Nomad Saikat
Located in the south western region of India, Goa, the smallest state in India, is a paradise for tourists. Other than the famous beaches and the happening parties and nightlife, Goa also has a number of tourist places to visit. The tourists in Goa come with diverse interests and the state offers a good variety too. One can enjoy the beaches, party and water activities here, which are very popular. However Goa has a different side as well that offers beautiful forts, temples, waterfalls and lakes. In this article I have added the best places in Goa that you need to visit whenever you visit there. These places to visit in Goa will provide you a change in the way you look at Goa. So keep on reading about the popular Goa destinations that are a must visit.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Dudhsagar Waterfalls location: Sonaulim, Goa
Dudhsagar Waterfalls ticket price: Rs.20
Dudhsagar Waterfalls timings: 7am to 5 pm
The Dudhsagar Waterfalls in Goa is one of the five highest waterfalls in India. 60 km away from Goa, the waterfall is falling from a height of 310 metres and with 100 ft width. On the Goa Karnataka border this fall is quite a sight for the tourists. It is a four tier waterfall that looks splendid. This was always a popular sight but after the 2013 blockbuster movie Chennai Express, this waterfall became even more popular among tourists. The waterfall got its name Dudhsagar because it looks like milk pouring out of the mountain. You can enjoy trekking, camping and even swimming there.
The best time to visit is from October to May as the waterfall looks beautiful after the monsoon. You should avoid visiting there during monsoon because the jeep safari remains closed at that time. The Jeep Drive to Dudhsagar Waterfall from Castle Rock is Rs.400 per person. You can only reach there via this jeep ride.
Shri Bhagwati Temple in Goa
Shri Bhagvati Temple location: Parshem City, Goa
Shri Bhagvati Temple ticket price: Entry is free
Shri Bhagvati Temple timings: 5 am to 12 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm
This is one of the famous religious sites in Goa that is visited by a lot of tourists. The temple is dedicated to Bhagavati Devi who is reincarnation of Devi Parvati. Bhagvati Devi here is worshipped in the “Astabhuja” form that is having 8 hands. This is one of the ancient temples that you can find in Goa. It is believed that this temple is almost 500 years old and is one of the few temples that survived Portuguese rule. The temple entrance has two life size stone carved elephants that look marvelous. The temple is visited more during important festivals and events. Dussehra is the main festival and almost 25000 visitors attend the festival annually.
Chapora Fort in Goa
Chapora Fort location: Vagator Beach, Goa
Chapora Fort ticket price: There is no entry fee
Chapora Fort timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
One of the most popular Goa destinations for tourists is the Chapora Fort. It offers a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea in front. Also you can notice the adjoining Chapora and Anjuna Beaches from there. It is a laterite fort that serves as a scenic beauty. The emergency roadways and underground tunnels built during the Portuguese rule are interesting things to explore there. To reach the top you will have to climb the stairs for at least 10 minutes. For the best view try visiting during the morning.
Although the fort is in ruins now, this is still a popular place for the tourists. The fort is also known as the Dil Chahta Hai Fort after a chunk of this film was shot here in 2001. The Bollywood buffs still frequent this fort to catch a glimpse of this fort.
Cabo Fort in Goa
Cabo Fort location: Canacona, South Goa
Cabo Fort ticket price: There is no entry fee
Cabo Fort timings: 9 am to 5 pm
This fort is evidence of a rich historic past. The fort was rebuilt by the Portuguese. They also made a chapel inside the fort. But later this fort was turned into a prison. The north and south view from the fort is spectacular. The fort lies in between the Agonda Beach and the Cavelossim beach. Previously the name of this fort was Cape Rama because of some believed link with Lord Rama. Now it is also known as the Cabo De Rama Fort. The architecture shows a distinct blend of Indian and Portuguese style.
Ruins of Church of St Augustine
Ruins of Church of St Augustine location: Near Holy Hill, Old Goa
Ruins of Church of St Augustine ticket price: There is no entry fee
Ruins of Church of St Augustine timings: 9 am to 5 pm
The Church of St. Augustine has turned into ruins. The only surviving part is one of the four towers at a height of 46m. This was once one of the biggest churches but these days it is a ruined structure only. It remained vacant from 1842. The ruins of this church were declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. The church is also the site for archeological remains of Queen Keteven of Georgia. The remaining tower is made of laterite.
Even if the church is in ruins it is still a major site for archeological evidence which makes it an interesting visit. This place is a must visit if you are interested in historical ruins and archeological details. This is a famous spot because of Bollywood as well. The song Gumnaam Hai Koi has been shot here from the film Gumnaam in 1965. Also this was featured in the song Saathiya from the hit film Singham.
Shri Mahalasa
Shri Mahalasa location: Mardol, Prilol, Goa
Shri Mahalasa ticket price: There is no ticket
Shri Mahalasa timings: 6:30 am to 8:30
This temple has been in existence even before the Portuguese came to Goa. This is one of the ancient temples in Goa that is a popular site amongst devotees. The construction of this temple looks exquisite with wooden carvings. The Presiding deity is Goddess Mahalasa. A huge Dipta Stambha is placed at the entrance of the temple which is a huge piece made of five metals. The carvings on the stambha are a major attraction among tourists.
Mayem Lake
Mayem Lake location: Mayhem, near Bicholim Taluka, North Goa
Mayem Lake ticket price: Rs. 100 for half n hour boat ride and Rs. 140 for an hour of boat ride
Mayem Lake timings: 8 am to 7pm
This is a very popular tourist spot among tourists in Goa. This place is a perfect place for people who want to experience the rural side of Goa. The rural side of Goa is a complete opposite side to the bustling parties and nightlife of Goa. The rustic charm, serene beauty of nature is a treat for the tourists. The popularity of the place has increased with the boating facilities. The boat rides here are very popular and one of the major attractions of visiting this place. The lake surrounded by hills and woodlands looks serene and is a perfect destination for people looking out for some peace.
Aguada Fort
Aguada Fort location: Cabdolim, Goa
Aguada Fort ticket Price: Entry is free
Aguada Fort timings: 9:30 to 6pm
The Aguada Fort is a 16th century fort on the Sinquerim beach. This fort is an ASI protected monument of national Importance. The fort stands as an evidence of Portuguese rule along with a lighthouse. From the top of the fort you can enjoy an all encompassing view overlooking the Arabian Sea. Previously the fort acted like a huge watering station. Also it was used as a jail for freedom fighters later in the time. Currently this is a tourist spot that includes a luxury resort and spa. This is a great place to visit with your friends and family.
SinQ Night Club
SinQ Night Club location: Aguada Road, Candolim, Goa
SinQ Night Club timings: 9 pm to 2 am
Last but not the least is this lively nightclub and lounge resort, because when talking about a list of places to visit in Goa, we cannot totally miss out on a place like this. So if you are interested in partying and enjoying after visiting the rest of the places then you must visit this happening night club in Goa. The interior is contemporary and the ambience is fun. With DJ playing trendy numbers and an indoor and outdoor set up this can be your place of fun, food, drinks and party. They offer a total of 4 different zones, a Goan Tavern, a night club, lounge and a poolside deck. You get the goodness of the entire fun under one roof. So do visit this place.
So next time you are visiting Goa these places should be in your list of places to visit in Goa. The forts and temples, waterfalls and lakes will be some interesting spots to explore as a tourist. Especially if you are not a party person or you want to explore a different side of Goa then these are the best places in Goa. So plan your itinerary well and enjoy your time in Goa.
