Overlooking the majestic Arabian Sea, Goa is a paradise that has long attracted tourists to its sun-kissed beaches. The hippies of counter culture of the 70s halted their caravans at Goa and thus made it one of the most popular beach destinations which haven’t lost its charm even today. Apart from the white sand beaches, there are numerous places to visit in Goa that will make you fall in love with the place.
With an enchanting coastline of 100 kms, Goa has mélange of beaches that differ in their ambience, scenic and overall tranquility. Apart from that, it also offer a ride to its glorious past which saw the constructions for majestic forts, cathedrals and heritage homes that are still standing today as a beacon of the wonderful cultural history. The mesmerizing Dudhsagar Waterfalls acts as a cherry on top of the cake.
One of the most famous places to visit in Goa, The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Old Goa. The foundation of this church was laid in 1594 and is built in baroque style of architecture. It contains the remains of St Francis Xavier which was brought after two years from Portuguese Malacca. The church is situated in Old Goa, which was the capital of Goa in the beginning of Portuguese rule. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is over 408 years of age which makes its among the oldest churched in the Goa and the Country. It is open to the public every day.
Another famous tourist attractions in Goa, The Se Cathedral de Santa Catarina, known as Se Cathedral was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese under Afonso de Albuquerque over a Muslim army in 1510. The cathedral is an example of Portuguese-Manueline architecture. The Se Cathedral has five bells. The tower located in the Cathedral houses a bell, which is one of the largest in Goa and often referred to as ‘Golden Bell’ on account of its rich tone which has been immortalized in a Portuguese poem. The main altar is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, and old paintings on either side of it depict scenes from her life and martyrdom.
Reis Magos Church: The Church of St. Francis of Assisi was built in 1661 by the Portuguese. The main entrance is decorated with circular pilasters and rosette band while the internal buttress walls, separating the chapels and supporting the gallery on top, have frescoes showing floral designs.
The fort went to the hands of Portuguese once they defeated the King of Soonda . Inside the Cabo de Rama Fort, there is the church of Santo Antonio which is in excellent condition and is still used by devotees. There is little to see of the old structure beyond the front wall with its dry moat and main gate, and the small church which stands just inside the walls. The fort provides majestic views of the entire length of Colva beach and the Canacona stretch.
This is a well preserved fort in Goa and overlooks the Arabian Sea. The fort was constructed in 1613 to guard against the Dutch and the Marathas. In spite of the fact that the whole fortress is no more the way it was, a few structures that are still fit as a fiddle have been changed over into a jail. Interestingly, it happens to be the biggest jail in Goa. The other highlight of of the stronghold is a four-story Portuguese beacon, raised in 1864 and the oldest of its kind in Asia.
One of the oldest church built in Goa, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is built in Baroque style of architecture and is located in Panjim. It is a great example of Portuguese architecture dedicated to Mary Immaculate. The interiors of the church is not so extravagant but features colorful altars and paintings. Every year on 8th December the church is illuminated for the celebration of festival.
Located in Panaji, Goa State Museum was established in 1977 and showcases artifacts and historical crafts. It features about 8,000 artifacts related to carvings, sculptures, paintings, wooden objects, bronzes, rare coins, manuscripts, and anthropological objects.The museum is divided in 14 different galleries devoted to specific categories.
Located at the foothills of Kavalem village in Goa, Shanta Durga Temple is a beautiful Hindu shrine dedicated to goddess Shantadurga. Originally the temple was located at Quelossim which was destroyed by Portuguese in 15th century. And later it was shifted to current place. The temple is built in Indo-Portuguese style of architecture and is one of the most famous temple in Goa. It is believed that Goddess Shantadurga settled the fierce fight between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu by holding both in different hands.
One of the must visit place in Goa, Ingo’s Saturday Night Market is divided into three parts. Pashmina, spices, hammocks and pretty cushions can be found at the Lower Field while in the Central Field there are local and international designers displaying their clothes and accessories. The Upper Field has in store both local and international designs. DJ sets, Tequila stands along with continental, Indian, Mediterranean, Italian and Mexican cuisine can also be found here.
Mackies Saturday Night Bazaar is located on the banks of river Baga, and is open from November till April every Saturday 6.00 p.m. onwards. Along with goods and accessories, you will also find dance floor, music played by live band, performances by Indian and international artist like acrobats, fire dancers, Jugglers, oriental belly dancers and many more such things happening around you.
Mapusa Market goes on all days except Sunday. All the vendors and shoppers from Goa can be found at this place. Antiques, souvenirs and textiles along with spices, vegetables and fruit can be bought at this flea market.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is a multi-storeyed forests with tall trees and rare plants that is a must visit place for all the nature lovers. You can spot a few the Gazelles, Sloth Bears, Porcupines, Panthers and Hyenas in the Sanctuary.
Among the most famous tourist attractions in Goa, Dudhsagar waterfall is perched on the highest peak of the Western Ghats. The waterfall appears like a steam of milk gushing down the mountain and creates a wonderful sight. It is one of the best and most famous waterfalls not only in Goa but also in India. Monsoon is the best time to visit this waterfall.
Also known as Harvalem Waterfalls, Arvalem Waterfalls is a beautiful place in Goa. It is 24 feet high and has the famous Rudreshwar temple and Arvalem caves in its vicinity. This waterfall, which cascades down from the mountains from a height of 50 metres, is not as awe-inspiring as the Dudhsagar Waterfalls spectacle, but is interesting all the same. The Government has also developed a park from which the view of the waterfall can be peacefully relished.
Mayem Lake is the most famous Lake in Goa. It is located in Bicholim taluka in North Goa. The Lake sits on a wooded shore and one can spot a wide range of birds in this region. You can go boating in this lake too.
Pascoal Spice Village lies 8 kilometers away from Ponda National Highway. At its lower you will spot Mandovi River that adds to the beauty of the village. The spice, tropical fruits and nuts plantation in this village is spread over a large area. You can also enjoy boating in the premises of this village.
Located along the river Mandovi at Chorao Island, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a famous bird sanctuary in India named after the renowned orinthologist, Salim Ali. The area is fully covered with mangrove trees and is home to number of local and migratory birds. To reach the island one can take the ferry between Ribander and Chorao.
Located in southern eastern part of Goa, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a wildlife sanctuary by government of Goa to protect the Western Ghats. The Sanctuary is named after the important river Neturli which is the tributary of the Zuari River. It is one of the best place in Goa for nature lovers. October to March is the best time to visit the Wildlife Sanctuary.
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Goa, Arambol Beach located in North Goa is a fisherman village with beautiful sandy beach. Located about one hour of drive from Goa International Airport, the main attraction of this beach is the fresh water lake with hot thermals, the jungle valley, the Banyan tree and the money stone. Couples can enjoy a stroll along the beach or have relishing seafood’s in beach shacks. You can also enjoy live music and entertainment in Arambol beach. Arambol is among the best beaches to visit in North Goa.
Located on the opposite bank of the Chapora River, Vagator Beach has dramatic red cliffs on the shore from where one can have the stunning views of the Arabian Sea. It principally draws in western visitor and is famous in Goa for its sunset. Vagator is somewhat more laid back, however rave culture is pretty much in this area. It is a favorite place for backpackers from western countries, however it is also famous among the Indian vacationers, who especially come to enjoy the sunset here. Vagator Beach offers a breathtaking view of sunset.
Being the most famous tourist place in Goa, Anjuna Beach a tiny village in Goa is one of the most famous beach in Goa that is well known for its trance parties amongst the tourists. It has a famous flea market that is of interest to the shopaholics. St.Michel’s Church is another important attraction of this village. With number of famous restaurans, bars and nightclub, Anjuna Beach is surely a top destination for every tourist coming to Goa. Do visit Paradiso here which is one of the most famous nightclub in Goa.
Calangute Beach is the largest and among the most visited tourist spot in Goa. The beach offers water sport activities like parasailing and water skiing, etc. The months of December and January see a rise in the number of tourists on this beach. Calangute is the most famous destination in Goa. The beach has an array of good accommodation facilities of various budgets. Calangute’s nightlife is calm and peaceful and gives a pleasant break from the wild gatherings at Anjuna.
Baga Beach is one of the most popular places to visit in Goa. Rows of shacks and fishing boats very well define this Goan beach. It is quite popular for parasailing, water sports and dolphin cruises. Goa’s Baga beach is not a big beach situated between its two more acclaimed cousins, Anjuna Beach on one side and Calangute Beach on the other. It is a decent place to appreciate some relaxed holidays and abide in tranquil consideration with oneself.
Actually it is a small village located in the Bardez sub district of North Goa and is very well known for its beautiful Sinquerim Beach. Here tourist can enjoy number of water sports like water-skiing, para-sailing, fishing, scuba diving and windsurfing. This beach is suitable for swimming and one should not miss visiting this beach as it is the must visit place in Goa. Nearby the beach you can find number of good restaurant and various shacks that serve some tasty dishes and drinks.
Colva Beach in Goa stretches for around 2.4 kilometres and is characterized by soft white sand and tall coconut palm trees. The beach is full of cheap accommodation facilities, beach shacks, restaurants and cafes. Colva Beach is one of the well known tourist attractions in Goa and the shoreline is definitely a gem in Goa’s Beaches. Few can match its picturesque magnificence. There are likewise great eateries with a scope of extraordinary food and quality convenience accessible close by.
I am visiting Goa for the first time with my husband. We are both 60+. What would be the best places to visit, considering our age. I am very keen to go on a short cruise and visit a few Churches. WE will be there for four days.
Hi Keith,
Try Dudhsagarfall it is an adventurous destination and you will love it. Monsoon is the best time to visit it. Also, you can try Sarzora Lake which is an amazing place amidst nature. 3 Kings Church is also a good place from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Goa Shorelines.
Can anyone tell what are some best places to visit in Goa which are less explored and but one must visit these places ? I am adventure lover and would love to know some places where i can hike or camp or any other historical places, waterfalls or any other adventurous place.
Which Places Among These Should I include in 3 nights trip to goa ? Can Anyone help, please ! Because all these attractions can’t be visited in 4 days. I am generally nightlife and nature lover so suggest me some places which i should must visit in these 4 days trip to goa.
Goa is one of the best destination to ever visited in summer or winter. Love to visit here again, we can rejuvenate our self with different kind of activities, beauty and charming of the Lake and Beaches attracted lots of tourist per year, so weather is so calm and peaceful.
Yeah Monica Goa is one of the best tourist destinations in India.
I am spellbind after looking at this amazing list. While some of the beach features lively crowd, the others are simply inviting the the solitude seekers and wanderers like me. My favourite is Betalbatim beach, which I am planning to visit soon.
It is amazing place I love to go there again n again, it is a nice place for night out with friends to go there enjoy n beaches of Goa are very awesome.
Just hire a scooty and explore outskirts too…I liked Vagator beach most, it is so calm and neat and avoid Calangute Beach that is worst, packed with peoples all the time.
I have been to Goa a dozen of times as it is only a 5-hour drive from Mumbai. I must say this is a comprehensive list which has included almost all popular beaches in Goa. My personal favorite is Benaulim beach as it is a away from the crowded places in Goa. Planning to visit again on New Year’s Eve with friends.
One of the best place in India where you can go and just be yourself, do what you want, eat what you like drink whenever you feel like drinking. There are lot of beaches some of them are calangutte, miramar, baga, anjuna, Baga is the most happening beach and is at its best in the evening. There are many bars and restaurants at baga beach so you can go and enjoy your drink. People there do not care what you wear or what you do so just be yourself and enjoy your life. you can hire vehicle at cheap rates and roam around. Try the sea food and also try feni. Lots of water sports are available at beaches so you can pick any sport and enjoy.
Goa is one of the most beautiful place i have ever seen. Full on fun and lots of places are there where i captured pictures too. Beach side visit gives me a full satisfaction, sounds of the waves and sun set was perfect combination to feel the beauty of nature. Goa is best place to visit.
I visits so many places in south Asia but Goa gives me a completely different experience. The bewitching beaches are awesome, Crowd is quite friendly. I met with peoples from different countries there specially Russians :p . The environment is safe which gives you feel like western beaches. One must should visit to Goa if they are planning to visit India. :)