5 Must Visit Places In Goa!

Here Are The 5 Must Visit Places In Goa!

If you want to get the real feel of Goa at its best these are the places one must visit while in Goa. These places often make the list of top-visited places in Goa by Tourists.

1. Old Goa Churches

Old Goa (Portuguese: Velha Goa), a city founded in the 15th century, was the capital city of Goa. Once considered as the 'Rome of the East'. As a port town, the place had great value. First, it served the rulers of the Bijapur Sultanate as a trade stronghold and later to the Portuguese, who captured the city from the former. Portuguese made it the administrative capital of Portuguese in India. 

Under the Portuguese rule, Christianity flourished paving the path for the construction of beautiful churches that still stand today in their grandeur. 

The city today houses several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most notable being the Basilica of Bom Jesus built in the 16th century, which has the relics of Saint Francis Xavier. An elaborate late-Renaissance structure which took around 11 years to complete (1594-1605). 

Basilica Bom Jesus
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Other well-known sites include Se Cathedral, Church of St Francis of Assisi, Church of St Cajetan, Archaeological Museum, Museum of Christian Art, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, and likewise within a walking distance.

Old Goa Church sites locations.
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Archeological Museum (besides the Church of St. Francis of Assissi )
https://flic.kr/p/9EPpqk

Se Cathedral, Old Goa
https://flic.kr/p/8oEgVy

2. Fontinhas (Latin Quarters)

Fontinhas (Portuguese: 'little fountain') is an old Latin Quarters in Panjim. It is the best example of Portuguese influence in Goa, particularly architectural. 

Fontinhas is a place where you will find the picturesque streets with old villas and buildings painted in a hue of pale yellow, green or blue and roof made of red-colored tiles. These old structures built in the 18th and 19th centuries are remarkable in beauty and reflect the Portuguese architectural style. The windows and balconies are unique to the types of architecture. People here are friendly and kind.

Every year, for a week, these houses are turned into art galleries, displaying various unique Goan artworks and also is the best time to see the architectural beauties from close range. 

The best way to explore and experience the Fontinhas is by taking a walking tour, Make it Happen, Goa Magic, SeekSherpa, Wandertrails are few of the best available. 

A street in Fontinhas

3) Calangute Beach

The 'Queen of Beaches' is what it's known as by many who admire its beauty. Stretching up to 7 km, it is the most popular beach in Goa attracting tourists and backpackers from around the globe. It is just 15 km from Panji m City and less than 10 km from Mapusa and well connected to other beaches like Baga, Anjuna, Candolim, and many more.

The beach has a lot to offer, beach-side shacks, clubs, watersports activities, resorts, restaurants, market (flea market sort of), and a great view of the Arabian sea. 

While the day offers fun beach activities, the night brings in the most happening nightlife. One must definitely look forward to enjoying the parties that go on once the sun goes down, filled with music, drinks, and scrumptious food. There are a well-known tourist and foreigner-friendly clubs that one can go to for some fun, and just chill. 

Water sports activities include parasailing, water surfing, banana ride, water snorkeling, and jet skiing.

Aerial-view of Calangute beach 

The beach also harbors a great market for shopping for antiques and handicrafts made in Kashmir, Tibet, Indonesia, and Rajasthan.

Calangute Market

There is also Church of St. Alex built-in 1741 that one must definitely visit when in Calangute.

 

Church of St. Alex, Calangute

4) Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Goa's largest waterfall, about 1017 feet high is located in Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary among the Western Ghats, which is 60-65 km from Panjim. It's a wonderful and breathtakingly beautiful sight to see. The falls give a visual illusion of a sea of milk pouring down from heavens, hence the name Dudhsagar (literally, Sea of Milk).

Reaching such a place is an adventure in itself since it is located very deep into the jungle. You can reach the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary easily via any transport. From there you will be taken by the official management's jeep deep within the sanctuary on a chargeable basis, then you will have to trek your way up beside a guide up to 1 km to reach the base of the falls.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

The best time to visit is during the Monsoon season when the rivers are flush with rainwater. During this period the falls is full of water and you will get to see it in its true spirits.

5) Palolem Beach

The most beautiful beach towards the southern side of Goa. It is about 76 km from Panjim and about 43 km from Madgaon. 

It is one of the most picturesque beaches you will find in Goa. Palolem beach is about a mile long and is crescent-shaped with rocks jutting out of the sea on both the ends of the beach and enclosed by thick vegetation of coconut palms. It is a calm beach, best for relaxing and taking in the joy of life.

Palolem beach

The northern side of the beach is much quieter and laidback where families spend their time, while the central part is where most of the backpackers and young people relax and to the south is where most of the parties take place. 

Several beach houses are aligned along the beach providing easy accommodations to the travelers and with a great view of the beach.

Beach houses on Palolem Beach

That's it for now.

Thank you for reading.