Goa is India's smallest state that lies on the western coast and known for its endless beaches, eclectic seafood, world-heritage-listed architecture, and stellar nightlife. Goalies in the Konkan region and is spread across just 3,702 kmsq. It is a hippie haven or a beach getaway and is open 24x7 making it the tourist magnet. The laid-backness (susegad) of Goa attracts Indians as well as international tourists also.

The Goans show friendly gestures towards tourists and celebrate various festivals throughout the year, New Year and Goa Carnival are the most famous. The seafood here is excellent, Goa has one of the best nightlife in India having trendy bars, beach shacks, elegant cafes, and many clubs. Thanks to lower alcohol prices in the state, young tourists can enjoy their trips. Some of the top places to visit in Goa by youngsters are Vagator Beach, Baga Beach, Tamarind Café, La Plage, and Bhatti Village.

For those who are confused between North Goa and South Goa, the state of Goa is divided into North and South Goa. While North Goa is known for its nightlife having all the touristy beaches, flea markets, and beach shacks, South Goa offers luxurious resorts and laid-back beach vibes. 

Goa formerly being a Portuguese territory for almost 450 years, you can witness the dominance of Portuguese architecture everywhere in Goa - try visiting one of the many whitewashed churches, crumbling forts, or historical churches. The eye-catching yellow houses with purple doors and ochre-colored mansions are something that completes the kaleidoscope of Goan architecture.

The capital city Panjim is located in the center that overlooks the Mandovi River has some of the best tourist places in Goa, where you can also see the famous floating casinos of Goa. The center of Goa is well-connected with an international airport and roads and trains that run from the North to the South of Goa. Goa has stunning beaches, with a coastline stretching for over 100 kilometers. While Baga and Calangute are among the famous places to visit in Goa by Indian family crowd, Anjuna and Arambol beaches are full of foreign tourists. South Goa has lesser explored beaches.

Top Attractions

Fort Aguada-  It is a 17th-century Portuguese fort located near the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. It was Built-in 1612 for protection from Dutch and Marathas. It was the most prized and crucial fort for the Portuguese.

The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception- Located in Panjim, it is one of the most popular and also one of the oldest chapels in Goa. Built-in Portuguese Baroque style, it is located on a slight elevation, on a hillock.

Chapora Fort- Located 10 km away from Mapusa, it is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Goa. It was built by the Portuguese in 1717, more popularly known as the 'Dil Chahta Hai Fort'.

Bom Jesus Basilica- Located in Goa is one of a kind in India and is famous for its exemplary baroque architecture. It was built in 1594 and consecrated in 1605, this church building coincides with the beginning of Christianity in India.

Museum of Christian Art- Located adjoining the convent of Santa Monica in Old Goa, belonging to the 16th century when the Portuguese ruled Goa. This large  2,000 sq ft Museum has more than 150 artifacts to showcase.

Church of St. Cajetan- It is one of the most beautiful churches in Goa located in Old Goa close to the Se Cathedral. It is connected to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and was built in the second half of the 17th century.

Lamgau Caves- These amazing caves are situated in North Goa in the village of Lamgau. These caves are small in size but have a unique architectural style. You can either trek to the caves through the village, or drive down via Bicholim. 

Corjuem Fort- It is situated 4 kilometers from the village of Aldona on the river island of Corjuem, Goa. It was a fine military fortress used by the Portuguese for defense. It is quite smaller than the other forts in Goa.

Mangueshi Temple- Housing the deity Lord Mangueshi, an incarnation of Lord Shiva the Hindu God of Destruction the temple is Situated in the Ponda Taluka at a place called Priol. Lord Shiva is recognized as Lord Mangueshi only in the regions of Goa.

Fort Tiracol- Built in the 17th century by Raja Khem Sawant, the Maharaja of Sawantwadi. In 1746, the fort was finally surrendered to the Portuguese army after several skirmishes between the Sawantwadi and the Portuguese Army.

Naval Aviation Museum- Located in Mormugao, Goa, it is one of the two naval aviation museums in India. Established in 1998 to showcase the importance, functioning, and evolution of the Indian Naval Air Arm.

Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, North Goa- It is one of the largest churches in Asia and an important church in Goa. Dedicated to Saint Catherine, it is located in Old Goa. It is a very important place for the Latin Rite Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.