Goa is the city that has something for everyone and it offers much more than the eyes can see. From the beaches in Goa, nightlife, to the beautiful locations, forts, and markets, you will find virtually everything in this small Indian state. It is a blend of Indian and Portuguese culture and heritage which can clearly be seen through its historical architecture. Many of the tourist places in Goa are famous landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage sites, beautiful churches, and interesting local markets. Then there are exotic beaches, water sports, and many fun things that you do not want to miss. In fact, there are so many choices that it may be difficult to see them all in one visit if you don’t have a list to guide you.
Goa is a place with limitless opportunities to have fun. Though it is known as the land of beaches, tourists from all over the world find it as a great spot for indulging in many breathtaking activities in water as well as on land. So here’s a list of the 7 amazing things to see and do in Goa, which you should definitely include in your tour.
Agonda Beach
If you want to have a time of tranquility, Agonda beach in the South of Goa is a place to visit. This is an isolated stretch of sand lined by palm groves, located 39.2 kilometers from Margao. It is a very picturesque beach with few tourists around. This seemingly endless pristine beach stretches for almost two miles, lined with shacks and bars. Chilling, swimming, walking, eating, shopping and enjoying the serenity are the main activities at Agonda. If you want to venture, you can head North of Agonda beach to visit Cabo de Rama Fort. The landscape there is really scenic, and the ruins of the Portuguese fort offer a great adventure.
Baga Beach
Located in North Goa, Baga beach is one of Goa’s most popular beaches. The Baga beach s connected with the Calangute beach as one long stretch of sandy shore in Goa. You will find many beach shacks, restaurants, pubs, shops and nightclubs on the beach. Baga beach is also a famous destination for Water sports activities, including banana riding, speed boats, paddle boarding, paragliding, surfboarding, and more. If you are looking to party, Britto’s at the northern end of the beach is a famous shack. Club Tito’s and Cafe Mambo are also among the famous nightclubs in Baga.
Indulge in Water Sports
The endless fun to indulge in water sports is one of the main reasons that tourists visit Goa again and again. Water sporting activities such as windsurfing, dinghy sailing, scuba diving, waterskiing, angling, parasailing, water scooter, and swimming are among the fun things to do in Goa. For those who love to experience underwater adventure, scuba diving in Goa is the one you should definitely do. The seas in Goa are swarming with a wide variety of marine life, corals and reefs. Furthermore, there are wreckages of Old Portuguese and Spanish galleons. Other water sports activities that can be enjoyed in this destination include waterskiing, angling, and parasailing.
Anjuna Flea Market
Besides the beautiful stretch of beach, the Anjuna flea market is a landmark in Goa. Started by hippies in the 1960s, the Anjuna flea market is open every Wednesday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. There are more than 300 shops selling handicrafts, handmade jewelry, Kashmiri and Tibetan goods, bags, clothing, tribal artifacts, and more. There are food stalls, bars, and bands playing live music.
Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
Also called the “Immaculate Conception Church”, this beautiful church is in Goa’s capital Panaji, close to the Mandovi Bridge. It is one of the most popular and also one of the oldest chapels in Goa. Built-in a Portuguese Baroque style, the church is located on a slight elevation, on a hillock. It was originally built in 1541 but was replaced by a much larger structure in the 1600s. Since then, many revisions and improvements have been carried out, but the original building remains. It is also known for its second-largest church bell in Goa. Every year on December 8th, a feast is held here, which attracts many locals and tourists. The church is open from 10:00 am to 12:3 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
Casino in Panjim
Casino gaming is big in Goa. If you are into gambling, Goa is the place to be. There are both land-based and off-shore casinos, on ships, many of which are located just off Panjim, on the Mandovi River. Some of the famous casinos in Goa are Deltin Royale, Casino Paradise, Deltin Jack, Casino Carnival, Casino Pearl, and Casino Pride. Goa is one of the few states in India where gambling is legal so people from all parts from India and abroad visit these casinos for a chance to win some good bucks. If you are not a fan of gambling, there is always live music, multi-cuisine restaurants, dancing, kids zone and entertainment shows offered at the casinos.
Grande Island
Grande Island is one of the unique locations Goa has to offer. The island is located off the coast of Vasco da Gama in the Arabian Sea. You can take a ferry from the mainland to visit the island. Besides the beautiful scenery, you can do scuba diving, reef diving, snorkeling, swimming, fishing, and dolphin watching. You can explore shipwrecks, including the Davy Jones Locker, Turbo Tunnel, Bounty Rock, and Serge City. You can also go on a daylong fishing trip from morning to afternoon, and finish off with a barbecue at the beach.
From beautiful beaches, exotic foods to historic architectures and sensational night-life, you can find anything your mind desires. Whether you are going with your family or your friend, you will never get enough of what Goa has to offer.
