Goa is perhaps the best destination to enjoy spring in western India. The beaches of Goa will be without the scorching sun yet pleasant enough for a sunbath. An excellent hideout for honeymoon as well, as couples will experience the lakes and waterfalls at their best. Sometimes mild rainfall is expected before the onset of summer. Being a coastal region, Goa enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year. But, mercury may shoot up to 30 degree Celsius between May-June. Monsoon begins by July and lasts until September. The best time to be here is February-April.
When to go
Tourism in Goa is concentrated between October to March.
Places to stay
Goa has a number of hotels, resorts, cottages, guest houses and beach shacks offering accommodation to tourists. Top hotels in Goa are Taj Holiday Village, Shangrila Beach Hotel, Park Hyatt Goa, Hotel Mandovi and Panjim Inn.
What to Visit
There is a list of places to visit and tourist attractions in Goa.
Goa churches – The churches of Goa are monumental legacies that are worth exploring. Old Goa is particularly a hub of prominent churches and basilicas and is dubbed as the Basilica of East. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of St Francis Xaviers, ruins of St Augustine Church and Reis Magos Church are some of the top basilicas in the state.
Beaches – Beaches in Goa are the ultimate hideouts on a spring break. The umbrella shades in Calanguate and the palm groves of Anjuna are filled with tourists relaxing in the afternoon. Water sports is also a favorite pastime for them. It is the time for snorkeling and scuba diving apart from boat rides. Spring night parties are also popular at Anjuna, Vagator and Calangute beaches.
Springs, waterfalls and lakes in Goa – If you have thought Goa be only about beaches, it is time to have a tour of the many lakes and springs around Goa such as Mayem Lake, Carambolim Lake, Kesarval Spring and Pomburpa Spring. Two popular waterfalls in the region are Arvalem and Dudhsagar.
Goa forts – The fortified palaces appeal to visitors in all season and they are an integral part of the state’s culture. Aguada Fort, Cabo De Rama, Cabo Raj Niwas and Tiracol Fort are some of the sought after attractions.
Goa also celebrates several harvest and religious festivals in spring season, one being Shigmo. The confluence of cultures and traditions are best reflected in Goa festivals.
Entertainment
Shigmo – festival of spring in Goa
Shigmo is the ‘Holi’ festival for Goans and carries the same significance as ‘Vasant Panchami’ in north and eastern India. Shigmo is the festival of color, music and feast. Folk dance in groups of 100 and road parades are an integral part of this spring festival in Goa. The festival is significant for farmers who welcome spring as a time for regeneration of plants. Tourists can well be an audience to this spectacular show during their visit in the month of March.
Other forms of entertainment in Goa are night parties on the beaches, bird watching, cruises on Mandovi River, water sports, discotheques and wildlife safari.
Shopping
Shopping in the spring season will be a remarkable experience mostly because you can walk around for longer time without perspiring unlike summer. Most markets in Goa are reasonably priced and you can bargain well for garments, jewelry, hats and silver trinkets. The Friday market in Mapusa and Flea market of Anjuna are famous.
