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!
Table of Contents
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.
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.
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 1st 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 ( 1st 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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