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Old Goa

Experiential journeys will make you a storyteller
About Old Goa

Old Goa, also fondly referred to as Velha Goa comprises of a deeply historic portion of Goa. The city located in the Northern region of the state was originally constructed by the Bijapur Sultanate that can be dated back to the 15th century. In fact, this place was so popular that it served as the capital of the Portuguese India from the time they ruled in the 16th century till the end of the 18th century. Unfortunately, plague struck back then and much of it was remained to be in ruins. However, whatever does exist holds great value and is also considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The formation of the name, Old Goa can be traced back to the 1960’s. One could find simplistic rural life in this place. Much can be accredited to the Portuguese as it is only after their arrival and consequent departure that this city gained tremendous popularity.

The beauty and richness of this ancient city reflects so much power that a Dutch visitor once compared it with Amsterdam. Old Goa of today is located approximately 9 kilometers east of Panaji. This city is filled with churches, convents, monuments, forts and a kind of very relaxing scenario.

There are a range of activities that Old Goa offers to its visitors. The night-life is quite soothing and relaxing as well. Old Goa – on the contrary to the wide belief of Goa being the party hub of India – is the perfect getaway for those looking for a solace and calming time out of their busy, bustling city – life schedule.
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Old Goa FAQ's

Travel Advice:

  • Understanding the culture: Old Goa is visibly different than most of India. This ancient city owes its unique culture and traditions to the Portuguese rule who managed to isolate the beautiful paradise on earth from the rest of India for approximately 451 years. It may take time for you to understand and absorb the sudden change while you’re on a holiday in Old Goa but give it time and you will surely feel like home at this location too.

  • Eatables and water: The thing with Old Goa is the fact that it is not exactly the modern-kind, extremely developed city. While one may be able to find all necessary requirements at this place, the eatables and water are quite suitable only for those who are habituated to it since birth or perhaps, a very long time. Thus, ensure that your body takes lightly to the change of food and water and then consider switching to it for the whole of your stay.

  • Transportation: Most of Goa is quite connected when it comes to trains, boats or local transport. What’s more? There are numerous agencies that provide cars and bikes on extremely affordable rents as well. You can consider road travel when it comes to Old Goa. It’s fun, cheap and will help you gain a new perspective towards the entire city all together.

  • Drinking Laws: The legal drinking age in the whole of Goa is 18, so no worries there. You will be able to obtain alcohol just about anywhere – restaurants or shops. However, it is always better to be safe than be sorry later on. Moreover, it is advisable not to overdose yourself with the local liquor cause it can get quite potent and therefore, fatal.

Things to do in Old Goa:

  • Rafting in Valpoi: Are you an adrenaline junkie? You should try this out even if you aren’t! Valpoi – a rafting site situated in Old Goa offers visitors with sessions of this thrilling activity. Indulge in this amazing white-water rafting experience and get refreshed. There are many other places that you can opt for this activity in, including the Mandovi river.

  • Fishing trip by the wonderful beaches of Old Goa: Indulge in this unique activity. This time around – enrol for one of those fishing trips in Old Goa that will not only help you enjoy your time but also give you a better insight into the numerous fishing techniques and procedures inculcated by the professionals at hand. You can opt for these delightful fishing expeditions in place like Agonda beach, Vagator beach, Chapora river and others.

  • Cycling tour through the old streets of Old Goa: There are special session organizes for those who are interested in exploring this beautiful city on a cycle. Groups get picked up at 9 a.m. most days wherein cycling sessions include starting at the Divja circle and embarking through the delightful regions consisting of traditional houses, ancient holy temples and churches and verdant expurgating greenery.

What will you like in Old Goa:

  • Spice plantations tours: There is another type of joy in acquiring first-hand knowledge regarding the numerous farming styles and insights into the farming life from these age-old spice planters in Old Goa. There are specially organized tours that start early in the morning and take you through the famous plantations of Old Goa such as the Dudhsagar plantation among others.

  • Catch butterflies at the Shrusti Butterfly park of Old Goa: Things wouldn’t get as exciting as enthralling oneself at one of the most successful conservation projects in the whole of India. Visit the Shrusti Butterfly park and enjoy the sight of over 25 different species of butterflies flying around you. This is rooftop garden and one can conclude this beautiful journey with some memorable pictures.

  • Spiritual attainment at Basilica of Bom Jesus: Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the oldest churches existing in the whole of India. It comprises of richly gilded altars and reeks of the rich catholic world that once the Portuguese introduced. This cathedral is the primary pilgrimage for christains as well as hindus come from all around India to pay their respect to St. Francis Xavier who was enshrined in a silver casket back in 1553.

Old Goa is not all about partying. There is much more to this place than meets the eye. There are many other fun-filled activities that you can indulge in while you’re at this place.


Old Goa Reviews

Traveller image gallery
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Sonalee Joshi
Reviewed: 07 Mar 2023
5.0/5
Absolutely amazing experience! My mom was very worried but she loved it. Very well organised and the pilot Ritu made it relaxed and so much fun! 
Sonalee Joshi
Sonalee Joshi
Sonalee Joshi
Sonalee Joshi
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Kalinda Verma
Reviewed: 12 Dec 2018
4.0/5
Great experience, but overall, a little pricey, I felt. I was getting a better deal, but decided to stick this one out, because of the professional instructor and quality of kayak. I’m glad I went with Thrillophilia, in the end though. 3 hours filled with extreme adventure and adrenaline. I was almo... Read More
Kalinda Verma
Kalinda Verma
Kalinda Verma
Kalinda Verma
Kalinda Verma
Kalinda Verma
(2+)View All
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Rajendra Saini
Reviewed: 16 Feb 2020
5.0/5
It was a total fun promising activity. Watching people doing Jet Ski was entertaining and while we had to wait for our turn. The moment we sat on the Jet SKi it was a complete rush of adrenaline and excitement.
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Bhudev Banerjee
Reviewed: 16 Feb 2020
5.0/5
This Cycle tour was well informative and I really had an amazing time there as well. We were a group of 12 friends and decided that we can spend some time in Old Goa. This was the best way to do so.
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Sucheta Namboothiri
Reviewed: 16 Feb 2020
5.0/5
It was a unique experience this trip was wonderful the guide and transport service was fantastic but the best part was everything was perfect, the timing, the weather everything. HIGHLY RECOMMANDED
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Bhooshan Naik
Reviewed: 15 Feb 2020
5.0/5
It was a great tour as the Guide was amazing and he has much information about the place. I loved this tour.

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