If someone asks you which seaside destination is the most mesmerizing in India, what would be your reply? No need to guess, it would definitely be Goa, right? Whether you are planning a getaway trip with your spouse, a vacation with your family or friends or a solo encounter amidst the azure beaches, Goa would be the finest place to visit this year.
If you want to indulge in a 5-day Goa trip, you can cover as many as the top 20 places and tourist spots. And in the end, you would feel as if your itinerary to this mind-boggling coastal region has been worth the wait.
Best places to visit in Goa with friends and family
When it comes to vacations on the beach, Goa is one of the most favourite destinations for me. Aside from enjoying the beautiful beaches; there is so much to explore and experience during your upcoming vacation in Goa.
If you have made up your mind and planning your itinerary for 5-6 days in Goa, consider visiting some of these beautiful places and spots without a miss.
Here you go!
Canacona
Explore stunning beach areas such as Colomb, Rajbaga, Talpona and Patenam as Canacona is situated near these locations. Get a unique experience every time you visit these sea beaches and there is no doubt about it.
Say for example, if gazing at a desolate and pristine seashore is more you then Talpona beach must be your stop-by destination. On the other end, coming to Palolem means getting into some fun-filled encounters such as riding on a boat, thereby turning up at some of the most super-interesting spots including the Butterfly, Honeymoon and Monkey islands etc. All in all, you will have a really wonderful time whilst you are in this region of South Goa.
Valpoi
Bring out that innate adventurer or nature lover in your at Valpoi. Trails or trekking or hiking amidst the breathtaking Vagheri Hills and Chlora Ghats, sights of thick forests, rugged hills and bouts of water rafting will surely give you goosebumps.
This is not the end as the vintage mosques and temples, the Nanu’s Fort and the eternally beautiful Nagargaon Bridge are still there to leave you lost for words. Moreover, the folk songs, festive fervour and overall lifestyle of this village are enough to make you fall for this hamlet times and again.
Quepem
If retreating somewhere serene and undisturbed is more your thing, then a stopover by the Quepem village must be on the wish list of your Goa trip.
Although it’s a tiny village, there isn’t a single thing that you won’t get here. Check out the jaw-dropping temples, restaurants, beaches, churches, dams and whatnot. Particularly, the holy shrines and dams over here are enough to elucidate the bygone times when Portuguese rulers and Bhoja emperors marked their prominence in various parts of this area.
Again, the hamlet is home to some of the finest seafood eateries where you can gorge on authentic Goanese dishes until your tummy is satisfied. In a word, a few hours of sojourn in Quepem would certainly give you a one-of-its-kind experience.
Sanguem
Although a lesser-known tourist spot, failing to visit this sight means doing injustice to your Goa trip. In fact, the revered Pandava Caves aka the mystic caves in Rivona are located in this region itself. Aside from that, get thrills of waterfalls and dams as you can’t stop gazing at the verdant spice plantations.
To say the least, it’s an apt destination for those who are done with the ecstasy of sea beaches in Goa and want to experience something new this time.
Bicholim
It’s time to chill and have a super-amazing time in the lap of nature! Time to head to Bicholim. Be it the Mayem Lake, ancient Hindu temples and mosques, or the incessant waterfalls, each of the elements here is enough to make your day.
In particular, the Saptakoteshwar Temple is one of the most prominent tourist attractions that you can’t miss out on visiting whilst you are in Bicholim. Also, come across historically significant zones like the primitive rock caves or maybe the picturesque postcard settings and many more.
The thing is as a destination, Bicholim has not much sea beaches to offer you. But, still, it’s a worthwhile place for those who want to retreat for a while amidst some of the beautiful creations of nature.
Ponda
Want to witness the rich cultural heritage of Goa to the full? Then, come to Ponda for sure, a region located in a prominent part of Northern Goa.
Explore the vast stretches of spice farms, particularly the Sahakari Spice Farm as a glimpse of the ancient mosques and temples will remind you of the historical sagas of India.
Aside from that, you can purchase your favourite oils and spices from the many stalls located out here. Again, there is Tropical Spice Farm where you will see some of the finest spice trees, the Lavender and Pepper tree and Mexican Mirchi being the most notable of them.
In short, a Ponda trip of 2-3 hours will get you a unique experience this time and that’s for sure.
Sanquelim
Have you heard of the Harvalem Caves and Waterfalls or the revered Rudreshwar Temple? If not, then experience these spots in person by visiting a mesmerizing region like Sanquelim.
In fact, the Harvalem Caves were named in honour of the five Pandava brothers of Mahabharata. Furthermore, these caves were excavated, leading to the creation of a peculiar Laterite hill.
Subsequently, it got divided into two different caves that include a residential zone as well. Just head one kilometre more and you will get to see the bewitching Harvalem Waterfalls.
However, don’t miss out on visiting the Rudreshwar Temple which is situated within close proximity.
Pro Tip: Try to visit Sanquelim during the monsoons because the Harvalem Waterfalls attain the pinnacle of their beauty at that time.
Morjim
If a solo trip somewhere really quiet, tranquil and peaceful is more your thing, then Morjim is where you should be heading towards this time.
Tuck into some of the local dishes out here while taking a relaxing stroll all through the sea beach area. In fact, getting a sight of the stunning sunset at the end of the day will surely add to your splendour even more.
It’s one such place, where there won’t be an iota of hustle-bustle, nor you would feel the rich marine ambience of Goa is missing somewhere.
Besides, Morjim is also the home to the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, a coastal creature that is almost on the verge of getting extinct. In fact, there is also a specific spot that clearly states the likely areas where these turtles generally lay their eggs.
All in all, come to Morjim at least once to get a truly adventurous experience this time.
Mandrem
No doubt, Mandrem is one of the most serene villages in the entire North Goa. What’s more, you can also experience the awesome ayurvedic massage out here after which you are going to feel utterly unwound and rejuvenated.
Don’t miss spending some time inside the well-embellished beach shacks of Mandrem as you relish some of the local delicacies of Goa. If you are still not done, then hire sunbeds as you wish and mellow out with your friends and family while indulging in a super-relaxing suntan spree.
So, why waste time? Turn up at Mandrem right away and have whale of a time with your near and dear ones to the full.
Old Goa
Velha Goa also called Old Goa nowadays was once considered to be the capital of this Union Territory before Panaji became the one.
Be it the magnificent convents over there, spellbinding cathedrals and churches, each of these buildings and towers reminded us of the grandeur and unapologetic royalty that prevailed in every nook and cranny of the city.
So, come to this amazing destination and get the flavour of Goa’s material heritage, more popular as ‘’Churches and Convents of Goa’’ amongst tourists and locals.
Two of the most distinct buildings are the St. Cathedral and Bom Jesus, both of which are now considered UNESCO world heritage that too globally.
Agonda
Home to the endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtle and some tranquil sea beaches, Agonda is one such destination, where urban civilization and rural innocence have blended so perfectly.
Steal a glance at the angry waves that the Arabian sea incessantly throws at the seashore as you fall for that sight over and over again.
If you are an ardent animal lover, then you can’t stop gazing at the dogs playing all around or the cows taking a leisurely walk all through the sea beaches or for that matter the eggs of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, a scene very common in this part of South Goa in the month of September.
In fact, it’s a go-to haven for those who want to explore their innate love for nature to the fullest.
Bambolim
An impeccable blend of rocks, dazzling stretches of sand and of an incessant white seashore, Bambolim is one such place in Goa where nature seems to attain the extremity of its aesthetics without losing on the ‘’practicality’’ thing in any way.
Enjoy the sight of fishermen catching fish in bulk while you come across the scene of a hell lot of married and unmarried swaying away across the beaches while spending their own quality time.
Also, you will see the least of shacks and vendors over here. So in a way, Bambolim can be an appropriate picnic hub as well, something that you can relish in the companion of your friends or family.
However, if indoor fun is more your thing, then a couple of hours inside the spectacular Bambolim Resort will make your day. Satisfy you’re your tummy to the full as the friendly staff over there serve some of the most lips-smacking Goanese as well as Continental dishes to be precise.
Anjuna
It was once in the 1960s when Anjuna represented the culture of hippies, trance parties and happy-go-lucky backpackers wandering all about. Now the time has changed, and visiting this destination in North Goa means coming across an influx of both international and local tourists alike.
But one will get the essence of that bygone hippie era no matter what. So, if you are also in Anjuna this time, visit the Flea market for sure.
Wondering why? This is because, it’s a gigantic shopping hub that sells some of the finest stones, crystals, leather goods, sandalwood and sarongs though solely on Wednesdays.
Want to get that oh-so-beautiful glimpse of the trance scene? For that try and visit Anjuna in the evening and head towards eateries like the Shiva Valley or Curlies to get a picturesque view of it.
Also, a stopover by Anjuna beach would be great if you are tired of exploring the rest beaches in Goa, which are inundated with loads of people all the time.
Candolim
Again, Candolim is one of the most serene sea beaches to unravel when you are in Goa. Relish every moment out here as you indulge in a pampering bout of sunbath while gazing at the sunset constantly and that exhilarating encounter of parasailing will surely give you goosebumps.
A gentle reminder, while exploring this region of Northern Goa, don’t miss out on getting a glimpse of ‘’River Princess’’, a gigantic vessel that has run 100 meters into the ground and remains moored in a very prominent part of the sea beach area.
You can enjoy some seclusion by booking a sunbed of your choice as you the surroundings alternatively turning red and yellow during sunrise and of sunset.
Amidst all this, invariably pay a visit to the Lady of Hope Church and guess what? You will totally remain speechless by its mind-boggling architecture.
Calangute
Feeling and viewing the aesthetics of Goa’s beach remains incomplete unless you are in Calangute. Located in the Bardez district of the province, a getaway trip to this lovely seaside will definitely be worth the effort.
Home to loads of clubs, shacks and other entertainment zones Calangute beach has to offer you visual treats that never seem to end.
Also, a session of skiing or parasailing for a few hours will set an upbeat mood in you, enough to last for the entire day to come.
How about air renditions and shows? Well, they are super-amazing actually! Meanwhile, explore enthralling spots like the Tibetian Market, and St. Alex Church or simply mellow out in the main sea beach area as you please!
Mapusa
Want to indulge in shopping on the weekend whilst you are on your Goa tour? Why not pay a visit to Mapusa in that case, especially the Friday Market there that welcomes you wholeheartedly?
Shop for cashew nuts, sweets, chillies, vegetables, fish stuffed with ready-to-cook spices, homemade sausages, exotic spices and so on until you are fully satisfied.
If you are done with all this, turn up at the nearby sea beaches like Chapora or Vegator either solo or in the company of your friends and family.
However, when you are in Mapusa, don’t forget to check out prominent tourist spots such as the Cansaulim Church, Church of Our Lady of Miracles, Bodgeshwar Temple, St. Jerome Church, Maruti Temple or for that matter the Municipal Building, particularly known for its architecture and so on.
Vasco Da Gama
The city of Goa has been named after the Portuguese explorer who discovered it. In fact, beaches in Goa can only be felt from the core when you are here.
Want to have a frenzied ride with your buddies? Then, come to the Holland Sea beach comprising a major part of this area.
If not, then a satiating day out amidst the Cansaulim beach will be enough to steal your heart. Why not pay a visit to the Naval Aviation Museum, one of the most revered museums in India known for its exquisite collections of some of the most peculiar antiques and stuff?
Alternatively, you can get a glimpse of the 400 years old St. Andrews Church as well, failing which your trip to Goa will be of no use. Some of the other noteworthy tourist spots of this region include the Three Kings Church, Shri Ramnath Temple, Naval Aviation Museum, Sahakari Spice Farm, Kesarval Waterfalls, and Mormugao Fort to name just a few.
Margao
Also known as Goa’s cultural capital, Margao must be imperatively on your wish list while you are planning a short trip to this Union Territory.
So, once you are here, do pay a visit to the House of Seven Gables, Holy Spirit Church, Municipal Garden and the Damodar Temple and that’s for sure.
Meanwhile, you can turn up at the exclusive fish market that not only sells various kinds of fish and quite a few species of dried as well.
In words, you will find all the components and features in Margao that Goa is primarily famous for. But the Margao curry available in this region is the last thing that you will get elsewhere in Goa. What’s more, this particular curry paste has not only gained prominence in the entire of Margao but it’s exported to Portuguese and many other parts of the world too.
Sounds interesting, right?
Not feeling satiated yet? Why not visit a couple of more tourist attractions? Prominent ones are Monte Hill, Sri Chandranath Temple or Zalor Beach etc.
Panaji
If an indelible sightseeing bout is what is up to, then a quick stopover by Panaji must be on the planner of your Goa trip.
Just the way, it is famous for being the capital of the region, and it’s also quite popular for some of the most picturesque havens and spots to mesmerize tourists every time.
In case you are fond of birds, then a visit to the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary will surely make your day. Meanwhile, you just take a relaxing stroll all through the Fontainhas-the revered Latin Quarters or you can just spend a full across Miramar Beach with your besties, kids and parents.
Apart from that, you can also visit spots like Divar Island, Adil Shahi Palace, Shanta Durga Temple or Resig Magos while being on your Panaji getaway.
Plan a fantabulous trip to Goa this time!
So, are you all set and ready to visit the magnificent Goa? If you say yes, then make sure that you get to each of the twenty places mentioned above by the end of your itinerary.
To wrap it up in the fewest words possible, Goa has plenty of wonders and amazements to offer you. And turning up at these ravishing spots means enjoying the mysticism and true beauty of nature to the full.
Hope you would find this guide useful as you plan ahead a gratifying tour to this seaside.