Tourist Attractions in Goa
Goa has a large number of interesting tourist sites such as forts, churches, waterfalls, seminaries, and caves. However, the most prominent of them all are undoubtedly its long and lovely beaches.
Anjuna Beach in Goa
Anjuna is a small village in north Goa the hat is popularly known as the freak capital of the world. Its full-moon rave parties and the Wednesday flea market that takes one back to the hippie days have gained international fame.
Colva and Benaulim Beach in Goa
Colva and Benaulim are two famous beautiful beaches that are still somewhat untouched by the fast paced life.
Mapusa Beach in Goa
Mapusa must be visited for its weekly Friday market which is full of souvenirs and fascinating articles like wooden carvings, coir mats, wood furniture, straw hats and freshly baked bread. It is also more typically Goan, with fish, fruit, vegetables and other fresh produce sold alongside tourist goods.
Vagator and Chapora Beaches in Goa
Vagator and Chapora are quaint fishing villages where the sea turns from aquamarine to emerald green, and a 500-year-old Portuguese fort, leave each visitor amazed.
Dudhsagar Waterfall in Goa
The Dudhsagar waterfall and Arvalem waterfalls attract numerous tourists every year. The rock-cut caves of Khandepar and Arvalem are also worth a visit, as are the Pilar monastery, Saligao seminary, and Rachol seminary.
Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a World Heritage Monument and houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, in an airtight glass coffin inside a silver casket.
Cathedrals of Saint Catherine and that of Saint Francis of Assisi in Goa
The Cathedral of Saint Catherine was completed in 1619 and is the largest Christian church in Asia. Bith the churches are splendid examples of Renaissance architecture.
Se Cathedral Church in Goa
The Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine, on whose Feast Day Alphonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa.
Church of St. Cajatan in Goa
The Church of St. Cajatan was built by an Italian architect in 1651, and was modeled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. A theological college is housed here now.
Temples in Goa
Most of the temples in Goa have deities brought from Mithila region in Bihar to which the Saraswat Brahmins of this region are believed to belong. The temples of Shri Mangesh, Shri Shanta Durga and Shri Ramnath are all instances of beautiful temple architecture.
Goa has a large number of other interesting tourist sites that make for excellent travel opportunities such as the Baga Beach, the Church of Our Lady of Rosary, the Reis Magos Church or Church of the Three Magi Kings, the church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, etc.