Goa is the region associated most with touristy beaches which have a happening nightlife and over 300-year old Portuguese architecture. In India, Goa is the first place that comes to mind when someone says beach vacation. It is also found on almost everyone’s bucket list. But this is not a place to just visit and strike off the list, once you visit Goa, you will be urged to go again and again. It becomes a tradition.
1. Baga Beach
Baga Beach is named after the ‘Baga creek’ which flows into the Arabian sea. It is one of the most famous beaches of Goa and is a tourist hotspot. It is popular for its nightlife and 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
Address: Baga, Goa 403519
2. Calangute Beach
This is the largest beach in North Goa and is known as the ‘Queen of beaches’. It is one of the busiest and the most commercialized 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.
Calangute Beach
Address: Calangute Beach, Goa 403519
3. Anjuna Beach
It is an unparalleled natural beauty with glowing soft white sand and swaying palms. The full moon beach parties are what attracts crowds the most. 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.
Anjuna Beach
Address: North Goa District, Bardez 403 509, India
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4. Basilica of Bom Jesus Church
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. 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. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is over 408 years old and is open to the public every day.
Basilica of Bom Jesus Church
Address: Old Goa Rd, Bainguinim, Goa 403402
Website: Basilica of Bom Jesus Church
Tip from Trip101 local expert
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a spiritual place that will calm you as soon you step foot inside the 400-year-old basilica. It is most famous for housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier, which still grows hair and nails. The locals believe that St. Francis Xavier still protects Goa from floods, droughts, Tsunamis, and other natural disasters. There is a public viewing of the remains every 10 years. Moreover, despite drawing lots of crowds, the feast of St. Xavier on 3rd December is the best time to visit here. There is a morning mass and a grand fair, making the atmosphere pious yet jovial, truly embodying the spirit of Goa.
Goa (State) Tour Guide
Nibedita Sen
A hearty WELCOME to our page Happiness Activist. We are here to solve the problems of foreigners who come to explore India. Firstly, we suggest them to stop visiting the wonders and mundanes of social media advertisements about overrated traveling. We provide them the basic needs and guidelines that the audience requires when they first step into an unknown land which we have already explored. Secondly, we are not like any other travel guides. If you are here to explore the museum, zoo, or places that you can easily google about Kolkata then Sorry, we are not the right one to help you. Our USP is to guide those travellers who are offbeat and craze for the undiscovered and less travelled places in India, Egypt and Israel. Through our eyes, 'WE WILL MAKE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH YOURSELF'
Tours by Nibedita
Goa (State) Tour Guide
Narender Kumar
I have been a tour guide/ escort for more than 10 years and have guided tourists pan India to historical and cultural heritage sites, national parks & bird sancturies, monuments places like- Delhi , Agra, Jaipur, Khajuraho Exotic Temples, Ranthambore National Park, Mumbai, Nashik , Aurangabad ( Ajanta Rockcut Caves & Ellora Rockcut Temples ), Goa etc. I am proficient in English, Russian, Hindi and Urdu. I became a tour guide due to my passion for travelling and I love meeting new people and share incredible experiences and learn more about a culture and place. I have a good sense of humor and love cracking jokes which will make your trip fun and lively. I love taking care of people and your safety is my top priority. You will have the best holiday memories with me as your tour guide/escort.
Tours by Narender
5. Dona Paula
Dona Paula is a former village and now a tourist destination. It is a center for National Institute of Oceanography. This location 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 and is a quiet place during monsoons.
Dona Paula
Address: Dona Paula, Goa
Website: Dona Paula
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Dona Paula Beach is famous for its romantic story among the locals. But besides that, it offers several opportunities for adventure, including parasailing, windsurfing, and jet skiing. There are also several little shops around the beach you can check out for a fun shopping experience. Tourists have to pay a minimal fee.
6. Se Cathedral
This is one of the largest churches in the whole of Asia. Se Cathedral took nearly 80 years to be 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.
Se Cathedral
Address: Velha, Goa 403402
Website: Se Cathedral
7. Fort Aguada
This fort 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 enemies. It is the most priced and crucial fort for Portuguese, it was also used as prison. 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 and exemplifies the Portuguese architecture in the best ways.
Fort Aguada
Address: Fort Aguada Road, Candolim, Goa 403515
Website: Fort Aguada
8. Dolphin Cruise
The dolphins are a way better sight in reality than on Animal Planet! A dolphin cruise in Goa is therefore exciting for the old and the young. Dolphins pepping out of the sea around your boat in a graceful motion is best savored by eye and saved on camera, ideal for a peaceful picnic.
Dolphin Cruise
Website: Dolphin Cruise
9. Scuba diving
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, Atlantis Watersports is one of the companies that organizes scuba diving trips.
Scuba diving
Website: Scuba diving
10. City shopping
Goa is perfect for shopaholics. It has such funky and beachy stuff which will surely be a threat to your pockets. There are many shopping malls in Goa but the best shopping is done from the stalls near the beaches. 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 organized. The market at Dona Paula is another famous shopping spot.
Anjuna Flea Market
Address: 10, St. Michael’s Vaddo, South Anjuna, Anjuna, Goa 403509
Website: Anjuna Flea Market
Tip from Trip101 local expert
I would definitely recommend 18th June Road in Panjim for those looking to shop. The Bombay Bazar is one of the best malls on this street. I usually buy Indian ethnic wear and bags from here. The road also has local eateries, such as Gujrat Lodge, Fidalgo, and more. A tattoo parlor, electronic shops, salons, cashew shops (that Goa is acclaimed for), and so much more can also be found here. I like to visit this street for a wholesome experience, with everything close by.
Get the antidote for your Goa flu!
There is not a single person who doesn’t want to visit. The greens and wildlife of Goa make it an ideal hotspot for any person. If you are a food adventurer, you may want to visit the gorgeous spice gardens and try a glassful of cashew feni. Goa provides a respite, not just for the tourists with an appointment with nature, it is also the place for crazy parties and a vivacious nightlife. It is the ultimate tourist destination of India. Go ahead and visit Goa, I’m sure it will become your yearly tradition.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
If you are in search of a thrilling experience, you can hire a ferry boat and sail on the waters of the Mandovi River. Some boats are operated by the Government of Goa, and you can sail on them for free. But, if you are hiring a private ferry, it has an approximate charge of INR 600 per person and is available for group bookings, too. The best time to take advantage of this service is during the rainy season, and you can indulge in the tranquil views for 2 hours. However, don't forget to carry your rainwear if you do decide to sail in the monsoon. Also, bring along a pair of sunglasses, comfortable shoes, clothing, water, and snacks to make this experience more fun. Furthermore, this activity is becoming increasingly popular for pre-wedding shoots or engagement parties.
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