13 Happening Places to Visit In Goa

Goa is the most preferred destination when it comes to relaxing by the beach during daytime or partying throughout the night. A beautiful state located on the west coast of India. This wonderful small little state resembles the country - Portugal. It was ruled by Portuguese for nearly 500 years. In 1961, Goa got independence from the Portuguese. Though the state was freed from their rule, the Portuguese culture still persists deep inside. The stunning colorful streets are eye-catching and give a feel of Portugal. Apart from this, the beaches and the nightlife is very famous. The most famous beach, Calangute is the home for all types water sports activity in Goa. One gets amazed by the beautiful architecture of the churches which are dated back to around the 17th century. It is a paradise for youngsters to enjoy with their friends. Here is the Goa travel guide for 13 happening places to visit in Goa.

1) Calangute Beach
Calangute is one of most famous tourist places in Goa, is also known as ‘Queen of Beaches’. This is the Largest beach in Goa. Usually, the peak time to visit one of the best beaches in Goa is on the Christmas Eve and the New Year Eve. Here, enjoy various water sports activity including parasailing and water skiing. After experiencing these water sports activities explore the local market in the evening that starts 2 km from the beach.

2) Fort Aguada
The name means water in Portuguese. Fort Aguada was built in the 17th by the Portuguese so as to defend the Dutch and Marathas. Surprisingly, the fort has a freshwater spring. It also has a four-storeyed lighthouse which is one of the oldest in the whole of Asia. It is built on the mouth of the river Mandovi. Due to its peculiar feature, it has become one of the best places in Goa.

3) Basilica of Bom Jesus
UNESCO has listed this beautiful marvel as the World Heritage Site. Bom Jesus is the name used in the countries of Portuguese colonization which means ‘Holy Jesus’ Located in the old Goa, it was once the capital of Portuguese. The church is the best example of the baroque architecture. It holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier.

4) Ashwem Beach
It is a beach located in the north of Goa. It is a less known place which offers stunning scenery. The beach stretches 1.5 km along the west coast. Tourist usually come here to swim and have an amazing sunbath. One can relax under the trees on this rocky beach! Here, enjoy a candlelight dinner at a nearby hotel along the sides of the beach.

5) Anjuna Beach
One of the famous beaches in Goa, Anjuna beach is truly beautiful. It has 3 large chapels on the beach with the main on St. Antonio Chapel turned into a church. It is famous for the beach flea where people shop. Also, cherish different water sports activities. Here, you can enjoy various beach parties that are held. Popularly known for Anjuna Flea Market, Goan shacks, Night bazaars on Saturdays.

6) Fontainhas
This is a very popular street. Fontainhas is known as the Latin Quarter. Located in the capital of Goa, Panjim. The cottages emphasize the spectacular architecture of Portuguese. The window panes are colored in bright colors. Beautiful balconies projecting out of the old villas look amazing. It is also listed under UNESCO Heritage Zone.

7) Vagator Beach
A beach located in the northern part of Goa. This beautiful beach has two dramatic cliffs along with 2 freshwater springs. The beach is divided into Big Vagator Beach and Ozran Beach. Vagator beach is famous for various events including the world-famous, Sunburn. Hence, it is also known as Disco Valley.

8) Chapora Fort
An iconic scene from Dil Chahta Hai has made this fort very famous. If you want to relive the scene from the movie, you should definitely visit Chapora Fort with your beloved friends. The sunset over here is mesmerizing. Look at the sky as if nature is using all the colors to paint the sky.

9) Deltin Royale Casino
The only place all over India dedicated for Royale Poker Room and Taash Room. One can enjoy various international games like Baccarat, Blackjack and Roulette. In group booking, you can get various facilities and offers on the packages. If you want to enjoy the nightlife in Goa you must actually visit this place.

10) Baga Beach
This beach is an extension towards the south of the Calangute beach. The Baga creek is famous over here. Enjoy scuba diving, jet skiing, motor boat rides, banana cruise and river cruise. Here, see the beautiful dolphins enjoying themselves, Later do some shopping at the Baga market.

11) Dudhsagar
‘Milk of Sea’ is the literal meaning of Dudhsagar. When one looks at the magnificent waterfalls, it soothes your eyes like milk soothes our body. The waterfall is located at an altitude of 1017 feet and width of 100 feet. A four-tiered waterfall can be seen on the train. Located at Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary at the border of Karnataka and Goa, it is covered by thick deciduous forest. Popular for treks and outings at the foot of the waterfall. There is no cellular range or any other facilities available.

12) Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary
This wonderful Sanctuary is located north of Panaji which is covered by deciduous forest. It covers an area of 250 square kilometers. This place is green all the year with numerous bird chirping all the time. It is a paradise for bird watchers. There is Mollem National Park which has Gaur, Sambar, Leopard, Spotted Dear, Slender Toris, Jungle Cats, Malayan Giant Squirrels, Pythons, Cobra and the list goes on. It is advised to stay for 2-3 days nearby to spot these creatures. One can book beautiful cottages or dormitories built by the Directorate of Tourism.

13) Tito’s
You cannot finish your trip to Goa without enjoying the nightlife. In 1971, a guy named Tito Henry De Souza started a restaurant. It is located on the Baga beach. People used to come here to find nirvana and spiritual salvation. Though now it is more of a nightclub, you can groove to the beats of Bollywood songs. It is famous for their mouthwatering mocktails!

While visiting Goa, do not forget to try the special Goan Fish Curry specifically made with coconut and served with rice or roti/ bread. Goa has so much to offer from happening places to shopping places. Lastly, there are few Goa travel tips which can be followed; travel by public transport as much as possible, carry clothes and footwear, do not litter the beaches, do not drink and go into the sea.

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