10 Best Things to Do in Goa: A Thrilling Vacation in the Pearl of the Orient

Goa is a tropical paradise located on the west coast of India and is the smallest state in India. Goa is known for its bright beaches, fresh seafood, lively nightlife, wild parties, flea markets, grand forts, and historic churches. Goa was a Portuguese colony for over 450 years, and this influence is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and way of life. Visitors can enjoy a range of breathtaking things to do in Goa, from relaxing on the beach to exploring historic landmarks, indulging in water sports, and experiencing the vibrant night out in bars and clubs.

Top Things to Do in Goa: Sun, Sand, Waves, and Thrill, It’s Goa!

Goa is a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, offering visitors a truly diverse and unforgettable experience. With over 50 beaches, it is a popular destination for sun-seekers and beach lovers. But Goa is more than just beaches; it is home to a rich cultural and historical heritage, with landmarks like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral attracting visitors from all over the world. One can also experience a wide range of outdoor things to do in Goa, from spice plantation tours to water sports, and visitors can indulge in the state's famous Indo- Portuguese cuisine. With its relaxed atmosphere and friendly people, Goa is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a tropical getaway.

1. Soak Up the Sun in Goa
2. Explore the Historic Landmarks in Goa
3. Enjoy Water Sports in Goa
4. Experience the Nightlife in Goa
5. Take a Cruise on the Back Waters, River, and Sea
6. Visit the Markets in Goa
7. Ayurvedic Massage and Spa in Goa
8. Explore Goa State Museum
9. Spice Plantation Tour in Goa
10. The Scenic Vista of Dudhsagar Waterfalls
    

1. Beaches in Goa: Basking in the Tropical Sun

Goa is renowned for its pristine beaches, and spending time soaking up the sun is one of the most popular activities. The state boasts over 50 beaches, which are undoubtedly the best places to visit in India in Summer. You can soak up the sun on these beaches ranging from secluded coves to bustling stretches of sand lined with beach shacks and restaurants. The most popular beaches in Goa include Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset. Visitors can also take part in some of the best things to do in Goa like beach volleyball or simply relax and enjoy a cold drink while basking in the tropical sun.

Best Beaches: Goa has many magnificent beaches in it’s two provinces, including:

North Goa- Best Beaches

• Baga Beach
• Anjuna Beach
• Calangute Beach
• Candolim Beach
• Arambol Beach

South Goa- Best Beaches

• Palolem Beach
• Agonda Beach
• Colva Beach
• Benaulim Beach
• Butterfly Beach

Best Time to Go: Mid-November to Mid-February

Time Needed: 2-3 days

Famous For: Swimming, sunbathing, watching the sunset, water sports, sightseeing, photography

Suggested Read: Beaches in Goa: Unleash the Laidback Attitude in Sunshine State

2. Heritage Site: Explore the Historic Landmarks in Goa

In addition to its beaches, Goa is home to a rich cultural and historical heritage, and exploring these sites is among the best things to do in North Goa, also known as Old Goa. You can explore the historic landmarks of Old Goa, which will give you examples of Portuguese architecture. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most famous landmarks and places to visit in Goa. It houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier and is a significant pilgrimage site. Other popular landmarks include the Se Cathedral, the largest church in Asia, and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, which features beautiful Baroque architecture and an art gallery.

Location: Old Goa Road (North Goa), Bainguinim, Goa 403402

Best Time to Go: Mid-November to Mid-February

Opening Hours: Basilica of Bom Jesus

• Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 8 pm
• Saturday to Sunday: 8 am to 8:30 pm

Time Needed: 2- 3 days

Famous For: Portuguese History, Architecture, Sightseeing, Photography

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3. Water Sports: Get Fueled by Adrenaline

Goa's beaches are not only ideal for sunbathing but also offer plenty of opportunities for water sports. You can take part in several water activities in Goa like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. Some beaches are particularly popular for certain activities; for example, Calangute is known for parasailing, while Baga is famous for jet skiing. Adventure seekers can also try activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and kite surfing, which is a popular adventure in India, one can try in Goa. Many of the beaches have water sports operators who offer equipment rental and lessons for beginners.

Location: Various Beaches like Calangute, Baga, and Sinquerim beach

Best Time to Go: Mid-November to Mid-February

Opening Hours: 8- 8:30 am to 5 pm

Time Needed: 1 day

Famous For: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, windsurfing, and kite surfing

Which Beach is Best for Water Sports in Goa:

• Water Skiing: Baga, Majorda, and Mobor Beach
• Kite Surfing: Arambol Beach, Morjim Beach, Mondego Bay
• Scuba Diving: Grand Island, Pigeon Island
• White Water Rafting: Tilari River, Mandovi River
• Windsurfing: Calangute, Vagator, and Colva Beach
• Wakeboarding and Kneeboarding: Candolim Beach, Mobor Beach
• Kayaking: Hollant Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Backwaters of Zuari, Sal, and Mandovi
• Jet Skiing: Calangute, Candolim, Majorda, and Miramar Beach
• Banana Boat Rides: Anjuna, Candolim, Vagator, Miramar and Agonda Beach
• Parasailing: Arambol, Baga, and Dona Paula Beach
• Snorkeling: Grand Island, Bat Island, and Navy Island

4. Nightlife in Goa: Let’s Call This the Goan Glow

Goa is renowned for its lively nightlife, with a variety of options to suit different tastes. Popular clubs like Tito's and Club Cubana for a night of dancing and drinks or enjoying beach parties and live music events are the best activities to do in Goa. You can enjoy the nights at many beach shacks that stay open late and offer a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy the night. Visitors can also try their luck at one of the many casinos in Goa, which offer games like roulette, blackjack, and poker.

Location: Various Beaches, city clubs, restaurants, and casinos

Best Time to Go: Mid-November to Mid-February

Opening Hours: 4 pm to 12 am

Time Needed: Few hours

Famous For: Parties, Foods, Drinks, Casino Nights, and Live music

Suggested Read: Nightlife in Goa: Witness the Wild Side of this Vibrant Destination

5. Cruising in Goa: Let the Sea Set You Free

One of the most popular activities in Goa to experience the beauty of Goa is by taking a houseboat riding on the Mandovi River. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing boat ride while taking in views of the lush green hills and villages along the riverbanks, relishing the famous Goan cuisine and live music, making for a perfect evening out. Some cruises also offer a chance to watch a traditional Goan folk dance performance. The sunset cruises are particularly popular among honeymooners, providing a breathtaking view of the sun setting over the river.

Location: Various Beaches

Best Time to Go: Mid-November to Mid-February

Popular Cruises in Goa:

• Houseboat Cruise: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
• Dinner Cruise: Wednesday and Saturday from 8:30 pm
• Casino Cruise: The Deltin Royale Casino Cruise and the Casino Pride Cruise runs for 24 hours
• Catamaran Cruise (water sports): 10 am to 5 pm
• Sunset River Cruise: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
• Backwater Cruise: Tuesdays and Fridays 9:30 am to 4 pm
• Mandovi River Cruise: 5:30 am to 7:30 pm
• Private Cruise: According to your booking

Suggested Read: Cruises in Goa: Sailing Away to a Vacation State of Mind

6. Dudhsagar Waterfalls: Indulge in the Scenic Vista

The scenic vista of Dudhsagar waterfalls is a breathtaking sight to behold, making it one of the best places to visit in India. The falls cascade down from a height of 310 meters, creating a misty spray that gives the falls their name. The panoramic view of the falls from various viewpoints along the trekking trail, each offering a unique perspective, is something that you cannot think of missing. The surrounding lush green forests and hills add to the beauty of the falls, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Only 53 km is the distance of Dudhsagar Falls from South Goa via MDR34 and 52 km from North Goa via NH748.

Location: Sonaulim, Goa 403410

Height: 20 meters (1017 feet)

Best Time to Go: July to October

Time Needed: 2- 3 days

Best View of Dudhsagar Falls:

• Dudhsagar Railway Bridge
• The base of Dudhsagar waterfalls

How to Reach Dudhsagar Falls: By road from the National Highway via NH-4A, and the nearest Station to the falls is Collem (Kuhlem)

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7. Shopping in Goa: Paradise for Shopaholics

Goa is famous for its vibrant markets, which offer a range of products from spices to handicrafts. The Anjuna Flea Market is one of the most popular markets where visitors can browse through stalls selling clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and more. The Mapusa Market is another must-visit market in Goa. It offers a range of products from fresh produce to clothing and household items. Other markets include the Saturday Night Market in Arpora, which features food stalls, live music, art, and entertainment.

Location: Various Beaches

Best Time to Go: Mid-November to Mid-February

Opening Hours:

• Anjuna Flea market timings: 8 am to 6 pm
• Mapusa Market timings: Mon to Sat- 9 am to 8:30 pm, Sun- 7 am to 8 pm
• Arpora Saturday Night Market Timings: 8 am to 6 pm (October to May)

Time Needed: 3-4 hours

Famous For: Clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, food stalls, live music, and art

8. Ayurvedic Massage and Spa in Goa: Serenely Calming the Mind and Body

For those looking to relax and rejuvenate, you can try the best Ayurvedic massage in Goa at a wide range of Ayurvedic spas and wellness centers. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on natural healing and holistic wellness. Visitors can enjoy a range of Ayurvedic massages and treatments that use natural herbs, oils, and techniques to restore balance and harmony to the body and mind. Many of the spas are located in serene surroundings to offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Location: At various Ayurvedic spas and wellness centers

Best Time to Go: Mid-November to Mid-February

Time Needed: 2- 3 Hours

Famous For: Massage, Spa

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9. Explore Goa State Museum: The State Archaeology Museum

The Goa State Museum is a must-visit destination for those interested in Goan history and culture. The museum showcases a range of exhibits, including sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, and artifacts dating back to the prehistoric era. Exploring the museum is among the best things to do in Goa with family to learn about Goa's rich cultural heritage, including its Hindu and Portuguese influences. The museum also has a collection of contemporary art and photography, making it a diverse and interesting destination for art lovers.

Location: Adil Shah Palace, Avenida Dom João de Castro, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa 403521

Best Time to Go: Mid-November to Mid-February

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Friday- 10 am to 7:30 pm
• Saturday to Sunday- Closed

Time Needed: 3-4 hours

Famous For: Sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, and artifacts, and collection of contemporary art and photography

How to Reach: 51.5 km via Panvel - Kochi - Kanyakumari Highway, and 60.3 km via NH748

10. Spice Plantation Tour in Goa: The Aromatic Treat of Goodness

Goa is known for its lush green landscape and abundant plantations of spices and herbs. One can take a spice plantation tour to learn about the region's agriculture and sample some of the spices that grow here, this tour is one of the best things to do in South Goa. The tours typically include a walk through the plantation, where visitors can see and learn about a variety of spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon. Some tours even offer an elephant ride through the plantation, providing a unique and unforgettable experience.

Location: H.No. A-14, Arla Bazar Keri, Ponda, Kerim, Goa 403401

Best Time to Go: July to March

Opening Hours: Everyday- 10 am to 3 pm

Time Needed: 2-3 hours

Famous For: Plantation of spices and herbs

Goa is a destination that has something to offer for every kind of traveler, whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous vacation, Goa has it all. From lounging on the beach to exploring historic landmarks, indulging in water sports, experiencing the vibrant nightlife, and taking a scenic drive to Dudhsagar waterfalls, there is no shortage of things to do in Goa to keep you busy. Goa's unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, make it a must-visit destination by taking advantage of the Goa tour packages. A trip to Goa is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and a desire to return again and again.

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