Goa is such a versatile place in India that offers everything from partying to laid-back vacations. There are so many places to visit in Goa that include forts, museums, churches, temples, beaches, sanctuaries and much more.
Being a konkani myself, Goa has always had a special place in my heart. In this article, I will share the best places to visit in Goa and what you must not miss.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Top 15 Places to Visit in Goa
Party Beaches to visit in Goa
Baga
Baga is famous as the party capital of Goa for obvious reasons. The nightlife on this beach is unbeatable and hence it pulls many crowds.
There are so many open parties held by shacks and hotels on the beach where you can participate and enjoy. It is also ideal for water sports like parasailing, banana boat rides, etc.
Image credit: TripAdvisior
Calangute Beach
This is also a good beach for partying, but the crowd is mostly a family-like crowd. This is also one of the crowded beaches in Goa. You can engage in watersports and sunbathing, swimming, etc.
There are many shops on the beach where you can shop, eat and have some quality time.
Image credit: Thrillophilia
Candolim Beach
Candolim offers a laid-back atmosphere. Comparatively this beach pulls lesser crowds and has a clean, relaxing environment. At the same time it is near Baga and Calangute. So if you want to enjoy the nightlife while staying in the relaxing atmosphere, Candolim is for you.
Here you can also find some great bars and clubs for the nightlife to enjoy and much more affordable than Calangute.
Image credit: Xplro
Anjuna
Anjuna is known for its Bohemian vibe and vibrant flea markets. There are a few shacks on the beach where you can enjoy techno music parties.
By day, you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or just relaxing by the sea. Comparatively, Anjuna is the less crowded beach than Baga and Calangute.
Image Credit: Peapix
Vagator
You got that adventure gist in you? Go to Vagator. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa if you are a thrill seeker. It is known for surfing and cliff jumping due to its strategic location.
It is not much crowded as compared to other beaches in North Goa.
Image Credit: Incredible India
Beaches to Visit in Goa for Relaxation
While north Goa beaches are ideal for the greatest nightlife experiences, South Goa beaches are known for relaxation and coziness. Even though they stay a bit crowded, you can surely rejuvenate and relax there because there are no loud parties going on unlike North Goa Beaches.
Here are top 5 beaches in South Goa that will help you calm down by the sea.
Palolem Beach
When I say coziness, Palolem is the one that comes to mind. You can party here and relax as well. There are some beach resorts that offer affordable stays along with night silent disco parties. Unlike north Goa parties, these parties are not so loud but they’re fun at the same time.
Image Credits: Optima Travels
Agonda Beach
Agonda is one of the great places to visit in Goa for relaxation. It has calm waters and golden sand stretches.
You can engage in many watersports such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or surfing.
Butterfly Beach
Want to enjoy a private beach, FREE? Visit Butterfly beach. It’s a secluded beach and hence not so many people go there. You can enjoy your quality time there, much like how we do Butterfly Beach is a small, secluded beach in South Goa known for its white sand and clear blue waters. It’s a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, and it’s also home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, coral reefs, and sea turtles.
The beach is located about 10 kilometers south of Palolem Beach and can be reached by boat or a short trek over a hill. There are a few restaurants and beach shacks on the beach, as well as some basic accommodation options.
Image Credit: Travelsetu
Galgibaga Beach
This is one of the most secluded places to visit in Goa. It is located in the extreme south of Goa. You can get to see Galgibaga river meets the Arabic ocean here. It is one of the most scenic and cleanest beaches in Goa.
Image Credit: Indian Roadie
Cola Beach
Cola Beach is a beautiful beach in South Goa, India, known for its black sand and calm waters. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach is also surrounded by lush green hills, which add to its natural beauty.
It’s a relatively small beach, so it’s not as crowded as some of the other beaches in Goa.
Image Credit: Dominican Abroad
Waterfalls in Goa
There is another landscape Goa is famous for- Waterfalls!
You might have seen the mighty Dudhsagar waterfall during your train trip to Madgaon and also in those cinematic reels. Being a scenic location itself in the western coastline of Maharashtra, Goa has so many gorgeous waterfalls. If you go there by train, you will get to see amazing panoramic landscapes flooded with waterfalls.
Here, I will mention the top 3 waterfalls in Goa you must not miss and why they are such mandatory places to visit in Goa.
Read Also->17 Stunning Waterfalls in Maharashtra
Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Dudhsagar Falls is a magnificent 3-stream waterfall located on the Mandovi River. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in India, cascading down a height of about 310 meters (1,017 feet). The falls are particularly stunning during the monsoon season when the water flow is at its peak.
The name “Dudhsagar” literally means “sea of milk” in Hindi, which is a reference to the milky white appearance of the water as it falls over the cliffs. The falls are surrounded by lush green forests, making it a picturesque and serene location.
You can trek up to Dudhsagar waterfalls. There are many commercial groups that guide you for the trek. Also, during your train journey to Madgaon by Mandovi Express or Konkan Kanya express, you will get a great view of the waterfall.
Best time to visit Dudhsagar waterfalls is during Monsoon when the stream flow is at its best.
Image Credit: Trippin’ On Life
Arvalem Waterfalls
Arvalem waterfalls are spectacular in monsoon when the water flow is great. HEight of this waterfall in over 50 metres creates a beautiful sight.
The surrounding area of this waterfall is turned into a park with benches. You can come here for a picnic with your friends or family.
Near to this waterfall is located an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva called Rudreshwar Temple.
The waterfall is located in north Goa and around 45 kilometers from Panaji, the capital city of Goa. The tranquility of nature and the refreshing beauty of Arvalem Waterfalls makes it one of the best places to visit in Goa.
Image Credit: Thrillophilia
Kesarval Waterfall
Kesarval waterfall is one of the hidden places to visit in Goa. It is away from the hustle and bustle of the busy parts of Goa.
The waterfall gets its name from the eagles that once nested nearby.
The water of this waterfall is believed to be medicinal due to its high contain of minerals. The area around the waterfall provides a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, one of the perfect places to visit in Goa for a picnic or a nature walk.
Image Credit: TripInvites
Shopping in Goa
If you did not shop in Goa then your Goan experience is incomplete. You must get something from Goa or at least visit these bustling markets in the evening.
You will see streets filled with amazing shops and their offerings. This makes these shopping streets one of the best places to visit in Goa.
Here I will mention some of my favorite places to visit in Goa for shopping-
Baga Beach
It is a perfect market for you if you want to buy some souvenirs back home. You can get literally everything from beachwear to traditional Indian handicrafts here. Accessories, clothing, handicrafts! You name it and this market will have it.
Mapusa Market
Now, Mapusa serves as a center for shopping and commuting. You can catch a bus to reach other parts of Goa from here.
Some people prefer to stay longer in Goa; in this case you would want to buy groceries and some basic things. Mapusa is the place for you. Along with this, you can also find accessories, clothing, handicrafts etc.
This is basically a local market where you can reach and shop conveniently.
Anjuna Market Square
As I mentioned earlier, Anjuna is known for its flea market. This market is one of the popular places to visit in Goa because of the immense variety of goods it has to offer.
You will get amazing traditional Goan handicrafts which you can buy as a souvenir. Clothes are also very unique and affordable in this market.
I bought a souvenir coffee mug made out of the soil found in a specific part of Goa. The mug is unbreakable. The shopkeeper might drop it or bang it on a rock to just prove it. Anjuna market is filled with such unique pieces.
Calangute Market Square
This is like a mainstream place where you can find literally everything. Many people that visit Goa, usually hangout at Calangute beach only, as the party atmosphere on this beach is unmatched.
So, if you don’t have time to explore all the markets in Goa, just take a stroll around this market and you will get to buy a variety of items here.
Events in Goa
Sunburn Festival
Sunburn is a world famous music festival that is held around year end in Goa. It is a haven for EDM lovers and those who love energetic and party environments.
Sunburn Festival features top international and Indian DJs, stunning stage productions, and a vibrant party atmosphere.
If you want to check out dates for an upcoming event, then check it out here.
Goa Carnival
This is a vibrant and colorful festival with parades, music, dancing, and feasting held usually 40 days before Easter.
You can experience elaborate costumes, lively street processions, and a festive atmosphere throughout the state.
If you are someone who enjoys vibrant celebrations, cultural experiences, and lively music, Goa Carnival is for you.
Christmas
Christmas in Goa is a magnificent affair to witness. Decorations on the beach and shacks and shops are amazing and give all the Christmas vibes. Street markets are flooded with christmas decorations, delicasies and souvenirs.
The highlight of Christmas Eve is the midnight mass at historic churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. These churches are beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere is filled with hymns and carols.
Goan towns and villages are adorned with colorful lights, stars, and cribs, creating a festive ambiance.
Goa’s beaches come alive with Christmas-themed parties, offering music, drinks, and fireworks. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the festive season with a relaxed beach vibe.
Shimgo
Shigmo is a vibrant and colorful spring festival that is similar to Holi, celebrated in Goa and the Konkan region of India. It’s a time of joy, music, dance, and cultural displays.
Shigmo marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. It’s a time to welcome the new season with festivities and prayers.
The festival is known for its lively folk dances, including the Ghode Modni (horse dance) and Fugdi. Traditional Goan music, such as the Dhol (drum) and Tasha (cymbals), fills the air.
Forts in Goa
Well, Goa is not just about beaches. Along with the gorgeous coastline it has gotten, it also has a few forts. Not among mainstream places to visit in Goa, but definitely worth a visit, if you are anywhere interested in history.
You will actually find a peaceful zone here, because not so many tourists visit these forts.
I will quickly give you a glance about the four forts in Goa that you must visit.
The Aguada Fort
Located in Sinquerim Beach, Bardez, Goa, it is a 17th century Portuguese fort. It is famous for the freshwater spring and lighthouse. It was built by the Portuguese rulers to defend Dutch and the mighty Marathas.
The Chapora Fort
Remember Akshay Khanna, Saif Ali Khan and Amir Khan sitting against a beautiful coastline and having the time of lifetime in the iconic Bollywood movie “Dil Chahta Hai”?
Yes, this iconic place came into the limelight after this movie. And again, this fort dates back to the 17th century and was built by the Portuguese.
The Cabo Palace Rama Raj Bhavan
This was the official residence of the governor in the Portuguese era. You can visit it for its historical significance. It offers amazing views of the Arabian sea. It also has a 500 years old cemetery ground.
The Terekhol Fort
A 17th-century fort located on the border with Maharashtra. It was built by the Portuguese to control the trade route between Goa and the Deccan Plateau.