GOA PLACES TO VISIT

Tourist Places to Visit in Goa

Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Grand Island, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Fort Aguada, Candolim Beach, Tito's Street, Arambol Beach, Bom Jesus Basilica, Palolem Beach, Curlies, Club Cubana, Anjuna Flea Market, Chapora Fort, Mapusa Friday Market, Divar Island, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and many more.

Deck up your itinerary list with the spectacular places in Goa and get ready to be awe-struck with its surprises. Serving as the hot spot for vacationists from both near and far, Goa is all in all a place for the party animals and solace seekers alike. From the ravishing nightlife pubs to the ever fantastic beaches there is something for everyone. Apart from this, one must not dare to miss out on the Goan churches which not only cater to ultimate tranquillity but also exhibit the architecture of the colonial period.

Tourist places in Goa never fail to stun the visitants, as each one of them highlights something unusual of its own. While the Baga beach is reckoned for the adrenaline-pumping adventures like Jet skiing, kitesurfing, parasailing, and waterboarding the Calangute Beach is famed as the “Queen of beaches” due to its picturesque landscapes.

Whether you are touring the place with your bunch of buddies or family, there is no dearth of options and you can explore the places that you like. You can also try hands-on scuba diving on the Grand Island and witness the scenic view from Aguada fort.

01)Dudhsagar Waterfalls:

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. The white water cascades down from a height of nearly 1017 feet off a nearly steep mountain face. They form a part of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, so the best way to reach them is by entering the national park and taking a van allocated by the park to the falls.

The Dudhsagar trek inside the park is closed to the public but you can still reach the waterfalls by trekking from Kulem and following the jeep trail. Another possible route is the trek from Castle Rock in Karnataka. Reaching the waterfalls will not be an easy task but it is one that is worth every ounce of effort put into it. 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.

Location: Sanguem Taluka

How to reach from Panaji: Take a train up to Kulem railway station. However, don’t expect a proper platform here. It is a rough stop.

2)Baga Beach:

Baga is a famous beach destination in North Goa that attracts thousands of tourists and watersports lovers to its heart. The beach shares its coastal line from the environs of Sinquerim, Candolim, and Baga, with the Baga shore being more lively and enticing. 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.

Tourism in Goa’s coasts got ignited by 1960 after the famous summer gathering of hippies from San Francisco. Baga beach then became popular among foreigners and slowly more exciting ventures like fishing, paddleboarding, discos, and tattoo shops started in the mainland. Named after “Baga Creek in Baga”, the tidal residuary channel that drains into the Arabian sea, Baga beach in Goa is also well organized with parking facilities and is maintained tidy by the local governing authorities, besides experiencing hordes of travelers clubbing around.

Baga town is surrounded by the Baga river, and spotting the place where the river and the “sea meet, is a beautiful view to bait your eyes. Dolphins can also spotted deeper in the blue ocean and there are some spotting trips organized by local ship owners to spot the sea mammal.

3)Candolim Beach:

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. It is a part of the Goan trio of Baga, Calangute and Candolim beaches where all the happening parties take place.

Located in North Goa along the stretch of Aguada Fort, Candolim beach is about 12.5 km from Panaji. Many foreigners visit the place because it is less crowded than its fellow beaches. The nightlife at Candolim attracts locals and tourists alike. In fact, it is one of the most sought after beaches when it comes to experiencing water sports or other activities like parasailing, bumpy banana ride, snorkeling, boat ride, jet skiing and even scuba diving!

If you are planning your next visit to Candolim, then here is a detailed guide to help you have the best times of your life.

4)Grand Island :

There is no dearth of water related activities in Goa, of course. But while the different beaches up and down Goa offer tourists many options, these options are not to be found all in one place. Not so in grand island. Grand Island is the nirvana of Goan water-sports. There is a lot to be experienced here from diving to snorkelling to fishing. Scuba diving in Goa is the most popular activity because it offers so much in terms of underwater exploration.

There are ship wrecks to be found here as well as some reefs. The “Suzy” wreck and the “Davy Jones Locker” are especially popular with divers as are Serge City, Bounty Rock, and Turbo Tunnel. Experienced and beginner divers both find something to satisfy in Grand Island. You can also go snorkelling. Professional instructors will provide the equipment and the instructions. Bumper boats and banana boats are also popular around the island.

5)Mandovi River Cruise :

If you prefer calming experiences over adventure sports and clubbing, Mandovi River Cruise is among the best activities you can try in Goa. Just board one of the luxury cruises and set out on a journey to embrace peace and enjoy on-board entertainment.

Partaking in this laidback experience is an excellent opportunity to unwind while capturing the essence of Goa. According to your preferences, you can opt to take the cruise either during daytime, sunset hour, or at night.

Although evening time is preferred by most due to the grand sunset vistas one gets to witness. Furthermore, various exciting cruising packages like Dolphin Fantasy Cruise and Backwater Thrills are also available to entertain visitors with.

Timings: Various cruises throughout the day

Location: Mandovi River, Panaji, Goa

How to reach from Panaji: Paradise Cruise is located at a distance of 2.8 km from Panjim city centre and is accessible by both public and private transportations

5)Chapora River :

This beautiful river runs along the Northern part of Goa and eventually joins the Arabian Sea. Goa is full of beaches and is surrounded by water on almost all sides but the northern part is a bit more famous for this particular river. The Chapora River has the perfect water current and rapids that are required for White River rafting and other water sports like Kayaking. Tourists can even go for cruise rides and enjoy the sea breeze with some appetizers.

Sunset boat rides are particularly famous in this area as during the sunset the river is more beautiful than ever. The calm and serene environment around the river helps one connect with their inner self and feel peaceful. One can easily drive up to the shores of this peaceful river and escape the busy city life.

How to reach there from Panaji: Chapora River is 24 km away from Panaji and one can take a bus to reach there.