Goa — Rome of the East.

Goa is a state in western India with coastlines extending along the Arabian Sea. Its long history as a Portuguese settlement preceding 1961 is apparent in its safeguarded seventeenth century places of worship and the zone’s tropical zest manors. Goa is likewise known for its sea shores, going from famous stretches at Baga and Palolem to those in laid-back fishing towns, for example, Agonda.

Coastal Life: Enjoy the scenic beauty

1. Baga Beach — Location: Bardez Taluka, Goa 403519. Famous: Nightclubs, water sports, Goan delicacies and dolphin sightseeing. Best time to visit: Throughout the year.

2. Vagator Beach — Location: Vagator, Goa 403519. Famous: Picnic, sunset view, beach parties, Sun Burn Festival. Best time to visit: Throughout the year.

3. Anjuna Beach — Location: Bardez Taluka, Goa 403509. Famous: Church, water attractions, Trance parties, flea market. Best time to visit October to April for parties and Wednesdays for shopping.

4. Calangute Beach — Location: Bardez Taluka, Goa 403519. Famous: parasailing, water skiing, boating, shopping, church. Beat time to visit: March to May and December to January.

5. Vasco Da Gama Beach — Location: Mormugao Taluka, Goa. Famous: Churches, museums, snorkelling, nightlife. Best time to visit November to March.

Within City: Quick refreshment

1. Grand Island — Location: Sautavaddo, Calangute, North Goa. Timings: 8 AM to 4 PM on all days. Cost for two: Approximately INR 1200 to 1500 per person.

2. Chorao Island — Location: 6 kilometers from Panaji, Chorao Island. Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM. Entry Fee to Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: INR 10 for Indians, INR 100 for foreign tourists, INR 25 for still photography, INR 150 for videography.

3. Pequeno Island — Location: Near Baina beach, Vasco Da Gama, South Goa. Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM. Price for two: Approx. 1000 per head.

4. Thalassa — Location: Plot Number — 301, 1, Vaddy, Siolim, North Goa. Timings: 9 AM to 12 AM on all days. Price for two: Approx. INR 1500 to 2000.

5. Riverside — Leela — Location: The Leela, Mobor Beach, North Goa. Timings: 7 PM to 10:30 PM on all days. Price for two: Approx. INR 2500.

Museums: Experience a touch of history and culture

1. Museum of Goa — Entry Fee: INR 50 for students, INR 100 for adult Indians, INR 300 for foreigners. Timings: 10 am to 6 pm, open all days. Nearest Bus Stand: Pilerne IDC Bus Stand. Did you know? The acronym for Museum of Goa, MOG, actually means “love” in the local Konkani tongue.

2. Houses of Goa Museum — Entry Fee: INR 25 for children, INR 100 for adults. Timings: 10 am to 7:30 pm, open from Tuesday to Sunday. Nearest Bus Stand: Gulyakade Bus Stand.

3. Goa Science Center — Entry Fee: INR 20 for 3D film, INR 25 for Planetarium shows, and INR 15 for the Science Center. Timings: 10 am to 6 pm, open all days. Nearest Bus Stand: Sonata Bus Stand.

4. Museum of Christian Art — Entry Fee: INR 10 for students, INR 30 for adults. Timings: 9:30 am to 5 pm, open from Monday to Saturday. Nearest Bus Stand: Old Goa Bus Stop.

5. Wax Museum Goa — Entry Fee: INR 30 for all, INR 40 for entry with camera. Timings: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, open from Monday to Friday. Nearest Bus Stand: Old Goa Gandhi Circle Bus Stand.

Theme Parks: Thrills that give you Chills

1. Splashdown Water Park — Location: Calangute-Anjuna Main Road, Anjuna, Bardez 403509. Timings: 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM (all days). Entry Fees: INR 990 for adults, INR 763 for children (Kids below 2 years of age are free), INR 585 for Senior citizen.

2. Blue Whale Water Park — Location: Arpora-Baga Road, Baga. Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (all days). Entry Fees: INR 300 per person.

3. Froggyland — Location: Nuvem, Goa 403604. Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Monday). Entry Fees: INR 550 for adults (above 4 feet height), INR 350 for children (below 4 feet height), INR 300 for Spectator (People not using the pool).

4. Nagesh Water World — Location: Nagesh Village Resort, Near Nestle Factory, Opposite Nagesh Gardens, Ponda 403406. Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (all days). Entry Fees: Offer customized packages depending on the number of people.

5. 6 (six) Shades of Nature — Location: Nirmal Nagar, Xeldem, Quepem Town, Goa 403705. Timings: Open 24*7. Entry Fees: Entry fee depends on the various kinds of services availed.

Monuments: Splendour of the past

1. Sinquerim Fort — Location: Near Sinquerim beach, Bardez, North Goa. Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM on all days. Entry fees: Not applicable.

2. Mormugao Fort — Location: Near Mormugao Port, North Goa. Timings: Open 24 hours. Entry fees: Not applicable.

3. Fort Tiracol — Location: River Tiracol, 40 kilometers from Panaji, North Goa. Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM on all days. Entry fees: Not applicable.

4. Chapora Fort — Location: 22 km from Panaji. Timings: Everyday, 9.00 AM to 7.00 PM. Entry Fees: None.

Wildlife: Wild Splendour

1. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary — Location: Usgao-Ganjem VP, Goa 403105. Best time to visit: Recommended to visit between December and January.

2. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary — Location: NH 4A, Caranzol, Goa 403410. Best time to visit: Best explored in between November to March.

3. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary — Location: Verlem, Goa 403704. Best time to visit: Best visited in the months from October to March.

4. Molem Wildlife Sanctuary — Location: Colem, Goa 403410. Best time to visit: November to March.

Sanctuaries: Get into the wilderness.

1. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary — Location: Chorao Island, Ilhas, Ribandar, Goa 403006. Best time to visit: Throughout the year.

2. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary — Location: Canacona Taluka, Khotigao, Goa 403702. Best time to visit: October to March.

3. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary — Location: Valpoi, Goa 403505. Best time to visit: October to March.

Adventure Sports: Spine chilling rides

1. Kneeboarding — Adventure Level: Moderate. Where to try: Candolim Beach, Mobor Beach, Rajbaga Beach. Best Season: October to June. Swimming Required? Yes. Tips: Listen to the instructor properly and do wear life jacket.

2. Kayaking — Adventure Level: Easy. Where to try: Palolem Beach, Dona Paula, Hollant Beach. Best Season: October to May. Swimming Required: No. Tips/ Suggestions: Wear a life jacket and avoid Kayaking during rain or when the sea is rough.

3. Wakeboarding — Adventure Level: Moderate. Where to try: Candolim Beach, Mabor Beach, Rajbaga Beach. Best Season: October to May. Swimming Required: Yes. Tips: Keep your arms straight and knees bent and don’t pack.

4. Windsurfing — Adventure Level: Moderate. Where to try: Dona Paula Beach, Bogmalo Beach, Vagator Beach, Calangute, Colva, Palolem, Miramar, Baga Beach. Best Season: January to March. Swimming Required: Yes. Tips/ Suggestions: The morning hours with calm breeze is best for windsurfing beginners.

5. Scuba Diving — Adventure Level: Easy. Where to try: Grande Islands, St. George Island, Devagh Island, Pigeon Island, Netrani Islands. Best Season: October to April. Swimming Required: No. Tips/ Suggestions: Follow the pre-diving briefings carefully.

Honeymoon places: World of love and care

1. Chorla Ghats — Things to do: Wildlife safari, Trekking, Jungle walks. Ideal for: Adventure, Family, and friends. Ideal trip duration: 1–2 days. Best Time: June-September. How to reach: One can take a taxi and reach the place by road or through railways.Distance from Goa: 44.1 kilometers. Stay options: Wildernest Nature Resort, Mayem Lake View, Swapnagandha Resort.

2. Dandeli — Places To Visit: River Kali — For Real Adventure, Disney Park — Heaven For Kids, Sathodi Falls — A Mesmerizing View, Magod Falls — With A Serene Ambiance. Things to do: in Dandeli Wildlife safari, Water sports, Trekking. Ideal for: Adventure, Family, and friends. Ideal trip duration: 1–2 days. Best Time: October to May. How to reach: One can take a taxi and reach the place in 4–5 hours by road.Distance from Goa: 122 kilometers. Stay options: Dandeli Jungle Nest, Dandeli Kali Tiger Resort, Dandeli Mysa RC.

3. Amboli — Things to do: Wildlife safari, Sightseeing, Trekking.Ideal for: Adventure, Family, and friends. Ideal trip duration: 1–2 days. Best Time: June-August. How to reach: One can board a train and reach the place in 3–4 hours.Distance from Goa: 119.1 kilometers. Stay options: Amboli MTDC Resort, Whistling Woods Amboli, Hotel JRD International.

4. Agumbe — Things to do: Sightseeing, Wildlife safari, Trekking.Ideal for: Adventure, Family, and friends. Ideal trip duration: 1–2 days. Best Time: November-January. How to reach: The place is well-connected by roadways and railways. The nearest station is Udupi.Distance from Goa: 314.9 kilometers. Stay options: Dodda Mane, Komal Residency, Mallya Residency.

5. Panchgani — Places To Visit: Sydney Point: Overlooking Lush Green Valleys, Parsi Point: For A Panoramic Sight, Mapro Gardens: Get Some Organic Products, Rajpuri Caves: For An Exciting Journey. Things to do in Panchgani: Sightseeing. Ideal for: Family, and friends. Ideal trip duration: 1–2 days. Best Time: September-May. How to reach: The place is well-connected by roadways and railways. The nearest station is Chiplun.Distance from Goa: 380.6 kilometers. Stay options: Hotel Malas, Panchgani Cottages, Hotel Ambassador, Hotel Rahil Plaza.

Religious places: Experience subtlety

1. Basilica of Bom Jesus — Location: Old Goa Rd, Bainguinim, Goa. Year of establishment: 1605. Mass timings: Sunday Mornings — 8 AM to 9:15 AM (English) | Evening — 6 PM (Konkani) | Weekday Mornings — 7 AM to 8 AM, 6pm.

2. Se Cathedral — Location: Velha, Goa. Year of establishment: 1640. Mass timings: Sunday — 7:30 AM, 10 AM, and 4 PM | Weekday — 7:30 AM and 6 PM.

3. Church of Our Lady of the Mount — Location: Ella, Goa. Year of establishment: 1510. Mass timings: Weekdays — 9 AM to 7 PM | Sundays — 9 AM to 12 PM.

4. 1008 Shri Adinath Digambar Jain Mandir — Location: Mugalli, Near Rosery Chapel, Davorlim Road, Margao, Goa 403601. Visit timings: NA. Major attractions: Interiors.

5. Shri Bhagavati Temple — Location: Dhavali, Yashwant Nagar, Ponda, Goa 403401. Visit timings: NA. Major attractions: Celebrations on Dussehra.

Waterfall: Flow of nature

1. Hivre Waterfalls — How To Reach Hivre Waterfalls: Situated 14 kms from Valpoi City, one needs to travel through Thane village to reach Hivre falls.Things To Do At Hivre Waterfalls: Advance level Trekking. Stay Options Near Hivre Waterfalls: Mostly homestays are found in Valpoi region. One of the best homestays is Cajueiro Homestead.Other Attractions Near Hivre Waterfalls: Nanuz Fort, Tambdi Surla, and Sri Mahadev Temple

2. Tambadi Surla Waterfalls — How To Reach Tambadi Surla Waterfalls: Arrive at Carnazol, off NH 4A and trek through the sanctuary to reach up to the falls.Things To Do At Tambadi Surla Waterfalls: Spotting flora and fauna in Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Stay Options Near Tambadi Surla Waterfalls: Nature’s Nest. Other Attractions Near Tambadi Surla Waterfalls: Tamdi Surla temple, also known as Mahadev Temple.

3. Dudhsagar Waterfalls — How To Reach Dudhsagar Waterfalls: If you are travelling by train, get down at Kulem which is 8 km from Dudhsagar Falls. Bikes on rent are available at Kulem. You need to take the road off NH 4A from Kulem to reach the waterfall.Things To Do At Dudhsagar Waterfalls: Overnight camping in the surrounding forest.Stay Options Near Dudhsagar Waterfalls: One needs to book hotels, guest houses or homestays in Kulem, which is 8 km from Dudhsagar. Popular stay options are Dudhsagar River Side Rooms, Jungle Book, and Dudhsagar Spa Resort — a GTDC property.

4. Other Attractions Near Dudhsagar Waterfalls: Shayadri Spice Farm and Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.

5. Netravali Waterfalls — How To Reach Netravali Waterfalls: 2 hours’ drive from Margao will take to Netravali fall in Goa. Margao is also the nearest railhead of the destination.Things To Do At Netravali Waterfalls: Bird watching and spotting wildlife. Stay Options Near Netravali Waterfalls: Angan Village Stay by Verlem Eco Tourism Cooperative Society. Other Attractions Near Netravali Waterfalls: Madei Wildlife Sanctuary.

6. Bamanbudo Waterfalls — How To Reach Bamanbudo Waterfalls: Located off the Canacona-Naturlim Road.Things To Do At Bamanbudo Waterfalls: Enjoying the serenity of the place and bird watching. Stay Options Near Bamanbudo Waterfalls: For visiting Bamanbudo, travellers stay at Canacona, 16 kms away. From luxury resorts to decent budget hotels, Canacona has everything for every budget. The Lalit Golf and Spa Resort, Goyam Beach Resort and Oceanic Hotel are few options.Other Attractions Near Bamanbudo Waterfalls: Cabo de Rama fort and Cola beach.

Local Business:

1. Brewpub

2. Eco tourism

3. Fish Farming

4. Handyman

5. Landscaping

Medical Emergencies:

Healthway Hospitals Goa. Plot No 132/1 (Part), Ella Village, Kadamba Plateau

Open 24 hours · 0832 246 7666.

Healthway Hospital Old Goa. Bainguinim, Goa · In Healthway Hospitals Goa

Open 24 hours.

Sushrutzi Dr Dhulapkar’s HospitalCorlim, Goa, Open 24 hours · 093953 13850