Top Places to Visit in Goa
With some states in India relaxing their travel restrictions, many people are trying to plan a holiday. Goa is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Western India. The beaches, the food, the drinks, the relaxed atmosphere, and the calm vibes make it an ideal holiday for everybody.
If you are thinking of a trip to Goa, then you should know the top places to visit. Our list has some of the best places for food, travel, relaxation, and adventure. Many of the tourist places in Goa are famous landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage sites, beautiful churches, interesting local markets, and old Portuguese structures. Then there are the top beaches, water sports, and many natural attractions that you do not want to miss.
Fort Aguada- This 17th century Portuguese fort sits pretty at the top of hill. You can see stunning views of the water and scenery from here. Fort Aguada is at the confluence of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. The Portuguese constructed this fort to defend their territory against the Dutch and the Marathas. The lighthouse is still in great condition and tourists can walk around, taking in views of the landscape and the river. It is a popular tourist attraction and a vantage point as you can see the city, the river, and the ocean.
Dudhsagar Falls-One of India’s most tallest and powerful waterfalls, Dudhsagar is ferocious and a sight to behold in the monsoon. Located on the Goa-Karnataka border, it cascades down about 1000 feet from a steep mountain face. You can view the falls on a train journey from Margao or you can drive till the base and trek up a bit. The trekking area is through the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.
Anjuna Flea Market- Started by the boho, hippie crowd in Goa, Anjuna Flea Market is an amazing space full of quirky finds, cheap trinkets, and the laid back Goan vibe. The Anjuna flea market is open on Wednesdays between 9 AM and 6 PM. There are more than 500 stalls selling handicrafts, handmade jewelry, Kashmiri and Tibetan goods, bags, clothing, tribal artifacts, and more. There are food stalls, bands playing jazz and rock music.
Church of our Lady of Immaculate Conception- Known locally as the “Immaculate Conception Church”, this beautiful church is in Panaji, close to the Mandovi Bridge. It used to be a chapel in 1541. The larger church building came up only in 1619. Since then, many revisions and improvements have been carried out, but the original building remains. Devotees come here asking for blessings and wishes. There are stories about old Portuguese sailors coming to offer their prayers, asking for a good voyage. Those who returned safely often came back to the church to thank and celebrate their safe return. There is a feast every year on December 8th, which is very popular among locals and tourists.
Latin Quarter- The Fontainhas neighborhood in Panjim is Goa’s Old Latin Quarter is distinctive and has a Mediterranean feel. The architecture, standing strong from the Portuguese era has led to the neighborhood being declared a UNESCO Heritage Zone. The narrow winding lanes and streets, quaint shops, bakeries, restaurants, and art galleries, all make for an amazing afternoon of exploring and trying to see Goan culture. Don’t miss the Portuguese mansions, a symbol of the old colonies. Tourists can take heritage walks around the Fontainhas to learn about the architecture, history, and Goa. The cafes around this area serve some of the best Goan and Portuguese delicacies for you to try.
Grande Island- Ilha Grande or Grande Island is in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Vasco da Gama. There are ferry services that tourists can take from the mainland. You can try scuba diving, reef diving, snorkeling, swimming, fishing, and dolphin watching. It’s an amazing spot for both beginner and advanced divers and snorkelers to try water sports and activities. You can explore famous ship wrecks, including the Suzy wreck, the Davy Jones Locker, Turbo Tunnel, Bounty Rock, and the Serge City. There are banana boat and bumper boat rides for tourists. For those who want to experience authentic Goan fishing, you can go on a daylong fishing trip from 8 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon, and finish off with a barbecue. You will be able to eat fresh, local fish caught by local Goan fishermen and cooked in local sauces and spices.
The best time to visit Goa is from October to early December and January to April. Christmas and New Year’s is very expensive and full of tourists which makes it impossible to relax and enjoy. It also starts to get hot from March so you may want to plan your holiday accordingly. Goa is accessible by road, air, and rail from all major cities of India.