Goa, India Attractions and Things To Do
Goa is world famous for its beaches, ancient temples and churches, and Goan carnival. Since Goa has a large Catholic minority, it has many Catholic holidays besides the Indian national holidays and numerous Catholic establishments. Experience dozens of distinctive tourist attractions that are endless in the beautiful beach city of Goa in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
All over Goa you will find local barbers ... and they are really worth checking out. A shave will cost about 25 rps and you'll never have a closer one!
[top]The beaches of Goa are dotted with small eateries and pub-like establishments, lovingly called Beach Shacks, that open the latest around lunch time and serve until the wee hours of the morning. Some offer snacks, some proper food, some only drinks. But they all have one thing in common: you cannot beat the atmosphere in there!
[top]This world heritage monument was built in 1695. It contains the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, a pupil of the soldier-turned-saint, and Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Order of Jesuits who died while on a sea voyage to China on December 2nd 1552. The church is located in Old Goa, about 10km from the city of Panjim. The main altar in the church of Bom Jesus is known for its artistic woodwork in Baroque style. The church itself is a fine example of Jesuit architecture.
[top]You can't miss the For Aguada while visiting Goa. The Aguada fort is situated 18 Km from Panajim, Goa's capital, in the beach of Sinquerim. The fort was built by Portuguese in 1612 AD near the Mandovi River. The idea behind the fort was to protect Goa against any enemy attacks from sea. Currently at one end of the fort, the central jail of Goa has been made.
[top]This fantastic Little Beach is 22 km north of Panaji. In the Small Indian State of Goa. Vagator Beach is about half way up the 30 km coastline stretch of the northern beaches of Goa that covers the most popular hot spots of Goa and India tourism. On the cliff above Little Vagator Alcove offers delicious location, ambiance, food and drinks. Restaurants in Vagator dish up tasty seafood, continental dishes, health foods and fruity shakes.
[top]Mapusa is famous for the Friday Mapusa bazaar, which is one of the few authentic markets to be found in the state. Housewives from all over Goa converge on this market town on Fridays to purchase the week's supply of goods both perishables and otherwise. This colorful and vibrant market usually begins at 8 in the morning and goes on till sun down. You will find everything here!
[top]One of the highlights of a trip to Goa is a visit to a spice farm. You will have a guided tour around the farm, showing you the large variety of Indian spices. The Sahakari Spice Farm is one of the most recommended in Goa. The guests the entrance of the spice garden are welcomed with traditional Aarti, Kunku and Garland. They will then enjoy welcome drinks, snacks, and lunch. They also have folk and temple dances performed for the touring groups. Added attraction to Spice Farm are three elephants.
[top]This is one of the most prominent Hindu temples in Goa and is dedicated to Lord Mangueshi, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The deity is originally from Cortalim and was moved to Priol to avoid the destruction by Portuguese forces in the early days of its rule in the 16th century. After many renovations its style today is uniquely Goan. The oldest part of the temple complex is the water tank ("Tirthastan") at the front of the courtyard, where devotees perform ritualistic cleansing baths before entering the temple on festival days.
[top]The Saptakoteshwar temple at Narve is considered to be one of the six great sites of temples dedicated to the "God of seven worlds": Lord Saptakoteshwara, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The deity originally was based in a temple on Divar Island off Old Goa, and after Goa fell to the Muslims it was buried but later rediscovered and a temple constructed for it on Divar Island. It was moved to its present site after the temple on Divar island was destroyed by the Portuguese.
[top]Hotels in Goa