Other Major Attractions in Goa

No doubt that Goa is the beach capital of India and most of the visitors, initiate a trip out there for the love of beaches. However, there is more to Goa than just the imposing and hypnotizing coastlines. The place has a very rich history and that is evident through the scattered forts, churches, mansions and temples. The former colony of the Portuguese, Goa still carries out some of the flairs and customs of the colonialists in the architecture, faith and food. One can embark on a sightseeing trip in Goa. Goa’s  natural attributes are in abundance, the waterfalls, lakes, the forests and vegetations is home to several wildlife Sanctuaries. Finally, shopping in Goa’s vibrant markets is one of the most exciting things to do. Here are some of the things to do, when in Goa:

Beaches and Water Sports:

The white sand beaches in Goa provide a sense of freedom and the clear water facilitates water activities. These beaches are the best places to party all night and if one seeks a peaceful time can move southwards, where the beaches are less crowded. Some of the famous beaches to visit during your stay in Goa are:

• Calangute Beach
• Candolim Beach
• Cavelossim Beach
• Colva Beach
• Varca Beach
• Baga Beach
• Anjuna Beach
• Vagator Beach
• Bogmalo Beach
• Miramar Beach

One of the major tourist attractions in Goa is the water sports activities. They provide the Para sailing, Catamaran sailing, Jet skiing, Water skiing, Scuba diving, Snorkeling, motor boating, Deep sea fishing and more. The government is very keen on expanding the ranges of activities. There are numerous restaurants along the beach for you to try out the Goan cuisine.

Forts:

The forts in Goa are in dilapidated conditions and to retain the beauty of these forts, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is involved in the restoration project.Some of the famous forts are:

• Terekhol Fort
• Chapora Fort
• Cabo de Rama Fort
• Aguada Fort
• Corjuem Fort

Churches:

The churches in Goa are beautiful and some have been standing there from the time of the Portuguese invasion. Most of the Goan Christians are catholics and most of the history can be derived by visiting the Old Goa. Some of the well known churches are:

• Se Cathedral
• Church of St Francis Assisi
• Church of Lady of Rosary
• Basilica of Bom Jesus

Temples:

The majority of the population in Goa are Hindus, so there are numerous temples found in and around Goa. Most of the temples are recently built because of the mass destruction of them during the colonial time. Some of the prominent temples of Goa are:

• Ganapati Temple, Khandole
• Mallikarjun Temple
• Mahalaxmi Temple
• Shanta Durga Temple
• Sri Nagesh Maharudra Temple

Mansions:

The heritage mansions in Goa are the other major attractions, each mansion carries along, the legacy of the time period of its setup. Some of the distinct heritage mansions are:

• Braganza House, built in the 16^th century and is one of the oldest colonial houses in Goa.
• Dr Pinto De Rosario Mansion, it has an interesting blend of Indian and Portuguese culture.
• Solar Dos Colacos, the 18^th century mansion with a great architectural style.

Lakes and Waterfalls:

Goa is home to several lakes and beautiful waterfalls, the natural beauty of the state will  definitely charm you. Some of the popular attractions are:

• Mayem Lake, it is beautifully seated on the lap of a lush green vegetation and offers a view of serenity.
• Kesarval Springs, famous for its medicinal properties.
• Carabolin Lake
• Curtorim Lake
• Vhoddi Zhor and Dhakti Zhor
• Dudhsagar Falls, is one of the highest falls in the country and offers a magnificent view.
• Aravalem Waterfalls

Wildlife:

The thick forests of Goa are home to about 48 species of animals, 275 species of birds and 60 species of reptiles. The preservation of these species is done through a number of sanctuaries. The rich flora and fauna is due to the fine climatic condition. Some of the famous sanctuaries are:

• Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife Sanctuary
• Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
• Bondla Wildlife Santuary.

Shopping:

Goa is the perfect tourist destination, you will be thrilled by the enthusiasm and vibrancy of the place. Be it for the parties on the beaches or for a simple leisure time, Goa offers you the pleasure of both. However, one of the finest experiences in Goa is while you are shopping, the colorful markets displays various souvenirs and clothing items. The variety of commodities are attractive and distinct. Some of the shopping spots in Goa are:

• Old Goa Market
• Mapusa Market
• Panjim Market
• Flea Market on Anjuna Beach