Goa - Embarking on a Shopping Spree

Located on India's western coast, the state of Goa is a treasure trove of immense scenic charm and beauty where you can enjoy the best of adventure, sunshine, spirituality or plain relaxation. As a traveler struck by wanderlust, you simply don't need to look beyond the magical land of Goa. But there's more to Goa than all these attractions! Shopping in Goa can be as extensive and varied as the attractions of this land.

A holidaymaker's paradise and a laid-back, yet classy and exciting tourist destination, Goa presents an exhilarating combination of an endless expanse of breathtakingly beautiful beaches, sensuous silvery sands, amazing flora and fauna, rich cultural heritage, beautiful churches and magnificent temples. Even with all the attractions and events in Goa, for tourists, nothing beats the lure of indulging in a shopping spree at the traditional, modern and beachside shopping outlets to collect some memorable souvenirs exclusive to the state.

So, as a tourist, you should plan your trip to Goa keeping in mind that shopping should be high up on the priority list of the itinerary along with the sightseeing attractions. To start with, you can either go for the up-market boutiques for extraordinary and good quality curios, handicrafts, antiques and silks or embroidery items. Else, if you are looking for some delightful shopping at throw-away prices, head for the beach front bazaars and flea markets in Goa. The tourist shops near the prominent Goa hotels and tourist places also offer decent shopping options for tourists.

The most popular souvenir items that tourists usually buy in Goa are the excellent local handicrafts of Goa which include brassware, terracotta, shell work, crochet, carved furniture, bamboo work, papier-mache, etc. You'll find these items aplenty at the beach bazaars as well as the Government Emporia. Typical beach products are also much sought after by the tourists, and you must buy at least a piece or two of these while shopping in Goa. Another item which features on the shopping-list of every traveler to Goa is Goa's famed cashew nuts, available practically everywhere in the state.

Goan beach 'bazaars' (markets) are always bustling with activity and these get livelier and more colorful in the evenings. Jazz up your leisurely stroll on the famed Goan beaches by indulging in some leisurely shopping at the local markets which are lined on the beachside, and are the best places in Goa to shop for trinkets and souvenirs. Take your pick from a wide range of souvenirs adorning the racks of the various shops and gift them to your loved ones back home.

Two of the most famous flea markets in Goa are at Mapusa and Anjuna beaches. One of the most famous traditional markets in Goa, the Friday Market at Mapusa can be the perfect venue for you to buy everything from curios and old coins to dried fish and spices. The Wednesday market at Anjuna Beach started by and for foreigners is an excellent place to shop for souvenirs, beachwear, trinkets and handicrafts sold at bargain prices. The Saturday Flea Market at Baga Beach held every Saturday evening sells an abundance of all kinds of bric-a-brac, toys and trinkets, exotic delicacies and delicious Goan cuisine.

Enjoy consummate shopping and hotels in Goa and return home with some excellent souvenirs and curios for your loved ones. But, a piece of advice for all visitors: Please don't forget to bargain at the beach bazaars because intelligent bargaining can lead to some very good deals.

Rohan Arora is a travel writer based in India. For more information on shopping , cuisine, Hotels in Goa, Goa hotels you can log on to http://www.goahub.com/goa/hotels/index.html which will give you complete travel related information about goa and other destinations in India

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