If you do not know what to see in Goa, but have already purchased tours to this wonderful state, do not worry. The unique architectural and historical, natural and “man-made” attractions of Goa are so numerous that you will not be left without vivid impressions and emotions in any case.
What is the first thing to see in Goa?
Experienced guides in Goa recommend tourists not to give up exploring the following most interesting and popular sites:
1. The city of Panaji
A street with typical Portuguese colonial buildings in Panaji Daniel Hauptstein
Set aside at least one day to explore this Goa attraction. The small capital city with cozy houses decorated with red roofs and narrow cobbled streets that have preserved their original appearance for a long time, is known for numerous architectural masterpieces, temple complexes and a colorful port. Literally any building here can boast its own ancient history. Every tourist vacationing in Goa should see this colorful mix of faiths and cultures. If you love nature, book excursions to Goa to the beautiful Dudhsagar Waterfall in Panaji.
Official website: https://ccpgoa.com
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2. Fontaines Quarter in Panaji
The brightly painted facade of the Fontanes quarter house in Panaji Andean Condor
Our review of the “best sights of Goa” continues the oldest and most beautiful quarter of Panaji, built about 200 years ago and consisting of samples of Portuguese-Indian architecture. The cottages, painted in green, blue and yellow, stretch along narrow streets towards the top of Altino. If you don’t know what to visit in Goa and are passionate about Portuguese and Mediterranean architecture, the view of villas with projecting balconies and low-rise colonial houses will delight you. Your vacation trip without visiting this Goa attraction will be incomplete.
3. Casino “Deltin Royale”
Deltin Royale Casino on board a cruise ship on the Mondovi River Joegoauk Goa
The floating and most famous gaming club in the state, located on the ship. Pay the entrance fee and you will get the opportunity to play a variety of card games and slots, as well as try free drinks and snacks. If you are a gambling person, then you now know that you should definitely visit Goa.
Official website: https://www.deltin.com
4. Night club “Cubana”
The night club is a favorite place for young people to relax
Few attractions in Goa are as popular with young people as this outdoor club. The restaurant, located on the top of the mountain, is famous for its panoramic views of the sea and palm trees and the surreal atmosphere created by numerous candles. You can have fun and dance on the outdoor terraces, visit the VIP area with a Jacuzzi, a swimming pool and a multi-level dance floor. Your trip will not only be unforgettable, but also really fun. This Goa landmark has only the best reviews.
Official website: https://www.clubcubanagoa.com
5. Palolem Beach
Comfortable gentle descent into the sea on Palolem beach
If you crave peace and quiet, then our recommendations for visiting Palolem beach
not for you. This place is included in the list of “the most popular and favorite tourist attractions in India”: the number of tourists here is invariably large. The paradisiacal place is reminiscent of the Bounty chocolate advertisement: an endless blue ocean, a gentle entrance to the water, sparkling snow-white sand. Due to the location of the beach in the bay, there are no big waves here.
See the beautiful places of Goa in this wonderful video!
6. Arambol Beach
The coastline of the beach is surrounded by picturesque cliffs and dense jungle
The most creative and rather secluded beach in the state: here they fly kites and sunbathe, do yoga and read. You will not see crowds of tourists here. By the way, if you are interested in budget hotels in Goa, choose them among the local offers. If you don’t know where to go to Goa and are already tired of the local hangouts, come here.
7. Agonda Beach
Agonda Beach is a wide stretch of sandy beach for a relaxing Tuderna family holiday
An amazingly beautiful and exotic beach framed by cahuarines, palm trees and other trees. If you are a connoisseur of pristine nature, be sure to include it in your list of things to see in Goa.
8. Church of the Mother of God of the Immaculate Conception
The entrance to the Church of the Mother of God of the Immaculate Conception is a staircase system with curly railings
One of the best examples of Portuguese religious architecture, located in Panaji. Against the background of dense vegetation and clear blue sky, the snow-white facade of the building looks majestic and pompous. Souvenir shops, shops selling fruits and sweets are located near the temple.
9. St. Francis of Assisi Church (Old Goa)
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is part of the complex of St. Catherine’s Cathedral in Old Goa
Our rating of “interesting places in Goa” is not possible without the famous St. Francis Church. One of the 6 great basilicas of the Catholic Church is a beautiful structure with traditional Christian and Hindu elements. The date of construction is 1228.
10. Basilica of Bon Jesus (Old Goa)
The Basilica of the Merciful Jesus is a 17th-century Portuguese basilica built of dark red granite
The site is on the UNESCO list, and has been serving as a center for Catholic pilgrimage for many years. Catholics come here to worship the relics of the Jesuit St. Francis Xavier.
11. St. Catherine’s Cathedral (Old Goa)
St. Catherine’s Cathedral was built in honor of the Portuguese victory in the Battle of Goa in 1510
Another historical and architectural monument included in the UNESCO list. The largest temple complex in the country and one of the largest in Asia.
12. The Temple of Shantadurg
The Shantadurga Temple was built in the XVIII century during the reign of Raja Chhatrapati Shah
A temple dedicated to the incarnation of the goddess Parvati, who took the name and form of Shantadurg. The statue stored inside depicts the goddess holding two snakes in her hands – Shiva and Vishnu, who are at war with each other, whom she was able to reconcile.
13. St. Augustine’s Church and Monastery (Old Goa)
Ruins of the Siddpai Monastery complex
The tower of St. Augustine’s Church is one of the 4 remaining Jesuit towers. Inside the temple complex itself, you can see altars, eight chapels and a monastery with monks’ cells.
14. Anjun Market
Anjun Flea Market
The flea market, located near the beach, gathers vendors’ tents from different parts of the country on its territory in the morning. Artisans will offer you wood crafts, silver, bronze and cotton products. If you don’t know what to see in Goa in 1 day, but you want to buy a lot of memorable souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones, come here. A picturesque place, ideal for those who are interested in national crafts and locally produced goods.
15. Arpore Night Market
Arpore Night Market is the largest shopping and entertainment center in Os Rúpias
This market has nothing in common with traditional Indian shops and bazaars. To begin with, he works only one night a week: from Saturday to Sunday. You can compare the “event” with an ordinary party (most of the guests and sellers are Europeans, not locals): there are bars and restaurants, a “central market” with numerous fast food stalls and an “upper market” offering clothes, shoes and various Indian goods (from spices to cashmere). Be careful when buying things – many of them are common fakes for famous brands.
Official website: https://www.snmgoa.com
16. Museum of Naval Aviation
Exhibits of the Goan Museum of Naval Aviation Trinidade
A small outdoor museum that can offer you quite interesting exhibits. Including helicopters and airplanes, their mechanisms and structural elements. Models and various documents related to the country’s naval forces are stored in a small two-level house.
Official website: https://www.navalaviationmuseumgoa.com
17. Spice plantations
Spice plantations are a popular tourist excursion route
During the tour, you will learn about the peculiarities of growing, drying and grinding plants. The maximum number of plantations is concentrated near Panaji. In addition to contemplating fragrant herbs and listening to the stories of guides, you can spend time here getting to know elephants (you can take vivid photos and ride on the backs of huge animals).
18. Fort Aguada
The lower part of Fort Aguada is located at the edge of the sea
An extensive courtyard with a four-storey Portuguese lighthouse is hidden behind the impregnable walls of the ancient structure. The fort is divided into two parts. The current Aguada Prison is located in the lower part. The upper part is equipped with a large-scale moat, underground water storage chambers, a bastion and powder halls. Ford is riddled with many secret passages for escape in case of emergency.
19. Fort Reis Magos
Fortress cannon on the territory of the Reis Magos Fort
Modest in size, however, it is a very beautiful and very ancient defensive structure. The date of construction is 1490. At one time, there was a well with fresh water, barracks, dozens of cannons and a prison on the territory. Researchers have discovered numerous secret passages and underground vaults here. The fort is open for tourists to explore.
20. Bhagwan Mahavir Nature Reserve
A corner of the Bhagwan Mahavir Nature Reserve
The 240 square area is home to various species of birds and wild animals: lynxes, deer, bears, zambaras, gauras, cobras, pythons, giant squirrels, hummingbirds, porcupines, panthers and leopards. Bhagwan Mahavir is part of the Mollem National Park. We recommend visiting this nature reserve, among other things, because there are many attractions on the way to it: elephant camps, temples, spice plantations. You will be able to see and learn about the main attractions of Goa briefly right on the way to Bhagwan Mahavir.
The sights of Goa: What else to visit in Goa?
You have read about the most significant and major attractions of Goa. However, in addition to them, many other memorable, historical and simply entertaining places deserve your attention:
21. Bondla Nature Reserve
Indian leopard in the Bondla Rigelus Nature Reserve
In the understanding of Europeans, this small reserve is rather a piece of wild jungle of 8 square kilometers, on which cottages and various tourist “baits” are built. Bondla is popular with both tourists and schoolchildren, who come here for educational projects and picnics. Gauras, sambaras, tigers and other wild animals live among reeds and evergreens, in the wilds of deciduous forests. It is also home to over a hundred species of birds.
22. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Hiking trail in the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
We recommend you to visit this mangrove swamp in winter, because it is in winter that Salim Ali is home to migratory birds. There is a three-level observation tower inside the reserve. Salim Ali Bird is considered the best bird shelter in the country. In addition to birds, there are jackals, crocodiles and foxes.
23. Arvalem Caves
Arvalem caves, created by human hands and equipped for the Kavya Rastogi temple
A mysterious place set in a laterite hill, and located near the Sri Rudreshwar Temple and the Avralem waterfall. In fact, we are talking about a kind of man-made catacombs and a grog temple (a man-made cave, equipped with a temple set). An inspection of the cave, divided into 5 sections, is available both as part of a tour group and independently. In each of the sections there is a symbol of the deity Shiva – a vertical stone with a round top. One of the symbols, about 800 years old, is decorated with Sanskrit.
24. Arvalem Waterfall
The lake at the foot of the Arvalem waterfall
There are no souvenir shops or crowds of tourists on the territory of this waterfall. The place is lost in the Indian jungle, and attracts rare travelers. A Hindu temple of the God Shiva Rudreshwar has been erected within walking distance from Arvalem (the statue of the deity looks directly at the waterfall). Often their funeral rituals (the ashes of the deceased are scattered over the water) The aborigines spend time here. Therefore, we cannot recommend visiting Arvalem with children. But it is a great attraction for those who are interested in the culture and customs of the locals.
25. Dudhsagar Waterfall
View of Dudhsagar Waterfall
On the way to Dudhsagar, you will see numerous plantations of spices, bananas and pineapples, endless rice fields and colorful Indian villages. The height of the water flight is 300 meters (for many years, the stream broke through a small lake, in which giant carp now live). The best time to visit this waterfall is considered to be the rainy season. However, keep in mind that it is at this time that the road to it may be difficult (and sometimes it becomes impossible at all).
We hope that our Goa attractions, photos with names and descriptions of which we have also provided, have interested you.
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