Goa contrasts sharply with the other bustling urban areas of India with its golden sand beaches, tangled palm trees reaching the sky, and laid-back atmosphere. This seaside haven feels like a vacation within a holiday, even for a brief visit. Goa’s natural beauty and tranquility will revive you, and its full calendar of events and activities will keep you busy while you’re not there.
Two well-known coastal locations that draw tourists to Goa from all over the world are Colva Beach and Palolem Beach. But Goa is among the most well-liked travel destinations in India for reasons more than only its beaches. Visit W Goa to take advantage of the cliffside viewing point. There are interesting spice farms, historic churches and temples, vivid wildlife, and regional cuisine with Portuguese influences.
Calangute Beach
Calangute Beach, which spans from Candolim to Baga and is 15 kilometres from Panjim, is the longest beach in North Goa. Due to its size and reputation, it attracts tourists and travellers from all over the world. Often referred to as the “Queen of Beaches,” Goa’s Calangute Beach is ranked among the top 10 bathing beaches in the world. One of Goa’s busiest and most well-known beaches, it is crammed with eateries, shacks, and clubs serving beer, seafood, and other alcoholic beverages. Paragliding, water surfing, banana rides, and jet skiing are among the water activities available at Calangute Beach.
Dudhsagar Falls
In Goa, water activities go beyond the shoreline. The beautiful Dudhsagar Falls, a four-tiered cascade that rises 310 metres above the planet’s surface, are also located in this state. It is one of India’s highest waterfalls and a frequently visited spot for day trips in Goa and Karnataka. To go to the falls, you must take a cab or a train to the town of Colem. You could occasionally be able to see Dudhsagar Falls depending on the railway route you select. Then, when you ride in a shared car through the rainforest and past Devil’s Canyon, you will. You must climb over some stones to reach the falls after about 45 minutes.
Fort Aguada, Goa
Fort Aguada, a Portuguese fort from the 17th century, with a view of where the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea converge. The fort’s decaying ramparts may be seen on Sinquerim Beach, which is about 18 kilometres from Panjim. Two of the fort’s biggest draws are its lone, four-story lighthouse, the only one of its sort in Asia, and the stunning sunset vistas. The most important and vital fort for the Portuguese was Fort Aguada, which was built in 1612 to defend against the Dutch and Marathas and spans the whole peninsula in the southwest corner of Bardez. The fort, which takes its name from the Portuguese word for water, “agua,” originally provided mariners with a supply of freshwater to restock their supplies.
Anjuna Market
There are many marketplaces in Goa, but none have the energy or variety of goods as Anjuna Market does. Every Wednesday for about 50 years, hundreds of sellers set up shop on Anjuna Beach to entice free-spirited tourists with handicrafts and trinkets inspired by the hippy movement. You can find anything you need here, including elaborate fabrics, woven bikinis, god sculptures, dreamcatchers, hammocks, magnets, t-shirts with snarky slogans, beaded jewelry, and toys.
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, one of Goa’s medieval churches, by traveling to the laid-back city of Panaji. In the early 17th century, the spotless white chapel is perched atop a winding staircase that looks like the tiers of a wedding cake. Awe-inspiring Portuguese Baroque architecture may be seen throughout. The church appears magical at night thanks to the twinkling lights.
Mahadev Temple
Mahadev Temple, which is about 12 kilometers north of Molem, offers visitors a chance to witness a building that dates back to the 12th century. It was able to endure centuries of Muslim and Portuguese colonial conquests thanks to its distant position. According to legend, there is a resident king cobra at the black basalt temple, which was constructed to worship Lord Shiva. Enter to view the intricate carvings made by artisan carvers, such as the lotus blossom on the ceiling.
Temple of Mangeshi
At Mangeshi Temple, a stunning spiritual destination that has been in existence for around 450 years, Goa’s distinctive culture and heritage are prominently displayed. The seven-story tower in the pastel blue, gold, and the white temple is dedicated to Manguesh, one of the numerous manifestations of the Hindu god Shiva. The most ancient portion of this religious site is supposed to be a hallowed pool of water surrounded by temple buildings. At the temple, you can observe worship ceremonies called pujas every day. On Mondays, if you’re there, you can see the Manguesh idol being carried in a musical procession in the late afternoon or early evening.
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary should be the first stop on any wildlife enthusiast’s itinerary when visiting Goa. The Malabar giant squirrel, wild boar, black leopard, Bengal tiger, Molem National Park, the state bird of Goa, slender loris, Indian rock python, and ruby-throated yellow bulbul all call the state’s largest protected wildlife area, which covers 240 square kilometers, home. Your chances of spotting these animals enhance if you hire a guide from a travel agency and visit the sanctuary early in the day or late at night.
Reis Magos Fort
Reis Magos Fort, which dates to 1493, was formerly a fortification built as a line of defense to guard the region’s former capital, Goa Velha. The fort is now a popular destination in Goa for travelers wishing to escape the beaches and explore the state’s interesting history. The location has a colorful background that includes serving as a hospital, a jail, and a military station. Visitors can take in the stunning views of the Mandovi River, cannons, and a small museum exhibit on the history of the fort.
Conclusion
At W Goa in Vagator, Bardez, North Goa, socialize with other traveling trendsetters, multicultural experts, and ex-pat yoga enthusiasts. The famed New Age raves in West India, where “psytrance” dance music originally took off, are accessible from our five-star resort. Walk around Vagator Beach at night or go to HillTop for the greatest parties in North Goa. Take advantage of the cliffside vantage point by visiting W Goa.