Top Things to Do in the Goa | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

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Places To Visit In Goa

San Jacinto Island

One of the tiniest islands in South Goa, San Jacinto is one of the most exotic islands to visit. This lovely green island dates back to the early 20th century, around 1927 when inhabitants of San Jacinto to protect and preserve this island by vowing to never give the island on a lease to any company or government, or let them disturb or intrude on the island’s ecosystem. This makes it one of the most exquisite islands in South Goa. San Jacinto Island is highly secluded and is considered a tranquil place to be. The legend of San Jacinto also says that the underground tunnel in this island connects to the old chapel in Siridao Beach which is located at the far bank of Mormugao Bay. This island is best known for its panoramic, beautiful and natural views from the Portuguese lighthouse. A church called Hyacinth Church is also located in this area that celebrates a feast on the last Sunday of September. What’s more, visitors can also walk up the hill to a view-point where an excellent view of the surrounding can be seen. A romantic walk or boat ride across the perimeter of this island is really recommended here. Read More

San Thome Museum of Goa is a museum of antiques and technical evolution dating back to the time of Thomas Elva Edison. It was established to exhibit the evolution of science and technology right from the time of Thomas Alva Edison. One can explore every aspect of technology used from the 18th century to date displayed at the museum. It is a perfect attraction for technology buffs and students.

A place that started as a small place of worship, the Holy Cross church in the village of Santa Cruz now happens to be the largest parish in Goa. The church was built in 1957 on a recommendation of the King of Portuguese to help convert people to Christianity. It is a replica of the Se Cathedral in Goa. The church has been built in the Neo-Roman style of architecture with perfect blends of Indian and Europian culture. The feast of the church is held every year in the first week of May and is the best time to visit. Read More

Sat Burzam Ghor is Goa's first-ever private Chapel. It was built in 1790 and resembles a Portuguese mansion. The name of the attraction translates into "The house of seven gables" and is famous for its stunning ancient Portuguese architecture. Since it is private property, it is not open to tourists. Prior appointment is required to visit the church.

Savoi Spice Plantation is a 40-hectare organic farm located 15km from Ponda, the cultural capital of Goa. Established by Mr Shetye, the beautifully maintained farm is popular for the guided tour of the intercrop plantation and the Goan Saraswat Buffet at its Sadauli Restaurant. Almost 200 years old, it is one of the best ways to see the beauty of Goa's untouched hinterlands. Lying at a distance of 16 km from Ponda, the nearest major connecting point, it can be reached by private transport. Read More

Se Cathedral, or Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, is one of the largest churches in Asia and an important church in Goa. Located in Old Goa, it is dedicated to Saint Catherine and is an important centre of the Latin Rite Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. Se Cathedral is a famous landmark in Goa exhibiting Portuguese-Manueline architectural style. The Se Cathedral houses the huge Golden Bell which is the biggest bell in Goa and one of the best in the continent. Apparently, the sound of the bell can be heard all over the state. Se Cathedral is simple in its design and consists of 14 altars, each one beautifully and intricately carved. Out of these, the main altar is embellished with gold plated The reredos which illustrates the life of St. Catherine of Alexandria. Read More

Secretariat Building is a 15th century structure and the oldest colonial building in Goa. The site was initially the summer palace of Adil Shah. After it was taken over by the Portuguese, it served as accommodation and a custom's post for the Portuguese Viceroys. Currently, the monument serves as a State Assembly Office and can be explored only from the outside. It is worth seeing for its ancient Portuguese architecture. The Secretariat Building is located on a little elevation which also makes it a good vantage point affording a panoramic view of Panjim, Mandovi River, and the two bridges connecting Tiswadi and Porvorim. Read More

Sernabatim Beach is a pristine unpolluted beach located between Colva and Benaulim Beach in South Goa. The 1.2km long beach is extremely clean and serene with golden white sand lined with tall palm and coconut trees. Some people refer to Sernabatim Beach as South Colva. The beach is a perfect attraction for those looking for a tranquil escape as it is not often crowded. Sernabatim Beach is perfect for swimming as there are no rocks at this beach. There are a few beach shacks and sunbeds dotted here. Read More

The Shigmo festival that takes place in the Konkani diaspora of Goa, during the spring season, is a beautiful and auspicious festival of Hindus that celebrates the vibrancy of colours. The festival spans five days. In other regions of the country, Hindus, more commonly, celebrate Holi, which is a part of it. The Hindu community marks the festival by building and painting elaborate mural and idols depicting scenes and tales from Hindu Mythology. Dressed in flashy and colourful traditional costumes, the local folk groups give spectacular beautiful dance performances. The float parade is the highlight of the festival. There is festive energy surrounding the Konkani diaspora during this festival as it envelopes the whole place with its celebration of colours. When is the Shigmo Festival Celebrated? The festival is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar. The Dhakto Shigmo is said to start five days before the full moon night of the Indian lunar month of Phalgun or spring, and it is supposed to end on that full moon night. Vhadlo Shigmo is said to begin on the full moon day of the month of Phalgun, and it continues for the next five days. So, the two variants of the festival take place one after the other, the first being celebrated by the rural class and the latter being celebrated by everyone. About Shigmo Festival in Goa The proletariat class widely celebrates the Shigmo festival as it is said to bring good luck and fortune. The festival is celebrated during spring as it is assumed that it brings a good harvest. There are two variants of this festival namely, Dhakto Shigmo (small Shigmo) and Vhadlo Shigmo (big Shigmo); the former being celebrated by those of the proletariat class, and the latter by everyone and is all-inclusive, as it is of greater importance. Vhadlo Shigmo is the main festival. Anyway, that takes places widely. The Shigmo parade, which is supported by the state government, is the main focus and attraction of the festival. Everyone is immersed in colour, and there are several folk dances and music. Shigmo ParadeSource Among the festivities, the Hindu lord of love, Kamadeva is commemorated and honoured by this festival. The parade is one to look out for, even if one misses the folk dances, which is also an integral part of the celebration as they often happen at night in remote villages of Goa. The procession is where an outsider can truly understand the essence of the festival. The festival indeed welcomes the season of spring with blessings of good fortune and a good harvest. The population is doused in festivities and a festive spirit that makes for a brilliant environment. The mood struck by good company and folklore illuminates the region during this festival. Thus, it is recommended that one should visit Goa during the festivities of the Shigmo festival to get a real and raw perspective on the folklore and people of the state. It is quite unlikely that one would not be mesmerised at the sight of this festival. Activities & Events at the Festival Source Several folk dances are performed during the festival. Most of these dances are performed during Dhakto Shigmo by the farmers and/or the rural class at night, in the remote villages of Goa. Even if one misses the folk dances, one can witness the parade which is the prime focus of the festival. It highlights many painted idols and depictions showcasing several scenes from mythological stories and folktales. Everyone is drenched in colours as they enjoy the procession and bask in the festivities of the new season and the joys it brings. History of Shigmo Festival The Shigmo festival is celebrated in commemoration of the Hindu god of love, Kamadeva as he had disturbed lord Shiva while he was at penance. In other parts of the country, the festival is celebrated under different names. In Assam and West Bengal, it goes by the name of Dol; in North India, it goes by the name of Holi, which is the most common variant of the festival celebrated widely in the country. It is celebrated in the season of spring as it is said to bring good luck and a good harvest. What makes this time even more beautiful is that people's houses are also decorated to welcome the festive spirit. The Western Ghats seemed are adorned entirely with colour as it seems to come alive during this festival. Source The Shigmo festival of Goa makes for a beautiful and mesmerizing experience to the outsider who visits Goa at this time, and it gives them the unique opportunity to experience Goa at a gorgeous state of vibrancy. This becomes further illustrated by the extent of the effort the people put in their celebrations and festivities. The festival has not received much media attention as has Goa's other, more commercial festivities, but that does not leave any room for anything less than magnificent, because this festival is truly so. Thus, it is highly recommended for those struck by a wanderlust that they must visit Goa during spring to be able to experience the Shigmo festival. Read More

Shiva Valley on the Anjuna Beach in Goa is known for outrageous nights of trance music and parties. One of the most popular party places in Goa, Shiva Valley is flocked by tourists all through the year. And while you are there visiting, don't forget to try the delicious sea food that they have to offer.