Holidays in winter: why not go to Goa?

The smallest state of India is very popular with tourists. There are many lovely, touching holiday traditions. Christianity left its mark on the local culture, because once Goa was a Portuguese colony. The extraordinary churches of the 17th century attract attention, and the cathedrals in Old Goa are the largest in Asia. More than a third of the local population are Catholics. Each small village is proud of its own parish church.
Come for impressions from mid-December. Street singing, concerts, scenery, rural nativity scenes show Goa on the other, unusual side. Buildings are decorated with multicolored five-pointed stars.
Local establishments prepare special festive dishes: traditional roast turkey and sweet Portuguese bebinca puff cakes, which are made from eggs, flour and coconut milk. Also prepare special Christmas sweets Goa, dodol, similar to the usual caramel. Restaurants on the coastline offer mostly seafood dishes, but during the Christmas and New Year holidays you can find traditional Slavic cuisine on the menu.
During Christmas in Goa, be sure to visit the magic churches. They are decorated in honor of the holiday, and the tourists are impressed by the magnificent Mass. Lovers of architectural delights will be interesting:
• Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa;
• Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Panaji;
• Church of St. Alexander, Calangute;
• Church of St. Anthony, Ziolit;
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Goa even spawned a whole musical genre, which was used to arrange hedonistic trance parties until the morning. Alas, there are no such legendary raves here for a long time: the notorious beach parties have long been limited, because since 2000 it is forbidden to make noise after 10 in the evening. With rare exceptions: but these places know only “their”.
New Year’s dance “parties” usually begin on the beach Ajuna and other beaches of North Goa, where most of the events take place. In addition to the New Year’s parties, such interesting festivals fall during the winter months:
• Sunburn Festival (www.sunburn.in) A large three-day dance festival has been held in Vagator since December 27th. The ticket price is 10 thousand rupees.
• Curlies (www.curliesgoa.com) is the most popular festival. Occurs on the coast of Ajuna. The entrance is free.
• Leopard Valley (www.leopardvalley.com) Between Agonda and Palolem is a charming place where you can always dance until the morning.
• LPK Waterfront (www.lpkwaterfronts.com) is a wonderful cottage overlooking the Nerul River opposite the popular Candolim beach.
• Club Cubana (www.clubcubanagoa.com) Surrender to the top of the hill in Arpora, an open-air nightclub.
• Club M (www.marbelabeach.com) is the most popular club where the most beautiful people of Goa gather. Located on the beach Morjim.
If you want something more restrained and elegant – go to the local institution Nine Bar (see on the map). In Vagator, tourists can visit the psychedelic Hilltop Bar (see on the map) for real party-goers. Not far from the Baga beach there is another establishment – Lane Tito (see on the map).
More than New Year holidays in Goa
Do not think that the main reason for visiting Goa in winter is the holidays that fall at the end of December – the beginning of January. At this time of year it is ideal to just lie on the beach, laze around, swim in the sea – there is almost no rain, and the air temperature sometimes rises above 30 ° C. If you manage to get out of an attractive beach trap, you can always go shopping for gifts for loved ones. Ajuna is famous for its huge market that opens every Wednesday. There are also sometimes fun evening fairs on Baga and Arpora, Panaji and Margao.
Best winter beach
Choosing the best beach you will have the opportunity to explore as much as 100 km of coastline. At first it is worth being defined – North or South Goa. Remember, the difference is not only in geographical location.
South Goa is great for a family or a secluded vacation. There are no such noisy parties, clubs, and the prices are slightly higher than in North Goa. Beautiful nature, various spa centers, yoga and ayurvedic centers – all this attracts Europeans and wealthy Hindus to come here to relax.
It was North Goa that became a favorite place for hippie subcultures. At the time, they first opened this tourist destination. Therefore, there is a well-developed tourist infrastructure, there are many institutions, and locals even understand tourists. Here are the best beaches and the most noisy parties, a lot of interesting excursions and fun. Families with children are advised to visit the Baga resort – a gentle entrance to the sea and clear water do not worry about children.