Tourist places in and around Goa

Chapora

This is a fascinating part of the Goan coastline and more genuinely salubrious than Anjuna.

Panaji

Most visitors treat Panaji as little more than a transport hub.

Braganza House

Restored Opulence The best known of Chandor's superb colonial mansions is Braganza House.

Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Wetland Wonders Named after the late Dr Salim Moizzudin Abdul Ali, India's best-known ornithologist.

Fort Aguada

Standing on the headland overlooking the mouth of the Mandovi River.

This is strategically situated at the estuary of the river, Mandovi and was constructed in 1612 as a guard against invasions from the Dutch and the Marathas. The walls of the fort are 5 m high and 1.3 m wide.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

This is situated in old Goa. Inside the Basilica, you will see a beautiful display of architectural pieces in wood, stone, gold and granite. Immediately to the right is the altar of St. Anthony and to the left is a wooden statue of St. Francis Xavier. The remains of the body are housed in a silver casket, and on the walls around it are murals depicting scenes from the saint's journeys.

Chapel of St. Catherine

IT is situated in old Goa and is dedicated to St. Catherine. It stands as a living monument of the conquest of the conquest of Goa by Alburquerque. There is also a beautiful altar dedicated to St. Catherine upon which stands another statue of Our Lady of Peity.

Church of St. Francis of Assisi

This church situated in old Goa is a 17th century piece of religious art. A beautiful octagonal tabernacle richly decorated in an ornate style has two statues, one of St. Francis of Assisi and the other of Jesus on the Cross. This is one of the most interesting buildings in old Goa.

Church of the Lady of the Mount

Located near Ponda, this was apparently the vantage point from where Adil Shah beat back the Portuguese only to meet his doom few months later. Wonderful views of the imposing and towering churches below make a trip to this church even more worthwhile.

Church of Mae De Deus

Saligao in Bardez is vaulted in shape and boasts of a primitive style of Gothic architecture. The statue of Mae De Deus (Mother if God) is placed inside the courtyard and two bells can be seen inside the church tower.

The Church of St. Alex is 9 km from Margao at Curtorim, and this is one oldest churches in Goa, built in 1597.

Church of Rachol

It is situated in Margao and is dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola. A mini-museum situated in the premises of the Rachol Seminary houses some rare and beautiful pieces of religious art dating back to ancient times and is worth a visit.

Holy Spirit Church

This is situated in Margao and has a beautiful rectangular square in front and a row of old houses on both sides. The main altar of this church is dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The best time to visit is during the church festivities on the 10 of June.

Jama Masjid

The Jama Mashid is just 26 km from Margao at Snguem. Built in the last century, the Jama Masjid was completely renovated in 1959. The new structure is remarkable for its harmonious proportions and elegant simplicity.

Mary Immaculate Conception Church

This is situated in Panjim. The real beauty of this church can be seen at night, when as soon as evening set in, this huge monument is transformed into a glowing spectre as it is illuminated with small electric bulbs. The chruch bell is said to be the second largest in the world. The best time to visit this church would perhaps be during the feast of The Immaculate Conception, celebrated every yea in Margao and Panjim on December 8.

Namazgarh

It is situated on a hilltop facing the town of Bicholim and was built during the Muslim era in Goa.

Our Lady of Grace Church

This is situated in the heart of Margao city. It was a military chapel and was originally named ‘Capela de Batalhao'. There is a hospital-Grace Hospital, that is named after the church and its patron.

Our Lady of Rosary Church

It is situated in Navelim and is the place to be on 3rd of the church's festival. Entertainmet programs are held such as, music, dance, live fashion show, etc. Children are also kept entertained with swings and candies.

Reis Magos Church

Reis Magos Church situated in Bardez is one of the first of its kind. This church is dedicated to Gasper, Baltazar and Melchior. The church's feast day is celebrated on January 6 at the Reis Magos churches in Bardez, Cansaulim and Chandor.

Royal Chapel of St. Anthony

It is dedicated to St. Anthony, the national saint of Portugal, held in great veneration by the Portuguese. It is situated to the west of the tower of St. Augustine and was built in the beginning of the 17th century. In 1835, the chapel was closed but opened again in 1894 after being renovated. It was again inaugurated in 1961 after complete restoration was done by the Portuguese government.

Safa Shahouri Masjid

Built in 1560 Ibrahim Adilshab of Bijapur, it is the biggest and most famous of the 27 mosques in Ponda Taluka. Next to the mosque is a well constructed masonry tank with chambers containing ‘maharab' designs.

Saint Cathedral Church

This church is located in Old Goa and is the largest church in the area built in the 16th century. This Portuguese/Gothic building with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior houses a famous bell, often called the Golden Bell because of its rich sound.

Shrine of The Holy Cross

Situated in Bambolim it is also referred to as the church of flowers, because the white cross at the entrance of the chruch is forever decorated by big flower garlands and candles. This chruch is popular with people making pilgrimages or offering masses for favours granted.

St. Cajetan Church

This is situated in Old Goa. An amazing feature of the church is the high vault on which are inscribed the words of Christ, "My House Is A House Of The Words Of Christ". The church has alters dedicated to the Holy Family, Our Lady Of Piety and St. Clare, and to the right are altars dedicated to St. Agnes, St. Cajetan and St. John.

Fort Cabo Da Rama

It is located on the southern coast of goa. This fort was been under the regime of various rulers until the Portuguese took it over from the Raja of Sonda in 1763. After taking charge of the fort, the Portuguese rebuilt it. Later, it came under the British rule.

Fort Chapora

After the Portugues had wonGoa, the threat from Muslim and Maratha rulers went on. To protect themselves, they built the Chapora fort in 1671. However, unlike the Aguada fort, this fort did not remain unconquered and the Portuguese troops surrendered to the Maratha ruler, Sambhaj in 1684.

Fort Terekhol

This fort is located on the Terekhol River, on the northern tip of Goa, on a hillock overlooking the Arabian Sea. In its courtyard, is the century old church of St. Anthony? Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle built the fort in the 17th century.

Sinquerim Beach

Sinquerim beach has clean, white sand, and is close to the historic Fort Aguada, the early 17th century Portuguese fort that was built by the Portuguese to control the entry into River Mandovi and to protect old Goa from enemy attack.