Goa
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Goa

Beaches, basilicas and Portuguese lanes

Photo: iMahesh, CC BY-SA 4.0
Capital

Panaji

Best time to visit

November to February

Getting there

Goa has two airports (Dabolim and Mopa) and is on the Konkan Railway. Rent a scooter or car to get around.

Ideal trip

6 to 8 days to cover the highlights

About Goa

India's smallest state by area blends beaches, spice farms and four and a half centuries of Portuguese influence. North Goa is lively while the south is calmer.

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Popular cities in Goa

Been to any? Mark them on your India travel map.

CalanguteCanacona (Palolem)MapusaMargao (Madgaon)Panaji (Panjim)Vasco da Gama (Vasco)

Top places in Goa

Old Goa churchesPhoto: iMahesh, CC BY-SA 4.0

Old Goa churches

The Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site of churches and convents.

Best time: November to FebruaryBase: Panaji1 dayHeritageSpiritual
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From Wikipedia

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a Catholic basilica in Goa, in the Konkan region of India. The church is a pilgrimage centre and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The basilica is located in Old Goa, the former capital of Portuguese India, and holds the body of St Francis Xavier. Bom Jesus is the name used for the Ecce Homo in Portuguese speaking countries. It is one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World.

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Video by Amazing Places on Our Planet on YouTube

Palolem BeachPhoto: iMahesh, CC BY-SA 4.0

Palolem Beach

A calm, crescent-shaped bay in South Goa lined with palms and beach huts.

Best time: November to MarchBase: Canacona2 daysBeach
Directions
From Wikipedia

Palolem Beach is in Canacona in Kushavati district, Goa, India.

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Video by The Wander Life on YouTube

Dudhsagar FallsPhoto: Hsp wiki, CC BY-SA 4.0

Dudhsagar Falls

A four-tiered waterfall on the Goa-Karnataka border, best seen just after the monsoon.

Best time: June to DecemberBase: Mollem1 dayNatureAdventure
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From Wikipedia

Dudhsagar Falls is a four-tiered waterfall on the Mahadayi River in the Indian state of Goa. It is 60km from Panaji by road and is located on the Belagavi–Vasco Da Gama rail route about 46km east of Madgaon and 80km south of Belagavi. Dudhsagar Falls is perched at the top of a crescent shaped valley and surrounded by pristine forests, and it is amongst India's tallest waterfalls with a height of 310 m and an average width of 30 metres.

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Video by Gypsy in Sneakers on YouTube

Anjuna and VagatorPhoto: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0

Anjuna and Vagator

North Goa's classic coast of cliffs, flea markets, cafés and sunset at Chapora Fort.

Best time: November to FebruaryBase: Anjuna2 daysBeachFood
Directions
From Wikipedia

Anjuna is a census town located on the coast of North Goa, India. It is one of the twelve comunidades of Bardez. It is widely known as one of Goa's tourist destinations. Its church, St. Michael's Church, Anjuna, founded in 1595, is dedicated to Saint Michael, and celebrates the feasts of Saint Michael and Nossa Senhora Advogada.

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FontainhasHidden gemPhoto: Kogo, GFDL

Fontainhas

Panaji's Latin quarter of colourful houses, tiled balconies and small cafes.

Best time: November to FebruaryBase: Panaji1 dayHeritageFoodCity
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From Wikipedia

Fontainhas is a settlement in the northern part of the island of Santo Antão, Cape Verde. It is situated near the rocky north coast of the island, two km southwest of Ponta do Sol and 19 km north of the island capital Porto Novo. The settlement includes the smaller villages Corvo and Forminguinhas, about one km west of Fontainhas proper.

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Video by Sisters vs Globe on YouTube

Bhagwan Mahaveer SanctuaryHidden gemPhoto: AshLin, CC BY-SA 3.0

Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary

Western Ghats forest on the Karnataka border, with Tambdi Surla temple and the trail to Dudhsagar.

Best time: October to MayBase: Mollem1 dayWildlifeNature
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From Wikipedia

Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park is a 240 square kilometres protected area located in the Western Ghats of West India, in Dharbandora taluk, Goa State, along the eastern border with Karnataka. The area is situated near the town of Molem, 57 kilometres east of Panaji, the state capital of Goa. National Highway 4A divides it into two parts and the Mormugao - Londa railway line passes through the area. It is located between 15°15"30' to 15°29"30' N and 74°10"15' to 74°20"15' E.

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Cabo de RamaHidden gemPhoto: Trinidade, CC BY-SA 4.0

Cabo de Rama

A cliff-top fort above the Arabian Sea in South Goa, with a small chapel and empty coves below.

Best time: November to MarchBase: Agonda1 dayHeritageBeach
Directions
From Wikipedia

Praça do Cabo de Rama, also known as Cabo de Rama Fort, is a medieval hillfort located in Khola village, on the coast of Canacona, Goa in India.

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Divar IslandHidden gemPhoto: NICOLE CUNCOLIM, CC0

Divar Island

A quiet island of paddy fields and Portuguese houses, reached by a free ferry from Old Goa.

Best time: October to MarchBase: Panaji1 dayCultureNature
Directions
From Wikipedia

The island of Divar lies in the Mandovi river in the Indian state of Goa. It is one of six major islands within the Mandovi, the others being: Ilha de Goa, Chorão, Vanxim, Cumbarjua, St Estevam and Several other small mangrove islands and sand banks.

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Food to try

Fish curry rice, prawn balchão, pork vindaloo, xacuti, bebinca, feni

Where to stay

North Goa (Anjuna, Vagator) for nightlife, South Goa (Palolem, Agonda) for quiet beaches, Panaji for heritage

Getting around

Rent a scooter or hire a taxi; buses link the main towns. Goa Miles app for cabs

Good to know

Avoid peak Christmas week prices. Carry your licence for scooters and wear a helmet. Swim only at lifeguard flags.

Goa: quick answers

What is the best time to visit Goa?

November to February

How do I reach Goa?

Goa has two airports (Dabolim and Mopa) and is on the Konkan Railway. Rent a scooter or car to get around.

How many days do I need for Goa?

Plan 6 to 8 days to see the highlights, such as Old Goa churches, Palolem Beach, Dudhsagar Falls.

What food should I try in Goa?

Fish curry rice, prawn balchão, pork vindaloo, xacuti, bebinca, feni

Where should I stay in Goa?

North Goa (Anjuna, Vagator) for nightlife, South Goa (Palolem, Agonda) for quiet beaches, Panaji for heritage

Neighbouring states

Timings, fees, permits and road conditions change. Please check official sources before you travel.