Goa is the smallest state by area and 4th smallest by population. It was ranked the best state by the Eleventh Finance Commission for its infrastructure. Located in the western region called Konkan Goa is the most popular tourist destination in India. Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Bom Jesus Basilica, Fort Aguada are famous places to visit in Goa. Goa can be called as a party hub as it is most popular for its nightlife. One should not miss the Goan churches apart from beaches. Goan beaches are divided into North Goa and South Goa. The best time to visit party capital Goa is from Mid-November to Mid-February. 1) Calangute Beach
Situated 11km away from the Panjim Calangute beach is one of the most popular visit places in Goa also it the largest beach in North Goa.
This beach offers the coastline with an amazing sea view also one can experience the best sunset of their life here. During peak seasons it is busiest the beach swamped with people from all around the world. It is one of the most recommended tourist places in Goa. Calangute beach is also famous for adventure water sports activities, shopping, nightlife
2) Baga Beach
One of the most popular beaches in North Goa. Baga is known for its beach parties nightlife and amazing seafood served at its beach shacks and restaurants. This beach is located at the end of the stretch of Calangute beach. Baga, a top shoreline in Goa which is surrounded by all another place which makes it a perfect spot by all another place for beach enthusiasts. Baga is the most loved place which is great nightlife. It is situated very close to Panaji at a distance of 15 km and 15 min away from Mapasu. As it is easily accessible one should definitely add Baga in your list of best beach at Goa.
3) Fort Aguada
Fort Aguada is one of the important places of Goa tourism. Fort Aguada is situated around 15 km away from Panaji. To reach fort you will be requiring to take a 2km long walk. This fort is a 17th-century fort built by the Portuguese. The fort along with its lighthouse overlooks the Arabian sea. Here you can relax with your partner while watching the sunset.
It receives a lot of tourist traffic all around the year, because of it's beautiful scenes to get clicked also that it stands as a testimony to the Portuguese empire. Fort Aguada is the most popular tourist destinations of Goa one must pay a visit here.
4) Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Dudhsagar waterfall is the fourth largest waterfall in India and the most beautiful destination in Goa that should not be missed. It is 60 km away from Panaji by road and is located on the Madgaon-BelAgavi rail route about 46 km east of Madgaon and 80 km south of Belagavi.
Dudhsagar literally means 'sea of milk'. It is titled as one of the most scenic waterfalls of India and it got more popularity when it was featured in Bollywood film Chennai express. One will enjoy the core here not only will you be able to swim at the foot of the waterfall but also enjoy the sight of monkeys roaming around the place. The best time to visit is from October to May.
5) Bom Jesus Basilica
Bom Jesus Basilica built, in the year 1594 is perhaps the most famous church of Goa. The Church is located in old Goa in Bainguinim about 10 km away from Panaji. The basilica holds the mortal remains of St.Francis Xavier- a holy shrine for Christians in India.The church is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in India. The 400 years old magnificent basilica is a world heritage site chosen by UNESCO. So it is a must visit tourist place in Goa and is open to the public every day.
6) Candolim Beach
In peak seasons you will often find it swamped with foreigners as it is a great spot to get tanned. Due to its popularity, it has got everything one needs for a beach day or a stay. One can experience parasailing, water skiing, banana boat rides, and jet ski rides, and will only cost you around 300-500 rupees. You can probably tell by now why it is the best beaches in Goa, it'got everything.
7) Arambol Beach
Arambol beach is situated in the Arambol village, in North Goa. It is located 35 km from Panaji, it is stretched along 16km and consists of two beaches.Arambol is the most suitable beach for travelers because of its tranquility. The Arambol cliffs in the North of Arambol beach are well known for paragliding, one can enjoy swimming here as the waterfront is not very steep. For those who want Bohemian feels and love Hippie culture must add this beach in your bucket list as a must visit the place of Goa.
8) Anjuna Beach
Anjuna beach is 21km away from Panaji situated in Bardez taluka. It is extended 30 km along the west coast of. This beach is well known for its flea market, which provides you with quality products at a reasonable rate.
It is also known for its trance parties held in peak seasons. This beautiful stretch of golden sands is rocky and has palms all around. Adventure seekers can enjoy paragliding and Bungee jumping from 80ft here. Anjuna beach is undoubtedly one of Goa's best beach es to visit.
9) Ozran Beach
Situated at a distance of 20 I'm from Panaji and 12 I'm from Mapusa Ozran, is the extension of Vagator beach also known as 'Little Vagator'.Ozran beach is in North Goa is a rocky beach which is very tranquil, crowded, away from chaos and commercialization in comparison with other beaches in Goa. This beach is the best choice, one has to climb down a small hill to reach the beach. The major attractions of the beach are the carved sculpture of Shiva, carved by a tourist.
10) Anjuna Flea Market
The extreme lively Anjuna's flea market is named after Anjuna beach. This market is organized on Anjuna beach every Wednesday from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. It is one of the most popular local markets in Goa.
Here one can buy goods from all over India. Products with excellent quality are available here at reasonable rates. Goa's tourists must visit this place for the experience worth exploring the market.
11) Vagator Beach
Vagator stretches for 30km along the west coast of Goa. Adventure seekers can experience a lot of adventure water activities including water scooters and speed boats at Vagator beach.
Vagator provides orange sky, golden sands and pristine blue water which makes perfect sunset point visit with your better half and the best place to visit in Goa. The best time to visit Vagator beach is from November to February.
12) Butterfly Beach
Butterfly beach is located 70 km away from Panaji but one needs to visit Palolem beach first and then take a boat ride of 10 mins to make it to the beach. This beach is a tiny and mysterious but breathtaking place in Goa for visit.
This beach got its name as the beach is a butterfly-shaped Valley. It is also known as Honeymoon Valley because of its privacy boon for couples. You can make it to the beach by boat ride from Palolem beach or one can trek to the beach from leopard valley one can spend the entire night on the beach, the boat will pick you in the morning. If one wants to stay here make sure you carry your own food and water as there is no shop or shacks also no access to the beach by road.
13) Agonda Beach
Agonda beach is situated in Agonda village in south Goa. It is 70km away from Panaji and 43 from Marago. This beach is ideal for people seeking solitude and tranquility.Agonda is famous for its Olive Ridley Turtles, you will be lucky if you spot one.
14) Tito's
Apart from beaches in Goa, one can also visit Tito's in Goa to enjoy the nightlife of Goa. Tito's situated in Baga North Goa is close to Baga beach. It has become the most famous and attractive landmark of Goa.
It is the most popular nightclub in Goa of Baga beach not to be missed by a party animal. Tito's has a huge dance floor with both Indian and international DJ's playing music. Tito's is certainly happening and lively place with its lip-smacking food for food lovers.
15) Palolem Beach
This beach is surrounded by palm trees which bring in the calmness of aura and bliss to the tourists. It is also a destination for large scale commercialization. One can stay at the beachfront hut to enjoy the cool and calm beach. It is indeed the best tourist place in Goa.
16) Dona Paula
Dona Paula is indeed the most beautiful place in Goa for visit. This tourist attraction lies in the vicinity where the Mandovi and the Zuari rivers meet.
Daula Paula beach is named after the daughter of the Portuguese Viceroy of Jaffnapatnam after her death villagers named it as Dona Paula. This beach offers a beautiful view of the Marmugao harbor. It can be visited throughout the year but the best time to visit is from October to March.
17) Chapora Fort
Chapora fort located in North Goa is 22km away from Panaji and 10km from Mapusa. This fort was established by Adil Shah of Bijapur, Portuguese overtook this 1717, this fort existed even before Portuguese came to Goa in 1510.
It is also known as 'Dil Chahta Hai' for some parts of this movie was shot here. One must visit this Goa Tourist place to learn its rich history. A picturesque escape overlooking the Vagator beach offers you the view of Chapora river meeting the Arabian Sea.
18) Colva Beach
Colva, one of the best beaches in South Goa and a booming tourist destination, is 9km from Margao.the white sand of Colva beach stretches for 2.4km.
It is surrounded by coconut trees bringing in an aura of bliss to practice Yoga or relax. One can take a walk on the beach with cool breezes hitting you. This beach is lined with shacks and shops. It is a perfect holiday destination to enjoy and relax with your friends and family. This place is loaded with tourists all over the year but the best time to visit is from November to March.
19) Dr.Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Dr.Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is one of the best tourist places of Goa, it is the only sanctuary in Goa State. This lush green sanctuary is named after Dr.Salim Ali India's most famous birdman.
A ferry ride from Ribandar, 5km away from Panaji takes you to Chorao. It is indeed a hidden gem in Goa waiting to be explored by the nature lovers.
20) Casino Cruise
Casino cruises are one of the main attractions in Goa, it has its own charm and its own world. The casino is the coolest place to visit when you are in the party state Goa.
Casino in Goa is located on River Mandovi, these cruises promise you with the experience of luxury combined with game floors, table games, dance, and live music. The lavish interior will give you a majestic feeling.
21) Museum of Christian Art
The Museum of Christian Art founded in 1994 is located next to the convent of St. Monica, in the hear of Old Goa. It is the first museum of Christian Art in Asia.
This Museum exhibits the Indo-Portuguese well-maintained collection of precious stones, ivory artifacts, gold items, other artifacts. One has to pay a separate charge for taking photos along with an entry fee. Visiting hours are from 9:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m.One must pay a visit to this tourist place of Goa as it has shaped the course of Goa's rich heritage.
22) Morjim Beach
Morjim beach is located South to Ashvem beach, and is 27 km from Panaji, here lies heaven of peace, tranquility, serenity. This beach is engulfed with Russians inhabiting this beach, so this beach is locally known as "Little Russia".
23) Curlie's
Curlie's is one the oldest beach shack and major landmark located at beachfront of Anjuna beach. Curlie's take your clubbing experience to a new level. This shack is well known for its trance parties held on Tuesday every week, trance lovers gather together to dance carefree on high bpm music here.
The food and drinks in Curlie's are well priced like any other shack in Goa. The shack also offers banana boat rides, parasailing, kayaking for adventure seekers. One can visit Curlie's around 4:00 p.m and stay up for sunset while sipping your cocktail. Curlie's is the best place in Goa to meet and greet sunset and trance.
24) Sinquerim Beach
The moment you visit this beach you will be amazed by how picturesque it's coastline is surrounded by palm trees. If you are especially adventure seeking you can rent windsurfers, jet ski, bumper rides, other water toys.
25) Ashvem Beach
Ashvem beach is situated in the region of North Goa, 30km from Panaji and 19km from Calangute. Ashvem beach is between Morjim beach and Mandrem beach. It has an expanse of a desolate but incredibly beautiful stretch of 1.5km.
Ashvem is exotic as well as serene and clean beach surrounded by palm trees. It is a breeding spot for Olive Ridley Turtles if lucky you can see them too. As there are few tourists in peak season too makes the best beach on Goa for people looking for peace and tranquility. Chapora fort is just 5km from Ashvem beach.
26) Arvalem Waterfall
Arvalem waterfall is also known as Harvalem falls, located near Mapasu village in Goa., is one of the top places to visit in Goa. Water plunges down from 70ft, makes it a majestic sight ever seen.
Arvalem waterfall shares its vicinity with the Rudreshwar temple. A lake is formed below the fall in which water receives muddy color in monsoon. It is the most visited location in Goa during the rainy season. One must visit this place just after the monsoon.
27) St. Cajetan Church
At a distance of 13km from Panaji and 27km from Vasco Da Gama railway station opposite to the Se Cathedral stands St. Cajetan Church in Old Goa. It was built by 'Theatine Friars' construction of the Church was completed in 1661. It was originally called 'Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence' as out altars the main altar was named after her.
The Church has Six statues of Saints Peter, Paul, John, Matthew built with granite. This magnificent Church in Old Goa was constructed in the style of St. Peter's Basilica of Rome. A few elements of the interior are an example of the Baroque style. Due to its rich history and heritage, tourists from all over the world visit this popular tourist attraction of Goa. The church is open on all days visiting hours are from 8:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m.
28) Club Cubana
Club Cubana is located atop Arpora hill with the privacy of its own, it is lit with neon lights completely. This club is also famous as 'Night club in the sky'. The ambiance here will give you out of country feeling.
Club Cubana is the only club in Goa known for its women's only dance zone. Club Cubana hosts ladies night on Wednesday night offering ladies with free drinks all night long. This happening place has its own unique ambiance. It is definitely the best place in Goa to party and to enjoy Goa's nightlife with your friends.
29) Mandrem Beach
A few minutes walk to North from Mandrem beach will take you to the Arambol beach. It is an excellent place for relaxing and sunbathing. This placed is mostly flocked with foreigners rather than Indians. This uninterrupted stretch is great for visitors who want to go for a long walk during the sunrise and sunsets. The best time to visit Mandrem beach is during park season that is from November to February.
30) Lagmau Caves
Apart from its emerald beaches, Goa has numerous attractions for travelers like Shops, Churches, Clubs, Caves. Lagmau cave is one of the best tourist attractions in Goa. Lagmau cave is located at Bicholim, ar a distance of 35km from Panaji, Goa's state capital.
One can approach the caves by driving through Bicholim on the road towards Mapusa or from Lagmau village through a small but rough Trek. Lagmau caves have two caves carved out if the delicate rock of Buddhist origin which is decomposed laterite. The second cave is larger than the first one and has a stone long along with the Tulsi Vrindavan and Nandi bull. Apart from only being a tourist spot, it is also an important education site in North Goa.
31) Mambos
Mambos is located in Titos's lane, Baga. It is managed by 'TITO's group of companies'. It is one of the top night clubs in North Goa. Cafe Mambos groovy music, crowd, and DJ's will blow your mind away.
Mambo's nightclub provides you a chance to sing during their karaoke nights. Hookah is also available here and after 10:00 p.m onwards unlimited drinks are served. If you are looking to party a night away at a crazy party place then you cannot miss Mambos.
32) Fort Tiracol
Church in Tiracol Fort
Fort Tiracol is located 45km from Panaji and can be reached by a ferry from Querium, it is also known as Terekhol Fort.
It is located on the top of the Tiracol river, which offers you the view of the Arabian Sea. It was built in the 17th Century by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle The Raja of Sawantwadi. The name Tiracol is originated from the Marathi word 'tir-khol' which means 'steep riverbank'. In the war of 1746, Fort Tiracol was surrendered to the Portuguese on 23 November 1746. One must visit this tourist place of Goa as it is a symbolic location of freedom fighters from Goa.
33) Our lady of the immaculate conception Church
Our lady of the immaculate conception Church is one of the oldest chapel situated in Panaji in North Goa. The Church is painted with bright white paint to signify Marry immaculately. The colonial Church was built in Baroque architectural style in 1541. The gallery of the Church gives you an amazing view that overlooks Panaji city.
The Church has a bell installed in a church tower, which is known to be the second largest of its kind in Goa. Formerly the bell was at the Augustinian Monastery. The Church has three altars out of which the main altar is dedicated to the Marry Immaculate left altar is dedicated to Jesus Crucifixion and the right one to Our Lady of The Rosary. Statue's of St.Peter And St. Paul lies beside these altars. Visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m to 12:30 p.m and 3:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m.
34) Chapora beach
Located at a distance of 24km from Panaji and 8km from Mapusa in North Goa, it is one of the best beaches in Goa. Scene of white sand on the beach stretches up to 10km, surrounded by coconut palm trees. This beach gives you soothing experience of an amazing view of pristine blue water and breathtaking sunsets. It is also known for its Chapora Fort.
Chapora beach is visited by a number of tourists as it has access to Vagator and Anjuna beach. As Chapora is a rocky beach swimming here can be dangerous. Visitors can also enjoy an array of water sports like jet skiing, water surfing, paragliding, parasailing. This beach is also famous for fishing and dolphin watching. Beach lovers and Beach bums must visit this beach in North Goa to complete their ultimate Goa tour.
By Rutvija Batlekar