The truth about holidays in Goa from a former guide. What to see in North Goa: our review and impressions What beaches in India are near the attractions
The truth about holidays in Goa from a former guide
Hi all. My name is Vasily, I am 23 years old. I spent six months in Goa, working as a guide for tourists from Russia. The purpose of my post is to bring to you the necessary and important information about how to have an interesting and fun time in Goa, while saving a lot of money.
In general about Goa.
Goa is the oldest and largest Portuguese colony. For more than 5 centuries, the Portuguese managed to forever change the consciousness, culture and even genetics of the local population. In other words, Goans are not Hindus in the classical sense, but Indo-Portuguese. They are much more familiar with European moral and cultural values than others, which is a rarity in India. Therefore, Goa has become an ideal springboard for the development of tourism business and infrastructure.
But there is also a downside to the coin: often Indians who arrive at the resort to earn money are literally blown away by the abundance of scantily clad white people, hence the inflated prices and inappropriate actions; besides, tourists are simply fed up with local residents.
From all this we can conclude: there is no need to provoke the Goans. Namely: do not behave like a pig, do not overdo it with alcohol and do not expose yourself.
As for cultural leisure in Goa, I’ll immediately clarify that you won’t see authentic India here - the Inquisition literally cut out Hinduism from these places, so you won’t find any striking monuments of culture and history here (however, you just have to leave the state and go to neighboring ones, in particular , visit the village of Gokarna or the ancient city of Hampi in Karnataka, your understanding of the region will change dramatically, but that's another story).
So, leisure in the state of Goa is beach and bar, as well as gastronomic.
Arrival.
Depending on the chosen mode of transport from Dabolim airport to the destination in the state, tourists' actions vary somewhat, but you have two routes - north or south Goa.
If you arrive at the resort by bus, it will most likely go to the state capital of Panaji (Panjim) or to the town of Mapsa (Mapusa), which is the largest bus hub in the state of Goa. So, if you suddenly find yourself in Panaji, then you need to find a bus station there, get from there to Mapsa, and then go wherever you need to.
If you arrive in Goa by train, it will most likely stop in the port town of Vasco da Gama, from where you will need to take one or more buses to Mapsa.
If you arrive in Goa by plane, then getting out of the airport by bus will be quite difficult, and in this case, your best option is a rickshaw or taxi to the city of Panaji, and from there it’s a journey by bus. By the way, if you search hard enough, you can find a one-way ticket to Goa for only $100-150.
Geography and housing.
Geographically, tourists divide the state of Goa into north and south, but I, dividing the state along cultural lines, add to this the central region. Here is a comprehensive description of the regions of Goa:
North. This is the most favorable accommodation option for young people. Find accommodation near the beach Arambol- the most chic, because this is the most fun place to party.
North Goa is a concentration of bars and cafes, all kinds of shops, old and not so hippies, as well as a venue for concerts and performances. In addition, to the north of the beach there is a magnificent sweet lake, Sweet Lake, and even further in the thickets is the famous tree of the legendary Beatle John Lennon; his favorite is the banyan tree. Tourists also like the beaches. Mandrem And Morjim- they are located in close proximity to Arambol, but at the same time much quieter and calmer; interesting and Chapora- a small village on the banks of the river of the same name. However, it does not have a beach, so housing here is relatively inexpensive. Chapora is famous for its Chapora Juice Center.
Vagator- a good beach, but it is located much further from Arambol. This is the closest beach to Chapora.
Center. Beaches Candolim, Calangut, Baga And Anjuna. The area is famous for the fact that it is here that tourists most often come on tour packages. Hence the huge number of tourists on the beach, high prices and the atmosphere in the spirit of “Tagiiil”.
South. South Goa starts below Panaji. There are expensive hotels here, and the public is mainly in the 40+ category. However, there are also cheap offers, even 2* hotels like Colonia Jose Menino, which has an empty and clean beach. In general, this is a place for romantics, lovers and family tourists.
Palolem. A beach in the very south of Goa, which is among the top ten best beaches in the world according to Forbes magazine. You can get to it by train from another transport hub in the state - Margao or on local basses. You can also find inexpensive accommodation here (there are many guesthouses, prices starting from 400 rupees per night).
Movement.
Most often, tourists use rented mopeds and motorcycles to get around Goa. Motorcycles are very easy to find at the resort, almost at every step; in extreme cases, you can always ask the locals in English. There is nothing required to rent a scooter, so under no circumstances make any deposits! In rare cases, you may be asked to show your license or provide a copy of it to rent a motorcycle.
Personally, I am very skeptical about renting motorcycles in Goa. The only rational reason to rent a motorcycle instead of a scooter is that the scooter may not be able to climb a steep hill if you suddenly go to conquer the jungle J. But in Goa, in general, there are not so many such places. In addition, motorcycles are somewhat more difficult and rougher to drive than scooters, and this choice can be fatal for inexperienced tourists. By the way, do not forget that traffic in India is, it must be said, at rather high speeds.
Control of a driver’s condition on the road in the state is purely visual and quite loyal, so no one here will fine you for drinking a couple of bottles of beer; for not wearing a helmet, you can only be fined in the capital - Panaji, but you should still get a license with you, since this is the most popular article of fine in Goa, although it is always theoretically possible to blurt out or pay off.
The price for renting a scooter depends on the length of the rental period, it starts from 100-120 rupees per day when renting for more than one month and ends at 200-250 rupees per day if you rent the vehicle for several days.
The most budget-friendly travel option is local public buses or local buses. They go to all the main settlements of Goa, so the entire state can be covered by four to five buses, but most often tourists will need no more than two. They also visit small towns.
The cost of a bus ride reaches a maximum of 10-15 rupees; you must pay at the entrance with the driver. Travel is marred by the need to understand the rather confusing local geography, the slowness of buses and the inevitable evening crowd. By the way, purely theoretically in India, buses are divided into female and male halves, but it cannot be said that this convention is strictly observed in Goa.
For lazy people, as well as those who like to “take it to heart” or those who like at least relative comfort, Goa has motorized rickshaws and ordinary taxis. Rickshaws are smaller and much cheaper, taxis are correspondingly larger, much more comfortable and at the same time more expensive.
Taxis in Goa are most often small, uncomfortable Maruti-Suzuki Omni minibuses or quite comfortable Toyota Innova hatchbacks for 7 people. Taxis can also be rented for the whole day, as well as for several days. This is convenient if you are going on a trip within or outside the state.
By the way, in Goa you can “catch” a car on the road, just like here in Russia, but be prepared for the fact that you will have to bargain hard. However, you will have to bargain in any case if you have already arrived in India!
Places and entertainment.
In Goa, one standard excursion program has been developed, according to which almost all tourists are taken. This program is sometimes broken down into separate points in order to get more money from tourists, but most often all 3 points are covered in one day.
This Goa tour usually costs about $50-60 per person. The program includes a visit Dudhsagar waterfall And spice plantations, and also, if desired, riding elephants and feeding and bathing them.
All kinds of excursions to Palolem or night market in Arpora- pure profanity and a scam for money, because any sane person who has at least a little orientation in space is able to get there himself without spending a lot of money. By the way, I don’t recommend going to the night market in Arpora to buy anything - the prices there are 100 times higher, and the goods are the same as in the regular city market in Margao, for example. But for the surroundings and some rarities (for true connoisseurs) - perhaps, yes, it’s worth coming.
Portuguese forts (Teracol, Chapora, Aguada etc.) are not of particular interest. Offers of excursions with observations of animals such as crocodiles and dolphins are also especially popular, but usually none of the tourists manage to see them. Also offered are excursions to Panaji, but this is also nonsense: firstly, the city itself is not particularly interesting, the program includes a visit to one temple - you understand, it is not worth the money paid.
There is also excursion to the Bhagwan Mahaveer reserve and Dudhsagar waterfall. You should leave no later than 8 a.m., because the journey takes 3-4 hours, and everything is complicated by long traffic jams caused by rows of trucks transporting red sand. The spectacle itself is colorful, but after an hour or two it gets boring. It is also undesirable to go there on a scooter - it is far and unsafe, because trucks occupy both sides of the road, and the road itself winds and runs through the jungle. It is best to take a taxi, and at the entrance to the reserve change into a jeep. So, you have another half hour of shaking through the real jungle, and be prepared for the fact that at one fine moment you will simply be flooded with water - you will pass a mountain river. The guides will laugh! The entire walk takes an hour. A place in a jeep costs about 350 rupees, there are a lot of jeeps, they leave as the group grows. Crowds of Indians scurry around the entrance to the reserve, offering to buy bananas: if you want to hand-feed practically domesticated monkeys, buy them. True, they are not always hungry - there are generally more tourists here than local residents.
The waterfall itself is beautiful, there is also a mountain lake, you can and should swim (refresh yourself!), the water is cold but clean. For extreme sports enthusiasts, there is a board of drowned people, you can take a look. As a rule, the locals themselves drown here, since the lake itself is shallow and nothing so terrible threatens an experienced Russian tourist!
Spice plantation. It is better to combine a trip there with a visit to the reserve, since the drive to the plantation is only 30-40 minutes. The excursion is organized quite interestingly: you can join a Russian group, they will tell you in detail about each tree, and the plantations themselves are an improved version of our Botanical Garden - it’s interesting to walk around, there are rope bridges, waterfalls, and houses on the water everywhere.
And the most interesting thing is the general buffet at the end, and everything is included in the price of the entrance ticket. The highlights of the lunch are Fenya - local moonshine, take away, the first glass is free, the rest are for money, as well as very spicy chips and delicious fish. By the way, there is a vegan table and a small souvenir shop. And the music plays. And everyone sits at common long tables. Hipparian paradise, in general! I recommend Tropical Spicy Plantation to everyone. By the way, the taxi driver will wait patiently for you while you have some fun, without running up the meter! There is also a continuation of the excursion with bathing an elephant, but there you will have to pay an additional fee of about 1000 rupees.
Old Goa. Previously it was the capital of the Portuguese colony. Typical Portuguese Catholic churches are of interest. The main thing that is interesting to see is the Basilica of Little Jesus, which houses the relics of Francis Xavier, and the Cathedral of St. Catherine.
Juice center. The attraction of the village of Chapora is a cafe where the menu mostly includes juices, shakes and lassi, the quality of which is excellent. The regulars here are mostly hashish-smoked hippies.
Concerts and performances. Everything interesting happens only in the north of the state, mainly in the Arambol region. Mainly - trance parties, drum concerts, which is no longer original, but there are also interesting performances such as the tightrope walker Joyti or a jazz festival.
Shopping. Tourist goods are sold absolutely everywhere in Goa. Usually, the quieter the place, the lower the price of the product. In Panaji you can also find branded items in branded stores, good electronics, etc. Prices here will be much lower than in Russia. By the way, about tea: it is very rare in tourist shops, I mean good real tea. But good stores also offer tastings - this is a good thing.
Beyond Goa.
Of course, you can go wherever your eyes take you, but I will focus on the three closest destinations that are suitable for tours for 2 weeks.
Bombay (Mumbai), Maharashti state. This city is expensive to live in, but at the same time it is damn beautiful and interesting. So I recommend it to adventure seekers. You can also rush from Bombay to Ellora (pronounced “Ilora”). Trains run to Bombay, but it is more convenient to leave Mapsa by sleeper, the trip takes overnight.
Hampi, Karnataka. This is the best place nearby and maybe in all of India. The most convenient way to get from Goa to Hampi is by sleeper (trains run a little crookedly and are not always on time), travel time is 0 from 10 to 14 hours. Hampi is the ruins of the ancient city of Vijayanagara, now a village, with unique architectural monuments of Hinduism. Here is a functioning Virupaksha temple. Hampi was once the kingdom of the Vanaras - humanoid monkeys.
Gokarna, Karnataka. This village is very close to Goa - about 70-odd km, so if you wish, you can get there by scooter or bus from Margao.
The trip to Gokarna will take three to four hours. It is believed that Gokarna is the birthplace of Shiva, so Hindus and pilgrims also concentrated here. The atmosphere is noble and one might even say sacred.
There are several very ancient temples in Gokarna, a little away from the city - an interesting underground temple, and in general the town itself is very colorful. A few kilometers from Gokarna is the famous Om beach, so named for its resemblance to the mirrored Hindu sign "Om". By the way, here you can literally rent a house right on the shore for pennies - it will be a hut! But it will be remembered forever!
There are few shops and cozy cafes in Gokarna, and a few kilometers away there is another famous place - Murudeshvara, where the tallest statue of Shiva is located and a colorful diorama illustrating the myths about this great deity. A trip to Murudeshwara will take you 1 day; there is no point in spending the night there. 
Bottom line.
Of course, during all the time I worked as a guide, my view became slightly blurred, and my attitude towards my surroundings became a little more cynical. But I still tried to write the truth.
And lastly: many find their home here for many months. And some remain forever...
There are 28 states in India, Goa is the smallest of them. At the same time, this is where most independent travelers from Russia flock. The reason is low prices, an abundance of magnificent sandy beaches and the opportunity to combine relaxation with an overview of local attractions.
We will tell you about interesting places in North and South Goa, and decide where to go first. The final part of the article contains an overview of excursion programs. May Shiva be with you!
What sights should you see first?
To expand your coverage of historical and cultural sites, you need to move quickly. The transport system in Goa is primitive, but quite colorful. Here are the main types of transport there:
- Taxi. There is no meter, the price will have to be negotiated right away.
- Auto rickshaw. Cycle rickshaws exist in Goa, but they are gradually being replaced by auto rickshaws. Be sure to take advantage of their services to experience the flavor of Goa.
- Rented car or bike. Our tourists prefer the latter option. A month of travel will empty your pocket by only 60-100 dollars.
Most of the attractions and excursions in Goa (of those that are worth visiting) come down to churches, temples, monuments of Portuguese and Hindu architecture, nature reserves and natural parks. First of all, here's what you need to see in Goa:
One of the most popular attractions is the face of Shiva.
Three unusual attractions to explore on your own
“Package” tourists see a standard set of attractions. We suggest taking matters into your own hands and exploring unusual and sometimes even strange places in India on your own. So, what to see in Goa on your own - here are the three best points:
Difficult choice between South and North
High-quality beach holidays are associated with the south of the state, but people go to the north for noisy parties under the stars.
The choice between North and South is not always easy - there are plenty of exciting places in both regions, let's try to highlight the best.
If you are not afraid of hippies (they are, in principle, quite peaceful) and cheap hotels, you should choose North Goa for living. By the way, if you are interested in shopping in Goa, then here is information about what medicines to bring from Goa.
Here is a list of the most interesting places in this region:
Sights of South Goa
Exotic thickets, clean beaches, nature reserves - this is what the southern part of Goa looks like. We have already covered it in a separate article. Now we have a review of several popular places not related to sunbathing and swimming. Here they are:
Goa is the smallest state in India, but it attracts the majority of foreign and domestic tourists. There are many reasons for this, and they are different for each tourist: beaches, prices, food, yoga, freedom, etc. But besides all this, Goa also has attractions that it would be a big omission not to see.
Everyone knows that Goa is divided into North and South and is such a divider. Despite the fact that Goa is called the smallest state, the distances here are not at all childish: to get from North Goa to North Goa you need to cover 100 km along winding, bumpy roads.
Almost all the attractions are located in North Goa or close to it. Therefore, from the point of view of the cultural program, it is more profitable to settle there. We ourselves are at the northernmost and most party place - Arambol.
There are several ways to get to attractions:
- Buy an excursion at a travel agency. A simple but expensive way. And walking in a crowd of other tourists is also a small pleasure.
- Rent a bike. The most convenient and cheapest way. Renting a bike in Goa costs 200-250 rupees per day. As a rule, there are no problems with the police. In 3 weeks, we were stopped by the police only once, and we got off with a fine of 200 rupees. But this method is good if you do not need to travel long distances. 100 km in each direction on the rough Goan roads will seem like torture to anyone.
- To rent a car. But you need to take into account that all cars in India are right-hand drive, so it will be unusual. And the roads are narrow. It’s somehow easier to overcome this on a bike (of course, if you don’t go to Mumbai or Hampi on it).
- Rent a taxi with driver. Of course, you can take a taxi to each attraction separately, but it will be much more profitable in terms of money and time to agree with the driver for the whole day and draw up a route of what you can visit during that day. We did this when we went to Dudhsagar Falls, combining its visit with a visit to the elephant village. This service will cost 2000−3000 rupees per day, depending on the route.
What to do in Goa? Of course, explore it!
In this article we will talk about what sights of Goa we managed to visit during the 3 weeks we were there.
Sights of Goa on the map (in Russian):
Built in the 18th century by the Portuguese conquerors. To get to the fort, you need to climb the red embankment for about 10 minutes. Therefore, if you are planning to visit this attraction, I advise you not to repeat our mistakes and wear comfortable shoes.
Climbing to the walls of the fortress
Having climbed the mountain, we get straight to the gate in the form of an arch. Local traders hide from the sun here.
In fact, only the walls remained from the fort, and even then not everywhere. But the view from it is magnificent.
Inside the fort you can see only the remains of a church:
And endless fields:
Not far from the Chapora fort there is Vagator beach (it can even be seen from the fort) and another attraction - the face of Shiva (more on that below).
Chapora Fort is located 20 km from Arambol. Getting there is very easy with a rented bike.
Fort Chaporta on the map (how to get there from Arambol):
Shiva's face on Vagator beach
Vagator beach itself is beautiful: there are many huge boulders extending into the sea, against which you can arrange a great photo shoot. There are also a lot of cows here.
Ever seen a smiling cow?
But this beach is famous, first of all, not for cows and rocks, but for the face of the god Shiva, carved directly on one of the boulders. Next to the face it is already quite difficult, but you can still see the obligatory attributes of Shiva - a necklace of skulls (symbolizing victory over the flesh) and a cobra (symbolizing cosmic energy and immortality).
The face of Shiva was carved in the 70s by the Italian master Antonia Caroli. He was a hippie and loved India so much that he came to Goa from Italy on foot. At first, he spent the night on the same Vagator beach where he created the famous creation. Afterwards he married a Russian girl, had children and stayed to live in Goa. By the way, he still lives here and works at the local museum in Apore.
Finding the face of Shiva is not so easy. To find it, we asked locals for directions. Having gone down to the Maly Vagator beach along the stairs, you need to go left to the end, there will be a cafe there. And on the back side of one of the boulders you will find the famous statue. You can identify that same boulder by the trident sticking out of it.
The stone is worn away by the waves and Shiva’s face looks worse every year. In 2010, a large piece broke off from his chin. Who knows how long Shiva's face will remain a landmark in Goa. In any case, it, unfortunately, does not last forever.
Actually, Shiva's face is not that big
Redi Fort and Paradise Beach
In fact, these are not the sights of Goa, but of another, neighboring Indian state of Maharashtra. But it is only 15 km from Arambol, so getting there is easier than getting to many places in Goa itself.
The real name of Redi Fort is Yashwantgad Fort, but it is most often called by the name of the village of Redi in which it is located.
Redi Fort made a strong impression on us: a dilapidated castle, entwined with tree roots. We saw a similar takeover of civilization by the jungle in the famous Cambodian complex.
The Yashwantgad fort was built by the Indians back in the 16th century as a strategic defense site. However, during its existence it was repeatedly captured by both the Portuguese and the British.
Its territory is very vast: you can walk here freely for an hour. Thanks to the trees, Redi Fort is in the shade and is a real pleasure to explore. The walls, stairs, arches, passages and wells are well preserved here. You can easily imagine how people lived here 400 years ago. 
To get to Redi Fort from Arambol you need to cross the Terekhol River. Previously, this could only be done by ferry, which operated without a schedule. Now a convenient wide bridge (Kiranpani Aronda bridge) has been built across the river. After the bridge, you will need to cross a police checkpoint (they never paid attention to us there, despite the fact that we were entering another state).
Redi Fort on the map and how to get to it from Arambol:
There is a small beach (called Redi Beach) and a cafe near Redi Fort. But it’s better to swim not here, but on Paradise Beach, which is located across a small strait.
Redi Beach: not the best place for swimming
Since it is impossible to cross the strait on a bike, you will have to make a 10-kilometer detour to get to the famous Paradise Beach.
But having made this road, you will be rewarded with a gorgeous, almost empty beach with pine trees and beautiful shells.
Paradise Beach in Goa
How to get to Paradise Beach from Ready Fort:A big banyan tree and a woman under it
There is also such an unusual attraction in Arambol as an old man sitting under a large tree. More precisely, a woman under a banyan tree. Baba (with emphasis on the last syllable) is a very respected and revered person in India. The old man sitting under the banyan tree has become a local landmark for 44 years, and hundreds of tourists come to see him every day.
You can talk to a woman, ask questions on intimate topics. An enlightened elder will answer them and help in solving some problems. Initially it was like this. But today the place under the banyan tree is no longer sacred; mostly people come here to smoke hashish with the famous grandfather. Read more about the famous Arambol baba
Arriving in Goa, you will, of course, run to the sea. Well, how could it be different? For the sake of long sandy beaches and a warm whispering sea, you rushed here, three to nine lands away... But Goa is not famous for the sea alone. The atmosphere is what attracts you here again and again. The soul rests here.
Although, there are definitely some people who did not like Goa, but, I believe, this is solely because no one was able to present it correctly - it was not possible to meet knowledgeable people, and on excursions you come across pioneers just like you.
And I also discovered this rule: the better the hotel you choose, the less likely you are to like Goa. This is due to the fact that at first Goa shocks tourists, and a good hotel only aggravates the condition. It’s as if he’s saying: “Look how good I am. Why do you need real life? And the tourist hides in the clean and cozy interior of the hotel, preferring this to something new and, for now, incomprehensible. From this point of view, tourists who come to middle-class hotels or even guesthouses are considered to be in an advantageous position. They don’t sit in their room or by the pool - they go in search of the unknown and adapt faster, and soon fall in love with the world around them and the local way of life.
So, in order to understand why Goa is so attractive, why people come back here again and again and not only on vacation, but even to live for a season, I recommend a list of must-sees (must-sees) of 15+ places. This is like a guarantee that your vacation will be incredibly amazing and educational, and when the time to leave comes, you will not want to leave here and will come up with 1001 reasons to stay. If that's what you want, these are the places.
- Arambol.
Arambol is already a cult place, so one time/day is not enough to see everything, but, nevertheless, here are the main places:
There are many places to go here:
a) a banyan tree in the jungle, where Hindu saints sit - sadhus surrounded by As old-timers like to say - under this tree the famous Beatles wrote their song “Yellow Submarine”.
b) sweet lake (fresh water lake) - from it to the sea there are only a couple of tens of meters! A pleasant place surrounded by tropical trees. 
c) Sunset Market is an event with a cool atmosphere that takes place every evening during the season. From about five in the evening until dark, dozens of foreign sellers of their handmade goods (handmade products) appear on the beach, as well as the exciting sounds of drums, guitars, hangpans and the mesmerizing voices of vocalists, yogis and yoginis, jugglers and firemen practicing their skills for everyone. eyes... 
2. Chapora.
a) Juice center.
This is more history than juice. This small place is decades old, there is practically nowhere to park or sit, but the number of people who want to go is not decreasing. Although the juices are good, so what. And the prices are pleasant, especially after the beach ones. But people mainly come here to chat, find out news, smoke... The contingent here is so diverse and unusual that they brought the juice a long time ago, but you have no time for it;)) 
b) Fort at Chapora/Vagator.
It has a beautiful view of Vagators beach and the sea. This is an incredibly popular place among Indian youth, as the fort has appeared in several films. 
3. Night market in Arpora.
Every Saturday there is a huge event in Arpora. There is even a saying regarding this market: “If you have lost someone, you will certainly find them here.” Sellers from all over the world come here to offer their unique goods. And it’s even more difficult to say about the number of local sellers - tea, spices, saris, bedspreads, Indian jewelry, soap, silver jewelry, leather goods, hammocks, handmade dolls, masks... But besides the market itself, there is a stage where famous musicians and artists perform for free. You can go to the market completely hungry because there is everything from food here - sushi, pizza, burgers, salads, grilled chicken, cakes, ice cream. In addition, there are several dance floors.
4. Cafe Curlis on the beach. (Curlie's)
Goa is changing every year, becoming upset, becoming urbanized. But there are establishments that were, are and will be. Curlie’s is one of these establishments. A two-story restaurant on the seashore will provide not only delicious dishes and a chic view, but also the opportunity to plunge into the hippie era. Trance-style parties await you on Tuesdays. 
5. Hilltop Club in Vagator. (HillTop)
Parties here are always a massive event. People, music, surroundings will all remain in your memory for a long time.
6. German Bakery Cafe in Anjuna.
A very cozy cafe and a calm atmosphere combined with proper nutrition make this establishment the best of its kind.
Source: www.goaprism.com 7. Fort Reis Magos.
My favorite fort in Goa. The small fortress has recently been restored. It offers a magnificent view of Panaji and the Mandovi River. 
And also within the walls of the fort there is an excellent gallery of the famous artist Mario Miranda.
8. Portuguese district of Foentenhaz in Panaji.
The Latin Quarter will take you from an Asian town to colonial Europe in a matter of seconds. Bright large Portuguese houses, narrow streets, flowers in pots on the windowsill, Portuguese names, a chapel, a bridge and a well still retain their original appearance.
9. Old Goa.
The former capital of Goa - Old Goa still retains its majestic appearance. Churches, arches, squares are all so amazing that you begin to doubt whether I’m in India?! And besides, Old Goa is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. 
10. Palolem Beach.
The crescent shaped beach, a million palm trees along the sea and the cliffs will take your heart away. This beach occupies a leading place in the tourism industry of South Goa, so here you can find everything you want: boat trips to remote beaches, snorkeling, dolphins, kayaks, various excursions, guesthouses and restaurants for every taste and budget, Internet cafes, grocery stores, designer clothes and souvenirs.
11. Tito’s Line in Baga.
The main street of Baga, leading to the sea, is crammed with clubs and restaurants: Tito’s, Mambos’s, Capetown, Kamaki, etc. This is one of the most famous streets, famous for its nightlife, and the number of rich Indian tourists is off the charts. 
12. Banyan tree in Mandrem.
The Banyan tree is incredible, unusual, cosmic, mysterious, alien, endless, all-consuming... in general, you can choose a lot of epithets, but, as the proverb says, “It’s better to see once than to hear a hundred times.” Banyan trees can be seen in many places in Goa, but Mandrem has the largest one. 
13. Fort Redi.
An abandoned and destroyed fort on the seashore to this day attracts the attention of not only ordinary tourists, but also professional photographers, because life and death combine there... Grasses and trees full of life curl around the hard and cold stones.
photo: Sergey Puzankov 14. Paradise Beach.
Arriving in Goa, any vacationer will be able to find something to their liking, and this “something” will not hit the wallet too hard. India is a unique country with its own traditions, laws and completely different regions. Any tourist coming here will be able to find something suitable for themselves. These may be landmarks, historical sites or beaches with numerous activities.
Goa is one of the Indian states most popular among holidaymakers.
The state is divided into two parts: North and South Goa. South Goa is ideal for a beach holiday, but North Goa is suitable for city lovers with an average income. But there are a lot of attractions here and there, let’s get to know some of them.
Dudhsagar
This is one of the largest waterfalls in India, located in the foothills of the Ghats, near Panaji. A huge waterfall surrounded by virgin forest will not leave anyone indifferent. The best time to come here is from November to February when the climate is pleasant and easily tolerated. In summer, the territory of the waterfall, and the entire state, is very hot and humid from the monsoon rains.
You can get to Dudhsagar by rail to the station closest to the park. But you will have to walk another 6 kilometers to get to your destination. This distance can be covered by jeep, then the entire journey will take no more than an hour. And now you are there. has a height of more than 300 meters. The large number of white foamy splashes creates the illusion that the entire body of water has a strange whitish tint.
There is a legend about a princess who loved to swim in the local lake. After taking baths, she drank milk from a golden jug. One day, after bathing, the girl, without having time to get dressed, decided to drink milk, but suddenly noticed a man watching her from behind a tree. She had to pour the entire jug into the lake in order to somehow hide her nakedness. According to legend, it was from these milky streams that a waterfall was formed, the name of which translates as “milk ocean.”
At the base there is a large beautiful lake where you can swim.
Fort Aguada
Aguada Fort is the oldest landmark in Goa, built during the time of the Portuguese. It is located next to Candolim beach and is recognized as the most famous fortress that has survived to this day. That is why the fort is currently used as a prison.
It was built in the 17th century entirely from red stone in the delta of the Mondovi River. At that time, it was used as a protective fortification and water storage.
Today, any tourist can visit Agauda Fort from 10 am to 6 pm. The lighthouse located on the territory of the fort is also open to visitors, but, unfortunately, is no longer operational.
Betalbatim
This is a small village in Goa, the coastline of which stretches only 1500 meters. The beaches of the village are considered one of the best places for meditation and a relaxing family holiday.
When coming here, it is worth remembering that Betalbatim is devoid of any infrastructure; there is not even a medical center here.
However, the coast surrounded by pine trees is recognized as the best in all of Goa. The village of Betalbatim can be considered a kind of golden mean, where there is practically no infrastructure, except for hotels located at some distance from the beaches. There are not many people here, so nature has remained pure and pristine. Quiet and calm people will enjoy a holiday in this village. If you want entertainment and bustle, then you should go to neighboring Majorda.
The beaches of Betalbatim are very picturesque. The descent to the water is gentle, and the sand has a very beautiful golden color. We can say that this is a paradise for children and adults who are bad swimmers. The north of the coast is called “sunset beach.” The name speaks for itself: in the evenings you can watch extraordinary sunsets here, painting everything around in simply fantastic colors.
You won’t find any entertainment or attractions on the beach; there is only peace and quiet around. You can have a snack in a cafe on the coast. The prices there are low, but the food is quite tasty. Free sun loungers and umbrellas will be a bonus. This privilege applies only to cafe clients. There are no attractions in the village, but there is enough beach holiday here to have a good time.
Waterfall and cave Arvalem
A 7-meter waterfall is located in North Goa. You can hear it several kilometers away, such a noisy waterfall. This is due to the fact that after the fall the water runs along the rocks of Mount Ghat. At the very base there is a lake that looks fantastic surrounded by a mountain landscape.
Near the waterfall there is a huge stone staircase that leads to the Sri Rudreshwar Temple. If you want to take photos, then it is worth finding this staircase, as it offers an amazing view of the surrounded mountains.
In addition to the waterfall, it is worth visiting the caves of the same name. There are rumors that they are of artificial origin and were created by Buddhists who simply had nowhere to live. According to some sources, their appearance dates back to the 5th century.
The caves consist of 5 interconnected tunnels. They are comparable in size to a standard hockey rink. Inside you can see numerous inscriptions in Sanskrit, which are already 800 years old.
Bondla Nature Reserve
This is the smallest reserve in Goa, covering an area of 8 sq. kilometers. However, despite its size, it is one of the most famous places in the state.
Mostly families with children come here. The kids will really like it here, and all because the park is literally chock-full of animals, playgrounds, and recreation rooms. The reserve even has its own steam locomotive that will take you to all interesting places. Adults won't lose out either. There is long-awaited shade and elephants to ride.
Bondla's structure consists of wild and cultivated zones. In the very center there is a zoo and a botanical garden with children's entertainment. They are surrounded by a dense forest with real predatory animals. True, seeing them is always problematic, but if you succeed, you can meet leopards, wild boars, and so on. In the thicket there are the remains of an ancient temple, so if you are lucky, you will see them too.
Cotigao Nature Reserve
This reserve is the second largest among others in South Goa. It will be easy to get here, since it is located 12 kilometers from Palolem. This is what captivates tourists, since most often it is not so easy to get into the jungle. The reserve is located on the banks of the Talpona River. The main attractions of the reserve are observation decks 25 meters high, from which a magical view of the lake opens. Animals come here in the morning and late evening to quench their thirst. Therefore, if you are offered to stay here for the night, agree, otherwise you will miss an unforgettable sight.
Cotigao was founded in 1969. Unfortunately, since then the number of animals has become much smaller. Once upon a time, bears and leopards could be seen on the territory of the reserve, but now they are gone. Almost the only inhabitants are numerous monkeys. So stock up on bananas, as you will have to feed a whole bunch of these restless animals.
The reserve is designed for connoisseurs of flora, since there are not many animals here. However, even the flora is worth a visit; it is truly unique and original.
Spice plantations
The hallmark of Goa is. Moreover, they are known not only in the state, but throughout India. There are a huge number of plantations scattered here, and each of them corresponds to one specific spice. If you decide to visit them, then choose your favorite one and get ready to go. In addition to spices, you can see fields where fruits are grown: pineapples, papaya and other equally tasty fruits.
It’s worth visiting such places as an excursion, and all because the list of events will include elephant riding, performances by local groups and much more.
Om Beach
Om Beach is the most beautiful beach in Goa. It is located between the Arabian Sea and the tropics. Its shape resembles the written sound "Om", which is why it is called that. According to Hindu legends, this sound became the beginning of the Universe.
Surfers have nothing to do on this beach, since there is practically no depth on the coast. And in order to swim, you will have to walk a long distance in search of the deepest place.
There are a lot of small restaurants on the beach with low prices and delicious dishes. You will also be offered a massage there; you should not refuse, as the local masters know their business. You can stay in a guesthouse, but the quality of service is poor. The best option is offered by bungalows for every taste and budget.
St. Catherine's Cathedral in Old Goa
Old Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. This place contains numerous temples and churches. The most frequently visited is St. Catherine's Cathedral.
In terms of size, it tops the list of the largest Christian churches in Asia.
But not only the Orthodox will like it here; Catholics also often come to the cathedral to admire the decor and interior design.
According to legend, one of the halls houses the sacred religion - the “growing cross”. Around the 17th century, a shepherd decided to carve himself a cross from wood. At this time, Christ descended from heaven to him. History is silent about what they talked about at that moment. However, after the conversation, the man brought the finished cross to the chapel, where everyone noticed that it began to grow.
Today the “growing cross” is comparable in size to the one on Calvary.