5 Best Places to Visit in Goa

Goa, the former Portuguese colony, is the most prominent part of beach tours in India. Sun-kissed beaches, an amazing variety of water sports, top-notch hospitality, and sumptuous cuisine have made it a sought-after holiday destination. Goa is also renowned for having a buzzing nightlife and a happening party scene. There are a lot of historical churches and temples as well as in Goa. It is the smallest state in India, however, one of the biggest in terms of tourism. Goa tours are extremely popular among Indian as well as overseas travelers. Many people from different parts of the world rent up a house for several months in Goa and spend their time relishing the state’s charming lifestyle. Goa is also home to the picturesque countryside that still has an old world charm. Visit this majestic state and enjoy a fantastic holiday. Here’s presenting a list of 5 top places to visit in Goa.

Panjim

Panjim is the capital of Goa and a beautiful city located on the banks of Mandovi River. The official name of the city is Panji and has is Goa’s largest urban area. The city is famous for its old world charm, beautiful riverside promenades, terraced hills, quaint buildings and structures, revered churches, cruise options, and much more. Historic landmarks in the city are Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Mahalaxmi Temple, the Chapel of St. Sebastian, the old Latin Quater of Fontainhas, Adil Shah's Palace, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Kala Academy, and Miramar Beach. A cruise ride on the Mandovi River is a must as it allows one to view this beautiful city as well as witness cultural programmes on board. Many cruises have casinos as well that are extremely popular. A famous place in the suburbs of Panjim is the Dona Paula village that has a beautiful beach front.

Old Goa

Old Goa is also known as Velha Goa as is the most historical and religiously significant places in the state. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the capital of Portuguese India. Located about 12 km from Panjim, Old Goa is home to the revered Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Se Cathedral, and the Basilica of Bom Jesus that houses the relics of Saint Francis Xavier who is the patron saint of Goa. There is also a magnificent Archaeological museum located opposite the Basilica that is worth exploring. This museum is situated in the same complex that houses the Se Cathedral. One can witness a wide range of artifacts, photographs, sculptures, etc in at this unique museum that has preserved Goa’s medieval past. There are 8 marvelous galleries here that are used to display an impressive range of collection. The Basilica of Bom Jesus also has an art gallery that displays photographs of Goa as well as paintings that show Saint Francis Xavier life journey.

Baga

This seaside town in the Bardez region of Goa is an incredibly happening and buzzing place thus being one of the prominent places of Goa tours. The Baga beach attracts a large number of travelers owing to its lively clubs, shacks, shopping options, and much more. Some of Goa’s best nightclubs like Tito’s, Cafe Mambos, and Cape Town Cafe. There are a lot of water sports that you can try at Baga and at the neighboring beach stretch of Calangute. Baga beach is well connected to other beaches like Sinquerim and Candolim that together with Calangute and Baga complete the continuous beach stretch. When at Baga try water sports like jet skiing, banana ride, parasailing, and motorboat ride or simply relax at the shacks and watch the endless sea that presents a beautiful picture during the sunrise and sunset.

Bogmalo

This charming beach-side village is a delightful offering of Goa tourism. The sandy curvy Bogmalo beach is situated in a small bay and is one of the most peaceful and less crowded beaches of Goa. Despite being a relatively smaller beach and village, there are several top-notch stay and food options here. Bogmalo has located about 4 km from the Dabolim airport. There are shacks on the beach and one can savor the beautiful sunsets while relaxing and sipping some cold beverage. The shacks offer a variety of food including Goan cuisine. John Seagull is a popular shack here offering quality food and drink options along with great views of the sea.

Margao

The commercial and cultural capital of Goa, Margao is a great amalgamation of nature and history. From revered churches to iconic landmarks there is a lot to see in Margao. It is an ideal place to stay and explore the beaches of south Goa. The Portuguese House, grand colonial mansions, the Holy Spirit Church, the chapel at Monte Hill, Grace Church Old Market, Anna Fonte Garden, Margao Municipal Garden, and Damodar Temple are some of the most iconic landmarks of the city. The most popular beaches near Margao are Colva, Benaulim, and Varca. Other south Goa beaches like Agonda, Palolem, and Petnem can also be easily accessed from Margoa.