Top places to visit in Goa

1. Baga Beach

The most popular beach of Goa, Baga is located close to Calangute beach, around 30 Km North of Panaji. Baga is popular for its nightlife with some very famous clubs such as Brittos, Titos and Mambos. There is also a range of water sports that you can try your hands at.

Baga beach, named after the 'Baga creek' which flows into the Arabian sea, is one of the most famous beaches of Goa and is a tourist hotspot. It is a happening place where you can see beautiful sunsets and enjoy the cool morning breeze. The shacks come to life in the late evening with music blasting and amazing

2. Calangute Beach

Calangute is the largest beach in north Goa and is known as the 'Queen of beaches'. Situated 15km from the capital city of Panaji, this expansive stretch of sand and water attracts tourist from all around the globe owing to its festive and entrancing environ.

Calangute is one of the busiest and the most commercialised beaches of Goa. Located between Candolim and Baga beach, it is a hub for tourists and backpackers from all over the world. The sound of pop beats and rock music in the air elevates the festive mood. The beach is also swarming with eating joints, shacks and clubs serving mixed drinks, beer and seafood making it a hot favourite among visitors. This flagship beach of Goa is also known for its water sports activities like parasailing, water surfing, banana ride and jet-skiing. Be sure to visit the Church of St. Alex while in Calangute.

3. Anjuna beach

Known for its unparalleled natural beauty, glowing soft white sand and swaying palms, Anjuna Beach is a hot spot for tourists, both domestic and foreign. The full moon beach parties are what attracts crowds the most.

Anjuna Beach, situated on the west coast of Goa by the Arabian Sea, is the perfect epitome of stunning natural beauty. The key feature of the beach is the remarkable rock formation nestled over an inlay of white sand, jutting out into the sea. The area was popularly known as the jewel of Anjuna or 'Ozran'. The place is a favorite spot among hippies who first came here in the late 1950s. The atmosphere during the full moon is that of absolute bliss with soft waves kissing your feet, gleaming under the moonlight.

4. Basilica of Bom Jesus

This historic church is located in Goa and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Basilica of Bom Jesus houses the tomb and remains of St. Francis Xavier. Even after 400 years, the remains are in a good condition and are taken out once every decade. Up until half a century ago, Goa was the capital of Portuguese rule in India and this is part of their heritage.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus church is one of a kind in India and is known for its exemplary baroque architecture. This church coincides with the beginning of Christianity in India. It holds the body of St. Francis Xavier, a special friend of St. Ignatius Loyola with whom he founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). After the death of Francis Xavier his body was first preserved at Portugal but two years later shipped back to Goa. The saint is believed to have phenomenal powers of therapeutic healing. The body of the saint is kept in a nicely ornamented coffer.
The floor of this church is made of marble mosaic with precious stones. The interior of the church is simple and quiet. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is over 408 years old and is open to the public every day.

5. Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

In the heart of the capital city of Panajim, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is a beautiful church lying on a hilltop. You need to climb up quite a few stairs to get to the church.

The architecture and interiors of the church are worth admiring. It gives you a great view of the entire city from top. The church looks even more beautiful at night when it_?_s all lit up.

6. Palolem beach

Palolem Beach, located in the South Goa is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Union Territory has to offer. Mostly unspoiled, the beach is often flocked with foreign tourists.

Palolem Beach is a natural bay flanked by lofty headlands on either side. This leads to a most gorgeous beach in South Goa adorned with serene surroundings and gently sloping bed of sand to stroll upon. It has about one mile long shore in crescent shape crowded by fishermen and tourist of all nationalities. During the season, one will find the beach packed with shacks, hawkers, restaurants, and eating outlets. If you are lucky, you can also spot Dolphins cavorting in the bay. However, the beauty of the beach is unparalleled with tree covered rocks at one end, mainly known as Green Island.

7. Agonda Beach

If you're looking for a place away from the hustle bustle of the crowd with more space and solitude, Agonda beach is the right place for you. With the clear blue water and coconut trees, this beach is a delight for nature lovers.
The beach is not very popular among tourists and hence relatively quiet and less crowded.

Unlike the likes of Baga and Calangute, Agonda is one of those beaches where you can venture out for a leisurely walk along the beautiful coast. The beach becomes a little dangerous at high tide hours, and surfing is a high-risk situation. This beach isn_ã_t recommended for swimming.

8. Colva Beach

One of the most happening beaches in South Goa, Colva beach is mainly renowned for its shopping and phenomenal nightlife. The beach is full of shacks and eating joints.

Located 6 km from the Margao city, Colva beach is a stunning beach adorned with swaying coconut palms along its 25 km long coast. The white finely powdered sand covers the shore from Bogmalo in the north to Cabo de Rama in the south along south Goa's coastline. The beach area also suggests the luxurious lifestyle of the elite class who owns striking houses or villas that speck the village.
A stroll during the sunset is refreshing and mesmerizing with beautiful view and the dimming sun rays throwing a golden shadow over the pristine water and glowing sand of the beach. The place is perfect for those who are looking for a water-sports fix along with lively and vibrant nightlife.

9. Vagator Beach

Vagator beach is located on the north side of Anjuna Beach, near Chapora Fort. It is a small beach rolled into a rave culture. It is visited more by foreigners though Indian tourists also visit to be a spectator of the beautiful sunset, visible through the rocks of Vagator beach. It is split into 2 beaches as you face towards the sea. One is the Big Vagator Beach and the other is the Little Vagator Beach.

The beach has magnificent red cliffs.It was the host of Sunburn Festival in 2013. Mapusa is the nearest town to Vagator Beach. It is less crowded and noisy than the neighbouring resorts and beaches. The ideal season to visit here is November. At times placid bays appear in the waters of Small Vagator Beach. It is considered as one of the best places to host Music Hilltop parties. Thalassa at Vagator is very famous. Chapora Fort is clearly visible from the beach. It is comparatively safer for kids than the Candolim Beach.There are a number of shacks near the beach side to make your beach experience memorable.

10. Morjim Beach

Morjim is sometimes referred to as "Little Russia" owing to the large population of Russian immigrants staying here. Morjim beach is home to exotic species of birds and some rare endangered animals such as sea turtles. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in North Goa and a great place to relax and unwind.

Morjim Beach is a nesting and hatching habitat of the Olive ridley sea turtle, an endangered species. They have been given the highest degree of protection under Indian law through their inclusion in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Stealing of eggs or in any manner disturbing the turtles or their habitat is an offence punishable under Indian law.

11. Arambol Beach

Beautiful and serene, Arambol Beach is counted among the best beaches of North Goa unexploited by the tourist and thus offering solitude to those who are seeking.

Considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa, Arambol beach has distinct Bohemian feel to it that no longer exist in any other beaches. Also known as Harmal Beach, it is unspoilt and pristine owing to the villagers. The main part of the beach is a long stretch of curving sand which serves as a perfect spot for family and friends for swimming. The place is a paradise for those looking for some tranquillity and solitude. If adventure is your thing, then the cliff near the beach also offers paragliding and dolphin watching boat trips. There are some shops adjacent to the beach selling clothes, junk jewellery and handicrafts from across Goa and country.

12. Dona Paula

In suburbs of Panaji, lies Dona Paula, a former village and now a tourist destination. It is a centre for National Institute of Oceanography. It is a home for top industrialists and politicians of Goa and hence is the most expensive residential area. It also has the most number of hotels in Goa. It stretches into a crowded place during the high season time and is a quite place during monsoons.

The place lies on the Southern side of the idyllic rocky hammer shaped headlands, separating the Mandovi and Zuari River. It is an extremely important place to visit because of the whitewashed statue, perched on the rocks beside the popular ferry jetty. The Raj Bhavan of Goa is also located near the La Marvel Colony in Dona Paula. The place has served as shooting sites for movies like Ek Dujje Ke Liye and Singham. It is the best scenic location in Goa. It is not only crowded with tourists but also with food stalls. It is also a host to various water activities.

13. Fort Aguada

Fort Aguada and its Lighthouse is a 17th century Portuguese Fort which stands till date on Sinquerim Beach, Goa. It was built in 1612 to provide protection from Dutch and Marathas. It is the most priced and crucial fort for Portuguese. It was also used as a prison for Salazar's political opponents. Built on river Mandovi, it covers the entire peninsula at the southwestern tip of Bardez.

Standing wide and high between the confluences of Mandovi river and the Arabian Sea it has guarded for more than 400 years. It is named after the fresh water spring which provided portable water to the shipmen who stopped near the fort. Hence, it gets its name from 'Agua', a Portuguese word meaning water and 'Aguada' meaning the place where water is collected. It is so strongly and firmly built that it has never fallen into the hands of enemies. It exemplifies the Portuguese architecture in the best ways.

14. Cruise

The exotic beaches of Goa, pristine waters and breathtaking view of sunset and sunrise can be best enjoyed through the luring river cruise. Bounded by numerous rivers, the place makes for an exclusive cruising destination.

Flanked by the vast Arabian Sea, Goa serves as the beach capital of India. Flocked by a large number of tourists every year, the trip to this beautiful place is incomplete without the peaceful and tranquil river cruise. For those looking for a laidback vacation, Goa provides an ample opportunity to explore the meander across through the pristine backwaters into the heart of forest surrounded by ultimate scenic panorama.
The live cultural shows and Goan dances is a splendid experience. Cruising through the River Mandovi and the boundless Arabian Sea is a luxurious experience popular among holiday makers all around the world.

15. Chapora Fort and Beach

Chapora Fort near Vagator beach is famous for its ruins and the success of Hindi movie 'Dil Chahta Hai' which made this place all the more famous. With its Portuguese architecture, this fort is strong reminder of Goa's Portuguese past.

Tourists can also enjoy a stunning view of Vagator beach from the top of the fort.

16. Tito's, Calangute

Tito's is a brand name when it comes to clubbing in Goa. The club is famous for its commercial and Bollywood music and a huge dance floor. There is also a private party area available with its own bars on the first floor.

17. Club Cubana, Calangute

Night Club in the sky, Club Cubana is an amazing place to visit with your friends for having the most memorable night of your life. It is considered as the best spot to enjoy the nightlife in Goa. It is an upmarket club with the coolest DJs playing the coolest music of all times. If you are a great fan of trance, this place is for you. Goa is for music fanatics and most of them will find their homes at Club Cubana.

High up on Arpora Hill, Club Cubana is the place to be looked upon if you are visiting Goa for utmost enjoyment. The sky club has many levels with pools in it which act as the icing on the cake. Nightlife beside the pool with the trending music beats will surely give you a night worth remembering. Also, a night spent here can be the most romantic one for the couples who wish to visit. Otherwise, it provides great fun to a good bunch of female friends partying here. The crowd is very decent. It is a paradise for all the music lovers. It has been here now for more than a decade.

18. Candolim and Sinquerim Beach

Situated right next to the Aguada Fort, Candolim and Sinquerim beaches are more famous with the up market tourists. Candolim and Sinquerim are continuations of Calangute, with lesser crowd and more luxury properties to stay.

At Sinquerim beach you can also find water sports options such as windsurfing, jet skiing, water skiing etc. The entire stretch makes for the longest beach in Goa and also hosts some of the music festivals in Goa.

19. Church of St Francis of Assisi

This is the famous landmarks of Goa and is the oldest church located in Panajim. The statue of Mother Mary stands at the front of the church with the tower of the church behind. This church has truly been beautifully preserved. Also, the church bell is the 2nd largest bell in the whole world.

20. Se Cathedral

One of the largest churches in whole Asia, Se Cathedral took nearly 80 years to get constructed. It was established to remember the victory of the Portuguese over the Muslim rulers in the city.

The church has a huge Golden Bell which can apparently be heard all over Goa! The church consists of 14 altars, each one beautifully and intricately carved.

21. Church of St. Cajetan

This church has a major resemblance with the St. Peters Basilica in Rome. On the left, there are three altars dedicated to the Holy Family, Our Lady of Piety and St.

Clare and the right-side altars are dedicated to St. Agnes, St. Cajetan and St. John. Though the building is 300 years old, but has been wonderfully preserved. It is still visited in large numbers by Catholic devotees and tourists alike.

22. Dudhsagar Waterfalls

For a destination which is known for, identified and dotted by countless beaches, Dudhsagar falls are a pleasant exception. Initiating from the mighty peaks of the western Ghats, one of the five highest waterfalls of the country and amongst the highest 100 in the world, the falls are divided into four tiers in the Mondovi river. This waterfall when looked at from a distance, appears like a heavy stream of milk flowing effortlessly with much pressure from top to down the hill, finally splitting into three streams of water, heading steadily to their ultimate destination, into the deep green sea.

The sight of one of India's tallest waterfall, the clitter clatter noise of the water hitting the rocks, the splash of water, the cold breeze, there is beauty in its force and serenity in its composure. Everything together makes up for a rejuvenating day and a refreshing sight.

23. Patnem Beach

Patnem Beach is one of the quietest place amongst all the beaches of south goa. The simple and best idea of chilling out yourself, find a beach chair or a hammock and enjoy some of the most sumptuous and exotic seafood that one could ever have.

24. Cabo de Rama Beach

Cabo de Rama Beach is a beautiful beach located in Margao and is not yet been discovered by tourists. The beach is secluded owning to its distance from major towns and cities and is least visited by tourists. Overlooking the beach is the Portuguese Fort called Cabo de Rama. From the fort, one can see the beautiful view of the beach

25. Water Sports in Goa

Goa, the beach town of India- where else if not this place to try out your water sport fantasies? White, flushing waves and a blue sea in front of you- that is all that you need to relax on your vacation. Try out the various water sports such as para sailing, banana boat ride, water skiing and a lot more on these waters.

One of the best beach destinations in India, there cannot be a better place than Goa to get the taste of water sports in the country. Apart from offering breathtaking and undulated scenic beauty, the vast coastline of Union Territory offers endless number of activities. It also offers blood pumping water sports such as windsurfing, para-sailing, snorkeling and diving, scuba-diving, jet skiing, sunset cruises, water skiing, and the list goes on. If you are an adventure buff then Goa is a must visit for unforgettable memories.
Goa is perhaps the best beach holiday destination for people in India. It has remained so for a long time now. Doesn't matter if you're going on a family holiday or with friends, Goa can never disappoint you. The many shacks on the beach offer delicious food and cheap beer and the sunkissed sand and the water is always there to cheer up you mood in an instant. It is impossible to remain gloomy when you're in Goa. If you do have the time left from lazying around at the beach, do make it a point to go around the town side as well. You can easily hire a scooty and roam around Goa like the locals do!

26. Querim Beach and Tiracol Fort

Located in the northern most part of Goa, around 58 km from Panajim, Tiracol fort is a 16th century fort overlooking the Arabian Sea providing a picturesque view.

There is also a very old church there said to be established in 17th century. The beach is still unexplored with a calm shore and is perfect to unwind yourself in the middle of nature.

27. Club LPK - Love Passion Karma, Candolim

Club LPK has generally some good DJs playing a mix of house, trance, and Bollywood music for all kinds of customers. The dance area is big and ambience is great.

28. Flea Markets

There are a couple of famous flea markets such as Wednesday afternoon Anjuna market and Saturday night market which are great for shopping. You can buy things ranging from special tea to Kashmiri carpets.

Do not forget to bargain while you are shopping at the flea market, otherwise you might end up getting ripped off. Ingo's market is another such famous market open for around 6 months during the year during the peak season where you can buy t-shirts, merchandises, accessories, jewellery, Indian and global cuisine from Turkey to Rajasthan and Kashmir. This place is also typically

29. Scuba Diving in Goa

Goa is one of the few places in India offering scuba diving. Diving in Goa is not the best owing to limited underwater visibility, but it is still popular among tourists.

The water life and the variety of creatures you get to see are quite amazing. Multiple beaches offer diving facilities, but Bogmalo is considered one of the best in terms of a dive. Divegoa is one of the companies which organise scuba diving trips at Dauna Paula beach near Panjim.

30. Butterfly Beach

Butterfly beach is a petit beach which lies near the Palolem Beach, South Goa. It gets its fame from the white sands and translucent waters. It lies behind a heavily thick forest and hence forms a perfect combination of green, blue and white. Not many people know about this place but those who have visited cannot stop praising its beauty.

The place seems like a fairy tale place and a real wonder. People crazy for photography should find their home here. You can also be a part of Dolphin sight seeing which takes place near the beach only. It is suitable for the people seeking peace and isolation. It is the quietest place in Goa which is unexplored by many. It still continues to have a calm and mesmerising environment. People from across the world visit the picturesque place for its captivating beauty of sand and waters.

31. Mambos, Calangute

Mambos have seen its lows and highs, starting as a run-of-the-mill club, gaining immediate popularity and coming back to square one. The club is trying to make the scene better and have different DJs playing different genre of music each day of the week.

Most music is Pop or House. The place has a wide variety of hookahs to choose from.

32. Casino

Located on a yacht in River Mandovi, the casino is one of the coolest places to be when you're in the party state. The entry fee is placed high at Rs. 1600, and the casino holds ample number of tables of American Roulette, Blackjack and Rummy. Go ahead and try your luck!

33. Elephant Rides

Goa has a lot to offer to its tourists from exquisite nature to plethora of adventures. One of the other less known things is its wildlife. Elephant safaris are also available at some places and a lot of tourists head to Tropical Spice Plantation for the safari on the biggest mammal on land, the elephant.

34. Banbolim Beach

Bambolim Beach, which is located 7 km from Panaji is considered one of the unexplored beaches of Goa. Since there are no major hotels or shacks, not many tourist visit this secret beach and is deserted all the year

35. The World Famous Decades Bar, Calangute

The World Famous Decades Bar is a great place to go when you are not really in the mood to dance, but just want to go to a bar and have a good time with friends. There is live music on a couple of days in the week (check before going). You can also play a game or two of pool at the pool table.

36. Spa and Massages

Goa is full of spa resorts and Ayurvedic massage centers. Beachside massages are also available at some beaches. Various spas of Goa which are preferred by the tourists from all around the world are Sereno Spa and Leela Kempinski Goa Spa Center.

Leela Kempinski Spa Center is a beautiful place where you can go and relax. Situated at a beautiful location, this spa center provides all the services which help you to relax and rejuvenate your tired body, mind and soul. It also provides a beautiful and attractive view of the beaches of Goa.

37. Other secluded Beaches

There are numerous beaches in Goa and most of the important ones have been covered above. If you are still looking to go to even more unheard of beaches, you can check this list of beaches in Goa.

38. City Shopping

Goa is perfect for shopaholics. It has such funky and beachy stuff which will surely be a threat to your pockets. You will want everything to be onto your shelters in your house. There are many shopping malls in Goa but the best shopping is done from the stalls near the beaches. From hippie clothing to junk jewellery, from best of drinks to the famous wines, from bamboo to terracotta and brassware work, the markets will serve you with everything you want.

The Mapusa Market, Anjuna Flea Market, Calangute Market square and many other markets serve as the shopping spots in Goa. Night bazaars at different places like Anjuna beach are also organised. The market at Dona Paula is another famous market. The junk jewellery is found in abundance here. Not only the junk jewellery but the cute clothing stuffs it offers is highly amazing. You can actually bring a lot of souvenirs from the Goan markets with you.