Looking beyond the beaches and nightlife, Goa holds up to all the stereotypes that exist about this state. A perfect retreat and a paradise gleaming in golden sand and azure waters – Goa is a perfect cocktail of history and contemporary!

With a shimmering sun in the backdrop, Goa is a hippy-paradise, away from the rush. It is an ecstasy pill which transports you to the land of relaxation. Still rocking the 70’s vibe, Goa is the ingredient which cooks a perfect holiday recipe.  

Drenched in the rich heritage, skimming through the pages of history, this city was ruled by the Portuguese for about 450 years, and heavily influenced Goan culture. Exploring the Goa’s hinterland, you get the feel of its many-layered heritage and experience the history this tiny state holds. The spectacular range of architecture that flourished in Goa, is an amalgamation of influence from across Europe and South America appropriated and transformed by Indian customs.

Drenched in the rich heritage, skimming through the pages of history, this city was ruled by the Portuguese for about 450 years, and heavily influenced Goan culture. Exploring the Goa’s hinterland, you get the feel of its many-layered heritage and experience the history this tiny state holds. The spectacular range of architecture that flourished in Goa, is an amalgamation of influence from across Europe and South America appropriated and transformed by Indian customs.

Reminiscing the trance of the hippie rhythm, which came in the ’70s and redefined the beach towns of North Goa. These years were marked with wild, all-night parties and hippie backpackers. This city unfolds a world of seashores with perfect beach shacks, coco-huts, it is a trail where history resides.
So, whether you’re planning a family holiday or a quick getaway, book your stay at Cygnett Lite Celestiial, Goa. It is a perfect travel partner for your soul-retreat situated near Candolim Beach in North Goa. This hotel offers you suitable and cost-effective accommodation with a touch of luxury and comfort.

THINGS TO DO

Step outside in the glistening sun, explore and get a taste of what the subcontinent has to offer. Goa is a blend of blissful beaches, fresh seafood, spicy curries, vibrant market and an infused architecture.

REVISIT THE PORTUGESE CONNECTION

One of the majorly overlooked aspects of Goa is architecture. The major churches and convents resemble southern Europe. The music in Goa contains the tunes of Portuguese fado. Looking at the architecture, Santana de Talaulim is an extraordinary church which also happens to be Asia’s second-largest church. It is a major example of the colonial Portuguese Baroque architecture built in the 17^th century.  

PLETHORA OF ACTIVITIES

There is a large number of activities which help you plan your travel that simply doesn’t limit your adventurous soul. There are many water sports exercises to browse, nearly all through Goa. Parasailing, windsurfing, speed pontoon and banana vessel rides, water-skiing, water bikes, boogie boarding, dinghy cruising, and that’s just the beginning. There is swimming too at the seashores which amplify your Goa- Bucket- List!

A DECORATED COASTLINE

From the North toward the South, there are different beaches which can be explored. North Goa seashores are busier with significantly more exercises, gatherings, and shopping. The seashores in the south are progressively quiet and serene. There is more nature in the South the beaches are perfect to unwind at a shack, get a back rub and drink Feni.

FEED YOUR BOHO SOUL AT THE FLEA MARKETS

Get ready for a colourful carnival of shopping at Goa, be it chilled beer, junk jewellery, tattoos, colourful scarves, spices, hand-crafted art pieces there is a sheer diversity which makes Goa a shopper’s paradise. The markets are hippie exchange of commodities, where you can dance on the tunes of ‘Rock-n-Roll’ and ‘Jazz’.

VISIT THE POST COLONIAL HERITAGE

In the Old Goa, lies the most popular heritage site, Basilica of Bom Jesus. Rich in architecture, the Basilica is dedicated to Infant Jesus. This cathedral was built in the 16^th century and now has been declared a World Heritage Monument. The layout of this monument follows the Renaissance trend, the detailed decoration makes it a breath-taking sight. This opulent structure is a must-visit if you wish to experience a miraculous phenomenon.

A DELICIOUS TANGY GOAN FISH CURRY

GOAN FOOD

Goan food is unique, a mix of different influences the platters speak history and tradition. Goan Fish Curry is a staple food of every household in Goa. There are a variety of fishes which are used in this dish which makes it a perfect cuisine to have with rice. Although, traditional Goan fish curry is cooked with tuna.

A MARINATED VINDALOO

When the meat is marinated in wine – we get Vindaloo, a dish which came from the Portuguese term Carne de vinha d’alhos. This dish includes marination of pork in garlic and wine. Vindaloo is a speciality of every Goan household.  

FIERY CRAB XEC XEC

Well, the Goan cuisine is known for its spices, this is yet another a spicy dish from the Konkan Kitchen. As the name suggests this dish is made by cooking crabs in a thick gravy of tamarind, chillies and coconut. Crab Xec Xec tastes best with boiled rice or bread, this is one of the traditional Goan Crab Curry dishes which is rich in flavours.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL BEBINCA

A popular Goan dessert, Bebinca is a pudding with 7 layers! This Indo-Portuguese traditional dish is the speciality of Goa and a must-buy for your family back home. Bebinca is served during Christmas and is also known as bibik or bebinka. This cake is rich in its ingredients and the thin layers of coconut make it all the more delicious.

AROMATIC SAMARACHI KODI

A curry dish which is made with 21 spices and is cooked uniquely in the villages of North Goa. This food is a Catholic wedding ritual food and is flavoured with dried and fresh prawns. The curry has a distinctive and unforgettable taste, when paired with rice it becomes a mood lifter of all sorts.

MOUTH-WATERING GUAVA PERAD

The Goan Guava Cheese Perad just melts in your mouth, one of the sweets which are prepared as a part of Christmas Basket of goodies. This dish is quite difficult to make but it’s a delicacy which stays with you. Perad can be eaten for breakfast when not fully cooked as well! The different textures of Guava Perad are worth savouring.