Tourist Attractions of Goa

In the local dialect, Goa is often referred to as "Goa Dourada" (meaning "Golden Goa") because of its beaches, forts, churches, temples, waterfalls, seminaries and caves. Goa is rich not only in culture or entertainment, but it also has a rich floral and faunal heritage making it a complete destination. Travel to Goa, the Pearl of the East, for scintillating vacations in the beach capital of India. Check out the places that Goa has to offer.

Goa is adorned by some of the finest beaches in the state, kissed by the passionate, azure sea and embraced by the land and shaded by swaying palms. Dona Paula beach is a heaven for water sports lovers. Calangute beach, now a popular beach destination was discovered by the hippies. Anjuna beach is a beautiful beach known more as the freak capital of the world. Colva beach is the pride of Salcete and one of the best beaches in Goa. Miramar and Vagator beaches are comparable to the best beaches around the world.

Apart from its breathtakingly beautiful beaches, Goa has other attractions of significance. The countryside is dotted with fishing villages, luxurious old estates, ancient temples & forts. And there are cathedrals & plazas lingering with its strong Portuguese architectural heritage

Forts and Churches of Goa take the visitor to an era far back in time. They are more than mere monuments of stone. Churches glistening in the distance and soaring upwards as white objects on the most commanding spots and pointing their crosses towards heaven is a common sight in the landscape of Goa. These are the fruits of centuries of Evangelization, which bears eloquent testimony to the energy, and enthusiasm of various monastic orders established in the Old Goa - the first chunk of Indian territory to fall into the hands of the new colonizers after the discovery of the sea-route to India. The alliance between the 'sword' and the 'cross' was a close one.

Travel to the capital and the most happening city of Goa, Panaji or Panjim. Mapusa Bazaar is considered as the oldest weekly fair on the Konkan Coast. Shri Mangesh Temple in Madgoa is the most sacred place for the Goan Hindus. Shri Shanta Durga Temple is dedicated to Goddess of peace, Shanteri. Shri Ramanath Temple is a part of Shri Ramanath Panchayatan, a temple complex at Ponda.