Best tourist places to visit in Goa and things to do

Goa, the land of palm-fringed beaches, sun and sand has various tourist places to visit, such as historical monuments and churches, and a lot of interesting activities to enjoy. native to the Western Ghats. Myristica, List Saea, Garcinia,

 

 

 

Here are the must-visit best places in Goa.

 

Best beaches in north Goa: Calangute Beach, Anjuna Beach and Baga Beach

 

 

Every tourist, be it a couple on honeymoon or families with children, must visit the vibrant beaches of north Goa. Calangute, Baga and Anjuna are the most popular among the many beaches of north Goa and have shacks that serve Konkan cuisine with cocktails and mocktails. Calangute Beach has swaying palm trees, colourful open-air markets and water sports like parasailing and surfing. Baga Beach has various water sports such as speed boating, water scooters and parasailing for family outings and exciting adventures. Anjuna Beach is known for its picturesque beauty where a tourist can enjoy a stroll, do yoga and receive a relaxing massage. This spot is also popular for jet skiing and paragliding.

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Top 5 beaches of south Goa

 

Beaches in South Goa are ideal for tourists who love tranquillity and sunshine and wish to rejuvenate themselves. Here are the top five must-visit beaches of south Goa.

Palolem Beach or Green Island is one of the most charming beaches in south Goa that remains unspoiled by tourists. The beach has the famous Silent Noise Disco, a club that only has headphone parties.

Agonda Beach is ideal for tourists longing for peaceful moments as hawkers are not allowed at this beach. It is one of the cleanest beaches in the state, apt for sunbathing and relaxing. The beach has colourful shacks, which can be rented for beachfront accommodation.

Galgibaga Beach or Turtle Beach is a pristine, white sand beach that is a must-visit for tourists. The northern end of Galgibaga is the nesting ground of the Olive Ridley Turtles and is a protected area. The beach is covered with dense pine vegetation.

Majorada Beach in south Goa is known for its toddy-tapping business restaurants and bakeries lined along the beach. It is one of the most popular beaches in the south and has sports such as parasailing, banana rides and dolphin spotting.

Colva Beach is one of the most visited beaches in Goa. The 2.5-km-long beach has white sands and coconut trees that enhance its beauty. It also has shacks, nightclubs, souvenir stalls and various water sports.

 

Places to visit in Goa: Fort Aguada

 

Fort Aguada is a 17th-century Portuguese Fort overlooking the convergence of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. The fort stands on the Sinquerim beach, approximately 18 kms from Panjim. The freshwater spring in the fort provided water supply to the ships that stopped there. Thus, the fort got its name, Aguada, which means water. The grand old fort could hold 79 cannons among other weapons. It is a four-story lighthouse that you can enter and enjoy the panoramic view of the lush green scenery and beautiful beaches. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa to watch a lovely sunset. Built around 1864, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in Asia. The lighthouse was in use for over 100 years after which it was replaced by a modern lighthouse.

 

Goa tourist places: Dudhsagar Lake

 

One of the famous places to visit near Goa is the Dudhsagar Lake, around 60 kms away from Goa, on the Goa and Karnataka border. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa, especially during the monsoon. Dudhsagar Falls, cascading spectacularly from an incredible height of almost 1,017 ft, is a sight to behold. Dudhsagar means ‘a sea of milk’, which is apt as the fall creates a white foam as it descends into the waters of the lake. Dudhsagar waterfall is amongst the five highest waterfalls in India. It displays the marvellous beauty of nature, creating a sight worth viewing.

 

Goa famous places: Basílica de Bom Jesus

 

One of the famous places to visit in Goa is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Built in 1594 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is among the oldest churches in Goa. The beautiful church is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture. The church also has the remains of Saint Francis Xavier, a missionary and saint of Christianity in Goa.

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Goa places to visit: Church of St Francis of Assisi

 

Another beautiful church that is a must-visit in north Goa is the church of St Francis of Assisi built by the Portuguese in 1661. The architecture of this Roman Catholic church is a beautiful blend of Tuscan, Baroque and Corinthian styles. The architecture of the church is impressive with an inlay of precious stones, gilded altars, frescos with floral designs and intricately carved woodwork. The altar is dedicated to St Francis of Assisi and has a huge statue of the saint and Jesus. The convent adjacent to the church has a museum set up by the Archaeological Survey of India, which displays artefacts, paintings and sculptures.

 

Places to visit in Goa: Church of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception

 

The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panjim is one of the oldest churches in Goa. Built in 1541, it has the second-largest bell in Goa in the massive bell tower. The Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is a combination of Portuguese and Baroque architecture with a dash of the Goan style. It is a classic white structure that shines brightly in the sun. This is one of the most popular churches in Goa and has featured in several Bollywood movies. The church is brightly illuminated every year on December 8 during the Festival of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

 

Places to visit in Goa: Fountainhas Panaji

 

 

A must-visit tourist place in Goa is the Fountainhas Latin Quarters in the capital city of Panjim. The colourful retro buildings and an old-world charm have made it popular among tourists. Each house is unique and many have names inscribed on white-and-blue tiled plaques. The Portuguese houses are brightly painted in yellow, maroon, blue and green and have artistic doors and balconies. A walk in this area transports you to the bygone days of Goa. The Portuguese Fountain is just below the Latino, the hilltop area in the centre of the city. The Portuguese settled here around a spring-fed well, The Fountain, from which the area gets its name. Walking the narrow cobbled streets to explore the quaint area is an experience of a lifetime. Fountainhas was declared a UNESCO Heritage Zone in 1984. Narrow winding streets and lanes, small shops, art galleries, bakeries and restaurants give it a distinctive character. In Fountainhas, do visit the beautiful and emblematic Chapel of St Sebastian with its pristine white façade, a contrast to the colourful neighbourhood.

 

Best places to visit in Goa: Shri Mangeshi Temple

 

Shri Mangeshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Mangeshi (a form of Shiva), is one of the major temples in Goa. Approximately 450 years old, the temple is built in the Goan architectural style. This temple has a water tank, stunning dome and distinctive white towers. Elegant with a simple entrance, the temple has a prominent statue of the bull god Nandi. Mangeshi temple is situated 22 kms from Panaji in the Ponda Taluka. The temple also has a seven-storey octagonal lamp tower called the Deepastambha, considered the tallest column in Goa.

 

Tourist places in Goa: Reis Magos Fort  

 

 

Reis Magos Fort is one of the oldest forts in Goa and one of the first ports set up by the Portuguese. The fort is visible from the Panaji side of the Mandovi River. It was mainly built to guard the narrowest point at the mouth of the Mandovi estuary. It proved to be useful in the 18th century during the wars against the Maratha rulers. The fortress with high walls, bounded with laterite stones and the strategic watchtowers, a common feature in Portuguese architecture, were built over the wall to keep an eye on the nearby area. Tourists can witness centuries-old cannons and ‘death holes’ through which hot oil was poured to stop invaders. The monument had a freshwater spring that provided portable water to the resident troops. The nearby Reis Magos Church is a popular tourist place and is visible from the opposite banks of the Mondovi River.

 

Unique places to visit in Goa

Goa is one of the most popular beach destinations in India and has some unique places for tourists to explore.

 

Pomburpa Springs, north Goa

Goa has several freshwater springs. Pomburpa Spring is one of the best springs in Goa, known for its medicinal values. The spring water is used for bathing by tourists who visit it throughout the year.

 

Butterfly beach

 

One of the unique tourist places to visit in Goa is the Butterfly beach. The beach can be reached only by boat as it is surrounded by dense vegetation. You can easily spot dolphins and crabs and the beautiful butterflies that give the beach its name. The white sand beach and the clear water of the Arabian Sea make for a calm and relaxing view.

 

Kayaking backwater canal

 

A tourist can enjoy thrilling kayaking on the Cumbarjua Canal in Goa (formed by the merger of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers) that flows through the thick mangrove forests. These backwaters are popular with thrill-seekers but remain fairly unknown to regular tourists. You can spot crocodiles while enjoying the sunshine on the bank of the river.

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Things to do in Goa

 

There are plenty of things to do in Goa. From just sunbathing on the beach and walking on the sands to watching the sunset and indulging in various fun-filled activities.

 

Water sports in Goa

 

 

 

Goa enjoys a long and uninterrupted coastline with relatively calmer waves and even sea floors. While water sports in Goa can be enjoyed at almost all the beaches, they are most popular at Baga, Calangute, Benaulim and Candolim. There are several water sports activities such as ski jet, banana rides, knee boarding, kite surfing, snorkelling, parasailing, paragliding, diving and kayaking. Jet ski rides are easily available at Candoli Beach, Baga Beach and Vagator Beach.

 

Dolphin watching in Goa

 

Dolphin spotting trips are a popular tourist activity in Goa. You can spot Indo-pacific Humpback dolphins and finless porpoises off the coast of Goa within two to three kms of the shore. Dolphin safari takes place along the coastal belt of Sinquerim, Candolim, Calangute and Baga. Early mornings are the best time for dolphin sightings in Goa.

 

Mondovi River Sunset Cruise and Casino

 

A holiday to Goa would be incomplete without an evening on the Sunset River Cruise. Spend some quality time with your family and friends amidst a serene backdrop. The most popular is an hour-long cruise down River Mandovi. You can catch glimpses of the ancient colonial buildings in Mormugao Port and Fort Aguada.

Indulge some gaming experiences in the casinos. There are also other entertainment activities along with dinner and performances. The main casino cruises are the Deltin Royale Casino Cruise, the Casino Pride Cruise and the Casino Cruise.

See also: All you need to know about RERA Goa

 

Shopping in Goa

 

 

 

When it comes to shopping in Goa there are flea markets and night bazaars near beaches. However, one can also shop at designer boutiques and state emporiums. Anjuna flea market, set up every Wednesday, is one of the most famous shopping places in North Goa. There are shops selling clothes, home décor, Indian spices, handicrafts, jewellery, souvenirs and footwear. Calangute market is all about summer beach clothes. There are numerous beachside shacks and stalls to buy trendy beachwear, leather products, seashells, souvenirs, trinkets, footwear, artificial jewellery, carpets, metal crafts and handicrafts. In Goa, a tourist must buy lovely seashell items such as necklaces, lampshades and seashell curtain strings.

Gaon cashews, in all flavours, are a must-try. Tourists often buy Goa Feni, a locally brewed hard drink from toddy palm or cashews.

 

Must-have popular Goan food

 

 

 

The cuisine of Goa is delicious and reveals the history and heritage of the state that was ruled by the Portuguese for a long time. Seafood, coconut milk, rice, kokum and local spices, are the main ingredients of Goan cuisine. In a state with a tropical climate, the spices and flavours are intense.

Pork vindaloo is a famous spicy Goan curry. Food is considered incomplete without fish. Rice and fish curry are the staples of most Goans. Kingfish is the most common delicacy. Others include pomfret, shark, tuna and mackerel. Bebinca is a dessert unique to Goa. The multi-layered cake has thin layers of a coconut-flavoured batter separated by melted ghee.

 

Tips for tourists in Goa

 

• Goa is considered a safe tourist place but it is better to be cautious. Research the places you plan to visit and book from a reputed website or government-approved tour or guide.
• Drive carefully if you are fond of riding motorcycles and always wear a helmet. Avoid high speeds and beware of sharp turns.
• Ensure that you carry cash and important documents in plastic or a waterproof bag when on the beach.
• Swimming in the absence of the lifeguards could be risky and should not be undertaken.
• It is always better to stick with your group and enjoy a safe holiday in Goa. Women should avoid visiting isolated areas alone. Do not leave your drink unattended in a crowded place or among strangers.

 Check out: House for rent in Goa 

FAQs

Can I rent vehicles in Goa for sightseeing?

Goa offers the option of renting a bike or a car and exploring the place on your own. To explore Goa, tourists can easily rent self-driven motorcycles, scooty, cars or jeeps daily. You must be above 18 years of age and hold a driving license.

How many days are enough for a tourist to do sightseeing in Goa?

A tourist needs at least four to five days to visit Goa and enjoy the beaches and visit forts and churches. Keep two days for north Goa, two for south Goa and one day for local markets and shopping in Goa.

What is the best time to visit Goa?

The best time to visit Goa is from November to mid-February when the temperature falls from 20°C to 28°C and is known as the peak season of Goa. During Christmas and New Year tourists from all over visit Goa.