Want to explore Goa's iconic landmarks and historical side? Want to travel back to 16th century and experience the Portuguese architectures? Then you arrived at the right place.
I've pen down the budget friendly Goa trip that will guide you to explore the World famous church - Basilica of Bom Jesus or St. Francis Xaviers Church, the ruins of St. Augustine church built in 1602 by the Portuguese, the historical Se Cathedral, the archaeological museum of India, the beautiful St. Cajetan church and the iconic lady of the immaculate conception church in panjim city known for the bustling tourists throughout the year.
In this post I will provide all the necessary information like the timings, entry fee, how to reach and best time to visit to these Tourist attractions in old Goa and panjim city.
Location 1: Basilica of Bom Jesus
Timings: 9am to 6:30pm
Entry fee: zero
One can find the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier inside and beautiful architecture makes it a world heritage center. Photography of persons is not allowed inside the church. Best time to visit is throughout the year however avoid during the month of December for Christmas and new year celebrations takes place.
Location 2: Se Cathedral Church
Timings: 9AM to 5:30PM
Entry fee: zero
This beautiful cathedral is located opposite to the basilica of bom Jesus church and behind the archaeological museum of India. There's a dress code to enter inside - No shorts and tank tops or sleeveless tops. In short cover yourself completely.
Best time is visit is during winters and monsoons.
Location 3: St. Cajetan church
Timings: 9 - 12 and 4- 7Pm
Entry fee: zero
The marvelous architecture depicts the historical Portuguese constructions during their time. The church is photogenic and offers a splendid opportunity to capture some great photos for your social media feeds and to your personal memory. Best time to visit - winters and monsoons.
Location 4: The archaeological museum of India
Timings: 9am - 5pm (Friday closed)
Entry fee: 10 INR
The collection of ancient stone carvings, photographs, portraits of famous Portuguese personals, coins and currency notes and the model ship sailed by the famous Portuguese sailor vasco da gama along with history is made available to tourists who visits the museum. Videography not allowed inside however you can capture some amazing photos for your instagram.
Location 5: St. Augustine Tower
Timings: 9am - 5pm
Entry fee: zero
Built in 1602 by the Portuguese government. This place takes you back to 16th century. One can find the ruins of church and one of the 4 pillars that remained due to lack of maintenance and negligence by then Portuguese Personals and now government. Best time to visit is during winters and summers.
Location 6: Lady of the immaculate conception church
Timings: 9-12:30 & 3-5:30 (Sunday closed)
Entry fee: zero
The iconic lady of the immaculate conception church is located right at the heart of panjim city and is open to bustling tourists throughout the year. Best time to visit is throughout the year however avoid during the month of December for Christmas and new year celebrations to not get lost in the crowd.
How to visit old goa:
1. By Train :- Goa is well connected to major cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Reach Margao or Vasco da gama Railway Station and take a bus or taxi or even rental bike and drive to old Goa.
2. By Road :- Reach Margao or Panjim Central Bus stand and take a bus/taxi/rental bike to reach Old Goa.
3. By Air:- The International Airport of Goa in Dabolim is easiest way to reach Goa from domestic or International cities. Once you touch down at the Goa Airport either take a Bus/Taxi to panjim and follow point 1/2.
Check out more information about old Goa churches and other tourist attractions in Goa on my YouTube channel @dtravelstories and subscribe to my channel for more travel stories. Also show some love on my instagram profile by following me for latest updates @dtravelphotograher
Thank you for checking out and I'll see you guys on my next blog -Unexplored Goa and Top things to do and Places to visit and Best hostels in North Goa.
