Best Activities to do in Goa
Goa
An Overview
Goa with its bright beaches, fresh seafood, lively nightlife, wild parties, flea markets, grand forts, and historic churches, Goa emanates an alluring aura that is difficult to resist. It is the ideal vacation spot where you can enjoy a variety of activities both on land and in the water. Unsurprisingly, once you settle into your Goa hotels, deciding what to do and where to go might become a little overwhelming. Do you need assistance creating an agenda that features all the best things to do in North Goa & South Goa?
Indulge in the beach fun
Beaches are probably the first thing that come to mind when you think of Goa. Discovering Goa’s magnificent beaches, where you can indulge in sunbathing, water sports, sundown parties, and much more, is one of the best things to do there. Goa has numerous beaches scattered throughout its northern and southern regions.
Beaches in North Goa to visit
- Beach Baga
- Beach Anjuna
- Californian Beach
- Caribbean Beach
- Beach at Arambol
- Vagator Beach, Sinquerim Beach
South Goa’s top beaches are Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach, Colva Beach, and Butterfly Beach.
There are a few less-frequented beaches in Goa for those who prefer some peace and quiet away from the main centres, even though some of these beaches continue to be filled with tourists.
Explore the majestic forts in Goa
Goa is home to numerous magnificent forts that represent the region’s illustrious heritage, architectural brilliance, and beauty. But above all things, Goa’s forts give you breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding area. We advise the following:
North Goa forts Fort Aguada
Important sights include a historic lighthouse, cells, and an unusual sunset view.
Hours: daily from 9:30 am until 6:00 pm
Castle Fort
Key highlights include the amazing vista of Vagator Beach.
Timings: always
Key attractions of Reis Magos Fort: Cultural and Heritage Centre
Hours: from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Mondays)
Attractions in Corjuem Fort include breathtaking views of the Corjuem River and the country beyond it.
Hours: from 6 am until 7 pm
South Goa forts
Port of Rama Attractions in Fort Key: Church of Santo Antonio
9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Attractions in Mormugao Fort Key: Amazing views of the Varca Beach’s traditional fishing boats and a deserted chapel
Timings: always
Visit the mummy of Francis Xavier
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the only place in India where you may expect to find a mummy. Goa’s magnificent church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its masterful architecture. This 400-year-old building is steeped in history and has a non plastered façade and decorated interiors.
The mummified body of St. Francis Xavier, which is still housed in a silver coffin here, is the major attraction of this church.
Location: Velha Goa, Old Goa Road
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:30 pm; Sunday, 10:30 am to 6:30 pm (Sundays)
Visit the UNESCO world heritage sites
Goa is known for its beaches, wild parties, and rich cultural legacy. The rich historical and colonial legacies of the area are attested to by the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Experience the spiritual and architectural splendour that Old Goa is renowned for by spending some time there.
Santa Catarina Cathedral
Church of St. Francis of Assisi Church of Our Lady of the Rosary Church of Saint Augustine Church of Saint Cajetan Saint Catherine’s Chapel.
Visit to the historical temples
After you’ve had your fill of partying and beach hopping, set aside some time to tour Goa’s magnificent temples. Yes, this city is home to several magnificent temples that meet the criteria for architectural beauty, spiritual majesty, and tranquillity. Here are some of our favourites:
Mangeshi Temple Hours: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm Address: Mangeshi Village, Priol
Location: Kavalem Village, Ponda Hours: 5:00 am to 10:00 pm Shanta Durga Temple
Location of the Mahadev Temple: Sanguem, Surla
Hours: from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm
Location of the Chandreshwar Bhoothnath Temple: Paroda, Quepem taluka
Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location of the Brahma Temple: Valpoi, Satari
Hours: from 7 am until 6 pm
Location of the Saptakoteshwar Temple: Narve, Bicholim
Hours: from 6 am until 7 pm.
In Goa, you can never be too far from a bar or club where you may unwind while holding your preferred beverage. So, here is our selection of the top bars and clubs in Goa.
Go for pubbing and Clubbing
Location of SinQ Night Club: Candolim
5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
1800 for two people (approx.)
Tito’s Lane, Baga, Café Mambo
8:00 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
1500 for two people (approx.)
Location of Cantare: North Goa’s Saligao
6:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
800 for two people (approx.)
Sinquerim, North Goa — Cohiba
4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
1500 for two people (approx.)
Location: Palolem, Leopard Valley
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
2000 for two people.
Some more destinations
There are yet more activities in Goa to explore. There is a lot more to discover and experience, ranging from hot air balloon excursions and houseboat cruises on the Chapora River. Therefore, the best course of action is to pack your bags, fly to Goa, and let yourself be open to all of these experiences.