Hands down, Goa tourism is something which people belonging to all age groups tend to explore for a variety of reasons. Growing up, every person has the dream of visiting Goa before their teenage ends for sure. Call it the feeling of freedom or the independent vibe which is rendered by the very existence of the place, Goa tops the list of the most common holiday places to be visited in India.
Goa is located at the southwest coast of the Indian subcontinent, which stretches along the Arabian Sea. This is one of those places which has a perfect blend of tradition, tourism, hospitality, beaches as well as festivals, which add to the exquisiteness of the place. But, a little piece of advice is that you should have an idea about the top sights in Goa. Hence, here are some options which you can consider while on a trip to this pretty place in South India.
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Best Beaches to Visit in Goa
BEACHES
For those who love to get calming by the sea, the beaches in Goa are nothing less than a lovely treat for you. In order to give you a first hand experience of the seas, oceans and the beautiful breeze and waves, the beaches in Goa are spread at various locations. The beaches in Goa have shacks, amazing and mouth watering seafood with a peppy nightlife. On the top of it, you’ll be more than blessed to witness the more than amazing sunset.
The beaches are a major site acting as the best tourist attractions in Goa. There is specifically no entry and exit time if you wish to gain access to the beach. From the sunrise to the sunset, you can visit the beach at any time you like. Below stated are some beaches which can be explored as a beautiful option by you.
The baga beach which has amazing water sports as well and is situated in North Goa.
The Calangute beach which is Baga’s neighbour and the sunrise here, is no less than a treat to the eyes.
Anjuna Beach and Vagator Beaches are amazing views too, and having a plethora of seafood dishes to offer. There are other famous beaches worth visiting, like:
- Colva Beach
- Bogmalo Beach
- Benaulim Beach
- Candolim Beach
- Palolem Beach
CHAPORA FORT
The chunk of people having a thing for travel movies like ‘Zindagi na milegi dobara’ might have already planned for their solo or friends, or bachelorette trips to Spain. But what was the travel wish list like before ZNMD came into existence?
It was ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ bringing along the infamous ‘Dil Chahta Hai Fort’. Yes, by now, you must have guessed it. The Chapora Fort is a part of the Dil Chahta Hai movie and became one of the best places in Goa to visit.
This tourist place in Goa overlooks the Chapora River and hence, derives its name from the same. The picture fanatics, nature lovers, as well as the adventure seekers never miss out on this place to visit when on a trip to Goa. There is no entry fee, and you can visit this place on any of the weekdays in between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm.
DUDHSAGAR FALLS
Dudhsagar Falls is another one of the best places to visit in Goa. It literally means the sea of milk, and the name does every ounce of justice when you have a look at the falls. This is a four-tiered waterfall and is located on the Mandovi River, which is a part of the southern part of Goa.
This place has a very rich biodiversity and has deciduous forests all around, which makes the travel even more lively and fun. But while visiting, you should try to avoid going here during the monsoon season. The reason is that there is a huge force of water, and the river is largely being fed by the rains in the area.
Interestingly, there is a Dushdagar trek too. However, the hype was cooled when the Dudhsagar railway trek was closed for general visitors. However, if you still feel like calming those adventure bugs, you can take up the trek which leads you to the Dudhsagar falls, which is still open. So, visit now, before you run out of the left chance, too!
CHURCHES
It is amazing to know that Goa is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is the Bom Jesus Basilica and some of the largest churches in the world, like the Se Cathedral. The Roman Catholic churches, like St. Francis of Assisi, are also there. The capital city of Goa, Panjim, is also home to the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It is one of the oldest churches in Goa, dating back to the 17th century.
Some of the other famous churches, famous as the top sights in Goa, are listed below:
- Church of St. Cajetan
- Chapel of St. Catherine
- Church of the Lady of Rosary
- Chapel of St. Francis Xavier
- Monte Hill
- St. Alex Church and many more
CENTRAL MARKET
So, let me tell you that Goa is not just about moving around and chilling on the beaches. There is much more about this place. This is going to be a buster for many shopaholics. A shopping destination, while on your trip to Goa, you can witness many flea markets as well as night bazaars.
From many chatterboxes reaching down the racks to the people showing off their bargaining skills like a pro. These markets are so much fun and worth every second of what you manage to spend here.
The product range and price is impeccable, and you just can’t resist yourself from buying things no matter how hard you try. You’ll get everything from carpets and trinkets to spices and pickles, and from souvenirs to footwear; everything is pretty and funky.
Goa’s best places are a treat within themselves. All you need to do is take that much-needed and long awaited off, prepare your itinerary, distribute your days, book your tickets and reach this fun and enjoyable holiday destination in India.