PLACES TO VISIT IN GOA
Goa tourist places are perfect place for sightseeing tour. Every corner of this tropical paradise displays a fine blend of traditional and modern aspects of life. On one hand you have the most alluring natural charms where as on the other hand you have an excellent array of architectural masterpieces, which are dotted in various towns of the state. There are a number of worth visit tourist spots in Goa, which are the key factors behind the people’s love for Goa tourism. All the information on Goa and Goa tourist places is available in the Goa destination guide.Hence, a sightseeing trip to Goa is very important to behold various treasures of the state.
Let us give you an idea about top places to visit in Goa. There a number of places to see in Goa, so we will categorise these as per the cities.
PANJIM
The state capital of Goa, Panjim is home to the administrative headquarter of North Goa District. The coastal town is adorned with an array of beaches, churches and cathedrals. The Carnival celebration that takes place in this town in February invites numerous travelers.
DONA PAULA BEACH
The Dona Paula Beach is also a famous attraction in Goa which is visited a wide array of travelers in Goa. The famous beach is the best place to enjoy your Goa sojourn with some thrilling water-sports activities like water-skiing, boat riding, swimming and so on. Moreover, you can also take home a great sun-bathing experience at the Dona Paula Beach. Honeymooner can enjoy a great time hand in hand together walking along the beach.
AGUADA FORT
Fort Aguada is a 17th century fort that still stands on the Goan landmass. The fort that is overlooking the Arabian Sea was originally built to guard the Marathas and was used as a reference point for the vessels from Europe.
OLD GOA
The region of Old Goa embraces huge historic legacy that can be easily witnessed in this part of Goa. The region used to be the colonial capital of during the reign of the Portuguese. Being outnumbered with a multitude of architecturally magnificent churches, monuments and other buildings, Old Goa is a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.
SE CATHEDRAL
Se Cathedral is a famous church that was made in honor of Catherine of Alexandria. The church is adorned with Tuscan exterior, intricate Corinthian interiors and excellent Portuguese-Manueline architecture style. The Se Cathedral is a famous place to visit in Goa that every traveler in Goa must visit.
CHAPEL OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER
The Chapel of St. Francis Xavier Church is one of the famous sacred attractions that beguile numerous travelers & tourists. Made in honor of St. Francis Xavier, it is one of the most pious places in Goa that one must visit
MARGAO
Margao is the administrative headquarter of South district of Goa. It is the hub of commercial activities in goes and also home to numerous notable attractions such as Portuguese style mansions, temples and Catholic churches. The town of Margao is a famous Goa attraction that every traveler wishes to visit.
COLVA BEACH
Colva Beach is one of the best places to wash off your city blues and get drenched in the most colorful hues. The Colva Beach is a famous beach located in Margao region of Goa that I visited by numerous travelers that are mesmerized by the beauty of this splendid beach.
BENAULIM BEACH
Benaulim Beach is a famous beach of Goa known for the fishing activities. He beach is the best place to indulge into water-sport activities s well as enjoy sun-bathing. Known for its serene & peaceful environs, the Benaulim Beach is a far-famed attraction of Goa
MAPUSA
Mapusa is the third largest town in Goa that is also a famous market town known for its Friday market. Shopaholics can bag some of the most awesome handicrafts from Mapusa. In addition to this, one can visit numerous famous attractions.
ANJUNA BEACH
Anjuna Beach is a serene palm fringed beach that is known for its parties. One can witness the beach culture of Goa at Anjuna and can get rid of their city blues. So if you wish to explore real Goa environment then visit Anjuna beach.
BAGA BEACH
Baga Beach is an illustrious Goan Beach that is known for its escapades like para sailing, wake boarding, windsurfing, Jet Ski as well as island trips. Moreover one can also find numerous sun lounges and shacks that offer toothsome food and fine cocktails, mock tails and so on
PONDA
Located in the northern district of Goa, Ponda is one of the most revered cities and also the capital of Ponda Taluka. It is home to an array of Hindu temples that draw in numerous travelers. Moreover, it is also the industrial hub of the state and is home to numerous factories and industrial estates.
SRI DEVAKI KRISHNA TEMPLE
Sri Devaki Krishna is situated in the Marcel Village, Ponda Taluka. Made in honor of Lord Krishna and his mother Devaki, the temple is one of its king and is thus is visited by numerous devotees and travelers in Goa. The temples worship the idols of Lord Krishna and Devaki as the prime deities. Some of the other deities worshipped here are Laxmi Ravalnath, Chodaneshwar, Bhumika Devi, Mallinath, Katyayani etc.
SRI KAMAKSHI TEMPLE
Sri Kamakshi Temple Goa Shri was erected in the 16th century and is situated at Shiroda. The temple was made in honor of Devi Kamakshi. Some of the other shrines in the complex of the piou temple are Shree Shantadurga, Shree Rayeshwar and Shree Laxmi Narayana.
DUDHSAGAR WATERFALL
Dudhsagar Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall that can be spotted at a distance of 60 Km from Panaji. They fall from the tall mountain peaks of Western Ghats and present mind blowing views. If you stand at a distance and watch the Dudhsagar waterfalls, they appear like milky rivers flowing downwards. These waterfalls possess astounding beauty because of which they attract a number of tourists.
FONTAINHAS
Fontainhas also known as Bairro das Fontainhas (Portuguese) is an ancient Latin Quarter nestled in Panjim, the state capital. The region is home to numerous architectural structures, narrow streets, old villas and buildings that embrace the still embrace the Portuguese legacy. Travelers who wish to witness the colonial times must visit Fountainhas.
CARAMBOLIM LAKE
Carambolim Lake is a famous man-made lake in Goa that is also one of the famed spot where one can see numerous varieties of birds and can enjoy a nice time watching an array of beautiful birds such as garganeys, jacanas, moorhens, shovelers, whistling teals, coots, etc. a paradise for bird-watchers, Candolim is a must visit for travelers in Goa.
BONDLA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Bondla wildlife Sanctuary is a famous wildlife sanctuary that houses a wide variety of species of flora and fauna. Some of the most common species found here are wild boar, langurs, pythons, sambhar, jackals, serpents etc. In addition to this, one can enjoy elephant rides, excursions and jungle safaris.
ARVALEM CAVES AND WATERFALL
Arvalem Caves were built in the 6th century and are believed to comprise Buddhist or Brahmin origin. Also known as Pandava Caves, the interior of the caves are consists of carvings from the four lingas. The Arvalem waterfalls are 50 meters high gushing waterfalls that offer a splendid vista.
ANJUNA FLEA MARKET
The Anjuna Flea Market that is famous for its second hand goods and items is located on the famous Anjuna Flea. It is the best place for shopaholics to bag some really awesome and affordable souvenirs on their way back home. The flea market is famous for numerous apparels, jewelry, handicraft items as well as handbags etc.
MAPUSA MARKET
Mapusa Market is a famous marketplace that is flocked with a multitude of fruit-vendors, vegetable sellers as well as dry fish stalls. Moreover, the Friday market is also known for its bags, bangles, handicrafts, clothes and other items that can be bagged at the most competitive market prices.
MENEZES BRAGANZA / PEREIZA BRAGANZA HOUSE
Menezes Braganza / Pereiza Braganza House is an exemplar of the ancient architecture of Goa. Located at the Chandor Village, the laterite built house today stands as a museum that houses numerous crystals, porcelain, paintings, chandeliers, old furniture etc. Travelers who wish to witness the Portuguese legacy that the land still preserves in the very best way.
GOA STATE MUSEUM
Goa State Museum located at Panaji is the best way to explore the history and get a ride back to the ancient times of Goa. Some of the things one can see at the museum are bronze sculptures, copper plates, Mughal paintings, wooden statues etc. All the in house artifacts belong to the ancient times and are preserved in the most efficacious manner at the Goa state Museum.
GOA CHITRA
The Goa Chitra is a museum in Goa that houses numerous artifacts that boasts about the rich tradition and lifestyle of Goa. Based in the Benaulim Village, the museum is owned by Victor-Hugo Gomes a renowned artist-curator-restorer. Goa Chitra is the best place to explore the centuries old traditional implements, vessels and tools of Goa.
NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM
Located in Bogmalo, the Naval Aviation Museum is a military museum that demonstrates the development of the Indian Naval Air Arm over the decades. The museum is comprises two main parts, an outdoor exhibit and an indoor gallery (two-storeyed). Inaugurated in the year 1998, it is one of the two Military Aviation Museums in India.
ANCESTRAL GOA (BIG FOOT)
Ancestral Goa popularly known as Big Foot is located in Loutolim in South Goa. The museum showcases a gallery and handicrafts centre comprising various artifacts, statues and structures that explains much about the tradition & culture of ancient Goa. One of the most famous sculptures here is that of Mirabai, a devotee of Lord Krishna. The statue that is 14 m long is the longest laterite sculpture of India. The museum also displays a miniature of the houses of Goa, village markets, spice gardens and so on.
HOUSES OF GOA
The houses of Goa showcase the Portuguese style of architecture and are an exemplar of the magnificent art of the artisans of those times. Most of the houses in Goa were constructed between 18th century and 20th century. The houses are a perfect amalgamation of neo-Classic and neo-Gothic styles.
CALIZZ
Calizz is one of the other famous museums in Goa where you can come across some of the finest collections of furniture, glassware, metal ware, pottery and so on. Apart from the artifacts and antiques, calizz also depicts the life of the people of Goa the most fantastic houses that are built in the most efficient manner since centuries and ages. So if you really wish to explore the he can find the heart and soul of Goa then Calizz is the ultimate place for you.