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The town of Varca, located on the South Goan coast, is a hidden paradise where tranquillity mixes with excitement and cultural aspects in equal measures. Its unblemished shorelines, vibrant traditions and colourful inhabitants make it a perfect retreat for tourists looking for clamour-free spots. Varca is renowned for its beautiful beach that stretches for miles along the Arabian Sea. There are boundless things to do in Varca Goa as its villages are not only known for their beaches but are also home to an enormous amount of cultural integrity as well as mouth-watering dishes that cater to varied groups of people.
15 Best Things To Do In Varca Goa For A Memorable Visit
Let’s explore various things to do in Varca Goa, an ideal destination for tourists who want to unwind and have fun, in addition to experiencing the local lifestyle.
1. Relaxing At Varca Beach
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
Spending leisurely hours at Varca Beach in Goa is such a relaxing experience. Shady palm trees border the beach and are accompanied by several beach shacks that offer yummy Goan food around, making it a great place to sunbathe all day by the beach. At Varca Beach, you may either bask in the sun, go for walks along the beach, or experience the thrill of some water sports such as parasailing or jet skiing. With less number of people unlike other Goa beaches, Varca Beach is perfect for stress relief.
Location: South Goa, approximately 29 km from Goa International Airport
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Amenities: Beach shacks, sun loungers, nearby markets
Suggested Read: Top Action-Packed Things To Do In Goa With Family
2. Parasailing In Varca
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Varca in Goa is known for parasailing which is a fun-filled water activity where you slide above the water to view the amazing sights of the coastline as well as greenery. While at the beach, you ascend while harnessed to a parachute that is connected to a speed boat which carries you over the beautiful Arabian Sea. The feeling of rising high above the ground while the cool breeze blows on your face and you get to see the wonderful sights all around you is simply mind-blowing.
Location: Varca Beach, South Goa
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Cost/Person: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000
3. Participate In Local Festivals
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Participating in the local festivals of Varca, Goa helps a lot in appreciating the culture and values of the region. One such celebration is the Goan Carnival which is celebrated just before Lent. It consists of parades filled with energetic music and dancing, accompanied by beautiful floats to brighten up the streets. The visitors relish the Goan food in the street festivals and enjoy the performances. One more important celebration worth participating in is the Lairai Zatra which is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lairai, the one which involves many rituals including fire walking at the Shirgao Temple.
Location: Shirgao Temple, Varca Beach
Best Time To Visit: February for Goan Carnival, spring for Lairai Zatra
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Goa In Monsoon For A Scenic Escapade
4. Exploring Local Cuisine
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One of the best things to do in Varca Goa is to try out the local dishes. As Varca has a predominant Portuguese touch in its cuisine aided with some coastal food, one would find many restaurants dotting the sea coast. You will get to taste many of the traditional Goan dishes that represent many ethnic groups. Being located on the coast, Varca is famous for its ample availability of seafood including dishes such as prawn curry, fish vindaloo, and Lobster Peri-Peri. For vegetarians, renowned popular cuisines include Goan Vegetable Stew and Khatkhate, a mixed vegetable curry.
Restaurant Options: Casa Varca, Martin’s Corner, Barbeque Bay by Club Mahindra, Flavour Boat
Best Time To Visit: November to February
5. Jet Skiing In Varca
Photo: Ralf Roletschek / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Jet skiing in Varca is a fantastic adventure sport, one which enables you to glide over the waves and enjoy the beauty of the sandy trees filled with long coastlines. The adventurers must get ready to grab the handles of the jet ski that approaches the shore and hits the sea surface with great power where the Arabian Sea shines bright turquoise. You may ride on the shoreline, have a contest with your pals, or just experience the delight of moving fast over the water. This includes the aid of the pleasant warm wind and water splashes, thus making it a great enjoyment.
Location: Varca Beach, South Goa
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Cost: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 for a 15 – 20 minute ride
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Anjuna For A Mesmerising Vacation In The Coastal Gem
6. Experience Nightlife In Varca
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The bars and clubs located in Varca are very different from the rest since they offer a balanced mix of entertainment and relaxation suitable for weary beachgoers. Some bars and restaurants fill up with people in the later stages of the day and serve a subdued nightlife that is distinct from the active beaches in the north. Starting with small shore shacks where one can sample a variety of seafood or cocktails, to full-fledged night clubs where one can shake it all out till dawn, the nightlife caters to every kind of tourist.
Location: Varca Beach
Popular Spots: Atrium Bar, The Island Bar, Castaways, Cafe Cascada
Best Time To Visit: November to February
7. Shopping In Varca
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Most travelers tend to shop in Varca, Goa since it is a mix of local handiwork, beach wear and other perfect remembrances of the coast. The local markets and shops stock national stylish clothing to modern ones fit for the beach. Colva Beach Market is a flea market where you can enjoy shopping near Varca, along the seashore. Here colourful sarongs, bangles and other decorative items are available for sale. One can also find fresh fruits and spices being offered by the local sellers enabling one to bring a bit of goa back with them wherever they go.
Location: Varca Beach, Colva Beach Market, Margao Municipal Market
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Panjim For A Refreshing Exploration Amidst Goa
8. Visit Our Lady Of Glory Church
Photo: RoyenFernandes / Wikimedia Commons
The history of Our Lady of Glory Church based in Varca is full of fascinating turns and significant milestones, making it a notable shrine. Established by the Jesuits in 1635, this church underwent reconstruction in 1700 after the loss of the initial structure. The church is beautified by the exquisite structure of its facade whose central portion is a fan-shaped figure of a conch shell with two towers crowned with semi-domes. The church is most popular among the visitors, owing to the statue of Christ installed in it, and numerous pilgrims visit the church on the Feast of Our Lady of Glory.
Location: Varca, Goa 403721
Distance: Approximately 2.2 km from Varca Beach
Timings: 6:30 AM – 8 PM
9. Scuba Diving In Varca
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Scuba diving is an experience worth reminiscing for novice and seasoned scuba divers alike. You will find many dive centres in Varca with experienced instructors and dive in the Arabian Sea full of beautiful corals, fishes, and interesting rocks. Diving usually commences with the safety instructions and the handout of the equipment. Later on, you will be submerged up to 25 feet in depth where the beauty of the mysterious sea is experienced. Sightings often consist of swarms of butterfly fish, fish known as groupers and less often turtles and stingrays.
Location: Varca Beach
Best Time To Dive: October to May
Dive Centers: Club Mahindra Varca, Goa Diving
Suggested Read: Top Tourist Things To Do In Goa For Adults
10. Dolphin Watching In Varca
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Dolphin watching is one of the best things to see in Varca Goa. It enables the patrons to spend time in the waters of the Arabian Sea and watch lazy Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins at play in the wild. Dolphin-watching boat rides usually commence from Varca Beach, where you are escorted by a guide to the all-right places to see dolphins. Such excursions are preferably designed between November to March due to better sea conditions and dolphin activity. By the end of the boat cruise, you can see those beautiful creatures hopping and playing next to the cruise offering great chances for photos.
Location: Varca Beach, South Goa
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Cost/Person: ₹300 – ₹800
11. Visit Varca Lighthouse
Photo: Danger54 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Visiting Varca Lighthouse is a must for tourists in Varca, Goa, offering a blend of history and scenic beauty. Perched along the coastline, the lighthouse provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding landscape. Tourists can climb to the top for a bird’s-eye view, making it an ideal spot for photography and capturing stunning sunsets. The peaceful ambience and gentle sea breeze create a perfect setting for relaxation and contemplation. Exploring the lighthouse and its surroundings offers a unique opportunity to learn about its historical significance and maritime heritage. A visit to Varca Lighthouse promises an enriching and memorable experience for all.
Location: Varca Lighthouse, Padre Miranda Road, Pajifond, Madgaon, Goa
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Goa At Night For A Starry Adventure
12. Adventurous Speed Boat Rides
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Adventurous speedboat rides in Varca, Goa, provide an exhilarating experience for thrill-seeking tourists. Zipping across the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Sea, speedboat rides offer a perfect blend of excitement and scenic beauty. As you race through the waves, you can feel the rush of the wind and the spray of the sea, creating an unforgettable adrenaline-pumping adventure. The stunning coastal views and the occasional sighting of marine life add to the excitement. Suitable for both beginners and experienced adventurers, speedboat rides in Varca promise a memorable and thrilling activity, perfect for adding a dash of adventure to your beach getaway.
Location: Varca Beach, South Goa
Best Time To Visit: November to March
13. Go On Hiking Expeditions
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Hiking expeditions in Varca offer a unique way to explore the region’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Tourists can embark on scenic trails that wind through lush greenery, rolling hills, and picturesque villages. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the fresh air, the sound of rustling leaves, and the sight of vibrant flora and fauna. These expeditions provide a perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity, allowing visitors to connect with nature and experience the serene countryside. Some of the top hikes from Varca include Cabo de Rama Fort Trek and Chandranath Hill Trek.
Location: Varca, South Goa
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Suggested Read: Things To Do In South Goa For A Refreshing Exploration Amidst Goa
14. Take Spice Plantation Tours
Photo: Jennifer Rose Stankowski / Wikimedia Commons
Taking a spice plantation tour in Varca offers tourists a sensory and educational journey into the world of spices. These guided tours take visitors through lush plantations where aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and pepper are cultivated. Tourists can learn about the history, cultivation, and processing of these spices from knowledgeable guides. The experience is enriched by the opportunity to see, touch, and smell the various spices in their natural environment. Additionally, many plantations offer the chance to sample spiced teas and local delicacies made with fresh spices. A spice plantation tour in Varca provides a unique and immersive experience, highlighting the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
Location: Varca, Goa
Best Time To Visit: October to February
15. Explore The Backwaters
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Exploring the backwaters in Varca offers a tranquil and scenic escape for tourists. These serene waterways, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, provide a perfect setting for a leisurely boat ride. Tourists can glide through the calm waters, enjoying the peaceful ambience and the gentle sounds of nature. The backwaters are home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a great spot for birdwatching and photography. Along the journey, visitors can witness traditional Goan village life and see locals engaging in fishing and farming. Exploring the backwaters in Varca promises a relaxing and immersive experience, allowing tourists to connect with the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.
Location: Varca Backwaters, near Varca Beach, South Goa
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Suggested Read: Explore The Top Places To Visit Near Varca Beach For A Perfect Getaway
The alluring mix of experiences offered by Varca ranges from intoxicating water sports and cultural immersion that will leave you breathless to serene quietness as well as nature exploration. Varca can therefore be described as an ideal destination for any kind of traveller as there is hardly any dearth of things to do in Varca Goa. Pack your bags now and let TripXL shoulder the burden of bookings and the best deals.
Cover Photo: Cottonbro studio / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
