Goa, the smallest state of India, is renowned globally for its beaches and greenery views. Goa is the best destination for the family if you plan a vacation or a holiday trip. Goa boasts diverse fun field activities to experience the breathtaking beauty of beaches, waterfalls, and historic monuments.
One can experience limitless fun in several activities such as boat rides, Parasailing, Jet skiing, enjoying the nightlife, night clubbing and many more. This guide will explore the top 10 places to visit in Goa with your family and share the significant highlights one could experience there.
1. Calangute Beach
It is the most popular beach in Goa and has been named ‘Queen of the beaches.’ It is the best place for family destinations in Goa, and it attracts visitors with the beauty of its prolonged sand stretching. Experiencing the stunning sunset views and the fresh swimming breeze together will make you feel like heaven on earth.
Places To Visit Near Calangute Beach
Baga Beach
Baga Beach, located in North Goa, is renowned for its illuminating nightlife. Tourists enjoy the golden sands and palm trees aligning with the beach. Boating and Parasailing are two of the significant activities to experience here.
Candolim Beach
Located along the shore of the Arabian Sea, Candolim is a small town that surrounds a beach, where one can enjoy serene views and thrilling water activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
Alex Church
This church is a central attraction point in Candolim, a top priority for tourists to explore. A market is also located nearby where visitors can go for shopping. The illumination of the church at night makes it a great picturesque location.
2. Basilica of Bom Jesus
It’s a top-rated place in Goa that attracts huge number of tourists. It has been approved by UNESCO and is considered a World Heritage Site in Old Goa. This place is famous for several highlights, such as the preserved remains of St. Francis Xavier and the Catholic tradition.
Places To Visit Near Basilica of Bom Jesus
Se Cathedral
It is a Latin church which is famous for its architecture and history. It is Asia’s largest church, about 250 feet long, 181 feet wide and 115 feet high. The Golden Bell (the most prominent in the world) and the Golden Rose are highlights that tourists must remember to explore.
Archaeological Museum
Filled with unique artificial and handcrafted art pieces, this museum was set up in 1964, where various objects from the early history period and the Portugese kingdom have been kept, such as the statue of Luís de Camões, Portuguese rifles and swords.
Church of St. Francis of Assisi
This church, located in Old Goa, was built in 1661 and is the best example of Portuguese architecture to date. This place boasts the statues of St. Francis of Assisi, Jesus Christ, St. Peter & St. Paul, the major highlights.
3. Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Dudhsagar waterfall is near the Mandovi River between Goa and Karnataka in Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. It is one of the highest waterfalls in India, with a height of about 310 meters. It offers breathtaking views of falling water that is literally unmatched.
Places To Visit Near Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread over 240 square kilometers, this wildlife sanctuary highlights a glimpse of diverse species of animals, and hence, it is one of the best places to visit in Goa with family. Children are going to love the place.
Tambdi Surla Temple
Tambdi Surla Temple is dedicated to Mahadev, built in the 13th century. This place is an ASI-protected monument and a holy place for Hindus. If you are visiting Dudhsagar Waterfall, do visit Tambdi Surla Temple.
Devil’s Canyon
Devil’s Canyon, located near Dudhsagar Waterfall, is the best picture point where visitors can experience incredible views during monsoon and click on the best pictures ever.
4. Fort Aguada
This fort in Goa was built in the 17th century for protection against the Dutch. This fort is located on the banks of the Mandovi River. It once served a grandstand of 80 cannons, and today, it can hold 23,76,000 gallons of water, making it one of the largest freshwater storages in Asia.
Places To Visit Near Fort Aguada
SinQ Nightclub
SinQ Nightclub is the best nightclub in Goa, located in Sinquerim. People who love clubs and music can visit this nightclub to experience a unique ambiance and vibrant music scene, especially those in a relationship. SinQ Nightclub is one of the best places in Goa to visit for couples.
Reis Magos Fort
Reis Magos Fort is one of the top-rated places in Goa. It is located in a village and is recognized as one of the oldest Portuguese forts. This fort is excellent to explore as it is situated on the banks of the Mandovi River. Visitors can explore ancient architecture and its historical significance.
5. Palolem Beach
It is another famous beach in Goa, located in Canacon, South Goa. This point is a great attraction for international tourists and receives the most visits from November to March. This beach is about a mile long and has beaches on both the banks. A crowd of tourists flock here to enjoy the cool breeze and witness the beautiful sunset.
Places To Visit Near Palolem Beach
Butterfly Beach
Butterfly Beach is located in South Goa and is surrounded by beautiful forests. This place is highly recommended for morning walks, where a boat ride is a unique experience, and people gather to witness dolphins.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is in Canacona, Goa, where visitors can witness animals, birds, and nature. This place is one of the best places in Goa to visit with family, where children and elders can experience nature and enjoy its beauty.
6. Spice Plantations
The farm is famous for its spices and producing a diverse range of medicinal herbs. Located in Goa, this place highlights the unique method of farming and cultivation, a perfect blend of education and nature. Families can explore the various spices and their growing conditions here.
Places To Visit Meat Spice Plantations
Shree Mangueshi Temple
This temple is one of the most visited places nearby and is famous for worshipping the local deity, Shri Mangueshi. This temple was built in the 1500s and is still recognized as the Kuldev temple, and locals worship here with great devotion.
Savoi Spice Plantation
This is a significant spice plantation where various organic spices are cultivated. This place attracts a lot of tourists, especially those who are nature and farming lovers. You can visit this place with your family.
7. Goa Science Centre
Located in the capital of Goa, Panaji, the Science Centre is one of the best places for families to visit in Goa, as it is no less than a futuristic museum that presents diverse exhibitions on science, technology, and the environment. It is a project constructed as a joint venture between the National Council of Science Museums and the Goa Department of Science, Technology, and Environment.
Places To Visit Near Goa Science Centre
Miramar Beach
The next popular beach in Goa is Miramar Beach. It is located in Panaji, where the Arabian Sea and the Mandovi River connect. People flock here to enjoy its vibrant views and for the seasonal kite festival, carnival, and Ganesh Chaturthi.
Dona Paula Viewpoint
Located in Goa’s capital, Panaji, Dona Paula Viewpoint is rated 4.1 stars by more than 45,000 people. This place offers the most heartwarming views of the Arabian Sea and is considered a lover’s paradise, making it one of the best places in Goa for couples.
8. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a sanctuary dedicated to birds, one of the best places for families to explore Goa, and is attached to an island. This sanctuary is spread over 440 acres of mangrove forest; home to various birds. Some rare species of birds and other living beings are also found here, like the madder purse, fiddler crab, and crustaceans.
Places To Visit Near Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Chorao Island
Chorao Island is renowned for its biodiversity, which attracts a large number of visitors. The natural beauty and the vast forest are the center of attraction here. People often come here to spend their peaceful time, making it one of the best places in Goa to visit with family.
Divar Island
This island is the best example of natural beauty from where an individual can enjoy the stunning view of the Mandovi River. Additionally, visitors can enjoy authentic & delicious seafood here and explore Hindu pilgrim history.
9. Colva Beach
Located in the district of South Goa, Colva is a small village in where Colva Beach is situated. This beach is 2.5 kilometers long, with a coastline over 25 kilometers. This is a famous destination in Goa where tourists enjoy and explore several hotels, guest houses, and food stores.
Places To Visit Near Colva Beach
Benaulim Beach
This 2 km long beach is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere. People often come here to experience its scenic view during sunset. Swimming, sunbathing, and Parasailing are some of the activities that highlight this point.
Margao Market
This local market is the best place for individuals to explore Goa, where they can shop for daily needs and souvenirs. People love the spices, seafood, and handicraft art pieces made here.
10. Butterfly Conservatory of Goa
Located in Raja Nagar, Goa, the Butterfly Conservatory is recognized as a butterfly house that displays butterflies of diverse breeds. A museum operates this conservatory, and tourists can visit it for educational purposes. The vast number of butterflies present here is a significant highlight that makes it the best place to visit with family in Goa.
Places To Visit Near Butterfly Conservatory Of Goa
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Northern Goa and spread over 8 square kilometers, this sanctuary houses an extensive range of animals. If a family is planning a trip to Goa, they must visit here and explore various species of animals. This is an best place for children to visit in Goa as well.
Shantadurga Temple
Aadimaya Durga Maa’s incarnation, Shanta Durga Maa, is believed to stop the war between Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The locals’ sentiments and worship of Shanta Durga Maa are pretty famous here, making it one of the best attraction points in Goa for Hindus.
Conclusion
So, Goa is surrounded by beautiful beaches, rich temples, forts, the Arabian Sea, and the Mandovi River, where the view and sunset are unmatched. Several places in Goa are the best places for family, friends, and couples to visit, and these are briefly described in this guide.
