Goa and its Top Attractions

About Goa

The subtle Indo Portuguese fusion that is reflected in the Goan landscape, culture and society is undeniably a consequence of the state’s chequered history. From the fourth century AD, Goa was ruled by a succession of Hindu dynasties, including the Kadambs, whose rule spanning two and a half centuries is regarded as the Golden age in Goa’s history.

Muslim influences percolated into the society when the region came under the Bahmani Sultans and subsequently the Adil Shahis of Bijapur. With Afonso de Albuquerque's arrival, the Portuguese came into the picture in 1510 with the intent to colonize and seize control of the spice trade from other European powers. Goa soon became the jewel in Portugal’s crown and until as recently as 1961 was a Portuguese territory.

Attractions

Calangute Beach - 1 kilometre from the resort

Popularly known as “Queen of the Beaches,” Calangute Beach is popular among hippies. This beach is a true haven for locals and tourists as this beach is a true replica of Goan beach culture.

Candolim Beach - 2.1 kilometres from the resort

Candolim beach in Goa is a peaceful beach which is located quite close to Aguada Beach. This beach is known for its tranquil environment. One can find the best seafood in Goa here.

Café Mambos - 4 kms from the resort

Café Mambos is a popular destination for music and dance lovers. This place has a great dance floor and serves amazing food and drinks.

Ocean Palms Goa Museum of Christian Art Goa

The Museum of Christian Art - 21 kms from the resort

The Museum of Christian Art is located in the Convent of Santa Monica, Old Goa, in the vicinity of World Heritage Monuments. The museum showcases the richness of Indo-Portuguese Christian Art from Goa and reflects the immense wealth of the churches of Goa.

Reis Magos Fort - 7.5 kilometres from the resort

Reis Magos fort was constructed in 1551 and is studded with Portuguese turrets. This fort was erected to protect the narrowest point at the mouth of the Mandovi estuary. The fort formerly accommodated viceroys and other dignitaries newly arrived from, or en route to, Lisbon.

Ocean Palms Goa Basilica of Bom Jesus Goa

Basilica of Bom Jesus - 21.7 kilometres from the resort

Located in Old Goa, India, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This chapel is considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Goa. The church is called “Bom Jesus” meaning ‘good Jesus’ or ‘infant Jesus’ to whom it is dedicated. The Basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier in Goa.

Touxeamchem Fest (Cucumber Feast)

St. Anne, who is the patron saint at the church at Talaulim, attracts devotees from all religious backgrounds to the Touxeamchem Fest. Newlyweds offer cucumbers to the saint while asking to be blessed with a baby. Many blessed couples also return to express their gratitude with their gifted babies in their arms.

Ocean Palms Goa Feast of Three Kings Goa

Feast of The Three Kings

During the Feast of The Three Kings celebrated at Reis Magos, Cansaulim and Chandor churches, local boys dressed in robes, capes and crowns enact the journey of The Three Kings who came bearing gifts for Lord Jesus. People offer their gifts to the Holy Infant child in an elaborate pageantry. This festival of The Three Kings marks the end of the Christmas celebrations.

Goa Offers Water Sports, Shopping Centres and Nightlife

Goa offers an eclectic mix of water sports, shopping centres and nightlife for tourists. Come, explore Goa!

Goa offers parasailing, jet skis, banana boat rides and windsurfing and other wild activities. Dolphin cruises and canoe rides are better for those who are looking for a more mellow experience. Most boat cruise operators are located on the Panjim bank of the river Mandovi, running short evening and night cruises into to the Arabian Sea and back.

Panjim’s municipal market stretches elaborately inland from the waterfront, selling a wide array of fresh products, dried fish, household wares, herbs and spices. Buyers and vendors from all over the northern and central Goa create little mountains of colourful vegetables and fruits, fish, herbs and spices at the Friday Mapusa Market.

With a choice of live entertainment by way of Latino, jazz, karaoke sing-alongs and retro venues, you can groove to your choice of music and vibes within Goa. Music and dance lovers can frequent the swathe of pubs and bars that feature popular DJ's pumping up the jam at clubs. The Party scene is always going in Goa. You can certainly find a venue to match your style at the Calangute-Baga stretch, which houses all the premier clubs north of the Mandovi River. Further north, Anjuna, Vagator and Arambol sway to the beat of a different drum.