Fort Aguada: Take a Trip Down Rich History
A well-preserved 17 century Portuguese fort, Fort Aguada is located on the Sinquerim Beach in North Goa. Built as the chief defence of Portuguese against the Dutch and Marathas, it was the most prized and crucial fort of the Portuguese. The fort is ringed by thick battlements and a deep dry moat. 2 things worth visiting inside the fort are the 13 metre high lighthouse built in 1864 and a vaulted cistern capable of storing ten million litres of fresh water. From here fresh water was supplied to the ships that stopped there.
Some buildings of the fort are still in good shape having been converted into a jail and interestingly, it happens to be the largest jail in Goa. Fort Aguada is one of the top sightseeing places in Goa.
Calangute: Go Beaching Like Never Before
One of the most popular beaches in Goa and also the largest beach in North Goa, Calangute beach is among the most recommended tourist places in Goa and popular with both domestic and international tourists. It is also the busiest and commercialized beaches in Goa and during peak seasons, this beach is swamped with people from all over the world. It offers a long coastline with an amazing view of the sea and the beach front is dotted shacks, restaurants, clubs and shopping outlets. Once can also enjoy a plethora of water sports at Calangute beach.
Anybody and everybody who has been to Goa would have visited Calangute beach, popularly known as the ‘queen of beaches’. It easily tops the list of top places to visit in North Goa
Basilica of Bom Jesus: Explore Goa’s religious legacy
Churches in Goa are an important legacy of it being an erstwhile Portuguese colony. Built across centuries, these architectural wonders were more than just a place of worship; they hold a place of historical or cultural significance as well. One of the popular churches in Goa is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier is preserved here in this Basilica and hence revered by many. It also is an UNESCO World Heritage site.
Mangeshi Temple: Seek Some Divine Intervention
Goa may have a long Portuguese history and quite a few famous churches, yet it is also home to beautiful temples and ornate mosques as well. Ponda region in Goa is famous for the 16th century Safa Shahouri Mosque as well as the 450-year-old Shri Mangesh temple dedicated to Shiva. The highlights of the temple are the seven-story lamp tower (deepstambha), a magnificent water tank, believed to be the oldest part of the temple and there is a prominent Nandi Bull as well inside the temple. Located on a small hillock, it is also one of the largest temples in Goa. Because of its temples and churches, Goa is also a popular tourist destinations in India for religious travel.
Dudhsagar Falls: Witness The Fury Of Nature’s Glory
Literally meaning a sea of milk, Dudhsagar Falls is a 4 tiered waterfall located and the 4th tallest waterfall of India. Located at a distance of 46km from Madgaon, the falls appear spectacular during monsoons after been fed by the rains. There is a railway bridge which passes right in front of the waterfall and passenger train passing through the fall tend to always slow down for passengers to view the fall up close. Unfortunately, there is no viewing platform or site for tourists to take in the full view of the enormous waterfall. Some people do get down at the Dudhsagar station and walk backwards on railway tracks, but that is certainly not recommended.
Naval Aviation Museum: Get Ready For One of its Kind Experience
Unknown to many, the Naval Aviation Museum is the only one of its kind in the whole of Asia and the only Naval Aviation Museum in India. It has an outdoor and an indoor section and exhibits range from 7 different type of aircrafts, rockets, bombs, armaments, protective gears, parachutes, pilot’s outfits etc. Definitely a must visit on your next Goa tour, especially for those keen on life about the defence forces.
Mollem National Park: Spot the Big Cats
The Mollem National Park, located in the Western Ghats along Goa’s eastern border with Karnataka. Spread over 240 sq km, the national park is home to several species of wild cats, a wide variety of birds, several species of snakes and even a wide range of butterflies.
Besides wildlife, the park is also home to “the Dhangar”; a community of nomadic buffalo herders. It is also known for some awesome trekking trails and the 12th century Tambdi Surla Mahadev temple dating back to the Kadamba Dynasty.
Arpora Night Market: Indulge In Retail Therapy
Goa’s flea markets are also an integral part of tourist experiences in this beach city. Originally started off by hippies as a means of earning money by bartering or selling their stuff, today it is very much a part of any tourist’s Goan itinerary. Arpora night market is held every Saturday from 6pm until late night. This market is a more welcome alternative to the Anjuna market held during sweltering hot afternoons. Also, you can find food stalls offering an inexhaustible range of delectable fare and a centre stage which hosts live concerts.
Tito’s: Dance Away The Blues
Goa has always being popular for its nightlife, and Tito’s is one of the best nightclubs in Goa. It is also one of the first discotheques of Goa. Located off the main road, towards Baga beach, Tito’s consists of 2 levels; dance floor on level 1 and level 2 is from where you can sit and watch over the action below. Saturday nights at Tito’s is all about pulsating dance floor, electrifying music, and throbbing lights. The food at Tito’s is also quite lip smacking.
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