Best places to visit in Goa (map & photos)
Goa is a popular destination in India known for its stunning beaches and colorful culture. From the beachfront capital of Panaji, to the ancient temples of Ponda, there are plenty of sights to explore in Goa. It is also home to some of India’s most beautiful churches, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier. One of the best ways to experience the unique beauty of Goa is by taking a boat tour along its many rivers and backwaters.
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| best places to visit in goa |
Goa is one of the best places in India. It’s full of life and culture, Beaches, historic forts, spice gardens, waterfalls – the list goes on and on! Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled holiday, Goa is sure to provide.
What are the best places to visit in Goa?
Goa is a popular tourist destination in India, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. It is one of the best places to visit in India, with many attractions drawing people from far away. Some of the best places to visit in Goa are Vagator beach, Dudhsagar Falls, and Palolem Beach. Vagator beach is a beautiful white sand beach lined with dramatic red cliffs and palm trees.
List of the best places to visit in Goa
- Panaji
- Candolim
- Anjuna
- Old Goa
- Ponda
- Bicholim
- Sanguem
- Quepem
- Valpoi
- Canacona
1. Panaji
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| Panaji |
Things to See in Panaji:
- Fontainhas
- Resig Magos Fort
- Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
- Adil Shahi Palace
- Miramar Beach
- Kala Academy
- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
- Divar Island
- Shanta Durga Temple
- Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Map of Panaji
2. Candolim
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| Candolim |
Things to See in Candolim:
- Candolim Beach
- Our Lady of Hope Church
Map of Candolim
3. Anjuna
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| Anjuna |
If you took a trip to Goa in the 1960s and visited the village of Anjuna, you would find yourself amidst trance parties, hippies in psychedelic colors and free-spirited backpackers. Today you will find all types of tourists, both national and international, with some traces of that hippie era. One way to get a taste of it is to visit the flea market, which is open on Wednesdays. You can get your hands on all sorts of things, from sarongs, sandals, and leather goods to crystals. & bricks.
Anjuna beach is another best place to visit, which is comparatively less crowded among other beaches in Goa. To experience the trance scene, head to restaurants like Curlies or Shiva Valley in the evening.
Things to See in Anjuna:
- Wednesday Flea Market
- Anjuna Beach
Map of Anjuna
4. Old Goa
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| Old Goa |
There was a time when the capital of Goa was not Panaji but Velha Goa, better known today as Old Goa. It was a time when incomparable grandeur and splendor swept through the city, much of which was visible in its imposing churches. , cathedrals and majestic monasteries. It is such spectacular pieces of architecture that have secured Old Goa a permanent place on any tourist itinerary. Popular tourist attractions that attract tourists today are known collectively as the "Churches and Monasteries of Goa" and include sites such as the Bom Jesus Basilica and the Sé Cathedral (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites).
This is the side of Goa that most people need to see, a side that showcases its rich history and heritage.
Things to See in Old Goa:
- Basilica of Bom Jesus (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Chapel of Santa Catarina (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Ruins of the Church of St. Augustine (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Church of Divine Providence (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Se Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Church of Our Lady of the Rosary (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Church of St. Francis of Assisi (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Map of Old Goa
5. Ponda
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| Ponda |
Another tourist destination in North Goa where you can explore Goa's rich heritage is Ponda with its temples, an ancient mosque and beautiful spice farms. One of them is the Sahakari Spice Farm, a visit that will introduce you to species of spices. The farm is set in a tropical garden. There are also some stalls where you can buy spices and oils. Tropical Spice Plantation is another spice farm where you can see trees like Mexican Mirchi, Pepper Tree and Lavender Tree. It's interesting to see and learn about the different trees and plants that give our food that special flavor and make it so delicious!
Things to See in Ponda:
- Sahakari Spice Farm
- Tropical Spice Plantation
- Shri Mahalasa Temple
- Mahalaxmi Temple
- Shri Ramnath Temple
- Laxmi Narasimha Temple
- Safa Shahouri Masjid
- Vijaya Durga Temple
- Shri Nagueshi Temple
- Savoi Spice Plantation
- Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Map of Ponda
6. Bicholim
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| Bicholim |
Things to See in Bicholim:
- Aravalem Waterfalls
- Pandava Caves
- Mayem lake
- Saptakoteshwar Temple
Map of Bicholim
7. Sanguem
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| Sanguem |
Your travel experience will be incomplete if you don't visit Sanguem. It is one of the lesser known destinations in Goa. Although it doesn't fit with the commercial tourism destinations in Goa, this place is worth visiting. It is blessed with numerous tourist attractions that will amaze you to the depths of your heart. It boasts mysterious caves in Rivona, also known as Pandava Caves, the kind you won't find anywhere else.
The Pandavas of Mahabharata are said to have lived in these caves during their exile. Many spice plantations, dams and waterfalls make Sanguem a picturesque and soothing place for the heart and eyes. It's not a place to enjoy the pleasures of beaches, but if you want to experience something different than the usual Goan beaches, Sanguem is a place for you.
Things to See in Sanguem:
- Rivona Caves
- Rivona Springs
- Vimleshwar Temple
- Tanshikar Spice Farm
- Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple
- Salaulim Dam
Map of Sanguem
8. Quepem
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| Quepem |
The lesser-known city of Quepem will forever charm you with its serenity and tranquility. For a relaxing holiday, it is the best place in Goa. It's a small town, but you can find everything here. Dams, churches, stunning beaches, restaurants and stunning temples. The history of the Bhoja kings to the Portuguese rulers, this place reflects their history in the form of temples and dams.
Don't miss the authentic seafood in Quepem, it's one of a kind. You must visit this place to blend in with the secluded tranquility of nature.
Places to see in Quepem:
- Quepem Dam
- Shri Chandranath Temple
- Shri Damodar Temple
- Kushavati River
- Morpila SacredGrove
- Chandranath Hill
- 2000 years old Banyan tree
- Canaguinim Beach
- Betul Beach
Map of Quepem
9. Valpoi
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| Valpoi |
Things to See in Valpoi:
- River Mhadei
- Veluz Nagargaon Bridge
- Chorla Ghats
- Vagheri Hills
- Charavane Waterfall
- Nanus Fort
- Maruti Temple
- Brahma Temple
- Rede Ghati
- Diamond Sports Club
Map of Valpoi
10. Canacona
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| Canacona |
Things to See in Canacona:
- Rajbaga Beach
- Colomb Beach
- Talpona Beach
- Palolem Beach