Whenever there is some discussion related to Goa what comes to our minds are the beaches of Goa. Goan beaches are popular worldwide and they are visited by local as well as international tourists. Apart from the exotic beaches, Goa has much more to offer to the tourists. We will review the top ten things that attract the visitors to Goa like a magnet.

Beaches Goan beaches are the heart and soul of Goa tourism. These world famous fine sand beaches are more popular due to the freedom offered at these beaches. The natural unpolluted beaches of Goa fascinate the visitors and force them to visit Goa very often. Another attraction of the beaches is the availability of the best seafood in the shacks, accompanied with local liquor called Feni.

Water Sports Most of the vibrant and sporty travelers to Goa are looking for fun and adventure. The fun of the water sports can be enjoyed to the peak level with activity like water sports in Goa. Water sports like Jet Skiing, Scuba diving, Para sailing, Para gliding and Wind surfing are the activities where tourists engage themselves. These water sports can be best enjoyed between the months of October and March.

Festivals Festivals in Goa shows a great variety of celebrations throughout the year. Christmas and New Year celebrations are the most enthusiastic celebrations. Apart from the religious festivals some of the festivals celebrated here are typical Goan festivals. Some of the festivals celebrated include Shigmao festival, Bonderam festival, Feast of Three Kings, Feast of Saint Xavier and on the top of all is the Goa Carnival.

Night Life in Goa The other important asset of Goa tourism is the Night life in Goa. As the sun sets, Goa Nightlife starts getting heated up. With many Night clubs, Pubs, Discotheques, Bars and Casinos Goan night life is just amazing. Earlier the only night club was at Calangute, but nowadays you will find places of celebrating Night life spread throughout Goan territory especially near the beaches.

Food Goan food is just an inviting factor for the tourists where you will find Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian delicacies equally appealing. Sea food especially the Goan fish curry is on the top of the demanding food items of Goa. The Goan Cuisine is a blend of Konkani, Portuguese, and Bahamani Nawabi traditions. The food specialties mainly include fish, prawns, sea-fruits, mussels, oysters and crabs.

Culture Goan culture impressed by many different religions is a mixed type of culture with the marks of different religions and cultures imbibed in it. Many religious beliefs are equally respected and there is a freedom to celebrate different religious festivals. The culture of Goa is an easy going and relaxing type giving importance to celebrations and enjoyment.

Portuguese Architecture The architectural marvels of Goa also show a great influence on the increasing tourist traffic to Goa. There are a number of churches in old Goa built by the Portuguese. Some of the well known old churches displaying Portuguese architecture are Chapel of St. Catherine at Old Goa, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa and St. Catherine's' Cathedral Church in Goa.

Old Temples & Forts The monuments of Goa consist of many ancient temples and forts. Among temples in Goa, the temple of Mangesh, in a beautiful village Mangeshi, is the most popular one. There is a Shri Bhagwati temple is a five hundred year old temple dedicated to goddess Bhagwati Asthbhuja. Many people visit this temple during Dussherra. Among the forts Aguada is an ancient fort built by the Portuguese in 1612. Cabo De Rama fort is located in Canacona Taluka of Goa.

Wildlife sanctuaries The major portion of the land in Goa is covered by forests and wildlife. There are many wildlife sanctuaries in Goa preserving rare varieties of animals. The major four wildlife sanctuaries of Goa are Bondla wildlife sanctuary located at forty km from Margao, Mahavir wild life sanctuary, Cotigao wildlife sanctuary and Salim Ali bird sanctuary.

Shopping in Goa - is the prime activity of the tourists. Shopping at Goan traditional markets is altogether enjoyable experience. The markets of Goa are full of local handicrafts, wine, cuisine, and spices. The traditional, modern and the beachside shopping places must be visited to gather some memorable souvenirs. Anjuna beach flea market is a must visit place.