Places to visit near airport
Many popular tourist spots are situated in the northern part of Goa, i.e. near the New Goa Airport. Here are some notable ones –
- Baga Beach: It is one of the most famous beaches in Goa. Thousands of visitors, both locals and foreigners, throng it to enjoy parasailing and paragliding. Also, you can opt for banana and bump rides here. Besides, do not forget to relish some great food from the shacks.
- Goa State Museum: In 1977, this museum was set up by the State Archaeological Depart at the famous Adil Shah Palace. There are a wide variety of objects such as stone sculptures, old manuscripts, bronzes, paintings, and artefacts.
- Anjuna Flea Market: This famous market of North Goa opens every Wednesday beside the famous Anjuna Beach. The official time of this market is from 10 am to 4 pm. You will find a wide variety of items starting from clothing to regular household items in this market.
- Dudhsagar Falls: Dudhsagar Falls or the ‘Sea of Milk’ is among the country’s tallest waterfalls. The waterfall gets its name from the fact that when water plummets, it looks like milk full of froth. The waterfall has four tiers and a height of 1017 ft.
- Basilica of Bom Jesus: Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The relics of Saint Francis Xavier have been enshrined here. The construction of the church began in 1595 and it was consecrated by May 1605. The church is known for its rich history and baroque architectural style.
- Vagator Hilltop: When you are visiting Goa, you will not miss out on Vagator Beach. But at the same time, go to the adjacent hilltop for a stunning panoramic view of the beach. For the photography enthusiast in you, this is a place to be, come sunset. Also, do not forget to sample the local food.
- Siolim Riverside Chapel: Talking about places to visit in North Goa, this chapel can be a great place. This riverside chapel is not overburdened with tourists, and you will mostly meet the locals here. So you can spend some time in the serenity of this place and enjoy nature.
- Chapora Fort: This is the place where the iconic movie ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ was shot, making it a popular tourist destination. The evening is the best time to visit this place to experience spectacular views of the sunset overlooking the scenic Chapora River.
- Panjim: With its cobbled lanes, old taverns, brightly painted houses, churches, and mansions, Panjim has the ambience of a little Mediterranean town. This city showcases grand Portuguese architecture and contains heritage areas that coexist with its modern buildings. Panjim is a city that one must explore while in Goa on the banks of the Mandovi River.
- Fort Aguada: The historic Fort Aguada and its adjacent lighthouse are popular destinations among tourists. It is a 17th-century Portuguese Fort standing on Sinquerim Beach overlooking the beautiful Arabian Sea. Aguada Fort, erected in 1612, encircling the entire peninsula at the southwestern extremity of the Bardez Taluka in North Goa, is known for being the first lighthouse in Asia.
