The Indian state of Goa is the Asian “Ibiza”, a place of relaxed relaxation, night parties, freedom and a sense of continuous celebration. Some foreigners are so inspired by this atmosphere that they move to Goa permanently. They can be seen along the coastline of Arambol and Palolem beaches, meditating on the sunset and doing blissful “doing nothing.”

But relaxation shouldn't be limited to just the beach and parties. The state has many striking colonial-era attractions and charming towns with Portuguese-style architecture. Old Goa is included in the UNESCO list and is a must visit. Goa also has several picturesque nature reserves. A walk through traditional markets, where interesting souvenirs and crafts from local craftsmen are sold, can diversify your vacation.

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What to see and where to go in Goa?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

Panaji is the capital of the resort state of Goa. At first it was a small village, but after the residence of the Portuguese governor was moved here in the 18th century, the city began to actively develop. On the territory of Panaji there are still preserved monuments of colonial architecture of past centuries, which today are of historical interest. The population of the city, together with its suburbs, barely reaches 100 thousand people.

The old city quarter, where the houses of the descendants of the Portuguese colonialists are located. The main development of the area took place about 170 years ago after Panaji was declared the capital of Goa. The historical facades of Fontaines houses are painted in bright colors, which gives the area an interesting flavor. The houses are built in a mixture of Portuguese and traditional Indian architecture.

Anjuna is a small town on the coast of Goa, famous for its flea market. The bazaar appeared in the 60s. XX century at the height of the hippie era. It all started with representatives of this subculture gathering on one of the local beaches for round-the-clock singing and dancing. Sometimes they had to sell some of their things in order to get money for their further carefree existence. This is how the famous market in Anjuna appeared.

The market is located between the villages of Anjuna and Arpora. It is not just trade tents where you can buy interesting things and bright souvenirs. This is a whole authentic fair with a booth where people dance, sing, watch impromptu performances, eat and have fun. There are disco bars along the edges of the market, and a special stage for concerts and performances has been built in the central part.

The museum is adjacent to the Goa airport. By the way, the Dabolim air harbor itself is actively used by the Indian Air Force. The museum exhibits include European, Russian and American airplanes and helicopters of the last century. The collection is not very large, there are barely a dozen and a half copies, but this makes it no less interesting. All aircraft are located on an open-air site.

The state of Goa has very favorable climatic conditions, so spices are grown here on an industrial scale for the whole of India and for export to other countries. The spice plantations are a popular tourist attraction, with organized tours available. The fields are located near the town of Ponda, which is approximately 40 km away. from Panaji. Some plantations have a developed tourist infrastructure with restaurants, shops and hotels.

A 17th-century Portuguese basilica located in Old Goa. The main architectural style of the building is lush colonial baroque. The marble floor of the church is decorated with semi-precious stones, valuable paintings hang on the walls, and in the middle of the temple there is a 3-meter statue of Ignatius of Loyola, the Grand Master and founder of the Jesuit Order. The basilica is one of the main architectural attractions of Goa.

A large Catholic cathedral, which is the largest Christian temple in India. It was erected to commemorate the Portuguese victory in the Battle of Goa in 1510. This event coincided with the day of St. Catherine, so it was decided to lay the foundation for the cathedral and name it in honor of this saint. Construction was completed in 1619. The cathedral was built in the Portuguese Manueline architectural style.

The temple was built in the 17th century and is part of the complex of St. Catherine's Cathedral in Old Goa. The inside of the church is richly decorated with frescoes and decorated with wood and marble. It should be noted that the walls were painted by local craftsmen. First, they created images about the life of St. Francis, weaving characters from Indian mythology into the plot, which horrified the Portuguese king.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, who, according to Hindu beliefs, is the wife of the god Shiva. The building was erected in the 18th century during the reign of Raja Chhatrapati Shahu. The temple complex consists of a main structure and several side buildings. All buildings are painted a pleasant terracotta color. The last large-scale reconstruction of the temple was carried out in 1966.

The church is located in the center of Panaji, it was built in the middle of the 16th century. The building from the beginning of the 17th century has survived to this day, since the original building was destroyed as a result of constant wars for Goa. The architecture and interior decoration of the church are distinguished by grace and restraint. A system of stairs with figured railings that are in harmony with the church facade leads to the entrance to the temple.

The monastery complex was erected at the very beginning of the 17th century. The monastery existed until the 19th century, after which it was abandoned due to the decision of the Portuguese government to dissolve religious orders. All the interior decoration and property of the monastery was transferred to other churches, sold or lost. In the middle of the 19th century, the main vault of the church fell, and by the 20th century the complex had finally turned into ruins.

An old Portuguese fortress, built in 1612 to protect the newly conquered lands from the encroachments of the Dutch. The fort consists of two parts. The lower one is located at the edge of the sea and served for defensive purposes. The upper one was engaged in servicing the fort garrison. Nowadays, there is a prison in the lower part; the remaining buildings of the fortress are open for free inspection.

The fort was built in 1550 (according to other sources - in 1490). At the beginning of the 18th century, the fortress managed to withstand the onslaught of the Marathas, who captured all the surrounding lands and were preparing to oust the Portuguese from their firmly occupied positions. Within the fort there was a garrison, an armory, a prison and underground storage facilities. During construction, the building was equipped with many secret passages. Today there is a museum on the territory of the fortification.

A natural park covering an area of ​​240 hectares. It is home to several popular attractions, such as the 12th-century Mahadeva Temple and India's largest waterfall, Dudhsagar. The reserve is home to panthers, leopards, bears, porcupines, gaurs, lynxes and other animals. A jeep safari is organized for tourists, during which you can enjoy the picturesque landscapes and watch the animals.

A small jungle reserve that looks more like a garden. Its area is only 8 km². Wild boars, bison, squirrels and bison live here. Some animals calmly walk around the territory, others live in enclosures. The reserve also houses a wide variety of birds. Tourists can take an elephant ride or admire the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple located within the park.

The reserve is located on the territory of mangrove swamps. About 400 species of birds live here, as well as crocodiles and jackals. During the winter period from October to March, the maximum concentration of birds is observed in Salim Ali, as many flocks fly here for the winter. You can observe the habits of birds from a special tower. During the excursion, tourists are transported on special boats.

A powerful waterfall 10 meters high, located in the northern part of Goa. At the foot of the cascading water jets a lake is formed, quite suitable for swimming. Near the waterfall there is an equipped observation deck, from where you can explore the picturesque surroundings. Not far from the stream is the temple of the god Rudreshwar, where Hindu funeral rituals are performed.

The caves are located near the Arvalem waterfall. It is believed that they arose during the period of the 5th-6th centuries. n. e. The cave walls contain Sanskrit inscriptions dating back to the 13th century. According to one version, they were cut through by ancient fans of the pagan cult. Later, the caves began to be used by adherents of Hinduism, who made inscriptions. Hundreds of monks could live in such cave temples.

The waterfall is the most visited natural attraction in the state of Goa. It is included in the program of almost all organized excursions. "Dudhsagar" translates to "sea of ​​milk". If you look closely, the foamy streams of water from afar really resemble milk. During the monsoon season, Dudhsagar is especially devastating, with its streams crashing into the deep lake at its base.

The beach is located in the southern part of Goa, which is considered calmer than the “party” northern part. The length of the coastline is about 3 km. Agonda has almost no developed tourist infrastructure; there are only residential bungalows and a few hotels. Olive turtles, a specially protected species in India, live and lay eggs on the beach. The place is perfect for a relaxing family holiday.

Palolem is considered the best beach in southern Goa, so it gets very crowded during the high season. The beach is located in a bay, so it has a convenient gentle slope into the sea. By Indian standards, the place is perfectly clean and there are almost no cows roaming freely, which indicates a good cleaning service. Along the beach there are bungalows, budget guest houses and more expensive hotels.

Arambol is located in the northern part of Goa. Unlike other beaches in this part of the state, there is no such large-scale development here. The coastline stretches for as much as 16 km, it is surrounded by picturesque cliffs and dense jungle. Arambol has a free, “bohemian” atmosphere; there are many colorful personalities here. Once upon a time, the beach was chosen by hippies; since then it has become a “home” for creative and unconventional people.

The casino is located on board a cruise ship on the Mondovi River. It is considered one of the largest in India and is the largest in Goa. There are 50 tables for playing poker, roulette, blackjack and 30 slot machines. The casino can also offer a river cruise and dinner in a good restaurant. You can even come here with children - there is a special entertainment area for them.

A popular night spot on the top of the Arpora hill, where all lovers of electronic music and dancing until the morning try to get there. The club is divided into two zones - a bar and a dance floor with a swimming pool. Famous Western DJs perform here quite often. Parties by the pool are especially popular, since on a stuffy Indian night there is a great desire to freshen up after energetic and tiring dancing.

Arriving in Goa, any vacationer will be able to find something to their liking, and this “something” will not hit the wallet too hard. India is a unique country with its own traditions, laws and completely different regions. Any tourist coming here will be able to find something suitable for themselves. These may be landmarks, historical sites or beaches with numerous activities.

Goa is one of the Indian states most popular among holidaymakers.

The state is divided into two parts: North and South Goa. South Goa is ideal for a beach holiday, but North Goa is suitable for city lovers with an average income. But there are a lot of attractions here and there, let’s get to know some of them.

Dudhsagar

This is one of the largest waterfalls in India, located in the foothills of the Ghats, near Panaji. A huge waterfall surrounded by virgin forest will not leave anyone indifferent. The best time to come here is from November to February when the climate is pleasant and easily tolerated. In summer, the territory of the waterfall, and the entire state, is very hot and humid from the monsoon rains.

You can get to Dudhsagar by rail to the station closest to the park. But you will have to walk another 6 kilometers to get to your destination. This distance can be covered by jeep, then the entire journey will take no more than an hour. And now you are there. has a height of more than 300 meters. The large number of white foamy splashes creates the illusion that the entire body of water has a strange whitish tint.

There is a legend about a princess who loved to swim in the local lake. After taking baths, she drank milk from a golden jug. One day, after bathing, the girl, without having time to get dressed, decided to drink milk, but suddenly noticed a man watching her from behind a tree. She had to pour the entire jug into the lake in order to somehow hide her nakedness. According to legend, it was from these milky streams that a waterfall was formed, the name of which translates as “milk ocean.”

At the base there is a large beautiful lake where you can swim.

Fort Aguada

Aguada Fort is the oldest landmark in Goa, built during the time of the Portuguese. It is located next to Candolim beach and is recognized as the most famous fortress that has survived to this day. That is why the fort is currently used as a prison.

It was built in the 17th century entirely from red stone in the delta of the Mondovi River. At that time, it was used as a protective fortification and water storage.

Today, any tourist can visit Agauda Fort from 10 am to 6 pm. The lighthouse located on the territory of the fort is also open to visitors, but, unfortunately, is no longer operational.

Betalbatim

This is a small village in Goa, the coastline of which stretches only 1500 meters. The beaches of the village are considered one of the best places for meditation and a relaxing family holiday.

When coming here, it is worth remembering that Betalbatim is devoid of any infrastructure; there is not even a medical center here.

However, the coast surrounded by pine trees is recognized as the best in all of Goa. The village of Betalbatim can be considered a kind of golden mean, where there is practically no infrastructure, except for hotels located at some distance from the beaches. There are not many people here, so nature has remained pure and pristine. Quiet and calm people will enjoy a holiday in this village. If you want entertainment and bustle, then you should go to neighboring Majorda.

The beaches of Betalbatim are very picturesque. The descent to the water is gentle, and the sand has a very beautiful golden color. We can say that this is a paradise for children and adults who are bad swimmers. The north of the coast is called “sunset beach.” The name speaks for itself: in the evenings you can watch extraordinary sunsets here, painting everything around in simply fantastic colors.

You won’t find any entertainment or attractions on the beach; there is only peace and quiet around. You can have a snack in a cafe on the coast. The prices there are low, but the food is quite tasty. Free sun loungers and umbrellas will be a bonus. This privilege applies only to cafe clients. There are no attractions in the village, but there is enough beach holiday here to have a good time.

Waterfall and cave Arvalem

A 7-meter waterfall is located in North Goa. You can hear it several kilometers away, such a noisy waterfall. This is due to the fact that after the fall the water runs along the rocks of Mount Ghat. At the very base there is a lake that looks fantastic surrounded by a mountain landscape.

Near the waterfall there is a huge stone staircase that leads to the Sri Rudreshwar Temple. If you want to take photos, then it is worth finding this staircase, as it offers an amazing view of the surrounded mountains.

In addition to the waterfall, it is worth visiting the caves of the same name. There are rumors that they are of artificial origin and were created by Buddhists who simply had nowhere to live. According to some sources, their appearance dates back to the 5th century.

The caves consist of 5 interconnected tunnels. They are comparable in size to a standard hockey rink. Inside you can see numerous inscriptions in Sanskrit, which are already 800 years old.

Bondla Nature Reserve

This is the smallest reserve in Goa, covering an area of ​​8 sq. kilometers. However, despite its size, it is one of the most famous places in the state.

Mostly families with children come here. The kids will really like it here, and all because the park is literally chock-full of animals, playgrounds, and recreation rooms. The reserve even has its own steam locomotive that will take you to all interesting places. Adults won't lose out either. There is long-awaited shade and elephants to ride.

Bondla's structure consists of wild and cultivated zones. In the very center there is a zoo and a botanical garden with children's entertainment. They are surrounded by a dense forest with real predatory animals. True, seeing them is always problematic, but if you succeed, you can meet leopards, wild boars, and so on. In the thicket there are the remains of an ancient temple, so if you are lucky, you will see them too.

Cotigao Nature Reserve

This reserve is the second largest among others in South Goa. It will be easy to get here, since it is located 12 kilometers from Palolem. This is what captivates tourists, since most often it is not so easy to get into the jungle. The reserve is located on the banks of the Talpona River. The main attractions of the reserve are observation decks 25 meters high, from which a magical view of the lake opens. Animals come here in the morning and late evening to quench their thirst. Therefore, if you are offered to stay here for the night, agree, otherwise you will miss an unforgettable sight.

Cotigao was founded in 1969. Unfortunately, since then the number of animals has become much smaller. Once upon a time, bears and leopards could be seen on the territory of the reserve, but now they are gone. Almost the only inhabitants are numerous monkeys. So stock up on bananas, as you will have to feed a whole bunch of these restless animals.

The reserve is designed for connoisseurs of flora, since there are not many animals here. However, even the flora is worth a visit; it is truly unique and original.

Spice plantations

The hallmark of Goa is. Moreover, they are known not only in the state, but throughout India. There are a huge number of plantations scattered here, and each of them corresponds to one specific spice. If you decide to visit them, then choose your favorite one and get ready to go. In addition to spices, you can see fields where fruits are grown: pineapples, papaya and other equally tasty fruits.

It’s worth visiting such places as an excursion, and all because the list of events will include elephant riding, performances by local groups and much more.

Om Beach

Om Beach is the most beautiful beach in Goa. It is located between the Arabian Sea and the tropics. Its shape resembles the written sound "Om", which is why it is called that. According to Hindu legends, this sound became the beginning of the Universe.

Surfers have nothing to do on this beach, since there is practically no depth on the coast. And in order to swim, you will have to walk a long distance in search of the deepest place.

There are a lot of small restaurants on the beach with low prices and delicious dishes. You will also be offered a massage there; you should not refuse, as the local masters know their business. You can stay in a guesthouse, but the quality of service is poor. The best option is offered by bungalows for every taste and budget.

St. Catherine's Cathedral in Old Goa

Old Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. This place contains numerous temples and churches. The most frequently visited is St. Catherine's Cathedral.

In terms of size, it tops the list of the largest Christian churches in Asia.

But not only the Orthodox will like it here; Catholics also often come to the cathedral to admire the decor and interior design.

According to legend, one of the halls houses the sacred religion - the “growing cross”. Around the 17th century, a shepherd decided to carve himself a cross from wood. At this time, Christ descended from heaven to him. History is silent about what they talked about at that moment. However, after the conversation, the man brought the finished cross to the chapel, where everyone noticed that it began to grow.

Today the “growing cross” is comparable in size to the one on Calvary.

There are 28 states in India, Goa is the smallest of them. At the same time, this is where most independent travelers from Russia flock. The reason is low prices, an abundance of magnificent sandy beaches and the opportunity to combine relaxation with an overview of local attractions.

We will tell you about interesting places in North and South Goa, and decide where to go first. The final part of the article contains an overview of excursion programs. May Shiva be with you!

What sights should you see first?

To expand your coverage of historical and cultural sites, you need to move quickly. The transport system in Goa is primitive, but quite colorful. Here are the main types of transport there:

• Taxi. There is no meter, the price will have to be negotiated right away.
• Auto rickshaw. Cycle rickshaws exist in Goa, but they are gradually being replaced by auto rickshaws. Be sure to take advantage of their services to experience the flavor of Goa.
• Rented car or bike. Our tourists prefer the latter option. A month of travel will empty your pocket by only 60-100 dollars.

Most of the attractions and excursions in Goa (of those that are worth visiting) come down to churches, temples, monuments of Portuguese and Hindu architecture, nature reserves and natural parks. First of all, here's what you need to see in Goa:

One of the most popular attractions is the face of Shiva.

Three unusual attractions to explore on your own

“Package” tourists see a standard set of attractions. We suggest taking matters into your own hands and exploring unusual and sometimes even strange places in India on your own. So, what to see in Goa on your own - here are the three best points:

Difficult choice between South and North

High-quality beach holidays are associated with the south of the state, but people go to the north for noisy parties under the stars.

The choice between North and South is not always easy - there are plenty of exciting places in both regions, let's try to highlight the best.

If you are not afraid of hippies (they are, in principle, quite peaceful) and cheap hotels, you should choose North Goa for living. By the way, if you are interested in shopping in Goa, then here is information about what medicines to bring from Goa.

Here is a list of the most interesting places in this region:

Sights of South Goa

Exotic thickets, clean beaches, nature reserves - this is what the southern part of Goa looks like. We have already covered it in a separate article. Now we have a review of several popular places not related to sunbathing and swimming. Here they are:

The smallest of the Indian states is famous for its curious corners and unique attractions. It can be compared to a chest filled with various treasures that arouse the admiration of tourists. Exotic Goa is the most famous resort in India, welcoming hundreds of thousands of travelers from different parts of our planet. Here everyone will find something suitable for themselves, and no one will be disappointed by a wonderful journey to a magical place created for the enjoyment of life.

Two parts of Goa

The pearl of the Indian coast is divided into two parts, different from each other. Wealthy family tourists relax here, and Severny is adored by young people for its affordable hotel prices and a huge amount of entertainment. Life is bustling here even at night: cheerful discos and parties will not let anyone get bored.

It will not be an exaggeration to say that every traveler's dream is to see the best that North Goa can boast of - the sights! Reviews from tourists who visited this magical corner are full of delight, and this is quite natural.

The popular resort is located on the west coast of India. From the east it is surrounded by mountains, most of which are covered with evergreen forests. The northern part of Goa is home to about 800 thousand people speaking a wide variety of languages.

Climate and weather

North Goa, whose attractions arouse great interest among tourists, even in winter surprises with beautiful weather, because the tropical climate reigns here. Summer lasts from March to May, and all three months the temperature can reach more than 30 o C. From June to September the monsoon season reigns, when there is a lot of rainfall. This weather is not suitable for a beach holiday. After the rainy season, warm autumn comes, and winter lasts from November to February, and even at night the temperature does not drop below 20 o C. This is the highest tourist season, and it is no coincidence that prices for all services and goods of the picturesque resort increase significantly.

Dudhsagar waterfall

What attracts tourists to North Goa? The sights created by nature and man are very diverse, and visiting them will make your vacation as eventful as possible.

One of the most popular excursions is a trip to the Dudhsagar waterfall, located among pristine nature, which is located near the state capital of Panaji. The miraculous miracle falling from a height of 310 meters and the surrounding landscapes amaze the imagination. The sight of a real water extravaganza with many small splashes sparkling in the rays of sunlight is breathtaking. Powerful streams of boiling white color fall from rocks carved by time into a cold lake in which tourists swim, noting that it is one of the most beautiful lakes on our planet.

Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary

The natural attractions of North Goa can be called the main reasons for exploring it, and the unique Bhagwan Mahavir Nature Reserve is proof of this. It is on its territory that there is a luxurious waterfall that evokes a feeling of admiration. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is 240 square kilometers of untouched nature. To see all the riches of the reserve, you will have to rent a jeep from the park's forestry department.

Particularly popular is the small gorge 50 meters deep. This beautiful corner, formed under the influence of the flow of the Khandepar River, attracts the eye with its stone banks and the small but powerful Arvalam waterfall, the sound of which can be heard several kilometers away.

The ancient temple of Sri Mahadeva is also located here. Made of basalt, it attracts the gaze of amazed visitors admiring the carved bas-relief. Thanks to its remote location, Shri Mahadev Temple has been preserved in excellent condition. The inside of the temple is decorated with images of elephants and flowers. This is the only example of stone architecture of the Kadamba-Yadava dynasty, of which India is rightfully proud.

North Goa (the sights confirm this) is a unique corner, full of vivid impressions and possessing a magical aura.

Old Goa

Goa was once a Portuguese colony, which could not but affect its architectural appearance. Old Goa, which was called the “pearl of India”, is located a few kilometers from Panaji. The city captured by the Portuguese was very similar to Lisbon, and in size it resembled large cities in Europe. In the 17th century, a cholera epidemic began, which claimed the lives of more than 150 thousand people, and the conquerors were forced to leave their administrative center. The abandoned city was mainly inhabited by priests and nuns, and now the number of local residents does not exceed five thousand people.

The main religious attractions of North Goa are located here. Excursions to Old Goa will allow you to see how the colonialists lived and what impact they had on the culture of India.

What to see in the religious center?

The Catholic Basilica of the Merciful Jesus, made of dark laterite, is a wonderful example of the Baroque style in India. Inside the Basilica of Bom Jesus, under a glass cover, rest the relics of St. Francis Xavier, who is considered the patron saint of Goa. They are exhibited only on major religious holidays.

The CE Cathedral is the largest church not only in India, but throughout Asia. The religious building is recognized as the most revered religious monument. The majestic cathedral, dedicated to St. Catherine, appeared in the 16th century. Se Cathedral is famous for its chapel, which houses an ever-growing cross that fulfills the wishes of parishioners and tourists who come to North Goa.

Attractions have made the appearance of Old Goa unique in the eyes of vacationers, and an example of this is the domed Church of St. Cajetan - a real copy of St. Paul's Cathedral, which is located in Rome. The Catholic church is truly impressive: a combination of Baroque and Rococo, basalt gates, carved altars, a pediment with niches where statues of saints are installed, have made the religious monument one of the most popular tourist destinations. The majestic appearance of the interior of the Church of St Cajetan is given by the main dome, through the windows of which bright light penetrates inside.

Ruins of a gothic temple

The ruins of the Temple of St. Augustine are of genuine interest to tourists and archaeologists who find important artifacts. Once there was a Gothic Church of Saint Augustine, but after the ban of the Augustinian Order it was destroyed by the Portuguese. All that now remains of its former greatness are the ruins of a bell tower about 40 meters high and several walls. The atmospheric place, which is under UNESCO protection, is adored by foreign travelers, who admit that the remains of a religious monument make the imagination work.

Some temples are still in operation to this day, others have turned into state museums for which North Goa is famous. You can visit the sights on your own, but it is better to take a guide who will tell you in detail about the history of religious monuments. Many tourists speak with great delight about the fascinating special atmosphere of Old Goa.

North Goa: attractions and surroundings

As the locals say, there is one place within North Goa that is definitely worth a visit. In the state of Karnataka there is a world-famous settlement, which is an architectural complex consisting of monuments from the era of the great Vijayanagar Empire. Since 1987, Hampi has been under the protection of UNESCO. Here every stone speaks the language of beauty. The Holy Land makes an indelible impression on everyone who is interested in history and appreciates unique architectural masterpieces.

The most majestic temple, Vittala temple, which has existed since the 16th century, is not completed, but this does not make it any less beautiful. Interestingly, when tapped, its mini-columns emit amazing melodies. The decoration of the building, which is dedicated to Vishnu, is stunning with its unique beauty .

Wall bas-reliefs of the Hazara Rama temple narrate the events of the Ramayana. Pictures of that time come to life on them: proud riders march on elephants, dancers bend over in passionate joy and prance, and soldiers prepare for new battles. Thousands of images adorn the walls of the Hindu structure.

The unusual Virupaksha temple, which has grown from a small building into a whole complex, is the hallmark of Hampi. Virupaksha temple is an important religious center. Twice a year it hosts great festivals glorifying Shiva, and pilgrims from all over India travel great distances to participate in them.

According to tourists, even a few days are not enough to get acquainted with all the monuments of Hampi, so it is best to come here for a week, and then you can fully enjoy the fantastically beautiful landscape and man-made wonders of the ghost town.

Fort Aguada

North Goa, whose attractions are not limited to natural and religious monuments, has an eventful history. Not far from Candolim is the ancient fort of Aguada, built by the Portuguese. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see it inside, but you can admire it from the outside for free. The well-preserved Aguada fort, whose walls fall straight into the sea, is recognized as a historical treasure. Now its underground part is used as a prison for foreign tourists who trafficked drugs.

Redi fort

Another fortification is located on the border of the two states of Maharashtra and Goa. Redi fort, the exact date of construction of which no one knows, is completely overgrown with jungle. It seems to tourists that Redi fort, permeated through and through with green plants, is a single organism with them. The vines creeping along the historical monument are intertwined in the most bizarre patterns.

The battle-damaged walls are overgrown with bright tropical flowers, and the dug ditch next to the fort is no longer visible due to the tall grass. Guests of the magical place express the opinion that this is one of the most peaceful corners of the part of the state called North Goa. Sights, photos of which make you want to be there as soon as possible, are a great way to get to know the ancient heritage of the main resort of India.

Popular resort

The resort, whose beaches are literally occupied by tourists, is gaining more and more popularity every year. People of all income levels come to have a wonderful holiday and see with their own eyes the man-made and natural monuments that have made North Goa famous throughout the world. The attractions (and reviews of the fabulous corner only confirm their significance) allow you to touch the ancient history of the state and feel the grandeur of Mother Nature.

Undoubtedly, with the increase in organized tourist flow, Goa is acquiring all the signs of a civilized beach resort, expensive all-inclusive hotels are appearing (in South Goa), local tourist shops are coming up with new tourist routes, prices are rising, etc. But not everything is so bad, because you just need to move a few steps away from the resort areas and you are already in the real India with its insanely colorful markets and crowded public transport. It is worth going deep into the state and you will find yourself in a real jungle and see real Indian life.

Goa can offer everyone an interesting way to spend time on vacation; will anyone like endless ones? the deserted beaches of South Goa, while others will choose the tourist crowd of Calangute. If you get bored with the sea and beach holidays, then go to Old Goa or Portuguese Panaji, where you will feel like you are not in India.

If you have already bought all the “fridge magnets” in the tourist area, then go to the brightest Goan market in Mapsa, where you will definitely have fun.

All Goan attractions can be divided in several ways, by territorial location (north, center, south of Goa) and by the degree of their origin (natural, historical, religious, cultural, etc.).

Sights of North Goa

The north of Goa concentrates the entire tourist life, it is in the north of Goa that the most fashionable clubs and discos are located, it is in the north of Goa that numerous hippies searched for the meaning of life in the 70s, it is in the north of Goa that tourist life is always in full swing.

Fort Aguada

The Aguada fortress consists of several parts, some of which are still used today for their intended purpose. So on the territory of Fort Aguada there is a real Goan prison, in which prisoners languish, many of whom are not Indians at all. The upper part of Fort Aguada is used as a museum and is open to the public, and in the lower part of Fort Aguada there is a five-star hotel from the Taj family (palace hotels).

The lower part of Fort Aguada is located on the edge of Candolim Beach, which can be reached by public transport.

Market in Anjuna

The famous flea market in Anjuna is an echo of the Goan past, it was here that numerous hippies of the 70s sold everything they had left to earn money for a return ticket home.

Banyan tree in Arambol and Sweet Lake

The famous Arambol Sweet Lake will captivate you with its views; it is from this lake that the path through the jungle to the Arambol banyan tree begins, under which various mysterious personalities live.

Hill in Arambol

Spice plantations

There are many spice plantations in Central Goa, most of which you can visit on your own (Sahakari spice plantation). Tours run from morning until late evening; on some plantations you can look at elephants, and the elephants will look at you.

Naval Aviation Museum

If you are a true patriot of Russia, then the Naval Aviation Museum in Goa should be a must on your trip to Goa.

Goa State Museum

This small archaeological museum in the capital of Goa was opened on June 18, 1996, the opening ceremony was attended by the President of India. Be sure to visit this cozy and completely free museum.

Goa State Library

There may be different associations with Goa, but you never expect to see in this small tropical state an ultra-modern five-story library building made of glass and concrete, with the most advanced technologies for storing books. I was surprised.

Old Goa

Old Goa was the capital from 1510 to 1847, around those times it was fashionable to build grandiose churches and cathedrals, of which there are every step of the way in Old Goa. You can explore all of Old Goa in a few hours, but take your time and give this place as much time as it deserves.

The capital of Goa is Panaji

After dark times and terrible epidemics, the Portuguese government of Goa moved to the city of Panaji, which still remains the capital of the state. If you want to see a piece of Portugal in India, then take a walk through the old districts of Panaji. You will definitely fall in love with these narrow, colorful streets, snow-white churches and tiny chapels.

Safa Masjid Mosque

Safa Masjid is the most beautiful mosque in Goa, it is located on the outskirts of the city of Ponda, you can visit it on the way to one of the must-see attractions of south Goa (Dudhsagar Falls, Bondla Nature Reserve, spice plantations).

Sights of South Goa

The most relaxing and romantic holiday awaits you in the very south of Goa, there are several five-star hotels with excellent all-inclusive service, and if you go even further south you will get to the most beautiful beach in Goa, Palolem Beach.