For that ultimate adventurous long-weekend holiday, most of us hear a coaxing voice in our head, “Chalo Goa Chalte Hai!”(Let’s go to Goa!). While random vacation plans on weekends often get stalled in a bout of catching up with sleep, eating junk food, a movie marathon and more, this time we bring you the top 31 destinations in Goa to pump you up with all the inspiration to pack your bags and Get Set Go! Goa is a thriving state, which may showcase as a small dot on the map of India, but sports a moderate climate with major attractions such as beaches, forts, waterfalls, cathedrals, temples, caves, plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, casinos, museums, and not to mention enrichment for artists- a lot of music, singing, dancing, and film-shoots.
Goa has been a favourite tourist spot not just for Indians but also for those from abroad. Why? Because it has exotic and fun-pepped destinations where everyone can find something that matches their interest- from the regular solace loving person, to religious, or the ones ready to explore their wild streak with surfing, sports, parasailing- making ‘Amchem Goem’ a must-visit for thrill-seeking experience and losing yourself in its picturesque landscapes.
Transportation and Tour Package Cost in Goa
Before we get talking about the 31 destinations, you need to acquaint yourself with the transport system in Goa for tourists. The major transport routes can be covered by public and private buses. There are no local trains as buses are adept at taking care of transport needs. However, you can rent a motorbike or scooter while you are there, or just book a cab, or auto-rickshaw, whichever you prefer to reach your favourite destinations. You can even book a travel package for selective tourist spots. Generally, you are taken on a tour bus, R.V, or cruise!
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You can look up websites such as makemytrip.com, yatra.com, goibibo.com or other local tour arrangers to choose a suitable travel plan. The tour packages are under Rs. 50,000 will pay for almost every destination mentioned below. You can even get the travel plan customized per your needs. To fund your vacation in Goa, you can opt for a small cash loan of Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 50,000 from us at loanbaba.com. You will get the loan amount into your bank account within 24 hours of loan application approval.
Fine examples of South and North Goa sightseeing tours are mentioned below:
South and North Goa Sightseeing Tour
- Visits included for South Goa Trip: Baga & Calangute Beach, Mangueshi Temple, Basilica de Bom Jesus, Mhalsa temple, St. Cathedral Church etc.
- Trip to Panjim, its marketplace, Kala Academy, Colva beach, Shantadurga Temple, Dona Paula, and in the evening a boat cruise on scintillating waters.
- Visits included for North Goa Trip: Fort Aguada, Beaches: Anjuna, Vagator, Calangute, Sinquerim. Proceed to Saligao Church and back to the hotel.
Affordable Hotels and Resorts in Goa
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Since it is that time of the year when Goa faces an influx of tourists, the hotel rooms will cost you a bit higher than usual. However, there are plenty of affordable hotels and resorts in Goa. The best is to consider OYO rooms (start at Rs. 500 a day) or tour packages that have accommodations included.
Churches and Cathedrals
- Bom Jesus Basilica
The Church of Bom Jesus Basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built in 1605. It represents Baroque architecture and gives a taste of the pristine beauty of cathedrals. This site has retained the mortal relics of St. Francis Xavier, whose ceremony is held on December 3rd every year. The church is located in Old Goa near the Gandhi Circle.
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The best time to visit is anywhere between 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM, but on Sundays, the church opens at 10 AM. If you wish to attend the Sunday Mass, you can visit the site at 8:00 AM, mass extends to 9:15 AM usually. Freelance tourist guides will be there to meet you at the site’s entrance to show you around for just Rs. 100, but you can choose to also explore the place yourself.
Bus Route – Take a bus to Old Goa (stop: Bom Jesus) from the Panjim bus stand.
- The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
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Starting from the capital of the state, Panjim, the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception was established in 1541 by Portuguese rulers. It is surrounded by municipal gardens that spell grandeur from the walls of its interiors. The church is decked with decorations and lights on March 8 every year, which is followed by a fair.
Trot to the Place – A walking distance of 15 minutes from the Panjim Bus station.
Forts
- Chapora Fort
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Who did not like the movie Dil Chahta Hai? Did you know one of the film shots contained the Chapora Fort? It is based on a certain height (above the Chapora River in Bardez), from where you can get a view of the city. The Fort’s red laterite stoned walls and bastions with cylinder-shaped turrets give the structure a magnificent appearance. It is a great spot to chill during the evenings. There is no entry fee here.
- Fort Aguada
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Overlooking the Arabian Sea and Sinquerim beach, the Fort Aguada (constructed in 1613) has a prominent past at a time when the Portuguese used the site for strategic defence arrangements. It is close to Candolim beach, at the Shore of Mandolim River. This place can be visited 7-days a week between 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM. You can get a tour bus arranged to get here or rent a vehicle instead.
Beaches
- Calangute Beach
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Extend the good times by relaxing at the Calangute beach. The site always witnesses a swarm of tourists dipping themselves in cool waters and trying out the water sports such as water skiing and parasailing. It also boasts a lively nightlife. You can stay up at any of the resorts situated close to the beach. Baga beach is just a hop away.
- Baga Beach
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Baga Beach is a centre of tourist attraction due to scenic views and a fine fishing village to enjoy the local vibes. This sandy luxury has a vast shoreline where fishing boats rest, providing a heavenly feeling with its calm atmosphere and water activities. The beach shacks serve all types of local delicacies. So you can just sit down on a bench and relish eating a fried fish with whatever you like to drink! What more? Now is one of the seasonal times to invade the Baga beach.
Things to Do: Dolphin sightseeing and scuba diving at Grande Island.
- Candolim Beach
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Located close to Aguada beach, Candolim beach is known not only for its seaside dominance but also for delectable food. What attracts tourists is the amazing accommodation facilities, along with water sports activities. Both locals and tourists frequent this beach for jet skiing, and scuba diving and to satiate their love for delicious cuisines.
- Palolem Beach
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With serenity gracing the Palolem beach, it is known for being featured in the movie, The Bourne Supremacy, where Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) had his Goan home. Situated at Canacona, the Palolem beach encompasses bamboo huts for stay-ins, and restaurants, with the clean sand that gives you a true experience of nature.
- Arambol Beach
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Located at the south of Mandrem Beach and north of Keri Beach, Arambol Beach carries a distinct traditional fisherman hamlet and exudes a bohemian charm. If you are prepared for a longer stay, you can enrol for courses in meditation, yoga, and Goan folk dance.
- Mobor Beach
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A wonderful combination of seaside bliss, water sports activities, and resorts at the bay, the Mobor Beach is located in South Goa ahead of Cavelossim. Until 1980, this beach lay unexplored, but today it has plenty of arrangements to entertain locals and tourists with kayaking escapades, winch boat parasailing, banana boat, jet skiing, Ringo ride, fishing, and many more adventures.
Other Beaches to Visit: Anjuna, Ashvem, Bambolim, Butterfly, Benaulim
Islands
- Divar Island
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Closeted around Mandovi River, the Divar Island is a place that unravels the bounty of nature from tall trees, and verdant greenery to a variety of flora and fauna. Several ancient temples still exist here, but most were destroyed by the Portuguese. You can witness Old Goa incomplete from the topmost point of this island. It has many locals staying here so you can take part in their day-to-day activities to get a flavour of the Goan life and ferry out anytime to other destinations.
- Grande Island
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Want to feel the magic of the Arabian Sea? Then head to Grande Island. It is situated in the west of Morumugao peninsula in south Goa and is a hub for scuba divers. Because of the spotless water of the island, the underwater visibility is quite high so you get to see colourful corals and fishes around. You can go on wrecked ships, participate in treasure hunting activities, and fishing.
- Bats Island
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Not literal to its name, Bats Island is just the place you would like to prop up a tent and spend a lazy day soaking under the sun, glimpsing sea fans, parrotfish, squirrelfish, brain coral, sea cucumbers, butterflyfish, and many other aquatic treasures. You can engage in snorkelling, and visit the nearby Baina beach in Vasco-da-Gama as well. The site is also named Pequeno Island.
Other Major Attractions
- Lamgao Buddhist Caves
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Fascinating caverns and ceiling covered with mild laterite is what the Lamgao Buddhist Caves is all about. It is located about 35 kilometres from the northeast of Panjim, at Bicholim. The site contains massive beams, a humble courtyard with stone linga and a tulsi Vrindavan possessing Nandi bull image. Be careful while treading here, the passages of this cave are a bit tricky.
- Verna Springs
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Also known as Kesarval Springs, the Verna Springs is located over the Verna Plateau, which is an example of candid beauty. The forests and rocky plateau around the springs welcome you with an outline of beaches, greenery, bushy landscapes, and hills. It is just 22 kilometres away from Panjim and can be reached in a car. It is said that the water from this spring has medicinal qualities to cure ailments and joint pains. After a long day, who would not want to bathe in this healing spring!
- Dona Paula
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To honour the great baroness (daughter of Portuguese Viceroy), Paula Amaral Antonio de Souto Major, Dona Paula, a monument was erected in Goa. The baroness had implemented some reforms in the town and was active in charitable activities. Now, Dona Paula stands stoic facing the sea and is one of the most hyped regions in Goa, which people can visit during non-rainy seasons.
- Spice Plantations
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You can go on-site visit to spice plantations, which is a rich example of Goan cuisine spices. A short picnic at this plantation will unclog your mind from tensions, as the region is free of pollution and nestles in the fragrance of traditional spices. If you are a foodie, you will definitely dig this place.
- Shri Mangueshi Temple
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One of the oldest temples in Goa, the Mangueshi Temple is known for Maharashtrian architecture on its structure. It is 26 kilometres away from Madgaon and Panjim, respectively. You have to follow a traditional dress code here. The temple is revered by locals and was built under the regime of the Maratha Empire.
It also has a vivid past wherein Mangesh Linga was hidden by local Brahmins after the Portuguese began the forcible conversion of the villagers to another religion than the one the locals practised. Because of such a vital cultural heritage, Mangueshi Temple is a site; you should not miss out when in Goa.
Happening Things to Do
- Discover the Wildlife Sanctuaries
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The Mollem National Park also known as Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 240 square kilometres and prides itself in biodiversity as well as ancient temples. It is a perfect paradise for birdwatchers and reptile enthusiasts. Some of the birds you find here are: Wagtails, Hornbills, Fairy Bluebirds, and Drongos, while the snake species include Viper, King Cobra and more. The Mollem town is about 60 kilometres from Panjim city, opening at 8:00 AM and closing at 5:00 PM.
Another option is the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, which is positioned at Chorao Island. It can be reached by taking a ferry from Chorao and Ribander, going over the Mandovi River. You get to spot birds such as Western Reef Heron, Black Bittern, Striated Heron, Little Bittern, Jack Snipe, Pied Avocet, Red Knot, and the likes.
- Casino Cruise
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How about trying your luck at making random money on a floating casino? Yes, you can just disappear into the night on a casino cruise, and return the next day with bags of money or an empty pocket- whichever favours you! The cruise journeys on azure waters, reflecting neon lights from the surrounding hotels and structures.
Some of the casino cruises to try are- Casino Pride, Casino Royale, and Casino Carnival on the Mandovi River. You can even opt for Chances Casino at Vainguinim Valley, Dunes on Varca Beach among others.
- Overnight Houseboat Tour
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Many cruise travel companies organize an overnight houseboat tour. The houseboat contains all facilities which will keep you enticed. The trip starts early in the evening as it takes you along for bird-watching, fishing on backwaters, introduces you to the nature and greenery of Goa, and then takes care of your meal-time with exquisite Goan dinner cuisine.
If you are in the mood for inhaling the sweet scent of waters, enjoying local drinks in the scenic locales, then you can spend a night in a houseboat tour, which will have broad bedrooms for your comfort with attached washrooms, modern amenities, lobby, well-stocked bathrooms, and friendly crew to cater for any needs.
- White Water Rafting on Mandovi River
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The tour is perfect for those who cherish river rafting. The rafting site is at Valpoi, known for White Water River rafting at Mandovi River starting at 10 in the morning and ending at about 2:30 in the afternoon. You get to raft across the river for about 10 kilometres, including class 2 to 3 rapids.
These have interesting names such as Giant Haystacks, Big Daddy, Pipeline, and Y Fronts. Be it family, friends or alone, you will have a whole lot of fun. A team of safety guards on a kayak will follow through to ensure your safety. In the end, you will receive tasty refreshments and then dropped back to the starting point.
- Take a Walk through the Jungles
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Sign up for a trekking expedition in Goa. These tours start early in the morning and are designed for trekkers who want to let themselves lose among hills, rough roads less travelled, national parks and sanctuaries, a mass of western ghats, and of course the Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
- Watching the Crocodiles at Cumbharjua
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You must have seen crocodiles lurking in the water acting villainous in the movies. But, in Goa, you can actually snack beside crocodiles, without becoming the meal for the sharp-toothed wetland creatures. On Cumbharjua canals, you can watch crocodiles swimming in water and trudging the mushy lands. The tour lasts for several hours and you get to feast on soft drinks, beer, and an assortment of food items.
Along with a crocodile tour, you also get a boat ride. To reach the site, you will have to climb on a jetty from Cortalim, and boat it out to the canals. The trip starts at around 8 in the morning and ends in the early afternoon.
Party Animals Gather Here
- Club Cubana
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When in Arpora, the king of nightlife is the Club Cubana, which is known for playing exuberant music. You can enjoy the in-house Jacuzzi, walk to its multi-level bars, canopied loungers, poolside, and dance floors. In fact, you can hear wafting music from many kilometres away! The DJ is skilled and plays a variety of tracks to keep folks swaying to the beats all night long.
- The Baga Deck
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De Baga Deck or The Baga Deck is a popular Italian restaurant serving scrumptious food in Goa, The restaurant itself is a landmark for many surrounding structures here, and its ambience is expressed with large French windows giving an outstanding view of the Arabian Sea. It is situated at Cobra Wade, Casa Goa. You also get to try out Mexican foods, with an Italian buffet brimming with a huge dessert collection. The place stays open day and night and is great for a drinking spree.
- Tito’s Street
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If you want to groove to true Goan music and hog on Goan delicacies then nothing is better than Tito’s Street. There are various venues to treat such as The Club, Cafe Mambo, Cock and Bull, Retro Bar, Red Square, Tito’s Courtyard, and World Cafe. The site is packed with events all the time and you may even chance upon some celebrities. The street is for every party-holics. You name any kick-ass Goan resort, disco, nightclub, pub, restaurant- it is all in here.
- Curlies Beach Shack
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Called as ‘original beach shack’, the Curlies is located on the Anjuna Beach and offers a range of beverages to choose from. You can relax in a rooftop lounge bar, which again opens to the Arabian Sea. If you are in luck, they may have live music or a special show going on. Reverberating with pleasant ambience and bar, it is a place where you can settle down and leave all worries outside the door.
Best Places to Shop at
- Mapusa Friday Market
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If you plan to be in Goa on a Friday, you should check out the Mapusa Friday Market, which happens every week just outside the Mapusa Municipal Market. An array of stalls with locals selling Goan goods such as showpieces, clothing, seashells, regional food (don’t forget to take seedless tamarind, hot pickles) or materials and products from small entrepreneurs of the state, and items from farmers etc.- line the market. You can also buy pottery, spice, jewellery, rugs, and homemade products- there are plenty to mention.
- Anjuna Flea Market
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Though Anjuna village is known for St. Michael’s Church, it is also renowned for its Flea Market. The latter was popularized by hippies decades ago, where they would sell wares from different parts of the nation. The market can be reached on a bike, but do avoid cars or larger vehicles. Even today you can buy special wares, clothing, souvenirs, several merchandise items, electronic items, do some local shopping such as jewellery, puppets, and more. However, be prepared to hone your bargaining skills, you will need it here.
- The Saturday Night Arpora Market
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If you are a lover of home decor, then you are at the right place- the Arpora Market. It has an endless list of accessories to renovate your home and office space. On Saturday nights, this place witnesses a huge crowd interested in purchasing items at big discounts. You can get deals on locally made products, handicrafts, spices, herbs, food, cotton dresses, carpets, designer jewellery, and other items. So get yourself out here on Saturday at 6:00 PM and take back goodies home.
Guess it is time to head out for a long-weekend vacation already!
