Goa proudly acknowledged as the Fun Capital Of India, is dotted with some of the most beautiful and pristine places for a memorable vacation. Though the smallest state in India, it is popular due to its vibrant culture, heritage, and friendly people. There are numerous places to visit in Goa, visited by thousands of tourists yearly, from golden beaches and captivating nightlife to spiritual places and marvellous architecture. From adventure sports to scenic beaches and beyond, Goa will never disappoint you. So, here this quick and travel-friendly guide discusses some of the most stunning attractions in Goa so that you can experience everything.
List Of Top Beautiful Places To Visit In Goa
The list here enlists some of the most iconic places to visit in Goa for an enthralling and enthusiastic experience that will capture your heart forever.
1. Calangute Beach
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Calangute Beach is the longest beach in North Goa and one of the best places to visit in Goa. Owing to its long stretch of coastline and crystal clear waters, the Calangute Beach of Goa is also known as the Queen of Beaches and is among the top 10 bathing beaches in the world. Catch a glimpse of the soothing sunset while relaxing on the pristine white sands which makes it one of the famous places for Goa trip among visitors. After the sun sets, the beach comes alive with its alluring nightlife along with crazy dances, palatable food, and insane music.
Location: 15 km from Panaji, Calangute, North Goa, India
Best Time To Visit: Post-monsoon
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Goa At Night For A Scintillating Nightlife Experience
2. Fort Aguada
Photo: Rupeshsarkar / Wikimedia Commons
Aguada Fort is a seventeenth-century Portuguese-style fort built of durable laterite stone. One of the best places to visit in Goa, the fort overlooks the confluence of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. Built of red-brown bricks, the fort also houses a Central Jail and an old-style lighthouse. Paying a small amount of fee, one can climb the steps of the lighthouse to witness the panoramic views. The tourists can sit back at the fort premises and enjoy the calming ambience and refreshing sea breeze that will surely rejuvenate their souls. The picturesque views of the setting sun are another enthralling experience for the wanderlusters in Goa.
Location: Fort Aguada Rd, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa
Best Time To Visit: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
3. Dudhsagar Falls
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The enchanting Dudhsagar Falls in Goa continues to attract tourists from different parts of the world owing to its breathtaking charm and vibrant beauty. With its name translating to the Sea of Milk, the waterfall is a treat to the eyes. With a height of 1000 feet, the Dudhsagar Falls in Goa is one of the tallest waterfalls in India. The moment the water of the Dudhsagar Falls flows towards its feet, it forms a green pool of water, another tranquil sight to look for, and flows further to merge with the Arabian Sea.
Location: Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Madgaon-Belgaum Railway Route, Sonaulim, Goa
Best Time To Visit: Monsoon season
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Suggested Read: Discover Hidden Waterfalls In Goa
4. Chapora Fort
Photo: Nikhilb239 / Wikimedia Commons
Chapora Fort is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Goa. Set atop a hill, the fort overlooks the famous Vagator Beach in Goa and the scenic Chapora River. The fort was built during the 17th century to keep a look at different Hindu Rulers and was rebuilt during the Portuguese rule in India. It was in the year 1892 when the fort was abandoned completely. The wide walls of the fort, arrow slits, gun ports, and murder holes portray the glorifying history of the Chapora fort. The fort gained much popularity during and after the shoot of the famous Bollywood movie, Dil Chahta Hai. Visit the fort if you are in the mood for trekking or want to enjoy some old-age vibes.
Location: Chapora Fort Road, Chapora, Goa
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
5. Basilica Of Bom Jesus
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The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a monument displaying a fine blend of architecture and designs. The granite cascade is symbolic of five styles of architecture, namely Roman, Ionic, Doric, Corinthian, and Composite. The interior of the church contains a statue of Bom Jesus, or the Child Jesus, the patron of the church. The Basilica also contains a modern art gallery with paintings that depict scenes and events from the Bible. The Gallery is the largest and one of its kind in Asia, making it one of the best places to visit in Goa.
Location: Old Goa Road, Old Goa, Goa, India
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Suggested Read: Discover The Top Haunted Places In Goa For A Spine-chilling Adventure
6. Dona Paula
Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Dona Paula is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Goa. Famous for its vast stretch of beach coastline, the small beach is popular as a Lover’s Paradise. Dona Paula is named after the then Goa’s Viceroy’s daughter Dona Paula de Menezes in remembrance of a beautiful love story with a tragic end. There are several other stories related to Dona Paula and it is believed that her spirit still wanders around in the middle of the night. The Dona Paula viewpoint continues to attract several tourists and wanderlusters owing to its untamed beauty, and iconic structures, lined with palm trees and calming waters.
Location: 7 km from Panjim, Goa, India
Best Time To Visit: Morning hours
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
7. Morjim Beach
Photo: Vansh Tiwari / Shutterstock
Morjim Beach in Goa is widely acclaimed among tourists due to its pristine beauty and stunning beach shacks. One of the famous Goa tourist places, Morjim Beach allows you to have a glimpse of some of the most enchanting birds such as Cuckoo, Sandpipers, Turnstones, Sand Plover, and more that will surely captivate your hearts. If you’re lucky enough, you will be able to spot some dolphins for a further thrilling experience at Morjim Beach in Goa. Indulge in relishing some of the most exquisite Goan food at the beautiful beach shacks at Morjim Beach in Goa.
Location: 29 km from Panaji, North Goa, Goa, India
Best Time To Visit: Morning hours
Duration: 2 – 4 hours
Suggested Read: Top Beaches In Goa For A Fun-Filled And Sunny Vacation
8. Anjuna Flea Market
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Another stunning place to visit in Goa is this chaotic yet delightful Wednesday Flea Market in Goa. A treasure trove for those who love shopping, Anjuna Flea Market offers a wide range of products to shop from ranging from clothes, kaftans, footwear, jewellery, and bamboo sling bags and is surely one of a kind. The market is also the best place in Goa to shop for Tibetan and Nepali goods at affordable prices. The bustling streets of the Anjula Flea Market in Goa have been luring tourists and are the life of Goa. You will definitely not regret being here.
Location: Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa
Best Time To Visit: Afternoon hours
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
9. Bodgeshwar Temple
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The Sri Bodgeshwar Temple is located in Mapusa, at a distance of 12 km from Panaji. Set amidst lush rice fields, outside Mapusa City, the temple is also known as Bodgini and houses the holy shrine of Kanakeshwar or Bodgeshwar Baba. According to Hindu legends, it is believed that one can see the Bodgeshwar Baba holding a torch and roaming around the rice fields on every moonless night. Tourists who visit the city often visit the Bodgeshwar temple which makes it one of the best things to do in Goa.
Location: Mapusa, Bardez, North Goa, India, 403507
Best Time To Visit: During Aarti sessions
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Suggested Read: Most Popular Places To Visit In Goa Other Than Beaches
10. Church Of Our Holy Spirit
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Church of Our Holy Spirit is a 17th-century building built during Portuguese rule in Goa and is one of the oldest churches in Margao. The site once had a holy shrine dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Damodar. The original temple was destroyed by the Portuguese before the church was built. The Church has witnessed numerous transitions in Margao and is famous among tourists for its opulent architecture and religious significance. Visit the church in Margao for a soothing and divine experience in Goa, certainly one of the best things to do in Margao.
Location: Borda, Margao, Goa
Timings: 9 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 7 PM
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
With so many places to visit in Goa on the list, there’s no shortage of attractions for an immersive experience in this coastal state. Decked with stunning beauty, gorgeous beaches and verdant landscapes enriched with colonial past reminiscences, there’s so much to explore. So, pack your bags, and let TripXL handle your bookings and itinerary planning for a seamless vacation for you.
Cover Photo: ozerkizildag / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only