Goa is akin to a tropical paradise: boasting gorgeous stretches of white sand beach, crystal clear waters, seafood, nightlife, parties, flea markets, majestic forts, lush palm trees, 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. The area is also known for its incredible historic and cultural heritage. Here we explore the best Things to Do and See in Goa.
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Things to Do and See in Goa
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 a 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.
Goa Diving
Goa Diving is a school for the adventurous. It is India’s first institution to offer PADI certificates (Scuba Diving Certification), teaching, amongst other things, the art of scuba diving to enthusiasts. In Goa, water sports are some of the most sought after activities, thanks to the area’s beautiful beaches; you might as well learn from the best in order to properly enjoy the seaside experience. With over 25 years of experience, Go Diving is the perfect place for both beginners and experienced divers, allowing a glimpse into a hidden, magical world.
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife is the perfect spot for those who are looking for a place to find peace and spend time with nature. The sanctuary features leopards, elephants, deer, and Indian bison, with the aim of tending to and conserving their species. The park is also a paradise for bird-watchers, given the sheer variety and number with which they flock together in the sanctuary. Private jeeps need to be arranged to explore the park, as the further inside you venture, the more you’ll find exotic species.
Boat rides
Things to Do and See in Goa- If there is one thing that Goa has been generously blessed with, it is beaches. It is therefore inevitable that the most sought after and enjoyable activity is the boat rides, be it for water sport, or for a leisurely romantic getaway. With several boat ride agencies to choose from, it is easy to find the one that best suits your tastes and your budget. Beaches like Morjun, Ashwen, Calangute, Panaji are well known for their boat rides, while the houseboat rides and dolphin rides are unmissable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Panaji: A relaxed state capital!
Panaji should occupy a place in your list of visiting places in Goa, not just because it’s the capital city, but because there are so many places that make for an incredible sightseeing tour. From taking a heritage walk in Fontainhas – the Latin Quarters to spending a day at Miramar Beach, this city promises you quality time. Ornithologists and bird lovers can also visit the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, situated just 7 kilometers from here & home to migratory birds as well as common & uncommon species of marsh dwelling birds.
Calangute
Calangute Beach is counted among the most beautiful beaches of Goa, and that is precisely why this town in Bardez district makes it to any Goa travel guide. On any given day on the beach, your eyes will meet scores of backpackers and tourists, all having a great time! There are shacks, lots of clubs, shows being held, open-air dances being performed and people enjoying adventure sports like parasailing and water skiing.
Anjuna: Still a bit hippy after all these years!
If you took a trip to Goa in the 1960s & visited the village of Anjuna, you would find yourself in the middle of trance parties, hippies in psychedelic colors & free-spirited backpackers. Today, you will find all sorts of tourists, both domestic & international, with some traces of that hippie era. One way of getting a feel of that is visiting the Flea Market, which opens on Wednesdays. You can lay hands on all kinds of stuff from sarongs, sandalwood & leather goods to crystals & stones. The other top place to visit is Anjuna Beach, comparatively less crowded among the other beaches in Goa. To experience the trance scene, visit it in the evening and head towards restaurants like Curlies or Shiva Valley.