Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Goa

When we hear and talk about Goa, a scene that revolves in our head is of beautiful beaches, Coconut trees, restaurants by the beach designed in French Style, and jolly people hanging around in casual light-coloured clothes with hats on top. Every one of us once in our lifetime has always dreamt about going on a trip to Goa with our friends, family members, and our loved ones. We will talk about top 10 tourist attractions in Goa in this article and explore other offbeat destinations in Goa as well that are hidden and worth visiting.

So, if you are someone who is planning to go on a trip to Goa anytime soon in near future, this article will definitely help you plan your trip better. Let’s talk about Top 10 tourist attractions in Goa.

Dudhsagar falls: Among the top 10 tourist attractions in Goa

Dudhsagar falls located on the Mandovi river in the state of Goa is the first among the top attractions to visit in Goa. This waterfall is highly captivating and breathtaking. Dudhsagar Falls is in Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary. The nearest railway station to reach this waterfall is from Castle rock Karnataka. From this Railway station, visitors can deboard at dudhsagar falls railway trek.

The trekking from this way is now prohibited looking at the safety and is a punishable offence.

Another way to reach Dudhsagar falls is to contact the local association and head to the falls. when trekking with this local Association, you will get to see the full view of Dudhsagar falls that is not possible when you trek from railway trek side.

Palolem Beach at Canacona

Another beautiful destination that travellers can visit during their trip to Goa is Palolem Beach in southern Goa. Palolem beach is beautiful and less visited. The beach is just a mile long that is around 1.6 kilometres. You can easily stroll around the whole beach.

The beach is inhabited by both local fishermen and foreigners who live near the seashore or in the main village. Palolem beach water is the shallowest in the beginning and gradually becomes deeper.

The beach is shallow at the northern side making it safer for the new swimmers to swim and have fun.

How to reach Palolem Beach in Canacona

The nearest airport to reach palolem beach is Dabolim Airport just around 67 kilometres away and the nearest railway station is Canacona which can easily be reached by Mudgaon junction railway station in just 25 to 30 minutes.

Buses are also available between Canacona and Kadamba Transport Corporation in Margao Bus Depot. The nearest Bus depot is Canacona bus depot.

Colva Beach

Colva is a village on the shore of the Arabian sea in the southern part of Goa. It is located 40 kilometres away from the capital of Goa, Panji. Colva Beach is quite popular for its white sand pristine beaches and is equipped with all the modern facilities like AC resorts and cottages, Restaurants, Coffee shops and many more.

On this Beach, you will see everyone like Indian and foreign tourists, and locals roaming from here to there in colourful clothes, playing in waves, taking photos, and having sun bath on the beach.

The beach with panoramic view, crystal clear still water, white sand and coconut trees is really beautiful for honeymoon couples to spend quality time with each other. You can also enjoy drinks and candle light dinner under the twinkling sky with full moon light.

How to Reach

Colva beach is not too far from the capital Panji. It is just 40 kilometres away and can be reached easily within 2 hours of time.

The nearest Airport is Dabolim Airport and the nearest railway station is Madgaon Junction Railway station only 8 kilometres away from Colva beach.

If you are willing to go by road, buses, Shared taxis, rental bikes, autos are available from Margao to Colva.

Aguada Fort

Amidst beautiful beaches with coconut trees, Goa also has some history for its visitors. You can visit Aguada fort for a refreshing experience and to witness the beautiful Arabian sea and sunset. Aguada Fort was built in 1612 to guard against dutches. It is a portuguese fort. The fort also has a lighthouse.

The first and original lighthouse was built in 1864 which served for over a century and another light house was made in 1976.

Aguada fort was used for ships to park inside the fort. The name Aguada is derived from the Portuguese word Agua which means water. The sailors used to come here to replenish their water storage with fresh water sources.

There is also a resort nearby the fort. Aguada Jail is also here. The distance of Aguada fort from other beaches and the capital Panji is not too much. When you come to visit Goa, you must include this Beautiful fort in your itinerary.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

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Bondla wildlife sanctuary is in Ponda Taluka in Goa. The sanctuary is home to many species like Indian bison, Giant squirrel, sambar deer, Indian peafowl and many more.

Bondla wildlife sanctuary is quite popular among tourists and school children as well.

It compasses the smallest zoo. It is paradise for nature lovers and those who want to take a stroll around different beautiful plants, beautiful flowers, and different flora and fauna.

Bonda wildlife sanctuary provides shelter to the leopards who have been injured in human-wildlife clashes and it is an ideal place for breeding of gaur too.

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhagwan Mahavir Wilidlife sanctuary is situated on the way to Belgaum in Mollem, Goa. It is situated on the Main road, and when you enter the main gate and walk a few metres there is a lord Buddha statue in the middle of the garden.

This is the largest wildlife sanctuary in goa with an area of 270 sqkm. Bhagwan mahavir wildlife sanctuary comprises mollem national park. The sanctuary is home to different species like Leopards, elephants, deer, gaurs and Indian bison.

You can rent private jeep for jungle safari to go through the thick forests of the sanctuary to spot the animals. This place is also a paradise for the bird lovers as the sanctuary is situated on the foot hills of western ghats. Western ghats are thick forests and known for its bio diversity. you will spot very rare species of birds and animals if you are lucky enough.

How to reach

Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary is located in Mollem village in sanguem Taluka in the indian state of Goa. The wildlife sanctuary is just around 70 kilometres away from panjim kadamba bus stand and 45 kilometres from Margao Railway station.

Calangute Beach in Calangute Village

Calangute is a village in north Goa District of Goa. The beach has its name after the name of village Calangut. The beach is quite popular among all be they local people, Indian tourists, or Foreigners. You will see crowd in all seasons here. A number of reclining chairs with umbrellas are queued up on the sea shore.

The beach is also a good place for adventurers as it offers water sports like parasailing, surfing, Jet skiing, and Kayaking and several other water sports. The current of waves is very strong at this beach.

During the night, people sing, dance, party and have fun together. You will not feel bored even for a second here even in the night.

On the way to Calangute beach, there are a variety of options for shopping, so many eateries, and many more.

Calangute beach is easily accessible from all parts of Goa. It is just a few kilometres away from Panjim.

The beach is also known as the Queen of Beaches in Goa. Christmas, New year, and summer are the peak times when the place is very much stuffed with tourists.

Anjuna Beach

Anjuna beach is another happening destination for tourists in Goa. It has everything for everyone. Visitors along with their families come here to enjoy themselves. Couples come to celebrate and foreign tourists flock around the beach to have a sunbath. This beach is also good for water sports lovers to enjoy different water sports activities.

There is a popular nightclub at Anjuna beach. A lot of eateries to enjoy local Goan food, Shopping options to shop clothes, accessories, handicrafts and so many other stuff.

On full moon night, people party here and dance together to enjoy their holidays.

How to reach

Anjuna Beach is just 18 kilometres away from Panji and it can easily be accessed by auto rickshaws and rented bikes and scooties.

Butterfly Beach

Butterfly beach is another among the top 10 tourist attractions in Goa to visit. This beach is not directly connected to the mainland. You have to take a ferry to reach Butterfly beach hence it is secluded, not so crowded and pristine.

The beach is also called honeymoon beach. You will experience serenity here, beautiful white sand beach, different species of butterflies, and you can also spot dolphins here.

The location with bluish water is picture perfect. The beach is surrounded by lush green wild forests and rocks. visitors can also enjoy sightings of different butterflies here.

Arvalem Waterfalls

Nestled in north Goa and just a few kilometres away from Kadamba Bus Terminal, Arvalem also known as Harvalem is a beautiful waterfalls. The waterfalls form a pool at its base which is perfect for swimming and other water sports activities. The waterfalls fall from a height of 50 metres paints a really beautiful view to look at and to have pictures clicked.

The place is ideal for short trips like family picnic. There is a lord Shiva temple nearby the waterfalls and also there is a park where people can sit peacefully and enjoy.

Some other offbeat destinations to visit in Goa

Anjuna Flea Market

Anjuna Flea market is held at Anjuna beach every wednesday. The market has every thing from clothes, jewellery, handicrafts to shoes, accessories, show pieces, home decors. Every wednesday, the market is adorned with different stalls selling attractive stuff to lure buyers. This market is definitely worth visiting.

Chapora Fort

If you are a history lover, dont worry you won’t be disappointed in Goa. Once been the witness of many battles, Chapora Fort is beautiful and must visit tourist locations to visit in Goa. Chapora fort is situated on the banks of Chapora river. The place is beautiful and worth visiting.

Final words about Top 10 tourist attractions in Goa

Goa has so much to offer to its visitors as per their mood, interest and choice. Here, you can enjoy everything from serene and calm beaches to noisy discos and dance clubs. From beautiful crowded markets to less crowded beaches adorned with palm and coconut trees.

Places here give you vibes of Europe and make you feel like you are out of India. Visitors can enjoy western life style here, have beers, dance joyfully, savour multi cuisine offered by top restaurants here that are run by Foreigners.

If you plan to visit Goa, you must include these places in your itinerary and enjoy with your loved ones.

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