Tourists can choose from a wide variety of entertainment options in Goa. Dance, music, drinks and delicious Goan food are the primary elements of the entertainment scene in the state. If you are a laid back person who just wants to relax, then head towards the many beaches in Goa where you can unwind in one of the many beach shacks or just take a relaxing stroll along the beautiful shoreline. On the other hand, if you love adventure, then try one of the many thrilling water sports and if you want to connect with nature, then take a tour of one of many verdant wildlife sanctuaries and spice plantations in the state.
Catch a Movie at Any Theater in Goa
Besides Konkani movies, tourists can also enjoy the latest Bollywood and Hollywood movies in Goa. Just like the people from other states, Goans also love watching movies, which is evident from a large number of movie theaters located in the state. One can even find various multiplexes in Goa. INOX Leisure Ltd was the first multiplex in the state, located in Panaji. It was constructed in a record time of just 180 days and is spread over an area of 40,000 square feet.
Some popular cinema halls in Goa include:
Z Square Samrat Ashok Theatre
Address: 18th June Road, Near Vijaya Bank, Panaji
Phone: (+91) 832 6642595, (+91) 832 6642596, (+91) 9552821135, (+91) 9552821540
INOX Leisure Ltd.
Address: Old GMC Heritage Precinct, DB Road, Campal, Panaji
Phone: (+91) 832 2420999
Cine Alankar
Address: Mapusa Industrial Area, Near LIC Office, Angod, Mapusa
Phone: (+91) 9822182533
El Monte Cinema - Vasco Da Gama
Address: Harbour Road, Opposite Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, Vasco Da Gama
Phone: (+91) 9822182533
Niagara Cinema
Address: Main Market Road, Babquegal, Opposite Municipal Building, Curchorem, Quepem Phone: (+91) 832 2650543
Z Square Cine Shivam
Address: F.L. Gomes Road, Near ICICI Bank, Vasco Da Gama
Phone: (+91) 832 2519092, (+91) 832 2519093, (+91) 832 2519091, (+91) 9923259653
Osia Multiplex
Address: 213/14, 2nd Floor, Osia Commercial Arcade, A Wing, Margao
Phone: (+91) 832 2701818, (+91) 832 2701717, (+91) 832 2701616
Cine Vishant
Address: Martin Dias Road, Near Aquem Post Office, Aquem, Margao
Phone: (+91) 832 2710785, (+91) 9923681712
Cine Paradise
Address: Teiebhat Colvaddo Road, Near Municipal Building, Cuncolim, Margao
Phone: (+91) 832 2763245
Hira Talkies
Address: Pazwada, Near Zantye Cashew Factory, Bicholim
Phone: (+91) 832 2362048, (+91) 9552821540
Address: 18th June Road, Near Vijaya Bank, Panaji
Phone: (+91) 832 6642595, (+91) 832 6642596, (+91) 9552821135, (+91) 9552821540
INOX Leisure Ltd.
Address: Old GMC Heritage Precinct, DB Road, Campal, Panaji
Phone: (+91) 832 2420999
Cine Alankar
Address: Mapusa Industrial Area, Near LIC Office, Angod, Mapusa
Phone: (+91) 9822182533
El Monte Cinema - Vasco Da Gama
Address: Harbour Road, Opposite Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, Vasco Da Gama
Phone: (+91) 9822182533
Niagara Cinema
Address: Main Market Road, Babquegal, Opposite Municipal Building, Curchorem, Quepem Phone: (+91) 832 2650543
Z Square Cine Shivam
Address: F.L. Gomes Road, Near ICICI Bank, Vasco Da Gama
Phone: (+91) 832 2519092, (+91) 832 2519093, (+91) 832 2519091, (+91) 9923259653
Osia Multiplex
Address: 213/14, 2nd Floor, Osia Commercial Arcade, A Wing, Margao
Phone: (+91) 832 2701818, (+91) 832 2701717, (+91) 832 2701616
Cine Vishant
Address: Martin Dias Road, Near Aquem Post Office, Aquem, Margao
Phone: (+91) 832 2710785, (+91) 9923681712
Cine Paradise
Address: Teiebhat Colvaddo Road, Near Municipal Building, Cuncolim, Margao
Phone: (+91) 832 2763245
Hira Talkies
Address: Pazwada, Near Zantye Cashew Factory, Bicholim
Phone: (+91) 832 2362048, (+91) 9552821540
Try Your Luck at the Casinos in Goa
If you want to experience some extraordinary avenues to put your stakes on, visiting the casinos in Goa should definitely be a must-visit on your to-do list. Goa has some of the most unique and classiest casinos in the country with several games such as slots, poker, roulette, flush baccarat and so on combined with live entertainment and unlimited food and drinks. Here are some popular casinos in Goa:Source: Flickr
Deltin Royale
Address: Boards from Noah's Ark, RND Jetty, D. Bandodkar Road, Panjim
Phone: +91 86 985 99999 Entry Fee: Rs. 2000 (Monday to Thursday) and Rs. 3000 (Friday to Sunday), which includes unlimited food, drinks and entertainment
Timings: 24 Hours
One of the largest and the most luxurious floating casinos in Goa, Deltin Royale is the most happening casino in the state. Spread over an area of 40,000 square feet with 4 floors, the casino consists of 123 gaming tables including international games such as Blackjack and Roulette. Moreover, it is home to India’s only dedicated Poker Room and an exclusive Taash Room for Indian Flush. The internationally recognized restaurant Vegas Room offers a sumptuous multi-cuisine buffet along with live music sessions. The VIP gaming suits are perfect for guests to stay and play the various games. Phone: +91 86 985 99999 Entry Fee: Rs. 2000 (Monday to Thursday) and Rs. 3000 (Friday to Sunday), which includes unlimited food, drinks and entertainment
Timings: 24 Hours
Casino Pride
Address: Captain of Ports Jetty, Panjim
Phone: (0832) 6516 666
Entry Fee: Rs. 1500 (Monday to Thursday) and Rs. 2000 (Friday to Sunday), which includes unlimited food, drinks and Rs. 1000 worth Play coupons.
Timings: 24 Hours
This casino is known for its big poker tournaments and Bollywood style entertainment acts. The entire casino is spread over an area of 30,000 square foot with three floors, which includes a 10,000 square foot Weather Deck that is perfect for parties. In addition to 40 gaming tables, which includes games like Roulette, 5 Card Poker, Blackjack, Mini Flush, Andar Bahar and Clot Machines, Casino Pride also houses a Kids Zone to keep the children busy. Phone: (0832) 6516 666
Entry Fee: Rs. 1500 (Monday to Thursday) and Rs. 2000 (Friday to Sunday), which includes unlimited food, drinks and Rs. 1000 worth Play coupons.
Timings: 24 Hours
Casino Paradise
Address: Neo Majestic Hotel, Pororvim
Phone: (0832) 6516 666
Entry Fee: Rs. 700, which includes unlimited food and drinks
Timings: 24 Hours
Located in the popular hotel Neo Majestic, Casino Paradise is a part of The Pride Group, which also operates two other famous on shore casinos namely Casino Pearl at Bogmallo and Casino Palms at Baga. Casino Paradise is the oldest and also, the best out of the three with games such as American Roulette, Blackjack, Mini Baccarat and Slot Machines. Moreover, it also houses the first of its kind Sega (Horse Racing) and Robotic Arm Baccarat station.Phone: (0832) 6516 666
Entry Fee: Rs. 700, which includes unlimited food and drinks
Timings: 24 Hours
Source: Flickr
Chances Casino and Resort
Address: 184/189, Machado's Cove, Dona Paula
Phone: (0832) 2456 689
Entry Fee: Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000 (depending upon the season)
Timings: 11 am to 4 am
Phone: (0832) 2456 689
Entry Fee: Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000 (depending upon the season)
Timings: 11 am to 4 am
A luxury boutique hotel, Chance Casino and Resort is located in Dona Paula, just a few kilometers from Panjim. It is one of the oldest casinos in Goa with a very lively and vibrant atmosphere. The guests are offered a free lavish mult - cuisine buffet along with live entertainment every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Special Stay and Play packages are also available for the guests.
Casino Carnival Goa
Address1: Casino Carnival Front Desk, Goa
Address2: Marriott Resort and Spa, Panjim, Goa
Phone: +91-88888 85314 or 0832-2465810
Anchored on the Mandovi River, Casino Carnival provides breathtaking views of the capital city – Panjim. Spread over four large decks, Casino Carnival Goa offers high quality entertainment and gaming experience with all the favorite international and Indian games. Moreover, the casino also houses a Kids Zone to keep the children busy, along with nanny service to look after the children. Address2: Marriott Resort and Spa, Panjim, Goa
Phone: +91-88888 85314 or 0832-2465810
Get Close to Nature With River Cruises in Goa
The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has organized a number of cruises that sail on the Mandovi River during daytime, sunset and nighttime. Besides these, there are many private tour companies that run specified cruises, which include dolphin spotting and beautiful views of sunset. With live music, dance performances, DJ and calming sound of the water, Goan cruises are definitely not to be missed.Dinner Cruise
As the name suggests, Dinner Cruise sails from the Santa Monica jetty around 8:30 pm. This two hour cruise drifts along the Mandovi River, past the magnificent colonial houses, past the Promenade with trees beautifully decorated with colorful lights, past the famous Miramar Beach and then, finally back to the starting point via the tender shoreline of Betim and Verem, the northern bank of Mandovi River.Source: Flickr
The cruise is packed with lots of entertainment in the form of live music, folk dance performances and an amazing DJ playing the latest beats. Refreshments and buffet dinner is served on board with a delicious variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Sunset Cruise
This hour long cruise is included in North Goa Tours arranged by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). Another popular cruise among tourists, Sunset Cruise sails from the Santa Monica jetty in Panaji, along the Mandovi River. The cruise sails past the striking Adil Shah Palace, the first building in Panjim city and the popular historic forts of Goa, past the Promenade with beautifully decorated trees where you can view the breathtaking Goan sunset.While you sail down the Mandovi River, one can enjoy the performances of Goa’s well known folk dances – Fugdi and Dekhni along with live musicians and DJ. Perfect for men and women of all ages, Sunset cruise is one of the most popular cruises in Goa.
Source: Flickr
Sundown Cruise
This hour long cruise usually sails after sunset. Panjim city by night is a view that one cannot easily forget. With twinkling fairy lights, cool ocean breeze and various forms of entertainment on board, Sundown Cruise will definitely make your holiday in Goa a memorable one.The boat sails past the Adil Shah Palace, past the beaituful colonial buildings, past the Miramar where you can see the entire city lit up in colorful lights. The boat also sails past the ocean liners at Mormugao Port and the famous Aguada Fort. Sundown Cruise departs daily at 7:15 pm from the Santa Monica Jetty.
Backwater Cruise
The famous Backwater Cruises sail along the Mandovi Rivers’ mangrove lined banks, Chorao and Divar Island and Old Goa. The entire cruise is a trip back into time where life was uncomplicated and beautiful. Miles and miles of abundant greenery filled with mangroves. One might even see a crocodile sun-bathing along the river. As you move upriver, one can view the loading docks where iron is loaded on the barges from the trucks. One can also see the nets are secured on the wooden posts to catch fish.
The boat also stops at the Savoi Spice Plantations in Keri, which is an exquisite spice garden in Goa with large number of different plants, trees and spices. A completely organic spice farm, no pesticides or fertilizers are used over here. A fully guided tour includes detailed information about the various spices grown on the farm and fun activities like elephant rides. Guests are welcomed with a garland of flowers and after the tour, are served delicious Goan buffet.
After the tour and lunch, it is time to return back to the boat. A two hour cruise back to Panjim is filled with beautiful scenery and views of old Goa. Just relax and enjoy the ride back to the docks.
Take a Walk Through the Entire Stretch of Goa
Goa is blessed with abundant beauty and nature, which is beautifully depicted by its many undiscovered villages and towns. These villages give a completely different picture of Goa and as you walk through them, you will get to know all about the rich culture and heritage of the state. Moreover, the locals love accompanying the visitors on leisurely walks whilst imparting precious information about their lovely beach state.As you walk through the villages, you will pass many beaten tracks, beautiful water springs and Goan houses. Look at the colorful structure of the houses and admire the wooden railings of the balcony, trimmings of the roof and tiles. Some houses even allow the visitors to view the inside of the house. All these ancient homes depict an architecture that belongs to a completely different era. Surrounded by dense forests, colorful tropical flowers and swaying coconut palms, the roads in Goa are also decorated in such a way that one can easily forget time over here.
One such popular place in Goa that is great for walking tours is Margao. Surrounded by verdant greenery, the best walks in this town are around the Holy Spirit Church square, with beautiful old houses and leafy roads. Another popular town in Goa that is great for walking tours is Panjim. A walk in this town will lead you to the numerous timber-lined avenues, which will make you want to go back in time. Other popular areas in Goa, which are great for walking tours, are Arpora, Calangute and Colva.
Make sure! you carry your sun hat, sunscreen, some food, bottled water and binoculars for bird watching. Avoid going for walks during mid-day, as the sun is at its highest during that time. The best time to go for walks in the villages of Goa is early morning or early evening when the weather is quite pleasant.
Take Wildlife Sanctuary Tours in Goa
More than 10 percent of the state is covered in verdant wildlife sanctuaries. A trip to one such sanctuary offers a day filled with relaxation, adventure and amazing natural scenery.
Tour to Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in Sanguem Taluk, the sanctuary is one of the most important and popular wildlife sanctuaries in the state. It is home to a wide variety of plants, animals and birds. It also consists of many temples belonging to the Kadamba Dynasty and the mighty Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
After pick up from the hotel early in the morning, reach Mollem National Park in approximately 30 minutes. Head towards the Dudhsagar Resort and Spa and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. After lunch, get ready to board the private jeep for a ride through the wilderness of Mollem National Park that is located right in the center Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. Keep a look out for different species of birds and animals. Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest protected area in Goa and is home to Black Panther, Bengal tiger, leopard, flying squirrel, gaur, porcupine, slender loris, sambar and wild boar. Discover the parks wide variety of birds as you venture deep into the park.
The safari ride is around 45 minutes, after which you reach the beautiful Dudhsagar Waterfalls. It is India’s fifth tallest waterfall with a height of almost 1000 feet and one of the most exquisite waterfalls in the country. Enjoy the entire evening exploring these stunning waterfalls or take a dip into the fresh water to immediately cool down. Afterwards, head back towards the hotel and enjoy a sumptuous dinner of authentic Goan cuisine.
Other sanctuaries you can visit as day tours are Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tours to Spice Plantations in Goa
India has always been known for its wide range of spices. A trip to any of the spice plantation in the state will prove to be a rejuvenating and a refreshing experience. One can explore the rich spice plantations and get back to nature. Most of them are located in central Goa and some of them are located in the eastern part of Goa in Bicholim district.
A trip to a spice plantation would be very informative as tourists can get to know how the spices are grown and cultivated organically. Some popular spice plantations include Savoi Plantations, Rustic Plantation, Tropical Spice Plantation, Pascoal Spice Farms, Sahakari Spice Plantations and Abyss Spice Farms.
Most tours to spice plantations in Goa start with a warm traditional welcome with a refreshing herbal drink. As soon as you step inside the plantation, a strong fragrance of different spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, black and white pepper, betel nut and chillis hits you, which is mixed with a varied variety of vegetables and fruit trees such as banana, custard apple, cashew, pineapples and citrus fruits. Tourists can also witness the art of Betel Nut tree climbers as they climb 100 feet tall trees and swing from one tree to the other.
After a detailed tour of the plantation, guests are served with a delicious open-air lunch on hygienic biodegradable banana leaves. The lunch usually consists of a lovely fish curry with rice and local vegetables, which is then followed by dessert that mostly comprises of assorted fruits. Some plantations even offer an opportunity to taste the local brew – Feni or Urrak, which is an alcoholic drink manufactured from cashew nuts or coconuts.
Since most of the spice plantations in Goa are situated near beautiful lakes and rivers, tourists can also enjoy various water activities such as boating and fishing. Enjoy the lakeside or go bird watching for cuckoos, hornbills, owls and parrots that flock the various spice plantations in the state.
Also See: Various Spice Plantations in Goa
Nightlife in Goa
Goa is often referred to as the party capital of the country. As soon as the sun goes down, the state is lit up with every tourist trying to get to the nearest club. Goa is renowned for its vibrant nightlife with hundreds of different clubs and pubs for every kind of tourist. Whether you want to party till the wee hours of the morning or just unwind with friends and a few drinks, Goa has it all.For tourists who are on a budget, they can head towards the many beach shacks in the state that offer reasonable drinks along with mouth-watering food. Some popular clubs in Goa include Titos, Café Mambo, Club Sinq, Drift, Cocktails and Dreams, Club Cubana, LPK Waterfront, Cafe Del Mar Beach Bar & Club, Fiplees Pub / Disco, Paradiso and Kamaki. Most of these clubs cater to both local and international DJ’s, especially between the months of November and December, which is also the best time to visit Goa.
Sunburn in Goa
Sunburn festival in Goa is one of the largest and the most popular EDM music festival in entire Asia. Since its inception in 2007, it has been continuously expanding to the meet the demands of its growing fan base. This festival is the perfect amalgamation of music, entertainment, dance, food and shopping. It was also ranked as the 9th best festival in the world by CNN in 2009.Besides music and dance, this three day festival also hosts a variety of other events too. There are numerous stalls selling delicious Goan food along with other entertaining activities such as fire-juggling, rock climbing, slippery football, spa treatments, mechanical bull riding etc.
Here's what last year looked like:
The festival hosts a number of both locally and internationally recognized DJ’s including Afrojack, Axwell, Andrew Rayel, Pete Tong, Goldfish, Quintino, Zabiela, Shermanology, Mark Knight, Josh Wink, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, Sander van Doorn and many more. Throughout the year, the festival also takes place at different cities across the country. Sunburn is one of the most happening events in the state, which is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world.