Attractions in GOA
Panaji:
The capital of Goa is a heritage location with many renowned Churches and buildings constructed in Gothic style, situated on the left bank of the Mandovi river. The church dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the Chapel of St. Sebastian, the Goa State Museum, the Secretariat building, the statue of Abbe Faria are must-see stops on the itinerary of any tourist.
Old Goa:
The holy Basilica of Bom Jesus, houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. It is a famous pilgrimage center among Roman Catholics. Other well-known churches are the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of St. Cajetan, Church of St. Augustine Ruins, Church and Convent of St. Monica, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Chapel of St. Anthony and Chapel of St. Catherine.
Calangute Beach:
Perhaps the best known of Goa's beaches, this beach is a stretch of 7 kilometers of golden sand. Curving across the coastline of North Goa, Calangute beach is popular with people of all ages. Food and trinket stalls add to the tourist attractions of the idyllic beach itself.
Dona Paula:
This popular beach, which is 7 km from Panaji, derives its name from the daughter of a viceroy who chose to kill herself when forbidden to marry the man she loved. This beach is also called Lovers Paradise. This beach offers various water sports activities including water-scooter rides motorboat rides, windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking, and yachting.
Anjuna Beach:
Located 18 km from Panaji, this beach, popular among young revelers, was known for being a favourite hippie party spot in the 1970's. Even today the Anjuna beach is the site of trance parties, on moonlit nights. A flea market on Wednesdays, where trinkets and memorabilia can be bought is also a popular tourist attraction.
Colva and Benaulim Beaches:
Located in South Goa, 20 km from Panaji, these beautiful beaches are quieter and more laid back than the more popular beaches near Panaji. Colva beach is stretches for 20 km and is Goa's longest beach. The festival at the local church, bull fights in the vicinity and stalls on the beach selling trinkets are some of the attractions of this beautiful getaway.
Vagator and Chapora Beaches:
Located in North Goa, about 24 km from Panaji these beaches are known for their laidback charm. A 500-year-old Portuguese fort nearby provides an interesting venue to visit, when you're not relaxing on these pristine beaches.
Fort Aguada:
This heritage site has structures built by the Portuguese rulers of Goa, including a lighthouse and the Aguada jail.
Dudhsagar Waterfall:
These exotic waterfalls, which appear like milky streams from a distance, are located 60 km from Panaji. The landscape around these falls in the Western Ghats is truly breathtaking, particularly when the falls are at their fullest after the monsoon rains.
Palolem Beach:
Located in South Goa, this beach is 37 km from Margao. This beach, also known as Paradise beach, has a peaceful atmosphere and is less crowded than some of the more popular beaches. Dolphin cruises and fishing expeditions are other attractions of Palolem.
Agonda Beach:
Located in south Goa, near Palolem this beach is unspoilt and pristine. There are no hotels or souvenir stalls here, just the 3 km long beach fringed by palms. Nearby is the picturesque fort Cabo de Rama, which is worth exploring.
Temples of Goa:
Goa has a number of Hindu temples that have historical significance. Temples worth visiting are the Shri Mangesha Temple, the Shanta Durga Temple, the Shri Ganesha Temple, the Mahalaxmi Temple, and the Shri Nagesh Maharudra Temple, Shri Anantha Temple, Shri Chandreshwar Temple and Devaki-Krishna Temple.