Goa has many great places to visit, from busy beaches like Baga to the old churches and cathedrals in Old Goa. This fun place is famous for its sunny beaches, tall palm trees, cashew farms, old buildings, and tasty Goan fish curry rice. You can also try cashew fenny, a local drink.
There are many exciting things to do in Goa. You can shop at flea markets, take a ride on the Santa Monica Cruise, and visit the Spice Farms. At night, you can dance to lively trance music and in the morning, enjoy quiet sunrises on the calm beaches.
Food lovers will be happy in Goa too. There are many beach shacks and unique restaurants where you can eat delicious food and enjoy beautiful views.
Here’s a list of top amazing places where everyone should visit once in their life.
Dudhsagar Falls:
Dudhsagar Falls is a famous waterfall with four levels. It looks like milk is flowing down, which is why it’s called “Dudhsagar,” meaning “milky white sea.”
There is an old story about Dudhsagar Falls. A long time ago, a princess lived near the falls. She was the daughter of the King of Ghats and was known for being kind and beautiful.
The story says that the princess liked to bathe in a lake near her father’s castle. After her bath, she would sit by the lake with her maids and drink milk from a golden jug with diamonds.
One day, while she was drinking her milk, a young prince walked by the woods nearby. He heard the princess and her maids laughing and stopped to see what was happening.
Baga Beach
In November, this beach is very popular with Indian visitors, especially on weekends. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the local hotels, resorts, and the beach itself are crowded and noisy. The weather is hot and sunny, the sea is warm, and the sand is great for walking.
We discovered that if you walk 2 kilometres to the right side of the main beach, you’ll find a quieter area to relax. If you go to the left side, it will be very crowded. There are fewer Europeans, and you might get bothered by young Indians and sellers.
Be careful during activities
Last month, I went to this beach with my friends, and we had a fantastic time. But, there was a moment when things almost went terribly wrong, and we narrowly avoided disaster. Here’s what happened:
Before diving into water sports or exploring the beach, there are a few important things you should keep in mind. Because everyone talks about all positive things but I would also like to share some negative things which should be kept in your mind. So, let me share an informative experience I had that could be very beneficial for you.
We had planned to try out some water sports. We had our bags, mobile phones, and some cash with us. The person in charge of the watersports told us to leave all our belongings with him before heading out to sea because it wasn’t safe to carry them with us. Initially, we agreed, but I had a bad feeling about it. I decided to go against the plan and found a nearby locker where I safely stored all our valuables.
We went ahead with the water sports and had a great time. However, when we returned, the person who had told us to leave our belongings with him was nowhere to be found. His spot was empty, and he had disappeared.
Thanks to that one decision to use a locker, we avoided a significant loss. It was a close call, but we were fortunate that everything turned out well in the end.
This experience taught me to always trust my instincts and take precautions, especially when it comes to my belongings. I hope this experience helps you stay safe and enjoy your time at the beach.
Aguda Fort
Aguda Fort is a Portuguese fort known for its strong construction and advanced weapons. Built by the Portuguese, This fort in Goa is special because it mixes European military design with traditional Indian construction. It has strong laterite stone walls to protect against attacks. In the mid-1800s, a lighthouse was added to help guide ships along the coast.
Inside the fort, there are underground tanks and reservoirs that stored water for soldiers and passing ships. The architecture shows both Portuguese and Indian influences, highlighting the advanced building skills of that time.Today, this historic site attracts many visitors and stands as a symbol of Goa’s diverse past. Its impressive design leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is about 10 km from Panaji in Old Goa, on the banks of the River Mandovi. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Monument and holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, the protector saint of Goa, I recently visited the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The guide told us that Francis Xavier died while travelling to China. His body was first buried in China for about six months, then moved to Malaysia, and finally brought to Goa, as he wanted to be buried there.
During this time, his body did not decompose but just dried out, which is why it is called a relic. Some people believe that he had divine powers, which kept his body intact for so long.
It was hard to believe because decomposition is a natural process. Maybe some kind of preservative was used on his body after his death, or maybe a technique like freezing was used. Some people believe that he was Jesus himself who came back, and that’s why he had divine powers that kept his body intact for so long.
Bom Jesus Basilica is unique because it is the only church in Goa that has not been plastered on the outside. The church is made of black granite and showcases agrestic Corinthian, and composite architectural styles. The interior, designed in the Mosaico-Corinthian style, is also very impressive. The main altar is 54 feet high and 30 feet wide, while the front of the church is 183 feet long, 55 feet wide, and 61 feet high.
The church is open from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm on Sundays and from 9 am to 6:30 pm on weekdays. Entry is free. There is also an art gallery attached to the Basilica.