Ever wondered about how scenic and alluring can Goa be? Well, this thought crosses our minds as well! So here we bring you some interesting and lesser-known facts about this beautiful state, which will make you fall in love with it all the more! Are you ready?

• Dudhsagar Waterfall

We all must have heard about this gigantic waterfall that exhibits an illusion of milk falling from a height. But did you know that this waterfall is India’s highest waterfall, with a height of 310m and an approximate width of 30metres? Surprising right?! Due to its vast expanse and enchanting beauty, this place never fails to garner tourists from all over India and the world. So next time you visit this place, do keep in mind this interesting fact!

Location: Sonaulim, Goa

For more details, click here. 

• FENI

If you ever visited Goa and never had the Goan special Feni, then you have certainly missed out on an adventure in itself! Goan Feni is famous all over the world. It is a locally brewed liquor variant that is known for being of two popular types; one is made of cashews, and the other is toddy palm feni. This process initially began at the local level that was made by villagers, but now has become an industry of its own. Interestingly, unlike other alcohols, this drink is used as a traditional remedy for cold, stomach-ache, etc.

• SE CATHEDRAL

Located in Goa and built to commemorate the victory of Afonso  Albuquerque, this church is Asia’s largest church. Thronged by tourists throughout the year, this magnificent church was built in 1619 by the Portuguese, who were ruling Goa.

Timings: ( GTDC): Open every day from 7.30 am to 6 pm.
Mass Timings
Weekdays – 7.30 am and 6.00 pm
Sunday – 7.15 am, 10.00 am, and 4.00 pm.

For more details, click here. 

• GOA’S  PILOT  TAXI SERVICE

While in the rest of India, a taxi refers to a cab or a car, in Goa, the pilot taxi services are much more hassle-free and is the preferred mode of transport. These pilots are at every bus stand, with their yellow and black painted motorcycles. People in Goa use this as a substitute for rickshaws that is hardly there in any other state. Extremely convenient and fast, tourists also prefer these rides.

• REMAINS OF SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER

When you visit Bom Jesus Basilica Church at Old Goa,  you will find in a golden casket, the relics of the most revered saint of Goa, St. Francis Xavier. The miraculously, non-decaying body of the saint is open for public worship once in every ten years.

• NIRO

Wondering what is this? Well, Niro is another locally brewed fruit beverage made from cashews, made by the locals or the people who have planted the cashew trees in an area. This Niro emerges as a by-product while making Feni, and is extremely famous as a summer drink. This drink is 100% natural and made entirely out of the fresh cashew juice. It is made traditionally by squashing whole cashews by feet.

• GOA UNIFORM CIVIL CODE

Goa is the first and the only state in the country of India that has the renowned Uniform Civil Code that came into force from 1870 by the Portuguese but continued even after Goa’s liberation. In brief, this law applies to all the people of Goa, irrespective of their religion, sex or caste, hence having the same rules for marriage, inheritance, and divorce, etc., thus prohibiting polygamy.

• KUSWAR

In Goa, all festivals are celebrated with pomp and enthusiasm.  People of all religions get together in harmony and take part in honouring each other’s festivities. Kuswar is a term in Konkani used for denoting a hamper full of sweets made during Christmas, that a catholic family gives to all its neighbours, especially their Hindu, Muslim brethren. Likewise, when their festivals go on, they too exchange lots of tasty goodies!

• GOA’S BAMBOO HANDICRAFT

Although Goa is extremely rich when it comes to the handicraft industry, which consists of Brass work, wood carving, etc., the bamboo industry is one of the oldest. Local women weave thin strips of bamboo to make mats, baskets, etc. These handicrafts can be found in many Goan homes, as the bamboo mats are used for drying spices, baskets for carrying purpose, etc. For more details, click here.

• NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM

Situated at Vasco, this Museum is one of its kind in the whole of Asia. This Museum portrays the epic evolution of the Indian Naval Arms. For more details, click here.

All the facts above are what makes Goa not a Party Place but a unique one too. So, next time whenever you visit Best Places in Goa, do keep these facts in mind also.