Goa and its Languid Charm!

Goa has become a popular spot for tourists with its endless beaches, its colonial portuguese architecture, its ancient flea markets, its line up of fabulous beach shacks and the amazing variety of beach sports that one can do.

Goa also has a laidback languidness that reflects in the easy charms of its people, in the serenity of its beaches and in the perfect scenic getaways provided by small lakes, rivers and wildlife parks.

Goa has umpteen to offer provided you are able to discover and experience every bit of it. It is a heaven for avid travellers, backpackers and people who seek adventure. It can give you that long rejuvenation and a refreshing weekend that might take you away from the regular drill of life.

Go as a place has a very ancient feel to it, the influence of colonial rule can still be seen everywhere : be it the exquisite, tumbling architecture or the cuisine which mixes the portuguese flavors with the eastern flavors, the colonial presence can still be felt here.

The portuguese bent of architecture is also reflected in the famous churches of Goa.

Churches like Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and Pilar Monastery are beautiful structures become its highlight.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus contains the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier and is a famous church, known throughout the Roman Catholic world. This late – Renaissance structure is home to the incorrupt body of St Francis Xavier displayed in a mausoleum.

Another of the impeccable structures of Goa, Se Cathedral is known to be the largest church in Asia. The cathedral and its exterior is notable for its plain style, idolizing the Tuscan tradition.

Goa is also famous for the shopping experiences it offers to the avid shoppers who like picking up distinct stuff from specific places. Goa's flea markets are a much visited option. The Anjuna Flea Market and the Saturday Night Market at Calangute are weekly markets that are as much a part of the Goan vacation as is a day on the beach.

The Anjuna flea market has merchandise that comes from all over India, be it the sculptures and jewellery by the Tibetan and Kashmiri traders, or the colourful Gujarati tribal women selling T-shirts; colourful saris; bags and bedspreads from Rajasthan, or the sacks of spices from Kerala, the flea market displays an array of things that can truly give one endless options of shopping.

The Saturday night market is another great haunt for shoppers with its apparel, jewellery, souvenirs and decorative items. You can also find ample of small eateries with good food lined up here.

There are a variety of Goa tour packages in the market. The duration of a package decides how much of Goa it is able to pack in. Though the ideal vacation of Goa should be a 4 days 3 nights holiday, however Goa can also be experienced over the weekend with one extra day added to it.