5 Popular Places to Visit in Goa

Goa is one of India’s most famous tourist resorts. People go to this small state from far and wide for its various mix of beaches, adrenaline activities, parties, nature and history. One of the best ways to look at all Goa India offers is to hire a scooter or motorcycle and explore at leisure. These places are popular in Goa.

Beaches

Goa is known for its many beaches on the long stretch of sandy coast. Ever since luxurious resorts to improved huts and trance parties to quietness, we have something to offer to everyone. The beach of Goa India that is right for you depends on the type of experience you want to experience. Would you like to practise water sports? Head for Baga. Head for Baga. You want the hippies to hang. Try Arambol. – Try Arambol. Do you want to be isolated? The beach could be Agonda or Patnem for you.

Markets

Every Wednesday morning until evening, the Anjuna Flea market takes place in the South end of Anjune Beach except during the moonsoon season. The market has exploded and people from all over Goa are attracted to it. It has more than 500 stalls now and continues to grow. There’s a huge range of goods, but make sure you negotiate. After a day shopping to the end of the day, take the sunset scene and head over to the Curly beach shack.

If there isn’t sufficient one market in the Arpora Baga region, you’re also worth a checkout on the hip Saturday Night Market and the Mackie Night Bazaar. They offer entertainment and a wide range of food, including live music.

Latin Quarter and Portuguese Mansions

Panaji Capital is worth visiting in its neighborhood of Fontainhas. Declared a UNESCO Heritage Zone in 1986, the fountain, which stands at the foot of the hill, bears its name (meaning ‘fountain.’ When you walk past colourful Portuguese houses, belonging to the last Portuguese families of Goa, you will be taken back in time. It has a charm that is unmistakable in the narrow, winding roads, picturesque shops, art galleries, bakeries and restaurants. Plan your visit to Fontainhas with this key guide.

Old Goa

Only a handful of imposing churches and cathedrals are nowadays remains of Old Goa once the magnificent Portuguese capital of Goa, India. However, they are one of Asia’s largest. Some of the buildings are now archaeological museums and offer a fascinating history of Goa.

The Convent and Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, built in 1521, was one of the most interesting buildings of Old Goa. Just the other side of the street is Bom Jesus Basilica, with the remains of a revered missionary and Goa’s patron saint Francis Javier.

Every 10 years the body is shown to the public (the last exhibition happened in early 2015). Old Goa is not far from Panjim, the capital of Goa.

Spice Plantations

The spice plantings in the dense jungle around Ponda are another highlight on a trip to Goa India. The sumptuous tropical climate of Goa makes it a place for spices to grow. Visitors can use the spice farms. You can take a guided tour, experience the picturesque landscape and have a spicy lunch.

The Sahakari Spice Farm, which is located about 40 minutes away from Panaji, is one of the oldest and most popular plantations in Goa. The Tropical Spice Plant, Savoy Plant and Pascal Spice Village are also included. There are plenty of farms offering hospitality and other activities, such as elephants or boating. Don’t miss Sai Abyss Herbarium, run by an Ayurvedic doctor, if you’re interested in ayurvedic herbs and organic farming. It’s just outside the village of Savoy-Verem.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Not everything about beaches and churches is Goa India. There is a variety of birds and animals in the state along the mountainous western Ghats. Some 20% of Goa is made up of wildlife sanctuaries (about 290 square miles). They are open throughout the year, although the best months to visit between October and March.

Bhagwan Mahavir (including Mollem National Park) and Cotigao are two of the most important sanctuaries. The imposing Dudhsagar Falls, which rises up from an enormous height during and just after the monsoon, is situated on the fringes of the Molem National Park. Both sanctuaries offer accommodations by Goa Forest Department. Try a mud hut at the Shanti Nature Resort in Mollem National Park for an extremely environmentally friendly stay.