ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT IN GOA

Goa’s golden beaches and crystal-clear waters have earned it global popularity for decades. India’s irrepressibly sunshine state is home to a treasure of hidden gems, from off-the-radar hamlets and lush backwaters to its heritage architecture.

Candolim Beach

One of the best destinations to go if you want to get a taste of Goan culture, Candolim is famous for its nightlife, dolphin spotting and thrilling water sports. Make a half-day trip out of it by visiting Divar Island to see 18th-century churches, paddy fields and a temple pond.

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Siridao Beach

A hidden gem in North Goa near Zuari River estuary, Siridao (Shiridon) is a shell collector’s retreat, home to the most uniquely detailed shells that include pear shells and oysters. While it is notorious for being rocky, it has a relatively minimal tourist footprint which adds to its unspoilt beauty. You can explore the caves nearby you can visit the Chapel of Jesus of Nazareth perched on a hill.

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Sal River

South Goa is a haven for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to discover the state’s enchanting ecosystem. A kayak ride on Sal River takes you through a network of waterways fringed by lush mangroves with floating lotuses, offering glimpses of migratory birds. Guided tours with Goa Kayaking are available for guests with varied experience levels. We recommend you book a sunset expedition or a thrilling full moon night ride for a magical experience.

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Mandovi Backwaters

Regarded as the lifeline of Goa - Mandovi’s watershed covers about 42% of the total area of the state - the most beautiful sunset can be experienced here, when on a cruise, houseboat or kayak on the river. The sight of abundant greenery, huge fishing nets, dolphins, glistening water, thick mangroves and even crocodiles sunning at the bay awaits you.

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Reis Magos Fort

Located on the banks of the Mandovi, about two miles away from Fort Aguada, Reis Magos Fort was constructed in 1551 by the Portuguese. Once a mighty defense bastion, it was later converted into a jail. Among many nuggets of history, you’ll discover a room with floor holes through which soldiers allegedly poured hot oil on attackers.

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Braganza House - A Goan Treasure

Stretching along an entire square in the sleepy village of Chandor, Menezes Braganza House is a glorious 17th century Portuguese mansion. Built by the Braganza family on land granted by the King of Portugal, it was divided into the east and west wings after being inherited by two sisters. Roam the West Wing admiring gorgeous Belgian glass chandeliers, Italian marble floors and antique treasures from around the world. The highlight of the East Wing is a small chapel, which contains a carefully hidden fingernail of St Francis Xavier. There are no set tour timings; a family member or local is usually available to show you around.

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Old Goa

Offered by Goa-based travel tech platform BLive and other operators, an e-bike tour is a unique way to experience the charms of Velhe, former colonial capital of Goa. Riding in through the Viceroy’s Arch (built by the grandson of Vasco da Gama) towards some of Asia’s finest churches - including St. Catherine Chapel and Basilica de Bom Jesus, which houses the mortal remains of the revered St. Francis Xavier - you’ll also visit a museum before stopping for some majestic views and snacking on freshly-baked poie at authentic local bakeries.

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Cazulo Premium Feni Experience centre

At the world’s first feni cellar and plantation owned by second generation feni maker Hansel Vaz, you can pre-book foraging trails and feni mixology sessions via Urban Naut. A unique ‘Floating Feni’ experience offers guests a curated tasting platter in the middle of a fresh water spring, while sipping on cashew and coconut feni.

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Arambol Beach

Packing in some amazing beginner breaks and great surf camps, Goa is among India’s top surfing destinations. A fusion of power and aesthetics, surfing at Arambol Beach is on the itinerary of sporty guests. Even if you aren’t a pro, the small and short waves make it easy for anyone to surf with a bit of training. We suggest you avoid the reef breaks, rocks and choose a spot with no crowds to try out your manoeuvres. Basic surfing lessons and safety equipment is available at the beach.

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Chapora Bay, Morjim

An eco-conscious and educational Ocean Biodiversity Tour by Terra Conscious takes you to the Arabian Sea in search of humpback dolphins, jellyfish and other fascinating marine life. This morning experience at Charpora Bay, Morjim is a treat for the entire family.

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Museum of Goa

Dedicated to narrating the stories of Goa’s past, present, and future through art the Museum of Goa (MOG) is a contemporary art institution that combines culture, art, and storytelling to foster conversations and appreciation for the arts. Their workshops, events, lectures, talks and guided art tours are among the best in the state.

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Usgalimal Petroglyphs

An interesting expedition for archaeology geeks, one of Goa’s least visited but most fascinating sites - a series of prehistoric petroglyphs (rock art) carved into the laterite-stone ground - lies on the banks of the Kushavati river, deep in the countryside at Usgalimal. Thought to be the work of one of Goa’s earliest tribes, the site depicts animals, a dancing woman and ‘triskelions’, a series of concentric circles thought by some archaeologists to have been a primitive means of measuring time.

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Velha Goa Galeria

Goa’s heritage azulejo blue-and-white tiles with picturesque scenes or names are best browsed and shopped for at Velha Goa Galeria in Panjim’s Latin Quarter. Founded in 1999 by Ivo da Costa Azaredo, fondly known as Bebe, the store specializes in traditional hand painted azulejos and also carries a line of ceramics and imported products. While the raw materials are imported from Portugal, the tiles are painted by a team of artists at their workshop in Aquem.

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Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Dudhsagar, which translates to ‘Sea of Milk’, earns its name from the waterfall’s foamy, cascading waters. Located inside the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, this multi-tiered milky white waterfall gushes down from a height of 310 metres, making it India’s fifth-highest waterfall. It is at its maximum glory just after the rains, offering an exciting adventure.

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Basilica of Bom Jesus

Built in 1605, this UNESCO World Heritage Site holds the relics of St Francis Xavier and is considered one of the seven wonders of Portuguese origin. The church has an ornamented entrance and a gilded altar with wonderful carvings. The marble floor is inlaid with precious stones and there is a modern art gallery with paintings of Biblical scenes.

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