Goa offers a wide range of places to visit:
Beaches/Resorts
The more developed and livelier resorts in the north are Calangute, Baga and Candolim, which have long stretches of golden sand and small bars, restaurants, beach shacks and shops. The resorts in the South are quieter, with white sand. Colva and Benaulim are two of the larger resorts in South Goa.
Old Goa
Old Goa was called, by the Portuguese, Golden Goa or Goa Dourada. In Old Goa is the impressive Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus which is home to the remains of St. Francis Xavier and a number of Churches, Convents and Chapels.
Ponda
There are a number of Hindu temples some dating from as far back as the 16th century. Two of the most interesting and easily accessible are the temples of Shri Manguesh and Shri Mahalsa.
Panjim
Most visitors treat Panaji as little more than a transport hub, but this lovely state capital has retained its Portuguese heritage in a lived-in, knockabout kind of way and exudes an aura more reminiscent of the Mediterranean than of India
Margoa
Margao, in South Goa, is considered to be the state's second city. It is a prosperous town surrounded by fertile farmland and has always been an important agricultural centre. There are few towns of any size in the south and Margao acts as the main shopping centre for all the local towns and villages. It is therefore always busy and clogged with traffic, although the overpass for through-traffic has helped ease the situation a little. There is an excellent market that is a good source of authentic souvenirs and an interesting place to browse. If you tire of shopping then you can always hire a rickshaw and see some of the sights. The Portuguese absorbed the area during the seventeenth century and there are some Catholic churches dating back to this time and an old colonial quarter with one of Goa's grandest mansion's, "Seven Gables" here. Or you can cool off on Colva beach that is 20 minutes drive away
Braganza House
Ongoing restoration is returning 17th-century Braganza House to its Portuguese-era glory. Wandering through the ballrooms with their Italian marble floors, Belgian glass chandeliers and carved rosewood furniture, it's not hard to imagine the kinds of parties that were thrown here. The mansion has been divided, and houses two branches of the Braganza family
Fort Aguada
Standing on the headland overlooking the mouth of the Mandovi River, Fort Aguada occupies a magnificent position, its strategic value confirmed by the fact that it was never taken by force. This is a very popular spot to watch the sunset, with uninterrupted views north and south. Today the main point of interest is the bastion that stand on the hilltop itself
Anjuna Flea Market
Beachside bazaar for souvenirs and Indian handicrafts at negotiable prices. (Wednesdays Only)
Mapsupa Market
Mapusa is the administrative head quarters and the main town of the Bardez Taluka. Its main feature is the municipal market that is worth a visit as to get the feel of the Goan colour. The thrill of bargain hunting while you browse along the colourful and vibrant shops of textile and silk, jewellery, spices, fruits and vegetables and the fish market is also a beautiful experience (Fridays Only)
Stately Homes
Spice Plantations
There are several spice farms.
Dolphins and Crocodiles
Boat trips widely available.
Wild Life Sanctuaries
Goa has four main wild life sanctuaries, these are
The Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary
Cortigao Sanctuary
Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Mayem Lake
The picturesque Mayem Lake just 35 kms from Panaji, encircled by rolling lush green hills, is an ideal picnic spot with paddle boating facilities. In fact, those interested in experiencing a bit of rural Goa, can stay in Mayem Lake View cottages, hidden in the wooded slopes overlooking a calm spread of water.
Arvalem Waterfalls
This waterfall, which cascades down from the mountains, from a height of 50 meters, is one of the most amazing spots and best viewed after the monsoons, when the ferocity of this waterfall is mind-blowing.
Near the waterfall, is the temple of Shri Rudreshwar and this site is important for the religious rites to appease the souls of the departed. Hindu religion followers perform these rites on the 12th day after the death.
A 5 min. walk from the falls takes you to Buddhist Cave temples, which are believed to date back to the 3rd - 6th century AD. The altars, which probably originally supported Buddha images, now have Shivalingas set into them.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Literally meaning 'The Sea of Milk', these falls are situated on the Goa-Karnataka border, at a distance of 60 kms from Panaji and 10 kms from Colem railway station. Water plummets hundreds of feet in large volumes, forming one of the most spectacular of all natural phenomena in Goa. It is a popular destination for hikers and trekkers. The falls are best seen after monsoon, between October and December, but right up to April there is enough water to make a visit worthwhile.
Bird Watching
Goa is now a "hot spot" for professional birders from around the world |
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