Oktatabyebye

Sinquerim: Sinquerim marks the starting point of North Goa beaches and is located on the foot of Fort Aguada. The popular Taj Hotel – Taj Holiday Village Goa overlooks Sinquerim. Read Hotel Review.

It is a busy beach with various water sports options.If you walk along the beach to the north, you may cover all the beaches in north Goa on foot.

Candolim: Much quieter than the Sinquerim, Candolim is a peaceful beach where you may find only a handful of tourists lazing around. It is good beach to watch the Sun sink and take a stroll with your children.

Calangute: Built around a Portuguese Church dedicated to St. Alex, Calangute is one of the most popular and crowded beaches of Goa. It is located north of Candolim and is good place to try water sports. You may also catch a boat and head for Dolphin watch. There are various other exciting options both for kids and parents. There are water scooters, Banana rides, parasailing and boat rides that can be taken in Calangute.

Baga: Crowded with fishing boats, shacks and sun decks is the Baga beach. A clean beach, Baga offers a good Goan experience with fishermen pulling their catch at dawn and casting their nets at dusk.

Anjuna: Known for its parties and Wednesday Flea Market, Anjuna was once an Arab trading post in the 10th and 12th centuries. The beach is beautiful but can be quiet and deserted on any other day.

Vagator: Stunning as it is called, the beach is marked by the red cliffs and coconut trees. A white soft sand beach, Vagator is purely a peaceful haven for people looking for a quiet retreat.

Colva: Just 6 kms from Margao, Colva is lined with coconut and palm trees. The beach stretches to nearly 20 kms and end at the Bethul beach, which is perhaps one of the best beaches in Goa. Evenings are picturesque - with the sun setting in the horizon and the fishing boats returning with the day’s catch.

Benaulim: Benaulim in South Goa is popular with the tourists as well as the locals. The beach gets crowded during weekends and in the evening as local visitors flock to enjoy the setting sun and the ambiance after a long day at work. You may find about bull fighting from the locals, which take place from early October to late May. The Bonanza Fair is another highlight of Benaulim, which is held on successive Sundays from mid April.

Varca: Just 2 kms from Benaulim, Verca is among the favorite haunts of those who come to South Goa. A very clean and quiet beach as is a winter break Mecca for many. The long stretch of gorgeous white beach is a relaxing family destination and nature lover's paradise.

Bogmalo: Initially a fishing village, Bogmalo was later developed into one of the most popular beaches in Goa. Bogmalo is a perfect blend of natural beauty and serenity, which compels one to visit it again and again.

Palolem: A sweeping crescent of white sand fringed by coconut palms, Palolem is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in south Goa. The village located nearby has several cafes and souvenir stalls catering to day-trippers and vacationers. A night walk on the beach is an exciting experience.

Cavelossim: A good beach to collect shells or to take a Catamaran ride, Cavelossim offers a unique experience to the visitors. The beach is 7 kms south of Colva and is perfect for both intrepid explorer and casual traveler. It is also known as a romantic getaway. Cavelossim offers excellent sights of Dolphins in the sea.

Agonda: One of the most isolated beaches of South Goa, Agonda is a favorite haunt for those looking for solitude. The 3-km long stretch of the white sands is lined with palm trees.

A guided tour of Old Goa is a good option to take on a family vacation. Old Goa is about 9 kms east of Panaji and is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Located on the left banks of the Mandovi River, Old Goa was the administrative seat of Portuguese in Goa. In the heart of Old Goa is a complex of three adjoining buildings – the Se Cathedral, the church of St Francis of Assisi and the Archeological Museum.

Important places of tourist interest in Old Goa

Se Cathedral: Dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, Se Cathedral is also called St Catherine’s Cathedral. Construction of the church began in 1562 but it was not completed until the mid – 17th century. Today, only one of the twin towers survives.

Church of St. Francis of Assisi: Built in 1661, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi is three tired with an eight-sided tower on each side. This is among the best preserved churches in Goa.

Archaeological Museum: Collection depicts the history of Goa before and during Portuguese period. The museum is in the former Convent of St. Francis of Assi, between the Church of St. Francis and Se Cathedral.

Basilica of Bom Jesus: Located opposite Se Cathedral Complex, it was built by the Jesuits and hosts the relics of Goa’s patron saint – St. Francis Xavier, who in 1541 was entrusted with the task of spreading Christianity within the Portuguese colonies in the East.

Chapora Fort: The view from the fort is simply amazing and you can see the long stretch of the sea and the entire neckline of Goa's beaches from here. The fort has been made famous by the Hindi blockbuster Dil Chahta Hain. It's a great fort to go too if you do not mind climbing up to the high walls, no cars, bikes go up to the fort.

Aguada Fort:  The fort was built in 1609 -1612 and is divided into two halves. There is a lower Aguada and an upper Aguada, both ends about 500 meters apart. The Aguada Fort was built to protect the city from potential attacks.

Cabo Fort: About 9 kms from Panaji, the Cabo Fort lies atop a cliff in Tiswadi Taluka and commands beautiful views. The fort is now the official residence of the Governor. Prior permission from ADC of the Governor may be required to visit the fort.

How to reach Goa: Goa is well connected by air, road and rail transport from important cities in India. Regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai connect Goa. One can drive down to Goa from Mumbai. Indian and Konkan Railway run regular trains from different cities in India to Goa.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: 10 kms North-east of the Usgao Tisk Village in north Goa, Bondla is home to black-faced langurs, Indian bison, jackal and wild boar besides other animals. It also has a tiny zoo. You can go for elephant rides in this park

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Just 5 kms from Panjim (Panaji), Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on the island of Chorao. The bird sanctuary is home to a large species of birds. The sanctuary is open throughout the year and the best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and February.