Goa is a paradise of beaches, with golden-sand beaches and ancient beautifully-built churches. It is a top destination for youngsters and honeymooners. If you want to experience an eye-catching sunset on the beautiful beaches, water sports or crazy night life, Goa is the best choice.
Here are the top 20 attractions in Goa.
1. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
One of the most famous Church located in the capital city of Panaji, Goa was built in 1541 rebuilt in 1619. It is also known as ‘Crown of Panaji”. Beautiful architecture of the church is a blend of the Portuguese-Baroque and Goan styles.
Many Bollywood and South Indian movies like Josh, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Aashiqui 2 were shot at this beautiful Church. A mind-blowing view of the Panjim city can be seen from the Church.
2. Bom Jesus Basilica
One of the most important tourist places in Goa was built in 1605. The church is in Bainguinim, Old Goa, about 10 km from Panjim. It is the place where the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier is kept, which is the greatest attraction of the Basilica. The body was first taken to Portuguese and was brought back to Goa after 2 years in 1622 where it has laid since in its glass mausoleum. A Modern Art gallery is also a part of Basilica.
3. Se Cathedral
Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, known as Se Cathedral,Se Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Catherine is the cathedral of the Latin Rite Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and the seat of the Patriarch of the East Indies. Se Cathedral exhibiting Portuguese-Manueline architectural style is a famous landmark in Goa.
4. Church of St Francis of Assisi
Church of St Francis of Assisi is built in 1661 by Portuguese, located near Se Cathedral. The statue of Mother Mary stands at the front of the church with the tower of the church behind. An archaeological museum is also there, adjoining the Church.
5. Anjuna Flea Market
This beachfront weekly market started in 1960s, is held every Wednesday at Anjuna Beach. You will find this place with music, dance, parties, and some great acrobatic activities even late at night. Market is a hippie’s paradise where you can find hippie clothes at cheap rate, handicrafts, and a treasure of souvenirs. It is only opened from November to April.
6. Arpora Saturday Night Market
Saturday Night Market also called Ingo’s Night Market, is located at Arpora in North Goa, around 4 kilometers from Anjuna Beach. It is an evening marketplace offering textiles, food stalls, shoes, spices etc. There are party zones with live music & bars. It is open between 4 PM and 11 PM from November to April.
7. Big Foot Museum
It is a museum and a theme park in South Goa, village of Loutolim, 10 kilometers from Margao railway station and 20 kilometers from Goa international airport. Museum is dedicated to rural Goan life. It was found and run by the artist Maendra Alvares. It is open on all days from 9.30AM to 6.00PM
8. Casa Araujo Alvares
It is an 18th century Portuguese mansion located in South Goa next to Big Foot Museum belongs to Alvares family. This 250 year old mansion was named after owner Eufemiano Araujo Alvares, a prominent lawyer in the colonial period. Now it is open to the public with an automated sound & light tour.
9. Naval Aviation Museum
The Naval Aviation Museum in Goa located near Bogmala, on the Vasco-Bogmalo road about 6 kilometers from the port town of Vasco da Gama, is one of the two military museums in India. It has two sections- the indoor area and the court outside. The interior of the museum is designed like the interior of INS Viraat, a naval aircraft carrier and has a number of interesting galleries displaying naval equipment, prominent battles, a simulation room and an extensive granite plaque paying tribute to those brave souls who gave their lives in service of their country.
The park outside, you can look at the various out-of-commission aircrafts that served in the navy. Some of the aircrafts displayed are Breguet Alizé (IN 202), Westland Sea King Mk 42 (IN 505), Hawker Sea Hawk FGA Mk 100 (IN 234) among numerous others.
10. Casino Cruise
One of the best ways to spend a night in the city is by availing a casino cruise. You can enjoy the beauty of the Arabian sea while you relax on the ship enjoying the authentic Goan dishes with live music. They are also well-fitted with fine dining options including a good selection of drinks and DJs, party music, casino games. The casinos are open all round the clock but will come to life in the night from 9 pm.
11.Fort Aguada
Another heritage from the Portuguese, built in 1612 to provide defense against the invading Dutch and the Marathas is situated in Candolim, a major tourist hub in North Goa overlooking the Arabian Sea. Fort Agoda is one of the most visited attractions in Goa.
12. Dona Paula
Dona Paula called as lovers’ paradise is located around 7 kilometers from Panjim. It is the highest point from where one can see the meeting of River Zuari and Mandovi with Arabian Sea. This place is named after Dona Paula who was believed to be madly in love with a fisherman. It is a famous film shooting point, you will see the place in blockbuster movie Ek Duje Ke Liye and the recent movie Singham.
13. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is in Usgao-Ganjem, 45 kilometers from Panjim. It has a number of species of flora and fauna, some of the rarest one in India. The sanctuary is spread in just 8 square kilometers.
14. Dudhsagar Waterfalls
The Dudhsagar Waterfalls is a four-tiered waterfall structure is located on the Mandovi River around 70 kilometers from Panjim. It is one of the tallest in India with a height of 310 m and is situated on the Goa-Karnataka border and are one of India’s must-see sights.
15. Varca Beach
Varca Beach one of the beautiful beaches is a 12 kilometers stretch of white sandy beaches in South Goa around 40 kilometers from Panjim. You can enjoy the blue calm waters of Arabian Sea and it is an ideal place to relax.
16. Colva Beach
Colva Beach is the longest beach in Goa, around 35 kilometers from Panjim. It is the only beach which is a threat to the Calangute Beach in popularity.
17. Calangute Beach
The largest beach in Goa, known as the “Queen of Beaches” is in North Goa 15 kilometers from Panjim. Famous for its musical groups which draws the attention of hundreds of people.
18. Candolim Beach
Candolin beach in North Goa, 12 kilometers from Panjim. Many tourists prefer to visit this beach as it is less crowded than the other popular beaches in Goa. Also famous for its water sports activities.
19. Baga Beach
Baga Beach is in North Goa, 17 kilometers from Panjim. The water here is crystal clear and you can have sea activities like water scooter, parasailing etc.
20. Agonda Beach
Agonda beach in South Goa, 70 kilometers from Panjim is one of the ideal beaches for one who is looking for a less crowded and quiet beach in Goa.
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