Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea.
Goa is located on the western coast of Indian peninsula known as the Konkan coastal belt. Goa is bordered by the state of Karnataka on the Eastern and Southern boundaries, by the mighty Arabian Sea on the Western side and the state of Maharashtra on the Northern side.
The state of Goa is divided into North Goa and South Goa. While North Goa is the nightlife hub where all the touristy beaches, flea markets, and beach shacks are located, South Goa is the land of luxurious resorts and laid-back beach vibes.
Goa’s major cities include Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa, Ponda, Bicholim, and Valpoi.
The capital is Panaji (Panjim). Pananji is worth a visit to see what urban Goa looks like. Panaji is also a good spot to rest if you are feeling overwhelmed by bigger cities in India. There’s no beach here.
The best time to visit Goa is from November to February when the weather is ideal for sightseeing and relaxing on the stunning beaches. Summer is not a good time to visit Goa.
Dabolim Airport is the sole international airport in Goa. Dabolim International Airport is a civil and military airport located in Dabolim, a village located about 4 kilometres from Vasco da Gama in Goa, India. at a distance of 30 km from the capital city of Panaji and 23 km from Margao.
The most popular beaches in North Goa are Calangute and Candolim because they are the closest to the airport and offer fabulous facilities.
In the state of Goa, although English is widely spoken and is the national language of education and commerce in India, the main language in Goa is Konkani.
What Makes Goa An Amazing Tourist Destination?
If adventure activities are what you’re looking for, Goa has ample opportunities for you to explore the waters of this town whichever you want to. Regardless of whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced adventure enthusiast, a few of the adventure sports you can take a pick from include wakeboarding, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling and white-water rafting, parasailing.
The other big thing in Goa is its nightlife, which is a critical aspect of Goa’s tourism. The juxtaposition of beaches and parties is the focal point of Goa’s nightlife and keeps drawing tourists year after year. Numerous bars and pubs dot the stretches along the beach in Goa, accompanied by food stalls and souvenir shops; you might even find a tattoo shop or two!
Shopping in Goa is one activity that every tourist loves to indulge in. Goa has plenty of flea markets and boutiques scattered all across the town, all of which offer great bargains on every item sold – ranging from beachwear to shell work to junk jewellery and hippie clothing. Famous Markets in Goa are Panjim market, Night Bazaar, Baga Market. Le Souk by the Amarya Group is considered to be Goa’s first luxury market selling high end and expensive clothes. Besides this there is Mall De Goa which is Goa’s largest shopping mall. Calculo Mall is the first shopping mall of Goa, located in the state’s capital.
Goa’s cuisine is a very famous draw the chief of which is seafood, and tourists have the option of choosing between western restaurants and traditional eateries. Goa is famous for its locally made chilled beers (which are a lot cheaper compared to other states in the country), so you can taste the best of Goa without having to compromise on either quality or quantity.
Known as the “Queen of Beaches” in Goa, Calangute Beach caters to all types of travellers, from nature lovers to adventure junkies to party freaks. Acting as a haven for nature lovers, in particular, this beach is the biggest and the most popular one in North Goa, boasting of scintillating charm as well as beauty.
Calangute Beach is located around 11 kilometres from Panaji.
Another heritage from the Portuguese, Fort Aguada has been standing stern on the beach facing the Arabian Sea from 1612 when it was built in order to provide defence against the invading Dutch and the Marathas. It was a grand old fort in its time with the capacity to hold 79 cannons among other weapons of defense. It was one of the prized possessions of the Portuguese. Today, it stands as famous Goa sightseeing places dividing the Sinquerium Beach and Candolim Beach.
There is an old lighthouse standing within the fort which was built in 1864, the oldest lighthouse of its shape and size in India. Fort Aguada is a great place to explore when you are out visiting the Candolim or Sinquerium Beaches.
India’s West Coast paradise, Goa, is home to some glorious beaches of India. One of them is known as the Anjuna Beach. Stretched over the golden coastline, the southern and northern end of Anjuna beach offers a plethora of activities. While the southern end consists of a rocky headland, the northern end host water sports like bungee jumping, bumpy banana ride, and much more. Anjuna beach is Goa’s local “multidimensional entertainment hub”.
As the distance between Anjuna Beach and Panaji is almost 18 km, it’ll take 40-45 minutes during travelling.
The Dudhsagar Waterfalls are situated on the Goa-Karnataka border and are one of India’s must-see sights. The four-tiered waterfall structure is one of the tallest in India and is located on the Mandovi River.
They are best experienced during the monsoons as they lose their force during the dry season.
Many tours are organized over this time so you can choose to go as a part of a group. Some tours even have overnight camping options. But remember to go well-prepared to ensure a good experience, especially if you are going on a self-organized trek. The lush green jungle and the beautiful waterfall sending up their forceful sprays are a sight to remember long after you have left Dudhsagar behind.
The finesse of Goa lies in beaches flanked with shacks, pubs and interspersed shopping places. Candolim Beach is one of the best places to explore if you want to have an immersive Goan experience.
Candolim Beach is around 12.6 km from Panji, and it takes around 35-40 minutes to reach Candolim Beach from Panji.
Baga is a famous beach destination in North Goa that attracts thousands of tourists and watersports lovers to its heart. This bubbly beach is one of the best in Goa that stays awake the whole night. Called as “The Hometown of Nightlife,” Baga beach is reputed for its cranky music celebrations by late-night, mouth-watering food, designer shops, and adventure sports.
Baga is 15 Km away from Panji airport, and all it takes is half an hour to travel to the beach from Panji by taxi.
Arambol Beach is located in North Goa and first became popular when people came to it in order to escape Baga and Calangute beach crowd. Today it is famous in its own right and draws several tourists.This is a good beach to visit if you are searching for a place that combines adventure sports in Goa with relaxation.
The beach is roughly 40km from Panaji. Take a bus or a cab for maximum convenience.
Located in Canacona in Southern Goa, Palolem Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa.
Therefore, here, you can indulge in numerous types of water activities, such as kayaking and boat riding.
Nevertheless, if you like to stay away from activities and want to spend your time in leisure, then you can also book a shack. The shacks at the Palolem Beach are quite luxurious and can offer numerous amenities to make you feel at home.
The journey from Panjim to Palolem Beach is pretty straight and has multiple options. If you take a bus, it takes more than three hours, and you will have to change the bus twice to reach Canacona. From there, a public taxi will take you to the Palolem beach within five minutes.
On the other hand, an alternative for hiring a cab or a self-drive car from Panjim will help you reach Palolem within one hour and fifteen minutes.
Lying on the shores of a quaint coastal village in Goa, Colva beach is a truly magnificent vacation spot for all tourists. It stretches for an impressive 2.4 km and features striking white sand, turquoise waves, and towering coconut palms.
Colva Beach lies about 27 kilometers from Panjim. You can either drive or take a taxi to reach Colva beach from Panji. The approximate driving time between the two places is around 40 minutes, and it is the most convenient way to travel between Panaji and Colva.
Chapora Fort is a good place for sightseeing in Goa. The present building was constructed in 1717. The Fort rises on the banks of River Chapora and commands a great view of its surroundings.
The fort is not far from Panaji. Cabs will drop you directly at the fort. Buses also connect to the route.
One of the most important of all tourist places in Goa as well as a central landmark for Catholics, the Bom Jesus Basilica is the place in which the incorrupt body of St Francis Xavier is kept. The Church was built in 1605 and the body of the Saint was brought to it in 1622 where it has laid since in its glass mausoleum.
The building is constructed in baroque style and is considered one of the best examples of baroque architecture in India. You can visit the Bom Jesus Basillica in December for the best experience of the tradition as the feast and novena take place at that time along with Christmas celebrations.
Located at a distance of 10 km from Panjim in Goa, Divar Island is a slice of heaven tucked away in dense woods amidst the beauty of nature. Connected to Old Goa only through ferry service, this island is synonymous with natural beauty, serenity and tranquillity. You can get a ferry from old Goa near Basilica of Bom Jesus, to Divar island.
Braganza House is a 17th-century grand Portuguese mansion that stretches along an entire side of the village square in Chandor, South Goa. It is a popular tourist attraction as it is a one-of-its-kind mansion that is open to the public.
Located around 10 km from east of Margao, the nearest railhead to the Braganza House Goa is Margao Junction. From Margao one requires to take Abade Faria Road and from there head to Swami Chinmayananda Road right upto Chandor. From here, the Braganza House is clearly visible.
Monsoon Fun Park is situated near the Baga Beach in Goa and is a hub of water and fun adventurous activities. It offers a complete packages of fun games for both the kids and the adults.
Nagesh Eco Ventures is a water and amusement park in Goa. It offers a variety of adventure activities and fun games for both adults and kids. The property also has overnight stay packages and also hosts private pool parties, weddings, etc.
One of the coolest water parks of Goa, the splashdown waterpark has 5 pools, a variety of rides and flumes that makes it popular among tourists especially families and children. It located just 10 minutes away from Panjim and 10 minutes away from Mapusa.
Cruise in Goa allows one to explore the exotic scenery, pristine waters and marvel the breathtaking view of the sunset. There are several types of cruises in Goa ranging from simple evening cruises, elaborate and romantic dinner cruises, backwater cruises, and casino cruises. All of these usually originate from Miramar Beach in Panjim.
- Welcome Aboard on this cruising experience of 3 hours on river Mandovi.
- The cruise’s boarding point will be Santa Monica Boat Jetty and Panaji Jetty on Mandovi river in Panaji town on Old Panaji Road. It would be best to reach the spot at least 15 minutes before the ride start time.
- Welcome aboard as you witness the serene coastlines of Goa in the moonlight with this exciting cruise.
- Show off your dance skills on the popular retro songs and Bollywood numbers with the DJ.
- Feed your cravings with a Goan thali dinner plate (veg & non-veg), plated desserts accompanied by an exotic touch of Goan flavour and culture.
- Indulge in exciting games and keep your boredom at bay.
It is the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Goa and is very famous amongst the children and the environmentalists. The sanctuary has a number of species of flora and fauna.
The species of animals and plants which one gets to see here are some of the rarest one in India. Many Photography enthusiasts from all over the country come to the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary just to capture a beautiful moment, of the animals or the plants, in their camera. The area of the sanctuary is just 8 square km, making it the aptest wildlife sanctuary as one can tour the entire place in one day itself.
Titos nightclub is one of the top things to do in Goa for most tourists. Located in Calangute, Tito’s is one of the most famous nightclubs in Goa
With a great selection of Indian and international DJ’s setting the dance stage on fire and great food and drinks on offer, Tito’s has set in stone its position of being one of the landmark nightclubs in Goa. Located just 18 km from Goa’s capital city Panaji, the nightclub is easily accessible by both public and private transport.
Located in the famous Titos lane, Mambos is a popular nightclub in Goa. The open-air lounge encircles a dancing area with a host of Indian and international DJs playing every night. They also serve a variety of Hookahs.
Famous for being one of the most happening nightclubs in Goa, the SinQ is a super-chic club and quite a hit among party animals. It is located in Candolim in North Goa.
Located in Vagator, The HillTop is one of Goa’s most iconic and happening trance party destinations. The place is decorated by neon lights spiraled around palm trees which will look enchanting when you come for partying or enjoying your food at Hilltop Go
Club LPK is one of the most popular nightlife spots in Goa. Surrounded by water on three sides, it was shifted to Nerul from its original location. The nightclub has generally some good DJs playing a mix of house, trance, and Bollywood music.
Located in Nerul, Club LPK – Love Passion Karma in Goa is one of the most well-known nightclubs of Goa.
Anjuna Flea Market on Wednesday is a treasure trove of trinkets, handicrafts, hippie clothing, souvenirs, and everything else from cheap bags to footwear and junk jewelry.
Offering a multiple ranges of products from Keralan spices, to Kashmiri jewelry, wooden toys from Karnataka to Jimi Hendrix t-shirts, the market is a must-visit.
Anjuna Flea Market also hosts live music and band performances. One can relish amazing sea-food and cold beer from the shacks on the beach.
- Check out the ‘hippie’ stuff including apparel, bootlegged DVDs, headbands, Buddha statues, bongs, lighters, bedsheets, leather bags, etc.
- Get a temporary tattoo done from any stall. Although be sure of the quality of the ink and the needle.
- Listen to live performances by jazz bands.
- Enjoy cold beer and feast on the amazing food at the shacks.
- Visit the stalls selling Tibetan goods, singing bowls, used cellular phones, etc.
Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a popular bird-watching area and one of the smallest protected areas in Goa. Named after a famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, it is located on the island of Chorao in the Mandovi River.