Things to do in

Goa

Relax on Baga Beach, Baga, North Goa — a lively, palm-lined stretch of golden sand perfect for sunbathing, gentle swims, and soaking up Goa's famous beach culture. Baga is known for its energetic shacks, easy-going atmosphere, evening sunsets, and proximity to Calangute and the nightlife of North Goa. It's ideal for travellers looking to unwind on the sand, enjoy seafood at beach shacks, and watch a dramatic Arabian Sea sunset.

High-energy coastal water sports at Calangute Beach in North Goa featuring jet ski rides and banana boat rides suitable for solo riders, couples and groups. Activities run from the shallow, supervised waters of Calangute with trained operators, life jackets and basic safety briefings. Popular with tourists seeking quick adrenaline bursts, photo opportunities and a fun beachside experience.

Parasailing over Candolim Beach is a thrilling, boat-towed aerial activity that lets participants glide above the Arabian Sea while seated in a harness attached to a parachute (parasail). As the speedboat gains speed, the parasail lifts you into the air, offering panoramic views of Candolim coastline, neighbouring beaches (Baga, Calangute), the gentle blue sea and shoreline landmarks. Suitable for solo flyers, tandems and small groups, this activity combines adrenaline with relaxed sightseeing from a unique vantage point.

Scuba diving at Grande Island (also known as Ilha Grande) offers clear waters, diverse marine life and easy access from the Goa mainland. Suitable for both beginner 'Discover Scuba' experiences and certified divers, the site features reefs, rocky pinnacles and occasional small wrecks. Boat transfers from Bogmalo or Sinquerim are typically short and scenic.

Explore the underwater world off Sinquerim with a guided snorkeling trip to Grande Island. This half-day excursion combines a short boat ride, multiple snorkel sessions over shallow coral reefs, a glass-bottom boat view, and time to photograph the island and its lighthouse. Suitable for beginners and families; guides provide equipment and a safety briefing.

Dolphin-watching cruise along the coast of Candolim and Sinquerim is a short sea cruise aimed at spotting wild dolphins in their natural habitat, enjoying coastal views (including Fort Aguada), and capturing sunrise or sunset sea-scapes. Trips are typically done early morning or late afternoon and are ideal for families, couples, and wildlife/photography enthusiasts.

Experience Goa's iconic sunset from the water. This relaxed evening cruise along the Mandovi River departs from Panaji and offers views of the city skyline, colonial architecture, and the shimmering estuary as the sun sets. Options include shared sightseeing cruises, live-music dinner cruises and private charters. Expect a mix of scenic viewing, local Goan music, and light refreshments — a popular choice for couples, families and small groups.

Experience Goa's nightlife on the water. Board a floating casino for an evening of gaming, live entertainment, buffet dinner and scenic riverfront views of Panaji (Panjim). This is a popular night out for visitors and locals who want a mix of glamour, music and gaming under the stars.

Perched above the Chapora River mouth and overlooking Vagator and Ozran beaches, Chapora Fort's sunset viewpoint offers sweeping panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, dramatic cliffs, and the colorful sky at dusk. The site is a mix of historic ruins and natural cliff-top vantage points — popular with photographers, couples, and locals seeking the iconic Goan sunset.

Fort Aguada, overlooking Sinquerim Beach in North Goa, is a 17th‑century Portuguese sea fort built in 1612 to guard the anchorage and the mouth of the Mandovi River. The name 'Aguada' comes from the Portuguese word for water — the fort historically contained a freshwater spring that supplied ships. The site includes well‑preserved bastions, ramparts, an old prison wing, and an historic lighthouse (the original lighthouse dates to the 19th century; a newer light replaced its function in the 20th century). Visitors get expansive views of the Arabian Sea and nearby beaches (Sinquerim, Candolim).

A guided heritage walk through Old Goa's UNESCO-influenced ecclesiastical landscape, focusing on the Basilica of Bom Jesus (housing the relics of St. Francis Xavier) and the Sé Cathedral (one of Asia's largest churches). The walk explores 16th–17th century Portuguese-era architecture, religious art, tombs and shrines, with historical context about Goa's role as a colonial and missionary hub.

Visit to Shri Mangueshi Temple — one of Goa's most important and largest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva (worshipped here as Manguesh). The complex features distinctive Goan temple architecture with a towering lamp (Deepstambha), a spacious courtyard, serene ponds, landscaped gardens, and small museum/exhibits. The temple is an active place of worship and an important cultural landmark in Mangeshi village, Ponda taluka.

Shri Shantadurga Temple at Kavlem in Ponda is a major Hindu shrine in Goa dedicated to Goddess Shantadurga, revered as a peacemaker who mediated between Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva according to local legend. The temple complex combines traditional Goan temple architecture with later additions and is known for its imposing doorway, ornate wood-carved pillars, large courtyard, and the annual temple festival (Zatra) that draws devotees from across the state. The temple provides a peaceful spiritual experience and insight into Goan Konkani culture and temple traditions.

Fontainhas is the historic Latin Quarter of Panaji — a compact, beautifully preserved pocket of Portuguese-era Goa. The walk takes you through narrow cobbled lanes lined with colorfully painted Portuguese-style houses with ornate balconies, tiled roofs and wrought-iron grills, tiny cafés, art studios and community chapels. This is a sensory, slow-paced heritage experience ideal for photographers, architecture lovers, and anyone interested in Goan colonial history and urban culture.

A guided agro-tour through traditional Goan spice plantations in Ponda, offering an immersive experience of Kerala and Goan spice varieties, plantation ecology, and local culinary traditions. Guests walk through shaded groves of black pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and betel nut, watch processing demonstrations, taste fresh spices and chutneys, enjoy a traditional Goan meal prepared with plantation ingredients, and can buy fresh spices and handmade products from the estate shop.

Dudhsagar Falls Jeep Safari & Trek takes you into the heart of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary to the spectacular four-tiered Dudhsagar (Sea of Milk). The experience combines a rugged jeep ride along forest tracks and railway-side trails with a moderate trek to the waterfall base where you can enjoy panoramic views and — season permitting — wade in the pool beneath the falls. Expect lush rainforest scenery, wildlife sightings, and photo opportunities at the famous rail-track viewpoints.

A guided nature drive through Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary (commonly called Mollem) that explores the Western Ghats' dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, wildlife pockets, scenic viewpoints and cultural spots like Tambdi Surla. The drive combines comfortable vehicle-based wildlife spotting with short, guided walks to maximize sightings and interpretive information from a naturalist or local guide.

Secluded cove boat trip to Butterfly Beach, a small palm-fringed bay on the southern Goa coast famous for its crescent shape, clear waters and quiet atmosphere. The trip combines scenic coastal cruising, possible dolphin sightings, short snorkeling or swimming stops and a relaxed beach visit away from the more crowded beaches.

Experience calm mangrove-fringed backwaters and coastal lagoon paddling in scenic Palolem (South Goa). This guided kayaking trip takes you through sheltered waterways behind Palolem Beach, offering birdwatching, possible dolphin sightings near the estuary, and a peaceful vantage point to observe local fishing life and mangrove habitats. Suitable for beginners and intermediate paddlers.

A beachside silent disco where participants wear wireless LED headphones and switch between live DJ channels while dancing on the sand under the stars. Hosted on popular Goan beaches — Palolem in South Goa and Anjuna in North Goa — these events combine sunset views, bonfires, and a party atmosphere without loudspeakers, making them neighbor- and wildlife-friendlier. Music typically ranges from Bollywood and EDM to retro and chill-out channels, allowing small groups to enjoy different vibes simultaneously.