Goa is one of India’s most popular destinations, famous for its sun-drenched beaches, buzzing nightlife, rich cultural heritage and lush natural beauty. The state is a hit with travelers who visit the country during winters; however, visiting in April gives a different outlook of the coastal state. It is warm, crowds are manageable and there are lots of activities to engage visitors.
Whether you are staying in luxury villas in Goa or a simple beachside shack there will be something for everyone here. Here is your guide to the top 10 things to do when you visit Goa in April.
Relax on Calm Beaches
Since it is off season meaning lesser tourists and quiet beaches, April marks the beginning of this divine scenario. This time offers beautiful sunny days where one can laze on the sand as they bask under the sun or take leisurely strolls into Arabian Sea waters. Some of the best beaches for this period include Palolem which has a crescent shape and calm water frontage as well as Agonda – a serene place that allows total relaxation. Due to reduced numbers at the shorelines, it eventually means more room for breathing out hence one should seize such an opportunity to enjoy Goa’s coastline beauty.
Take Part In Water Sports
If you are an adventure lover then April is the best time to go surfing in Goa. With temperatures ranging from 29 degrees Celsius upwards it becomes bearable enough for any kind of water activity. Whether looking forward to parasailing, jet skiing, snorkeling or scuba diving amongst others; clean tranquil waters of Goa hence suitable for exploration undersea creatures as well as watersports thrills like never before. There are several packages offered by operators along these shores which may come at subsidized rates during that month thereby making it affordable trying out something new.
Attend Cultural Festivals around Goa
April is not just about sun and sand; it’s a month to experience the rich culture of Goa. The month starts with Easter celebrations, where you can witness traditional processions, enjoy special Easter menus at local restaurants, and participate in community events. Another highlight is the Cashew Trail, where you can learn about cashew harvesting and production, and sample local cashew liquor like Feni and Urrak. The Konkan Fruit Fest is another must-visit, offering a wide variety of local fruits to taste and buy.
Historical Sites and Churches
The state’s impressive architecture especially in terms of churches and forts reflects its rich historical background. With longer days as well as bearable temperatures for this period of the year April offers an excellent opportunity to explore these sites of history. One cannot miss seeing Basilica Bom Jesus which has St Francis Xavier’s preserved body thereby making it an UNESCO World Heritage site due to its spectacular architectural style baroque. In addition one should go up to Fort Aguada that gives one panoramic views of Arabian Sea waters during his/her visit there. These historical legacies tell us about Goa when Portuguese were colonizing it by comfortable weather conditions which are available now only.
Take a Sunset Cruise
One of the most peaceful ways to approach Goa in April is to go on a sunset cruise along Mandovi River or the Arabian Sea. The sky becomes colourful as the sun goes down and this makes a perfect setting for romantic escapades especially for families. Most cruises offer good music, traditional Goan performances and are full of delicious seafood that make it all more exciting and unforgettable at once. A great way to end your day after exploring Goa’s hidden treasures is to take it easy while enjoying the evening breeze.
Explore Goa’s Natural Beauty: Wildlife Sanctuaries and Parks
Goa is not only about beaches; there are vast areas of jungles, wildlife sanctuaries, and spectacular waterfalls too. This time of year has nice weather throughout the day which makes April an idyllic month to visit these stunning sceneries. Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary is every nature lover’s dream where you can find flowers of all types and multiple sorts of wild life from leopards, deer, birds among others. Dudhsagar Waterfalls – one of the highest in India – should also be on your itinerary. The trek leading to it is an adventure by itself but seeing water cascading downward through rocks would leave anyone awestruck.
Shop at Flea Markets
Shopping enthusiasts consider Goa as one of their favorite destinations and with good reason: April provides an opportunity for strolling around vibrant flea markets without any rush whatsoever. Each Wednesday Anjuna Flea Market attracts visitors who come looking for souvenirs from clothes, jewellery, handcrafts etc.. Mapusa Market is also a place where people can buy some local spices fresh products straight from gardens or orchards back home as mementos from Goa. Since during April the crowds are smaller than usually you may feel free taking your time walking around trying to get better prices for whatever you need.
Enjoy Goa’s Nightlife
No other place can beat Goa in terms of nightlife and April is a good time to come here and get first hand experience of it. At that time, there are not many tourists hence you will be able to visit the most popular clubs, shacks, and pubs without standing in line. Baga Beach has popular places like Tito’s and Café Mambo with lively music and party atmosphere. Curlies at Anjuna Beach is a more relaxed alternative with cool music and food. This is also the season when a lot of beach shack throw special events or parties which means one cannot ask for more than dancing all night long.
Savor Goan Cuisine
It is impossible to leave Goa without tasting its delicious dishes. April has a number of restaurants featuring Goan food with their seasonal dishes as well as fresh catch every day. People who enjoy seafood delicacies have an extensive list including prawn curry, fish recheado or crab xec xec among others. For vegetarians, Goan cuisine offers traditional meals like mushroom xacuti or sol kadhi among others. To have the best experience, consider staying at luxury villas in Goa where you get your own personal chef cooking authentic Goan meals for you.
Experience Wellness and Relaxation
Goa boasts wellness retreats thus if you are looking forward to rejuvenating yourself; this would be an ideal place to visit especially in April. In several cases, luxurious villas provide spa services thereby giving people a chance to relax through yoga sessions or using Ayurvedic treatments from their vacation homes. If however one wants a whole body reset through detoxification, stress management or simply treating oneself; then there are many wellness centers that offer tranquillity in Goa where both soul and body can refuel back again.
Conclusion
Goa in April presents an unrivaled melt of events that suit all categories of people. That’s because it offers almost everything you can think about including thrill, relief, culture and food. Goa luxury villas make the trip more enjoyable by providing superior accommodation for your stay as well as a perfect starting point to explore every nook and cranny of this region. So get ready with your backpacks and itineraries to taste the essence of Goa in April.
