Shopping In Agra

No vacation is complete without a little bit of retail therapy. No matter which place you happen to go, bingeing on the local souvenirs is one fun experience that cannot be paralleled. Sure, gaping at the iconic Mughal architecture, Taj Mahal and experiencing the other architectural delights in Agra is an overwhelming experience. Nevertheless, there is more to Agra than just its iconic monument of love and its spate of heritage sites. Apart from the historians and the epicureans, Agra has loads to offer to its discerning shoppers as well. Right from stone studded jewellery to beautiful carpets to metal figurines, you can shop for indigenous arts and crafts here. As you stroll along the bazaar lanes, you will realize that Agra is every shopper's haven. The best part of shopping in Agra is that you can always haggle your way through the best deals. Some of the well-known shopping areas in the city are Sadar Bazaar, Munro Road, Taj Ganj, Gawalior Road, Kinari Bazaar and Pratap Pura. To get to know more about the shopping places in Agra, read through the following write-up.

Things To Buy In Agra

Marble
When shopping in Agra, you just can't get away without splurging on the marble crafts that are the highest selling art pieces here. Whether you wish to take back home a miniature marble replica of Taj Mahal or splurge on meticulously designed exquisite marble crafts like vases, tabletops, ashtrays and ornamental boxes, the state emporiums here have loads to offer to the shoppers. However, make sure you don't get duped by fake soapstone artifacts that are crystalline in nature. Make sure you buy your marble artifacts from authorized stores only.

Leather Goods
Whether you wish to indulge in leather boots, belts, bags, gloves, shoes, slippers or jackets, Agra is the place to go. Agra has a booming leather market from where you can get the best deals on leather goods and accessories at affordable prices. The best place to buy leather products is at Sadar Bazaar, Munro Road and Kinari Bazaar from where you can pick amazing leather stuff at amazing deals. Other good places to splurge in leather products are Shilpagram Crafts Village and Gangotri Emporium.

Carpets
Another must-buy item in Agra is its exquisite, eye-catching rugs and carpets. Carpet weaving that has been in vogue since the Mughal era that continues to draw potential buyers even today from different parts of the world. You can choose from a plethora of hand woven rugs, mats, wall hangings and carpets or opt for the industry manufactured ones. The carpet shops are concentrated close to Taj Mahal complex. You can pick carpets of every possible design, finish and rates from the shops lined up in Sadar Bazaar, Munro Road and Kinari Bazaar. However, the best place to pick up these carpets at a cheap price is from the Shilpagram Crafts Village.

Metal Wares
Besides the above mentioned artifacts and goods, the city is also well known for its brass work. There are several government managed emporiums that sell brassware at very nominal prices. Some of the brass items available here are metal sculptures, ornamental boxes, traditional water pipes, plates, jars, vases, safe boxes etc. The best places to buy these metal wares are Gangotri Emporium, Shilpagram Crafts Village and the shops in Munro Road and Sadar Bazaar.

Places To Visit In Agra

Located in Uttar Pradesh, close to the capital city of Delhi, Agra always draws tourists in large numbers. According to the city's early history, Agra was founded by Muslim ruler Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 1504. Later, in 1556, a general named Samrat Hem Chander Vikramaditya captured the place and restored Hindu rule in the region. Agra became the strongest citadel of power in Northern India for the Mughal Empire during the 5th century before the place was seized by the Marathas and the Jats. The royal supremacy over the land came to an end after the East Indian Company took over it. Once home to diverse leaders, Agra is wadded with many spectacular monuments that are worth visiting. Apart from the world famous Taj Mahal, the city has tons of other popular sightseeing places like Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Itimad-Ud-Daulah, Sikandara, Jama Masjid and the list is almost endless. Scroll down this write-up to known all about places to visit in Agra and plan your itinerary accordingly.

Tourist Attractions In Agra

Taj Mahal

Built by Shah Jahan as a souvenir for his much loved wife Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a World Heritage site. The structure is raised completely in white marble and is a breath taking sight to behold. This dome shaped structure comprises of four columns with domes on top of each pillar. This symmetrical monument is located close to the River Yamuna took 22 years of hard labor to finish the structure. The interiors of the structure are decorated with intricate ornate patterns and semi-precious stones. The best time to catch a glimpse of the Taj Mahal is during first light of the day or on a full moon night when the view is magnificent and cannot be adequately described in words.

Agra Fort 

Also known as the Red Fort is more than 1000 years old and was restored by Akbar the Mughal Emperor in 1565. Built out of red sandstone is another World Heritage site the fort was converted into a palace that flaunts the skilled marble and 'pietra dura' craftsmanship. The focal points inside the fortress are Pearl Mosque, Public and Private Audience halls, Shish Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Khas Mahal and the Musamman Burj. The fort holds great importance to the Indian history and is worth visiting.

Fatehpur Sikri 

Located 35 km away from the city, the fort was built by the Mughal monarch Akbar in 1601 CE. The stronghold was erected by Akbar with the intention to make Fatehpur Sikri as his military center of operations. Made of red sandstone with beautiful carvings in black and white marble, the structure is an overwhelming sight and is another World Heritage Site.

Itimad-Ud-Daulah

Often referred to as a jewel box or Baby Taj, the Itimad-Ud-Daulah was built by Empress Nur Jahan for her beloved father. Located on the banks of the River Yamuna, the tomb is considered to be a smaller version of the Taj Mahal. This mausoleum is built in white marble that consist of delicate carvings, pietra dura, lattice work that where famous during the Mughal period. The monument is also crusted with semi precious stones such as jaspers, onyx, topaz, cornelian, lapis etc. The tomb has both the parents of the Empress laid alongside just like the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz in the Taj Mahal. Itimad-Ud-Daulah is a beautiful sight and a main architectural monument of Agra.

Sikandar 

In the major suburbs of Agra lies the tomb of Akbar, an iconic figure in the history of India. Spread across 119 acres of land, it is believed that the Emperor himself commissioned the construction of his tomb in 1545 that was later finished by his son Jahangir in the year 1613. As for the structural design, the vault was constructed in red sand stone and marble and the ornamentations on the walls comprises of geometric patterns and calligraphy outlines and elaborate floral sketch. The entrance way has wide arches accompanied with several minarets on top of the building that are common feature found in Mughal structures.

Jama Masjid 

Located right across the Agra Fort is one of India's largest mosques. Built by Shah Jahan for his most much-loved daughter Jahanara Begum in the year 1648, the Jama Masjid is a hallmark structure in Agra. The mosque is built on a platform with entrance arch ways leading to the courtyard. The structure also has three large domes at the top and is made of sandstone. Each of these tombs is notable with its criss-crossed marble lines. Located in the heart of the city and close to the marketplace, the mosque is a familiar landmark in Agra.

How To Reach Agra

Chockablock with a plethora of breathtaking tourist hotspots, a slew of archaic bazaars, and a spate of local eateries offering lip-smacking Mughlai fare, Agra truly inspires awe among its visitors. Tucked away in the northern part of Uttar Pradesh, close to the banks of River Yamuna, Agra apparently ranks high among the top most populated cities in India. Despite of its frippery and commercialism, Agra has managed to capture the imagination of many with its impressive array of architectural wonders like Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fathepur Sikri and Jama Masjid that offers a dynamic view of the city's past splendor. What's more, from Agra you can plan a quick daytrip to the nearby cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Gwalior that hosts a hatful of attractions for the tourists. Tourism being one of Agra's prime sources of revenue generation, the city is well-linked to most of the Indian cities by excellent transport facilities. Be it road, rail or air, Agra is connected to the rest of the country by an impressive network of transport. To know how to reach Agra comfortably and conveniently, trail the article below and have a safe trip to the city.

Traveling To Agra

By Air 
The Agra Airport is a military airbase that is maintained by the Indian Air force and is open to commercial airline carriers too. The Agra airfield is said to one of the largest military air strips in the country. The airport is located 12.5 km away from the city. Although, the airport does not link to any international destinations, the city is connected to all the major cities of India by domestic air carriers. However, if are looking for the closest international airport, then Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, which is located 200 km away from the city, is your best option. 

By Rail 
If you plan to travel to Agra by railways, then Agra has a plethora of trains to take you to the city comfortably. Agra has three important railway stations where several trains make a scheduled stop. Agra Fort Railway Station, Agra Cantt and Raja ki Mandi are the three main railway stations that connect the city to the popular cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Indore, Jaipur, Lucknow and many other cities in India. 

By Road 
The national highways connecting Agra and other nearby cities are well maintained and in good condition. So you can be assured of a smooth comfortable journey as you head to city. If you are traveling from Delhi, then the fastest route would be the NH 2. The distance between Agra and Delhi is just 200 km and can be covered within a span of 4 hours. For those who are commuting from Jaipur, it is usually suggested that you take the NH 11 as it is the best four-lane freeway that connects Agra via Bharatpur. As for people travelling from Mumbai and Gwalior, NH 3 is a good option. The NH 2 and NH 25 are used by passengers journeying from Lucknow and Kanpur.

History Of Agra

Overwhelming splendor, attractive monuments and exquisite traditions makes Agra cynosure India. Being the ultimate stopover for travelers from around the world, Agra stands as a true masterpiece of Mughal architecture that truly captivates your attentions with its buzzing lifestyle and spellbinding history. The city of Agra, which once served as the majestic dais for Indian rulers, has its mention even in the greatest Hindu epic of Mahabharata. Much of the city's inspiring past breathes even in this contemporary world through its alluring structural gifts. With the vibrant cultural and religious history of nearly 3000 years, Agra boasts of power, compassion, love, refinement and above all the affection towards art and artifacts. The land, which testifies to the magnificent Mughal rule, is popular in the entire world for its stunning white marble beauty, the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. With fond reminiscences, royal heritage, rich culture and cherished legacies of nostalgic past, Agra holds on to its historical heritage with great pride. Go ahead and explore the history of Agra and explore the majesty of the land.

Agra History 

Agra, The Land of Glorious Past
Agra, perched on the banks of the River Yamuna, is one of the oldest cities in India. In fact, one can find the mention of this city in the great epic of Mahabharata, in which the region of Agra is described as 'Agraban', which served as an integral part of Brij Bhumi, the land of Lord Krishna. In the pre-historic period, Agra was believed to be inhabited by the Aryans who named the land as 'Arya Griha'. However, according to the records, the earliest mention of Agra was made in 1475 A.D, during the reign of Raja Badal Singh, who is believed to be the actual founder of the city. The glorious history of Agra starts during the Afghan ruler Sikandar Lodhi era, who made Agra his capital. After the death of Sikandar Lodhi, his son Ibrahim Lodhi administered the entire Delhi Sultanate from Agra.

Golden Age Of Mughal Rule
Agra, the land of finest culture and unique character flourished under the hands of the spectacular Mughal rule. In the year 1526 A.D, Babar defeated Lodi's in the First Battle of Panipat and conquered Agra. After Babar, his grandson Akbar became the most noted ruler under whom the city transformed into a hub of art, culture, commerce and learning centre. The city flourished into a land of astonishing architectures. His son Jehangir also built a number of monuments in Agra such as palaces, courts and gardens. After the death of Jehangir, his son Shah Jahan shifted his empire to Delhi and left the impact of his rule by building the world famous Taj Mahal in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. The ravishing Taj Mahal, which took nearly 20 years to complete, stands as a brilliant venture of Shah Jahan. Later, during the rule of Aurangzeb, Agra regained its captaincy. Thus, with nearly a century of Mughal rule, Agra became the pride of the country by its skilled craftsmanship, contemporary Mughal style architecture and most importantly, the luscious Mughlai cuisine. However, with the end of Mughal rule, Agra came under the Marathas, Jats and then British until the country's Independence in 1947.

Best Time To Visit Agra

If you are looking to travel a beaten path and while away your vacation in a place that exudes grandeur and stateliness, then the historical city of Agra might be your ultimate destination. Situated 200 km away from the capital city of New Delhi, this sprawling city, which melds history with heritage, sashays the splendor of its royal past with perfect panache. With its slew of historical memorials, a jaunt down the lanes of Agra is like history revisited. This hugely crowded city is always mobbed by curious wanderers who flock in large numbers to capture the essence of the Taj Mahal and explore its architectural delights. If you are truly intrigued by India's history and wish to get a slice of its past splendor, then making a quick trip to Agra would be a great idea. However, before you schedule your trip, do check out for the weather as Agra is endowed with extreme climatic conditions. Trail this write-up to get a perfect know-how on when to go to Agra and enjoy your stay there.

When To Go To Agra 

Weather 
Like most other cities in northern India, Agra too experiences extreme weather conditions, with sizzling hot summers and foggy, cold winters. During the summer months of April, May and June, Agra blazes with extreme heat with the average temperature scuttling somewhere between 37⁰C to 44⁰C. The city receives heavy rainfall during July that lasts until the initial weeks of September. During the end of September, the winter chill sets in with occasional post-monsoon showers further adding to the chill. Winter begins in October and continues until January with temperatures dropping down to 7⁰C on extreme cold days. During the months of January, the city sometimes experience 'Western Disturbances' that is caused by the storms occurring in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean that give rise to rainfall in the northern part of the sub-continent. 

Opting For Your Favorite Season
If you enjoy a hot summer day and prefer humidity to chilly winter days, then you should visit the city anytime between March to June. Summers in Agra can be very intense and can leave you feeling exhausted at the end of the day. So ensure to carry a lot of cold beverages, hats and sun creams for maximum protection while touring the place. Even if you prefer the monsoons, its best advised to stay away from the city during the rainy season as the city receives rampant showers during this time of the year that might mar your travel plans. Nevertheless, you could visit Agra during the months of September and October when the city receives post-monsoon showers. Winters in the city is very cold. Agra experiences extreme winters. So, make sure to carry few warm clothing to keep the chills away.

Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Agra is anytime between November to March when the weather is most pleasant here. Like Delhi, Agra also experiences sweltering heat. Hence, it is best to stall your travel plans until later months of the year. Since the city experiences severe weather changes, visiting it during the months of September to November and March to May would best suit your travel plans.

Agra

Location: 363 km west to Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Climate: Summers: 46 C (Maximum), 30 C (Minimum)
Winters: 28 C (Maximum), 6 C (Minimum)
Best Time to Visit: August to April
Nearest Airport: Agra Airport
Nearest Railhead: Agra Cantonment Station
Must Visits: Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Red Fort (Agra Fort) and Akbar's Tomb.
Language Spoken: Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi.
STD Code: 0562

Agra is a wonderful city in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated on the banks of holy river Yamuna and just 200 kilometers away from the national capital, New Delhi. The city is spread over an area of about 189 square kilometers, at an altitude of 171m above the sea level. This is why; the climate of the city is classified as a semi-arid one, with hot and dry summers (46⁰ C - 30⁰ C), mild winters (28⁰ C - 6⁰ C) and a good monsoon season with an average rainfall of 660 mm annually. Thus, the best time to visit the city is from August to April due to its extreme climate situations. Agra city is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - The Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri & Red Fort, which makes it one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the world tourism map.

Agra is an integral destination in the famous golden triangle tour of India and is also on the main train line between Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai. The city has its own airport which is just 12.5 km away from the city centre. It is well connected through other cities like Lucknow (363 km), Jaipur (255 km) and Gwalior (120 km) with regular bus services. Agra has a rich cultural and historical significance in India. Widely renowned as one of the major cities for having the seat for the Mughal kingdom, Agra however has a history that dates back to the period of the Mahabharata and Maharishi Angira in 1000 BC. During that era, it was named as Agrevana. According to the popular legends, the city is believed to be founded by Raja Badal Singh in around 1475. After succeeding many dynasties and empires, it was taken over by the legendary empire of Mughals (1526-1658), who revolutionized its historical, architectural and cultural heritage.

Agra shines like a gem in the tourism industry of India as well as that of the world. Thus, tourism is one of the most prominent factors that largely influence its economy. In fact, Agra houses Asia's largest spa named Kaya Kalp - the Royal Spa in Hotel Mughal. Apart from that, it is also home to some of the finest world-class hotels of India. Other than tourism, leather industry is the most traditional and conventional industry of Agra. Kinari Bazar and Choube Ji ka Fatak are some destinations that are shopper delights. You can shop authentic silver, gold and artificial jewelry from here. Apart from the world heritage sites, one can explore other historical attractions like Tomb of Itmad-ul-Daulah, Jahangir Palace, Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-I-Khas, Moti Masjid, Jama Masjid, Dayalbagh Temple, Khas Mahal, Nagina Masjid, Sheesh Mahal, and Sikandra (Akbar' Tomb) etc. Once felt the vibrancy of this historical city, it would be a lifetime experience for you!

Best Time To Visit Agra
If you are looking to travel a beaten path and while away your vacation in a place that exudes grandeur and stateliness, then the historical city of Agra might be your ultimate destination. Situated 200 km away from the capital city of New Delhi, this sprawling city, which melds history with heritage,

History Of Agra
Overwhelming splendor, attractive monuments and exquisite traditions makes Agra cynosure India. Being the ultimate stopover for travelers from around the world, Agra stands as a true masterpiece of Mughal architecture that truly captivates your attentions with its buzzing lifestyle and spellbinding history.

How To Reach Agra
Chockablock with a plethora of breathtaking tourist hotspots, a slew of archaic bazaars, and a spate of local eateries offering lip-smacking Mughlai fare, Agra truly inspires awe among its visitors. Tucked away in the northern part of Uttar Pradesh, close to the banks of River Yamuna, Agra apparently ranks high among the top most populated cities in India.

Places To Visit In Agra
Located in Uttar Pradesh, close to the capital city of Delhi, Agra always draws tourists in large numbers. According to the city's early history, Agra was founded by Muslim ruler Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 1504. Later, in 1556, a general named Samrat Hem Chander Vikramaditya captured the place and restored Hindu

Shopping In Agra
No vacation is complete without a little bit of retail therapy. No matter which place you happen to go, bingeing on the local souvenirs is one fun experience that cannot be paralleled. Sure, gaping at the iconic Mughal architecture, Taj Mahal and experiencing the other architectural

About Agartala

Location: West Tripura District, Tripura
Climate:
Summers: 35⁰ C (Maximum), 21⁰ C (Minimum)
Winters: 25⁰ C (Maximum), 10⁰ C (Minimum)
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Nearest Airport: Agartala Airport
Nearest Railhead: Agartala Railway Station
Must Visits: Jagannath Temple, Venuban Budhha Vihar, Ujjayanta Palace, Jampui Hills and Neermahal.
Language Spoken: Bengali, Chakma, Hindi, English and Kokborok (Tribal Language)
STD Code: 0381

Agartala is a striking city tucked in the north-east of India. It is the proud capital of Indian state of Tripura. The city is sited in the western part of Tripura and lies on the swiftly flowing Haroa River. Agartala city is spread over an area of about 59 square kilometers and is situated at an altitude of 13 meters above the sea level. Due to its location, the city has a humid subtropical climate with heavy rainfall all around the year. While summers are hot and wet (April to October), Agartala experiences mild to moderate winters. The best time to visit this city is from the month of October to April. This amazing city has a blend of rich culture and diverse population including various native tribes. Indo-Bangladesh border is just 2 kilometer away from this city and thus, a huge impact of Bengali culture can be seen in locals. This city is very well connected to other cities of India via Railway, Road and Airways.

National Highway No. 44 connects Agartala to Guwahati (599 km) via Shillong. The city also possesses a fully equipped airdrome, Agartala Airport which connects this city to all the major cities of the country such as Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati, through direct flights. In fact, Agartala is the second capital city (after Guwahati) in the northeast that is linked to the country's railway network. The city was founded by Maharaja Radha Krishna Kishore Manikya Bahadur (1829-1849) of Manikya Dynasty in 1849, as capital of his empire. In the year 1874-75, it was converted into a municipality under the reign of Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya (1862-1896). In 1940, this city's town area was restructured in a planned way to make it a well planned city under the sovereignty of Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Bahadur. This is why he is, sometimes, referred to as the founder of the planned city of Agartala.

Agartala is the central market and exporter of various commercial commodities like tea, rice, jute, oilseeds, rubber and gas/LPG for nearby region and states. The main shopping business areas of the city are Gol Bazaar and Kaman Chowmuhani where you can get a variety of handicrafts, wooden articles and other shops, bazaars etc. This vibrant city proves itself to be a wholesome travel destination with its natural beauty, historical palaces and beautiful temples. Some of the prominent tourist spots that you should never miss to visit when in Agartala are College Tilla (Maharaja Bir Bikram College, Tripura University Buildings and landscapes), Ujjayanta Palace (Palace of Tripura Kings) which is now a state legistative assembly, Jagannath Temple, Venuban Budhha Vihar and Neermahal (palace amidst a natural lake, Rudrasagar). Apart from these historical tourist locations, you can take delight in the natural landscapes like Jampui Hill that is called the "Kashmir of Tripura".

Best Time To Visit Agartala

The best time to visit Agartala is anytime during the winter months of October to February. As the temperature hits a slump, the natural beauty of the city comes alive. During this season, the city is hoarded with tourists flocking to this place to experience a slice of north-eastern culture. The winter months holds a number of festivities. Since, music and dance is an essential part of the local tribal community here, the celebrations in the region is usually marked by traditional folk dance and songs. Some of the festivals that every tourist should experience during winters are the Orange festival, Diwali and the famous Durga Puja, which is celebrated with grand pageantry of events.

History Of Agartala

Perched on the banks of River Howrah, the low-key capital city of Tripura-Agartala- entices the excursionists and sightseers with its past splendor. With its head-reeling assortment of exciting tourist attractions, a trip to Agartala promises to be nothing short of a joy trip.

How To Reach Agartala

Tucked away in the extreme corners of northeastern India, the quaint capital city of Tripura -- Agartala deserves great applause for holding on to its tribal traditions and regal splendor despite of the growing commercialism in the state. Endowed with nature's bounties, this erstwhile princely city sashays its manmade creations

Places To See In Agartala

• Ujjayanta Palace
• Neermahal
• Kunjaban Palace
• Tripura Government Museum 
• Bhubaneswari Temple
• Kamalasagar Kali Temple

Shopping Places In Agartala

For Handicrafts
Agartala, acclaimed for its exotic handicrafts and handlooms, boast of a unique array of artifacts that cannot to be found anywhere else. The splendor, elegance and attractive designs of these handcrafted wares proudly showcase the creativity and talent of the artisans here. A vast range of products like furniture, table mats, floor mats, partitions, lamp shades and other aesthetic materials can be bought from here at very reasonable rates. Apart from its wooden crafts, the city is admired for its exquisite clay and palm leaves crafts. The ace craftsmanship of Agartala and tribal people has contributed a lot in making their products world-famous. Purbasa, the state government emporium, is the best place to splurge in exquisite handicraft items. Besides this emporium, there are a number of private shops throughout the city, especially in areas like Akhaura Road, Jail Road and Mohanpur, where you can get the best deals on handicrafts.

For Clothes, Accessories And Other Goods

The art of weaving holds a special place in Agartala. Highly influenced by the serenity and traditional lifestyle, the handlooms of Tripura are renowned for their unique combination of contemporary and ethnic designs. The bold color combination and lasting texture of clothes is truly incredible. To get the best bargain on clothes, 'Tantumita' emporium is the best place to go. For people willing to splurge in clothes, accessories and goods in Agartala, places like Akhaura Road and Shakuntala Road are ideal. When talking about shopping in Agartala, the exotic market in Bartala needs to be mentioned. Bartala, being the major commercial hub of the city, the market area offers everything from fancy clothes, music CDs to foot wears and funky accessories. The shopping complexes in the city such as Ghar Sansar in Chittaranjan Road and Bazaar Kolkata on Central Road provide all the necessary things.

Water Sports In Goa beaches

Goa, the beach of capital of India, is a land where adventure is to found in abundance. Right from the ever-inviting azure beaches merging with the clear blue skies, not knowing where the water ends and the heaven begins to the finely grained sand filled coastlines that extend as far as the eye can see; Goa is considered to be a land that serves the needs of both, the peace lovers and the thrill seekers. While the peace lovers can quietly lay back along the shores, basking in the warmth of the pleasant Goan sun; the adrenalin junkies can choose from a variety of activities that are sure to gratify every single cell living in their body. Although the smallest state of India, the fun that is to be had here is incomparable to anything you are likely to come across in India. And all thanks to John Lucas, an Englishman with a liking for windsurfing, who came to Goa in 1970s with a board and a rig, that the place came to be known as the water sports destination of the country, inviting fans from across the globe. If you too are a fan of water sports or want to give them a try, there’s no better destination than Goa. Read further to get some details on what all kinds of water sports are available in Goa.

 

Water Sports Activities In Goa

 

Windsurfing

One of the popular water sports in Goa is windsurfing, the one that started it all. It combines the skills required to surf and sail and if done right, being able to manage the changing patterns of the waves and the wind while still managing to balance the board and adjust the sail. This activity would definitely give you a high felt never before. You can try your hand at windsurfing at the Dona Paula Bay, as it is considered to be the ideal spot for novices and the experts. While the light breeze in the morning is there to help and guide the novices, the strong afternoon wind offers a perfect challenge to the experts. What’s more, experts can also participate in various competitions like the Windsurfing Regatta and Open board Sailing Competition.

 

Dinghy Sailing

Those who’re not so comfortable with adrenalin giving a kick can try their hand in dinghy sailing, also known as “beer and sandwich sailing”. A dinghy is a small inflatable boat or a life raft that is about 15 feet long and accommodates about 3-4 people. It is as much fun as windsurfing and the eligibility for it doesn’t require one to be athletic and agile. It’s a total treat to glide lightly over the placid waves of the sea while you sit on it and relax. Dinghies are available for hire at the Cidade de Goa and the Taj Holiday Village. Instructors are also available for the beginners. The calm water at the Dona Paula Bay is considered to be a perfect place to set sail for the first time.

 

Scuba Diving

Atleast once in a lifetime, everyone must have wished to be a bird or a fish so that he/she could feel what it is like to be a traveler in the air or underwater. In Goa, both of your wishes can come true. First, it’s “I want to be a fish” part that we’ll focus on. The scuba diving in Goa can fulfill your wish to be one amongst the Piscean friends. Although Goa is not among the world class destinations for scuba diving, with underwater visibility just being at around 6-12 meters, the amazingly exotic marine life that swims within the waters is a sure shot attraction that probably nullifies the fact of not-so-good underwater visibility. Even the experienced divers are known to be blown away by the experience.

Apart from the rich fish life that includes Barracudas, damsels, snappers, sweetlips, groupers, sweepers, angel fish, butterfly fish, parrot fish, sharks, tangs, mullets, tuna, batfish, lionfish, and the amazing bottlenose dolphins, and many others; the underwaters of Goa are also blessed with 1000 shipwrecks (reportedly), including the Spanish and Portuguese Galleons, World War II wrecks, and merchant wrecks. The scuba diving equipments and instructors are easily available at Dona Paula and Aqua Marine in Panjim that will take you straight into the zone of the unknown.

 

Parasailing

Parasailing, also known as para ascending will transform your “I want to be a bird” dream into a sure shot reality. There’s a rope about 300 feet, the one end of which is tied to the parasail harness and the other to a speedboat. The soon-to-be parasailer, attached to the harness, stands on the shore as the speedboat gets itself ready to literally sweep him/her off the feet. Within seconds the speedboat gains momentum and takes parasailer about 300 feet high in the sky like a kite. Flying free in the air, the parasailer can catch a glimpse of the splendid Western Ghats and the vast blue seas that stretch till what seems like an infinite loop. Parasailing equipment for this pulse racing sport can be availed at Candolim, Majorda, and Anjuna beaches.

 

Water Skiing

If being a leopard of the sea is what you hope of becoming, then water skiing is undoubtedly the sport for you. And speedboats are a way to be one. Although, motorboats that go only up to 10-15 miles per hour make up for the majority, there are some speedboats that go as high as 30-40 miles per hour and can carry around 6-8 people. Almost all of the beaches in Goa are considered ideal for this speedy water sport. These speedboats are easily available at the Cidade de Goa, Bogmallo Beach Resort, and the Taj Hotels and are conveniently and frequently used for sightseeing as well as water skiing.

 

Angling/Fishing

Goa, naturally blessed with beaches, is an ideal place to try your hand at angling, which is also known as fishing. These beaches provide for a rich reservoir of seafood to be caught. The Agonda beach in Canacona is considered to be the perfect spot for angling. Soormai, Salmon, and mullet are among the frequent catches. While Betual is famous for the finest and biggest mussels, Agonda is popular for rockfishes. Furthermore, at Agonda Soormai, salmon and muller are frequent catches. Go try your hand at it and who knows, you might just get lucky!

 

Water Scooter

Although small (can accommodate two people on a ride), water scooter is among the popular water sports in Goa. The fun of driving a motorbike in the turquoise blue waters of the Goan beaches is not to be missed at all. Even if you are not much of a biker on land, let alone sea, and can’t swim, you should not worry as you’ll be properly dressed with lifejacket. You can also bring along an instructor for confidence’s sake but the fun of riding it in between the vast sea is an experience that you’ll not forget for a very long time.

 

Swimming

Last but not the least is one of the most basic and pleasure-worthy water sports of all — swimming. The waters around the beaches of Goa are warm and almost always safe. No equipments, no instructions (other than what is generally understood — not to go deep into the ocean), and the least fuss; all it requires from you is to bring along your swimming trunks or costumes. Just dive straight in to the waters and enjoy the simple thrills of swimming in the sea rather than in a pool. Finally, there are lifeguards at all the beaches of Goa from whom you better check the status of the beach before you jump right in.

 

Now that you’ve read all about the water sports in Goa, wait no longer and make arrangements for cashing on the fun. It is absolutely a crime to miss the thrills that await you!