India is a land of variety of destinations from hill stations to beaches to spiritual places and more . India is the 7 largest country in the world. India is known for its unity in diversity. There are the Himalayas ,the highest mountain ranges in the Northern part of India , there is a vast coastline in the Southern part of India on both sides , making South India a Peninsula. On the west there is a massive Thar desert in Rajasthan and there are wildlife , forests , spiritual places ,religious places of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh , Jain , Buddhist, Christians and people from other religions.
Here are some commonly explored gems of India:
- Goa
- Delhi
- Manali
- Jaipur
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Leh Ladakh
- Kerela
- Varanasi
- Coorg
- Gangtok
- Darjeeling
- Amritsar
GOA
Geographically goa is divided into two sectors. The tourism here occurs according to these two sectors. North Goa is famous for its Forts , Churches , Concerts and Casino. South is famous for Beaches , water sports and Temples .
NORTH GOA
Places to visit in North Goa
1. Calangute Beach
Situated 15 kms from Panjim , Calangute beach is the longest beach in North Goa, stretching from Candolim to Baga. Due to its sheer size and popularity , it is a hub for tourist and backpackers from all over the world. Popularly known as “Queens of Beaches “,Calangute beach of Goa is among the top 10 bathing beaches in the world. Calangute beach is also known for its water sports activities like parasailing , water surfing, banana ride and jet skiing .
2. Basilica of Bom Jesus
The Basilica of Bom Jesus church is one of a kind in India and is known for its exemplary baroque architecture. Built in the year 1594 and consecrated in 1605, the building of this church coincides with the beginning of Christianity in India . The oldest church in Goa ,Basilica of Bom Jesus who is the remains of St. Francis Xavier , special friend of St. Ignatius loyola with whom he founded the society of Jesus ( Jesuits). Even after 400 years the remains are in good conditions and are taken out once every decade . Basilica of Bom Jesus has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO . The Basilica of Bom Jesus is over 408 years old and is open to the public every day .
3. Fort Aguada
Fort Aguada is an epitome of Portuguese architecture built in the 17 century. It’s Lighthouse and the fort itself Braves the ravages of time and stand like silent sentinels on the Sinquerim beach . Built in 1612 as a protection from Dutch and Marathas , it was the most prized and crucial fort for the Portuguese .
4. Sunburn Festival
Sunburn is a commercial electronic dance music festival . It is Asia largest music festival . The festival is an amalgamation of music , entertainment , food ,and shopping .
SOUTH GOA
Places to visit in South Goa
1. Colva
Colva which is one of the largest and striking beaches of South Goa . Colva is very beautiful and has a stream flowing throught it . There are many shacks ,souvenir stalls and snack bar all around it .Colva has many stalls such as jwellery , clothes , dryfruits and alcohol stores .
2 . Mahadev Temple , Tambdi Surla
Tambdi Surla is a 12th – century Shaivite temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and an active place of Hindu worship. It is the only structural temple of the Kadamba period to survive the destructive violance of religious intolerances during Muslim and Portuguese occupations of Goan territory.
3 . Galgibaga Turtle Beach
Sea turtle, it seems to have a taste of the best beaches.Galgibaga , along with Agonda in the South and Morjim in the North are the three beaches in Goa where olive ridley turtles lay eggs between October and March.
4. Mahalakshmi Temple
Mahalaxmi temple is located near ponda and is a great place to visit if you are looking for a religious top during a trip to Goa. Built during the 15 century the original black granite idol of Sri Mahalakshmi was broken by the Portuguese during the eradication of Hinduism and other religions. A beautiful panchola idol was made. Panjola is five metal mixed together, usually silver, gold , iron , copper and lead . This Temple resembles the Mahalaxmi temple in Kolhapur, which is one of the main areas where the goddess Shakti worships are .
Tourism in India 