Goa is a dream holiday destination to choose if you want a vacation away from the hustle and bustle. Goa is the epitome of a beautiful tropical island paradise, with its white-sand beaches, fantastic water sports, and unique culture. With endless possibilities for fun, it’s no wonder this vacation spot has been a favorite for millions of people worldwide. When holiday planning, you don’t just want to get the destination right — but also the best time to visit. This guide will help you maximize your time and stay away from crowds and traffic. Discover the 8 best places to visit in Goa!
Mandrem Beach
A popular destination for tourists is Mandrem Beach, which is located on the south coast of Goa. This beach is known for its beautiful sands and clear waters. It also has several hotels and resorts where you can stay during your trip to Goa. Not only it is one of the best places to visit in Goa, but Mandrem Beach is also a great destination to unwind yourself.
The Church of Our Lady of Velankanni
This church was built on land donated by a local farmer who gave it to the Catholic community so they could build a church in honor of Our Lady of Velankanni, who appeared to two teenage girls during World War II and told them she would save them if they prayed right then and there. The church has been restored twice since then; once after it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1911, then again after it was damaged by another earthquake in 1945 when bricks fell apart due to shifting soil beneath them.
Vagator Beach
Another popular destination is Vagator Beach on the western coast of Goa. It has white sand and crystal clear waters that make it one of the most beautiful beaches in India. There are several hotels in this area where you can stay during your trip to Goa. Vagator Beach is over two kilometers and is one of Goa’s best beaches. It’s also known for its sweeping panoramic views which provide a picturesque sight to go with the experience of lounging on its waters. This beach is a hotspot for beach shacks as well as trance parties which are held during December and January.
Reis Mogos Fort
The fort was first built by Alfonso de Noronha, the Portuguese viceroy who reigned from 1551-1557. It has been reconstructed over time and is still standing today. It is located at a distance of seven kilometers from Goa’s capital city, Panjim. This place served as a haven for the Portuguese when they were at war with the Marathas in 1739. One of the best places to visit in Goa, it is a popular tourist attraction in Goa.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is considered a popular tourist destination in Goa. To prevent the animal inhabitants from being disturbed, walking along these grounds is not permitted, but if you’d like to see some of Goa’s most exotic and endemic species of plants and animals, this is the place for you! You’ll have a chance to observe Sloth Bears, Laughing Hyenas, and Indian Bison in their natural environments. You also have an opportunity to get up close with Newar Monkeys and Malabar Crested Eagles.
Baga Beach
When in Goa you are guaranteed to visit Baga Beach because everyone has heard of the ‘Best Beach in Goa‘. No matter what time of day, the beach is the place to be seen. White sands under your feet as majestic white waves rush toward you giving you the sensation of flying when on a parasail or a banana boat ride. Nothing beats laying out on a hammock and catching some rays while taking full advantage of all the water sports available from kayaking to enjoying an adrenaline-driving jet ski ride. You don’t want to leave this beach out of the list of best places to visit in Goa!
Dona Paula Beach
There’s no better place to go if you’re wishing for some adventure on your trip to Goa than at Dona Paula Beach. Whether you’re looking to do a bit of relaxing under the sun, play some sports, or do both – there are a lot of exciting possibilities for tourists on this beach.
Divar Island
Divar Island is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in Goa. Bonderam, an annual event organized every year on this island, is one of the major attractions at Divar. The festival gives a feeling of being in the heart of the Goan countryside. It is believed that playing Tabla during this event gives a person ‘soul-searching capabilities’.
Conclusion
Are you looking for something new and different to do in Goa? Look no further! This list of the best places to visit in Goa will help you to tick off Goa from your bucket list. So whether you are planning a vacation or just passing through, make sure you check out these fantastic locations.
