8 Best Cruises in Goa

A lover’s paradise, the name of the location got its designation after a tragic love story, making the place more interesting and catchy. This former village is a heaven on earth that provides picturesque spots and huge space for sunbathing while relaxing in the calm beaches adjacent to clean blue waters.

Travellers love to be here to indulge in water sports like parasailing, kayaking etc. and gets the adrenaline rush at beaches like Dias beach and Dona Paula beach. Moreover, the markets for shopping are also vibrant and gets shiny names of food and drinking spots to attract visitors. For a perfect stay, one can also book their own resort or hotels here which are also loaded with amenities and good services.

Location: 6 km from Panaji city.

Welcome yourself to one of the most enchanting pilgrimages centres, which is additionally an unbeatable place to visit in North Goa. Well settled in Mapusa, the temple is situated within the lush green environment and contains a small shrine within dedicated to Kanakeshwar Baba or Bodgeshwar, locally known as Bongini.

Famous for fulfilling the desires of its devotees, it also gets a flock of people searching for peace and a calm mind. Every year, a cultural festival also take place in the month of December of January and the location gets thronged by locals as well as tourists.

Location: Mapusa at Calangute - Mapusa Road.

Entry Fees: No fees required for entry.

The oldest withstanding Church of Goa, beautifully built under the influence of Portuguese architectural style, is one of the best places to visit in Panjim. The lovely marble floor embellished with valuable stones adds up to the charm of the magnificent church.

The cathedral of the Church holds the remains of St. Xavier's in a silver casket which is elegantly decorated and, worshiped by his devotees. Famed for its amazing architecture, this ornate structure survived since the 16th century.The locals believe the remains are eternal and, have obscure healing powers which in turn makes it one of the most attractive places to see in Panjim.

Location: Old Goa Road, Near Gandhi Circle, Goa 403402, India

Timings: All days of the week except Sunday (9:00 AM - 6:30 PM)
               Sunday (10:30 AM - 6:30 PM)

Entry Fees: Free

Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 11 km

 Pulled up with a dark bricked stretch within the sea waters, Fort Aguada invites the visitors even from far to take a walk in, take a peek into the sea differently and get clicked in a movie style. The architecture of the fort is in royal Portuguese style and its vastness within the fortress is just grand.

One can witness the confluence of Mandovi river in the Arabian sea from here and the fort is a witness to the same since years. Embrace the old construction and military architecture here along with the lighthouse that stands tall. If the fort is not visited on a Goa trip, the trip is just not done right.

Location: At the southern tip of Candolim beach

Timings: Fort Aguada is open all days from 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM

Entry Fees: Good news! There are no charges to visit this ecstatic location. Visit it like a free bird.

One of the most striking churches in India is the “Se Cathedral” located in the Southern part of Goa. This magnificent church exhibits excellent artistry of the Portuguese-Manueline style with beautifully arched interior and an impressive courtyard. Previously, the cathedral had two towers but one of them collapsed in late 17th Century and was never rebuilt.

This cathedral is dedicated to St.Catherine, who belonged to Alexandria and there are six panels where her life scenes are beautifully carved. The most prominent feature of this cathedral is the huge “golden bell” which is one of the best bells in the world. This 250 feet high cathedral is a frequented spot and is visited by the tourists as well as locals. The tranquility and serene aura of the cathedral makes it a must visit spot in the list of places to visit in South Goa.

Location: Velha, Goa 403402

Timings: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Entry Fee: Free 

“Pious Aura” this is what you will witness at this magnificent temple situated at the foot of Kavlem village in Ponda Taluka. This temple is devoted to goddess “Shantadurga” who is worshiped as the “Goddess of Peace” and, it is one of the most prominent and, large temples in entire Goa.

The divine shrine was initially situated at, Cavelossim but during the demolition period of the Portuguese in the mid 15th century, the celestial being was relocated to Kavlem. The vibrant combination of the maroon, white and peach give the temple an enchanting old-charm look.

Apart from these, Nayan Manohar Deepstambh is another point of attraction which is beautifully lit during the festivals and at that time, the beauty has no boundaries.

Location: Kapileswari - Kavlem Rd, Donshiwado, Ponda, Goa 403401

Timings: 5:00 AM - 10:00  PM

Entry Fee: Free

This bright white building and Neo-Gothic architecture are so impulsive that just mesmerizes its beholders. One will surely get awestruck with the impact of peaceful beauty, settlement within the greenery and the aura it presents right from the first look to the same.

Right from the exteriors to interiors, the church is certainly one of the best places to visit in North Goa. Interestingly, it houses the miraculous statue of Mae de Deus which brought the church back to life post its ruin state. With imposing interiors and carved ornamentation on ceiling and walls, the church magnetizes not just the religion followers but also those who love to praise the reality on the ground.

Location: Chogm Rd, Saligao

Timings: Gate to God’s own home opens up every day from 9.00 AM to 12.30 PM and from 3.00 PM to 5.00 PM.

Entry Fees: Absolutely none!

Sitting, right in the middle of the hillock this mighty church has three shrines of Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary and, Crucifixion of Jesus. Being the first church to built-in Goa it holds utmost significance in its tourism and, adding up to the most attractive places to visit in Panjim.

Previously, it was just a chapel in the early 15th century but, with time and tide, the chapel went through many transformations and, led to this massive structure which is elegantly built with influences of several architectural styles.

Location: North-Eastern Side of Central Square, Panjim 403001, India

Timings: All days 10 AM - 12:30 PM and 4 PM - 5:30 PM

Entry Fees: Free

Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 1.6 km away.

This place will “blow your mind” as here casino floats on water. Deltin has modern and classy casinos which are undoubtedly the most happening ones. There are numerous floors sprawling over an area of 40,000 square feet with various sections to keep people engaged of all ages. With 123 gaming tables here, you can play all sorts of gambling games be it Poker, Teen Patti, Black Jack, and many more variants.

While you enjoy the gambling, you can also savor exclusive liquors at the whiskey lounge with amazing hand-rolled cigars. The casino provides all the top-notch amenities and, is the ace in the field of the casinos. Undoubtedly it is one of the most happening places to visit in Panjim.One can also relax in VIP gaming suites where one can stay as well as play. The highlighting feature of the casino is that it is the only place with a dedicated poker room.

Location: Noah's Ark, RND Jetty, Dayanand Bandodkar Road, Panaji, Goa 403001

Timings: Open 24 hrs

Entry Fees: Monday to Thursday    Rs 2500/-   
                    Friday to Sunday         Rs 3500/-

Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 1.6 km away

This wildlife century came into existence in the year 1999 under the Wildlife Act. The Sanctuary lies on the Western Ghats in the northern part of the Panjim city. Sprawling over an area of 240 sq km, it has rich flora and fauna which attracts the tourists. One can witness bewitching scenic views at this splendid Sanctuary which is the largest protected wildlife. 

Here at this sanctuary, you can come across numerous variant of animals like Pythons, Cobras, Slender Toris, Jungle Cats, Elephants, avian Birds, and many more rare species. One can even hire a jeep to explore every nook and corner of the diverse sanctuary.

Location: NH 4A, Caranzol, Goa, 403410, India

Timings: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 20 per person for Adults
                  Rs. 10 per person for Children
                  Rs 30 per Still Camera
                  Rs 150 per Camcorder

This is one of the most frequented sightseeing places in Goa famed as the prominent landmark for the Catholics. This extrusive church holds the incorrupt body of Saint Francis Xavier and, was built in the year 1605. After a few years of being built in 1622, the body of Saint Xavier was brought here and laid in a glass mausoleum. It is one of the most charming places to visit in South Goa which has showcased modern art in the gallery and, the structure exhibits a jaw-dropping baroque style of architecture.

The best time to visit Bom Jesus Basilica is December, as in this month you can experience the traditions, cultures and a lot more at Christmas time.

Location: Off National Highway 4, Velha Goa, Goa 403110

Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Showcasing the glory of the Portuguese empire this fort stands overlooking the Arabian sea. Built in the early 16th century to keep an eye on the enemies this fort give breathtaking views and, is one of the most majestic places to visit in Panjim.

The mystifying structure is more than 400 years old and still, its majestic beauty remains intact. It also houses a lighthouse which was built to guide the ships and, another part is the Aguada Jail which is one of the largest jails in Goa.The location of the mighty fort is strategic so that it provides great defense from the rivals.

Location: Fort Aguada Rd, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa 403515

Timings: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Entry Fees: Free

Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 15 km

This “Architectural Marvel” showcases the artifacts of the Portuguese rule in India, with eight unique galleries exhibiting different slices of the pre-historic era of Portuguese sways. The most significant of these are deemed to be the paintings of the long-dead Governors and, Administrators of Goa.

To add up to the amusement of the visitors, the museum also has a remarkable collection of stamps, religious artifacts, and other such hidden gems. This is a perfect place to dig up the history of the Goan culture and styles in the early ages.

Location: EDC Complex, Patto, Panaji, Goa 403001

Timings: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM

Entry Fees: Only Rs 5/- per person

Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 9 km

Get awestruck by the amazing collection of The Naval Aviation Museum where you can witness the true essence of Military. This amazing museum is a must visit tourist place in Goa and lies in the vicinity of Vasco da Gama.

Here, one can see real Helicopters, Aircraft, Fighter Jets and learn about their history. The museum is a combination of two parts, one is the outdoor regions which exhibits the evolution of the Indian Naval Air Arms and, another is the double-storey indoor gallery. The Naval Aviation Museum is the only of its kind in Asia. The outer region is a large park which has 13 aircraft in total namely, Sea Harrier, HAL Chetak, Westland Sea King and many more such decommissioned aircraft.

Location: Bogmalo Road, Dabolim AP Vasco da Gama, Mormugao, Goa 403806

Timings: Tuesday - Sunday(9:30 AM - 5 PM)
               Monday(Remains Closed)

Entry Fee: Rs. 20

Another amazing casino life could be experienced at Casino Pride which has its anchor tied down in Mandovi river. The casino boat has the best of the facilities and services having well-trained staff, delicious meals and a good range of drinks.

Moreover, the charm of the boat gets an upgradation with the performance of skilled dancers, acts by celebrities, people counting their winning amount while enjoying offers on unlimited drinks.

Entry Fees: Rs 1500 on Monday-Thursday and Rs 2000 on Friday-Saturday

Timings: Open 24x7 to all its guests.

“The Grande Island” also known as the Ilha Grande is one of the most amazing discoveries in Goa. The Island is a house of Palm trees, jaw-dropping marine life experiences, and extraordinary sunsets.

The Island is not only for the adventure buffs but is also a perfect destination for couples looking for a less crowded place with amazing facilities. One can indulge in sight-seeing, snorkeling, sea walk, swimming, and many more aqua activities. The outstanding activity which can be witnessed here is, Scuba diving which gives you a picture of the underwater kingdom making it one the most amazing places to visit in South Goa.

Apart from these, one will also have instances when they can delve in dolphin sighting which is an amazing experience and cannot be experienced everywhere.