Places to Visit in Goa
Goa tourist places are perfect place for sightseeing tour. Every corner of this tropical paradise displays a fine blend of traditional and modern aspects of life. On one hand you have the most alluring natural charms where as on the other hand you have an excellent array of architectural masterpieces, which are dotted in various towns of the state. There are a number of worth visit tourist spots in Goa, which are the key factors behind the people’s love for Goa tourism. All the information on Goa and Goa tourist places is available in the Goa destination guide.Hence, a sightseeing trip to Goa is very important to behold various treasures of the state.
Let us give you an idea about top places to visit in Goa. There a number of places to see in Goa, so we will categorise these as per the cities.
Panjim
Panjim is the state capital of Goa and the administrative headquarter of North Goa District. This is a beautiful coastal town is adorned with churches and cathedrals and a string of beaches. Panjim's biggest draw is the Carnival celebration in the month of February which includes a colorful parade on the city's streets.
Dona Paula Beach
One of the topmost of places to visit in Goa, Dona Paula Beach bears resemblance to the great Taj Mahal. How? Well, similar to Taj Mahal, Dona Paula beach of Goa is a perfect testimony of true love. Dona Paula is a splendid beach where a lot of water sports can be enjoyed. Here, one can indulge in sunbathing and various amazing items from local vendors. Here, you can also spot National Oceanography Institute. The beach is a haven for lovers as the beach has a romantic story of the lover Dona Paula attached to it.
Aguada Fort
On your Goa visit, don't forget a trip to Aguda fort. This fort reveals a lot about the history of Goa. A spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships giving it the name "Aguada" (meaning 'water' in Portuguese).
Old Goa
Old Goa is one of the important places to visit in Goa due to its historical significance. It was the former capital of Goa under the 350 years of Portuguese reign. It is an UNESCO declared World Heritage Site due to its Renaissance architecture which can be still witness in the monuments and churches of the region. A visit to Old Goa just cannot be missed out on your Goa visit...... know more
Cathedral
Churches are one of the most visited places to see in Goa, specially those located in Old Goa. Old Goa is actually a world heritage sites along with the various churches there. Amongst these churches is the Se Cathedral.
Chapel Of St. Francis Xavier
Another of Goa churches that draw tourists in large number is the Chapel Of St. Francis Xavier. Visit to Goa to pay your tribute to St Francis of Xavier, one of the famous places to visit in Goa...... know more
Margao
Margao is the second largest but busiest town of Goa. It is the administrative headquarter of Salcete Taluka of South Goa district. This commercial capital of Goa is bedecked with a number of popular places to visit like the Portuguese style mansions, Catholic churches and temples...... know more
Colva Beach
A hot season retreat for Margao's moneyed middle classes since long before Independence, Colva is the oldest and largest of South Goa's resorts...... know more
Benaulim Beach
In Sanskrit known as "Banali" it was later corrupted by the Portuguese to Benaulim. It lies in the centre of Colva Beach, 7-km west of Margao...... know more
Mapusa
Mapusa is the capital of Bardez Taluka and third largest town in Goa. It is mainly a market town and famous for its Friday market. Here, you will come across local Goan women dressed in colorful attires selling their locally grown product or manufactured wares...... know more
Anjuna Beach
With its fluorescent painted palm trees and infamous full moon parties, ANJUNA, 8-km west of Mapusa, is Goa at its most "alternative".Anjuna is the venue for rocking rave parties, specially during christmas and new year...... know more
Baga Beach
Baga, 10-km west of Mapusa, is basically an extension of Calangute; even the locals are unable to decide where one ends and the other begins. It is also one of the topmost places to see in Goa..... know more
Ponda
Ponda is the capital of Ponda Taluka in the North Goa district. It is famed as “cultural capital” as well as Hindu heart of Goa. Top places to visit in Goa Ponda include five highly revered temples of Hindu community and the largest mosque of Goa...... know more
Sri Devaki Krishna Temple
3-km away from Banastari Bridge on Panaji-Ponda Road is situated the noteworthy temple dedicated to Devaki Krishna at Marcel. The garbha griha of the temple houses beautiful images of Lord Krishna along with Devaki...... know more
Sri Kamakshi Temple
About 12-km from Kavalem is situated another important religious monument which is dedicated to Sri Kamakashi.The deity is believed to have been brought from Kamakhya in Guwahati where the goddess actually resides.
Dudhsagar Waterfall
Dudhsagar Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall that can be spotted at a distance of 60 Km from Panaji. They fall from the tall mountain peaks of Western Ghats and present mind blowing views. If you stand at a distance and watch the Dudhsagar waterfalls, they appear like milky rivers flowing downwards. These waterfalls possess astounding beauty because of which they attract a number of tourists...... know more
Fort Aguada
This fort is an awesome monument associated with Goan history. Military architects find the structure of this monument very appealing as it is well structured for defense. In addition to this, in the vicinity, there exists a small chapel in the honor of ‘Our Lady of Good Voyage’.
Fontainhas
Fontainhas lies close to Panjim and is well known for its narrow streets where you can have leisurely stroll. In the 18th century, fishermen and sailors used to stay here and moreover, a lot of coconut plantation was done here. In the first half of the 1th century, this place became the dwelling place of various governors and viceroys.
Carambolim Lake
You can spot this lake at Tiswadi Taluka and there exists a variety of birds here and therefore, people visit it for the sport of birding. It is a manmade lake that fulfills the purpose of irrigation in the nearby fields. Beautiful birds including jacanas, whistling teals, garganeys, coots, moorhens, shovelers, etc. can be easily spotted here.
Bondla wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife sanctuary is much liked for excursions, elephant rides and jungle safaris. It lies at a distance of 55 Km from Panjim and consists of a distinct animal species. Here you can spot reptiles as well as animals such as langurs, sambhar, wild boar, jackals, serpents, pythons, etc. In addition to this, in this park, you find two rivers named as Rangado and Madhel.
Arvalem Caves and waterfall
Arvalem Caves belong to the 6th century and people consider that they have Buddhist origin or Brahmin origin. These caves are also referred as Pandava Caves. The interior of the caves are marked with the carvings of four lingas. Arvalem waterfalls fall from 50 meters lofty height and appear splendid. Moreover, in the proximity of these waterfalls, you have the sacred Rudreshwar Temple.
Anjuna Flea Market
This amazing flea market can be spotted at the Anjuna Beach. The concept of this flea market was brought in by Hippies and is famous for a range of second hand goods and items available here. And you can simultaneously taste some of the most amazing dishes and food items available here. However, as you shop at this flea market, beware of the drug sellers that pollute this market.
Mapusa Market
This market is also referred as Mapusa Friday Market, which appears o be flocked by a number of tourists and local people. In this market, there exist a number of fruit stalls as well as vegetable stalls and dry fish can also be bagged from here. Moreover, those who are fond of handicrafts can make it a point to bag handicrafts, bangles as well as clothes.
Menezes Braganza / Pereiza Braganza House
This house can be spotted at the Chandor Village of Goa. It is a heritage house that is into existence for the past 350 years and its architecture is sheer Portuguese style. Presently, the house is treated as a museum containing crystals, chandeliers, old furniture, porcelain as well as paintings. Formed with laterite rocks, the building is awesome with 24 windows and is quite long in appearance
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Goa State Museum
Goa State Museum can be spotted in Panaji and contains a wide range of items such as bronze sculptures, wooden statues of Christian saints, copper plates, as well as splendid Mughal paintings. All the artifacts are extremely eye catching and one can also spot a 16th century huge carved table here.
Goa Chitra
This is a museum that tells the story of civilizations in Goa. The various objects and items in this museum delineate the lifestyle as well as the methods used by the people. The museum showcases around 4000 objects that are of ancient origin. The entire information and knowledge related to the artifacts has been gained with the help if elder people belonging to the respective community.
Naval Aviation Museum
This museum can be spotted at the Bogmalo beach. Among the seven naval museums in the entire world, this one belongs to India. Close to this museum, you can spot the first naval aircraft. In addition to this, in this museum, you can also have rockets, jet trainers, vintage torpedoes, etc. You can visit this museum all through the week except Mondays as it is closed on Mondays.
Ancestral Goa (Big Foot)
One can spot this museum at the Loutolim Village. People also refer it as big foot. The museum delineates rural life. Close o this museum, one can also spot art gallery as well as handicrafts centre containing splendid Goan artifacts, rubber plantations, bars, restaurants, etc. Moreover, you can also spot Sant Mirabai’s sculpture here.
Houses of Goa
The beautiful houses in Goa delineate the innate Portuguese style of architecture since Goa was a Portuguese colony for a period of 450 years. The Goan government has put in a lot of efforts in order to maintain the overall structure of various buildings and edifices, whether they are in cities or rural areas. And therefore, you also find a blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures present in Goa.
Calizz
Calizz is a kind of a museum on Goa, which is an unmatched place also referred as the Goa’s heart. Here you come across traditional artifacts as well as amazing antiques and these were actually brought intothis museum by Laxmikant Prabhakar Kudchadkar. The museum delineates Indian as well as European designs and styles. Here you also find primitive furniture and outside you can come across two colonial mansions.
