Did you think Goa is all about the beaches? Then you’re in for a major surprise, because from jungle treks to plantation tours, Goa has everything. From Majorda to Amboli, Goa is the biggest surprise package when it comes to tourism. From the immaculate urban township, to the exquisite Portuguese architecture, and wonders like the Light House along with gorgeous churches and famous Aguada Jail, you can see it all. One of the best things to do in Goa includes Go for an ATV ride through Mandrem beach. The all terrain quad bikes are on Goan sands, are all you need to have your fill of beachy adventure. Or go on a castaway cruise to the Grande Island. Swim with the fish and snorkel deep into the crystal clear waters or sail to the isolated island and delight in a delicious barbecue lunch at Hansa Beach.Opt for an amazing excursion from Candolim which will take you through Sinquerim, Calangute and Baga. Once close to the island, the boat will be anchored and you can proceed for a fun-filled swimming and snorkeling adventure in the pristine blue waters.
Spend a day out canoeing along the backwaters of the Zuari River in and explore some of Goa's exotic bird life as well as the exotic Indian Mugger Crocodile at the Cumbarjua canal near Panaji. Visit the spice plantation in Goa and get a chance to explore an abundance of various fruits, spices, herbs and medicinal therapies. You can even buy spices and herbal oils from this spice plant, which you will not find anywhere else. Visit the much talked about Lover’s Paradise, also known as the bay of Dona Paula, which also has a moving history behind it. You can also enjoy an hour- long river cruise on Mandovi, which will take you through the crevices of Old Goa. You also must check out Amboli for the Nangartas WaterFall, Hiranyakeshi Temple, Kavleshet Valley and The Great Amboli Waterfall.. We have selected a list of the best things to do in Goa especially for you, take your pick.
Baga Beach in Goa looks as though it has come straight out of a work of art. Lofty white waves hurrying to wipe out the prints of feet left by you on the white sand while the breeze keeps on playing with the palm trees is a sight to behold at this majestic beach in Goa. It is a decent place to appreciate some moments and abide in a serene consideration with oneself. It is counted as one of the best beaches in Goa where you can see wonderful.
Another amazing casino life could be experienced at Casino Pride (Majestic Pride) which has its anchor tied down in Mandovi river. The casino boat has the best of the facilities and services having well-trained staff, delicious meals and a good range of drinks making it one of the best places to visit in North Goa in 1 day.
“Untouched and
Unexploited” are words which perfectly
describe this beach. Here, one can indulge in an unusual experience away from
the chaotic cities as, it is not at all crowded. The cool sea breeze blended
with extraordinary scenic views adorns the elegance of the beach.
The
serenity in the aura of the beach is perfect to rediscover oneself and,
refreshes the mind and soul. Endless river, panoramic scenes, and aqua
activities can all be witnessed at once at this impressive beach.
Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 7.8 km
“Exuberant extravaganza of
Birds” is what you will find here. Spreading over almost 2 km this bewitching
Bird Sanctuary is the smallest wildlife sanctuary with variants of avian fauna
and, is one of the most captivating places to visit in Panjim.
Truly
the Paradise for the bird watchers as this place has countless varieties of
birds and, to add up to the amusement here, one can also spot crocodiles and jackals.Apart
for the easily spotted birds here, one can also find coots and pintails which
are mainly the winter birds and cannot be seen everywhere.
The
place gives an entirely new dimension to birdwatching as it has a
three-storeyed massive building which is built only for this purpose. From here
you can take a glance at all the types of birds and, explore the eye-popping
flashes with vibrant colors.
Location: Chorao Island, Ilhas, Ribandar, Goa
403006
Timings: 6:00
AM- 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: Rs.
10/- for Indians
Rs. 100/- for foreigners
Rs. 25/- for still camera
Rs. 150/- per camcorder
Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 4.8 km
Zalor Beach lies just south of Varca Beach, which is about 17.4 kilometres from Margao city, with a dispute between the Carmona and Varca panchayats over its jurisdiction. The beach has clean white sand, calm waters, and a mostly deserted shoreline with only a couple of shacks. Small sand dunes and palm trees add to its natural beauty.
Visitors here can swim, take peaceful walks and watch colourful sunsets over the sea. Nearby villages like Carmona offer glimpses of Goan culture, traditional markets, as well as Portuguese-style houses. This beach also connects to Varca and Betalbatim, which makes it ideal to explore Goa’s quieter southern coast.
Dharvalem Beach, also known as Chota Cola, is about 33 km from Margao along a quiet mud road. It's a beautiful place to relax under swaying coconut palms and bright green hills.
goaholidayhomes.com ItsGoa. The soft, sunlit sands are broken up by dramatic dark rock outcrops, which give the area a unique, off-the-beaten-path feel.
Its Goa. Parasailing, kayaking, snorkelling, and jet-skiing are all fun things to do for people who like adventure. For people who like the beach, there are well-equipped tents with lighting, toilets, and hammocks for an immersive overnight experience.
ItsGoa goaholidayhomes.com. As the sun sets, the horizon lights up with deep colours, making it a great time for quiet walks or cosy campfires under the stars. Dharvalem is a rare coastal getaway that is real, peaceful, and full of adventure. It is surrounded by nature and peace.
Consua Beach is a peaceful, white-sand beach located roughly 17.6 kilometres from Margao City and directly south of Majorda Beach. The beach is unique because it has palm trees on one side and pine trees on the other. There are only a few shacks here, and most of the time, a few tourists can be spotted resting or lying in the sun.
The beach remains peaceful due to the lack of large eateries and bus transportation. Residents of Majorda and Colva occasionally visit this location for a stroll or to ride bicycles along the shore. Consua is in South Goa, which is known for its peaceful atmosphere, green surroundings, and its combination of old as well as new conventional Goan homes. The beach is easily accessible by private vehicle for those who wish to experience Goa's calm and unspoilt glory.
Kegdole Beach is approximately 9 kilometres north of Panjim, located on the Mandovi River mouth. It curves around a Verem hillock for about 500 metres. The Indian Navy's Mandovi Academy and Reis Magos Fort are on top of the hillock, giving it strategic importance. The golden sands slope quickly into calm waters and are lined with swaying palms and scrub. The shoreline is bathed in orange light at dawn and dusk. There aren't many tourists, but Goan fishermen sometimes sell their fresh catch at beachside shacks.
Jet skiing or paddle boating up the estuary is a lot of fun, making it ideal for adventure lovers. Be careful when you swim because there are hidden reef rocks and drop-offs offshore, and currents can be tricky. Great for people seeking solitude, an ideal place for families, couples, or friends looking for a peaceful experience.
This hidden gem in South Goa is located below the famous Cabo de Rama Fort. You can get to it by climbing steep, rocky steps through lush palms, which lead to pristine golden sands and clear green-blue waters. A peaceful stretch, it is surrounded by steep cliffs and has a lone boulder off the coast with a tree on top of it. This makes for a great photo subject and a symbol of untouched peace.
There are gentle currents that make swimming safe, but you should be careful because there are rocks you can't see and no lifeguards. The fort next door is open for exploration. Its remains of moats, chapels, and ramparts give you a great view of the Arabian Sea and the coast below.
Cabo de Rama is best from October to March. It offers quiet solitude, raw beauty, and a timeless, contemplative coastal experience away from the crowds in Goa.
Goa Bungy, located in North Goa at Mayem Lake, offers an exhilarating experience for thrill-seekers. It is one of the best places for bungee jumping in India, providing breathtaking views of lush landscapes and serene waters below. With a jump platform situated 55 meters high, it promises an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Jumpin Heights in Goa offers an adrenaline-pumping experience with India's highest bungee jump at 55 meters. Located near the picturesque Mayem Lake, this adventure destination promises thrilling jumps, guided by trained professionals, in a stunning natural setting. It's perfect for thrill-seekers visiting Goa.
Caranzalem Beach is only 6 km from Panaji and has 3.5 km of soft white sand and clear water. It is known for being safe for swimming because there are no undercurrents, making it a great place for people to relax. It is surrounded by Casuarina pines and swaying palms, making it a peaceful place for both tourists and locals to enjoy.
People who seek adventures can do licensed water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and speed boating, all of which are supervised by NIWS-certified staff. At beachside shacks or cosy cafés, guests can enjoy Goan seafood, fish curry, and spices. Colourful sarongs, shell crafts, and spices are popular souvenirs. It strikes the perfect balance between peace, adventure, and Goan authenticity.
This relatively unexploited beach is becoming a buzzing North Goa places to visit. The place occupies a tiny semicircular bay on the high northern end of Palolem beach and the most astounding feature is that you can spot millions of butterflies flying over the hilltop blossoms. The golden sands against the warm blue water create postcard perfect location with palm trees and scores of butterflies.
Owned by the Goa government, the Reis Magos Fort is among the popular ancient monuments in Goa. The 400 year old fort, constructed in the year 1551 happens to be one of the oldest forts in Goa. It is believed that the name of the fort was laid after three men from the Bible. Today, the fort falls under the ownership of the Goa government and finds itself on the list of Goa ancient monuments. It has been fully restored and serves as a heritage centre in the town.
What started as a defence fortress, this fort has served multiple uses as a jail and then a hospital. Back in 1993, the fort was completely abandoned and left to perish in a neglected state. After being renovated, the fort was opened to the general public in the year 2012. At present, the fort serves under a guided vision and mission to promote cultural heritage in Goa. This is why, it has also become a centre for displaying numerous exhibitions, fairs, festivals and educational events.
The fort is built in a typical fusion style of architecture, combining Hindu and Portuguese styles. It is known that the altitude of the fort gives a splendid view of the surrounding sea and landscape of Goa. It is also home to several artefacts, including 7 guns from the Portuguese era. The place is well connected with major railways stations, including Karmali, Verna, and Vasco da Gama. One can also get here by plane through the Dabolim airport.
The Mapusa Market, situated on the beaches of Goa, is a unique flea market famous for its trade, variety of products, and low prices. The scope of products available in this market is unbelievable.
Everything ranging from ancient artifacts and antiques to finished textiles, local pottery items, handicrafts, rare fabrics, exotic spices, meats, vegetables, precious stones, and jewelry can be found in this lively market.
The market with all of its vibrancy and hustle is a significant attraction for both locals and tourists. A distinct feature of the Mapusa Market is that every Friday, the local merchants, traders, artists, farmers, and artisans showcase their products and handiwork.
This draws crowd of people towards the market. All items showcased on this day are fresh and brand-new. Friday is also the day when the objects sold can be bought at meager prices as there is no middleman price involved.
The flea market is also an excellent place to practice haggling and bargaining. People come here to get discounts on all kinds of fabrics and finished items of clothing.
A hub for fashion enthusiasts, the market is always awash with both trendy and traditional attire. The market is also a paradise sent buffet for food-lovers.
The Indian bazaar is still covered with the fragrance of the exotic and local spices as well as with the flavorsome aroma wafting from local street food-joints.
The shopkeepers of this market have genuinely learned to identify the needs and desires of humans and the means to produce merchandise that can fully cater to them.
Away from the hustle-bustle of city life resides a Shiroda beach occupied with a soothing atmosphere, an array of fun activities and tons of watersports, perfect for a weekend getaway trip. Found in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, this beach is a favorite among tourists for its long stretch of endless shore and sunny yet gentle aura.
Water sports at the beach especially jet skiing, paragliding, having a joyous bath in the ocean and parasailing are very much relished by the tourists. Additionally, even at peak hours, the beach is thronged with just a few visitors making it perfect for travelers to enjoy a peaceful time and the mesmerizing sunset. Also, the beach is embedded with a sting of restaurants and shacks. They are particularly famous for their delicious dishes and alcoholic beverages and their close proximity to the beach also makes them a good place to relax and rejoice.
Additionally, the beach is couple and family-friendly allowing them to enjoy a great time and indulge in various activities together. All in all, if you are a backpacker or a family holiday maker looking for a reason to get away from the daily tiresome life, Shiroda Beach is the location for you.
Goa is one of the best holiday destinations in India and hence there are a variety of activities to interest you here. Some of these can be listed as follows:
Despite being a small state, Goa has multiple adventure activities to excite you. Some of them are:
You can enjoy the following water sports in Goa-
Yes, a non swimmer can absolutely undertake snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, sailing or any other water sports activities. None of these water sports require an individual to swim. They work on different principles and the understanding of these factors is necessary. In case of an emergency, a swimmer and a non swimmer are at equal risk The best way to be secured is to adhere to all safety measures and precautions beforehand.
The best time to visit Goa is from the months between October to February as this period has many celebrations like Christmas and New Years going on and the state experiences many parades and carnivals. However, this time is also the costliest time to be in Goa as rates of accommodation, transport etc becomes double the price due to an increased demand. On the other hand, the months of June to September are also considered as a great time to visit Goa as well as the state looks like a beautiful painting during the rains. As many tourists avoid rains, this time is when you can incur accommodation, flights and overall expenses at half the price than usual.
The ideal duration for a holiday in Goa is 10 to 15 days. Within this span, an individual will have enough time to undertake all activities like watersports like snorkeling, sailing, jet skiing, scuba diving etc and adventure activities like trekking, hiking, quad biking and many more. You can also cover sightseeing to various places like Aguada fort, Chapora fort, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Dudhsagar Falls and others.
Following places can be considered as the best places for sightseeing in Goa. They depict the Goan culture and are great spots for tourists to explore
The best way to spend your honeymoon would be by indulging in the following activities:
Goa is a destination that has something for everybody. Families can have some of the best time in Goa. You can start by booking a villa, preferably with a pool where the entire family can stay together and take a dip in the pool or water volleyball. As Goa has plenty of stay options, finding one shouldn’t be a problem. Next, you can engage in water sport activities like scuba diving, parasailing and banana rides to tease the one cousin who runs away from it! Next, you can hire cars that again, are easily available to go for some sightseeing tours to places like chapora fort, aguada fort, baga beach, anjuna beach etc. There are enough things to do in Goa that makes it a good holiday destination for a family to make some great memories.
Best Scuba Diving and Snorkelling can be enjoyed at Grande Islands. Here, the underwater visibility is brilliant that makes these two activities a once in a lifetime experience. Make sure you undertake the necessary safety measures as instructed by your scuba diving and snorkeling guide or expert. Scuba diving costs approximately INR 3000 for a 30 minute underwater dip while snorkeling costs INR 1500 for a 15 minute underwater dip.
Yes, there are a number of locations to choose from for Kayaking in Goa. All these locations are beautiful and make your experience fun filled. Kayaking in Goa usually happens in the backwaters of the Goan rivers and cost you around INR 500 to 700 per head.
Below are some of the best spots for Kayaking in Goa
When you talk about waterfalls in Goa, the first name to strike your mind are the beautifully mesmerising Dudhsagar falls. Some of the waterfalls in Goa that are absolutely worth seeing are:
Goa has some locations full of rugged terrains. These turn out to be great spots for trekkers providing them a fun, thrilling ride full of an adrenaline rush. Some of the famous trekking places in Goa are:
River rafting in Goa is a thrilling ride. It can be best enjoyed in river Mhadei that stretches across a total of 10 km. This river offers rapids ranging between 2 and 3 which is great for a first timer. The best time to enjoy rafting here is from July to September during monsoon when the river is overflowing with rainwater. Individuals aged 12 or above can participate in this activity which is completely safe if done with all precautions. Make sure you use the correct gear and this activity is safe to participate in.
Yes, a cycling tour in Goa is perfectly ideal to explore the state from its interiors. Many travel companies offer such cyling tours that take you through different parts of Goa. However, if you plan to have your private cycling expedition...here’s where you should head:
Here is a list of top beaches in Goa. These are beautiful, well maintained and have attracted tourists for years:
North Goa
Central Goa
South Goa
Grande island is located few kilometers westward from Mormugao peninsula which is situated in South Goa. You can get there only using water transportation. This island is an ideal spot for anybody who is interested in having the best scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and diving experience. Experienced and professional divers like to dive near the “Davy Jones Locker” sunken ship far away from this island and the sunken British 135-meter vessel “Suzy” which can be found just a few stones' throw away. Moreover, it a picturesque, interesting and breathtakingly beautiful place.
Kids can indulge in a number of activities like banana ride, kayaking, and swimming in Goa. Usually, the minimum age required to participate in other adventure activities is 12 years but kids of below age can also have fun in Goa provided necessary safety measures are taken beforehand. You can smartly choose beaches like Palolem and Patnem that have calm and shallow waters that ensure the safety of kids while they undertake any adventure activity.
Arambol should be your ideal choice if you’re wanting to enjoy the activity of paragliding in Goa. The Sweetwater Lake here is a beautiful launching point that makes your ride in the air worth the experience. The endless sky and sea captivate your mind but you are neither touching the sky nor the water, instead you are sailing between the two most beautiful elements. The wonderful view of the mountains and plains capture your eyes and the accompanying long shoreline of the pristine beach mesmerises your soul. The best time for paragliding here is between the time of late September and early June.
Some of the other places for this activity are-
Colva beach and Anjuna beach
This activity costs approximately INR 2000 for a 10 minutes ride.
Canoeing is an activity similar to kayaking that requires you to paddle a light and narrow boat. It is completely safe activity and can be found in the following beaches of Goa.
Goa has so much more to offer than just beaches and nightlife. The state has some of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries. On your next trip to Goa, you should definitely consider visiting the below wildlife sanctuaries that are famous throughout India.
A cruise ride comes with a number of entertainment factors. There are musical, dance performances organised by the company to keep people on board engaged. A variety of food and drinks are served to take care of your hunger needs. Similarly, several games may also be organised for crowd engagement. Other than this, usually cruises have a dance floor where you can drop your hair down and groove to the beats of the DJ. Casino Cruises have casino games that keep people occupied and entertained.
The Arabian sea in Goa offers a number of water activities. One of them is dolphin spotting. You can get on one of these rides that take you deep into the sea and offer joyful views of dolphins dancing in the water. The best places to spot dolphins in Goa are-
Cost Per Person: Rs. 200 approx
Goa being a tourist destination has a number of eateries, hotels and restaurants. It is very difficult to choose a few amongst so many yummy serving places. When in Goa, you should definitely try out the local Goan food. Don’t miss eating “Chicken Xacuti” which is chicken curry made of coconut. It tastes great and you will love it!
Here are a few best of the best restaurants that serve a variety of Goan cuisine -
Goa has a fun filled nightlife. Though it is the smallest state, it has some of the most exciting nightlife options in the country. The dizzy neon lights, great music and delicious food make up your night and create the perfect ambiance. It has an infusion of varieties and has something for everyone to do at night. You can party till your drop, try your luck at the casinos or have a beachside bonfire night. Here’s a glimpse of what you can enjoy at night in Goa-
Goa is a relaxed destination but there are certain laws you need to follow on your trip to Goa…
Surprising to many, Goa is one of the most popular places for a yoga vacation. After your dip in the sea and partying all night, here’s where you can head for some rejuvenation-
Goa is a hub of tourist destinations and one reason that makes it so is its contribution as a shopping destination. From junk jewellery and gothic accessories to hippie clothing from shell and bamboo work to brassware and terracotta, from cashewnuts and Goan sausages to feni and bebinca to; you will find anything and everything in Goa! All you need to do is...keep those eyes wide open!
Renting a vehicle in Goa is really, really simple and convenient You will find a board in literally every corner of the road end with a contact number on it. The locals here give out their vehicles on rent and the best part is...they don’t even charge a deposit.
The cost of a two wheeler scooty will be INR 200 to 300 while a bike will cost you INR 350 to 500. A four wheeler car should cost you anywhere between INR 1000 to 2000 per day.
India is often referred to as “the land of spices” and Goa proudly contributes to this title. A spice plantation tour in Goa lets you appreciate our country in its natural habitat. It is the perfect way to educate ourselves, know the eco-friendly life and have some fun at the same time! The speciality about spice plantations in Goa is that sme of them are exclusively grown in Goa. You can be a part of this habitat and understand how these spices are grown and processed. Such tours let you discover Indian hospitality and give you the taste of Indian agriculture.
The best time to enjoy festivals and carnivals in Goa is from the month of October till the month of February. These months see many celebrations...right from Christmas to New Year’s, famous international music festivals to local parades. The yearly carnival of Goa is also held around the month of February. So if you want to be a part of Goa festivals, carnivals and parades...you should be here in these months.