Tourism in India - Goa

Situated on the western coast of the Indian Peninsula, the state is separated from Maharashtra by the Terekhol River in the north, Karnataka in the south, the Western Ghats in the east, and the Arabian Sea in the West. The state is located between the latitudes 15°48'00" North to 14°53'54" North and longitudes 74° 20'13" East to 73° 40'33" East

MONUMENTS

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Every day, hundreds of pilgrims arrive at the Basilica of Bom Jesus to pray to St Francis Xavier, whose tomb and mortal remains are housed in this church. Easily Goa’s finest Jesuit cathedral and a World Heritage Monument, this one is replete with paintings depicting the life of the saint besides beautiful altars decorated with rich frescoes and detailed, gilded inlays.

Fort Aguada
Built in 1612, this old Portuguese was constructed to protect the coast from the Dutch and the Marathas. Interestingly, the fort got its name (Aguada meaning water) from the freshwater spring within the premises and is characterised by a four-storey lighthouse erected in 1864—the oldest of its kind in Asia. The land around the fort is now owned by the Taj group, and on the ramparts behind the fort sits the Fort Aguada Beach Resort, where the original fort once did.

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

Commonly called the Panjim Church, this is one of the oldest, grandest churches in Goa. It’s elegant yet baroque architecture, striking entrance, whitewashed edifice and panoramic view of Panaji City make it a must-visit.

Church and Convent of St Monica

Portraying a wonderful blend of Tuscan-Corinthian exteriors and Doric interiors, the Church of St Monica is simply stunning. Said to be the one of the oldest nunneries in India, this three-storied laterite building was destroyed by a fire in 1636 and rebuilt the following year. Within the convent lies the Museum of Christian Art which displays striking works of art such as the Donna Maria de Corm.       

MUSEUMS            

Archaeological Museum & Portrait Gallery

This site was converted in to a museum in 1964 and was originally a part of the old Franciscan monastery neighbouring the Church of St Francis of Assisi. Currently maintained by the Archaeological Society of India, it houses eight galleries which contain Portuguese and pre-colonial artefacts as well as a portrait gallery of Portuguese governors upstairs.

Archaeological Museum & Portrait Gallery, Old Goa. Open Sat-Thur from 10am to 5pm

Goa State Museum

The Goa State Museum is located in the heart of the state’s capital,Panaji, close to the bus stand. The dozen-odd galleries feature everything from Jain sculpture and Christian art to their most popular exhibit, Goa’s Freedom Struggle Gallery.

Goa State Museum, Panjim (91-0832-2438006;www.goamuseum.nic.in) Open Mon-Fri from 10am to 5pm

THEATRE, MUSIC AND DANCE

Kala Academy

The Kala Academy is renowned for their vivacious cultural performances and events. The open-air amphitheatre is a great family destination venue to watch a play or catch music concert.

Kala Academy, Campal, Panaji (+91 832 2420451;www.kalaacademygoa.org)

GALLERY

Art Escape

Art Escape is ‘collective’ run by young passionately driven artists and professionals who want to spread and share their knowledge about arts through workshops.

Woodstock – The Art Escape, Waddi Beach, South Benaulim (www.artescape.in)

WHERE TO SHOP

Mapusa Market

Tucked away from the sand-soaked hustle and bustle of the beach, the Mapusa Market is a classic example of the traditional Goan souk. Here, you can expect to find anything from ancient Portuguese antiques to Goan sweets besides the spicy and irresistible Goan sausages and dried fish; used in indigenous pickle making. People from the far-most reaches of the state all congregate here, come Friday, to buy, sell, sample and hawk their wares.

Anjuna Market

Anjuna, the legendary hippy hangout, is also extremely popular for its open-air markets; held on Wednesday and Saturday. The Wednesday Market is a vibrant cliffside flea market open from 11am to sunset makes for a great spot to stock up on forgotten beach goodies—sarongs, tees, shorts, bikinis, bags, beach balls and boogie boards. And once the sun sets on Saturday evening, you have the choice of visiting two night bazaars: Mackie’s and Ingo’s. Both showcase local artists and performers and also boast alfresco food courts. Great buys include: Tibetan silver jewellery and handicrafts from across India.

WILDLIFE AND NATURE

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Size has nothing to do with it; Bondla may be the smallest Goan wildlife sanctuaries, but it certainly makes for a grand visit. The lush green forest-encased botanical garden is also a miniature zoo of animals and birds, rendering it a fruitful ecosystem for the various flora and fauna that thrives here. Located in North-eastern Goa, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary’s main attractions are their ever-popular elephant rides.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Ponda

Dudhsagar Waterfall

Dudhsagar is one of the most breathtaking sites in the sunshine state; best visited under the mystical façade of morning rays. As Goa’s highest waterfall—it cascades over four tiers before plunging two thousand feet down a mountain face—this alabaster tumble is located in India's Western Ghats,close to the Karnataka boarder.

Dudhsagar Waterfall, Sanguem