Best Places to Visit in Goa

Thinking of a Goan holiday? Looking at Goa for a family vacation?

Many of the tourist places in Goa are famous landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage sites, beautiful churches, interesting local markets, and old Portuguese structures. Then there are the top beaches, water sports, and many natural attractions that you do not want to miss. Check out these 10 Best Places to Visit in Goa and things to do that won’t let you miss out on any of the Goan “fun”.

1. Agonda Beach
Agonda Beach in South Goa is a must-visit. 39.2 kilometers from Margao, this is an isolated stretch of sand lined by palm groves. It is a very quiet, peaceful, and picturesque beach with few tourists.

2. Fort Aguada
A well-preserved 17-century Portuguese fort, Fort Aguada is located on the Sinquerim Beach in North Goa. Built as the chief defense of Portuguese against the Dutch and Marathas, it was the most prized and crucial fort of the Portuguese. The fort is ringed by thick battlements and a deep dry moat. 2 things worth visiting inside the fort are the 13-meter high lighthouse built in 1864 and a vaulted cistern capable of storing ten million liters of freshwater. From here fresh water was supplied to the ships that stopped there.

3. Dudhsagar Falls
Witness the fury of nature, in what is one of India’s tallest and most powerful waterfalls. Dudhsagar Falls is 47 kilometers from Margao by the MDR52. It is located on the Goa-Karnataka border. Dudhsagar Falls looks most impressive in the monsoon when there is a lot of water.

4. Basilica of Bom Jesus
Happens to be one of the finest historic churches of all time, this Church has been marked as a Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Basilica of Bom Jesus has tomb and remains of St. Francis Xavier. You will be surprised to see the remains in good condition even after a span of around 400 years, if not more! The remains are taken out of the tomb once in a decade.

5. Anjuna Beach
This place is known for its unparalleled beauty and glowing white sand. If that’s not all, then the swaying palms will definitely cool your mind and soothe your soul for sure. Many groups of tourists arrange full-moon beach parties along the beach to enjoy to the fullest.

6. Mangeshi Temple: Seek Some Divine Intervention
Ponda region in Goa is famous for the 16th century Safa Shahouri Mosque as well as the 450-year-old Shri Mangesh temple dedicated to Shiva. The highlights of the temple are the seven-story lamp tower (deepstambha), a magnificent water tank, believed to be the oldest part of the temple and there is a prominent Nandi Bull as well inside the temple. Located on a small hillock, it is also one of the largest temples in Goa.

7. Arambol Hippie Festival
Arambol in North Goa was popular with the hippies. They are long gone, but you will still find the hippie spirit here. You can hear the songs and stories of their times. You can feel the free spirit. Music brings a whiff of fresh air at the Drum Circles in Arambol, where the locals and tourists come together to enjoy music, dancing, and drumming to remember the days of the hippies.

8. Chapora Fort
Chapora Fort is in North Goa, close to Vagator beach. The Chapora River meets the Arabian Sea here. Chapora Fort is a must-visit for those who love Bollywood Hindi movies.

9. Calangute Streets for Shopping Lovers
Other than beaches and booze, Goa is also known for the ultimate experience of street shopping. It is known for its authentic handicraft items, accessories, clothing, artificial jewelry, and spices. One can also find the famous cashew fruit, Goan liquor also known as Feni. The Calangute Streets are committed to providing the best shopping experience to natives as well as foreign travelers.

10. Naval Aviation Museum
The Naval Aviation Museum is at Dabolim in Vasco da Gama, just behind the international airport. This is the only Naval Aviation Museum in India and unique in Asia.

There is both an indoor and outdoor section with exhibits that include bombs, rockets, aircraft, parachutes, protective gear, armaments, outfits of pilots and much more.