To say that Goa is sure to be in the top ten holiday places to visit in India would be stating the obvious. Goa is the stereotypical, quintessential vacation destination for not only the rich and famous, but the average middle class traveller too. Apart from the fact that it is also one of the top preferred places by International tourists, who find the tropical climate and the cultural scene irresistible.
Much has been written about the things to do, what to eat, where to stay ( North Goa Vs. South Goa ), what events and festivals to attend, where to party, how to have the most of your time in Goa.
However, the question remains as What not to do in Goa; in other words, the mistakes to avoid on the trip you have been planning and looking forward to all year.
Let's see the Don'ts :-
Go only to the famous beaches
Everyone who has been to Goa or is planning it's itinerary is sure to add the following beaches in the must-visit list as they are hot, happening and popular - Agonda Beach, Anjuna Beach, Baga, Benaulim, Candolim, Calangute, Colva, Cavelossim, Dona Paula, Galgibaga, Morjim, Mobor, Miramar, Sinquerim, Pablum.
But don't forget to add the off-beat and lesser known ones, though just as beautiful and perhaps more attractive for the traveller preferring the road less travelled. These include Butterfly Beach, Betul Beach, Galgibag, Kalacha, Kakolem, Siridao, Velsao, Vainguinim.
Ditch the offbeat places
Visit the offbeat places like the backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, the ghats and the caves -
Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Butterfly Conservatory, Devil's Canyon, Rivona Caves, Arvalem Caves, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Pequeno Bat Islands, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Todo Waterfalls, Spice Plantations, Goan Backwaters, Cabo de Rama etc.
Miss out on the local cuisine
Goan cuisine consists of mainly Konkani food along with a few Portuguese and Catholic influences. Don't just stick to the tried and tested north or south Indian fare. Give your taste buds a change and a chance to appreciate the local cuisine especially the seafood ( Of course, not the vegetarian tourists ). There are innumerable shacks along the beaches to choose from as also the top-rated restaurants and 5 star eateries.
Not mingle with the locals
Don't just sit around in the resort or the hotel with your family or group. Go out and meet new people, most importantly the locals who would make for great guides regarding the offbeat things to see and do.
Miss out on the local festivals and events
Goans are big on celebrations, be it their festivals, occasions, heritage, culturally significant days. Goa is not only about Christmas, New Year, Music fests, Sao Joao Festival, Carnival, Feast of Saint Francis Xavier.
There are so many more to mingle in and enjoy -
Dahi Handi, Hanuman Jayanti, Buddha Purnima,
Brahmotsavam at Brahma-Carambolim,
Jayanchi Pooja of Mardol, Celebration of Nave in Mayem, Vaingini and Bicholim, Datta Jayanti, Jagor - A traditional Gawda folk drama, Dhalo, Bicholim celebrated 'Navo Somar, Harvest Feast of Poinguinim and Loliye, Aaitar Poojan-Sun worship, Anant Chaturdashi, Shigmo to name a few.
Basically, Go to Goa and rather than be a regular tourist, try to be more open to adventure and new experiences. Follow the Do's as well as the Don'ts
Images - www.goaexperience.co.uk
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