Top 10 places to visit in goa

Best Places to Visit in Goa

1. Palolem Beach

<Image Credit>

None can deny Palolem beach is the one of the top visited, most beautiful, best picturesque, and the most popular beaches to visit in Goa.  Located in Chaudi town South Goa, the specialty of this tourist place is to deliver the large white sand coast, beautiful palm tree surrounding, less crowd (because too far from Panaji), clean & clear water, awesome beach side night experience, amazing food joints, and the perfect honeymoon spot for couples. What more you can expect from Palolem Beach Goa as a tourist? It has all to offer what a foreigner as well as local tourist may expect from Goa.

But still if you don’t believe, you can check the popularity of the beach on internet, as it has been featured in many popular Hollywood movies and TV shows. So if you’re planning a trip to Goa, I suggest don’t miss Palolem Beach. It is paradise for fun, calm, and beach lovers.

2. Anjuna Beach

<Image Credit>

Again a well-known, bit different, most visiting, and the best late night party places of Goa. Anjuna beach is famous for its spectacular natural attractiveness, beautiful coastline, water sports, sea foods, bars, trance parties, and the most famous Wednesday flea market. Anjuna is landmark of hippies as well as abroad visitors. It’s also easier to find party place at Anjuna because of its popularity, but if you’re visiting during Christmas to New Year; it becomes too much crowed in this season as the huge numbers of tourist from all over the world comes to Goa to enjoy the Anjuna beach colorful parties.

However, it is also the best time to visit and enjoy at Anjuna beach. So Anjuna is definitely a top recommendation from my end, doesn’t matter you’re a couple, honeymooner, or a group of youngsters; this tourist place can’t be neglected if you’re in Goa for tourism or vacation. And don’t forget, it is also the prime destination for street shopping in Goa.

3. Dona Paula

<Image Credit>

It is not an overstatement if I say Dona Paula is the paradise among Goa travelers. And why not, the meets of two beautiful rivers ‘Mandovi’ & ‘Zuari’, and the evidence of Portuguese historical monuments make it the most visiting and all time best idyllic tourist attraction in Goa. However, whitewashed statue is the main attraction of Dona Paula but tourist mostly visit Dona Paula for its renowned beautiful rocky beaches and water sports activities like, swimming, yachting, boating, water scooters, wind surfing, para-sailing and fishing.

There are also some nearby places in Dona Paula which shouldn’t be discarded, and one of them is Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. This place is heaven for bird lovers but avoid walk in forest as you may lose the thrilling experience and the beauty of this trip. Take river ride and go inside the jungle to catch the spectacular sight of migratory birds and crocodiles.

4. Dudhsagar Waterfalls

<Image Credit>

I’m sure every Indian (traveler) is well-aware about Goa’s most attractive, prominent, and ideal picnic spot- Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Situated in Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary, 60 km. from Panaji on Karnataka-Goa border, Dudhsagar is a must-stop tourist place in Goa where beautiful white water slips down like a drunken snake over 300 meters high spread rocker hills, and becomes even fast and furious during monsoon season in Goa Western Ghats. Lush green forest surroundings, black rocks unrivalled attractiveness, and its wonderful panorama with full of amazing charms may crazy to anyone for a while.

You can also plan a forest trip in the Sanctuary to meet with some Indian species as migratory birds, Deer, Sambar, Panther, Langur, Tigers (occasionally, but I’m not sure), and very famous King cobras.

However, there are many ways to reach Dudhsagar Waterfalls but I suggest you experience the breathtaking Railway trekking to reach there. And one more thing, the forest department will charge around 50 INR to enter & visit near/around waterfall.

5. Casino Royale Cruise Goa

<Image Credit>

Casino Royale, an ultimate and must go tourist spot in Goa for bachelors, youngsters, elders, casino lovers, and liquor hunters.  Casino Royale is the cruise’s of Goa which provides the unbeaten experience to travelers that any tourist place can’t deliver anyway in entire Goa. Even can’t compete with the popularity and amusement of Casino Royale.

As the name seems, Casino Royale offers Goa’s best places to play Casino games e.g. Indian Flush, Baccarat, Texas Hold’em Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, & Money Wheel. And the best thing about this thrilling place is that you will get free unlimited drink, snacks, and buffet. It will cost you around 1500 INR (per person, weekdays) and 2000 INR (per person, weekend) to enter in Casino Royale Cruise. In this amount you will have to spend token of 1000 INR (minimum) for games, and rest is Casino fee. Apart from this, you don’t need to pay a single penny for drinks and snacks. All are free until you are alive  

So if you want some thrilling or casino activities, Casino Royale is a must visit place in Goa. Also check here detailed info of top ten 5 star hotels in Goa.

6. Bom Jesus Basilica/ St Francis Xavier Church

<Image Credit>

Located in Old Goa, St Francis Xavier Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest church in India, which is famous of its divinity and the finest paradigm of Baroque architecture.

Bom Jesus is one of the most famous and top visited Church in the world that must be visited by every Goa traveler to feel the spirituality, calmness, trustiness, and architectural art of this master piece. What more I can say about this religious paradigm, it is the center of Goa religious attraction and can never be unseen.

However, I’ve discussed the history, value, faith and spirituality of this holy place, as the blog post would go beyond the scope of the topic. Better to check here to know all about this ancient Church and its heritage history.

7. Fort Aguada

<Image Credit>

The evidence of Goa’s Portuguese history and the art of magnificent architectural, Fort Aguada is the largest and one of the oldest forts in Goa. Built in 1609-1612 to protect Goa from hidden enemies attack and supplying clean water to the ships passing through the great Arabian Ocean. But now, Fort Aguada is the main landmark of Goa tourism and the a top visiting historical site too It is always exciting and incredible experience to watch the deep-ocean’s waves and natural panorama from a historical site. A thirteen meter (42.5 feet) high lighthouse and the beautiful view of bastions with the fabulous sea surrounding is the unique attraction of Fort Aguada.

However, one thing I have to say about Fort Aguada is that Fort is not well maintained as per its importance, magnificence, and history. But still it is some of the best place in Goa for photography and energetic charm.

8. Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

<Image Credit>

Well known as Panjim Church, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is the main entrance of the capital city of Goa. And no doubt it is most beautiful tourism destinations in Goa, as it is visited by huge number travelers to glimpse the entire street view of the beautiful Panaji city from the high point of this wonderful church. The gorgeous exterior & simple yet wonderful interior is the main attraction of this holy site. This awesomeness and attractiveness attracts Bollywood too! That’s why lot of superhit hindi movies have been shooted here. So it is definitely recommended to take a break to old Goa and experience the importance of this religious and picturesque location.

9. Mangeshi Temple

<Image Credit>

Located in Mangeshi/Mangueshim village (21 kilometer away from Panaji City), Mangeshi Temple is the most important place to visit in Goa. However, this temple is only 400 years old (refurbishment) but the mythology of eras make it the most famous and top visiting religious place in Goa.

Truly dedicated to the very different structure of Lord Shiva (as Mangueshi), this spiritual place is the most elegant temple in Goa. The seven storied deepastambha (lamppost), a huge courtyard, and an outstanding water tank, which is supposed as the oldest part of this holy place. Click here to know more about the history, deities, and rituals of this beautiful temple.

One more thing I heard (of-course from one of local citizens) from someone is that entry has been prohibited for foreigners into the temple for their vulgar and objectionable costumes, as it is not a place for fun but for concentration, prayer, peace, spirituality, and devotion!

10. Three Kings Church

<Image Credit>

Millions of people visit to Goa every year but very limited numbers of traveler know about this famous haunted place. Located 2 kilometer (few minutes of drive) from Velsao beach South Goa, Three Kings Church is one of the most haunted places in India. However this is a truly a scenic place before the sunset, from where you can watch the blue ocean waves with the border of palm trees and the spectacular 360° views of beautiful Goa. But it is mostly closed from early of the evening due to some scary stories and horror experiences. Still you can travel all around near Three Kings Church for the beautiful view of peace evening.

However, I do not recommend this place after sunset but  you can’t miss that historical church in the day.

That’s it!