Goa, with its sunny beaches, nightlife, seafood, parties, flea markets, and age-old and majestic forts churches exudes an exciting vibe that is hard to withstand. While relaxing and getting cosy on the beaches and sipping on some freshly made cocktails might be some of the best things to do in Goa, this beachy paradise is not just limited to this only. Even after being such a small place, Goa holds too many entertainment options and places in its vicinity that not even a single second of your vacation can go by without having fun. While The Grand Island works as the perfect spot to enjoy some of the must-do things in Goa like scuba diving and banana boat riding, the flea market of Anuja is also a must-watch. But not just that, there are many other things to do in Goa.
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Indulge yourself in Beach Fun
Suppose you are thinking of Goa and the first thing that comes to mind is beaches, right? One of the best things to do in Goa is to explore its beautiful beaches where you can indulge in sunbathing, sundown parties, water sports, and so much more. There is a long list of beaches in Goa across its northern and southern parts that you can explore. Here are some suggestions:
Best Beaches in North Goa
- Baga Beach
- Anjuna Beach
- Calangute Beach
- Candolim Beach
- Arambol Beach
- Sinquerim Beach
- Vagator Beach
Best Beaches in South Goa
- Palolem Beach
- Agonda Beach
- Colva Beach
- Benaulim Beach
- Butterfly Beach
While some of these beaches are very crowded with people, there are a few less-crowded beaches in Goa for those who prefer some quiet and peaceful moments away from the major hubs.
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Explore the Exquisite Forts in Goa
Goa is filled with a number of spectacular forts that showcase magnificence, architectural brilliance, and the region’s glorious past. But more than that, the forts in Goa offer you breath-taking and eye-popping views of the surroundings. Here are some of our suggestions:
Forts in North Goa
- Fort Aguada
- Chapora Fort
- Reis Magos Fort
- Corjuem Fort
Forts in South Goa
- Cabo de Rama Fort
- Mormugao Fort
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Visit the Mummy of Francis Xavier at the Basilica of Bom Jesus
Mummy! Something you wouldn’t expect to witness in India unless you are visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This razzle-dazzle church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Goa and is known for its architectural cleverness. Soaked in history, this 400-year-old structure features a non-plastered exterior and ornamented interiors too. One of the key highlights of this church is the mummified body of St. Francis Xavier that remains wrapped in a silver casket here.
- Location: Old Goa Road, Velha Goa
- Timings: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Sundays)
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Take a sneak into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Goa
Goa is as much more about history and heritage and not only about beaches and parties. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Goa vouch for the rich heritage and colonial legacy of the region. Spend some of your precious time at these heritage sites in Old Goa to experience the spiritual and architectural grandeur the land is known for.
- Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina
- Saint Catherine’s Chapel
- Church of St. Francis of Assisi
- Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
- Church of Saint Augustine
- Church of Saint Cajetan
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Visit the Historical Temples
When you are done with all the beaches, hopping and partying, just set some time aside to explore the majestic temples and churches in Goa. Yes, Goa has quite a few exquisite temples that tick the boxes for architectural splendour, spiritual glory, and tranquillity. Here are the top picks:
- Mangeshi Temple
- Shanta Durga Temple
- Mahadev Temple
- Chandreshwar Bhootnath Temple
- Brahma Temple
- Saptakoteshwar Temple
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Go Pubbing and Clubbing
Trust me when you are in Goa, you can never be too far away from a club or pub where you can undo your favorite and delicious drink in hand. So, here comes our best pick of the best nightclubs and pubs in Goa to pump up your excitement more.
- SinQ Night Club
- Café Mambo
- Cantare
- Cohiba
- Leopard Valley
- Edge
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Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping is considered one of the best sports that can give an extremely high adrenaline rush and goosebumps to even a highly seasoned adventure and challenging sports enthusiast. Bungee jumping in Goa is the newest entry to the list of stunning adventure sports that you can engage in. What sets apart the energetic experience of Bungee jumping in Goa is the serenity and scenic beauty of the impressive locations of Bungee jumping spots.
