Things To Do

Shri Naguesh Temple, Bandora

The Naguesh Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built in 1413 AD during the rule of the Vijaynagar empire and has a great archaeological importance. It is one of the few temples in Goa that have withstood Portuguese conquests. Major renovations of the temple had been carried out during the rule of Shahu Maharaj. The main attractions at this temple are the Deepsthamb and the Kunda in which you can see the reflection of the Naguesh idol.

Location: Pharmagudi-Kavalem-Ponda road, 800 m from Pharmagudi, 26.2 km away from Panaji, Panaji- Belagavi Road, Goa, India

Shri Damodar Temple, Zambaulim

Shri Damodar Temple is situated on the banks of the Kushawati river in Zambaulim about 22 km from Margao. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is a place of worship for both Hindus and Christians.

Location: 22 km from Margao, Zambaulim, Goa, India

Shri Mahalsa Temple, Mardol

More than 450 years old, Shri Mahalsa Temple in Mardol is dedicated to Mhalsa Devi, fondly known as Mhalsa Narayani, Mohini avatar of Lord Vishnu. Worshiped as the ‘Kuldevata’ of many Brahmins, the temple is said to have originated in Nepal during initial stage of Kalyug. The temple is famous for its huge brass bell and its Palkhi festival.

Location: Mardol, Ponda Taluka, Goa, India

Dona Paula

Referred to as lovers paradise Dona Paula, is named after Dona Paula de Menezes, daughter of the former Viceroy of Goa who plunged into the sea when she was refused permission to marry her lover – a local fisherman. Positioned in the suburbs of Panaji, is one of the finest tourist destinations of Goa with many luxury hotels and institutes having made it their home. Known for its superlative beaches, unique locales and mysterious legends, this location has been an iconic spot for many Bollywood movies, Attractions that can be visited in Dona Paula are its beach, Vasco da Gama bay, the ‘Image of India’ statue, Cabo Raj Niwas and the National Institute of Oceanography.

Location: 7 km from Panaji, Goa, India

Se Cathedral Church

Se Cathedral Church (Sé Cathedral of Santa Catarina) is one of the largest churches in Asia and has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCOA. Dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria, the church was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over a Muslim army. One of the oldest buildings in the state depicting true Portuguese royalty in its architecture, the church assumes importance in the eyes of Christians.

Location: 10 km away from Panaji, Old Goa, India

Visiting Hours: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm, except during mass hours

Goa Chitra Museum

Goa Chitra Museum displays an organic farm for the cultivation of all staples in coastal western India. It is the first and only Ethnographic Museum in Goa featuring collectibles like local pottery, farming tools, musical instruments, ancient carts and palanquins, from various civilizations.

Location: The St. John Baptist Church Road, Mondo-Waddo, Benaulim, Salcete Goa – 403716

Visiting Hours: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm, except during mass hours

Menezes Braganza Pereira House

More than 350 years old, the Menezes Braganza Pereira house is the personification of the aristocratic life of Braganza house in its heydays. It is the most exquisite and biggest heritage house located near the church square in Chandor. With a Portuguese style façade, it is a museum of chandeliers, paintings, porcelain, crystal and period furniture, and other antique items.

Location: Culsabhatt, Chandor, Goa – 403714

Visiting Hours: Open on all days between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

The Basilica Of Bom Jesus Church

The Basilica of Bom Jesus Church could be termed as one of the biggest attractions of Goa with the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier enshrined here. Tagged by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, this church is located in Old Goa, previously the capital of Portuguese Goa. The church holds a sacred value as it is the first church in India to be assigned the status of Minor Basilica and preserves the remains of Goa’s patron saint St. Francis Xavier.

Location: 9 km away from Panaji, Old Goa, India

Church & Convent of St Francis of Assisi

Founded by Franciscan friars in 1517, the Church & Convent of St. Francis of Assisi is a unique masterpiece and is attached to Se Cathedral. The Se Cathedral and the Church are connected by the Archiepiscopal Palace, a residential palace of the Archbishops until 1695, after which they moved to Panjim. Much of it, except the black stone gateway was demolished in 1661 and rebuilt again, which is the present structure. The church presently does not hold any religious functions.

Location: 10 km away from Panaji, Old Goa, India

Shri Shantadurga Temple, Kavlem

More than 450 years old, the Shantadurga temple is situated in the foothill of Kavalem village. Goddess Durga was said to act as a mediator between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu’s fierce war, and was named as Shanta, meaning ’peace’ for the same reason. The temple was originally situated in Keloshi, but was relocated during the Portuguese rule. The present temple structure was built during 1713 – 1738 under the reign of Shahu Maharaj.

Location: 33 km from Panaji, Kavalem Village, Goa, India
Tel: +91 832 2312557, +91 832 2319900

Shri Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla

The Shri Mahadev Temple at Tambdu Surla was Constructed in the 12th century as a dedication to Lord Shiva, by the Kadamba Yadava dynasty. The oldest temple of Goa was built as a dedication of Lord Shiva has an intricate relief carvings on stone that occupies a very prominent archaeological position in Indian history. Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the deity is so placed that the first rays of the rising sun fall on the idol. The temple is a must visit if you have a cultural bend towards ancient heritage.

Location: 65 km from Panaji, 12 km from Molem, Goa, India

Fort Aguada

Fort Aguada is a well preserved 17th-century Portuguese fort standing in Goa. The fort got its name Aguada, meaning water, due to the freshwater springs that satiated the thirst of the sailors in ships which passed by. It was constructed by the Portuguese to ward off attacks by the Dutch and Marathas, and as a checkpoint for ships arriving from Europe. Comparatively smaller than other forts in India, this fort consists of a lighthouse and the Fort Aguada Beach Resort, a property of India Hotels. The present-day Fort Aguada houses the Central Jail. Many Bollywood shootings take place at this fort.

Location: 18 km from Panjim, Bardez Taluka, North Goa, India

Fort Cabo de Rama

Fort Cabo de Rama derives its name from Lord Rama from the epic Ramayana. Legend says that he and his wife, Sita took refuge at this fort when they were exiled for 14 years. Now in ruins, this ancient bastion has switched hands several times. Withstanding gruesome battles between the Portuguese, Marathas, the Muslim invaders, and Hindu kings, towards the independence of India, this fort was used as a prison by the British. There’s a church inside the fort which is still a place of prayer for devotees.

Location: Canacona Taluka, South Goa, India

Fort Chapora

Built on an earlier structure constructed by Adil Shah, Fort Chapora was rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1617. The main intention behind its construction was to keep away the Hindu rulers that were eyeing this prime location.  It is located near Anjuna beach and offers an excellent view of Vagator beach.

Location: 10 km from Mapusa, Near Anjuna Beach, Goa, India 

Fort Terekhol

Standing tall along the coast of the River Tiracol, boats of a surrounding scenic atmosphere and a beautiful view of the river, making it one of the major tourist attractions. The fort was originally constructed by the King of Sawantwadi. In 1746, but was acquired by the Portuguese under the reign of Viceroy Dom Pedro De Almeida. This fort stands testimony to the revolt between Almeida and the Portuguese forces. Today, it houses a heritage hotel, but tourists can visit it via a 30 minute ferry ride.

Location: Querim, 42 km from Panjim, Goa, India

Mayem Lake

Located in the Bicholim district of Goa, Mayem Lake is a beautiful fresh water lake where tourists can a enjoy a romantic ride in the paddle boat. It is one of the popular tourist destinations in Goa and boasts of an extremely relaxing location surrounded by picturesque forests, lush landscapes and a calm yet sparkling lake. GTDC has also constructed a resort for lodging purposes.

Location: Bicholim Taluka, North Goa, India

Cabo Palace (Cabo Rajniwas)

Cabo Fort also known as Cabo Palace, Cabo Raj Niwas or Cab Raj Bhawan is situated opposite Fort Aguada on River Mandovi and currently houses the Governor of Goa. Formerly the home to a Franciscan monastery and the Viceroy during the Portuguese rule, it was built on 30th June 1541 to guard the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. The Cabo Raj Bhavan today is used to carry out political duties like swearing ceremonies and other official occasions.

Dudhsagar Falls

Dudhsagar Falls are the 5th tallest waterfalls in India with a plummeting height of 1017 feet and a width of 100 feet. Situated along the Goa-Karnataka border, high up on the Mandovi River’s watershed, these waterfalls completely transform once the rains arrive, becoming one of the most stunning and powerful falls in the country. Known as the Sea of Milk, this waterfall is very important for Goa’s ecosystem with the mystifying Mollem National Park surrounding it.

Location: 60 km from Margao, Mollem National Park, eastern border of Goa-Karnataka, Goa, India

The Rachol Seminary

The Rachol Seminary is also known as the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol. Founded in 1560 from the remains of a Muslim fort, a church dedicated to Saint Ignatius Loyola was later built by the Portuguese in 1576. The seminary housed the first printing press in 1616 and the college of Ignatius Loyola in 1580. Remains of St. Constantine brought in 1782 are said to be enshrined here. This place has a great religious significance as it is one of the pillar stones promoting Christianity in Goa.

Location: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm, except during mass hours

Church of Lady of The Rosary

The Church of Lady of The Rosary was built between 1544-1549 and is one of the most visited places in Goa.  One of the oldest surviving catholic churches in Goa it is a standing testimony of the early Portuguese conquests. Located right opposite The Basilica Of Bom Jesus Church, it is said that St Francis Xavier used to preach catechism here. The church was the idea of Alfonso de Albuquerque who wanted to construct a religious structure right where he had defeated the Sultan of Bijapur, Adil Shah in 1510.

Location: Holy Hill, Old Goa, Panjim, Goa, India