Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 is evident in its preserved 17th-century churches and the area’s tropical spice plantations.
Goa is also known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to those in laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda.
Here’s a List of Must Visit places in Goa!!
Fort Aguada
the Fort Aguada is a massive and marvelous citadel defining the landscape of Goa. The fort together with its lighthouse is one of the most visited attractions in Goa.
Situated in Candolim, a major tourist hub in North Goa, Fort Aguada stands overlooking the Arabian Sea and offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding areas.
An epitome of Portuguese heritage and architecture, this seventeenth-century fort definitely deserves to be on your itinerary.
Aguada Fort was built to guard and defend the Portuguese stronghold in Goa against the Maratha and Dutch invaders. Owing to its location at the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Mandovi River, it became the most prized fortress for the Portuguese back in the seventeenth century.
Aguada Fort is a splendid example of the Portuguese military style of architecture. It was constructed using laterite stone, which was found in abundance in Goa. The fort is categorized into two parts – the upper part and the lower part.
The upper part was designed to serve as a fort and a huge watering station. The lower part extended a safe berth for the ships belonging to the Portuguese rulers.
Timings: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm; every day
Entry Fee: Free
ALSO READ: ABOUT MANGESHI TEMPLE
Chapora Fort
The Chapora Fort, located at the northern side of Goa, is famously called Dil Chahta Hai Fort. You can relive those moments by visiting it yourself. This fort overlooks the Chapora river and and is only 700 meters away from Vagator Beach.
Legend has it that the fort has seen many rulers after the Portuguese captured Bardez. While the structure that exists today was rebuilt in 1717 by the Portuguese colonists, the fort’s history dates to the Adil Shah dynasty. The site, which was then called Shahpura, had a fort built by Sultan Mohammed Adil Shah of Bijapur. The structure served as a watch post for Muslim rulers.
However, after the Adil Shah dynasty fell in Goa, Portuguese colonists took control of the area, rebuilt the existing structure, and named it Chapora Fort. The Portuguese used the fort to defend their territories against Maratha rulers. They also built some underground channels inside the fort that served as escape routes during emergencies.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM; 7 days a week
Entry Fee: Free
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa is spread over just about eight sq km in size, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a prominent eco-tourism destination in the former Portugese colony more known for its beaches, churches and colonial relics.
With well developed tourist facilities, Bondla sanctuary is a favourite with children and nature lovers.
In addition to the sanctuary, Bondla zoo, deer safari and botanical gardens are its other attractions. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary cottages and dormitories provide tourists with comfortable stay options right next to the sanctuary.
Tourists usually visit the sanctuary in the evenings and nights. Staying at the sanctuary is not a problem as the Bondla wildlife sanctuary cottages run by the forest department offer comfortable accommodation.
Bondla wildlife sanctuary is closed on Thursdays. The sanctuary has been developed with a view to accommodate day as well as overnight visitors. It has ecotourism cottages, which can accommodate 24 persons and 2 dormitories with a total of 48 beds.
Entry fee: Rs. 30/-
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Verna Springs
The beautiful Verna falls have a lot more going for them than the magnificence and awe of just another waterfall. These falls, sometimes also known as Kesarval Springs are renowned for their medicinal properties. The waters are purported to heal ailments of the body and to have rejuvenating properties.
The minerals in the water come from the hard rock face that it pounds through. The springs are accounted to be a great natural spa.
Arvalem Waterfall
A soothing and peaceful spot in Goa brings one near to Arvalem waterfalls which is excellent for picnics and outings. Cascading from the height of 50 m (24 ft).
Arvalem is one of the top places to visit in North Goa. These falls make a plunge pool at the bottom where one can swim in and relax with cold waters. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is also settled in the vicinity along with a well-maintained park where one can just sit and observe the deep beauty it possesses.
Entry Fee: Free
Bhagawan Mahaavira Sanctuary and Mollem National Park
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary holds the title of the largest wildlife preserve within the state of Goa. This sanctuary is home to a huge variety of plant, bird and animal life. Nature lovers and hikers enjoy the hiking trails that traverse this huge tract of land.
In addition to the large amount of biodiversity that the sanctuary possesses, it is also home to the famous Dudhsagar waterfall, the Devil’s Canyon, the Tambdi Surla temple, the Tambdi falls and a number of other historic and religious sites.
The area covered by the sanctuary is heavily forested and contains pristine vegetation known as West Coast tropical evergreen forests, West Coast semi-evergreen forests and moist deciduous forests.
The evergreen forests are usually found at higher altitudes, on the upper slopes of the Ghats and along the banks of the perennial rivers that criss-cross the sanctuary.
Entry Fees: Rs. 20
Timings: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Dudhsagar Falls
The name ‘Dudhsagar’ literally translates to ‘sea of milk’ which many believe is an allusion to the white spray and foam that the great waterfall creates as it cascades into the waters of the lake.
The falls are at their zenith during the monsoon season, although they are a popular attraction all year round.
The majestic cascade of white water, gushing over the steep, nearly vertical face of the mountain from a spectacular height of 1017ft; is both breath taking and awe inspiring, making one aware that there are many forces in nature much more powerful that the human mind and body.
There is an old legend that centres round the name of the falls. The tale goes that there was once a princess who was the daughter of the King of the Ghats.
This young lady was as modest as she was beautiful and believed in purity of heart, mind and body. The legend goes on that she used to bathe in the lake near her father’s castle every day.
After her bath she and her handmaidens would congregate on the shores of the lake whilst the princess consumed a jug of milk. The jug, it is said was wrought of pure gold and inlaid with sparkling diamonds.
One day, as the princess was drinking her milk, a young and handsome prince was making his way through the nearby woods.
On hearing the laughter and chatter of the ladies, he stopped to have a look. The princess was much abashed by her scanty bathing attire and her handmaidens poured the milk in a cascade in front of her, thus creating a curtain behind which she could don her clothes.
This cascade of milk, which preserved the modesty of the princess, is the namesake of the Dudhsagar falls.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Baga Beach
One of the most happening beaches in Goa, Baga Beach is where you will find water sports, fine dining restaurants, bars, and clubs. Situated in North Goa, Baga Beach is bordered by Calangute and Anjuna Beaches.
Watersports are the major attraction of Baga Beach. Parasailing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, kite surfing, jet skiing are some of the top watersports activities to enjoy in Baga Beach. One can also go for dolphin spotting tours and island trips from the beach.
Baga beach is also one of the favorite hangouts for nature enthusiasts, where one can relish the scenic beauty of a place. For couples, a candlelit dinner at the beachside is a perfect retreat for making it a romantic Baga beach holiday.
How To Reach Goa?
By Air
If you are coming to Goa by airways then the nearest international airport is located at Dabolim. Dabolim main airport is situated at a distance of almost 29 kilometers away from Panaji.
This international airport is well connected with the major domestic cities as well as international major cities in U.K. and Germany as well.
By Rail
Via railways, it is quite easy to reach Goa as the major railway stations in Goa are located in Margao. The main railway station is known as Madgaon and Vasco-da-gama. These railway stations are well linked with Mumbai and then other major parts of the country as well.
By Road
Travelers can also reach Goa through roadways as there are n numbers of buses offer their services to travelers. The nearest bus stand is Kadamba bus stand of Panaji which is considered as the main bus station. Even Goa has its own bus service that connects major cities in and out of the state.
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