Best places to visit in Goa


Goa is an Indian state bordered by Karnataka on the East side and Maharashtra to the North. It is the fourth smallest state by population and smallest state by area in the country. The capital city is Panaji, while the biggest city is Vasco da Gama. Margao is a historical city of Goa and still depicts the cultural sway of the Portuguese. Indeed, it is one of the preferred states to visit.

Each year, despite the season, thousands of domestic and overseas tourists visit Goa every year for its nightlife, destinations of prayers, white sand beaches, etc. 

Main tourist attractions of Goa:

Panaji

It is situated on the banks of Mandovi River.  The City has an attractive land with remarkable scenes to offer. This place has a lot of historical significance due to the influence of Portuguese. Portuguese constructed a Goa Medical college in the country over there only. The top places to visit in Panaji includes Old Goa, Jama Masjid, Miramar Beach, Fort Aguada, Dona Paula Beach, Panjim Heritage Walk, Goa State Museum, Shanta Durga Temple, etc.

Vasco Da Gama

It is an industrial place situated in the Goa State.  This largest city is being named after Vasco Da Gama who was the popular Portuguese explorer. Main tourist points in Vasco Da Gama are Pilot Point, Zuari River, Naval Aviation Museum, Velsao Beach, Goa Kayaking-Day Tour, Japanese Garden, etc.

Calangute

It is in the North state of Goa. Main tourist attractions in Calangute are Baga Beach, Calangute beach, Baga retreat house, Se Cathedral, Medicinal springs, St Alex Church, etc.

Mapusa

Mapusa is very close to the famous beaches in the state. The weekly market is organized on every Friday here. You will find here huge variety of products to shop for. The popular tourist points of the city comprise Sri Kalika Temple, Aldona, Kalacha Beach, Chapora Fort, Aldona, etc.

Margao

Margao is the second biggest town in the state. It is also a commercial centre and religiously important spot. The famous tourist attractions of the city consist Town Square, Colonial Style Villas, Caves of Aquém, Monte Hill, Versão Beach, Jorge Barreto Park, etc.

Best time to visit Goa

The best time to visit Goa is between November and March when the Goa weather is beautifully balmy & clear with a cool sea breeze blowing through.

Festivals celebrated in Goa

Goa Carnival

Goa Carnival, the most fun-filled festival in Goa, is meant to be a feast of food, drinks, music, dance and fun - before the 40-day period of fasting and absenteeism of meat in the month of Lent. The days are marked by colorful and musical parades which initiate in the capital Panaji and travel throughout the state making it one of the most popular festivals of Goa.

Christmas

Known for its excellent beaches and legendary nightlife, perhaps Goa is the best place to celebrate Christmas in India. With its Portuguese legacy and Catholic population, Christmas here is celebrated with a gripping fervor. The celebrations, decorations and the carols everywhere an unforgettable ode to the eyes. The best part about Christmas in Goa is the cold evening breeze that gets the friends, families and communities together to celebrate the festival of goodwill and prosperity.

New Year Eve in Goa

New Year stands for Party, and Party Stands for Goa. There's no other place in the country which is livelier than Goa. The whole state is indulged in celebrations the entire night. People exchange the greetings of this special occasion among themselves. New Year’s Day is a restricted holiday (RH) in the country. There is no other best place than Goa to celebrate New Year’s Day. 

Feast of St. Francis Xavier

St. Francis Xavier was a much-loved saint who died on 3rd December and therefore, in Old Goa, every year, people assemble to participate in the feast. The famous and amazing church named as Basilica of Bom Jesus still hold the body of the saint preserved in a casket which is brought to the sight of people only after 10 years, on the day of his feast. Since the saint lives in the memory and hearts of the Goan people, this festival is celebrated with much cheer.

Ganesh Chaturthi

It is also an important festival of Goa. On this day, it is believed that lord Krishna killed the demon named as Narkasur ruling Goa, through his ‘Sudarshan chakra’. Therefore, the festival is celebrated with the burning of the effigies of Narkasur that is mainly done at dawn. Hindus make it a point to light up their houses and to wear new clothes.