Goa Tourist Attractions

Goa, India is an area that has both Portuguese and Indian influences and it is well-known for its beautiful nature as well as its history of spirituality and new age.

Getyourguide.com has listed some of the many attractions and tours available in the state.

Panaji: Fun-Filled 2-Hour Mandovi River Cruise with Dinner

This 2-hour cruise on the Mandovi River includes a welcome drink and light snacks as participants get on board while overlooking Goa’s vibrant capital city, Panaji.

A DJ will set the mood playing various Bollywood tracks and popular retro tracks and an MC will point out the various sites along the riverbank. Before the dinner buffet is served there will be dancing and games to join in with.

The dinner buffet will consist of both vegetable and non-vegetable dishes as well as dessert. Drinks are not included, but can be purchased at the well-stocked bar. Only cash is accepted on board the boat.

The experience is not suitable for people with vertigo, epilepsy or pre-existing medical conditions or people over 65 years of age.

Transfer to and from the location is not included.

Beautiful Goa Beach Tour

After pick-up from your Goa hotel (North Goa only) the day will begin with a visit to Kerim Beach on the northernmost tip of the state of Goa. This beach is pristine and one of the steepest slope beaches in Goa, and it is located 28 km/17 mi from Mapusa.

Even though the waters here are clear and alluring it is advised to ask the local folks and lifeguards if it is safe to jump in for a swim.

Next stop is Ashwem Beach which is situated south of Arambol Beach. It has vast stretches of sand on the horizon and is isolated with beach shacks and huts midway along it. A number of restaurants that serve seafood can be found in the area.

The final stop will be Anjuna Beach and a visit to the massive and classical flea market that once began as a way for hippies to sell off their possessions to afford a ticket back home. These days almost all of the sellers are professional market vendors selling a vast variety of items normally found at the local beach markets, and then some.

The duration of the excursion is approximately 7 hours. The vehicle will vary depending on the size of the group.

From Goa: Dudhsagar Waterfalls & Plantation Tour

This 8 hour long excursion will begin with the pick-up at your Goa hotel in a private car to Mollem National Park on the Goa border, approximately 1.5-2 hours away. Once there it’s time for an adventurous 10 km/6.2 mi jeep ride across the rocky terrain and river to reach the base of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Dudhsagar Waterfalls can be translated into “The Sea of Milk” as it is known for its white froth cascading down the Western Ghats.

This tour isn’t guided but a company representative will help coordinate the private jeep without participants having to wait in line. After an hour at the mesmerizing sights of the waterfall it’s time to go back to the jeep and the coordination spot to yet again get into the transfer car to go to a local Spice Plantation in southern Goa. Participants will be greeted in a traditional Indian way with soothing herbal tea.

Participants will learn about the different uses of spices and the plants used in Indian nutrition, health and lifestyle, including some tips for common ailments such as headaches and colds. Stroll around the spice plantation, enjoy the delicious Goan buffet-style lunch before heading back to Goa to be dropped off at the various hotels.

Goa: Old Goa Churches and Spiritual Walk

Once participants have met up with their guide the journey begins through the Portuguese Era and the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there the tour continues to the old Goa Churches before heading to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.

Next on the agenda is the Archaeological Museum and Kristu Kala Mandir Art Gallery as the most cultural element of the excursion before visiting the largest church in Asia, the Sé Cathedral.

After this it’s time to explore the Adil Shah Palace Gateway, Viceroy’s Arch and the Statue of Jesus before the tour concludes with the touring of the Church of St. Cajetan and its excellent views of the Mandovi River and Divar Island.

The guide will tell stories, is highly trained and speaks both English and Hindi. Entrance to all of the Churches of Old Goa is included, but entry fees to sites or museums are not.

Goa Street Food Tour

This 2-hour food experience begins at Panjim Church where a professional guide who speaks English and Hindu will meet the participants. The group will walk through the stepped streets, passing through Portuguese-influenced lanes, cute little cafes and markets and centuries-old buildings. Samples of local dishes will be sampled along the way.

Witness the preparation of local favorites such as Xacuit curry, sweet Peda, cucumber mint juice and more to get an in-depth understanding of the local cuisine culture. Participants will also eat in traditional rustic restaurants frequented by the locals for authentic experiences.

All locations work with the local partner to give the participants the best culinary experience with high quality.

Along the way you get to learn trivia about Goa as well as about its vibrant culture and traditions while discovering six classic and authentic Goan delicacies.

Panaji: Heritage Walk through Goa’s Latin Quarter

The 2-hour tour begins as the group meets up with their local English-speaking guide at the Panjim Head Post office located near the Mala district of Panjim. Guided through the lesser known but culturally rich area of Fontainhas, the largest as well as oldest Latin quarter in Asia, participants get to appreciate the Portuguese architecture, heritage homes and friendly locals of this cultural side of Goa.

The walk begins at Tobacco Square and traces the arrival of the Portuguese in Goa and continues past the small Church of San Thome, get a quick bite at the quaint 31st January Bakery, take photos against the color backdrop of the neighborhood as the group makes its way to the Chapel of San Sebastian.

Participants are asked to be respectful and mindful about the locals and their privacy. These are real human beings and permission should be granted before taking any pictures of them.

Other interesting buildings that will be explored are Fundacao Oriente and Galerie Gitanjali.

Lastly, the group will visit with a famous Goan musician to learn about the Portuguese influence on Goan music before going back to the meeting point where it all began.