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If you do not know what to see in Goa, but have already purchased tours to this wonderful state, do not worry. The unique architectural and historical, natural and “man-made” sights of Goa are so numerous that you will not be left without vivid impressions and emotions in any case.
What to see in Goa first of all?
Experienced guides in Goa recommend tourists not to refuse to see the following most interesting and popular sites:
1. Panaji City
Street with typical Portuguese colonial buildings in the city of Panaji Daniel Hauptstein
Allocate at least one day to explore this Goa attraction. A small capital city with cozy houses decorated with red roofs and narrow cobbled streets that have retained their original appearance for a long time, is known for numerous architectural masterpieces, temple complexes and a colorful port. Literally any building here can boast of its own ancient history. Every tourist vacationing in Goa should see this colorful mix of faiths and cultures. If you love nature, book excursions to Goa in Panaji to the beautiful Dudhsagar waterfall.
Official website: http://ccpgoa.com/home
2. Fontaines quarter in Panaji
Brightly painted facade of a Fontaines house in Panaji Andean Condor
Our review of the “best attractions in Goa” continues the oldest and most beautiful quarter of Panaji, built about 200 years ago and consisting of examples of Portuguese-Indian architecture. The cottages, painted in green, blue and yellow, stretch along the narrow streets towards the top of Altino. If you don't know what to visit in Goa and are passionate about Portuguese and Mediterranean architecture, the view of villas with jutting balconies and low-rise colonial houses will delight you. Your vacation trip will not be complete without visiting this sight of Goa.
3. Deltin Royale Casino
Casino “Deltin Royale” aboard a cruise ship docked on the Mondovi River Joegoauk Goa
Floating and the most famous gaming club in the state, located on the ship. Pay entry and you'll be able to play a variety of card games and slots, as well as try free drinks and snacks. If you are a gambler, then you should definitely visit Goa now.
Official website: https://www.deltin.com/
4. Cubana Nightclub
Few attractions in Goa are as popular with young people as this outdoor club. The mountaintop establishment is renowned for its panoramic views of the sea and palm trees and the surreal atmosphere created by the many candles. You can have fun and dance on the outdoor terraces, visit the VIP zone with a jacuzzi, a swimming pool and a multi-level dance floor. Your trip will be not only unforgettable, but also really fun. This Goa attraction has only the best reviews.
Official website: http://www.clubcubanagoa
5. Palolem Beach
Comfortable, gently sloping sea access at Palolem Beach
If you crave peace and tranquility, then our recommendations for visiting Palolem Beach
not for you. This place is included in the list of “the most popular and favorite tourist attractions in India”: the number of tourists here is consistently high. The heavenly place is reminiscent of Bounty chocolate advertising: an endless blue ocean, a gentle entrance to the water, sparkling white sand. Due to the location of the beach in the bay, there are no big waves here.
Check out the beautiful places of Goa in this wonderful video!
6. Arambol Beach
The coastline of the beach is surrounded by picturesque cliffs and dense jungle
The most creative and rather secluded beach in the state: here you fly kites and sunbathe, do yoga and read. You will not see crowds of tourists here. By the way, if you are interested in budget hotels in Goa, choose them among the local offers. If you don't know where to go to Goa and are already tired of local parties, come here.
7. Agonda Beach
Agonda Beach – a wide stretch of sandy beach for a relaxing family holiday Tuderna
Surprisingly beautiful and exotic beach framed by cahuarins, palm trees and other trees. If you are a connoisseur of virgin nature, be sure to include it in your list of what to see in Goa.
8. Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Entrance to the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception – a system of stairs with figured railings
One of the best examples of Portuguese religious architecture, located in Panaji. Against the backdrop of dense vegetation and a clear blue sky, the snow-white facade of the building looks majestic and pompous. Near the temple there are souvenir shops, shops selling fruits and sweets.
9. Church of St. Francis of Assisi (Old Goa)
Church of St. Francis of Assisi – part of the complex of St. Catherine's Cathedral in Old Goa
Our rating of “interesting places in Goa” is not possible without the famous temple of St. Francis. One of the 6 great basilicas of the Catholic Church is a beautiful building with traditional Christian and Hindu elements. Construction date – 1228.
10. Bon Jesus Basilica (Old Goa)
Merciful Jesus Basilica is a 17th century Portuguese basilica built of dark red granite < p>The object is on the UNESCO list, and for many years it has served as a center of Catholic pilgrimage. Catholics come here to venerate the relics of the Jesuit St. Francis Xavier.
11. St. Catherine's Cathedral (Old Goa)
St. Catherine's Cathedral was erected in honor of the Portuguese victory in the battle for Goa in 1510
Another historical and architectural monument included in the UNESCO list. The largest temple complex in the country and one of the largest in Asia.
12. Shantadurga Temple
Shantadurga Temple was built in the 18th century during the reign of Raja Chatrapati Shahu < p>Temple dedicated to the incarnation of the goddess Parvati, who took the name and appearance of Shantadurga. The statue kept inside depicts the goddess holding two snakes in her hands – Shiva and Vishnu, who were at war with each other, whom she was able to reconcile.
13. Church and Monastery of St. Augustine (Old Goa)
The ruins of the monastery complex Siddpai
Church tower of St. Augustine is one of the 4 remaining Jesuit towers. Inside the temple complex itself, you can see altars, eight chapels and a monastery with monks' cells.
14. Anjuna Market
Anjuna Flea Market
The flea market, located not far from the beach, gathers vendors from different parts of the country in its territory in the morning. Artisans will offer you handicrafts from wood, products from silver, bronze and cotton. If you don’t know what to see in Goa in 1 day, but want to buy a lot of memorable souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones, come here. A colorful place, ideal for those who are interested in national crafts and locally produced goods.
15. Arpora Night Market
Night market in Arpora – the largest shopping and entertainment center Os Rúpias
This market has nothing to do with traditional Indian shops and bazaars. Let's start with the fact that it only works one night a week: from Saturday to Sunday. You can compare the “event” with an ordinary party (most of the guests and sellers are Europeans, not locals): bars and restaurants are open here, a “central market” with numerous fast food stalls and an “upper market” offering clothes and shoes and various Indian goods (from spices to cashmere). Be careful when buying things – many of them are the usual fakes for famous brands.
Official website: http://www.snmgoa.com
16 Naval Aviation Museum
Exhibits of the Goan Museum of Naval Aviation Trinidade
A small open-air museum that can offer you quite interesting exhibits. Including helicopters and airplanes, their mechanisms and structural elements. A small two-level house houses models and various documents related to the country's naval forces.
Official website: https://www.navalaviationmuseumgoa.
17. Spice plantations
Spice plantations – a popular tourist excursion route
During the tour you will learn about the peculiarities of growing, drying and grinding plants. The maximum number of plantations was concentrated near Panaji. In addition to contemplating fragrant herbs and listening to the stories of guides, you can spend time here getting acquainted with elephants (you can take vivid photos and ride on the backs of huge animals).
18. Fort Aguada
The lower part of Fort Aguada is located at the edge of the sea
Behind the impregnable walls of the ancient building lies a vast courtyard with a four-story Portuguese lighthouse. The fort is divided into two parts. In the lower part is the current prison of Aguada. The upper part is equipped with a large-scale moat, underground chambers for storing water, a bastion and powder rooms. The Ford is riddled with many secret escape passages in case of emergency.
19. Fort Reis Magos
Fortress weapon on the territory of Fort Reis Magos
Modest in size, however, a very beautiful and very ancient defensive structure. The date of construction is 1490. At one time, there was a well with fresh water, barracks, dozens of cannons and a prison on the territory. Researchers have discovered numerous secret passages and underground vaults here. The fort is open to tourists.
20. Bhagwan Mahavir Nature Reserve
Corner of Bhagwan Mahavir Reserve
On the territory of 240 squares, various types of birds and wild animals live: lynxes, deer, bears, sambars, gaurs, cobras, pythons, giant squirrels, hummingbirds, porcupines, panthers and leopards. Bhagwan Mahavir is part of the Mollem National Park. We recommend visiting this natural reserve, also because there are many attractions on the way to it: elephant camps, temples, spice plantations. You can see and learn about the main attractions of Goa briefly right on the way to Bhagwan Mahavir.
Sights of Goa: what else to visit in Goa?
You have read about the most significant and major attractions of Goa . However, in addition to them, many other memorable, historical and simply entertaining places deserve your attention:
21. Bondla Nature Reserve
Indian Leopard Rigelus
In the understanding of Europeans, this small reserve is rather a piece of wild jungle of 8 square kilometers, on which cottages and various tourist “lures” have been erected. Bondla is popular with both tourists and schoolchildren who come here for educational projects and picnics. Among the reeds and evergreens, in the wilds of deciduous forests live gaurs, sambaru, tigers and other wild animals. It is also home to over a hundred species of birds.
22. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Hiking trail in Salim Ali bird sanctuary
We recommend that you visit this mangrove swamp during the winter. it is in winter that Salim Ali is home to migratory birds. Inside the reserve there is a three-level observation tower. Salim Ali Bird is considered the best bird “shelter” in the country. In addition to birds, there are jackals, crocodiles and foxes.
23. Arvalem Caves
Arvalem caves, created by human hands and equipped as a temple of Kavya Rastogi
A mysterious place, arranged in a laterite hill, and located near the temple of Sri Rudreshwar and Avralem waterfall. In fact, we are talking about a kind of man-made catacombs and a grog temple (a man-made cave, equipped for a temple set). Inspection of the cave, divided into 5 sections, is available both as part of a tourist group and independently. In each of the sections there is a symbol of the deity Shiva – a vertical stone with a round top. One of the symbols, about 800 years old, is decorated with Sanskrit.
24. Arvalem Waterfall
The lake at the foot of the Arvalem waterfall
There are no souvenir shops or crowds of tourists on the territory of this waterfall. The place is lost in the Indian jungle, and attracts rare travelers. Within walking distance from Arvalem, the Hindu temple of God Shiva Rudreshwar was erected (the statue of the deity looks directly at the waterfall). Often, their funeral rituals (the ashes of the deceased are scattered over the water) are carried out here by the natives. Therefore, we cannot recommend visiting Arvalem with children. But this is a great attraction for those who are interested in the culture and customs of the locals.
25. Dudhsagar Waterfall
View of the Dudhsagar waterfall
On the way to Dudhsagar you you will see numerous plantations of spices, bananas and pineapples, endless rice fields and colorful Indian villages. The height of the water flight is 300 meters (for many years, the stream has broken through a small lake, in which giant carps now live). The best time to visit this waterfall is the rainy season. However, keep in mind that it is at this time that the road to it can be difficult (and sometimes it becomes impossible at all).
We hope that our sights of Goa, the photos with the names and descriptions of which we also provided, are of interest you.