Goa

Goa, with its sunny beaches, seafood, nightlife, parties, flea markets, majestic forts, and age-old churches exudes an enticing vibe that is hard to resist. It is the ultimate travel destination where you can indulge in a wide range of activities on land as well as in water. Unsurprisingly, it can get a bit overwhelming to decide what to do and what to visit once you check in at your hotels in Goa. Do you want some help to prepare your itinerary that included all the top things to do in Goa?

Read on. Here’s a curated list of places, activities, and experiences you must not miss out on your beach holiday in Goa.

Things to do in Goa:

1. Indulge in Beach Fun

Think of Goa and the first thing that comes to mind is beaches, right? One of the best things to do in Goa is to explore its exquisite beaches where you can indulge in sunbathing, water sports, sundown parties, and so much more. There is a long list of beaches in Goa speckled across its northern and southern parts. Here are our suggestions:

• Best Beaches in North Goa

  • Baga Beach

  • Anjuna Beach

  • Calangute Beach

  • Candolim Beach

  • Arambol Beach

  • Sinquerim Beach

  • Vagator Beach

• Best Beaches in South Goa

  • Palolem Beach

  • Agonda Beach

  • Colva Beach

  • Benaulim Beach

  • Butterfly Beach

While some of these beaches remain crowded with tourists, there are a few less-crowded beaches in Goa for those who prefer some quiet moments away from the major hubs.

Read Also – Places to Visit in January

2. Explore the Majestic Forts in Goa

Goa is dotted with a number of spectacular forts that exemplify magnificence, architectural brilliance, and the region’s glorious past. But more than anything else, the forts in Goa offer you breath-taking views of the surroundings. Our suggestions include:

Forts in North Goa

Fort Aguada

• Key attractions: An old lighthouse, prison cells, exotic sunset view

• Timings: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm; every day

Chapora Fort

• Key attractions: Fascinating view of Vagator Beach

• Timings: 24×7

Reis Magos Fort

• Key attractions: Cultural and Heritage Centre

• Timings: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Mondays)

Corjuem Fort

• Key attractions: Spellbinding views of the Corjeum River and the area beyond it

• Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm

Forts in South Goa

Cabo de Rama Fort

• Key attractions: Church of Santo Antonio

• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

Mormugao Fort

• Key attractions: An abandoned chapel, amazing views of traditional fishing boats lining up the Varca Beach  

• Timings: 24×7

3. Visit the Mummy of Francis Xavier at the Basilica of Bom Jesus

A mummy is something you wouldn’t expect to see in India unless you are visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This spectacular church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Goa and is known for its architectural brilliance. Steeped in history, this 400-year-old structure features non-plastered exterior and ornamented interiors. The key highlight of this church is the mummified body of St. Francis Xavier that remains encased in a silver casket here.

• Location: Old Goa Road, Velha Goa

• Timings: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm (Monday to Saturday); 10:30 am to 6:30 pm (Sundays)

Also Read: 25 Awesome Places to Visit in Panjim for Every Type of Traveller

4. Check out the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Goa

Goa is as much about history and heritage as it’s about beaches and parties. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Goa testify to the rich heritage and colonial legacy of the region.  Spend some time at these heritage sites in Old Goa to experience the spiritual and architectural grandeur the land is known for.

• Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina

• Saint Catherine’s Chapel

• Church of St. Francis of Assisi

• Church of Our Lady of the Rosary

• Church of Saint Augustine

• Church of Saint Cajetan

Want to know more about these famous places of worship? Read our blog on the churches in Goa.

5. Pay a Visit to the Historical Temples

When you are done with beach hopping and partying, set some time aside to explore the majestic temples in Goa. Yes, Goa has quite a few wonderful temples that tick the boxes for architectural splendor, spiritual glory, and tranquillity. Here are our top picks:

Mangeshi Temple

• Location: Mangeshi Village, Priol

• Timings:  6:00 am to 10.00 pm

Shanta Durga Temple

• Location: Kavalem Village, Ponda

• Timings:  5:00 am to 10:00 pm

Mahadev Temple

• Location: Sanguem, Surla

• Timings:  5:00 am to 10:00 pm

Chandreshwar Bhoothnath Temple

• Location: Paroda, Quepem taluka

• Timings:  5:30 am to 8:30 pm

Brahma Temple

• Location: Valpoi, Satari

• Timings: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saptakoteshwar Temple

• Location: Narve, Bicholim

• Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.

6. Go Pubbing and Clubbing

When you are in Goa, you can never be too far away from a club or pub where you can unwind with your favorite drink in hand. So, here comes our pick of the best nightclubs and pubs in Goa:

SinQ Night Club

• Location: Candolim, North Goa

• Timings: 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm

• Cost for two: ₹ 1800 (approx.)

Café Mambo

• Location: Tito’s Lane, Baga, North Goa

• Timings: 8:00 pm to 3:30 am

• Cost for two: ₹ 1500 (approx.)

Cantare

• Location: Saligao, North Goa

• Timings: 6:30 pm to 1:00 am

• Cost for two: ₹ 800 (approx.)

Cohiba

• Location: Sinquerim, North Goa

• Timings: 4:00 pm to 2:00 am

• Cost for two: ₹ 1500 (approx.)

Leopard Valley

• Location:  Palolem, South Goa

• Timings: 10:00 am to 3:00 am 

• Cost for two: ₹ 2000 (approx.)

Edge

• Location:  Majorda, South Goa

• Timings: 9:00 am to 1:00 am

• Cost for two: ₹ 2000 (approx.)

7. Wine and Dine like a Local

It’s said that the best way to discover a place is through its food. When you are in Goa, you can pamper your taste buds with a whole lot of seafood and Goan delicacies and other delights. Here comes our list of the best restaurants in Goa:

Tuscany Gardens

• Location:  Candolim, North Goa

• Timings: 4:00 am to 11:00 pm; closed on Tuesdays

• Cost for two: ₹ 1000 (approx.)

Spice Goa

• Location: Mapusa, North Goa

• Timings: 11:30 pm to 3:00 pm; 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm; every day

• Cost for two: ₹ 900 (approx.)

Britto’s Bar and Restaurant

• Location: Bardez, Baga, North Goa

• Timings: 8:30 am to 12:00 midnight; every day

• Cost for two: ₹ 1400 (approx.)

The Fisherman’s Wharf

• Location: Cavelossim, South Goa

• Timings: 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday); 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight (Friday to Saturday)

• Cost for two (approx.): ₹ 1100

8. Try Your Luck at a Casino

How about wooing lady luck during your Goan trip? The casinos in Goa are where you can seek her out. Most of them are floating casinos located around the state capital Panaji, where a world full of games, entertainment, and fun awaits you. Here are details of the top casinos in Goa and their approximate entry fees:

• Deltin Royale (₹ 1500 to ₹ 8000)

• Casino Pride (₹ 1500 to ₹ 2000)

• Deltin Jaqk (₹ 2500 to ₹ 3500)

• Casino Palms (₹ 1000 onwards)

Want to know more about these establishments and their facilities? Check out our blog on the best casinos in Goa.

9. Enjoy the Thrill of Water Sports

The beaches in Goa are a haven for thrill seekers. You can unleash the adventurer in you by indulging in a variety of water sports across various beaches. Take a look at where all the fun awaits you:

• Water Skiing (Baga, Majorda, and Mobor Beach)

• Kite Surfing (Arambol Beach, Morjim Beach, Mondego Bay)

• Scuba Diving (Grand Island, Pigeon Island)

• White Water Rafting (Tilari River, Mandovi River)

• Windsurfing (Calangute, Vagator, and Colva Beach)

• Wakeboarding and Kneeboarding (Candolim Beach, Mobor Beach)

• Kayaking (Hollant Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Backwaters of Zuari, Sal, and Mandovi)

• Jet Skiing (Calangute, Candolim, Majorda, and Miramar Beach)

• Banana Boat Rides (Anjuna, Candolim, Vagator, Miramar and Agonda Beach)

• Parasailing (Arambol, Baga, and Dona Paula Beach)

• Snorkeling (Grand Island, Bat Island, and Navy Island)

Besides these, there is a wide range of fun and adventurous activities for youngsters. Check out our blog on fun things to do in Goa for more details.

10. Learn about Goa’s Glorious History at the Goa State Museum

Curious to learn a thing or two about the fascinating history and heritage of Goa? The Goa State Museum is where you can discover a remarkable collection of artifacts and exhibits that depict the saga of Goa’s past in a captivating manner. The museum features over 8000 relics including bronze artworks, coins, Jain sculptures, and rock statues, among others.

• Location: Panaji

• Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; closed on Saturdays and Sundays

11. Visit the Naval Aviation Museum

Have you ever wondered how naval aviation has evolved in India? Plan a visit to the Naval Aviation Museum in South Goa to discover more about the world of naval aviation. Besides other things, you can take a look at some of the huge machines on display here and also watch short documentaries at the mini theater located within the museum.

• Location: Vasco da Gama

• Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays

• Entry Fee: ₹ 30 for adults; ₹ 10 for kids 

12. Have a Tryst with Dolphins

One of the fun things to do in Goa is to hire a boat and venture into the deep blue Arabian Sea for an early morning rendezvous with dolphins. Yes, you can actually go on a dolphin safari and watch the lovely water beasts diving in and out of the water in all their majestic grace.  

• Location: Baga Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Morjim Beach

• Cost: ₹ 500 per adult (approx.)

 13. Witness the Breath-taking Beauty of Dudhsagar Falls

Dudhsagar is a gorgeous waterfall that dances down a height of 1017 feet. This four-tiered waterfall is surrounded by verdant greenery. During the monsoons, it seems like a sea of milk is flowing down and presents a spectacular sight to behold. You can also trek along the scenic trails surrounding this waterfall.

• Location: Sonaulim

14. Shop at the Anjuna Flea Market

If collecting knick-knacks and souvenirs is your thing, then shopping at the Anjuna Flea Market is something you must not miss out on. This famous weekly market is a lively place buzzing with stalls selling all sorts of stuff, right from handicrafts and garments to hammocks and jewelry. Adding to the lively ambiance of the place are live music and great food stalls. But do not forget to bargain hard when making a deal.

• Location: Anjuna

• Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; every Wednesday

• What to Buy: Garments, Souvenirs, Footwear, Jewelry, Tibetan Goods  

15. Go on a Jungle Safari at the Mollen National Park

Away from the sunny and sandy beaches, the Mollen National Park stands as a green haven in Go. The park covers the core area of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. The best way to explore this park is to go on an open jeep jungle safari. You can spot a variety of animals, reptiles, birds, and butterflies here, including the Bengal tiger, sambar, leopard, spotted deer, etc.

• Location: Sonaulim

• Timings: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm; every day

• Entry Fee: ₹ 20 per adult; ₹ 10 per children

16. Relax with a Therapeutic Massage

A holiday in Goa is all about relaxing and rejuvenating, right? That’s why we say one of the best activities to do in Goa is to let go of all your anxieties and relax with a spa massage. You will find several spas and salons that offer massages and holistic healing in Goa. Our top suggestions include:

• Spa by Clarins (Bardez)

• Snip Salons and Spas (Calangute)

• Zaara Spa and Salon (Bardez)

• Warren Tricomi (Bardez)

17. Enjoy a Silent Party

There’s no denying that Goa is all about beach parties. But here we are talking about a one-of-its-kind beach party at Palolem. Well, it has all the glitz, glamour, and fun of any regular party. The only difference is that you dance to the beats wearing headphones. And that is why it’s called a silent party!

• Location: Silent Noise Club, Palolem Beach

• Timings: 9:00 pm to 4:00 am; on Saturdays

• Charges: ₹ 600 including the cost for headphones 

18. Watch a Tiatr

A tiatr is a Konkani play or drama, full of dance, music, political satire, and comedy. This traditional art form is famous for its liveliness and captivating stories. A form of musical theatre, this quintessential Goan experience is something you must not miss out on your Goan trip.

• Location: Hanuman Theatre in Mapuca, Kala Academy in Panjim, Ravindra Bhavan in Margao

19. Visit a Spice Plantation

A visit to the spice plantations in Goa is a sensory experience that will stay with you long after you have left the party capital of India. A walk through the plantations of black pepper, cardamom, cloves, and several other spices can be a therapeutic experience in itself. If you are a nature lover, you will love this activity.

• Top Spice Plantation Tours in Goa: Tropical Spice Plantation, Pascoal Spice Farm, Savoi Spice Plantation, Sahakari Spice Farms

20. Get a Tattoo Done

The best souvenir you can take back from Goa is a tattoo, a permanent reminder of your memorable time in this sand and surf paradise. There are several tattoo parlors in Goa where you can get the most fascinating designs etched on your body. If you are not adventurous enough for it and yet want one, you can also go for a temporary tattoo. Some of the top tattoo studios in Goa are:

• Dragon Ink Tattoo Studio (Calangute)

• Krish Tattoo Studio (Calangute)

• Sandy Tattoo Studio (Calangute)

• Moksha Tattoo Studio (Calangute)

• Inkfidel Tattoos (Assagao)

21. Go Catch Goan Crabs!

If you are a seafood lover, then catch your own fresh crabs and ask the locals to cook them for you! The backwaters of Goa are calm and perfect for catching crabs. The locals will help you set up a unique kind of net called the ‘Kobblem’ for this activity. There are exclusive crab catching tours that happen in different parts of Goa that you can take part in.

• Best time for crab catching: October to May

22. Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride

You do not have to travel outside the country to enjoy picturesque hot air balloon rides. Goa offers many hot air balloon packages in different locations. The entire experience lasts anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours. Balloons accommodate up to 10 people. You can also book a private balloon tour and enjoy the views.

Top hot air balloon ride providers:

• Hotairballooninginindia in Chandor, South Goa

• Tiger Balloon Safaris, Panjim

• Goatoursplanner, Assolda Grounds, South Goa

•  Cost: Starts at ₹10,000 per person

23. Volunteer for Animals

If you are an animal lover, then you can volunteer for the welfare of animals in the state and spend quality time with other animal-lovers from around the world. Volunteering can be for just one day or a couple of days or weeks.

Top animal welfare places to volunteer in Goa:

• Welfare for Animals in Goa (WAGS) in Siolim

• Panjim Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in Panjim

• International Animal Rescue in Assagao 

24. Have a Foot Massage on the Beach

Relax on a beach bed with a drink in hand. You are watching the waves and getting a relaxing foot massage! How amazing does this sound? Foot massages on the beach are a great way to unwind and to get rid of your stress. Try them out.

Beaches where you can enjoy foot massages by the sea:

• Candolim Beach

• Ashwem Beach

• Calangute Beach

• Baga Beach

25. Spot Grumpy Crocodiles

Crocodiles are amazing creatures and Goa is home to many of these humungous predators. You can catch a boat trip to spot Mugger Crocodiles that live in the calm waters around the state. Early mornings are the best time to spot these predators rested and serene.

• Best place to spot crocodiles: Cumbarjua Channel, Zuari River

• Best time to visit: Early mornings

• Costs: ₹ 1000 – ₹2000 per person

26. Get your taste bud tingling at The Goa Collective Bazaar

Are you a foodie? Then you should not miss the Goa Collective Bazaar! This is held every Friday and is a great flea market you will enjoy. There are food stalls that serve all kinds of cuisine here and you cannot resist gobbling plate after plate of delicacies.

• Location: Orzan Beach Road, Vagator

• Best time to visit: 3:00 PM to 2:00 AM

• Entry Fee: ₹ 100

27. Race Quad Bikes

Quad bikes are customised four-wheelers that can be ridden in all kinds of terrains and leaves you exhilarated and adrenaline-pumped. Race your friends on muddy tracks and off-road trails on powerful quad bikes. You will remember this experience for a long time.

• Location: Mandarem Beach

• Cost: Starts from ₹600 per bike

• Duration of the activity: 15-30 minutes

28. Feel Close to Nature in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary

The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected reserve and is also regarded as a Global Biodiversity Hotspot. You can spot rare and endangered fauna here like the jungle cat, dhole, Indian pangolin, and the Malabar flying frog. The sanctuary also houses, majestic Bengal Tigers.

• Location: Valpoi, North Goa

• Best time to visit: October to March

• Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

29. Take a Culinary Class

Want to impress your family and friends with your cooking skills? Take personalised cooking classes from the top chefs in Goa. You can learn to cook Portugal, Goan, and international dishes and also enjoy eating the fruits of your labour after the class.

Top cooking classes in Goa

• Rita’s Gourmet Goa classes in Dabolim

• Branca’s Cooking classes in Panaji

• Yoga Cooking classes in Patnem

• Rahul’s Cooking classes in Palolem

30. Rent a Private Villa

If you are in Goa for celebrating a special occasion, then rent a private villa, complete with concierge, housekeeping, and chef services and indulge in some much-needed luxury. Such private villas are away from the prying eyes of other guests and tourists and give you complete privacy. Some also have their own private beaches.

31. Party on the beach

Beach parties are quite common and very interesting in Goa. You can enjoy the colours and beauty of the state in such night parties. Most beach shacks turn into party houses after sunset. Enjoy visiting these with your friends and dance to the groove.

Top beach party destinations:

• Anthony’s Bar

  • Location: Baga beach

  • Timings: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM to 11:00 AM

  • Known for: Live karaoke, hookah, great seafood

• Café Lilliput

  • Location: Anjuna

  • Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 AM

  • Known for: Great drinks, fast food, awesome music

• Curlie’s Beach Shack

  • Location: Anjuna

  • Timings: 8:30 AM to 3:00 Am

  • Known for: Nightlife, hookahs, sea view

• Chronicle

  • Location: Little Vagator Beach

  • Timings: 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM

  • Known for: Live DJ, continental food, sea view

The list of things to do in Goa doesn’t end here. From cruises and houseboat rides on the Chapora River to cooking classes and hot air balloon rides, there is so much more to explore and experience. So, the best thing to do is to pack your bags and head off to Goa, and surrender yourself to all these experiences. Raed also – Places to Visit in Gao