What comes to mind when you hear the word Goa? Many would obviously think of azure beaches, because of which this Indian state is popularly called Beach Island. But if we are limiting the eminence of this famous holiday destination merely for it, then somewhere we are becoming ignorant to its unexplored part & may repent later to explore it fully. This is because other top fascinating places in Goa should be unveiled from a tourism perspective.
When planning a Goa itinerary for vacation, it is not just about enjoying beaches or basking in the sun, but also taking note of other hidden gems that demand your attention. These include architectural wonders, religious sites, staggering waterfalls, thrilling nightlife, & savouring delectable seafood. So now if you are interested in exploring the unexplored side of Goa, then let us bring you a travel guide of those places that shouldn’t be skipped from your travel bucket list.
Top fascinating places in Goa you must explore in your vacation
To make your Goa trip exciting & fulfilling, we bring you a list of places that are worth exploring. So, without wasting any further time, let’s explore top places in Goa for a memorable trip.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Basilica of Bom Jesus is the oldest & revered Roman Catholic Church in Old Goa. It is one of the fascinating places in Goa, which is worth admiring for its baroque architecture. Listed under UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds popularity on the global front. Do not consider it a usual visit to any common church because here lies the remains of St. Francis Xavier. This church is frequented by locals & tourists in large numbers.
Shri Shantadurga Temple
Goa, being popularly called ‘The Rome of The East’, also features a Hindu shrine, Shri Shantadurga Temple, in the Ponda district. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the temple houses a spectacular idol of the deity, which is placed on a splendid palanquin carried around the city on the eve of Maha Panchami. Since Goddess Durga is one of the revered deities, you can expect a huge rush of devotees at this temple in Goa.
Dudhsagar Waterfall
Dudhsagar Waterfall is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Goa you must visit when coming to Goa for vacation. It is named Dudhsagar due to its milky white colour cascading through mountains. The extensive mountains & lush greenery around here enhance the natural charm of this place.
Harvalem Falls
Harvalem Falls in Sanquelim, Goa, located amidst the lush jungles, is another visual treat for its onlookers. Like Dudhsagar Falls, it also appears milky white, flowing down from rocks & boulders. This picturesque location is truly a fantastic sight that is hard to miss. Rudreshwar Temple & Arvalem Caves are two nearby prominent attractions here.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is the best tourist place for wildlife enthusiasts. Established in 1968, this natural haven captivates attention with its lush greenery & rich fauna & is best for picnicking with little ones. Indian bison, laughing hyenas, sloth bears, monkeys, & mouse deer are some animal species you can spot here.
Fort Aguada
When mentioning the top attractions in Goa besides beaches, Fort Aguada, an example of Portuguese architecture with its striking 4-storey lighthouse, must be noticed. This is a spot to experience incredible sunset views, & breathtaking views of Sinquerim Beach. Carry your camera to capture the beautiful views.
Rivona Caves
Rivona Caves are the creation of Buddhist monks & are worth visiting during your Goa trip. The carved laterite in the form of ‘Pitha’ is a major attraction here, which is said to be a seating spot for the monks. These caves are situated in the village of Rivonna in South Goa. These caves are also known as Pandava Caves.
Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is an ideal retreat for nature fanatics, & mainly for birdwatchers who can watch the flock of local & large species of migratory birds. Apart from strolling across lush green mangrove forests, you can also have a romantic boating experience with your beloved partner. The sanctuary has been named after Indian ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, & comes under highly protected zones in Goa.
Anjuna Flea Market
In Goa, Anjuna Flea Market is one popular marketplace where you can shop for souvenirs, jewellery, apparel, etc. Besides stuffing your travel bag with purchased items, you can enjoy the live performance, a significant attraction. A treasure trove of many items, this market opens only on Wednesdays. Shopping for goods here will be a memorable token of your visit to Goa.
Where to stay in Goa to explore its fascinating sites besides beaches
To make your Goa trip reminiscing & convenient, it is essential to look for comfy accommodation on this beach island. Even though there is a long list of top resorts & private villas, we bring you the best options for your convenient stay.
jüSTa Morjim Beach Resort, Goa
jüSTa Morjim Beach Resort is a luxury beach resort in Goa, infused with 18 indulgent rooms with world-class amenities, making it an ideal sojourn for both leisure & business travellers. Also, you can relax at its outdoor swimming pool after retiring from your day touring or for leisure. Located near the beach side, you can weave memorable moments with your loved ones at nearby beaches.
The Wire Room here is one of the top restaurants in Goa to dine out with your family or friends. This beachside multi-cuisine restaurant offers a wide range of options for a memorable dining experience with multiple options, including Goan dishes, Pan-Indian, & International. To complement your meal, there is premium alcohol & cocktails to gulp down.
jüSTa Casa Frangipani, Assagao
jüSTa Casa Frangipani, Assagao, is one of the best luxury boutique hotels in Goa to plan your comfy stay. Its main advantage is its proximity to famous Goan beaches, including Calangute Beach, Anjuna Beach, Candolim Beach, & Baga Beach. This luxury retreat is appealing with warm hospitality & feeling of homeliness.
Curated with stylish Frangipani wallpapers, a lush green courtyard, & architecture, it reflects the beauty of Goa with pacifying colour shades. Besides enjoying your comfy stay at one of its 14 opulent rooms, you can take a relaxing dip at its outdoor swimming pool.
Before leaving for your sightseeing tour in the morning, you can enjoy a delightful buffet-style Indian & continental breakfast at a restaurant by the poolside. Being one of the top dining restaurants in Goa, it facilitates 24-hour room service. You will have a memorable dining experience with various local cuisines served here.
Jardim De Amor – jüSTa Casa Frangipani, Assagao
The next best option for your accommodation that will make your stay memorable in Goa is Jardim De Amor – jüSTa Casa Frangipani, Assagao. Located amidst the Land of Flowers in the Artist’s Village, this Villa with a private pool in Goa is worth a choice that brings a unique blend of comfort with luxury to its visitors.
Sprawling at 1150 sq. ft, this opulent accommodation features 4 bedrooms with a private pool, sit-out balcony, attached bathrooms, and private kitchen, giving a perfect blend of grandeur & privacy. Besides all these features, you will also expect a private lawn area where you can sit and relax while reading your book or conversing on your mobile phone. It also has an open-air lush garden connected with a lobby, giving visitors more access.
You can begin your day with a tempting breakfast with delicious Goan cuisine. Like the above two options, the villa lets you reach the nearby beaches, including Anjuna, Calangute, & Baga. The other two prominent tourist places you can explore from this villa are Fort Aguada & Dr. Salim Ali Sanctuary (a popular spot for birdwatchers).
Conclusion
After getting an overview of all the places, now you won’t be confining your visit merely to beaches, as there are other fascinating places in Goa to explore. These include spiritual sites, waterfalls, wildlife, & marketplace. With a treasured stock of intriguing attractions, you should pack your bags to journey this beach paradise. The best time to visit Goa is from November to February.
