A small haven on the map of India is full of big surprises, Goa will leave you astounded. Despite being geographically smaller, this paradise has many hidden gems to offer to lakhs of tourists that throng this ultimate traveller destination. We have curated a list for you to explore the places in Goa apart from the beaches which will keep you in touch with not just your party side, but also cultural, adventurous and spiritual side.  

If you want to take the road less travelled, untouched, unexplored and unseen by hordes of people you have got to take a detour from your pre-decided itinerary and add these magnificent destinations nestled in the nooks and corners of Goa, speaking of its glorious past and rich culture. Leave your hotel rooms and rent a bike and watch out for all that this tiny emerald land on the west coast of India has to offer.  

Let’s PEEK into the Sublime Past!

1. Chapora Fort

Known for it’s eventful past at the time of Mughals this fort also has contemporary pop culture tag attached to it. The Dil Chahta Hai fort, many people come here to relive the spot made immortal in the Amir Khan starrer movie. Built in 1612 by Shahpura the King of Bijapur, this fort was the site of many battles trying to capture it, the Portuguese, Marathas and even Akbar had once stood in conquest for this fort. A popular spot for wedding photoshoots or modelling photoshoots, do bring along your cameras and drones to capture the serenity of this place.

What you can look forward to:

• A small Trek
• Scenic Views
• Photographic Moments
• Beautiful Sunset

Best Time to Visit:

An uphill climb and a short trek in the hot weather is sure to make you uneasy, the best time to travel to Chapora Fort is late December afternoons and early mornings. Ideal spot for a picnic, exploring this piece of history wont take more than 2 hours.

Attractions Nearby:

• Vagator Beach
• The Chapora River  

learn more about chapora fort

2. Aguada Fort

400 years old fort, a gem in the Portuguese legacy who used this fort as a passageway to India to trade spices through the Konkan Coast. It was attacked several times by the Dutch and was also once briefly destroyed. A defining example of fine Italian and Portuguese Architecture this fort can at once hold 20,00,000 gallons of water in its cistern. From here you can witness the magical sight of conflux of the Mandovi River and Arabian Sea.

What you can look forward to:

• Fresh Water Springs
• Marvel at the Italian Architecture
• Portuguese Military Architecture
• Old Lighthouse
• Citadel
• Gun Powder Storage
• Iron Citadel
• Secret Passageways

Best Time to Visit:

Anytime of the year expect the monsoon time where it would get hard to admire this outdoor vicinity.

Attractions Nearby:

• Sinquerim Beach
• Candolim Beach  
• Calizz 
• Church of St. Lawrence 
• Hilltop Fort 
• Aguada Jail  
• Old Lighthouse

3. The Church of Mae De Deus

Situated in Saligao, Bardez this church is one of the prettiest sites to behold in Goa, enhancing the idyllic country side and enriching the bohemian ambience of Goa. While making your way to Calangute beach you can’t miss this Neo-Gothic architectural marvel. It houses the miraculous statue of Mother of God, and hosts a huge feast on the 1^st Sunday of May, followed by a fireworks show.

                          What you can look forward to:

• Country Side
• Quiet Down Time
• Neo-Gothic Architecture
• Feast of Our Lady, Mother of Good ( 1^st Sunday of May)
• Miraculous Statues

Best Time to Visit:

This Indoor vicinity is ideal to visit anytime of the year,  with visitors time open from Monday to Sunday: 9.00am to 12.30pm and from 3.00pm to 5.00pm.

Attractions Nearby:

• Calangute Beach

4. Goa State Museum

Bought as a rental property in 1977, the building was first used to store archives from the past. Later it was bought by the Government and converted into a state of the Art Museum. Since then this Museum houses over 8000 objects of significant history, included various art galleries, sculptures belonging to the Jainism and Hinduism faith and so much more. 

What you can look forward to:

• Artifacts
• Paintings
• Rare Coins
• Glimpse of Portuguese History
• Sculptures
• Various Galleries
• Statues

Best Time to Visit:

To avoid clumsy and uneasy travel in this region which receives a lot of rainfall, visit in the winter months from October–March, and avoid the hot and humid months. It opens from Monday to Friday at 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and there is no entry fee

Attractions Nearby:

• Madgaon Railway Station
• Indian Customs and Central Excise Museum
• Mandovi River
• Immaculate conception Church

5. Reis Magos Fort

Built by the Portuguese in the year 1551, it was initially made to serve the purpose of a turret, the shape you currently see the fort in was constructed finally in 1707. It was also once captured by the Britishers and has served as an accommodation lodge for officials and was once used as a prison too. It gives a picturesque scene of the Mandovi River on which this fort is located on and the is only 2 kms from Aguada Fort.

What you can look forward to:

• Portuguese Architecture
• Vintage Architecture
• Panoramic View of the Surrounding Places
• Glimpse of Portuguese History
• Sculptures
• Various Galleries
• Statues

Best Time to Visit:

Visit in the winter months from October-March, and avoid the rainy season which will make outdoor activities quite impossible. Tuesday to Sunday at 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Entry Fee – 50 per person for Adults, 25 per person for Students, 10 per person on Sundays and Goa Govt. Holiday, 0 Free entry for children below 8 yrs of age

Attractions Nearby:

• Mandovi River
• Aguada Fort  
• Immaculate conception Church

6. Bom Jesus Basilica

              A renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site- This is one of the oldest Church in Goa and in India. A Roman Catholic basilica, located in the Konkan Region of India. A Portuguese testament of the world gone by.It famously holds the mortal remains of St. Xavier one of the many reasons why scores of people have it on top of their lists when visiting Goa.

What you can look forward to:

•  Portuguese Architecture
•  Neo-Gothic Architecture
• Modern Art Gallery

Best Time to Visit:

Post-Monsoon is the best time to visit this architectural marvel between the months of September-March, when the rain showers have cleared the surroundings and left a solemn atmosphere. Monday to Saturday, starting at 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Attractions Nearby:

• Church of St
• St. Francis of Assisi 
• Se Cathedral  
• Viceroys Arch 
• Old Goa

The High Life!

7. Casino Palm

The largest onshore Casino in Goa, the Casino palm nests in the Calypso Hotel in Baga, with entry charges for Weekdays starting from 750 rs. to 1000 rs. on the Weekends they also host tournaments and their Casino wars have quite a reputation around town. Place your bets and enjoy the rest.

What you can look forward to:

• Live art performances by foreign and local artists,
• Kids Zone with latest PS5.
• Restaurants,
• Bars
• Ayurvedic massage facilities,
• Spa
• Swimming Pool facilities.

Best Time to Visit:

         In the Spirit of party should never stop, this casino is open 24 hours a day,                                     7 days a week.

Attractions Nearby:

• Baga Beach

8. MV Caravela

Before it sail on the vast ocean this floating casino landed in some hot waters, but that’s a thing of the past. This interestingly shaped Vessel is one of it’s kind bringing together two greatest things about vacation, Cruising and Gambling. And if you’re not the one looking for a bet at blackjack you can just enjoy the cruise and dig into delicious food.

What you can look forward to:

• American Roulette
• Black Jack
• Electronic Slot Machines  
• Bars
• Live Casino  
• Offshore Casino
• Performances

Best Time to Visit:

        Best to visit in Winter months from October-March when the waters aren’t very unruly and you can put your entire focus on gambling for fun.

Attractions Nearby:

• Mandovi Beach

9. Club Cabana

                One of the most popular night clubs that speaks of the night life promise that comes with Goa, this neon-light club has a huge outdoor pool, you can witness your favourite DJs in actions, with both international and local artists setting the atmosphere on fire. Wednesdays here are ladies night, with free entries and drinks on the house for ladies, this place comes with a cover charge which covers your food indulgence, and you can indulge in the delicacies.

What you can look forward to:

• Local Artists
• International Artists
• All Night Swimming 
• Cocktails
• Events  
• Large Outdoor Terraces
• Panoramic Views of the Ocean
• Wood fire Oven Pizza
• Wednesdays Ladies Night

Best Time to Visit:

One of the best nightclubs in town, Club Cabana opens its dancefloor for you to frolic around from 09:30 pm – 03:00 am.

Attractions Nearby:

• Arpora Hill
• Arpora Beach
• Baga River
• Tittos Club

10. Titos Club

Tito’s is one of the most popular night clubs in Goa, so much so that the entire lane is now names after the club. The Tito’s lane also offers the tourists tattoo artists, shopping and what not. Party animals throng this place to dance the night away, it will surely satiate the side of your lower inhibitions. Goa’s checklist without the mention of Tito’s is incomplete.

What you can look forward to:

• Nightlife
• DJ Sets
• Party Vibes
• Drinks
• Couple Entry
• Stag Entry
• Entertaining Dancers
• Karaoke Sessions

Best Time to Visit:

Party never stops at Tito’s, you are welcome anytime of the year, Club operates from 06:00 pm – 03:30 am.

Attractions Nearby:

• Calangute Beach

 Loosen your Purse Strings!

11. Anjuna Market

Buy amazingly aesthetic clothes at throwaway prices, although this market only operates on Wednesdays but is most popular because of the incredible finds one can grab here. Jewelllery, dreamcatchers, beach clothes, with delicious places nearby where you can grab a bite during the adrenaline hiking shopping spree.

What you can look forward to:

• Handicrafts
• Flea Market
• Bohemian Attires
• Street Food
• Hippie Clothes
• Junk Jewellery
• Food
• Music

Best Time to Visit:

Opens only on Wednesdays.

Attractions Nearby:

• Anjuna Beach
• Saturday Night Market
• Baga Beach
• German Bakery

12. Mapusa Market

If you want to catch the glimpse of the local goa, where all the OGs hang out, you should not miss out this market, It is diverse and has thousands of options for you, even if you’re not a big fan of jewellery or clothes, you can test your haggling skills and get your hands on various handicrafts like pottery, kunbi sarees, authentic local food. After a tiresome day of shopping you can also relax at restaurants nearby.

What you can look forward to:

• Handicrafts
• Flea Market
• Goan Pottery
• Textiles
• Clothing
• Spices
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Meats
• Jewellery
• Local Food

Best Time to Visit:

Open from Monday to Saturday – 09:30 am to 06:00 pm , a pro tip- catch the fresh pieces early and avoid the siesta filled afternoons.

Attractions Nearby:

• Goan Khau Gully
• Saturday Night Market
• Baga Beach
• German Bakery

13. Bicholim Market

A market for especially all the pottery lovers, there are around 200 shops in this market where you can buy pottery of various sizes and uses, you can also get your hands on fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s a great place to interact with locals and get well acquainted with the real culture of Goa.

What you can look forward to:

• Handicrafts
• Flea Market
• Goan Pottery
• Clothing
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Local Food

Best Time to Visit:

All days 06:00 am to 08:00 pm.

Attractions Nearby:

• Lamgao Buddhists Caves
• Dhabdabha Waterfalls

Getting Marooned on the Goan Islands!

14. Chorao Island

One of the largest amongst the 17 islands of the state, on the Mandovi River , approx. 9 kms from Panaji. Also called as  Chodan, Choddnnem, or Chudamani, Charao, this island is a piece of heaven in the middle of nowhere. Nestled amongst the lush greenery are the villages, agricultural lands and so much more waiting to be explored.

What you can look forward to:

•  Villages
•  Churches
• Temples
• Agriculture Fields 
• Conventional Goan Homes 
• Mangroves
• Jetty Ride

Best Time to Visit:

All days 06:00 am to 08:00 pm.

Attractions Nearby:

• Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
• Ponte de Linhares Causeway
• Ilhasm

15. Grand Island

If you want a genuine detox, and dive deep into the nature, you can not miss the Grand Island. A serene Island surrounded by pristine waters and all sorts of adventure sports like, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Fishing and more.

What you can look forward to:

•  Snorkeling
• Dolphin Spotting
• Scuba Diving
• Boat Ride
• Fishing

Best Time to Visit:

Visiting in the winter months of October-March when the rain turbulent is low is best advised.

Attractions Nearby:

• Aguada Fort
• Lighthouse
• Central Jail  

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