Best Things to Do in Goa

How do you start your Goa trip? Beach hopping at the Beach Capital of India! Goa has some of India’s most stunning and popular beaches. These include beaches like Palolem, Baga, and Calangute which are famous for their party vibes.  But if you are the kind who prefers quiet off-beat beaches in the lap of nature, then Arambol, Betalbatim, and Butterfly are great options. You can also check yourself into a beach-facing luxury resort, or book yourself a private and secluded beachfront villa.

Dudhsagar means “Sea of Milk.” India’s biggest waterfall is located on the Mandovi River along the lovely Belgaum-Vasco Da Gama rail route. The area is part of the Mollem National Park. Standing at over 300 meters (1020 feet) tall and 30 meters (100 feet) wide, the Dudhsagar Falls is a natural miracle and a visual spectacle. We recommend that you. The only way to get to is to take the train to Castlerock station. A dip at this base is a must-do thing in Goa. You can also go on a jeep safari in the nearby national park.

Built in the 1590s, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest in the Konkan region of India. Housing the remains of St Francis Xavier, this Catholic Basilica is revered as an important pilgrimage center. It is nestled in Velha Goa “Old Goa” which was the capital of the Portuguese colony in India. A blend of Portuguese colonial and baroque architectures, it is regarded as one of the “Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World.” Visiting this grand heritage site is a must do thing in Goa.

In a land of beaches and the blue waters of the Arabian Sea, it would be a mistake not to go on exciting adventures. There are so many kinds of water sports activities that you can enjoy in Goa. A few we recommend are scuba diving, jetskiing, speedboating, banana riding, and parasailing.Upstate, away from the beaches, lie the float backwaters of Goa, where you can go on a floaty kayaking experience and explore the mangroves full of exotic avian life and birds.

Fort Aguada was built in the 17th century by the Portuguese, and it is still one of the most preserved forts in the state. Located on Sinquerim Beach, it overlooks the Arabian Sea and has been designated as a “Monument of National Importance in Goa.” It played a key role in the colonial maritime rivalry between the Portuguese and the Dutch. Its lighthouse was at the time of its construction the tallest in Asia. At the height of its glory, the fort had 80 cannons mounted on its grandstand. It had secret underground passages dug through it...

You can explore Goa on a Walking Heritage Tour or hire an expert guide to give you a run-down of the key cultural and historical landmarks. Or, if you prefer to be spontaneous, hire a bike, and explore the city. Visit the old city. Explore the Basilicas of the colonial era. Check out the temples. Explore the fort. Pedal through busy bazaars and explore the local life. And, enjoy local food.

Fish curries, fried fish, kingfish, mussels, oysters, pomfrets, fish-curry-rice—the range of seafood on offer in Goa is mouth-watering and hard to resist. A seafood adventure in the Pearl of the Orient is an absolute must. Everything comes fresh from the Arabian Sea! We recommend famous Goan seafood dishes like Mackerel Recheado, Crab Xec Xec, Prawn Balchao, and Goan Rava Fried Fish.

The Anjuna Flea Market is a colorful bazaar located in North Goa. Frequented by hippies and bohemian travelers, it is the go-to place for visitors and locals to buy ethnic handicrafts, hippie clothes, trinkets, ornaments, and other curious items at a throwaway price. Anjuna has a mini market known for its Tibetan handloom, trinkets, singing bowls, etc. Other items you can get include Macrame Jewellery, tribal masks, headgear, bikinis, and beaded jewelry.

As the hub for hippies from all across the world, a thriving tattoo scene has emerged in Goa in recent years. Tattoo exhibitions, conventions, and events are held throughout the year in Goa where tattoo artists blend together traditional Indian tribal tattooing traditions with modern tattoo artistry.  There are many top-notch Tattoo studios where you can get yourself tattooed by high-quality artists. The outlets we recommend are Krish Tattoo Studio (Calangute) and Angel Tatoo (Baga). 

Located in a Portuguese heritage house in Assagao North Goa, Gunpowder is Goa’s coolest restaurant that specializes in South Indian cuisine. There are so many vegetarian and non-vegetarian options that you can try. The eatery prides itself on its Pandi curry, prawn dishes, and Malabar Parotta. Make sure you ask for the signature Goan spiritous liquor Feni at Gunpowder. Try both the Cashew Feni and the Coconut Feni. The property also has an out of “People Tree” which is known for its handmade jewelry, handicrafts, and boho clothing.

Panjim (also known as Panaji), the capital of the state of Goa was previously the headquarters of the Portuguese colony. Located on the banks of the Mandovi River, Panjim’s landscape is characterized by terraced hills, Portuguese heritage sites, baroque architecture, and avenues dotted with Gulmohar and Acacia trees. It is also the site for the Goa Carnival. A heritage walk in Panjim is like winding the clock back into an era of colonial intrigue and prestige. Must-visit places in Panjim include the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church of Our Lady of the...

Roll the dice at a casino in Goa and try your luck. Aside from its nightclub, Goa has a major casino circuit where high-end games like Baccarat, Roulette, Mini flush, and Black Jacks are played. Be careful though, don’t go all in. Just enjoy the experience, and do not get carried away.

There is an old Banyan tree in the village of Saligao in Goa that everyone in the village is scared of. It is believed to be haunted. The village is located off the beaten track in north Goa near Panji. The spirit of Christalina, a woman from the village, haunts the tree. A Padre once strayed here at night and disappeared with no trace. When he was recovered four days later, he spoke in the voice of Christalina. There are also many other historical landmarks in the village that you can explore: Mater Dei Institution, Mae De...

No other place in India can lay a claim to be the party capital of India like Goa. It has the coolest beaches, the hippest discos, and the most popular clubs in India. The clubs and discos are where you’ll find most of the international tourists hanging out. The most popular destinations to party hard in Goa are SinQ, Hammerz, Tito’s Bar & Club, Purple Martini, and Hammerz.

Viva Carnival or Goa Carnival is the biggest event of its kind in India. It is the Goan version of the Portuguese Carnival of Madiera. It is usually celebrated in the month of February (occasionally March) and features a parade with horse-drawn carriages, bull carts, dancing troupes, mask-wearing revelers, loud music, floats, and lots of drinking and dancing. If you are in town in Goa in Feb/March, be sure to stick around for the Carnival and be a part of the festivity.