With golden-sand beaches, tangled palm bushes touching the sky, and a cosy atmosphere, Goa stands in stark distinction from the different bustling city locations in India. Even simply a quick go to to this seaside paradise feels like a holiday inside a vacation. The splendor and serenity of Goa will rejuvenate you, whilst its strong calendar of occasions and things to do provide you masses of matters do to for the duration of your free time.
Popular coastal warm spots, like Colva Beach and Palolem Beach, draw travelers to Goa from round the world. But seashores are simply the commencing of what makes Goa one of the most liked locations to go to in India. The vacation spot additionally has unique Portuguese-influenced cuisine, historic church buildings and temples, shiny wildlife, and charming spice farms. No count how lengthy you spend in Goa, you may want you had a few greater days to explore.
For extra thoughts to assist graph your outing to India, see our listing of the pinnacle traveler points of interest in Goa.
1. Popular Beaches
Beaches play a starring position amongst the points of interest in Goa, contributing to why it is one of the exceptional locations to go to in India.
Nearly each traveler who visits the vicinity spends a day at Palolem Beach, a crescent-shaped stretch of white sand that overlooks the Arabian Sea in south Goa. While sincerely putting out and soaking up the surroundings is a best way to revel in this lovely area, Palolem Beach additionally affords an array of things to do to fill your time. Choose from kayaking, yoga classes, dolphin-sightseeing trips, and swimming. You can additionally spend the night time in one of Palolem’s rustic coco huts, which are erected at the begin of the excessive season.
Colva Beach is some other one of the most well-known seashores in Goa, particularly amongst Indian tourists. It has swaying hands and a huge stretch of bronze sand, the place you may every so often see herds of cows sunbathing subsequent to tourists. You can hire Jet Skis, hop on a interesting banana boat ride, and get a bird’s-eye view of the seaside on a parasailing adventure.
Homestay lodging in the place will supply you an true local-style ride – plus effortless get admission to to Colva Beach.
2. Beaches Off the Beaten Path
While acknowledged for their stunning scenery, the famous seashores in Goa have a tendency to get crowded throughout excessive season, leaving some vacationers keen for a quieter herbal escape. Fortunately, Goa brims with undiscovered seaside sights and matters to do that supply you some distance from the throngs of travelers whilst nonetheless treating you to wonderful sand and surf.
One of the excellent hidden gemstones in Goa is Butterfly Beach. It has a curving expanse of sand flanked by way of boulders that create a postcard-worthy cove, brimming with butterflies and blossoms. It’s additionally a exceptional spot to watch dolphins swim in the distance.
You’ll want to embark on a boat journey from Palolem Beach or Agonda Beach, or handle a difficult woodland hike, to attain Butterfly Beach – however the boundaries to getting right here assist to skinny out the crowds. You would possibly even have the vicinity to yourself.
While greater developed than Butterfly Beach, Utorda Beach is every other amazing getaway from the greater crowded seashores round Goa. It facets clean, blue water; silky sand; and a few small seaside shacks. Look carefully as you wade in the water, and you may also spot some small starfish.
3. Tanshikar’s Working Spice Farm
South India has been acknowledged for its abundance of spices, like black pepper, cardamom, and cloves, for centuries. In fact, these herbal flavorings have been a predominant attraction for Portuguese merchants who got here to Goa thousands of years ago.
Tourists can see what the nearby spice scene is all about with the aid of visiting Tanshikar’s Working Spice Farm & Ecological Rest House. This agritourism enchantment grows seven extraordinary spices: pepper, vanilla, nutmeg, turmeric, cardamom, and chili, the use of definitely natural farming methods.
Tours of the farm, regularly led by means of its owner, will supply you an in-depth appreciation of these flavor-charged plants and a hazard to see some of the different products, like betelnut, espresso beans, pineapple, and banana, grown on the premises. Tanshikar’s additionally maintains bees and produces its very own all-natural honey.
Spice farm excursions don’t seem to be the solely exciting component to do at Tanshikar’s. Guests can additionally take a vegetarian cooking class, go to a bubbly lake, trek to Mainapi Waterfall, and educate to end up a yoga teacher. It’s an enchantment that has some thing for everyone.
Address: Netravali, close to Smriti Yoga, Sanguem, Goa
4. Portuguese-Indian Restaurants
Food is a primary enchantment in Goa. This phase of India has a one-of-a-kind delicacies that blends Portuguese and Goan flavors, putting it aside from all the different meals round India. Expect fiery flavors, fresh-caught seafood, and an abundance of coconut in the dishes.
You cannot go away Goa barring making an attempt its signature dish, vindaloo, a super-hot meat curry made with palm vinegar and dried purple chili peppers. Hospedaria Venite in the capital of Goa, Panaji, wows travelers with its mouthwatering vindaloo. Dominick, a Benaulim Beach mainstay, is every other preferred spot for vindaloo – plus it presents front-row seats for world-class sunsets.
Another Goan forte is xacuti, a prosperous curry with poppy seeds, chili, and coconut. Try it at Souza Lobo, a beachfront restaurant in Calangute, or Fat Fish, a well-trafficked spot in Baga.
Tourists hankering for some clean seafood are spoiled for preference round Goa. Zeebop, on Utorda Beach, affords pleasant fish curry, prawn stew, and mackerel doused with spicy pink sauce.
You additionally cannot go incorrect with dinner at Copperleaf. The upscale restaurant in Porvorim has a fish thali that you will be dreaming about lengthy after you’ve got finished.
5. Basilica de Bom Jesus
While many vacationers go to Goa for the beaches, limitless others reflect onconsideration on the time out to be a pilgrimage to necessary non secular sites, like the Basilica de Bom Jesus.
This Old Goa enchantment dates lower back to the late sixteenth century and consists of the stays of the St. Francis Xavier. The “Apostle of the Indies” co-founded the Society of Jesus spiritual order with pal St. Ignatius Loyola and spearheaded an enormous mission in India. The basilica has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account that 1999.
The modest but imposing shape is a combine of Doric, Corinthian, and Baroque fashion with difficult carvings. Interestingly, the constructing used to be stripped of its lime plaster in the mid-20th century, making it the solely church in Goa except plaster. The Basilica de Bom Jesus has seeing that come to be worn via monsoons.
You can tour the church on your own, or employ one of the unbiased courses close to the entrance for a small fee. Inside, you can see massive decorative screens, alongside with the physique of the resident saint in a casket that used to be as soon as protected in valuable stones. It’s a compelling location that will transport you lower back in time.
Every year, the Feast of St. Francis Xavier attracts large crowds to this church in late November and early December. It kicks off with a nine-day novena and open-air hundreds earlier than concluding with the most important excursion on Dec. 3.
Address: Old Goa Road, Bainguinim, Goa
6. Dudhsagar Falls
Aquatic adventures go past the seaside in Goa. The kingdom is additionally domestic to Dudhsagar Falls, a astonishing four-tiered waterfall that towers some 310 meters above the earth. It’s one of India’s tallest waterfalls and a eternally famous enchantment for day journeys round Goa and Karnataka.
To attain the falls, you will want to make your way to the village of Colem by using taxi or train. Depending on which educate route you take, you may additionally get a glimpse of Dudhsagar Falls along the way. Then, you will hop aboard a shared jeep thru the jungle, passing Devil’s Canyon alongside the way. Around forty five minutes later, you may scurry over some boulders to eventually attain the falls.
The fantastic time to go to Dudhsagar Falls is proper after the monsoon, when the water is gushing. Tourists who want to take a dip can hire a existence jacket from companies at the attraction.
Hot tip: Only 300 jeeps are allowed to enter Dudhsagar Falls each and every day, even though tour operators have been soliciting for to expand the capability throughout excessive season. Make reservations in advance, or put together to wait in lengthy strains if you want to visit.
7. Anjuna Market
Goa is domestic to a ton of markets, however none provide the liveliness or choice of merchandise discovered at Anjuna Market. For roughly 50 years, thousands of providers have been placing up save on Anjuna Beach each and every Wednesday to tempt free-spirited vacationers with hippy-inspired trinkets and souvenirs.
Ornate textiles, woven bikinis, sculptures of deities, dreamcatchers, hammocks, magnets, t-shirts with sassy slogans, beaded jewelry, toys – you title it, you can likely purchase it here.
But even if you do not desire to shop, you ought to nevertheless make a factor to go to Anjuna Market for the sightseeing. The flea market is a swirling array of colourful wares, salespeople using challenging bargains, large luggage of clean spices, and avenue meals galore. The vibe by myself is one of the motives why Anjuna Market is one of the pinnacle locations to go to in Goa.
Address: 10 St. Michael’s Vaddo South, Anjuna, Goa
8. Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Make your way to the laid-back metropolis of Panaji to go to every other one of Goa’s ancient churches: The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
The pristine white church, which dates again to the early seventeenth century, stands atop a zig-zagging staircase that resembles the tiers of a wedding ceremony cake. Its flawlessly symmetrical Portuguese Baroque structure is a sight to behold. At night, twinkle lights make the church seem to be like some thing out of a fairy tale.
While no longer ornate, the church’s indoors boasts bright, colourful decorations. Tourists can see the based principal altar (dedicated to Mary, mom of Jesus) and gilded pillars with problematic carvings. Vines of blue and white blossoms regularly embellish components of the vaulted ceiling round a variety of holidays.
Dec. eight marks the Festival of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, a foremost excursion at this church. Swing by way of to see it decked out in lots of colourful lights.
Address: Rua Emídio Garcia, Altinho, Panaji, Goa
9. Braganza House
See what homes in Goa seemed like at some stage in the seventeenth century at Braganza House, a historic mansion that flanks the village rectangular in Chandor. It’s divided into an east and west wing, each of which are on hand for travelers to poke round at their leisure.
The east wing is domestic to contributors of the Pereira-Braganza family. It boasts a large ballroom with an amazing marble floor, alongside with a small chapel that consists of one of St. Francis Xavier’s fingernails. This section of Braganza House additionally brims with antiques and worldwide artifacts.
The western facet preserves the authentic grandeur of Braganza House. Owned with the aid of the Menezes-Braganças, the museum-like area facets an expansive library with 5,000 leather-bound books from the non-public series of journalist Luis de Menezes Braganza, who performed an necessary function in the Goan independence movement. Tourists can additionally see breathtaking Belgian glass chandeliers, vintage photos of the family, and Chinese porcelain.
Address: Guddi-Chandor Road, Culsabhatt, Chandor, Goa
10. Mahadev Temple
Located simply 12 kilometers north of Molem, Mahadev Temple offers vacationers a danger to see a shape that has been standing considering that the twelfth century. Its far off place helped it live on centuries of conquests via the Portuguese and Muslim colonialists. Legend has it that the black basalt temple, which used to be constructed to honor Lord Shiva, has a resident king cobra. Step inner to see the distinctive work of artisan carvers, which include the lotus flower on the ceiling.
11. Palácio do Deão
If Braganza House bought you excited, simply wait till you see Palácio do Deão. The 200-plus-year-old palace in Quepem has been restored to its authentic glory. It facets a combination of Indian and Portuguese architecture. Tourists are welcome to discover the heritage home, which includes its sport room and library stuffed with uncommon tomes.
The property additionally points sweeping tropical gardens that make for a best area to spend the afternoon. Consider making reservations in develop for afternoon tea on the terrace.
Address: Opposite Holy Cross Church, Quepem, Goa
12. Mangeshi Temple
Goa’s special tradition and heritage are on full show at Mangeshi Temple, a lovely religious appeal it truly is been standing for roughly 450 years. The pastel blue, gold, and white temple facets a seven-story tower that can pay homage to one of the Hindu god Shiva’s many incarnations: Manguesh. The temple buildings encompass a sacred pool of water, which is idea to be the most ancient phase of this spiritual site.
You can watch devotees function pujas (worship rituals) at the temple each day. If you show up to be there on a Monday, you can watch the Manguesh idol taken out for a procession, whole with music, in the late afternoon or early evening.
Address: Dinanath Mangeshkar Road, Mangeshi Village, Mardol, Goa
13. Fontainhas
Lace up your most satisfied pair of taking walks footwear and head to Panjim for a stroll round Fontainhas, one of Asia’s solely Latin quarters. Once the headquarters for the Portuguese authorities in Goa, the UNESCO-recognized Heritage Zone aspects colonial homes and cottages decked out with pastel and fluorescent façades. Each of the homes get a sparkling coat of paint after the monsoon season each year, making sure that they constantly seem brilliant for visitors. Don’t leave out the district’s namesake Fountain of Phoenix.
You can discover the location on your own, or e book a strolling tour for a greater in-depth seem to be at the records of this captivating neighborhood. Either way, you will virtually work up an urge for food as you wander the slim cobblestone streets and snap pix in the front of the candy-colored buildings. Refuel at one of the decades-old cafés or bakeries in the neighborhood. Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro, a bakery close to Mary Immaculate School, is acknowledged for having a large decision of tasty Goan desserts and sweets.
14. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife enthusiasts need to put Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary at the pinnacle of their Goa journey plans. The state’s biggest included flora and fauna area, which spans 240 rectangular kilometers and is additionally domestic to Molem National Park, is domestic to all types of awesome creatures, which includes the black leopard, Bengal tiger, Malabar large squirrel, wild boar, slim loris, Indian rock python, and ruby-throated yellow bulbul (Goa’s nation bird).
Hiring a information via a tour agent, and traveling the sanctuary in the early morning or late night will increase your possibilities at catching a glimpse of these animals. During the daytime, you can see the herbal wonders of Dudhsagar Falls and Devil’s Canyon. You can additionally take a look at out the Tambdi Surla Temple, a temple that has survived on account that the twelfth century, thanks to its faraway area in the forest. The shape is decorated with complicated carvings of the Hindu gods Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
15. Reis Magos Fort
Dating lower back to 1493, Reis Magos Fort used to be as soon as a protection shape aimed at defending the area’s then-capital, Goa Velha. Today, the castle is a pinnacle appeal in Goa for travelers searching to take a destroy from the seashores and dive into the state’s charming history.
The website online has a storied previous now not solely as a army outpost, however additionally as a health facility and a jail. Tourists can see cannons, a small museum show off on the fort’s history, and jaw-dropping views of the Mandovi River.
After your visit, head to the town’s different well-known attraction: Reis Magos Church. The pristine white church is one of simply a handful of church buildings in Goa that has processions and re-enactments for the Feast of the Three Kings (Epiphany). Inside the structure, you can see an astonishing multi-colored timber comfort of a scene that depicts the Three Wise Men handing items to the Baby Jesus.
Address: Nerul-Reis Margos Road, beside Three Kings Church, Bardez, Verem, Goa