We are sure you are excited to visit Goa and have a wonderful time after being unable to do so for so long! That is why we have created this blog to remind you of the allure and allure of Goa, as well as the greatest spots to experience the most of what it has to offer.
When you think of Goa, images of beaches with colourful beach shacks, crazy parties, flea markets bustling with tourists, and wonderful seafood come to mind. Although it is one of the top tourism destinations in India for those reasons, this state has much more to offer with its coastline that spans along the Arabian Sea. There are various tourist attractions.
Goa’s Top Tourist Attractions
- Panaji, North Goa
- Margao, South Goa
- Vasco da Gama, South Goa
- Mapusa, North Goa
- Calangute, North Goa
- Candolim, North Goa
- Anjuna, North Goa
- Bambolim, North Goa
- Agonda, South Goa
# Panaji: A laid-back state capital!
Panaji should be on your list of places to visit in Goa not just because it is the capital city, but also because there are so many spots that make for a fantastic sightseeing tour. From a heritage tour in Fontainhas – the Latin Quarters to a day at Miramar Beach, this city offers a good time. Ornithologists and bird enthusiasts can also visit the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, which is only 7 kilometres away and is home to migrating birds as well as common and unique marsh living birds.
Popular Attractions in Panaji
- Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
- Adil Shahi Palace
- Miramar Beach
- Fontainhas
- Resig Magos Fort
- Kala Academy
- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
- Divar Island
- Shanta Durga Temple
- Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
# Margao is Goa’s cultural capital!
Margao is not a spot you want to miss if you are planning a trip to Goa. The town claims to be Goa’s cultural capital, and after visiting it, you realise it’s a well-earned title. The Municipal Garden, The Holy Spirit Church, The House of Seven Gables, and Damodar Temple are among well-known tourist attractions. You should also go to the special market to see the different types and dried fish. Apart from the Margao curry, almost all of the Goan specialties may be found in Margao. It’s worth noting that Margao Curry is sold to Portugal and Spain.
- Damodar Temple
- Pandava Caves
- Margao Market
- Zalor Beach
- Sri Chandranath
- Monte Hill
- Municipal Garden
- The Holy Spirit Church
- House of Seven Gables
# Vasco do Gama: The beaches, mostly!
Vasco da Gama is named after the Portuguese adventurer Vasco da Gama. If you are going to Goa to spend time on its beaches, this is the place to be. There are various beaches, such as Cansaulim, which is ideal for watching the sunset, or Hollant, which is ideal for a crazy ride with your pals! There are also additional sights, such as the 400-year-old St. Andrews Church. There is also a Naval Aviation Museum, one of only three in India. If you go in March, you can attend the Shigmo festival, which has street dances and colourful parades.
Popular Attractions in Vasco da Gama
- Mormugao Fort
- Arossim Beach
- Bogmalo Beach
- Kesarval Waterfalls
- Sahakari Spice Farm
- Naval Aviation Museum
- Shri Ramnath Temple
- Three Kings Church
- Cansualim Beach
- Velsao Beach
- Hollant Beach
- St. Andrew’s Church
# Mapusa: Let’s go to the Friday Bazaar!
There are numerous reasons to visit Mapusa during your Goa holiday, but the Mapusa Friday Market deserves special note. Every Friday, vendors sell Goan spices, homemade sausages, ready-to-cook fish with marsala, vegetables, chillies, cashews, and sweets. It is located in the Bardez sub-district and is close to various beaches such as Vagator and Chapora.
Mapusa’s Top Attractions
- Bodgeshwar Temple
- Mapusa Friday Bazaar
- St. Jerome Church
- Maruti Temple
- Cansaulim Church
- Church of Our Lady of Miracles
- Municipal Building (for its architecture)
# Calangute is home to the Queen of Beaches!
Calangute Beach is one of Goa’s most stunning beaches, which is why this town in the Bardez area appears in every Goa tourist guide. On any given day at the beach, you will see a slew of travellers and tourists enjoying a good time! There are shacks, several clubs, shows, open-air dances, and people participating in adventure sports such as parasailing and water skiing.
Popular Attractions in Calangute
- Calangute Beach
- St. Alex Church
- Tibetan Market
# Candolim: As laid-back as it gets!
Candolim, like Calangute, draws people to Goa because of its main feature, Candolim Beach. If you prefer your beaches to be packed and boisterous, with a party atmosphere, you won’t find anything to do here! It is for you, though, if all you want to do is sunbathe, watch the sunset, take a dip, and enjoy parasailing. Another reason to go to the beach is the “River Princess,” a bulk ship that ran aground 100 metres from shore. Choose a sunbed and watch the waves kiss the shore as they turn red and gold at sunrise and dusk.
Candolim’s Top Attractions
- Candolim Beach
- Our Lady of Hope Church
# Anjuna :
If you travelled to Goa in the 1960s and visited the village of Anjuna, you would find yourself in the midst of trance parties, hippies dressed in colourful colours, and free-spirited backpackers. Today, you’ll discover all kinds of tourists, both domestic and international, with traces of the hippy era. Visiting the Flea Market, which is open on Wednesdays, is one opportunity to get a sense of that. You can buy everything from sarongs to sandalwood and leather products to crystals and stones. Another popular destination is Anjuna Beach, which is less congested than other beaches in Goa. To enjoy the trance scene, go there in the evening and head towards.To enjoy the trance atmosphere, go in the evening and dine at places like Curlies or Shiva Valley.
Popular Things to See in Anjuna
- Wednesday Flea Market
- Anjuna Beach
Bambolim: So peaceful, yet so alive!
For its beach, Bambolim is consistently ranked among the top ten locations to visit in Goa. It is a lengthy stretch of white sandy beach, boulders, and joyously waving coconut trees that serves both aesthetic and functional needs (such as, offering shade from the midday sun). On rare days, you might find groups of young guys and girls hanging together, but more often than not, you will see fisherman getting ready to go fishing. It’s also an excellent family picnic area in Goa because it’s remote and free of merchants and shacks. There is, however, a Bambolim Beach Resort where you may sample a range of cuisines, from Goan to Continental pleasures.
Popular Attraction in Bambolim
- Bambolim Beach
# Agonda :
Agonda is a popular tourist attraction in South Goa, known for both its “quiet beach” and the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles that lay their eggs there in September. The settlement along the ocean is surrounded by deep forest, and it’s easy to forget words like “time” and “hurry.” Watch the Arabian Sea lapping at the shore, cows strolling calmly, and dogs having the pleasure of their lives! Visitors to Goa describe it as a top beach destination, and it’s easy to see why!
Things to See
- Agonda Beach
Goa, located on the western coast of India,
is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and Portuguese influence. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Goa:
- Beaches: Goa is famous for its stunning beaches. Some of the popular ones include Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Anjuna Beach, Vagator Beach, and Palolem Beach. These beaches offer a mix of relaxation, water sports, beach shacks, and vibrant nightlife.
- Old Goa: Known as the “Rome of the East,” Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to several historic churches and cathedrals. Must-visit attractions include Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, and Church of St. Cajetan.
- Fort Aguada: Located near the beach of the same name, Fort Aguada is a well-preserved 17th-century Portuguese fort. It offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and houses a lighthouse. The fort played a significant role in protecting Goa against enemy invasions.
- Dudhsagar Falls: Situated on the Mandovi River, Dudhsagar Falls is one of India’s tallest waterfalls. Surrounded by lush greenery, the cascading white water makes for a mesmerizing sight. Visitors can enjoy swimming, trekking, or simply admiring the natural beauty.
- Spice Plantations: Goa is known for its spice plantations. Visiting one allows you to experience the aroma of various spices like pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla. You can take a guided tour, enjoy a traditional Goan meal, and even indulge in an Ayurvedic massage.
- Fontainhas: Located in Panaji, Fontainhas is Goa’s Latin Quarter. It showcases colorful Portuguese-style houses, narrow winding streets, art galleries, and charming cafés. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll and immerse yourself in Goa’s colonial charm.
- Casinos: Goa is the only Indian state where gambling is legal. Several floating casinos operate on the Mandovi River in Panaji, offering gaming options, live entertainment, and dining experiences.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Goa is home to diverse flora and fauna. Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park are popular for their biodiversity, trekking trails, and the opportunity to spot wildlife such as leopards, deer, and birds.
These are just a few of the many attractions Goa has to offer. Whether you seek relaxation on the beaches, delve into history and culture, or indulge in adventure and nightlife, Goa caters to a variety of interests.