Goa Tourist Attractions

Goa is India's smallest state, on the west coast between Maharashtra and Karnataka. It is famous for its beaches, but there is much more to see. Goa was a Portuguese colony for over 400 years. You can still see that history in its white churches, old forts, colourful houses and food. North Goa is lively, with busy beaches and night markets. South Goa is calmer, with cleaner and quieter beaches.

Top places to visit in Goa

Split your trip between North Goa, Old Goa and South Goa. Each can take a full day.

• North Goa beaches - Calangute and Baga are busy, with water sports and shacks. Anjuna and Vagator are known for cliffs and weekly markets.
• Fort Aguada - a 17th-century Portuguese fort with a lighthouse, above Sinquerim beach.
• Chapora Fort - a hilltop fort ruin above Vagator, best at sunset.
• Old Goa churches - the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier.
• Panjim - the capital, with the old Latin Quarter of Fontainhas and river cruises on the Mandovi.
• South Goa beaches - Colva and Benaulim are long and open. Palolem is a curved bay that suits families.
• Dudhsagar Falls - a tall waterfall on the Goa-Karnataka border, best after the monsoon.

Best time to visit Goa

November to February is the best time. The weather is dry and sunny, and the sea is calm. Christmas and New Year are the busiest weeks, and prices are highest then. The Goa Carnival is held in February or March. From June to September, heavy rain closes many beach shacks and water sports. The monsoon is still good for green scenery and lower hotel rates.

How to reach Goa

Goa has two airports. Dabolim Airport is near Vasco in the south-central part of the state. Manohar International Airport at Mopa is in the far north. Check which airport your flight uses, as the drive between them is long. The main railway stations are Madgaon (Margao), Thivim, Karmali and Vasco da Gama, on the Konkan Railway and other routes. Buses run to Goa from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune. Inside Goa, hire a taxi or a scooter to move between beaches.

Plan your trip

For sightseeing in Goa, choose our North Goa Beaches Tour, the South Central Goa Tour, or the 2 Nights-3 Days Goa Tour Package for a full short holiday.