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Keri Beach

Keri beach, 1,5 km long and also known as Querim beach, is a quiet beach located to the north of the Arambol beach. It is the northernmost beach of Goa that is backed with palms and casuarinas trees. The white sandy beach is one amongst the lesser-crowded beaches of Goa and is a serene and calm place to spend a beautiful holiday.

Paradise

As the name suggest, it is the finest, whitest, softest sand and the clearest bluest waters out of any beaches in Maharashtra. It is a feast for the eyes of the visitors. Take a walk on the 7 km long beach and enjoy the silent.

Arambol

Arambol beach, situated 50 kms from Panaji is a unique beach in North Goa which is much sought after. It is both a rocky and a sandy beach and has a sweet water pond right on the shore. It is also known to be the northernmost beach of Goa and is good for swimming.

Mandrem

The Mandrem beach in Goa is situated to the north of Ashwem beach towards the Arambol beach. It is an isolated beach with vast stretches of empty sand that has very little shade and is located in the Pernem taluka which is the northernmost taluka of Goa.

Ashvem

Ashwem beach situated south to the Arambol beach is another isolated beach in Goa where one can see vast stretches of sands until you arrive at a place that has some beach shacks and huts midway along the beach. There are a number of restaurants in the area that serve sumptuous seafood.

Morjim

Morjim beach is an isolated beach situated on the north side of the mouth of Chapora river estuary. It can be viewed from the Chapora fort as a beach that has stretches of empty sand with a lot of palms and casuarinas trees in the background. The beach is also recommended for viewing sea birds.

Vagator

Vagator beach is 25 KM from Panjim : this secluded beach enhances the Chapora Fort that marks the entrance to the beautiful bay.

Calangute

Calangute beach is the most popular beach in Goa. The beach is at a distance of 10 KM from Panijm and stretches for 7 KM to its twin beach Candolim.

Baga

The most happening place & relaxing beach of Goa.

Palolem

Palolem beach is 37 KM from Margao. Palolem is one of the most enchanted beaches in Goa and is very peaceful.

Redi Beach

Fringed on one side by coconut and palm trees and on the other, clear blue water of the Arabian Sea, the Redi beach is a virginal stretch of soft sand. It is the last beach in Maharashtra, bordering with Tiracol in Goa. It is known also as Paradise Beach - and with good reason too - the beach has its own little lagoon, a clean stretch of sandy peninsula and a fort in ruins. And on most days, aside from a few coconut and water vendors, the beach is pretty much deserted.

Chapora Fort

Located 10km from Mapusa, the red-laterite bastion, was built by the Portuguese in 1617 on the site of an earlier Muslim structure. Intended as a border watchpost, it fell to various Hindu raiders during the 17th century, before finally being deserted by the Portuguese in 1892. Today, the fortress lies in ruins, although you can still see the heads of two tunnels that formerly provided supply routes for besieged defenders, as well as a scattering of Muslim tombstones on the southern slopes of the hill, believed to be relics of pre-colonial days. However, the main incentive to climb up here are the splendid views of nearby Anjuna and Vagator beaches.

Corjuem Fort

Although this is one of the smaller forts in Goa, it has gained a name for itself, not only for being one of only two inland forts which have survived into the 21 st century, but also for the panoramic vistas that can be seen from its ramparts. This fort is surrounded on all sides by exceptionally beautiful swathes of Goan countryside, and as such is a great place for a scenic walk or a little photography. Quite apart from its visual appeal, the fort also possesses a rich historical backstory and is steeped in legend.Located in Corjuem, it lies across the Mapusa river from the village of Aldona. The river is spanned by a picturesque cable suspension bridge which is quite the tourist attraction in itself. Corjuem lies about 12 km northeast of Panaji.

AGUADA FORT

This is the largest and the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa and was built in 1609-12, to control the entry into the river Mandovi and to protect Old Goa from potential enemy attacks.The area around the fort housed a large well and a number of springs that provided fresh drinking water to the voyagers that arrived by ship. "Agua" in Portuguese means water, thus the fort derived its name "Aguada" to denote a place where water is accumulated.Steps lead down from the middle of the courtyard within to an enormous vaulted cistern capable of storing ten million litres of fresh water. The other unusual feature of the fort is a four-storey Portuguese lighthouse, erected in 1864 and the oldest of its kind in Asia.An interesting feature in the precinct of the fort is a 13 metre high lighthouse. This lighthouse, built in 1864, initially used an oil lamp. It was later renovated and modernised in 1976.

Reis Magos Fort

The Reis Magos Fort, owned by the Goa government and listed under the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, is the oldest fort in Goa. It has been restored to serve as a Cultural and Heritage Centre.From its origin as a defense fortress, to being used as a jail and then a hospital, the fort has served the state since 1493. It was abandoned in 1993 and started showing signs of neglect and deterioration.This is when the late Mario Miranda, who was the convener of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), approached Lady Hamlyn of the Helen Hamlyn trust (HHT) to fund the restoration of the fort.The Restoration of the historically important Reis Magos Fort was initiated and paid for by The Helen Hamlyn Trust, working in partnership with the Government of Goa and INTACH. The fort was opened to the public on the 5th of June 2012 and is maintained and made available for the public benefit by The Reis MagosHeitage Centre, financially supported by the Government of Goa.

Cabo de Rama Fort

Located in Canacona taluka Cabo da Rama - Cape Rama -, takes its name from Rama, the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana, who, along with his wife Sita holed up here during his exile from Ayodhya. The promontory was crowned by a fort centuries before the Portuguese cruised in and wrested it from the local Hindu rulers in 1763.

The fortress on this site was held by various rulers for many years, and it was in 1763 that it was gained by the Portuguese from the Raja of Sonda. It was subsequently rebuilt, and what remains today, including the rusty cannons, is entirely Portuguese. Although the fort saw no real action after the rebuild, it was briefly occupied by British troops.

There is little to see of the old structure beyond the front wall with its dry moat and main gate, and the small church which stands just inside the walls. The church is still used, and its pristine whitewash contrasts notably with the blackened stone of the ruined front rampart.

The western side of the fortress, where the cliffs drop sharply to the sea, provides a great view both to the north and south. There is practically no sign of life on the hilltop at all, apart from a few soaring sea eagles, and the occasional monkey scampering between clumps of vegetation. Own transport has to be arranged to reach the fort.

MAPUSA MARKET

Mapusa Market is located 15 KM from Panjim across the river Mandovi. It is the principal town of Mapusa in north Goa with easy access to the beaches of Calangute, Vagator, Anjuna and Chaopora. This largest urban center of North Goa has became popular due to the exotic weekly bazaars that are held in this town on every Friday. The tourist and locals nearby areas gather here to buy everything from Brass lamps to garments & witness the trading in the market.

Saturday Night Market

Once inside the market, the atmosphere is electric. The shops are neatly laid out in rows meandering up to the foothills.

Lights and lamps festoon every nook and alley and create a kaleidoscope of colours and hues blend into the thick green foliage of the evergreens. Right in the middle of it all is the centre stage where musicians, jugglers and gyrating flame dancers take turns to entertain. Stay long enough and you may hear alternative Rock in the evening followed by and Slavic percussion ensembles soon after. Right behind the stage is a veritable food extravaganza. However, it can be a long wait to grab a slice of the mouth-watering Sicilian pizza or a serving of the warm chocolate waffles. There are several bars all over this market from the mundane stone top counters near the entry gates to exclusive spaciousness at moodily lit locations at the very top of the hill trails, playing house music and inviting the foot tappers with psychedelic floors to stomp on.

Another highlight of the flea markets is the wide selection of handmade products and wares by foreigners who are either recent or long-term residents of Goa. While not as inexpensive as the local fare, these do offer a tasteful selection of leather accessories, jewellery, hats, swimwear, hammocks and other eclectic selections. Many of the foreign sellers model their own creations and adorn themselves in eye catching tattoos and hairdos.

Wednesday Flea Market

The Anjuna market opens its doors at 9am and starts to wind down around 6pm. The mid-hours get decidedly hot and the shops with fully covered passageways draw the biggest number of shoppers. Needless to say, stalls selling anything cold—from a frosty soda to a chilled beer—are brimming with thirsty souls. In the midst of the maze of colourful meandering, visitors am always drawn towards the live bands performing at the two of the most popular watering holes: Sea Breeze and Looda's. While the former is in the midst of the hustle and bustle, Looda's offers spectacular ocean views with mouth-watering sizzlers and seafood. Each season, different bands sign up to play a variety of music genres ranging from classic rock to meditational trance. Getting a table to sit can be a challenge at Looda's but hanging out at the bar is always an option.

Bom Jesus Basilica

The Church is a fine example of Jesuit architecture built in 1594 ; the most precious relic of the church is the remains of St. Francis Xavier.

Our Lady of Penha
de franca Church

The Church has impressive vaulted interiors and belfry with a huge golden bell set to be the biggest in the world. The church has 14 site chapels every one unique in style. Adjacent to the cathedral church is the church of St. Francis of Assisi and the chapel of St. Catherine.

Church of St. Francis of Assisi

This church is amongst the revered Roman Catholic churches. Known for its Barque and Corinthian architecture, the church's interiors are finely inlaid with ornaments. On the tabernacle reside two statues – one of the Christ and the other of St. Francis of Assisi. Inside the church, the gilded interiors are beautifully decorated. There are numerous paintings depicting the life of St. Francis of Assisi. The carved woodwork and frescos are also exquisitely done.

There is a museum inside the church containing artifacts, sculptures, and paintings. This is one amongst churches in Goa that has items which are a testimony to a rich and thriving culture that thrived in this land several centuries ago.

The church is located in North Goa, Goa, Velha Goa. The church is open on all days except on Sundays. Timings are between 7.30 in the morning to 6.30 in the evening. There are many tour operators providing Old Goa walking tours. In such walking tours, you have the opportunity to visit this church in addition to visiting other churches.

Immaculate Conception Church

This is one of the oldest and most famous churches in Goa. The 17th century structure is in the heart of Panjim – the capital of Goa. The church has a simple and elegant exterior. The interiors are tidy and well-maintained. There are two altars within – one dedicated to Our Lady of Rosary and the other to St. Peter. The Xavier's Chapel is within the church and is an added attraction. Thousands of devotees visit this church on the day of the feast. This church is of religious and historical significance. It is a landmark structure in the capital city.

It is located at Church Square, Panaji and is open on all days of the week. The timing in the Mornings – 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm to 7.30 pm Afternoon. This church much like the others is photographer friendly. If you plan on a walking tour, CholtaCholta and several other walking tours operators conduct regular walking sessions to this church

Se Cathedral

The Church has impressive vaulted interiors and belfry with a huge golden bell set to be the biggest in the world. The church has 14 site chapels every one unique in style. Adjacent to the cathedral church is the church of St. Francis of Assisi and the chapel of St. Catherine.

Shri Mangeshi Temple

The original site of the temple dedicated to this deity was Kushasthali or Kutthal (Modern Cortalim) in the Mormugao Taluka of today. It existed at Kushasthal for centuries until 1560 in a magnificent temple known for its wealth and glory and was established and managed by 24 families (Vangods) of Gaud Saraswat Brahmins of Vatsa and Kaundinyagotras. In 1560, anticipating the onslaught of the Portuguese and desecration of the deity in the year when the notorious Inquisition was established at Old Goa, the above mentioned devotees of Mangesh or Mangirish and its parivardevtas shifted the shivaling of Mangesh and its parivardevtas to ponda Taluka which was outside the Portuguese dominion in the 16th century.

The place where they shifted their deity was Priol, a beautiful village of Ponda taluka. The structure was a small temple covered with coconut leaves, supported by trunks of betelnut leaves and mud. The original temple of Mangesh at Cortalim was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1567 and a church came up there. In 1744 when it was rebuilt it was supported by wooden pillars. Then once again its renovation work commenced in October 1888 and the temple was ready in its renovated form in April 1890. Again it went into renovation in 1973. Dev Sharma was the ancestor of the devotees of Lord Mangesh of the VastaGotra, their 'mulpurush'.

Church of St. Cajetan,
Velha Goa

Considered to be amongst the most beautiful churches in Goa, the Church of St. Cajetan resembles the St. Peter's Church in Rome. Built with laterite blocks, the church has influences of Corinthian style of architecture. The tower is rectangular and the interiors are divided into different sections. Each section has several aisles and flanking them are massive pillars. The wooden pulpit is decorated beautifully and the main altar is dedicated to the Holy Mother. There are numerous pictographic and sculptural depictions of the holy family. Some elements of the interior architecture are crafted in the Baroque style. All of this culminates into a visually stunning church.

This church is located in Velha, Goa. You may visit the church on all days of the week 9.00 AM to 12.00 PM in the morning and 4.00 PM to 7.00 PM in the evening. If you want to take a walking tour, there are many tour operators organizing walking tours to this church and several other churches.

Arvalem Falls

At a distance of 30 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus stand, 2 km from Sanquelim and 8 km from Bicholim, Arvalem waterfalls cascading down from the mountains from a height of 50 m (24 ft), is one of the most amazing spots situated in North Goa. The Arvalem Waterfall also known as Harvalem falls is a very scenic and beautiful picnic spot. This beautiful waterfall forms a huge lake at the bottom, which is much popular amongst the swimmers. The color of the waterfall becomes muddy brown in monsoon rains and the water flow is quite less in summer. This waterfall is set amidst charming surroundings, with the Rudreshwar temple in its vicinity. The temple holds importance for the Hindus who believe in releasing the soul on the 12th day after death. The Rock cut caves are just situated nearby. The Arvalem waterfall is one of the most crowded tourist spots in Goa. The Government has developed a park at the waterfall where one can peacefully sit and enjoy the beauty of the waterfall.The best time to visit Arvalem falls is just after the monsoon, the waterfall takes the most majestic look but it is rather deep all the year round. The falls are easily accessible from the nearest road point (around 100m walk).

Tambdi surla

The Tamdi Surla Waterfalls is at a distance of 32 kms. fromMargao and 65 kms. from Panaji, the capital of Goa. It is situated deep in an area that has to be trekked. It takes 45 minutes of brisk walking to reach the place. There is a temple known as the Tamdi Surla temple which has been made under the Kadamba style of architecture. The last stop before reaching the place is Darbondora village from where visitors will have to walk to the falls. The trek is to be made through dense forest and several streams which makes the walk very refreshing and enjoyable. The waterfall can be heard before it is reached by the roar of the water that cascades down from the heights.

Sada Falls

Not many people visit this waterfall in Sada village in Karnataka as you have to trek a lot to get to the base of the waterfall which involves climbing and descending some steep slopes which many people find difficult. Even so we had a very enthusiastic group of around 50 people who trekked to this magnificent waterfall.

This was one of the difficult treks that we organised but everyone made it to the waterfall. We started from Margao at around 7.15 for Mangeli village in Maharashtra from where we started our trek. It is also possible to trek to Sada village from the ChorlaGhat but it is a much longer route (Approx8km.) so we trekked from Mangeli.

The road to Mangeli was very misty since we were at an height of approx. 600m.

Dudsagar Waterfall

Located 100 KM from Panjim is the Dudsagar Waterfalls, the most impressive waterfall in Goa, that attracts many tourists, it is a popular spot to trekkers and hikers.

Netravalli Falls

Being one of Goa's younger sanctuaries, Netravali is still developing and will soon come into its own. Of the trails in this sanctuary, there are two that stand out as best and both culminate in cascading waterfalls, Mainapi and Savari. In the summer, the former is a true test of a trekkers' stamina as the trail is extremely long and you will need to dedicate a whole day to its completion.

With permission from the Forest Department, the trails into Netravali can be conveniently accessed, just over 50 kilometers from the capital city of Panjim (Panaji). The Forest Department of Goa is tirelessly working to make shorter accesses in and around these sanctuaries (stated as of March, 2014) that they intend to open out to the public.

The Mainapi Trail has plenty of ups and downs that are so quick paced, they may not allow sufficient time for a trekker's body to keep constant pace or a stable heart rate. Judging by how stressful the trail is in the summer, we'd say the trail in the monsoon is sure to be ridden with leeches!

This particular waterfall lies in the deepest caverns of Netravalli Wildlife Sanctuary and when you get there, its (ironically) simple extravagance will stop you in your tracks, for it is like a scene straight out of the outrageously popular film, 'The Beach'.

Once you have walked the first few kilometers of this six-kilometer trail, your adrenalin is awakened by a vertical drop of steep rock steps. Don't be confused, you're going the right way. Close your eyes and take in the moment, you can already hear the waterfall roar; you're close.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

The sanctuary is located on the island of Chorao along the River Mandovi. It covers an area of 1.78 sq. km. many species of local and migratory birds are seen here.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

52 KM from Panaji, this is the smallest sanctuary in Goa. The Sanctuary has a zoo, a botanical garden and deer-park.

Bhagavan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated at Molem 160 km Panjim, this sanctuary covers an area of 240 sq. km of dense forest.

Cotigao Sanctuary

About 9km southeast of Palolem, and a good day trip, is the beautiful, remote-feeling Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa's second-largest sanctuary and easily its most accessible, if you have your own transport. Don't expect to bump into its more exotic residents (including gaurs, sambars, leopards and spotted deer), but frogs, snakes, monkeys, insects and blazingly plumed birds are in no short supply.

Trails are hikable; set off early morning for the best sighting prospects from one of the two forest watchtowers, 7km and 12km from the park entrance.

If you're serious about spotting wildlife, it might be worth staying in a night in one of the forest department cottages , right behind the reception at the park entrance. They're no frills but clean, and meals can be arranged. From here you can make a start before the park even opens.

Netravalli Sanctuary

The Netravali Sanctuary sustains a good mammal population due to its rich habitat and plenty of perennial streams. The wildlife habitat found in Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary consists of Black Panthers, Slender Loris, Great Pied Hornbills, Malabar Giant Squirrels, Hornbills, King Cobras, Gaur BosGaurus, RatufaIndica, Four-Horned Antelope or ChousinghaTetracerusQuadricornis, Leopard Panthera and a host of predators and herbivores find home in the sanctuary.

Netravali is also home to a high range of mountains here which the local habitants consider religious and which are of socio cultural importance to them. The sanctuary is an extremely significant source of fresh water and known to be named after the Netravali which is an important tributary of the Zuari River.

Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary has moist-deciduous forest interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. Nature lovers will enjoy identifying the many species in full and wild bloom. The best time to visit the Netravali Sanctuary Park is October to March. There are also a number of forest guest houses run by Goa Tourism Development Corporation for accommodation.