Famous Tourist Places in Goa

Dudhsagar

Dudhsagar Waterfalls- springing from from a lofty height of 600m is located on the Goa-Karnataka border. It lies at a distance of 60 km from Panaji and 10 km from Colem Railway Station.

The name of this waterfall evolves from the Konkani name for the falls, Dudhsagar meaning 'sea of milk'. This is because froth is formed due to the speedy surge of water from the majestic heights.

In spite of being a perilous spot due to its slippery rocks, it is a popular site for trekking and hiking. The fall looks stunning post monsoon as it ripples with bubbling foam-like water.

The fall overlooks a steep, crescent-shaped edge of a valley covered with beautiful tropical forest. Monkeys, birds, bees, butterflies have carved their own niche amidst the flora of the region and the plunge pool abounds in aquatic life.

The Dudhsagar Falls is one of the most interesting falls of India and the largest and highest fall of Goa. Nearby is the Tamdi Surla Temple built by the Kadambas.

The road to this mighty fall is inaccessible during the monsoon season .The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) runs tours to Dudhsagar on Saturday and Sunday from Panaji and Calangute. You could also take a train to Dudhsagar from Madgaon (Margao) and get there in an hour and half. However during summer, when the level of the water is low, you can hire a Jeep and access the foot of the falls from either Molem or Collem.

Goa State museum

One of the Panaji attractions, the Goa State museum is equally popular with the history freaks and general tourists. The Goa State museum in Panaji was officially inaugurated on 29th September, 1977. Later on a new complex was built in Patto, which was opened in the year 1996.

The twelve galleries of the Goa State museum houses historic and wonderful artifacts. The name of the galleries of Goa State museum are given below:

Sculpture Gallery

Numismatic Gallery

Christian Art Gallery

Furniture Gallery

Cultural Anthropology

Contemporary Art Gallery

Environment and Development Gallery

Gallery for other displays

Goa's Freedom Struggle Gallery

Banerji Art Gallery

Menezes Braganza Gallery

Religious Expression Gallery 

The Sculpture Gallery boasts of some priceless inscriptions that date back to the 4th century. Intricately carved sculptures made of stone and bronze are the main attractions of this gallery. The Numismatic Gallery is a must visit for the history loving people and people interested in numismatology. The gallery has collection of coins from different ages.

A must visit for the art lovers and the religious inclined people also, the Christian Art Gallery houses outstanding wood carved statues and paintings of Christian saints. The Banerji Art Gallery is named after the ex governor of Goa - S.K. Banerji. This gallery exhibits some exceptional sculptures, ancient seals and terracotta works. The Goa State museum organizes several cultural competitions and programs throughout the year.

Beaches in Goa

Goa and its beaches do not need an introduction. The state is well known for its spectacular beaches that are a major reason behind its successful tourism. Replete with swaying palms, food shacks, flea markets, water sports and nightlife the Goa beaches make for a perfect holiday. Covering almost 83% of the total coastline area of Goa the beaches in Goa offer everything that makes your vacation a memorable one.

 The captivating beaches of Goa attract millions of local and foreign tourists throughout the year. Goa is home to both commercial and quiet beaches. The beaches in North are the commercialized ones which are known specially for their nightlife. The South Goa beaches are ideal for relaxing and just lazing around on the sun kissed shores.

Heaven for all kinds of tourists the beaches in Goa over the years have evolved as one of the hottest tourist destination in India. Inviting as they are with their enchanting appearance the Goa beaches are mostly situated around Margao Mapusa and Panaji.

Best Beaches in Goa

Anjuna Beach

Arambol Beach

Baga Beach

Benaulim Beach

Calangute Beach

Candolim Beach

Cavelossim Beach

Chapora Beach

Colva Beach

Dona Paula

Majorda Beach

Mandrem Beach

Miramar Beach

Mobor Beach

Palolem Beach

Sinquerim Beach

Vagator Beach

Varca Beach

Temples in Goa

The templesin Goa are like most Hindu temples in India. Each of the temples in Goa is based around a deity which is the centre of worship. However, the architecture of the temples in Goa is a little different because of historical reasons.

The basic design of all Hindu temples is organized around the central shrine or the 'Garbagriha' (the 'sanctum sanctorum') that houses the main deity. A 'Shikara' (tower) arises from the main shrine and is traditionally pyramidal shaped. There are usually two or more smaller shrines enshrining other deities known as 'Parivar Devatas' around the entrance to the Garbagriha. 

Goa gives place to a number of temples and pilgrimage spots. Among these the most popular ones that one should visit when on a avisit to goa are as follows:

Shri Bhagvati Temple

Shri Chandranath Temple

Shri Mahalaxmi Temple

Shri Mahalsa Temple

Shri Mangueshi Temple

Shri Naguesh Temple

Shri Shantadurga Temple

Forts in Goa

Goa's Forts are a direct result of Goa's chequered history. Goan forts are very small in size as compared to the other Indian Forts. Nevertheless, the forts in Goa are historic specimens of immense military, political and economic importance.

With a history that speaks of several rulers, the forts in Goa are witnesses and testimonials of the events of a bygone era. Some of the most important of the forts in Goa that have stood the test of time are given below:

Aguaada Fort

Chapora fort

Cabo Palace Rama raj bhavan

Terekhol Fort

Goa Waterfall

Goa is a verdant natural paradise bounded on the one side by the foothills of the Sahyadri range and on the other by the Arabian Sea. Goa, a tiny green land surrounded by azure waters on the West Coast of India, with its natural picturesque beauty, attractive beaches and famous architectural temples, majestic churches, grand parties and festivals and its rich Anglo-Indian heritage is a great attraction for all tourists. It is called the pearl of the east.

Besides the awe-inspiring and strikingly beautiful beaches, Goa is also gifted with lakes, waterfalls and springs of unmatched beauty. They are located far from the madding crowds, away from the coast, in the interiors.

There are three prime waterfalls of Goa which emerge from great heights and ripple through the rugged terrains. These three rippling cascades of silverywater attract hordes of tourists who prefer blissful solitude of isolated nature rather than the fun and frolic of crowded beaches.

Nehru Stadium

The NehruStadium, Margao is named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime Minister of India. It was originally known as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. It is one of those cricket stadiums in India which have acquired international fame as a multi-sport complex.

The Nehru Stadium in Margao in Goa was built in the year 1989. The stadium can accommodate around 27300 spectators. Swimming Pool End and Church End are the names of the two ends of the stadium. Equipped with floodlights and the latest communication facilities, the stadium has both turf and grass type pitches.

Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary

The Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary at Mollem covers an area of 240 square kilometers and is the largest wildlife preserve in Goa. This sanctuary lies on the eastern border of the state, close to the village of Mollem at the foot of the Western Ghats. The Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is 53 kilometres away from the state capital, Panaji. The sanctuary primarily consists of evergreen forests and deciduous trees.

Within the Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is the Molem National Park. Herds of deer and gaurs (Indian bison), clusters of monkeys, Malayan giant squirrels, cobras and pythons are housed in the sanctuary. There are also elephants and tigers, but spotting them could be a tough job. The sanctuary is also home to a few black panthers; and spotting them is not an easy task either.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary lies 10 kms northeast of the Usgao Tisk village in north Goa and is 52 kms from Panaji, and 38 kms from Margao. Away from the coast, the landscape breaks into the dramatic and green foothills of the Western Ghats. These foothills shelter the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary; which is the smallest wildlife reserve in Goa. The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 80 sq kms. The sanctuary is home to the sambar, gaur (Indian bison), the black-faced langur, jackal and wild boar, amongst others animals. Elephants have also been spotted here at times. The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary houses several species of deer as well.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

At a distance of 60km south from Panaji, is located the Cotigao WildlifeSanctuary. The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1969. It is the second largest sanctuary in Goa and covers an area of 86 sq kms. The Talpona River flows through this preserve. Getting to the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is a little tedious.

The forested land provides shelter to a number of birds and animals. However, the number of animals in this sanctuary has decreased over the years. Yet one still comes across sloth bears, deer, wild boars, hyenas, and Indian bisons. Reptiles and monkeys too can be easily spotted. Birds like the rufous woodpecker, white-eyed eagle and the Malabar crested eagle form a part of the avian life that abounds here. But, apart from the animal life, the expansive forestland also comes as a welcome change.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Also known as Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary - The sanctuary is named after one of India's most prominent ornithologists, Dr. Salim Ali - the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is spread over an area of 1.78 sq kms. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located at the western tip of the Chorao Island along river Mandovi near Panaji. It is fully covered with mangrove species. A variety of local and migratory birds can be found on this island.

This sanctuary can be visited any time of the year. However, permission from the Chief, Wild Life Warden (Forest Department, Junta House, Panaji-Goa) is required. One needs to take a bus or a cab from Panaji to the Ribandar ferry wharf and then take a ferry across the Mandovi River to the island of Chorao. The sanctuary is within walking distance from the ferry wharf at Chorao. There are also some private parties who take tourists around in their canoes fitted with outboard motors.

Goa is a land whose major portion is allotted to forests and wildlife. Due to deforestation and extinction of certain species of animals becoming a serious issue, the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa are doing their best to preserve their flora and fauna. Presently there are six wildlife sanctuaries in Goa:

Together these wildlife sanctuaries in Goa cover an area of 755 square km2 that is, around 60 per cent of forest area and 20 per cent of the geographical area of the state.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

the BondlaWildlife Sanctuary is located 38 kms from Margao. It is more an ideal jungle resort than a sanctuary. It is a big favourite with school children and people who love nature. This wildlife sanctuary in Goa houses mini zoos, sprawling deer park in natural habitat, botanical and rose gardens that attract people throughout the year.

Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

 The Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary covers around 240 sq kms. Out of this, the forest-clad slopes of the Western ghats and its valleys are the biggest attractions. It is also the biggest of the three sanctuaries of Goa. The sanctuary is rich in wildlife. It is a paradise for bird watchers. There are also many important geological and historical features in this sanctuary.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

The Cotigaowildlife sanctuary in Goa is the second largest of all the wildlife sanctuariesin Goa. It covers an area of 105 sq km. It is covered with dense forest. As a result of which a varied wildlife, avian fauna and reptiles thrive and flourish. The ancient Jeevottam Partagal Math too lies near the sanctuary.