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

Plan Your Travel To Goa

Places To Visit In Goa

Chapel of St Catherine

Chapel of St Catherine is a 16th century historic chapel that was built over a Cathedral in 1552 on the orders of Afonso de Albuquerque after the Portuguese conquered the state. Located in Old Goa, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The splendid Renaissance architecture in laterite and limestone is adorned by paintings and artworks that draw tourists every year.

Built in the early 19th century, Chapel of St Sebastian marks an important attraction in Fontainhas, Goa. The pristine white structure is dedicated to St. Sebastian who treated the ones affected by plague and other diseases. The church houses a crucifix where one can find Christ's eyes are open for striking fear into the minds and hearts of the wrongdoers. The church sees a number of visitors to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Livrament.

Chapora Beach is one of the lesser-known beaches of Goa which lies close to the very popular Chapora Fort. This coastal secret is a treasure trove of natural beauty, with a serene combination of white sands, turquoise waters, black lava rocks, and fringes of coconut and palm trees. One can indulge in water sports, swimming, relaxing at the beach shacks, or partying at the Chapora Beach. The peaceful beach provides an array of water sports like surfing, paragliding, jet skiing and fishing. With a ton of eateries, beach shacks, pubs and nightclubs, Chapora Beach transforms into a dazzling spot at night. The Chapora area is also famous amongst tourists as one of the areas having the cheapest travel accommodation in North Goa. The view of the Chapora Beach from the Chapora Fort is simply stunning. Read More

Chapora Fort, located 10 km away from Mapusa, is undeniably one of the most famous forts in Goa. Built by the Portuguese in 1717, Chapora Fort has a long and fascinating history attached to it. More popularly known as the 'Dil Chahta Hai Fort', its claim to fame was the 2001 Bollywood blockbuster shot here. A scintillating escape, it offers beautiful views of the sea and Chapora River. The fortifications around the current location of Chapora Fort existed long before the Portuguese even landed in Goa. It was originally built by Muslim ruler Adil Shah and was called Shahpura. The fort was later reconstructed by the Portuguese who named it Chapora, after the Chapora River that flows right alongside it. The highlight of the fort is the breathtaking view of the adjoining Vagator beach overlooking the Arabian Sea, especially at sunset. However, reaching the top of the now-ruined fort requires a steep 10-minute climb.Chapora Fort has passed through the possession of numerous rulers over a long period of time, right from the Portuguese to the Marathas and the ruins tell a story of their own! You can still see the entry points of the two tunnels that were built by the Portuguese to use as an escape in times of emergency. Read More

Located in the village of Charavane, Charavane Waterfalls is a mesmerising untouched waterfalls in Goa. Roughly 12 kms from Valpoi, the waterfalls are especially popular among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts as it offers a trekking trail through beautiful scenic locales.

Located at a distance of 5 km from Panjim, Chorao Island is the largest of the 17 islands present in Goa. Boasting of old world charm, dainty cottages and narrow muddy pathways, the island is a slice of heaven tucked away in time. The island has a very prominent Portuguese air about it which reflects in the architecture of its ancient white washed churches, solitary graveyards, picturesque Portuguese villas and dilapidated buildings. Chorao Island is reached through a ferry tours provided by both government and private operators. The highlight of Chorao island is the very grand and notable Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary that accounts for major tourism boost in the region. Also known as Chodan or Choddnnem, Chorao Island also has a flourishing vegetation of the mangroves forest and boast of a rich wildlife with diverse species of flora and fauna. Besides, the island also holds significant historical importance and is home to a number of Hindu Temples. However, it can only be reached through a ferry or a boat ride from the village of Ribandar as there are no roads leading to the place. Read More

Situated in Panjim in Goa, Chronicle Bar is one of the most recently opened clubs in Goa and boasts of exquisite setting and decor. It mostly attracts international clientele and stays open till wee hours of the morning.

Church & Convent of Santa Monica

Church & Convent of St. Monica, also known as the Royal Monastery of Santa Monica, was established in the early 17th century at Monte Santo in Goa. About two decades later, the monastery was turned to ashes by a destructive fire. However, 15 years later, it was rebuilt and established as the only convent for nuns in the state. It was also known as the first nunnery of the east and housed 150 nuns. The nunnery was shut down in 1885 after the passing of the last nun. From 1968, the attraction functions as only a church. Read More

Church Of Nossa Senhora De Penha De Franca is a grand 16th-century church located on the banks of the confluence of River Mapusa and River Mandovi in Goa. A monument of national heritage, it is also famous for its picturesque location looking across Charao Island on one side and Ribandar Causeway on the other. The interior of the church is stunning with a high-vaulted ceiling and handpainted sceneries. The church is dedicated to Nossa Senhora - a Spanish Saint. It was built in the 16th century by Portuguese seamen sailing to India. They strongly believed that Penha De Franca cured them when they were affected by the plague and considered the Saint as the protector of their ships. Read More

Church Of Our Lady of Miracles is a 16th century Church built by the Portuguese in Goa. The Church was initially dedicated to St. Jerome, therefore, it is also known as St. Jerome Church. Since the Portuguese destroyed a number of Hindu monuments to promote Christianity, it is believed that the church is built over a temple. The structure was destroyed in a fire around mid-1900. After the renovation, it was renamed as Church of our Lady of Miracles. It is most famous for its annual festival, on the 16th day after Easter. Read More