Goa enjoys the best nightlife with stunning and happening cafes located at exquisite locations and beaches. Sea food and the best collection of wines are the order of the day while nightclubs host some of the most happening parties of the year.

Top 3 reasons to visit Goa

1] Magnificent beaches backwaters: Goa offers all kinds of beaches and waterbodies. There are crowded and touristy beaches like Arambol, Calangute, Anjuna to absolutely isolated ones like Butterfly, Vagator, Benaulim and Palolem. In addition, there’s plenty of lagoons, backwaters, lakes and waterfalls that can be explored on every trip to Goa.

2] Ship cruises: Goa is one of the rarest places in India that offer formal, informal, short and long ship cruises that are both Mid and Luxury. Exquisite ships host several cruises that offer fun, food and entertainment throughout the journey.

3] Christmas and Goa carnivals: Nov-Dec are the two months that host the most magnificent annual carnival called Christmas carnival. The entire Goa is decked up in Christmas decorations and hosts parties through these two months. February sees Goa carnival that showcases traditional Goan culture through tableaus, parties, carnivals and beach parties.

Best time to visit

In terms of season                              Winter: Dec-Jan

Summer: Mar-June

In terms of preference                       Road trips: Dec-Jan

Honeymoon/family vacation: Dec-Jan

Nature/adventure: Round the year

Water sports: Dec-May         

Holiday rush                                       Nov-Feb

How to reach --

North Goa

Places to stay in North Goa

1] Veda5 Wellness Retreat and Spa - Luxury

2] Double Tree By Hilton Hotel - Luxury

3] Fairfield by Marriott (Anjuna) - Mid-Luxury

4] Kalki Resort and Cottages - Budget

5] Lemon Tree Hotel, Candolim - Mid-Luxury

6] Riva Beach Resort - Mid

7] Woke Hostel - Budget

8] Sea Mist Resort - Budget

9] Oceans 7 Ashwem - Budget

10] Aurum - Mid

Places to eat in North Goa

1] Tuscany Gardens, Candolim - Goan, Continental, Sea Food

2] The Fisherman’s Wharf, Panaji - Multi-cuisine (Continental, Goan, Indian, Chinese)

3] Jamun, Assagao - Goan, Indian

4] Fat Panda, Candolim - Chinese

5] Spice Goa, Mapusa - Goan

6] Go With The Flow, Baga - European

7] Noaa, Candolim - Fusion, Asian

8] Baba Au Rhum, Anjuna - Goan, European

9] Garden of Dreams, Aarambol (Day restaurant) - Goan, Asian

10] Morgan’s By The Sea, Anjuna - Italian, Seafood, Goan

South Goa

Places to stay in South Goa

1] Palolem Beach Resort - Budget

2] La La Land Resort - Mid

3] Holiday Inn Resort - Luxury

4] Sterling Goa, Varca - Mid

5] Beleza By The Beach Resort - Mid-Luxury

6] Doodhsagar Spa and Resort - Mid-Luxury

7] Azaya Beach Resort - Luxury

8] Orange Sky Agonda Beach Huts - Budget

9] Cilantro Agonda - Budget

10] Jardim a Mar - Budget

Places to eat in South Goa

1] Mish-Mar, Margao - Goan

2] Treetop Tava, Agonda - Indian, Goan

3] Ourem 88, Palolem - European

4] Mandala Cafe, Agonda - Indian

5] Joecons Beach Shack, Benaulim - Indian, Goan

6] Zest, Palolem - European, Fusion

7] Zeebop, Majorda - Goan

8] Lobster Shack, Benaulim - Goan, European

9] Martin’s Corner, Betalbatiim - European, Goan

10] Magic Italy, Palolem - Italian

Places to Party in Goa

1] Club Cubana, Arpora

2] Sinq Night Club, Candolim

3] Hamerzz Night Club, Baga

4] Club LPK - Love, Passion and Karma, Candolim

5] Curlies, Anjuna

6] Titos Night Club, Baga

7] Mambo’s Night Club, Baga

8] Club M, Marbella Beach Resort

9] Blue Waves, Morjim

10] Bora Bora, Morjim

Places for Shopping in Goa

1] Flea Market, Anjuna

2] Night Market, Arpora

3] Tibetan Market on Baga Road

4] Mapusa Fish Market

5] Panaji Market

6] Mackie’s Night Bazaar, Arpora

7] Jade Jagger Beach Boutique, Ashwem

8] Le Souk, Ashwem

9] Coco Roots, Anjuna

10] MMC Market, Margao

Aguada Fort -- Built in the 17th century, Aguada Fort is a Portuguese style fort on Sinquerim Beach in Candolim in Goa. It is famous due to its well-preserved fortification built to protect the city against the Dutch army. It is an ASI-protected monument of national importance.

Perfect for: Family, honeymoon, solo traveling, adventure tourism

Chapora Fort -- Located in Bardez in North Goa, Chapora Fort is a stunning Mughal fort that rises above the river Chapora. It was originally called Shahpura since it was built by Mughal ruler Adil Shah. Its name was later altered to Chapora by the Portuguese. Chapora Fort is famous for its three-side open views - north overlooks Chapora river to Pernem, south over Vagator and west over the Arabian Sea.

Perfect for: Family, honeymoon, solo traveling, adventure tourism

Reis Magos Fort -- On the northern bank of the river Mandovi stands Reis Magos Fort - a beautiful piece of Portuguese architecture, only 7 km from Panaji. Built by Portuguese viceroy Alfonso De Noronha in 1551, it was once used as a residential place for the officers. The beauty of the fort lies in its small area that rises above the river amid the palm trees.  

Perfect for: Family, solo traveling, adventure tourism

Tiracol Fort -- In village Tiracol in the Southern part of Maharashtra and north border of Goa, Tiracol Fort can be reached only by a ferry from Querim, 42 km from Panjim. This is what makes it famous and adventurous since the ferry ride is on Tiracol river which offers stunning views of the backwaters. Originally built by Khem Sawant Bhonsle of the Sawantwadi Kingdom in the 17th century, the fort was captured by the Portuguese army. The fort has been converted into a heritage hotel where tourists are allowed to visit.

Perfect for: Family, solo traveling, adventure tourism

Bom Jesus Basilica -- The Basilica of Bom Jesus (meaning good holy Jesus) is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the major pilgrimage places for the Indian and Portuguese Catholic community. Located in old Goa, this cathedral is famous all over the world for preserving the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier. The church has influences of baroque architecture and Portuguese colonial architecture and is included among the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the world.

Perfect for: Family, solo traveling, history tours, pilgrimage

Church of St. Cajetan -- Located amid the thick forests and backwaters of Old Goa, The Cajetan Church is also known as the Church of the Divine Providence. One of the world heritage sites and convents of Goa, the church belongs to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese. The church is famous due to its architecture which has been modeled after St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.  It has been named after the Italian monk St Cajetan.

Perfect for: Family, solo traveling, history tours, pilgrimage

Se Cathedral  -- Se Cathedral, short for the Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, belongs to the Latin Rite Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and the largest church in Asia. It is also the seat of the Patriarch of the East Indies and part of the world heritage site churches and convents of Goa. Located in Velha, Old Goa. This magnificent church was built 1510 to celebrate the victory of the Portuguese over a Mughal army. Since the victory coincided with the feast of Saint Catherine, it was named Santa Catarina. The cathedral is famous for its Golden Rose which is kept on the tomb of St Francis Xavier, which was given to the church by  Venerable Pope Pius XII in 1953.

Perfect for: Family, pilgrimage

Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception -- The Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is an important monument of pilgrimage and history in Panjim, Goa. There are daily masses available in English, Konkani and Portuguese. With a Portuguese Baroque style architecture, the church was first built as a chapel in 1541. Being located on a small hill, the church overlooks the city of Panjim, making it an exotic location dotted with palm trees. The church also houses the second largest bell of its kind in Goa. The church is famous among tourists due to its pristine surroundings, the beautiful white building and interior.

Perfect for: Family, Christmas vacation, pilgrimage

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary -- Named after eminent Indian ornithologist Salim Ali, this bird sanctuary is als an estuarine mangrove habitat. Located in Chorao along the Mandovi River in Goa, the 1.8 square km long sanctuary can be reached through a ferry service between Ribandar and Chorao. There are mangroves of Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia officinalis and other species. Other recorded species here include the little bittern, black bittern, red knot, jack snipe and pied avocet (on transient sandbanks). The sanctuary is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day.

Perfect for: Adventure tourism, solo traveling, family

Anjuna Beach -- There’s no place like Anjuna - most people who have experienced this magical beach say that about it. Anjuna beach in North Goa boasts of the best seafood, the most happening cafes and night clubs and a thriving hippie culture. Two of the most famous night clubs - Curlies and Paradiso are here while full moon parties on the beach especially during New Year and Christmas are an experience of a lifetime.

Perfect for: Group tripping, honeymoon, adventure tourism.

Baga Beach  -- Bordered by Anjuna and Calangute beaches, Baga Beach is a happening place in North Goa providing options of hut stays, a variety of eating joints and lots of water sports options. Baga Beach is famous for Tito’s Lane that also house Titos Night Club and the Tibetan Market.

Perfect for: Family/group tripping, honeymoon, adventure tourism, solo traveling

Calangute Beach -- Calangute Beach in North Goa is famously christened “Queen of beaches”. Calangute is where all the best parties, cafes, beach shacks and seafood are. It is a haven for nightlife and food lovers. Calangute borders Baga beach and Candolim villages that make it a hugely spread party place for party and adventure lovers.

Perfect for - Group tripping, solo traveling, adventure tourism

Dona Paula Beach -- Famously called the “lovers’ paradise”, Dona Paula Beach is situated 7 km from Panjim. It is believed that a Portuguese Viceroy’s daughter Dona Paula de Menezes fell in love with a fisherman but when her father refused to marry them, she jumped from the cliff here. It is also famous as a meeting point of Mandovi and Zuari rivers that join the Arabian Sea here.

Perfect for - Family, honeymoon, solo traveling, adventure tourism

Candolim Beach -- Adjacent to Calangute and bordering Fort Aguada rises Candolim Beach - one of the longest in Goa. This beautiful beach is an eclectic mix of happening and peaceful, there are isolated spots where one can enjoy quiet walks beside the Arabian Sea coastline, and there are happening spots dotted with beach shacks, beach-side cafes and night clubs.

Perfect for - Group tripping, honeymoon, solo traveling, adventure tourism

Sinquerim Beach -- With a beautiful shoreline, Sinquerim Beach is a scintillating experience of deep blue sea, magnificent sunsets and a plethora of activities. It also borders Baga, Calangute and Candolim beaches which makes it all the more happening. Clear water makes it easier to swim or enjoy walking on the shore. Close to Aguada Fort, Sinquerim offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.

Perfect for - Group tripping, honeymoon, solo traveling, adventure tourism

Ashvem Beach -- In the coastal village of Mandrem in North Goa lies a secluded yet popular Ashvem Beach. It is actually between Morjim and Mandrem beaches. What makes Ashvem beach stand out is the distinct white sand stretched across a huge area of land and coastlines dotted with palm trees. Ashvem beach is home to sprawling stretches of cashew plantation, along with a thriving fishing and sea-food culture.

Perfect for: Honeymoon, solo traveling, family and adventure tourism

Sri Mangeshi Temple -- Located at Mangeshi Village in Priol Ponda taluka of Goa, Sri Mangesh Temple is an architectural marvel. It is around 21 km from Panaji and 26 km from Margao. The spiritual head of the temple H H Shrimad Swamiji of Shri Kavale Math. The temple is one of the largest temples of Goa. The Shiva Ling of the temple was moved here upon Portuguese invasion, it was earlier in Cortalim village. The main deity of the temple is Lord Manguesh - an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Perfect for - Pilgrimage, family

Sri Shanta Durga Temple -- A private temple complex that belongs to the Goud Saraswat Brahman Samaj, Sri Shanta Durga Temple is situated at the foothill of Kavalem village in Ponda taluka of Goa. It is around 30 km from Panaji. HH Shrimad Swamiji of Shri Kavale Math heads the temple. The Goud Brahman considers Shree Shantadurga as their Kuldevi while the temple is 450 years old.

Perfect for - Pilgrimage, family

Cabo de Rama Fort -- Cabo de Rama Fort, tucked away in South Goa, is one of the best kept secrets of Goa. What was once a well-equipped fort with 21 guns, military barracks and a chapel, is now in ruins yet bears an old-world charm. Perched between Agonda and Cavelossim beaches, this fort offers a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea amid palm trees, rock formations and sea life.

Perfect for - Family, group trips, adventure tourism, nature lovers

Dudhsagar Falls -- The word “dudhsagar” stands for sea of milk. Dudhsagar Falls is named thus because of its gushing water that looks like milk from a distance. This four-tiered waterfall is on Mandovi River about 60 km from Panaji in Goa and is among the tallest waterfalls in India, with a height of 310 meters and an average width of 30 meters. The exact location of the waterfall is really inside the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National park - an area surrounded by deciduous forests and rich biodiversity. Local people also call it Tambdi Surla.

Perfect for: Adventure tourism, nature tours, family and solo traveling

Cavelossim Beach -- Sand glinting in the sun, coastal shoreline and clean beach - that’s Cavelossim Beach - one of the most pristine and secluded beaches of Goa. Located 12 km from Benaulim in South Goa, Cavelossim has the most beautiful hillocks and snarling waves.

Perfect for: Adventure tourism, nature tours, family, solo traveling, group trips

Arambol Beach -- Located in a fishermen’s village and bordering Mandrem and Keri beaches in North Goa, Arambol has a bohemian vibe. With a plethora of beach shacks, open air musical events, vibrant nightlife and watersports, Arambol beach has something for everyone.

Perfect for: Honeymoon, solo traveling, family vacation, adventure tourism

Palolem Beach -- Inhabited by several fishermen communities and largely untouched, Palolem beach in South Goa is one of the most beautiful beaches here. This crescent shaped beach is around 1.6 km long near Canacona island. Several travel websites have named it one of the Top 20 beaches in India. One of the most peculiar features of Palolem beach is its silent discos and beach-side Yoga classes.

Perfect for - Family, solo traveling, honeymoon

Colva Beach -- The truly magnificent Colva Beach in South Goa is a huge 2.4 km stretch of white sand, turquoise waves and towering palm trees. Colva is a quaint coastal village about 27 km from Panjim, away from the hustle and bustle of Goa and offers a truly relaxing time. Beach shacks, quaint beach-side cafes and fishermen’s boats line up the shoreline with a pleasant sea breeze. Colva Beach is also famous for Portuguese villas and houses that are colorful and the large fishing nets of the villagers.

Perfect for - Family, honeymoon, solo traveling

Benaulim Beach -- Benaulim is a serene beach 2 km South of Colva in North Goa. It is like a quiet paradise and one of the least crowded in the region. Yet it enjoys a vibrant nightlife and a lot of water sports and adventure activities.

Perfect for - Group trips, adventure tourism, solo traveling

Casino Cruises  -- No trip to Goa is complete without doing at least one of the several Casino Cruises. Imagine being on a huge boat, with a disco, amazing music and Casino - that’s how Goan casino cruises look like. Some of the best casino cruises are in North Goa, or on anchored boats in Mandovi river. Goa is also one of the few places in India where casinos operate legal gambling and regulate the gambles.

Some of the most entertaining games include Flash Roulette, Baccarat, Texas Hold’em Poker, Money Wheel and Black Jack. Those who do not gamble may also find a pack of cards or complimentary cocktails.

Top Casino Cruises in Goa

1] Deltin Royale Casino - Panjim (Rs 2,000-Rs 3,000/-)

2] Casino Pride- Panjim (Rs 1,500-Rs 2,000/-)

3] Casino Jaqk - Panjim (Rs 2,000-Rs 3,000/-)

4] Casino Carnival - Panjim (Rs 1,000-Rs 2,000/-)

Perfect for - Group tripping

Grand Island -- Grand Island is a snorkeling island in North Goa that can be reached through the Sinquerim boat jetty. There are pick-up and drop-off facilities available from Calangute, Baga, Candolim and Arpora. People with 10 years and above are allowed on this boating and snorkeling trip to the island. Grand Island has the most clear waters of the Arabian Sea where underwater snorkeling is an experience of a lifetime. Prices range between Rs 1,500-Rs 2,000/- per person per day.

Perfect for - Family vacation, adventure tourism, underwater adventure, solo travel and nature tourism

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary --Located in the northeastern part of Goa in Ponda Taluka and about 38 km from Margao, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several flora and fauna. Some of the animals housed here include Indian bison, sambar deer, peafowl, giant squirrel and several species of snakes. What’s special about this sanctuary is that it functions as a safe haven for leopards who have been injured in human-wildlife conflicts. Bondla zoo is also famous for its breeding of gaur.

Perfect for - Family vacation, nature tourism

Mandovi River Cruise (River Carnival) -- Panjim Goa offers a year-long River Carnival along the banks of Mandovi river. One of the most legendary river cruises - The Santa Monica is part of the fleet from the River Carnival. This experience includes an hour-long river cruise in one of the boats and a stop at the carnival village. The cruise takes tourists to some of Goa’s best landmarks and live entertainment at the Carnival Village along with cultural experiences.

Perfect for - Family vacation, group trips