Top Places to Visit in Goa Other than Beaches

Thinking of a holiday in Goa without partying and beaches is almost like imagining a rainbow with shades of gray and black. If Goa without beaches sounds unexciting, it is time to change your perspective about India’s favourite holiday destination! Read on as we highlight some of the most immersive experiences you can have in Goa while exploring hidden gems that you won't regret trading for a clubbing night!

1. Basilica of Bom Jesus

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is an important architectural landmark and one of the most popular places to visit in Goa. A truly unique construct, this Church commemorates the beginning of Christianity in India and has the holy remains of well-known Spanish missionary Goencho Saib (Lord of Goa), otherwise known as St. Francis Xavier. A fine specimen of Portuguese colonial architecture with exemplary Mosaic-Corinthian interiors and a spectacular altar of gold, it is one of the most important structures of Portuguese origin in the world and has never been rebuilt or plastered in 450 years of its existence.

2. Aguada Fort

Situated on Sinquerim Beach at the mouth of River Mandovi, the majestic Fort Aguada is a 17th-century colonial construct that played a significant role in Goan history. Along with Asia’s first-ever lighthouse, this rustic monument has served as a lookout-point, protestor prison and was also a sheltered harbour for ships. In addition, it housed about 100 cannons and an enormous cistern, which could store 23,00,000 gallons of water, hence deriving its name from ‘agua’ meaning ‘water’ in Spanish. One of the most picturesque places to visit in Goa, this fort is an ideal spot to catch a splendid sunset.

3. Chapora Fort

Remember that iconic scene from Dil Chahta Hai where the lead trio gazed into the endless Arabian Sea? Re-popularized by this blockbuster, this ancient laterite construction in Bardez, North Goa is where great battles were once fought. Built by the Muslim ruler Adil Shah, and initially called Shahpura, this fort later came to be known as Chapora after being seized by the Portuguese for its military significance. Along with historical fables and an intriguing construction, one can witness the most epic vistas of Arabian Sea, Chapora River and Anjuna Beach.

4. Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Literally translating to ‘Sea of Milk’, the Dudhsagar Waterfalls are no less than a divine wonder showering foamy waters from an incredible height of 300 meters! According to ancient lore, the falls got their name when a prince peeked in on a princess bathing in the lake, and her handmaidens hid her by pouring a cascade of milk in front of her. Located at the Goa-Karnataka border on the Mandovi River, this four-tiered waterfall is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places to visit in Goa, where one can enjoy the spray of refreshing waters in the middle of a lush forest.

5. Flea Market

A flea market in Goa is not just a flea market, it is more like a festival celebrating the culture, vibe and atmosphere of the place. From kiosks selling hippie-clothing, shoes and bags to freshly produced confectionery and pickles, locally made home-decor items and accessories, along with stalls of mouth-watering street food and live music by local musicians, there is no better place for souvenir shopping than the high-spirited flea market in Anjuna. With everything under the sun up for grabs here, this market sets up every Wednesday and deservedly tops the list of the places to visit in Goa.

6. Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church

An elegant facade of sparkling white, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church stands true to its name on a hilltop in Panaji, and is one of the most serene places to visit in Goa. Possessing an incomparable grandeur with its zigzag stairway, massive towers and the ancient Augustinian bell on its rooftop, this church is a beautiful blend of Portuguese-Baroque and Goan architecture. Described as the ‘Crown of Panaji’, the original construction at this site is believed to have been a prayer chapel which was rebuilt in 1619 into the masterpiece it is today.

7. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, North Goa

With its green cover of 8 square kilometers and accessible location in Ponda Taluka, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most ideal places to visit in Goa for some eco-tripping and wildlife sightings. Apart from a zoo that is home to tiger, crocodile and gaur populations, this sanctuary also features botanical gardens, a deer safari park and a number of hiking and trekking trails, making it well-suited for children, families as well as visitors seeking a change in scenery.

A stream flowing through Bondla wildlife sanctuary — A stream flowing through the Bondla wildlife sanctuary

Dive into the cultural pool of Goa and explore the spots where the true heart of this former Portuguese colony resides. Get planning with MakeMyTrip’s unbelievable packages for a smooth and hassle-free holiday in Goa!

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