The party capital of India- Goa has always been one of the finest places to visit in India. People from all forms of life visit here during the peak season which is winter. A thrilling and entertaining vacation is always on cards when people visit Goa. From glorious sandy beaches to breathtaking views of the surroundings- Goa is a place for everyone. If you are iterating your trip to Goa, then here are a few important places where you should not miss visiting.
Goa is home to a diverse mix of people from different religious, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds. The population includes Hindus, Christians, and Muslims, and the state celebrates a variety of festivals and traditions throughout the year. The Goan culture is a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences, which can be seen in its architecture, food, and music. One of the main draws of Goa is its beautiful beaches, which attract tourists from all over the world. The state has over 100 kilometers of coastline, dotted with picturesque beaches, coves, and cliffs.
Here is our list of the top 11 places to visit in Goa that are truly worth visiting
1. Basilica of Bom Jesus
Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the best and most popular attractions in Goa. It is visited by a lot of tourists every day. The amazing architecture of this cathedral attracts people a lot but the main attraction inside the premises is the Modern art gallery.
Apart from this, the Statue of St Francis Xavier and Chapel of St Francis Xavier. The visiting hours of this attraction are between 09:00 AM and 06:30 PM (Monday to Saturday) but for Sundays, it is 10:30 AM to 06:30 PM. There is no requirement of a fee to enter the premises. You can come inside and pray to the lord, sit in the peaceful environment and relax your mind.
2. Palolem Beach
The gem of South Goa, Palolem Beach is a wonderful place where newlywed couples enjoy their time. Located approximately 38 km from Madgaon, Palolem Beach attracts people due to its peaceful spots and breathtaking coastline.
Like most of the other beaches, Palolem is also dotted with some amazing shacks and pubs that light up the place at night. Another thing that interests people a lot during your visit to Palolem Beach is the range of water activities. People can enjoy a lot of activities like swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, dolphin spotting, and surfing.
3. Calangute Beach
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the most happening place according to most visitors in Goa is Calangute Beach. From the number of water sports offered here to the amazing stay options to the nightlife and cuisine options, one can enjoy an endless number of things.
Lodges, sunbeds, watersports’ gears, beach shacks are some of the top-notch offerings of Calangute Beach.
4. Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar Falls is one place where nature lovers and adventure junkies go in harmony. Dudhsagar is known as one of the tallest waterfalls in India as the cascading turbulence of water creates spumes that make the view even better to gaze at.
The total height from where the water cascades are 310 m and it gets divided into 4-tiers. To reach here, you will have to first reach Dudhsagar pickup point. Then wait for your turn at the forest reserve entry gate, take a jeep safari to the bottom of the waterfall. You can enter the forest on foot as well; if you want to trek the round trip.
5. Anjuna Beach
Approximately 21 km from Panjim, Anjuna Beach is the Party capital in Goa. It is one of the most important and popular beaches in the city and attracts a huge crowd throughout the year.
There are so many places to stay and the affordable options make it a hippie paradise for sure. The golden coastline, beach shacks, parties, variety of watersports, and the nearby flea market make it an amazing place to spend some time at.
6. Arambol Beach
North Goa is known to be the happening side of the state and with such amazing places to visit (beaches to roam), this statement is completely true. One amongst these beaches is Arambol Beach that’s known for the unexploited spots, water activities on offer, as well as serenity.
People from around the world come here to enjoy their time at the beach and the serenity is what they get. Arambol shares its borders with two other beaches, namely, Querim and Keri. You can go beach hopping from here.
7. Fort Aguada
Built-in 1612, Fort Aguada is one of the most popular attractions of Goa. It is one of those places in Goa that shows; it’s not just the beaches that this state is popular for. Most people believe that the beaches are the only place they will have a wonderful time but it leaves them in disarray when they visit Fort Aguada.
The visiting houses of these forts are between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM. The Lighthouse, Aguada Jail, and Church of St. Lawrance are a few important places in and around the fort.
8. Candolim Beach
When you move from Panjim towards the North of Goa, there is where you will find Candolim Beach. That will be approximately 15 km from the capital of Goa. This beach is stretched along Fort Aguada and touches the coasts of Baga Beaches and Calangute Beaches.
The two most important attractions of this beach include the River Princess ship that was stuck here in 2000 and the scrub dunes. Both these attractions are amazing and have a lot of traction every year.
9. Chapora Fort
Chapora Fort is a popular tourist attraction located in North Goa, overlooking the Chapora River and the Arabian Sea. The fort was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century to protect their colony from invading armies.
The fort is situated on a hilltop and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the sea. Visitors can take a leisurely hike up to the fort, which is surrounded by a moat and has several bastions and watchtowers. The fort walls are still intact, and visitors can explore the various chambers, tunnels, and passages inside.
10. Se Cathedral
Your next destination can be the Se Cathedral church which is a magnificent 16th-century cathedral located in Old Goa. It is one of the largest and most important churches in Asia, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral was built in the Portuguese Gothic style and was dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria.
The cathedral features a grand façade with a bell tower that stands at 250 feet. The interior of the church is equally impressive, with a high-vaulted nave that is adorned with intricate carvings and gilded altars. The cathedral also houses several chapels, including the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, the Chapel of Our Lady of Victory, and the Chapel of the Cross of Miracles.
11. Reis Magos Fort
On the banks of the Mandovi River in North Goa is the old Reis Magos Fort which happens to be another famous attraction of Goa. The fort was built by the Portuguese to defend against invading forces and to control the entry and exit points of the Mandovi River.
The fort has been beautifully restored and today it is a popular tourist attraction. The fort complex includes the fortification walls, the main gate, a chapel, and a prison. The fort has been converted into a cultural center that houses an art gallery, a cultural exhibition, and a museum showcasing the history and culture of the region.
Conclusion
Goa is a complete package in itself and visiting here is going to be a roller coaster ride for you and your traveling partner. While you plan your trip to this amazing destination, make sure you have enough time to visit the finest attractions if not each one of them.
Also, when you visit here, put all the above-listed places in your itinerary because they are the popular and key attractions of the state. Also, for easy commuting either you can hire a bike, scooter, or a bicycle whichever makes you comfortable.
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