Tourist Attractions in Goa

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Goa

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Goa

The Indian state of Goa is Asia’s Ibiza, a place of relaxed holidays, night parties, freedom and a sense of uninterrupted celebration. Some foreigners are so inspired by this atmosphere that they move to Goa permanently. They can be seen on the shores of Arambol and Palolem beaches, meditating on the sunset and engaging in blissful ‘doing nothing’.

But a holiday doesn’t have to be limited to the beach and parties. The state is full of colourful colonial-era sights, and there are charming towns with Portuguese-style architecture. Old Goa is included in the UNESCO list and is a must-see. Goa also has several scenic nature reserves. A stroll through traditional markets selling interesting souvenirs and handicrafts by local craftsmen can diversify your holiday.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Goa

Panaji

 0/5

Panaji is the capital of the resort state of Goa. Initially it was a small village, but after the transfer of the Portuguese viceroy’s residence here in the 18th century, the city began to develop rapidly. On the territory of Panaji there are still preserved monuments of colonial architecture of the past centuries, which today are of historical interest. The population of the city together with its suburbs barely reaches 100 thousand people.

Fontainhas

 4.2/5

974 reviews

The old city quarter is the home of the descendants of the Portuguese colonisers. The main development of the neighbourhood took place about 170 years ago after Panaji was declared the capital of Goa. The historic facades of the houses of Fontaines are painted in bright colours, which gives the quarter an interesting flavour. The houses are built in a mixed style of Portuguese and traditional Indian architecture.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Anjuna Flea Market

 4/5

1252 reviews

Anjuna is a small town on the coast of Goa, famous for its flea market. The bazaar appeared in the 1960s at the height of the hippie era. It all started with the fact that representatives of this subculture gathered on one of the local beaches for round-the-clock songs and dances. Sometimes they had to sell some of their belongings to raise money to continue their carefree existence. This is how the famous Anjuna market came to be.

Open time

Saturday Night Market

 4/5

903 reviews

The market is located between the villages of Anjuna and Arpora. It is not just a market stalls where you can buy interesting things and colourful souvenirs. It’s a whole authentic fairground with a balaganza where people dance, sing, watch improvised performances, eat and have fun. There are disco bars along the edges of the market and a special stage for concerts and performances in the centre of the market.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 12:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 3:30 AM

Indian Naval Aviation Museum

 4.5/5

6216 reviews

The museum is adjacent to the Goa airport. By the way, the Dabolim air harbour itself is actively used by the Indian Air Force. The museum exhibits are European, Russian and American aeroplanes and helicopters of the last century. The collection is not very large, barely half a dozen copies, but it is no less interesting. All aircrafts are placed in the open air.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Tropical Spice Plantation

 4.2/5

1913 reviews

The state of Goa has very favourable climatic conditions, so spices are grown here on an industrial scale for the whole of India and for export to other countries. The spice plantations are a popular tourist attraction and organised tours are brought here. The fields are located near the town of Ponda, which is about 40 kilometres from Panaji. Some of the plantations have developed a well-developed tourist infrastructure with restaurants, shops and hotels.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Basilica of Bom Jesus

 4.5/5

56115 reviews

A 17th century Portuguese basilica located in Old Goa. The main architectural style of the structure is lavish colonial baroque. The marble floor of the church is decorated with semi-precious stones, valuable paintings hang on the walls, in the middle of the temple there is a 3-metre statue of Ignatius Loyola – the Grand Master and founder of the Jesuit Order. The Basilica is one of the major architectural landmarks of Goa.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria

 4.4/5

151 reviews

A large Catholic cathedral which is the largest Christian church in India. It was erected in honour of the Portuguese victory in the Battle of Goa in 1510. This event coincided with St Catherine’s day, so it was decided to lay the cathedral and name it after this saint. The construction was completed in 1619. The cathedral was built in the Portuguese Manuelino architectural style.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Goa

 4.5/5

4229 reviews

The temple was built in the 17th century and is part of the St Catherine’s Cathedral complex in Old Goa. Inside the church is richly decorated with frescoes, wood and marble. It should be noted that the painting of the walls was done by local masters. At first, they created images about the life of St Francis, weaving into the plot characters from Indian mythology, which horrified the Portuguese king.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Shree Shantadurga Mandir

 4.7/5

7302 reviews

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, who, according to Hindu beliefs, is the consort of God Shiva. The building was erected in the 18th century during the reign of Raja Chatrapati Shahu. The temple complex consists of the main building and several side buildings. All the buildings are painted in a pleasant terracotta colour. The last major reconstruction of the temple was done in 1966.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Immaculate Conception Church

 4.4/5

23214 reviews

Located in the centre of Panaji, the church was built in the mid 16th century. It is an early 17th century building, as the original structure was destroyed in the constant wars over Goa. The architecture and interior decoration of the church are characterised by elegance and restraint. A system of stairs with shaped railings leads to the entrance of the temple, which harmonises with the church facade.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM

St. Augustine Tower

 4.5/5

3080 reviews

The monastery complex was built at the very beginning of the seventeenth century. The monastery existed until the 19th century, when it was abandoned due to the Portuguese government’s decision to dissolve the religious orders. All the interior furnishings and property of the monastery were transferred to other churches, sold or lost. In the mid-nineteenth century, the main vault of the church fell, and by the twentieth century the complex was finally reduced to ruins.

Open time

Aguada Fort

 4.2/5

94075 reviews

An old Portuguese fort built in 1612 to protect the newly conquered lands from the encroachment of the Dutch. The fort consists of two parts. The lower one is located at the edge of the sea and served for defensive purposes. The upper one was used to serve the fort’s garrison. Nowadays, the lower part of the fort is a prison, while the rest of the fort is open for free inspection.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Reis Magos Fort

 4.4/5

10441 reviews

The fort was built in 1550 (according to other sources – in 1490). In the early 18th century, the fort was able to withstand the onslaught of the Marathas, who had taken over all the surrounding land and were preparing to push the Portuguese out of their well-established positions. Within the fort there was a garrison, an armoury, a prison and underground vaults. During construction, the building was equipped with many secret passages. Today, the fortification houses a museum.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Mollem National Park & Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

 4.4/5

3229 reviews

A natural park covering an area of 240 hectares. It is home to several popular attractions such as the 12th century Mahadev Temple and India’s largest waterfall, Dudhsagar. The sanctuary is home to panthers, leopards, bears, porcupines, gaur, lynx and other animals. A jeep safari is organised for tourists, during which they can enjoy the picturesque scenery and observe the animals.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

 4/5

3021 reviews

A small jungle reserve that looks more like a garden. It covers an area of only 8 km². It is home to wild boars, bison, squirrels and bison. Some animals roam the area quietly, while others live in enclosures. The reserve is also home to a variety of birds. Tourists can take an elephant ride or admire the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple located within the park.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

 3.9/5

3693 reviews

The reserve is located in an area of mangrove swamps. It is home to about 400 species of birds, as well as crocodiles and jackals. In the winter period from October to March, Salim Ali has the maximum concentration of birds, as many flocks come here for wintering. You can observe the habits of birds from a special tower. During the excursion tourists are taken on special boats.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Harvalem Waterfalls

 4.3/5

7824 reviews

A powerful 10 metre high waterfall located in the northern part of the state of Goa. At the foot of the falling water jets, a lake is formed, which is quite suitable for swimming. Near the waterfall is an equipped observation deck, from where you can view the picturesque surroundings. Not far from the stream is the temple of the god Rudreshwaru, where Hindu funeral rituals are performed.

Open time

Arvalem Caves

 4/5

949 reviews

The caves are located near the Arvalem Falls. The walls of the caves contain inscriptions in Sanskrit dating back to the 13th century. According to one version, they were cut through by ancient worshippers of a pagan cult. Later, the caves were used by Hindu devotees, who inscribed the inscriptions. Hundreds of monks could live in such cave temples.

Open time

Monday: 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM

Dudhsagar Falls

 4.6/5

27322 reviews

The waterfall is the most visited natural attraction in the state of Goa. It is included in almost all organised tours. “Dudhsagar translates to “sea of milk”. If you look closely, the frothy streams of water do indeed resemble milk from afar. During the rainy season, Dudhsagar is particularly crushing, its streams crashing into the full-flowing lake at its base.

Open time

Agonda

 0/5

The beach is located in the southern part of Goa, which is considered calmer than the “party” northern part. The length of the coastline is about 3 kilometres. There is almost no tourist infrastructure on Agonda, there are only residential bungalows and a few hotels. On the beach live and lay eggs olive ridley turtles – a specially protected species in India. The place is perfect for a quiet family holiday.

Palolem Beach

 4.6/5

26022 reviews

Palolem is considered to be the best beach in the southern part of Goa, so it is very crowded during the high season. The beach is located in a bay, so it has a comfortable gentle slope into the sea. By Indian standards, it is perfectly clean and there are almost no cows roaming freely, which is a testament to the good work of the cleaning service. Along the beach are bungalows, budget guesthouses and more expensive hotels.

Open time

Arambol Beach

 0/5

Arambol is located in the northern part of Goa. Unlike other beaches in this part of the state, there is no large-scale development here. The coastline stretches for 16 kilometres and is surrounded by picturesque cliffs and dense jungle. Arambola has a free “bohemian” atmosphere with many colourful personalities. The beach was once favoured by hippies and has since become a “home” for creative and unconventional people.

Deltin Royale

 4.3/5

27836 reviews

The casino is located on board a cruise ship on the Mondovi River. It is considered one of the largest in India and is the largest in Goa. There are 50 tables for poker, roulette, blackjack and 30 slot machines. The casino can also offer a river trip and dinner at a pretty good restaurant. Even children can come here – there is a special entertainment zone for them.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Club Cubana

 4/5

2214 reviews

A popular nightclub at the top of Arpora Hill, where all lovers of electronic music and dancing till morning seek to go. The club is divided into two zones – a bar and a dance floor with a swimming pool. Quite often famous western DJs perform here. Pool parties are especially popular, as on a sweltering Indian night there is a great desire to refresh oneself after energetic and tiring dancing.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:30 PM – 3:30 AM
Thursday: 9:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Friday: 9:30 PM – 3:30 AM
Saturday: 9:30 PM – 3:30 AM
Sunday: 9:30 PM – 3:30 AM