The tropical paradise of Goa is India’s favourite tourist getaway. When it comes to a vacation, there is a Goa tour package for a family holiday, honeymoon trip, or a getaway with friends. The smallest state of India is home to beaches, a beautiful stretch of the Western Ghats, national parks, spice plantations, churches, forts, markets, backwaters, water sports, nightlife, leisure, and every tourist delight.
There are so many tourist options that exploring them all in one holiday seems impossible. To assist all the travel enthusiasts with a memorable vacation.
Here’s a list of 12 the best tourist places to visit in Goa in 2024.
- Palolem Beach (For Kayaking)
- Calangute beach
- Fort Aguada
- Chapora Fort
- Basilica de Bom Jesus
- dudhsagar-falls
- Fontainhas
- Reis Magos Fort
- Arpora Night Market
- Deltin Royale Casino
- Naval Aviation Museum
- Tito’s Lane
1. Palolem Beach (For Kayaking)
With the long curve of palm-fringed sand dotted with colorful beach shacks, Palolem Beach is one of the top places to visit in South Goa. This beach attracts tourists with lip-smacking food, golden sands, and several adventure activities.
However, nothing can excel the joy of kayaking at this beach. So, whether you are vacationing with friends or family, do not miss out on experiencing this group-adventure pursuit. Palolem Beach is also known for its silent discos, fancy restaurants, beach yoga classes, and much more! Trivia: Palolem Beach is one of the most-visited beaches in Goa by foreign tourists.
2. Calangute beach
When it comes to Goa, beaches are where the fun starts. Of the many scenic beaches, Calangute beach is the most recommended. Its long coastline offers a pictorial view of the sea and a beachfront dotted with shacks, restaurants, clubs, and shopping outlets along with opportunities to enjoy a plethora of water sports. Without a doubt, it is a happening tourist hub that must be visited.
Trivia: Calangute Beach is known as the “Queen of Beaches” in Goa.
3. Fort Aguada
The well-preserved 17th-century Fort Aguada is a much- loved tourist attraction of Goa, which was built for defense of the Portuguese against the Dutch and Maratha. Located on the Sinquerim Beach, the fortress offers views of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea confluence. Incredible to explore, the fort houses battlements and a deep moat guarding the fort boundaries. The 13-metre high lighthouse here was built in the late 1880s. The fortress is still in good shape and few of its buildings comprise the largest jail in Goa.
Every nook and corner of the historical fort is interesting to explore in Goa. Do not miss to get blessings at the Church of St. Lawrence, the patron saint of sailors.
Trivia: The fort is part jail and part a luxury Taj holiday resort.
4. Chapora Fort
Popularized by the Bollywood movie “Dil Chahta Hai” the Chapora is a place that tourists look forward to visiting and click that iconic filmy photograph. Stationed over the mouth of the Chapora River like an old guard, the laterite fort is almost in ruins but does offer some sensational views of the coastline. The pictorial view and the scenic setting to enjoy a sunset bring it on the list of the best places to visit in Goa.
Trivia: After the bollywood flick – Dil Chahta Hai gained cult status, the Fort is also known as the ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ fort.
5. Basilica de Bom Jesus
Churches in Goa are the most popular tourist attractions and the Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most popular among them. Listed among the elite UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, the architectural wonder is the legacy of the Portuguese colonials. Housing mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the church is a revered shrine that gets visitors from all over the world.
Trivia: Being a 400 year old church, the church is not only among the oldest churches in Goa but also one of the oldest churches in the world!
6. Dudhsagar Falls
Featuring next on our list of the best tourist places in Goa is the beautiful Dudhsagar Falls that means ‘a sea of milk’. It definitely looks like one.. The four-tiered waterfall, located in the lush Western Ghats is among the tallest waterfalls of India. A trek to the Dudhsagar Falls is an experience to cherish. Post monsoon, a visit to the Dudhsagar Falls is quite rewarding as the rains restore the beauty of the waterfalls in India. While the best time to visit Goa is from the months of October to March, monsoons are slowly becoming a favored time.
Trivia: A railway track right under the falls gives the grandest view of the waterfalls and is captured in many movies including the Bollywood hit “Chennai Express”.
7. Fontainhas
The old Latin Quarter of Goa – Fontainhas is loved by the tourists. This part of Goa reminds of its colonial days. The area is a wonderful work of art with old Portuguese houses that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, painted in hues of green, pale yellow, and blue, along with red-coloured tiled roofs, painted doors, and overhead balconies, Fontainhas is best explored on foot. You will find yourself standing in awe at the vibrant architectures. Cafés and bakeries here are over 100 years old where you can dig into delicious dishes.
Trivia: Being on the base of Altinho (name of the hill) the area has many springs, hence the name Fontainhas.
8. Reis Magos Fort
Recently restored to its former glory, The Reis Magos Fort is the oldest in Goa and a must-visit tourist attraction. The reddish-laterite walls and the typically Portuguese architecture and layout are the highlights of the charming fort and the church of the Reis Magos Church in the fort. The fort enjoys some remarkable views of the surrounding countryside.
Trivia: In its five centuries of existence, the fortress has served its purpose of defense, prison, hospital and an iconic heritage site.
9. Arpora Night Market
Goa’s flea markets are known for wonderful tourist experiences. It is not just about shopping but enjoying the charming vibe of Goa. Started by hippies in the 1960s, the markets were places for bartering, selling handicrafts, and more. Today, it is very much a part of Goa’s holiday itinerary. A must-visit is the Arpora night market, held every Saturday from 6 pm until late night. Buy some souvenirs; explore food stalls that serve varied delectable fare, and a centre stage that hosts live concerts.
Trivia: The markets are still run by the European settlers in Goa.
10. Deltin Royale Casino
Goa is beyond doubt amazing and there are many reasons, of which gambling is one! The Deltin Royale Casino boat is the largest in Goa. Spread over 40,000 sq.ft, the casino offers luxury live gaming on three levels with 850 gaming positions, live entertainment, restaurants, bars and more. With a Goa holiday package, a unique vacation is assured.
Trivia: The luxury casino is one of the largest in India as well as Asia. You can explore Top casinos in Goa.
11. Naval Aviation Museum
The Naval Aviation Museum is one of those places that amaze the tourists. It has an outdoor and an indoor section and exhibits various types of aircraft, rockets, bombs, armaments, protective gears, parachutes, pilot’s outfits, etc. Checkout best museums in India.
Trivia: It is the only Naval aviation museum in Asia.
12. Tito’s Lane
Goa has always been famous for its nightlife, and Tito’s is the hub of the best nightclubs in Goa. It is the centre of exciting nighttime activities. Set off the bustling Calangute beach, on a lane named after it (Tito’s Lane), there is an elegant open-air restaurant (The Courtyard), a concert space, and nightclubs. Much loved by tourists, Tito’s is all about pulsating dance floors, electrifying music, lights, lip-smacking dishes, tempting drinks, exciting parties and cherished memories.
Trivia: Established in 1971, Tito’s is still among Goa’s landmark venues.
No wonder, Goa is famous as the Pearl of the orient and its myriad attractions have won laurels to its name. Its essence lies in its rich history, unique culture, natural beauty, and the peaceful Goa lifestyle. Tourists are welcomed here with open hearts for a reviving vacation.