Blissful Sights

Goa, a great place to visit but greater than that should be your plan when you are thinking of Goa trip. My group planned to visit Goa in New Year. It was more of an impulsive decision and not so much of a plan. Therefore we were expected to have problems.
We experienced the first one when we got bus reservation with great difficulty since everything else was booked. Our bus trip was an exciting in its own way. Everything in the bus was moving with it. It was an overnight journey from Bangalore where I stay, so I slept in spite of knowing that the bus condition is not good. My friends on the other hand were awake the whole night expecting a break down in the middle of the road any time. Somehow we reached Goa safely. I was fresh and shiny in the morning and my friends were exactly opposite. So we went to our friend’s house for stay and everyone took a small nap.
After two hours we started our journey of exploring Goa. Goa is India’s smallest state but I realised it is actually not that small.
Goa has a significant historic value at the same time it is a huge attraction for tourists from all over the world. Certainly Goa is famous for beaches and its distinctive culture which is mainly because of years of Portugal influence. But there are other things which you will like to see.
The state is majorly having two parts: the Bom Jesus Basilica and churches and convents of Old Goa. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, who is regarded as the patron saint of Goa, are still held by the Basilica. The relics are taken for public viewing once in ten or twelve years. The Santa Monica Convent in Velha Goa is known for the statue of the bleeding Jesus on the Crucifix. The Velhas Conquistas regions are also known for its Goa-Portuguese style architecture.
Though in village areas the Indo-Portuguese style architecture are in a dilapidated condition, some Portugal influence are still visible in some of Goa's temples like the Shanta Durga Temple, the Mangueshi Temple and the Mahalasa Temple.  There are a number of forts which can be visited such as Tiracol, Chapora, Corjuem, Aguada, Reis Magos, Nanus, Mormugao, Fort Gaspar Dias and Cabo de Rama.
Goa has two important museums namely Goa State Museum and the Naval Aviation Museum which are well known, but there is also a new wax museum on Indian history, culture and heritage in Old Goa which is an incredible experience in itself.
Other than the tourist spots you would also enjoy the rich culture, dance and theatre of Goa which have its own style and form. Goa cuisine is something that you would love to taste. Goa cuisine has variety of fishes, sea food, pork and vegetable stew. Feni is Goa’s popular alcoholic beverage which is made from the fermentation of the fruit. Cashew feni is made from cashew, while coconut feni is made from the sap of toddy palms.
Goa has a number of pubs and discs which are really expensive during tourist seasons. We were lucky to have free entry in a disc. Thanks to my friend who knew the owner. Coming back from Goa was a struggle too since we did not have pre booking. All credit goes to our incredible plan. Over all we had an exciting trip.
But you need to plan before hand when you have Goa in your mind as a holiday spot. Goa is well connected by road, rail and airways but everything is full during season. Even hotels and guest houses are busy and are really expensive. We stayed at our friend’s place so did not have residence as an issue. Since everyone does not have a resident of Goa as a friend so you need to plan.
And yes, if you visit Goa during Christmas, you can see the Goa carnival and New Year festival which is celebrated with full pomp and show.
Whenever you plan to visit Goa reserve three to four days if you want to experience true Goa completely. Surely Goa is the smallest Indian state by area, but everything cannot be measured by size.