What is Goa best known for?
Goa is one of the beautiful states of India with glimpses of Portuguese culture dating back to the 16th century. The sandy and sun-kissed beaches, thrilling nightlife, colonial architecture, colourful flea markets, cashew nuts, cheap liquor and lip-smacking seafood are what comprise Goa. Goa serves myriads of sightseeing and vibrant happening nightlife. It is divided into two parts North Goa and South Goa.
One who wants to enjoy the nightlife and shopping can head on to South Goa, and those who want to see the beautiful sculptures of historic times, forts and serene and picturesque landscapes can look out at North Goa. Either North Goa or South Goa, you will be amazed at the beauty of beaches and the significance of popular churches and forts.
Here are the best places in Goa
- Aguada Beach: Popular tourist beach of North Goa is a perfect place to unwind. Fort Aguada is also located here which was built by the Portuguese.
- Calangute Beach: It is the best place for water sports activities in Goa. You will get plenty of stalls here selling beer, prawns etc. It's quite popular among tourists as it’s one of the most famous bathing beaches in the world.
- Fontainhas: Cherish the Portuguese culture in form of customs, art, architecture Narrow alleyways and colourful buildings along with music at Fontainhas.
- Chapora Fort: It is another beautiful creation by the Portuguese. But, the founder of Chapora Fort was Muslim Ruler Adil Shah, and it was named Shahpura; later, the Portuguese recreated it and named it on the river’s name, Chapora. It has a spectacular view of sunset which attracts tourists to this place.
- Mangeshi Temple: Another main attraction of North Goa is Mangeshi Temple. The 450 yr old temple was later renovated by Marathas. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple houses a beautiful seven-storeyed lamp tower.
- Baga Beach: One of the most popular beaches of Goa is Baga Beach. It is a great place for entertainment with water sports. One can enjoy parasailing, Dolphin cruises and many water sports. Sharing the coastal line with Candolim Beach is lively and enticing.
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls: The gushing water with pressures falling from a height of 1017 ft gives an illusion of the milky white water. The waterfalls can be best viewed during monsoons.
- Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park: It is located in the Western part of Goa touching the Karnataka border at its eastern side. Spread over an area of 240 sq km, it was named Mollem Game Sanctuary and got its name in 1969. The Sanctuary houses more than 700 species of flora. One can see a variety of birds, butterflies, reptiles and mammals.
- Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception: It was built in 1541 for sailors to thank God to reach Goa safely. It was later rebuilt in 1619 with Portuguese-Baroque and Goan culture. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions located in Panjim.
Airport in Goa
Dabolim International Airport or Goa International Airport is the only international airport in Goa and is operated by the Airports Authority of India.
- Airport address: Goa International Airport, Mormugão, Goa, India
- Airport IATA code: GOI