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

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Places To Visit In Goa

Divar Island

Located at a distance of 10 km from Panjim in Goa, Divar Island is a slice of heaven tucked away in dense woods amidst the beauty of nature. Connected to Old Goa only through ferry service, this island is synonymous with natural beauty, serenity and tranquillity. Commonly recognised as a ‘village stuck in time’; the area is still unexplored and unexploited by tourism or commercialisation as it is disconnected from city life. Divar Island is dotted with vintage houses built in Portuguese style, littered with traditional churches and is surrounded by evergreen paddy fields. Unlike the loud and hippie party culture of Goa, this place provides the contrasting peace and environment to the wanderers to make them want just to explore it. The term ‘divar’ is derived from the word ‘dipavati’, which means ‘small island’ in Konkani. The term is pronounced as ‘divaddi’. Although Divar Island hardly has any particular sightseeing spots, the innate beauty and charm of the narrow winding roads, the tiny tea stalls and overall aura will make you want never to leave the island. Read More

Located around 7kms from Panjim, Dona Paula is one of the most popular tourist hangouts in Goa famous for its vast stretch of beach. The small beach is also popular as the Lover's Paradise and features a jetty (Dona Paula Jetty) adjacent to it, which provides an ethereal view of the Arabian Sea and Mormugao harbour. Another attraction here is the whitewashed statue, called 'Image of India', depicting Mother India and Young India. The Dona Paula is named after then Goa Viceroy's daughter Dona Paula de Menezes in honour of her tragic love story. She is believed to have fallen in love with a local fisherman but was denied to get married by the Viceroy. This led to her jumping from a cliff which is flanked by and named as Dona Paula.Dona Paula Beach also is the meeting point of the Zuari and Mandovi Rivers and is beautified by fronds of palm trees breaking the silvery shimmer of the beach sand. The beach is popular for the host of water sports. Dona Paula is also popular as a shooting site. The most prominent Bollywood films shot here are Ek Guje ke Liye and Singham. Read More

Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a popular bird-watching area and one of the smallest protected areas in Goa. Named after a famous ornithologist Dr Salim Ali, it is located on the island of Chorao in Mandovi River. The sanctuary is accessible by a 15-minute ferry ride from Ribandar ferry wharf near Panjim. To spot the migratory birds, the best time to visit is during the winters from October to March. Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is home to some common and unique marsh dwelling birds and animals. The sanctuary has paved walkways amidst the gorgeous estuarine mangroves that make bird watching a delightful experience. There is also a watchtower from where the birdlife can be observed at three levels - below canopy level, at canopy level and above the canopy level. Read More

One of India's tallest waterfalls, the Dudhsagar Falls is located inside the Mollem National Park. The majestic falls are a little farther inland approximately 60 km from Panaji on the Goa - Karnataka Border. Literally translating to Sea of Milk , the 310 m high waterfall is divided into four tiers on the Mandovi river and resemble a heavy rush of milk flowing effortlessly down the hill. While most people arrive at the Dudhsagar falls by jeep or by their own private transport from Panaji and nearby areas, others choose to visit the falls through a train journey or by trekking. The famous Dudhsagar Railway trek is closed to the public but the trek to the lower falls is still open. The Dudhsagar falls should be visited during the monsoon when it is in full flow and the surrounding deciduous forests are at their verdant best. However, reaching the falls during monsoon if difficult and it is closed if the water level gets too high. Read More

Elephant rides in Goa are a rare but beautiful treat. Little would one think that the seaside paradise could have something to offer to its visitors regarding wildlife and adventures. However, some places in Goa offer an unparalleled experience of an elephant ride. Elephant rides are available at some locations in Ponda, Kulem, and Kurim. Although most of these places are slightly inland, they are well worth the trip. A trip on the elephant through the spice plantations is something that you are unlikely to forget in a hurry. Read More

Initially known as Vodlem Ghor, Fernandes House is one of the oldest palaces in Goa. The house was built about 500 years ago and is famous for its historic significance and stunning architecture. The heritage structure is now owned by a member of the Fernandes family. There are 25 rooms in total that have influences of Hindu, as well as European architecture, with several antique artefacts on display for the tourists. Rajeev, the son of the owner usually gives a tour of the house to the visitors. Read More

Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a dainty multi-cuisine restaurant chain in Goa that is especially swamped with seafood lovers. Located at Salcette, Calangute, and Panjim, it claims to serve the best and most authentic Goan food in the region. Opened in 2005, it has been serving the best seafood delicacies to all its customers; the best ones include Indian specialties, kebabs, and fusion food with Goan cuisine. In addition to that, the restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating; while the indoor is all eclectic and cozy, the outdoors is breezy and provides the perfect dining experience. Read More

Fontainhas and Sao Tome is a beautiful Latin Quarter located in Panaji on the banks of the Ourem Creek and named after the natural springs nearby. It was laid out on a piece of land acquired by a Goan in the 18th century who had made a fortune in Mozambique. The quarter is now recognised as a heritage site and is famous for its charming Portuguese style houses on the base of the Altinho hills.

Located at the bottom of Aguada Fort, Fort Aguada Jail is famous for its panoramic view, architecture and historic significance. It was once the largest jail in the state used to imprison legal offenders. but since 2015 it is open to the public as a heritage site. A part of the jail is also reserved as a museum with galleries, activity zones, amenity zones and information centre.

Fort Aguada is a 17th-century Portuguese fort looking out at the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. The crumbling ramparts of the fort stand on the Sinquerim Beach, approximately 18 km from Panjim. The highlight of the fort is a lone four-storey lighthouse (which is one-of-its-kind in Asia )and a stunning view of the sunset. Built-in 1612 as a protection from Dutch and Marathas, Fort Aguada was the most prized and crucial fort for the Portuguese and covers the entire peninsula at the southwestern tip of Bardez. The fort is so named after the Portuguese Word for water i.e. 'Agua' and used to be a replenishing source of freshwater for sailors. In fact, it has the capacity to hold 2,376,000 gallons of water and was one of the biggest freshwater reservoirs of Asia. Fort Aguada has also been used as Aguada jail. A statue in front of the jail salutes the freedom fighters, giving the fort a touch of patriotism. Read More