Think of a holiday in India and ‘Goa’ pops up almost as instantly as the thought of ordering food. Goa is truly a ‘second home’ for tourists from the world over. It is the perfect place to unwind from the daily hustle amidst stunning beaches, palm trees, and a serene environment. The list of interesting places to visit in Goa only multiplies with new places opening up rapidly. You can head to many off-beat places located on the outskirts of Goa such as waterfall sites, local markets, cafes and restaurants, beautiful churches, nightclubs, etc.
Why Visit Goa?
If you are one of those who is pondering over a ‘Goan holiday’, here’s exactly why you must make that trip which we are sure you won’t regret.
Natural Beauty: When you enter Goa, the first thing you will notice is an abundance of greenery and beaches. You are sure to breathe in some fresh air while you are here.
Food: While Goa is known for its seafood, you can find many cuisines such as South Indian, European, Mexican, Lebanese, American and the list goes on.
Nightlife: The one reason that attracts everyone to Goa is its nightlife. Clubs in Goa can be found in almost every nook and corner of the state. The most famous musicians from the world also hold concerts here.
Water Sports: Goa has many adventurous water sports such as banana boat rides, parasailing, surfing, scuba diving, etc. that you can enjoy.
Shopping: The little flea markets in Goa serve as a great place to shop for quaint articles from exhibitionists as well as the locals.
Popular beaches in Goa
The ‘beach capital of India’ has an endless list of beaches that you can visit. We list here some of the best beaches of Goa.
1. Anjuna Beach: If you search ‘Goa famous places’, this beach is sure to be on that list. Experience the ‘hippie vibe’ here and its funky cafes.
2. Dona Paula Beach: A frequented place by honeymooners, this beach has a relaxing vibe and offers many boutiques and luxury beach resorts nearby.
3. Vagator Beach: One of the most serene beaches of the state, you’ll find a number of restaurants, beach shacks, and shops that offer souvenirs for you to carry back home.
4. Calangute Beach: Among the popular tourist places in Goa, you can enjoy a typical beach vibe with many lounge chairs, lots of sunshine and shacks to cater to your food needs.
Popular clubs in Goa
The Goan clubs are certainly one of the must-visit places in Goa. Take a look at some of the best ones that you can check:
1. Titos’s Bar and Club: A huge dance floor, an open-air restaurant and great food. This club also has many theme-based nights such as Ladies Night, Karaoke Night.
2. Club Cabana: Situated atop Arpora Hill, this elevated club has an open-air bar and multi-level dance floors. There is also a special area only for ladies here.
3. LPK Waterfront: Located close to Nerul river, the club has an impressive entry that is hard to miss. If you’re someone who loves to dance to the tunes of Bollywood music, this should be your go-to club.
4. Silent Noise Club: If you’d like a different kind of clubbing experience, this club offers wireless headless phones so you can groove to the music at your own pace.
5. Mambos Café: A very popular club among youngsters for its theme-based nights, this club has many Indian as well as international DJs performing every now and then.
Portuguese Indian Restaurants in Goa
Among the other things, here are a few restaurants that are sure to become your best places in Goa. Please note that the listed below restaurants also offer North Indian food.
6. Viva Panjim:
This ancestral Portuguese home, now converted to a restaurant, offers Goan, Portuguese and North Indian dishes.
7. O Coqueiro
The restaurant serves authentic Goan food. Some of its popular dishes include. Do try out the desserts here.
8. Kismoor Sangolda
When you visit this beautifully decorated restaurant, don’t forget to order the local delicacies. You can also find a variety of vegetarian food options here.
9. Souza Lobo
Offering a rustic charm, the popular dishes to try at this airy restaurant are the local produce and Blueberry Cheesecake.
10. Dudhsagar Falls
Apart from the beaches of Goa, it is the Dudhsagar Falls that are worth witnessing. These falls make it to the list of ‘Goa famous places’, and are one of tallest in India. The Dudhsagar Falls are a truly majestic sight to witness as they flow down from a height as tall as 1,071 ft. The cascading waterfall also became more popular after a few scenes of the movie, ‘Chennai Express’ was shot here. You can reach here via train or by road. There are also many tours that are planned around these Falls. The best way to enjoy the beauty of these waterfalls is to visit in the early hours of the day. The gate to reach here opens at 7 am in the morning and closes at 5 pm. The months between October and February are best to make a safe visit to these Waterfalls.
Local Markets to shop from in Goa
A trip to the local markets is sure to lend you a great experience along with some great purchases for you and your loved ones.
11. Anjuna Flea Market: Held every Wednesday, Anjuna flea market is a favourite place in Goa for all tourists. You will find a wide range of things to shop such as jewellery, wall hangings, footwear, clothes, etc.
12. Mackie’s Night Bazaar: Get your hands on some antiques, souvenirs and enjoy tasting mouth-watering delicacies while shopping here.
13. Calangute Market Square: Shop for summer clothes, leather products, trinkets, this market is a paradise for all. There are also many shacks around that you can go to.
14. Mapusa Market: One of the best markets to enjoy the real flavours of Goa ranging from spices, pickles to the state’s local textiles, pottery and lots more.
Churches to visit in Goa
While the serene beaches in Goa offer a relaxing vibe, the churches bring you close to your spiritual self. There are a number of famous churches in Goa for you to explore:
15. Basilica of Bom Jesus: A 16th-century church, this is a UNESCO Heritage site, this church is an architectural beauty in itself. If you have time to visit just one church, this one is a memorable place to visit in Goa.
16. Church of our Lady of Immaculate Conception: One of the oldest churches in Goa, this church is a fantastic example. Interestingly, you can enjoy ringing the second largest bell here in Goa.
17. Se Cathedral: One of the largest churches in Goa, the church has magnificent architecture and is significantly religious. The ‘Great Golden Bell’ can also be witnessed in this church.
18. Church of St Francis of Assisi: A blend of various styles of architecture, this is yet another famous church of Goa. You are sure to marvel at its spectacular beauty.
Other Tourist Places to Visit in Goa
Besides the mainstream places, here are a few other places that you can choose to visit in Goa:
19. Grande Island: Immerse yourself in the serenity of this island. There are tonnes of waters sports activities that you can do here.
20. Fort Chapora: With breathtaking views of the beaches and rivers, you are sure to capture some Insta worthy pictures here.
21. Casino Cruise: Get yourself a little casino experience at Deltin Royale while in Goa. The best part is that you can go there any time as it is open 24x7.
22. Chapora River: A beautiful waterfront to visit, you can also opt for a boat ride here to enjoy the serene calm of the water.
23. Mollem National Park: If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can go animal spotting as well as trekking here.
24. Sri Mahadeva Temple: If you thought that Goa only has churches, you can also visit the Sri Mahadeva temple which is one of the oldest in the state.
25. Fort Aguada: Among the list of Goa sightseeing spots, this historical monument tops the list. You can also capture some stunning views here.
Conclusion
Goa is one of the perfect escapades from everyday life. If there is something that the pandemic has taught us, it is to value the time that we have here. A holiday is the best way to celebrate moments either with yourself or your loved ones and a Goan holiday surely promises you a memorable time that you will always cherish.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Goa?
Goa is a place you can visit all-round the year. However, the best months are between October to February.
Which are the best places to visit Goa?
From beaches to cathedrals, nightclubs to cafes, Goa has a never-ending list of Goa destinations. Depending on the number of days you plan your holiday, you can make a wise choice from the places mentioned above.