Top 10 Places To Visit In Goa

Goa is well known for its vibrant beaches amongst travelers all across the globe. But, vacationing in Goa is not only about beaches. India’s smallest state packs an assortment of things to explore and enjoy. The best places to visit in Goa comprises a fine mix of charming beaches, ancient forts, colonial Portuguese edifices and natural marvels.

So I’m here with the top 10 best places to visit while you plan a trip to Goa.

Baga Beach

Baga is one of the most touristy beaches in North Goa. It is visited by almost all who holiday in this coastal state.Along with the adjacent Calangute Beach, they are often referred to as sister beaches. Baga and Calangute are right next to each other and you can go walking from one beach to the other.

In addition to golden sand and the vast blue sea, they offer great opportunities to indulge in a lot of thrilling watersports. There are numerous shacks on the beach where you can relax and feast on your favourite seafood.

Candolim Beach

Relatively less crowded, Candolim Beach is one of the best places to visit in Goa. It is dotted with an array of shacks and restaurants, offering lip-smacking seafood dishes. There are plenty of choices for water activities at this beach such as parasailing, jet skiing, bump ride, banana ride. Charges are nearly in the same range as Baga and Calangute.

Candolim Beach is contiguous with another peaceful beach, known as Sinquerim Beach.

Vagator Beach

Blessed with picture-perfect environs and a gorgeous beachfront, Vagator beach is located to the north of Calangute. If you are heading to Vagator from Calangute Beach, it is a 25-minute ride by a bike. The scenic backdrop provided by wonderfully placed cliffs add to its charm. It is segregated into two beaches – Big Vagator and Little Vagator, also called Ozran Beach.

Dona Paula Beach

It is equally popular as a photography spot since the beach offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea. This village is named after a Portuguese woman named ‘Paula Amaral Antonio de Souto Maior’ who was the daughter of a Portuguese viceroy. There are many folklores associated with this place. It is said that she ended her life after not being allowed to marry the person she loved. Earlier known as Oddavell village, the village was renamed in her memory.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Our next stop was The Basilica of Bom Jesus, an architectural marvel of Goa. It is one of the oldest churches in the state and a World Heritage Site. The mortal remains of a venerated Catholic priest, St. Francis Xavier, are preserved here. It is built in Baroque style architecture which was once popular throughout Europe.

Shri Shantadurga Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Shantadurga, Shri Shantadurga Temple is situated in Kavalem village, almost 30 km away from Panaji. It houses idols of Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Legend has it that Goddess Shantadurga stopped a battle between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu by mediating between the two. The temple exhibits a distinctive style of Indian architecture with an influence of Gothic architecture.

Fontainhas

Adorned with brightly painted buildings and villas, the Fontainhas area is famed for its Portuguese legacy. It is known to be India’s only Latin Quarter. With small winding lanes, colorful houses with tiled roofs, Fontainhas has well-preserved its historic charm. A stroll through this heritage locality of Panaji gives opportunities to experience the Portuguese influence on Goan culture.

Mandovi River Cruise

An hour-long cruise ride on the river Mandovi was the last activity for the day. The ride is accompanied by a lot of music and folk dance performances.

From the cruise, you can get a panoramic view of the Mandovi river and the picturesque surroundings. It attracts a large number of frolicking tourists. If you are averse to be in a crowded place, then you can skip this.

Palolem Beach

Surrounded by swaying palm and pine trees, Palolem Beach is one of the best places to visit in Goa. The sapphire blue sea against the backdrop of towering trees is a sight to behold.

It is an excellent beach for swimming and sunbathing. Dolphin spotting is another popular activity here. Palolem is much less crowded compared to the beaches in North Goa.

Colva Beach

A little over an hour ride from Palolem takes you to the peaceful Colva Beach. Rent a bike or car whatever works for you. Watersports and beach shacks are plentiful at the beach. It is popular as a sunset beach in south Goa. In the evening it gets a bit crowded with tourists who visit to enjoy a captivating sunset at the beach.

So here are tha best 10 places that you should not miss out on while you plan to visit Goa.