also known as the Floating Mosque, is another major highlight. The mosque’s most conspicuous peculiarity is its 98-foot-high (30-meter) minaret, which additionally works as a beacon for watercraft. Learn about the Middle Eastern architectural influences and Malay design components.Before ending your Malacca tour, drop a few coins into Hang Li Poh's Well to make a wish. This historical well is one of the oldest in Malacca and carries with it stories of a Chinese princess married to the Sultan during the Ming Dynasty, as well as the struggle between the Portuguese and the Dutch. Conclude with return transport to your hotel in Singapore.
Private Cultural Tour: Ancestral Goa, Shantadurga Temple and Spice Village Including Lunch
In the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Goa and taken south to Ancestral Goa, known locally as the Big Foot Museum, in the village of Loutolim. Discover the Portuguese influences of this cultural center and learn how a local artist created the surrounding village to help preserve the culture and traditions of the region.With your guide, walk around the village to witness age-old customs and practices such as brewing feni, a local spirit made from coconut or cashew fruit. Visit Casa Araujo, a 250-year-old well-preserved Portuguese mansion. Inside, see its curving stairway, the elevated entrance, the imposing doorway and lavish rooms such as the chapel, dining hall, offices and bedrooms. Afterward, continue your tour to Shantadurga Temple, a complex constructed in 1738 AD. Admire the lush vegetation surrounding the temple and learn about its Indo-Portuguese structure as you explore inside. Notice the impressive facade, the vibrant colors of stained-glass windows and the palkhi, a golden palanquin on which the deity is carried on festive occasions.Then, visit Mangueshi Temple, a 400-year-old temple dedicated to the goddess Shiva and noted for its beautiful pillars. Your guide will tell you about Hinduism and the temple’s important role in the community.After touring the temples, drive to a nearby spice village, where you’ll be met by a professional biologist for an informative tour of the plantation and garden. Hear details about the herbs and discover their uses in medicine and cuisine. Then, make yourself comfortable around the table for a mouthwatering buffet lunch of authentic Indian cuisine. Test your newfound knowledge by tasting how the difference spices are used.You’ll head back to your hotel in Goa in the evening.
Private Goa Sightseeing Tour with Lunch at a Spice Plantation
Meet your guide at your hotel lobby in Goa at 9am. Head to Old Goa Churches - Old Goa or Velha Goa (Velha means "old" in Portuguese) is a historical city in North Goa district in the Indian state of Goa. You will see a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Mangueshi Temple, one of the largest and most frequently visited temples in Goa. In the year 1560, when the Portuguese started Christian conversions in Salcete Taluka. See the Mangesh Linga from the original site at the Kushasthali or Cortalim on the banks of river Aghanashini (Zuari) to its present location at Mangeshi.Visit the Shanta Durga Temple, a large temple complex at the foothill of Kavalem village in Ponda Taluka, Goa, India. A small laterite mud shrine was built and the deity was installed here. Next, you will head to a Spice Plantation Tour with lunch included. The Spice plantation is located in Ponda, a village untouched by pollution. It is spread over large tract of verdant land, which offers the perfect setting for you to soak in a pure unadulterated nature. Get welcomed in a traditional way by offering Aarti, Kumkum and a garland of flowers with lunch and herbal tea. Healthy and nutritious food will be served in a traditional manner on a banana leaf feast on authentic Goan cuisines. Help yourself to generous servings of veg and non veg delicacies as well as some Italian delights to your plate. High on nutrition and steeped in tradition, the food will be just the way you’d expect in this lap of nature.After lunch, visit the Portuguese Latin Quarters - Fontainhas (or Bairro das Fontainhas, in Portuguese), an old Latin Quarter in the city of Panaji in Goa, India. It maintains to this day its Portuguese influence, namely at the architectonic level, such as narrow streets, old villas and buildings painted in lively colors. The quarter shows how Panaji was during the Portuguese rule of Goa.You will see Dona Paula, a former village and tourist destination in the suburbs of Panaji, Goa, India. Today it is home to the National Institute of Oceanography. Dona Paula was a woman of charity and was known to have helped the villagers, worked a lot for their betterment and so after her death, the villagers decided to rename the village as Dona Paula, previously called Oddavell.Panjim City is the capital of the Indian state of Goa and the headquarters of North Goa district. It lies on the banks of the Mandovi River and means “land that never floods”. The Baroque Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is located overlooking the main square known as Praça da Igreja. Colorful villas, Kala Academy, cobbled streets and interesting buildings give Panaji a Portuguese ambiance. At 5pm, sit back and relax on the drive back to your Hotel in Goa.
Private Portuguese Heritage Tour: Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus and Dona Paula Beach in Goa
Discover Goa’s colorful history on this private half-day tour. Learn about the heavy influence Portuguese rule had on this region’s religion and architecture from your expert guide’s interesting commentary about all the places you see. After pickup from your Goa hotel in the morning by private, air-conditioned vehicle, your guide will take you to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds the remains of the Catholic missionary St Francis Xavier.Enter the church and walk on the marble floor inlaid with precious stones. Admire the exquisite paintings adorning the walls that depict scenes from St Francis Xavier’s life and see the mausoleum that contains his silver casket. Follow your guide upstairs to the art gallery to see beautiful surrealist paintings from Goan painter Dom Martin.Walk to the nearby Se Cathedral, also known as the Se Cathedral of Santa Catarina, dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian saint who was martyred in the early 4th century by a Roman emperor for her devout dedication to Christianity. Marvel at the facade’s Portuguese Gothic-style architecture before entering the church with your guide to see the Golden Bell, one of the largest bells in Goa.Re-board the vehicle and head 15 minutes to the city of Panaji to visit the historic neighborhood of Fontainhas, known as the Latin Quarter. Discover the area’s Portuguese influences as you walk with your guide down narrow streets and past old, colorful villas. Visit the small St Sebastian Chapel and see several statues of historical figures including the Roman Catholic monk Abade Faria.Then, drive to the Dona Paula Jetty, a secluded bay where you can enjoy gorgeous views of the Mormugao Harbour and the point where the Mandovi River and Zuari River meet the Arabian Sea. Feel the gentle sea breeze and enjoy the romantic atmosphere of this hidden treasure before exploring a small local market along the waterway.After your tour, you can choose to stop at the popular O’Coquerio restaurant for lunch (own expense). Enjoy traditional Portuguese and Goan dishes and try their famous pomfret recheiado (fish stuffed with red masala). Then, settle in your comfortable vehicle for the drive back to your hotel.
Private Tour: Goa by Night Including Mandovi River Cruise and Dinner
After pickup from your hotel by a private, air-conditioned vehicle, head to the nearby Santa Monica Jetty in Panaji. Climb aboard the Santa Monica Cruise ship and travel down the scenic Mandovi River.Sit back and relax as you admire beautiful sites such as the Palace of Adil Shah, the residence of a Muslim sultan that represents the ancient charm and opulence of Goa. Bask in the warm glow of the setting sun as you slowly cruise down tree-lined water avenues.In addition to the incredible scenery, you’ll enjoy evening entertainment. Watch a live cultural performance and be mesmerized by the colorful costumes and intricate choreography of traditional folk dances such as the dekhni, the fugdi and the corredinho. Hum along as local performers sing in the traditional Goan mando, a musical form tying Indian and Western traditions that represents themes of love, historical narratives and political resistance. A live DJ will end the cruise, so you can join in on the dances!After the cruise, follow your guide on a tour to many of Panaji’s most important sites. First, drive less than 30 minutes to the Mae de Deus Church of Saligao, an exquisite piece of Gothic architecture beautifully illuminated at night. Explore the church by foot and marvel at the intricate wooden statue of Mae de Deus (Mother of God).Continue to one of the oldest churches in Goa, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. Walk inside and admire its simple yet elegant construction. Then, enjoy a scenic drive through Panaji’s hilly neighborhood of Altinho. Step outside to enjoy a gorgeous panoramic view of the city radiating against the night sky. Atop the hill, visit the beautifully lit Maruti Temple, dedicated to the monkey god Lord Hanuman.Enjoy a traditional Indian dinner at a popular restaurant chosen by your guide before heading back to your hotel.
Aguada Hill Cycling Tour from Nerul
We will meet at Amigos Bar and Restaurant under the Nerul Bridge in Nerul near Candolim at 4:30 pm to start this relaxing adventure. We will take you for cycling in Sinquirim along the mangroves and through the picture perfect fishing villages of Candolim and Sinquirim. In addition, you will also experience a short hike along the ramparts of Fort Aguada. The tour lasts for 2 hours.