Goa is fondly called the party capital of India. Situated in Konkan area of the Western Ghats, this area is blessed with incredible biodiversity. From
Goa is fondly called the party capital of India. Situated in Konkan area of the Western Ghats, this area is blessed with incredible biodiversity. From beaches and hard-core party places (pubs, discotheques, lounges) to places of religious importance and flea markets, Goa has it all. Each aspect of this place makes it the perfect tourist destination.
Bestowed with mild weather, Goa is another main attraction if you are salubrious for most instances of the season. Live entertainment on the beach, at shacks, and on docked vessels are traditional features. Music and merriment are a part and package of everyday living. Here are the places to visit in Goa.
Baga Beach
Among the most sought-after shores in India, Baga Beach is the heart of tourist attraction in Goa. Majestically situated in North Goa, pleasant atmosphere, scenic views of the shoreline and plenty of things to do, makes it one of the finest places to visit in Goa. On any trip to this exotic retreat, you are able to see numerous fishing boats docked from the shoreline. Baga beach is known for its number of water sports activities such as dolphin spotting, parasailing, banana boat ride and sun-basking are very appreciated on this beach. November to March is considered as the best time to visit the Baga Beach although you can travel to this adventure haven at any time of the entire year.
Aguada Beach
Known for Aguada Fort, Aguada Beach is one of the best places to visit in Goa. The seaside in North Goa is an excellent place to bask in Goa. This location stands apart from others with its number of historical attractions. Additionally, it allures the tourists with the history of ancient citadels and pristine landscape.
- Also Read:- Places to Visit in Goa with Family
Arambol Beach
Showering a distinct Bohemian vibe, Arambol Beach is said to be one of the most beautiful places in Goa. It lies to the north of Keri Beach and south of Mandrem Beach. This is a conventional fisherman hamlet. The sandy coast is safe for swimming and hence draws the water lovers. It also lures many foreigners particularly during the months from November to March. You will find a number of homestays and cheaper hotels around Arambol. You can take pleasure in adventure activities such paragliding and kitesurfing on this beach. You can also get courses in meditation, yoga, Odissi Dance and much more.
Palolem Beach
Placed in Canacona, Palolem beach offers peaceful and soothing views. The beauty of the coast lies in it being largely untampered. People who reside here include anglers and foreign tourists. Such is the exquisiteness of the beach that it was presented in the Hollywood movie ‘The Bourne Supremacy’ as the Goan property of Jason Bourne (Matt Damon). Each year, bamboo- hut stays and restaurants are offered to the tourists to create a genuine connection with nature.
Calangute Beach
One of the captivating tourist places in Goa, Calangute Beach is constantly bustling with visitors searching for good time and some comfort. The biggest beach in north Goa, this place gets flooded with tourists during winter and summer season. There are many accommodations available here. This is where one can enjoy a few water sports including parasailing and waterskiing. With Baga Beach only a jump- skip away, you can engage in a lively nightlife.
- Must Read:- Top 10 Best Honeymoon Places in South India
Butterfly Beach
A wonderful small sandy beach on the north of Palolem Beach, Butterfly Beach beckons with clear waters and silver sands. Not accessible by road, you’ll have to embark upon a journey of around 2 hours passing through the woody areas to arrive here. You may also take a ferry from Palolem Beach to reach this place. The slopes and thick vegetation fringing the sands enhance the attraction of this place even more. It’s one of the offbeat places to go to in Goa.
Colva Beach
Colva is a lovely beach that extends for pretty much 2.4 km with wonderfully bright, powdery sand alternating with coarse seashells. The Colva beach is famous for various bars and hotels and in addition, offers the gorgeous beachfront with the views of the Arabian sea. It spreads from Bogmalo in the north to Cabo de Rama in the south. The beach is also lined up with a number of building and houses representing the Portuguese architecture.
- Suggested Post:- Best Tourist Places to Visit in Mysore
Benaulim Beach
Among the most serene beaches in Goa, Benaulim is a virgin beach that is ideal in case you are seeking a little isolation and calmness. Located i close proximity with Colva Beach in South Goa, this beach is lined with a number of villas and exotic stays offering the view of the infinite sea. Benaulim remains among the most unexplored and less crowded beaches in Goa.
Mobor Beach
To the Mobor Beach lies in South Goa where you can head for a guaranteed beachside bliss in Goa. It is among the most esteemed shores in Goa and it is famous for ventures and watersports that make it a destination for many adventure lovers. It is important to note that this beach was untouched till the late 1980’s and only gained popularity following the set up of few beach resorts on the forefront. For a full guide to lesser known beaches of Goa, visit here.
Bat Island
Also called ‘The Pequeno Island’, the Bat Island is great for adventure seekers. This is where one just spends a lazy day soaking the charms of the sun or can enjoy activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. With underwater sports, you can get a view of sea cucumbers, brain coral, sea lovers, sea whips, parrot fish, angel fish, rabbit fish, butterfly fish, star coral and many other denizens of the water world.
Divar Island
Divar Island is created by the Mandovi River in Panjim. As of its location, you’ll be able to unravel the appeals of old Goa country. The island is adorned with the paddy hills and woody hillocks. Where several ancient temples, the island was once a Hindu pilgrimage center. The Portuguese damaged them along with the main Ganesh idol and constructed the Khandola hamlet near Marcel.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Basicila of Bom Jesus, located in the old Goa is one of the most exquisite examples of the Baroque architecture of ancient Europe. The church which was built in 1605 is now preserved and listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The human body St. Francis Xavier is well preserved inside the premises of the church and hence the church holds a great value for the Christians of Goa. Whether an architecture lover or a history worm, amongst all the best places to visit in Goa, this old landmark with all its glories will really keep you surprised!
Fort Aguada
Fort Aguada is one of the ancient places in Goa to open the pages of history and travel back to the time when the place was ruled by Portuguese. A Colonial fort overlooking the Arabian Sea along with the Sinquerim Beach, Fort Aguada was constructed in 1613 and ever since it has become a prominent landmark or perhaps a reference point for ships visiting the Goan shores from Europe. There is also a lighthouse located within the premises of the fort from where you can marvel the panoramic views of the little Goa spread across the vastness of sea and green hills. The fort remains open from 9 AM- 6 PM.
Chapora Fort
The Chapora Fort, rising above the Chapora River in Bardez, can be an interesting place to visit. The stronghold has experienced the passing of several fingers to Marathas from Portuguese. Following the Bollywood film Dil Chahta Hai was shot here within the modern times, it shot to prominence.
The Cabo de Rama Fort
The Cabo de Rama Fort is among the earliest in their state. Situated in Canacona, it had been created prior to the appearance of British. The story has it this may be the very spot where Lord Rama at that time of his exile sought refuge alongside Sita from Ayodhya. The travel towards the castle is just a graphic one. Once at the very top, you can relax with the view of crystal waters surrounded arching palm lines and by exotic charms. Within the fort may be the well-maintained chapel of Santo Antonio, where enthusiasts still arrived at.
Dona Paula
Dona Paula is a place dedicated to the Paula Amaral Antonio de Souto Maior who belonged to an affluent family during the Portuguese rule. She was very active in the charitable work and in helping the needy of the village. Hence, a village is named after her. You can visit the Dona Paula beach and the monument dedicated to her with the views of the Panjim city. You can also enjoy motorboat ride here along with a quick shopping experience from the local market.
Mangueshi Temple
Situated at about 26 km from Madgaon, the Mangueshi Temple is among Goa’s most prominent landmarks. A traditional dress code is required to enter the premises of this temple. The temple comes with an intriguing background because it was constructed after the Portuguese began forcible conversions within the town, it was then the regional Brahmins put the Mangesh Linga in this temple.
The present temple complex was built during the rule Maratha Kingdom and it is a considered sacred by the local people. Visit this spot to witness a great example of Maharashtrian architecture.
- Must Read:- Top 12 Most Famous Temples in Karnataka
The Church of Immaculate Conception of Our Lady
Among the most famous edifices of Goa, you would spot this beautiful white church in a number of Bollywood flicks. An excellent example of Baroque architecture, it was built in 1600 to cater to the religious sentiments of Portuguese people. It is the second largest church in Goa. Visit this church of marvel the ancient Portuguese architecture and the pure white beauty with the views of the Panjim city.
Kala Academy
The mecca for several art fans, academics and, professionals, The Kala Academy of Goa is an offbeat place to explore in Goa for the art and academics lovers. It is a center of art and culture to develop music, dance, drama, fine art, folk art, literature, etc to promote the cultural unity of Goa.
Arpora Market
If you are a shopaholic searching for knick-knacks to enhance your house, components or workplace or to jazz-up a boring clothing, then Saturday Night Market at Arpora should be the top priority on your list. You will get amazing deals on homemade goods and gorgeous cotton clothes in addition to meals, herbs, spices, custom jewelry, Indian crafts, rugs, carpets and a whole lot more products. The marketplace opens every Saturday at around 6:00 PM and continues to open all night long.
Anjuna Beach
Anjuna beach is one of the most popular beaches in Goa, with palm trees gently swaying in the cool breeze; the sight is a delight for the eyes in the rainy season. A utopian hippy hangout with its famous trance parties and wild nights, the places lives up to the expectation of the ultimate party destination. the location is an awesome hangout. If you want to explore more beaches then savour yourself with all these blissful beaches in Goa. The nightlife of Anjuna beach is synonymous to party life and you just can’t miss out the insight to Goan nightlife.
- Suggested Post:- Andaman Nicobar Islands Tourism
Naval Aviation Museum
India’s one and only Naval Aviation Museum is situated along the Vasco-Bogmalo road barely six kilometres from the port city of Vasco-da-Gama. This Naval Aviation Museum established in Oct’1998 is the only one of its kind in the whole of Asia. It has not received the publicity it rightly deserves and hence remained unvisited and unseen by many Goans. The Naval Aviation Museum at Goa showcases the rich history of Indian Naval Aviation. It has a prized collection of vintage and serving aircraft, their engines, armaments and much more to delight an aviation enthusiast or just a curious tourist. A day at the museum is a must for all visitors to Goa.
Dudhsagar Falls
“Dudhsagar” literally translates to the “Ocean of milk” owing to the milky white hue of water that gently cascades from the river. the Dudhsagar waterfalls will fill you up with awe and evoke a sense of calm in you. One of the highest waterfalls in India, Dudhsagar falls stands tall at the height of about 310 meters and an average width of about 30m. The scenic vistas delivered by The falls will remain indelible in your memory. The falls would entice the nature lover in you, and make for a great backdrop in your selfies!
