Things to Do in Goa | Top Beaches & UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Travelers who are planning to visit Goa will have a myriad of attractions to look forward to, including beautiful beaches, diverse cuisine, and historic and culturally rich sites. Goa’s postcard-worthy Arabian Sea beaches and lush landscapes fringed by tall palm trees beckon visitors from all over the globe. Vacationers who plan to visit Goa can find excellent deals on accommodations ranging from world-class resorts to cheap hotels when using Agoda. Travelers rely on Agoda to book hotels all over the world. Get to know this paradise-like region of the Indian subcontinent before finalizing travel plans.

Goa Overview

Located on the Southwestern coast of India, the state of Goa is part of the Konkan region and world-famous for its gold sand beaches and beautiful natural landscapes. Unlike India’s crowded urban centers, Goa offers travelers a more tranquil holiday experience. In fact, even the earliest peoples to venture to the subcontinent chose to settle in Goa; archaeologists have uncovered early rock paintings that suggest that Goa is one of the earliest settlement areas in India among ancient peoples.

Although the beaches of Goa attract vacationers, the state boasts many cultural attractions, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Portuguese period of Goa, between the 16th and 19th centuries, has left traces on the modern culture that are evident in the architecture and cuisine of the region. Today, Goa is among the wealthiest regions of India; it features several thriving ports, including Mormugao Harbour, and commercially important waterways like the Mandovi and Zuari Rivers.

Travelers to Goa will naturally want to spend time on its beaches, but the state features many terrific sightseeing attractions, including riverine islands, medicinal springs, equatorial forests, wetland wildlife sanctuaries, museums, theaters, marketplaces, community events and festivals, a vibrant nightlife scene, and much more.

Best Time to Visit Goa

Goa’s monsoon season occurs between June and October. Consequently, when planning a beach or sightseeing holiday in the area, vacationers will want to schedule their travels between November and May. Although, many people recommend avoiding May, too, as it represents the end of peak holiday season and the weather may not be as ideal as in February, for instance. Similarly, November and December are less popular with tourists than February-April, peak Goa tourist season. However, these months have become popular for family vacations. It’s also a good time to find great deals on hotels and travel packages to Goa.

Things to Do in North Goa

Travelers who like it hot, the weather that is, choose to flock to North Goa where the weather is slightly more humid than one can expect in the South. Although both the North and South Goa beaches are popular with tourists, there are more Northern beaches that boast a ‘party’ or lively atmosphere than South Goa’s more serene (but equally stunning) beaches. Both the north and south feature an extraordinary range of things to see and do, however. The following are some of the most popular attractions to explore in North Goa.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of Goa’s most iconic architectural sites. The basilica is located in Old Goa, which refers to the old Portuguese capital of the region. It features Baroque architecture and remains a popular example of Portuguese Colonial architecture. The basilica is home to the remains of St. Xavier, which makes it a popular pilgrimage site. The exterior basilica is rivaled by the beauty of its interior, which features ornamental altars and art as well as a breathtaking interior courtyard.

Explore North Goa Beaches

As mentioned, North Goa beaches tend to be lively and popular with vacationers. Many of its beaches are renowned for their water sports and boast convenient equipment rental vendors. There are also many street vendors who sell meals and snacks to hungry beachgoers. The following beaches are among the North Goa’s best loved coastal sites:

Calangute Beach

One visit to Calangute Beach and visitors will understand why it’s been called ‘the queen of beaches’. Restaurants, clubs, and shops fringe the outskirts of this popular beach that also attracts throngs of water sports enthusiasts. Parasailing and jet skiing are popular pastimes here. Roughly nine miles from the city of Panaji, Goa’s capital, Calangute Beach is easy to reach. It’s the ideal place to enjoy sunbathing, water sports, and even dolphin sightings. Nearby hotels and nightlife clubs are an added draw for this stunning Arabian Sea hot spot.

Anjuna Beach

Anjuna Beach has long been associated with ‘hippie culture’ and continues to attract free spirits and pleasure seekers. However, it is also popular with families, making it a diverse area to enjoy. Some of the clubs located just off the beach are among the most popular in Goa. The curving stretch of coast is popular with swimmers and water sport lovers, but there are also other beach attractions like the Wednesday flea market that occurs here and the luxury resorts that have popped up over the years.

Arambol Beach

Revered as one of Goa’s loveliest beaches, Arambol Beach is popular for kite surfing and paragliding. Local fishermen here have organized various charters that take visitors out on the sea for dolphin sightings. Many visitors enjoy Arambol because of its less commercial feel than other popular beaches. This may be owing to its location, which is further out from the capital. There is also a jungle valley at the edge of the beach that enhances the beach’s pristine atmosphere.

Baga Beach

Located near Anjunaand Calangute Beaches, Baga Beach enjoys a similar lively atmosphere with its water sports and terrific nightlife scene. Travelers to Baga Beach enjoy activities like wakeboarding, windsurfing, and parasailing. Beach goers who need a break from the sun and surf can relax at one of the nearby fine dining restaurants or might want to check out the Tibetan market that’s renowned for its excellent shopping. Like other popular North Goa beaches, Baga Beach has no shortage of budget-friendly and upscale hotels for travelers in search of a beach vacation.

Vagator Beach

The curved stretch of coast that is Vagator Beach is extremely picturesque. Because of its beauty, it is among the most photographed of Goa’s beaches. Visitors to the beach enjoy lounging on its sand or even watching or playing a cricket match. It’s also popular for water sports.

Se Cathedral

Built in the Tuscan style with a Corinthian interior, Se Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the Seat of the Patriarch of the East Indies, the cathedral attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. The cathedral’s baptismal fount dates to 1532 and is said to have been used by Saint Xavier to baptize converts.

Chapora Fort

Situated above the Chapora River, Chapora Fortwas constructed by Adil Shah, a Muslim ruler, in 1617. Though the fort has no military significance now, it remains a popular tourist site and offers majestic views of the river and distant Arabian Sea.

Mandori River Cruise

Cruising the Mandori River has become a popular tourist activity. The cruises provide travelers the opportunity to witness many sites from the comfort of their lounge chair. Some of the highlights of the cruise include the summer palace of Adil Shah and Grand Fort Aguada.

Anjuna Flea Market

Filled with a treasure trove of souvenirs, the Anjuna Flea Market is a popular marketplace that no shopper will want to miss. The market features a wide assortment of items, including local handicrafts, imported items, clothing, and more. There is plenty of onsite entertainment that makes the market a fun place to grab food and drink and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Fort Aguada

A 17th century Portuguese fort, Fort Aguada and its lighthouse are located on Sinquerim Beach. The fort’s interior freshwater spring made it important for passing ships in search of convenient water supplies. Today, the fort is an important Goa monument and attracts many visitors who enjoy its historic architecture and scenic views of the Arabian Sea.

Fontainhas

Fontainhas is the Old Latin Quarter in Goa’s capital city,Panjim. Visitors come to view the Portuguese Colonial architecture there while touring the winding streets. Even after centuries, the barrio continues to reflect its strong Portuguese influence.

Things to Do in South Goa

South Goa is known for its tranquil atmosphere. Although it has fewer clubs and restaurants than North Goa, it promises visitors a relaxing getaway with its clean, quiet beaches and pristine landscapes. In short, it’s known for its unspoiled setting.

Explore South Goa Beaches

South Goa’s beaches are known for their serene ambience. They are popular with travelers looking for a quiet or romantic getaway. Because they are less crowded than the beaches of the north, they tend to remain cleaner. Even though there are fewer clubs and bars, there are still plenty of venues that cater to the needs of visitors.

Palolem Beach

Beautiful Palolem Beach is a crescent-shaped beach and dubbed one of the best beaches in all of India. Swimmers will find the northern end of the beach to be safer with its slower currents. Beachgoers also enjoy watersports and activities like kayaking. Because Palolem is the most popular of South Goa’s beaches, it still attracts plenty of visitors; however, the atmosphere remains quieter than one finds up north.

Butterfly Beach

Another crescent-shaped beach, Butterfly Beach is a small stretch of coast that feels like a hidden oasis. The beach gets its name from the butterflies that flock there. Though some visitors trek through the forest to reach the beach; the easiest way to reach it is by boat. Many travelers who visit Palolem Beach find a charter to whisk them off to this small coastal paradise.

Majorda Beach

With its swaying coconut palms and gentle sea breezes, Majorda Beach is a great place to relax in the sun. Visitors also enjoy taking banana boat rides, dolphin sightings, and parasailing here. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants located in the vicinity too.

Varca Beach

As a long beach, Varca Beach is a great option if you’re searching for a place to relax quietly. Although many people come to enjoy water sports, the vastness of the beach allows visitors to maintain their own space easily. Even so, there are plenty of restaurants nearby and marketplaces for beachgoers who want to do some shopping during their visit.

Colva Beach

Colva Beach features powdery white sands and stunning sea vistas. Although the beach can get crowded, it still retains a more relaxed air than many of the beaches up north. That said, travelers will find plenty of amenities designed for tourists along with restaurants, shops, and nearby hotels and beach shack rentals.

Dudhsagar Falls

Located on the Mandovi River, Dudhsagar Falls features four tiers and stretches over 1,000 feet tall. As one of the tallest waterfalls in India, this site attracts many visitors from around India and abroad. The falls are surrounded with forests that team with a rich pageantry of flora and fauna.

Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple

Dating to the 12th century, the Tambdi SurlaMahadev Temple is one of Goa’s most revered historic monuments. It also continues to be a temple for active worship. From an architectural standpoint, the temple is very rare and a one-of-a-kind in Goa with its basalt-based Kadamba architecture.

Big Foot Museum

The Big Foot Museum is located in the South Goa village of Loutolim. The museum celebrates rural Goa life. It features numerous exhibits, an art gallery, and a craft center where visitors can watch practitioners hard at work. Visitors can also purchase handicrafts here at the museum’s gift shop.

Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary

The Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is an arrestingly lush green area where animals seem to live in idyllic harmony with their environment. The sanctuary is home to Malayan night herons, black sloth bears, Indian bison, and more. Visitors flock here to enjoy its birds and butterflies, in particular.

Visit Spice Farms

There are many spice farms in South Goa that attract visitors. Spices, of course, were what attracted Europeans like the Portuguese who were in search of exotic spices grown in South Asia. Visitors can take tours of various spice plantations to enjoy the scenery and learn about how the spices are cultivated and then transported all over the world. Many of the plantations also feature groves of fruit trees as well.

Travelers planning to visit Goa can find exceptional deals on spa resorts, family-friendly hotels, and budget-friendly hotels by relying on Agoda. The Agoda database is filled with options for accommodations all over the world, including the state of Goa and elsewhere in South Asia.