Go To Goa

Goa Tourism

Lying on the western coast, Goa is India's smallest state and unlike any other, known for its white-sand beaches, stellar nightlife, eclectic seafood, world-heritage listed architecture. Spread across just 3,702 km, Goa lies in the Konkan region. It is a far cry from the hippie haven or a beach getaway, and one of the only few destinations that is open 24x7. The laid-backness (susegad) of Goa attracts as many international tourists as it does Indians, or even more so.

The Goans are quite friendly towards tourists and celebrate many festivals throughout the year, the most famous being the New Year and Goa Carnival. While the seafood is excellent, Goa has one of the best nightlife in India with trendy bars, beach shacks, elegant cafes and many clubs and discotheques. Thanks to lower alcohol prices in the state, Goa is also great for younger tourists with relatively tighter pockets.

For those of us perpetually confused between North Goa and South Goa, this might help - the state of Goa is divided into North Goa and South Goa. While North Goa is the nightlife hub where all the touristy beaches, flea markets, and beach shacks are located, South Goa is the land of luxurious resorts and laid-back beach vibes.

Panjim, the capital city located in the centre overlooks the calm Mandovi River where the famous floating casinos of Goa are docked. The centre is well-connected with an international airport and roads and trains run from North to South part of Goa.

With a coastline stretching for over 100 kilometres, Goa has endless beaches. While Baga and Calangute are more popular among the Indian family crowd, Anjuna and Arambol draw a lot of foreign tourists. The beaches in South Goa are relatively lesser explored, but some of them like Agonda and Palolem are more beautiful.

10 Places To Must Visit In Goa

1. Calangute Beach
2. Basilica of Bom Jesus
3. Fort Aguada
4. Baga Beach
5. Cruise in Goa

6. Dudhsagar Falls
7. Scuba Diving in Goa

8. Dona Paula

9. Chapora Fort

10. Monastery Of St Augustine

 

The Queen of Beaches"

Calangute Beach, Goa Overview

Situated 15 km from Panjim, Calangute Beach is the longest beach in North Goa, stretching from Candolim to Baga. Due to its sheer size and popularity, it is a hub for tourists and backpackers from all over the world.

Popular as the "Queen of Beaches", the Calangute Beach of Goa is among the top ten bathing beaches in the world. Being one of the busiest and most commercial beaches of Goa, it is swarming with eating joints, shacks and clubs serving cocktails, beer and seafood. The Calangute Beach is also known for its water sports activities like parasailing, water surfing, banana ride and jet-skiing.

While the days here are filled with beach fun, nights call for upbeat parties and letting your hair down. Calangute is also popular for staying in Goa as it keeps you well-connected to the other beaches in the north such as Baga, Anjuna, Candolim, Aguada and many more.

Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa Overview

The Basilica of Bom Jesus Church located in Goa is one of a kind in India and is known for its exemplary baroque architecture. Built in 1594 and consecrated in 1605, the building of this church coincides with the beginning of Christianity in India. The church is located in Old Goa in Bainguinim about 10 km away from Panjim. The oldest church in Goa, it holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, a special friend of St. Ignatius Loyola with whom he founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Even after 400 years, the remains are in good condition and are taken out once every decade.

A site with rich cultural and religious significance, the Basilica of Bom Jesus has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Literally translating to 'Holy Jesus', this is the only church in Old Goa that is not been plastered on the outside. The facade of the church has triangular roofing which is delicately carved with the initials 'IHS', which is an abbreviation for Jesuit emblem meaning 'Jesus, Saviour of Men'.

Inside, the floor of the Basilica is made of marble mosaic with precious stones, giving it a solemn appearance. The interior is embellished with a screen that runs from the floor to the ceiling and has the image of St. Ignatius Loyola protecting an infant Jesus. Above all is the image of the Holy Trinity, which is the most sacred symbol in Christianity. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is over 408 years old and is open to the public every day.

"A Fortress of Tranquility"

Fort Aguada, Goa Overview

Fort Aguada is a 17th-century Portuguese fort looking out at the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. The crumbling ramparts of the fort stand on the Sinquerim Beach, approximately 18 km from Panjim. The highlight of the fort is a lone four-storey lighthouse (which is one-of-its-kind in Asia )and a stunning view of the sunset.

Built-in 1612 as a protection from Dutch and Marathas, Fort Aguada was the most prized and crucial fort for the Portuguese and covers the entire peninsula at the southwestern tip of Bardez. The fort is so named after the Portuguese Word for water i.e. 'Agua' and used to be a replenishing source of freshwater for sailors. In fact, it has the capacity to hold 2,376,000 gallons of water and was one of the biggest freshwater reservoirs of Asia.

Fort Aguada has also been used as Aguada jail. A statue in front of the jail salutes the freedom fighters, giving the fort a touch of patriotism.

"The Home of Nightlife "

Baga Beach, Goa Overview

One of the most popular beaches in North Goa, Baga Beach is located close to Calangute beach, around 30 Km North of Panjim. Baga is the perfect destination to witness the dazzling nightlife of Goa as signature places such as Britto's, Tito's and Mambos are located in the vicinity. Being one of the most visited beaches in the North, Baga also offers a vast range of water sports.

Baga is so named after the 'Baga creek' which flows into the Arabian Sea. It is also famous for its designer stores as well as its street-side markets. While at Baga, grab a sumptuous breakfast at Infantaria - a highly recommended eatery, relax by the beach all day, and in the evening let the party animal in you come alive. Baga Beach is considered to be the extension of Calangute Beach itself since both of these lies on the same stretch of the shore.

Lined with an array of tattoo parlours, tarot shops, palmistry shops, spas, sun decks and some legendary shacks, it gives you a chance to live out your perfect beach holiday. If you are not a party person, you also have the option of starting your mornings with some beach Yoga, having a nutritious breakfast by the sea, and then just spend the day reading quietly on beach recliner. There is something for every kind of traveller in Baga!

“A Journey through the Rivers of Goa"

Goa Cruise, Goa Overview

Cruise in Goa allows one to explore the exotic scenery, pristine waters and marvel the breathtaking view of the sunset. There are several types of cruises in Goa ranging from simple evening cruises, elaborate and romantic dinner cruises, backwater cruises, and casino cruises. All of these usually originate from Miramar Beach in Panjim.

Several Goa cruises also offer dinner options along with guaranteed fun and entertainment activities are carried through the day depending upon the daytime, sunset and moonlight. Booking a cruise getaway in Goa is fairly simple as a number of them also offer online booking options. Depending on your requirements and time that you want to spend on the boats, you can choose a package that suits you the best.

"The Flowing Cascade of Milk"

Dudhsagar Falls, Goa Overview

One of India's tallest waterfalls, the Dudhsagar Falls is located inside the Mollem National Park. The majestic falls are a little farther inland approximately 60 km from Panaji on the Goa - Karnataka Border. Literally translating to Sea of Milk , the 310 m high waterfall is divided into four tiers on the Mandovi river and resemble a heavy rush of milk flowing effortlessly down the hill.

While most people arrive at the Dudhsagar falls by jeep or by their own private transport from Panaji and nearby areas, others choose to visit the falls through a train journey or by trekking. The famous Dudhsagar Railway trek is closed to the public but the trek to the lower falls is still open.

The Dudhsagar falls should be visited during the monsoon when it is in full flow and the surrounding deciduous forests are at their verdant best. However, reaching the falls during monsoon if difficult and it is closed if the water level gets too high.

Scuba Diving in Goa - 5 Best Places and Operators Cheap Scuba Diving

There's something about Goa which will make you want to go back repeatedly. The beaches, pristine blue with golden sand is a sight one can imagine with their eyes closed. But there's so much more to Goa than the tranquil beaches. While spending a day at the beach is a standard (and most fun to do) activity in, how about some exploration beyond and beneath the beaches. There exists another world under the sea and what's better than scuba diving to give the underwater realm and gaze at the submerged life.

If you seek an unmatched experience, scuba diving is the ideal activity that will open up a portal into a world so surreal that it often surpasses even the wildest imaginations. Scuba diving is not just about swimming alongside pretty fishes. There exists an uncharted territory waiting for you to explore. It is indeed a sensational experience indescribable in words.

So, if you are in Goa and have always wanted to traverse the milieu underneath, here are the best places to go for Scuba Diving in Goa:

#. Grande Island 

 

Grande Island is famous for providing one of a kind experience when it comes to snorkelling and scuba diving in Goa. With a depth ranging from 7-20 meters, the place offers some excellent dive spots to choose from. Whether it's your first time or the tenth, Grande Island packs adventure for all divers ranging from beginners to world-class. Once you are inside the magical underwater world, you will come across a plethora of fishes, skates, sea turtles, shellfish, dolphins and exotic and colourful corals. You'll get all kinds of certified diving packages here, pick the one which suits you the most. Grand Island is located just off the coast to Vasco De Gama and is only an hour-long ride away (more or less - depending on where you board the boat from).

Best Diving Sites:

1. Suzy's wreck (4-15m) - Goa being a major seaport since the earlier ages, the Suzy diving site is known for a sunken British ship which went down in the 1930s. To this day, you can find parts of the cargo when you go for a dive. The boat rests on the bottom of a small bay, covered with mussels and small corals. Angelfishes, snappers, parrotfishes, stonefish are a common sight.

2. Umma Gumma Reef (15m) - if you are a perfectionist into diving then this place is for you. One of the most popular scuba diving destination in Goa, the Reef of Uma Guma offers a charismatic insight to marine species like the tunas, sharks, snappers, porcupinefishes etc. The hard coral reefs at the place bring out a spectacular vision to senses.

3.Davy Jones Locker (15m)- Excel at scuba diving? Davy Jones is another sunken ship to get your hands on. Almost 14 meters in length, the vessel is a living ground for large fishes like tuna, mullets, and jack. Be prepared for the thrills and chills as the current here is strong.

4. Sail Rock (20m) - Things at Sail Rock are challenging which gives you all the more reasons to dive here. Marine life and corals are present here in humongous amounts. But keep in mind that this dive spot is only for the maestros.

Best time to visit: October to February is the perfect time to visit. Other times, it's just too hot or too rainy.

Price: Diving costs here start from INR 3,000 and go up to INR 16,000

#. Pigeon Island

 

Pigeon Island has some excellent scuba diving sites for you to try. Located on West coast off Murudheswar, the island can be reached by taking a 1-hour boat ride from Murudeshwar in Karnataka and is 100kms away from Goa. If seen from above, the island would appear to be heart-shaped, the reason why it is fondly known as 'heart of India's diving'.

Best Diving Sites: Pebble Beach, Grand Central, The Trawler, Dive Goddess, Nursery

Best Time to Visit: October - April end

Price: Diving here would cost around INR 4990 per person which also includes the boat ride to the Island.

#. Malvan

 

Often compared to the beautiful island of Tahiti, Malvan is a fantastic experience for those who seek to go scuba diving in Goa, thanks to its pretty white sand beaches. A 2-hour drive from Dabolim Airport (Goa), Malvan has it all. Pristine beaches with water sports, boat rides through a rocky sea to hidden islands, a point where the river and sea meet, breathtaking mountain views in the background, mouthwatering food, warm people and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Malvan sets a jovial mood for scuba diving. Whether you an amateur swimmer or the next best thing after Michael Phelps, this place has something for everyone. With a depth starting from 5 meters and going till 25, and marine animals and corals of all kinds, you, my friend, are in for a treat.

Price: The cost of scuba diving is only INR 2500 and is cheaper than other places in Goa

Best time to visit: October - April end

#. Sao Gorge Island

Located just 25 km from Goa, this exotic Island can be reached within one and a half hours by boat. If this is your first time, Gorge Island is the ideal place for you as the dives here are all shallow, ranging from 4 meters - 15 meters. This ultimate diving destination is majestic, intriguing. Want to overcome the fear of water? This is the place to be. Blessed with an abundant underwater world of hard corals and numerous fishes, you can enjoy a very relaxing dive. The visibility around the Island varies from 10 meters to few feet.

Best dive sites: The dive sites have different names, but are all located on these islands
Best time to visit: October - May
Price: The pricing starts from as low as INR 3500

#. Nagoa, Goa

This delightful scuba diving in Nagoa is designed keeping first-timers in mind. Just beyond the shore lie cold, azure waters, beautiful coves, and millions of fish. The visibility in the water is pretty good so plan an adventure-packed diving trip with your loved ones here. Nagoa is located approximately 11 km north of the South Goa district headquarters Margão, 17 km south-east of Vasco da Gama and 22 km south-east of the state capital Panjim.

Best time to visit: October- May

Price: The pricing starts at INR 5000

Scuba Diving Operators

Goa is always looking out for the best experiences sorted out for you! Here are some of the operators you could get in touch with for your perfect scuba diving in Goa trip. Prices sited below are starting prices and booking details for non-scuba divers and first-timers.

1. Goa Safari

Timings: 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM

Location: Cabin no. A-7, Maddo Vaddo, Calangute, Goa - 403516

Packages: Begin at INR 2100

Booking: https://www.goasafari.com/

2. Tours of Goa

Timings: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Location: Tours of Goa, Sautavaddoo Calangute Bardez Goa, Goa 403516.

Packages: Start at INR 2500

Booking: https://goatoursplanner.com/goa-day-trips/scuba-diving-goa/

3. Atlantis Watersports

Timings:7:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Location: Shop No 12, Simplex Chamber, Umta Waddo, Near Baga Circle, Next To RBL Bank, Calangute, Goa - 403516

Packages: Start at INR 4000

Booking: https://atlantiswatersports.com/

4. Dive Goa

This operator provides SSI (Scuba Schools International) and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified scuba courses for scuba diving in Goa.

Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Location: SinQ Night Club, Opposite Taj Holiday Village, Aguada - Siolim Road, Candolim, Goa - 403515

Packages: INR 4000 (20-minute dive) and INR 5500 (40-minute dive)

Booking: https://divegoa.com/

5. Goa diving

Goa diving offers professional PADI courses as well.

Location: Close to John Seagull's Restaurant, Bogmalo Beach, Bimtan Bogmalo Road, Chiconla, Vasco da Gama, Goa - 403806

Packages: INR 9000 (4 dives for 2 days)

Booking: http://goadiving.com/

6. Goa Darshan Tours and Travels

Timings: 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM

Location: Opp Meera Hotel, Next to Citrus Hotel Just Near, Calangute - Baga Road, Calangute, Goa - 403516

Packages: Starts at INR 3300

Booking: http://www.goadarshan.net/

7. Sea Watersports

Timings: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Location: 101, Angelos Guest House, Near PR Enterprise, Saunta Vaddo Next to Britto's, Baga Beach, Bardez, Goa- 403516

Packages: Begin at INR 2500

Booking: https://www.seawatersports.com/

8. Flying Fish Scuba Diving Resort

Open 24 hours

Location: GTDC Calangute residency goa, Goa 403516

Packages: Start at INR 4000

Booking: https://www.flyingfish.in/

9. Goa Tours and Travels

Location: Near Sai service, Journalist Colony, Porvorim, Panaji, Goa - 403521

Packages: Start at INR 2500

Booking: https://goatoursandtrvels.wixsite.com/scubadivingtouropera

10. Scuba Evolution Pvt Ltd

Location: H. No. 840, Villa Sorronto, D'Mello Vaddo Anjuna Starco Junction, Anjuna, Goa 403509

Packages: Starts at INR 4900

Booking: http://www.scubaevolutionindia.com/

11. Scuba Diving Goa

Location: Calangute Car Parking, Umta Vaddo, Near Hotel Embassy Suites, Calangute, Goa - 403516

Packages: Starts at INR 2500

Booking: https://goaadventure.in/

12. Aquasports Goa

Timings: 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM

Location: Shop No. 6, Verekar Complex, Calangute Beach Road, Near State Bank of India, Calangute, Goa 403516

Packages: Begins at INR 2800

Booking: http://aquasportsgoa.com/

So, now that you know about the best places for scuba diving in Goa pack your swimsuit, sunglasses and lots of sunscreen because its time to head to Goa and tick scuba diving off your bucket list.

"A Monument Honoring Love"

Dona Paula, Goa Overview

Located around 7kms from Panjim, Dona Paula is one of the most popular tourist hangouts in Goa famous for its vast stretch of beach. The small beach is also popular as the Lover's Paradise and features a jetty (Dona Paula Jetty) adjacent to it, which provides an ethereal view of the Arabian Sea and Mormugao harbour. Another attraction here is the whitewashed statue, called 'Image of India', depicting Mother India and Young India.

The Dona Paula is named after then Goa Viceroy's daughter Dona Paula de Menezes in honour of her tragic love story. She is believed to have fallen in love with a local fisherman but was denied to get married by the Viceroy. This led to her jumping from a cliff which is flanked by and named as Dona Paula.

Dona Paula Beach also is the meeting point of the Zuari and Mandovi Rivers and is beautified by fronds of palm trees breaking the silvery shimmer of the beach sand. The beach is popular for the host of water sports. Dona Paula is also popular as a shooting site. The most prominent Bollywood films shot here are Ek Guje ke Liye and Singham.

Dil Chahta Hai Fort" Chapora Fort, Goa Overview

Chapora Fort, located 10 km away from Mapusa, is undeniably one of the most famous forts in Goa. Built by the Portuguese in 1717, Chapora Fort has a long and fascinating history attached to it. More popularly known as the 'Dil Chahta Hai Fort', its claim to fame was the 2001 Bollywood blockbuster shot here. A scintillating escape, it offers beautiful views of the sea and Chapora River.
The fortifications around the current location of Chapora Fort existed long before the Portuguese even landed in Goa. It was originally built by Muslim ruler Adil Shah and was called Shahpura. The fort was later reconstructed by the Portuguese who named it Chapora, after the Chapora River that flows right alongside it. The highlight of the fort is the breathtaking view of the adjoining Vagator beach overlooking the Arabian Sea, especially at sunset. However, reaching the top of the now-ruined fort requires a steep 10-minute climb.

Chapora Fort has passed through the possession of numerous rulers over a long period of time, right from the Portuguese to the Marathas and the ruins tell a story of their own! You can still see the entry points of the two tunnels that were built by the Portuguese to use as an escape in times of emergency.

Monastery Of St Augustine, Goa Overview

 
Monastery Of St. Augustine is a 17th century structure, believed to be built by the Augustinian friars but today, mostly seen in ruins. The dilapidated but splendid tower of the church can be seen from a distance and one can gauge the grandiosity of the monastery when it was completely intact. It is considered as one of the biggest churches and an important tourist attraction in the state.

Anjuna Flea Market, Goa Overview

Considered a treasure trove of trinkets, handicrafts, hippie clothing, souvenirs and everything else from cheap bags to footwear and junk jewellery, Anjuna Flea Market is a shopper’s paradise. Offering a multiple range of products from Keralan spices, to Kashmiri jewellery, wooden toys from Karnataka to Jimi Hendrix t-shirts, the market is a must-visit place for a true Goan experience. In addition to that, you can also find second hand bikes, cellphones, cameras etc. Held from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM every Wednesday on the shores of the Anjuna Beach, the market is one of the most popular and sought-after markets in Goa.
Besides the trinkets and regular knick-knacks, the markets also holds live music and performances by bands from time to time. In addition to that, you can relish amazing sea-food and cold beer from the shacks on the beach. Originally, the flea market covered a small area on the beach but nowadays it sprawls from the golden shores back to the paddy fields with umpteen stalls selling tidbits. Taking a tour of this age-old market is the popular tradition and one of the best things to do when in Goa.

Church of St. Cajetan, Goa Overview

 
This church has a significant resemblance with the St. Peters Basilica in Rome. On the left, there are three altars dedicated to the Holy Family, Our Lady of Piety and St.Clare and the right-side altars are dedicated to St. Agnes, St. Cajetan and St. John. Though the building is 300 years old, it has been wonderfully preserved and is still visited in large numbers by Catholic devotees and tourists alike.
The Church of Saint Cajetan is the church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman built in the second half of the 17th century. Initially called the Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence the church is a part of the World heritage site, churches, and convents. One of the must-visits of Goa, the church is admired for its wonderful and graceful architecture that reminds you of Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. The only surviving domed structure in Goa, the beautiful tourist destination is named after the founder of the Theatine order, St. Cajetan even though the church is dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence.

#. Ideal duration for Goa : 3-7 days

#. Best Time: November - February