10 Best Places to Visit In Goa
Introduction
Goa, India’s fourth-smallest state in terms of population, is located on the Konkan’s Western Ghats. Goa’s northern border is formed by Maharashtra, its eastern and southern borders by Karnataka, and its western shore is formed by the Arabian Sea. Because of its ideal combination of beaches, surf, and sun, Goa has a thriving tourism industry.
Every year, the beauty of Goa attracts many tourists from India and other countries. Its beautiful beaches, architecture, and religious sites draw visitors. It is also a biodiversity hotspot. Furthermore, Goa is known for the peaceful coexistence of its many religious communities. Here are some of Goa’s top tourist attractions and also the reasons to enjoy those Places.
By the train: Goa is located on the Konkan Railway with direct trains from New Delhi to the southernmost point past Trivandrum. The popular trains are the Goa Sampark Kranti Express and the Trivandrum Express.
By air: The Goa International Airport is located in Dabolim, 30 kilometers from Panjim. The primary international gateway for flights to the Goa is Mumbai. Several domestic carriers, including Jet Airways, Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo, offer daily flights from major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. There are few international flights to Goa from the Middle East, Russia, Europe, and the United Kingdom.
By car: Three national highways run through the state: NH 4A, NH 17, and NH 17A. Traveling to Goa by car is a fantastic option. People drive down from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune regularly. The scenic drive is worthwhile due to the excellent roads and breathtaking scenery.
The best months to visit Goa are November to February when the weather is ideal for sightseeing and relaxing on the beautiful beaches. If you like visiting beaches in the rain, the monsoon season, which lasts only from June to September, is also a great time to visit Goa.
Goa at its best: Top 10 places to Visit in Goa are:
When you visit Goa, you should eat on a cruise, participate in water sports such as scuba diving, along with eating at Thalassa- The Greek Taverna, and relax on Arambol Beach.
- Anjuna Beach
Anjuna Beach is one of the best places to visit in Goa if you’re wondering where to go. The beach is famous for its stunning scenery, which includes swaying palm trees, a fantastic rocky formation on top of a bay, and white sand protruding into the ocean. Anjuna beach provides a wide range of recreational opportunities. While the southern end has a rocky headland with crashing waves, the northern end has water activities such as bungee jumping, banana rides, and much more. From a relaxing family vacation to an action-packed weekend with your friends, the beach has something for everyone.
- The cost of activities : ranges between INR 100 and INR 1000.
- Calangute Beach
Goa has some of the most well-known beaches in India. The Calangute Beach, also known as the “Queen of Beaches,” attracts visitors with a wide range of interests, including nature lovers, along with thrill seekers, and also clubbers. It is the largest and the busiest beach in North Goa, with a breathtaking view. Tall palm and coconut trees line the beach, with also the majestic Arabian Sea in the background. Everything, from snacks and drinks to junk jewelry and clothes, is sold in bustling marketplaces. Water sports available at Calangute Beach include water surfing, banana rides, and jet skiing.
The cost of different activities-
- A ride on a Jet Ski without a skilled rider costs around Rs 300.
- A banana ride costs about Rs 450 per person.
- Parasailing costs around Rs 1,000 (boating plus parachute).
- Fort Aguada
Sinquerim Beach is home to Fort Aguada. It is a 17th-century Portuguese fort built to defend against the Dutch and Martha’s invasions. It is now a well-known Goa landmark, separating Candolim Beach from Sinquerim Beach and providing some spectacular views. The design sheds light on the construction methods used by early Portuguese architects.
The fort was once a source of fresh water for sailors to replenish their supplies, hence the name “agua,” which translates to “water” in Portuguese. It was one of the Asia’s largest freshwater reservoirs, holding 2,376,000 gallons of water. Furthermore, the fort served as Aguada’s jail. In front of the prison, a statue honoring the freedom fighters adds a patriotic touch to the fort. There is an antique lighthouse within the defense. It helps to make Goat one of the best beach destinations in India.
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls
The Dudhsagar Waterfalls, also known as “The Flowing Cascade of Milk,” are located on the border of Goa and Karnataka. The crystal white water falls from a height of nearly 1017 feet. The best way to reach them is to enter Mollem National Park and take the park’s van to the waterfalls.
The rainy season is the most perfect time to visit the Dudhsagar falls. During the monsoon, however, the falls are difficult to access and are closed to the public if the water level rises too high. If you’re wondering where to go in Goa, both relaxing and beautiful, go to Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
- The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Chapel in Panjim is one of Goa’s most well-known and historic structures. The church is built in the Portuguese Baroque style. The church bells at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception are the second largest in Goa. These bells are thought to have been taken from the ruins of the Augustinian Church of Our Lady of Grace in Old Goa.
The church’s exterior is spotless white, and two flights of stairs zigzag up to the slightly elevated hill it sits. The sight of the church lit up at night, and the setting sun was soothing. On December 8, the church draws a large crowd of locals and visitors for the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception festival.
- Anjuna Flea Market
Anjuna Flea Market is also one of the best places in Goa. Flea markets are an authentic Goan experience. It is only open from the middle of November to the beginning of April and provides an exciting contrast to the seaside setting. The market first appeared in the 1980s, alongside the Anjuna Beach party scene. Foreigners and Indians alike stroll around the area, shopping and having fun.
For a low price, you can find some fantastic fabric items, jewelry, goggles, jackets, bags, and so on on the market. There are also tea shops and snack shops along the streets. There are also other restaurants nearby where you can eat. Be wary of pickpockets and smugglers, and keep an eye on your valuables, such as your wallet and phone.
- Tito’s Nightclub
Tito’s Nightclub is located only 18 kilometers from Panaji. It is also widely regarded as one of the best places to visit in Goa. Tito lane refers to the entire route in Baga, where the bar is located. The Tito Pub and the Restaurant usually has long lines due to its fantastic ambiance and diverse DJs. It has become one of Goa’s most recognizable nightclubs. Tito’s has expanded from a nightclub to an outdoor restaurant called The Courtyard and a cafe called Mambo Cafe. Tito’s Nightclub is the most happening place in Goa and the go-to place if you’re wondering where to go.
- Entry fee: Rs 1500 for two people.
- Divar Island
Divar Island is about 10 kilometers from Panjim. It is densely forested, excellent, serene, and beautiful. On the island, there is only one village with a small population. Divar Island is easily accessible because ferries run every 15 minutes from morning to evening. In contrast to Goa’s loud party culture, this place provides a sense of calm that makes them want to explore it. This is the ideal location for a fun day with family and friends in Goa, one of India’s best beach destinations.
- Dona Paula
Dona Paula, located about 7 kilometers from Panjim, is a popular tourist destination in Goa because of its long stretch of beach. It is named after a ruler’s daughter, who is said to have fallen in the love with a fisherman. When she was refused permission to marry him, she jumped from a cliff. The beach is also known as Lover’s Paradise. It is adjacent to a pier (Dona Paula Jetty) that provides a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea and Mormugao harbor. The “Image of India,” a whitewashed statue of Mother India and Young India, is the main attraction.
- Chapora Fort
The Chapora Fort stands guard over the Chapora River in Bardez, Goa. The fort was built by the Muslim monarch Adil Shah, whose name was changed to Chapora by the Portuguese. It is a massive, commanding structure that has seen many wars and has alternated between Portuguese and Indian control over its long history. The fort offers breathtaking views. You can spend a couple of hours exploring this fort while admiring the natural scenery. This is the perfect place to go if you enjoy fun and subtle adventures.
