Dubbed as the beach capital of India, Goa is very famous among tourists for its intoxicating nightlife. Though nightlife is not so popular in India, it is very much accepted in Goa, which bears much of the Portuguese influence. Goa is the place to be if you want to let your hair down and enjoy yourself. Goa is a paradise for party goers. Parties are considered to be another name to Goa. This is because the hippie culture which has been present in the state since the 60’s. It’s not unusual to see Goan families for a night out of fun & merriment. As the sun goes down, the night in Goa comes to life with rave and vibrant parties, the various beaches transform themselves into an altogether different world at night. If you’re a party animal than Goa is definitely the place to be. There are plenty to choose from you can sit and listen to the sound of live entertainment or dance your way at one of the many clubs. Regardless of your pleasure, you are bound to have the time of your life.
Even the developed metros cannot compete with the nightlife of Goa. Visitors and locals throng to the nightclubs in Goa and party the night away. Undoubtedly the beaches are very popular, but what makes them popular is the never dying party spirit of the people. Ever since the hippies made Goa their hangout zone, partying has come to be an integral part. The laws of the state are liberal with alcohol; you can get a drink at almost any spot in the state. However, it is strictly against drunken driving, nudity, and drugs. The pounding music system on the beach, it’s a rave party venue around Christmas and New Year. Thousands of tourist flock into Goa during this time. It is said to be the best time to be in Goa, as the most happening events take place during this time of the year. You are definitely assured to have a really good time.
Rave parties became the mark of Goa in the 60’s with the hippies introducing them. Drinks, drugs and loud music were the main elements of the Goan nightlife. However with the government crack down on drugs and efforts to promote upmarket tourism instead of backpackers tourism, the rave parties have become trance parties.
‘Trance’ is the unique Goan style of music developed by local music bands. Nightclubs in Goa celebrate parties, which are now called as trance parties with dance and live bands performing, and controlled drinking. Anjuna also was known as the ‘Freak capital of the world’ is popular for it’s all night long trance parties. But it’s not just Anjuna raving with parties, Calangute, Baga, Colva, Dona Paula is all party points. In south Goa, nightclubs are mostly limited to the five-star hotels, which all have their own clubs, bars and sometimes gaming rooms. And as you had expected, these are frequently visited by hotel guests, well groomed Indian and foreign tourists. But they are open to any decently dressed person. The party scene in the south of Goa is compact enough to make finding the party quite straightforward.
But in the north, you are going to need to put in some effort. A few obvious spots for picking up the scent of out-of-the-way parties are the Saturday night bazaar in Arpora. Anjuna’s Wednesday market, which is a popular flea market close to the Anjuna beach, it really picks up a beat on Wednesdays, when the market crowd redeploys here to continue the revelry, and the sunset scene is a virtual tourist cliché. If you are tired exploring Goa throughout the day and are in no mood for a party or if you’re looking for something relaxing than heading down to a beach party is definitely not advisable. Goa has something to offer to everyone. You could spend the evening savoring on some zesty seafood and chilled beer in a beachside shack. The shack owners in the evening organize bonfires and beachside barbecues. Just look for a shack and enjoy the fire, take your guitar or listen to recorded Goan trance. Or better still sit listening to the waves sipping your cocktail.
‘Life is a gamble’ if that’s your take, then Goa has the best casinos to offer. Though there are many offshore casinos anchored at the Mandovi River, there are onshore casinos as well. Off late, the government has been trying to implement a deadline of 11 pm but has not been successful so far. For now, casinos are open till wee hours in the morning. Goa’s top class casinos offer games like roulette, blackjack, baccarat and craps. If you want to sail on water while enjoying your game of gamble than offshore casinos like Casino Royale are a good deal, and if you’re looking for something onshore than casinos like Chances will suit your likes.
For a truly out of world experience and a party in a different way try the Goa night cruises. Several options are available on Mandovi River. Music, dance, drink and food all are included in the ticket or else take a luxury yacht. The journey will take you through the lights of Panjim – Miramar, on one hand, and Aguada fort and Reis Magos on the other side. You can also hire a private yacht for party purposes or other such affairs.
Now whether you want to party all night long or just relax under the moonlight is up to you. You will definitely enjoy your stay in Goa and more importantly the nightlife of Goa. A state that believes in partying for almost every occasion, the nightlife of Goa is sure to remain etched in your memory for a long time to come.
This article has been reproduced through the feed syndication and it was first published in Goa Prism
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