If you are exhausted with your mundane city life & want to escape to some beach island for thrilling nightlife, trance parties, & captivating views of sunsets, then Goa is one place that caters to all your wishes. Even though it is a small coastal state, it still holds a popular stand among the top travel destinations in India for family vacationers, honeymooners, friends, or even solo backpackers. With so many prominent tourist attractions in Goa, you can make your weekend very exciting & reminiscing. So, if you are interested in visiting this incredible travel destination, let us bring you a Goa itinerary guide where we will list the top tourist places in Goa.
Amazing tourist attractions in Goa to make your vacation blissful
Check out the list of top places to visit in Goa for a memorable weekend getaway. Let’s begin with forts, which are:
- Chapora Fort – One of the famous forts in Goa is now popularly known as Dil Chahta Hai Fort. This is where a few scenes from the Bollywood movie Dil Chahta Hai were shot.
- Aguada Fort – It is another top sightseeing attraction in Goa for the Central Jail & a 19th-century Lighthouse.
- Reis Magos Fort – Once a residence for viceroys & chief dignitaries, this fort is now a noted cultural centre. It is even a desired spot to plan a destination wedding in Goa.
- Mormugao Fort – This fort also comes among the top tourist attractions in Goa as it lets you have a glimpse of the Portuguese colonial era through inscriptions at its gates.
- Tiracol Fort – You should visit this fort as it houses the century-old church of St. Anthony. From here, you can have captivating views of the Tiracol River & the sandy Keri beach.
- Corjuem Fort – This small fort in Goa is worth visiting for a great bird’s eye view of the nearby beauty. It should be explored for its architectural wonders & history.
- Cabo de Rama Fort – Also popular as the Cape of Rama, this fort has both mythological & historical significance. It went through reconstruction by the Portuguese in 1763.
Famous beaches in Goa
When we talk about Goa, we obviously cannot ignore the beaches, as these are a significant part of its tourism. Having fun at its shores is one of the best things to explore in Goa for a blissful weekend trip. Let us mention some of the top ones below:
- Anjuna Beach – This beach is one of the popular tourist attractions that cannot be missed when coming to Goa for vacations. It is best to indulge yourself in full-moon parties.
- Calangute Beach – Popularly called the ‘Queen of Beaches, ’ it is a must-travel spot to explore water skiing, dolphin shows, parasailing, & wind-surfing.
- Baga Beach – It is also a famous tourist spot in Goa to experience banana boat rides, sunbathing, parasailing, & savouring Goan cuisines at nearby cafes & shacks.
- Candolim Beach – This beach is a hub for adventure seekers as there are a lot of water sports activities to enjoy here. Visit to experience the captivating sunrise & sunset views.
- Benaulim Beach – A fantastic hotspot for honeymoon couples to have a romantic dinner, & enjoy water sporting activities, including skiing, windsurfing, & parasailing.
- Dona Paula Beach – To get pretty views of the Arabian Sea, visit this beach in Goa, famous for various water sports. It also holds a tragic history of love & suicide.
- Sinquerim Beach – With its fantastic shoreline, & picturesque views, you can flush out all your stress when experiencing swimming, water sports, & dancing at the nearby Sinq Night Club.
Adventure activities in Goa
Indulging in adventure activities in Goa can be the best stress-buster for someone hovered with negativity in mind. Below are the adventure sports to indulge in:
- Bungee jumping – Try bungee jumping in Goa at 61m if you love accepting challenges. This adventure sport is performed under the supervision of experts.
- River rafting – Another thrilling adventure sport to experience in Goa is river rafting on the Mhadei River that gushes through the Valpoi district.
- Flyboarding – This enthralling water sport occurs on the Chapora River at Calangute Beach. With the continuous hydropower thrust, it will keep you top on water.
- Waterfall trekking – Have you ever experienced waterfall trekking before? If not, then you have the chance to do so when passing through Todo waterfall in Goa.
- Scuba diving – Scuba diving in Malvan, Goa, is a 10-minute underwater dive in the Arabian Sea that takes place under the supervision of a certified PADI instructor.
- Snorkelling – Your holiday in Goa will become more exciting with snorkelling & dolphin sighting experience. Enjoy your time on the cruise, & explore marine life in its natural setting.
- Sunset sailing – Dona Paula in Goa is famous for this adventure sport. It gives a thrilling sailing experience to the visitors who can have the best oceanic views.
- Sunset kayaking – De-stress yourself with a sunset kayaking sport in Mandrem Beach, Goa, while paddling through Mangrove forests.
Top delicious Goan cuisines
After experiencing every bit of Goa with its spectacular attractions, it’s time to fill up your bellies with sumptuous Goan meals. Here are some of the top culinary delights in Goa.
- Sannas – These are Goan rice cakes with red rice, coconut, & black lentils. It is usually served with Pork Vindaloo or sarapatel stew.
- Ros Omelette – It is an ideal healthy evening snack to have when you are travelling. This Goan delicacy is dribbled with either mutton or chicken gravy. Having it keeps you active.
- Chicken Cafreal – This recipe is a blend of Portuguese and Goan cuisine, & tastes very delicious when served with salads for meals.
- Pork Vindaloo – For non-veg lovers, Pork Vindaloo is the mouth-watering Goan cuisine that includes garlic, chillies, vinegar, & other tangy tastes.
- Bebinca – It is a 7-layered dessert that reminds you of Lisbon 7 Hills. This Christmas treat is prepared with butter, ghee, eggs, coconut milk, sugar, & flour.
- KulKul – This sweet Goan recipe is made from coconut flour & coconut cream. During Christmas, this sweet is savoured in every household in Goa.
- Fish Recheado – Fish eaters would leave no chance of savouring this grilled fish meat cuisine in Goa. In Portuguese, the meaning of Recheado is stuffed.
Shopping zones in Goa
Before packing up for your return, carrying some token of your visit to Goa would be nice. Below are the top Goan marketplaces:
- Anjuna Flea Market – It is a famous marketplace in Goa, open every Wednesday. Here, you can shop for bed sheets, wall hangings, footwear, apparel, jewellery, etc. Shopping is also one of the best things to do in Goa.
- Panaji Market – Also known as Mapusa market, you can shop for vegetables, spices, fresh fish, cashew nuts, curry pastes, pickles, port wine, & fruits.
- Mackie’s Night Bazaar – This market is best for shopping for clothes, souvenirs, antique items, jewellery, handicrafts, etc.
- Night Market in Arpora – It is an ideal place for late-night shoppers, who can stay up late to buy souvenirs, clothes, or food.
- Baga Market – Or call it a Tibetan Market on Baga Road in Goa. This marketplace welcomes shoppers to buy items, including handicrafts, trinkets, jewellery, etc.
- Calangute Market Square – This marketplace is a hub of everything you desire, including beachwear, seashells, handicrafts, trinkets, souvenirs, etc.
- Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar – Every Saturday, this famous market of Goa is lined up with stalls stuffed with textiles, fashion accessories, carpets, spices, etc.
Best time to visit Goa
When planning weekend getaways in Goa, consider the weather conditions regarding which climate suits exploring this wonderful beach island of India. For your ease, we bring you 3 options, starting from:
- Summer (March to May) – Planning a summer vacation in Goa can be challenging as the weather is very humid here. But counting on benefits, you can have a peaceful time as the place is not crowded with tourists.
- Monsoon (Mid-June to October) – If you are uncomfortable travelling in summer, consider opting for the monsoon season. During this time, some beaches are closed because of heavy rainfall. So you have to manage your travel fun with other activities.
- Winter (Mid-November to Mid-February) – Winter is the most preferred season by many tourists as the weather is favourable for travelling & relaxing at beaches. This is the month when festive occasions like Christmas & New Year are celebrated with much joy & enthusiasm.
How to Reach Goa by Road, Train, And Air
- By Road – Goa is well-connected with major Indian cities through routes including NH66, NH78, NH 366, & NH 566. Where NH4 links the beach island state with Bangalore & Mumbai, NH17 connects with Mangalore.
- By Train – Vasco Da Gama Railway Station & Madgaon Railway Station are the two nearest railway junctions to reach Goa, as they are well-connected with major cities of India, including New Delhi, Bengaluru, Patna, Mumbai, Agra, Kolkata, & Chennai.
- By Air – Dabolim Airport, or Goa International Airport, is the nearest airport to Goa. The flights operating from here reach major Indian cities & abroad. You can hire taxis or private vehicles from the airport.
Top luxury resorts in Goa for a blissful vacation
When expecting a blissful vacation in Goa, you must book your comfy & luxurious staycation by searching for the best hotels & resorts in Goa. Well, no need to bother your fingers tapping for options, as we bring you two best suggestions for your stay in this beach wonder of India.
jüSTa Morjim Beach Resort, Goa
If you wish to enjoy walking around hand in hand with your beloved partner at the sandy beaches, then jüSTa Morjim Beach Resort is the right option for you. It is the best beach resort in Goa to bank on for its exceptional services ranging from 18 indulgent room options & modern amenities. After retiring from your day of beach fun or sightseeing forts & adventure sports, you can have a refreshing session at its swimming pool.
Coming to the dining part, this resort has an in-house restaurant named Wire Room, one of the best restaurants in Goa to savour the delicious & mouth-watering Goan cuisines. It also lets you sip your favourite glass of beverage or wine while sharing the lighter moments with your loved ones. While enjoying your meal, the restaurant lets you hear the soothing sound of ocean waves, resulting in an unforgettable experience.
jüSTa Casa Frangipani, Assagao, Goa
Another best option for your comfy staycation is jüSTa Casa Frangipani in Assagao. It is the best boutique luxury hotel in Goa. You can opt for its luxury facilities provided in its well-furnished spacious rooms with world-class amenities. The best thing about this hotel is its proximity to the top beaches of Goa, including Anjuna Beach, Candolim Beach, Baga Beach, & Calangute Beach. Besides enjoying fun at its beaches, there is also an outdoor pool for kids & adults.
To enjoy sumptuous Goan delicacies, there is a restaurant by the poolside. Here, you can have the buffet-style continental & Indian breakfast to fill your empty tummies. It is one of the best dining restaurants in Goa, where you can also enjoy drinks & a variety of local cuisines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goa Travel Guide
Q. What makes Goa a famous holiday destination in India?
A. Goa is a famous tourist destination in India known for its various beaches, forts, thrilling nightlife, casinos, parties, & delicious seafood.
Q. Which are the top tourist attractions in Goa?
A. You should visit Goa’s top attractions, including Anjuna Beach, Chapora Fort, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Dudhsagar Falls, Mollem National Park & Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.
Q. What are the top adventure activities to experience in Goa?
A. The top adventure activities in Goa include river rafting, bungee jumping, scuba diving, snorkelling, waterfall trekking, flyboarding, etc.
Q. Which are the top beaches in Goa?
A. The top beaches in Goa include Anjuna Beach, Candolim Beach, Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Arambol Beach, etc.
Q. Which are the famous forts to visit in Goa?
A. The famous forts to explore in Goa are Chapora Fort, Reis Magos Fort, Cabo de Rama Fort, Aguada Fort, Mormugao Fort, Corjuem Fort, etc.
Q. Which is the best time to visit Goa?
A. In summer, you can visit Goa from March to May. Monsoon, you can prefer visiting from mid-June to October, & in winter from mid-November to mid-February.
Q. What are the famous festivals celebrated in Goa?
A. The famous festivals celebrated in Goa include the Goa Carnival. Sao Joao Festival. Shigmo Festival. Feast of St Francis Xavier. Goa Sunburn Festival. Goa Food and Cultural Festival. Christmas & New Year is also celebrated with much zeal.
Q. Are there any top resorts to stay in Goa?
A. jüSTa Morjim Beach Resort, jüSTa Casa Frangipani, Assagao, & Jardim De Amor – jüSTa Casa Frangipani, Assagao are the best luxury staycations in Goa for their exceptional facilities.
