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10 Best Places to Visit in Goa

TeamAckoAug 23, 2024

You can have a great time in Goa if you know ahead of time which places are the best to see. If you don't, things might feel rushed if you have to plan on the spot. To make sure you have the best trip possible, here is a list of the 10 best places to visit in Goa. Enjoy!

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Contents

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1. Baga Beach

Baga Beach is first on our list of the best places to visit in Goa. A lot of tourists and people who like water sports go to Baga, a famous beach in North Goa. It became well-known after the 1960 summer meeting of San Francisco hippies there. A lot of people love this beach because it has golden sand, safe water for swimming, fishing, paddleboarding, discos, and tattoo shops.

During the day, you can relax and do different water sports at rates that you can talk about. Baga Beach comes to life at night with parties, good music, drinks, and other activities. 

2. The Arambol Beach

Next on our list of places to visit in Goa is Arambol Beach, which is in the Pernem area of North Goa. The best time to visit is from November to March. Many people from other countries come to Arambol Beach, which is thought to be one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in Goa. 

With its hills and lots of plants, this beach is the perfect place to both relax and go on adventures. People can go scuba diving, kayaking, paragliding, banana rides, and speed boats, among other water sports. Paragliding and windsurfing are great things to do in Arambol for people who want to try something new. 

A real look at local life can be seen in the nearby town. Beach huts are available for lodging, and there are a variety of places to eat along the shore.

3. The Church of Bom Jesus

The Bom Jesus Basilica is a major Catholic attraction and one of the best places to visit in Goa. It is where St. Francis Xavier's body has been kept in a glass tomb since 1622. This church, which was built in 1605, is a great example of baroque articture in India.

Visit in December to see the feast, the novena, and the Christmas parties for the best experience. There is a gallery of modern art inside the basilica, which adds to its artistic draw.

The church is open from 9 am to 6:30 pm during the week. On Sundays, mass is at 8 am and 9:15 am. During the week, it is at 7 am and 8 am. It's in Old Goa and is easy to get to from Panaji by taxi or bike.

4. Check out Spice Plantations

Goa is known for its beaches and nightlife, but there's a lot more to see and do. One of the best places to visit in Goa is the lovely spice farms. There are a lot of different kinds of spices on these farms, from common ones to rare and expensive ones.

In these farms, you can walk through the fields, learn about how spices are grown, and find out why some spices cost more than others. On the tours, you can often learn how to use these spices in cooking, which will help you improve your cooking skills. 

The closest city is Panaji, which is about 30 km away. You can easily get there by taxi or rental scooter.

5. Learn about Deltin Royale, which is one of the top five places to see in Goa

If you want to do something different in Goa, the Deltin Royale Casino is the best place to go. It has everything you need: luxury, games, and fun. This floating casino is in Panjim and offers great food, fine booze, and a beautiful view of the bright blue waters—all while on a tour. It's famous for its VIP gaming rooms, which let you stay in style and play games.

The casino is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is open to everyone, including families and children. However, you must be at least 21 years old to play games. 

Popular games like Baccarat, American Roulette, Pai-Gow, Pontoon, Casino War, Money Wheel, and Mini Flush can be played at Deltin Royale. It costs ₹3,000 for an adult to get in. Don't miss this hidden gem when you're looking for the best 5 places to visit in Goa.

6. You have to see Chapora Fort when you're in Goa

Chapora Fort is a historical site with amazing views of the Arabian Sea. It is only 10 km from Mapusa in the lively state of Goa. It became well-known after being in the Bollywood film "Dil Chahta Hai."

There is no fee to enter Chapora Fort, which is open every day from 9:30 until 5:30. The fort was first built by the Adil Shahi family. In the 17th century, the Portuguese rebuilt it and used it as a strategic defence against enemy attacks. Allow about one to two hours to fully explore the fort and its surroundings.

To make your trip more pleasant, wear strong shoes for the climb up to the fort, and don't forget to bring water and sunscreen to stay cool and safe.

Vagator Beach, Anjuna Beach, and Ozran Beach are all close by and great for a day of relaxation by the water. 

The best time to visit Chapora Fort is from November to February, when the weather is nice and you can do lots of things outside. 

7. Check out Anjuna Flea Market, which is one of Goa's most well-known spots

The Anjuna Flea Market in Goa is a hippie's dream. It's a great place to find cheap gifts, handmade goods, hippie clothes, and other small items. This lively market has been going strong since the 1960s and is now a favourite spot for both tourists and locals.

The market used to be limited to a small part of the beach, but now it covers the whole beach with many booths selling a wide range of goods.

You should take a break from the beach and the nightlife to check out the Anjuna Flea Market. The market is open only on Wednesday’s. The best times to go are early in the morning, at 7 AM, or late in the afternoon, around 4 PM, when the market is full of hippie people.

8. Find the Sri Mahadeva Temple in Tambdi Surla, which is a hidden gem in Goa

The Sri Mahadeva Temple in Tambdi Surla is a must-see for anyone in Goa who wants to see historical sites. One of the oldest temples in Goa, this one is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is in the village of Tambdi Surla, which is about 65 km from Panjim, the city of Goa. To get there, you have to take a beautiful drive through the countryside.

Inside the main area, there is a Shiva Linga sitting on a high base. There is a figure of Lord Shiva's bahak, Nandi, without a head in the middle of the temple mandap. There are four columns surrounding it. One story in the area says that a huge king snake always stays near the Shiva Linga. This makes the temple feel mysterious.

Add Sri Mahadeva Temple to your list of places to see in Goa if you want to do something different and interesting.

9. Goa's Chapora River is a peaceful place to visit

The Chapora River in the northern part of Goa is a secret gem for people who want to find peaceful places to visit. This beautiful river flows slowly until it meets the Arabian Sea. It's a peaceful place to get away from the noise and chaos of the city.

A lot of people like to white water raft and kayak on the Chapora River because it has great water currents and waves. If you want a more relaxing experience, you can go on a beautiful tour and eat appetisers while the sea breeze soothes you.

On the Chapora River, sunset boat rides are very popular. When the sun goes down, the river's beauty is truly hypnotic. It creates a calm space that helps you connect with your inner self. 

10. Club Cubana: The Sky Club Hotel

If you want to experience Goa's lively nightlife, Club Cubana should be on your list of places to visit in Goa. The "Nightclub in the Sky" is a good name for this club, which is on top of the Arpora hill in North Goa. 

It's in a remote area, but the rotating flashlights that light up the street all night bring people there for parties. The club has a big dance floor where you can dance the night away and a nice pool with a bar area that makes for a great atmosphere.

The Cubana Club is open from October to April and mostly serves couples and ladies, so it's a safe and fun place for everyone. Most of the time, stag entries are not allowed, but some are allowed as part of bigger groups. Women can get in for free and get free drinks on Wednesdays, so if you want to go out with your girlfriends, that's the night to go. Men who come with women will have to pay to get in.

It's open from 9:30 PM to 4:00 AM. During the off-season, individuals pay ₹1000 to ₹1700 to enter, while stags pay ₹1400 and women only pay ₹700. 

Questions People Ask About Places to Visit in Goa

People Ask About Places to Visit in Goa

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Where should you go to find the best beaches in Goa?

If you go to Goa, you should check out Baga Beach, Arambol Beach, Vagator Beach, and Butterfly Beach. 

Where in Goa should I go to learn about history?

History buffs should not miss seeing places like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Chapora Fort. These spots show some of Goa's rich architecture and cultural history.

Where in Goa are the best places to go out at night?

Club Cubana is the place to go for an amazing night out. It has lively scenes, great music, and nights out that you'll never forget.

What to shop for in Goa?

You should go to the Anjuna Flea Market to find one-of-a-kind gifts, crafts, and hippy clothes. There are lots of interesting things to see and do, and you can learn about the history of the area.

Can you tell me about some beautiful places in Goa?

The view of the Arabian Sea from Chapora Fort is beautiful, and it's a great place to take pictures. 

Is two days enough time to see Goa?

Yes, if you plan your trip well, two days might be enough to see Goa. To get the most out of your short stay, focus on exploring a specific area, like North Goa or South Goa, and make a list of the most important things to see and do.

Is there a place in Goa where I can do outdoor sports?

Paragliding, sailing, white-water rafting, and kayaking are all great outdoor sports that you can do at Arambol Beach and the Chapora River.

Which part of Goa is the best?

You can choose between the two sides of Goa based on your preferences. North Goa has lively nightlife and busy markets, while South Goa has quiet beaches and a more laid-back vibe. North Goa is lively and has lots of things to do, while South Goa is perfect for people who want a quiet and relaxing holiday.

Are there any places in Goa that are good for families?

Of course! Adults and children can both have fun at places like Deltin Royale Casino. 

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