The 20 best things to do in Goa

Telegraph

14 hours ago

There's more to Goa's attractions than beaches. In fact, despite visiting primarily in the summer as a child, I was often taken on hikes with my father deep into the rainforests, past waterfalls, ancient temples and towering trees. It is a versatile state, with a sandy coastline hugged by the mighty Western Ghats.
As one of the region's many festivals will showcase, it is the people who truly make Goa stand apart from the rest of India. Beyond their food and fantastic music scene, their art, architecture, adventure and wellness offerings all have elements of susegad – complete relaxation.
All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Goa. Find out more below, or for more Goa inspiration, see our guides to the region's best hotels, restaurants, bars and beaches.
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Best for families
Best free things to do
Best for the great outdoors
Best for culture
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Best for families
Museum of Goa
Explore Goa's contemporary art scene
Fondly called MOG by locals, the Museum of Goa showcases the state's extensive contemporary art scene. Renowned Goan artist Subodh Kerkar, who founded the gallery, showcases why Goa is different to the rest of India. His expressions, especially Goa's Ark from his permanent exhibit, bring forward the deep-rooted Portuguese history and the complexities of inter-religious life.
Insider tip: Allow at least two hours to explore the museum. It is worth booking a guided tour, which can be done upon arrival.There is also a terrace, an outdoor garden with artworks and a restaurant serving Goan classics like ros omelette.
Spice Farms
Visit a local plantation
Touring a spice plantation as a visitor is fascinating, as it gives an insight into Goa beyond its beaches. Learn the incredible details of the spices that grow in the region, like black pepper, nutmeg, cardamom and cloves. Most tours include walking through plantations within the state's rainforests and end with a traditional lunch.
Insider tip: Choose a spice plantation tour that offers extras like accommodation, cookery lessons (especially Saraswat cuisine, which uses most of the spices grown). Some, like Dudhsagar Plantation, offer bird watching and dedicated activities for children, such as zip lining and rock climbing.
Mario Miranda Gallery
Flick through a cartoonist's gallery
Many of us in India grew up admiring Mario Miranda's cartoons in national newspapers – he'd present readers with vivid and witty illustrations of everyday Goan life. He travelled the world and even worked with famous cartoonists like Charles M. Schulz and R.K. Laxman before retiring to his ancestral home in Goa. His galleries are scattered across Calangute, Porvorim and Margao, each offering unique souvenirs to take home.
Insider tip: Set in an old Goan laterite home with an enchanting garden, the gallery in the bucolic village of Porvorim is the region's prettiest.
Best free things to do
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Visit Goa's prominent pilgrimage site
Old Goa is one of the state's most charming regions and was the capital under Portuguese rule. Ask any local what to see here and they'd point you in the direction of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is also a prominent pilgrimage site for Christians. This impressive church is built from granite and is famous for preserving the remains of St Francis Xavier, encased in a silver casket, who died in 1552.
Insider tip: Expect heavy crowds from local tourists visiting the church between the end of December and early January. While you're here, walk across the gardens to visit other heritage structures, like Se Cathedral and Churches and Convents of Goa.
Fontainhas
Explore the Latin Quarters
A stroll through Goa's charming Latin Quarters, Fontainhas, in the capital city of Panjim, is an excellent way to spend a day. You'll walk past many ornate Goan-Portuguese heritage homes, each painted in vivid hues of mustard, burgundy and ivory and nearly all cloaked under tropical trees and bougainvillaea climbers. The evenings here have a different energy – you'll see locals flocking to the tavernas and restaurants, but Fontainhas is best explored in the morning on a weekday.
Insider tip: Fontainhas gets particularly lively during festivals like the annual Carnival, held in February ahead of Lent, and theSão João festival every June. Shops and restaurants open after 10am and close any time between 6pm and 11pm. Bakeries are ordinarily open between 8am to 8pm.
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Visit the region's Hollywood site
This popular Baroque church façade has served as a backdrop for many Bollywood films and Goan postcards. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church was the first port of call for sailors from Lisbon, who stopped to give thanks for a safe voyage across the seas. Many here believe that the stairways were modelled on a smaller scale after those at the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, Portugal, with a central landing area and symmetrical stairways on either side.
Insider tip: Dress codes are strict here (no sleeveless vests or shorts above the knee allowed inside), but its elegant white and blue façade is worth admiring from afar.
The Ruins of the Church of St. Augustine
Picture the region's abandoned church and monastery
In 1602, Augustinian Friars, who had arrived on Goa's shores to spread Christianity in 1572, constructed this prominent church and monastery. Choosing Monte Santo (Holy Mount) as their site in Old Goa, it was largely considered one of the key churches in the Iberian world. After being abandoned in the 19 th century, at present, only a part of the belfry stands tall – the rest has fallen into ruin and disrepair. The original bell was transported to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church.
Insider tip: It is ideal to visit during sunrise or sunset, when the sun's rays over the laterite-hued ruins make for excellent photos.
Anjuna Flea Market
Shop for local crafts and clothing
Anjuna's popular flea market is open every Wednesday between October and April. Shop quintessential bohemian wear, plus printed shirts, embroidered scarves, Goa trance music CDs, Indian handicrafts, spiritual paraphernalia and essential oils. What I love about the markets in Goa is that even if you don't buy anything, the vendors are still happy to have a chat with visitors.
Insider tip: Further south, head to Mapusa market for similar paraphernalia but also excellent local cashews (Zantye is the oldest and most trusted shop to buy cashews). Mapusa is also famous for pottery, spices and Goan chorizo.
Festivals
Join the local celebration
India does have the most kaleidoscopic festivals, but Goa is a world apart. There's Carnival held every February, which sees floats, samba and Goan trance music. Every March or April, the spring festival called Shigmo is held across the state, where various parades and folk dances are performed by members of the Hindu-Konkani community.
This is followed by the São João festival in June, where many Christian Goans merrily drink copious amounts of feni and jump in wells wearing floral coronets. June also sees the farming community celebrate Chikhal Kalo, a mud bath festival. South Goa comes to life during Diwali in autumn.
Insider tip: Despite festivals being celebrated throughout the year, December is the busiest time in Goa as it celebrates the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Christmas Day and even Sunburn, an annual electronic dance music festival that attracts over300,000 visitors.
Best for the great outdoors
Chapora Fort
Take in the famous view
You might wonder why so many domestic tourists strike a pose upon the walls of this majestic laterite fort. It served as a backdrop for the famous Bollywood film, Dil Chahta Hai, released in the Noughties and has had a loyal fan base since. Don't let that dissuade you – the view overlooking the Arabian Sea meeting Chapora River is worth the short hike. This fort has been under the rule of the Marathas, the Portuguese and was the former site of the Sultanate of Bijapur.
Insider tip: Head up here on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and if you still can't find a tranquil spot, head further south to impressive forts like Reis Magos, Aguada (fee payable on entry) or Cabo de Rama.
Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary
Head deep into a national park
More than a sanctuary, this large wildlife reserve is a part of the Western Ghats. It's also home to the mighty Dudhsagar Waterfalls (see above) and Mollem National Park. As one of the top spots in Goa for bird watching, you'll easily spot some endemic species here like the state bird – the flame-throated bulbul, Malabar grey hornbill and the brahminy kite. If you're lucky, you'll also encounter leopards, elephants, cobras and pythons.
Insider tip: Carry minimal items with you – hikes here can be tedious, and there are tribes of wild, curious monkeys that are notorious for snatching belongings from travellers. Deep in this national park, you can visit the 13th-century Kadamba-period Shiva temple, the oldest in the state.
Dudhsagar Falls
Trek to Goa's colossal waterfalls
Nothing quite prepares you for the sheer magnificence of Dudhsagar Falls. Translating to 'a sea of milk' in Hindi, the Mandovi river comes cascading down four tiers, at 310 metres in height. Summers can be underwhelming as the falls aren't in their full, raw power, so the best time to experience them is in October after the heavy monsoon season.
There are jeep safaris from Mollem National Park that you can hire for the day for a guided hike close to the falls. Be warned, it is a bumpy ride and a slightly demanding trek to the falls. If you want to spend a full day and night here, there are modest homestays nearby, such as Dudhsagar Plantation.
Insider tip: For a cherished memory, head to the designated viewpoint (your guide will point this out to you) and wait for a train to pass along the railway bridge, with the colossal waterfalls in the backdrop.
Divar Island
Explore unspoilt Goa
Take a break for half a day and catch a ferry to the island of Divar, an unspoilt part of Goa. You might even spot mugger crocodiles in the Mandovi River. Ferry boats operate (weather dependent) every 30 minutes from Old Goa, and the journey takes about 20 minutes. Don't miss the ornate Saptakoteshwar Temple, along with an ancient step well built by the Kadamba dynasty.
Insider tip: The island is best explored on foot or by bicycle (permitted on the ferry).
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Best for culture
Goa Chitra Museum
Honour the region's agrarian life
In the quaint, sleepy village of Benaulim is the Goa Chitra Museum, which labels itself as an ethnographic museum honouring Goa's agrarian life. Founder Victor Hugo Gomes observed how traditional tools in farming and cookery were fading from Goan lifestyles and decided to open this museum with a notable collection of more than 40,000 artefacts that he spent years collecting across the state.
Insider tip: A guided tour is well worth it to understand Goa's rural life better. Combine this museum visit with a beach day at Benaulim Beach nearby.
Menezes Braganza House
Visit one of Goa's most opulent mansions
A fine example of Goa's glorious, colossal mansions and Indo-Portuguese architecture is Braganza House in Chandor, South Goa. The aristocratic Braganza family was granted land by the king of Portugal in the 16 th century, with additions made over the years. Today, it is often used for wedding and fashion photo shoots as the opulence still stands; Portuguese ceramic tiles, oyster shell window panes, Belgian oak in the library, Italian marble and Venetian glass chandeliers in the ballrooms – and interestingly, a fingernail relic of St Francis Xavier in the chapel in the east wing.
Insider tip: Pay a visit to the library in the West Wing, which belonged to notable journalist and activist Dr Luís de Menezes Braganza, who played a significant role in Goa's fight for independence from Portuguese rule.
Sri Mangueshi Temple
Take a moment in Goa's spiritual heart
Goa's Saraswat Hindu community plays a significant role in the state. The exquisite Mangueshi Temple (also known as Mangeshi Temple), which is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva, was originally built in the village of Cortalim. After the arrival of the Portuguese, many locals were converted to Christianity, which resulted in the Shiva Linga (a symbolic representation of the deity) being moved and the temple being rebuilt in the village of Ponda. Today, the main temple is painted in hues of turquoise, white and ochre and is open to all. Its intricate seven-storey lamp tower is lit up every night.
Insider tip: Dress codes are not strict here, but it is advisable to cover your shoulders and knees. Photography is allowed outside, but is best avoided in the main temple.
Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts
Learn about the cultural legacies of Goa
On top of a hill in Altinho, Panjim, lies the pearly white, cerulean blue and red oxide colours of the property of Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts. Founders Dipti and Dattaraj V. Salgaocar opened this space to preserve and promote the artistic and cultural legacies of Goa through collections and rotating exhibits. Former residencies have seen national and international artists portray traditional and contemporary paintings and sculptures, along with regular art festivals and lectures in their amphitheatre.
Insider tip: After exploring, stop by their al fresco café called Bodega, which serves an all-day breakfast.
All About Alcohol Museum
Delve into the story of feni, the drink of Goa
In a dedicated space in Candolim, Goa's first alcohol museum is more insightful than it sounds. All About Alcohol dives into ancient methods of distilling, making and consuming Goan liquor, mainly feni, a traditional beverage made from either cashew apples or coconut palm sap. There's a feni cellar, plenty of feni artefacts, ranging from old glassware to labels, but what makes this collection by Nandan Kudchadkar interesting is realising how much feni is interwoven into Goan life.
Insider tip: Book a guided tour, which includes a feni tasting at the beautiful wrought iron-clad bar.
Contact: 0091 703 007 7013
Opening times: Monday-Sunday, 11am-9pm.
Price: £
Centre for Indo-Portuguese Arts (CIPA)
Watch local performances
Learn about the state's enthralling art and architecture at the Centre for Indo-Portuguese Arts (CIPA) in Panjim. In this 200-year-old mansion, you'll find the fascinating history of the region's traditional art, music and gastronomy. CIPA regularly hosts shows from bygone eras, including re-enactments of Serenata, a practice in Panjim where it was common for Goan men to serenade women. You can also book a traditional fado and mandó show – Goan soulful melodious music accompanied by vocalists and local percussionists.
Insider tip: All show tickets include food and drink. Be mindful that at times dietary requirements cannot be catered to.
Best for wellness
Yoga retreats
Find balance in a traditional setting
Goa has earned a solid reputation as one of India's best destinations for yoga retreats. Purple Valley was one of the first establishments where travellers could learn ashtanga yoga with their week-long workshops. Today, there are thousands of retreats (often by the beach or in the rainforests), combining yoga, ayurveda treatments and guided meditation to help those seeking recalibration, balance and a peek into traditional yogic philosophy.
Insider tip: Many traditional yoga centres can be basic in terms of accommodation, and the focus is very much on the yoga rather than comfort. Some high-end tropical eco retreats by Ashiyana are perfect for combining yoga and rejuvenation in a heavenly property (between October and April).
How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Rashmi Narayan
Having spent my childhood summers in India's famous seaside state – my father's birthplace – I am often escaping the chaos of London for some much-needed susegad, the Goan attitude towards leading a relaxed life.