5 Top-Rated Attractions and Places to Visit in Goa

 1. Popular Beaches

Beaches play a starring role among the attractions in the Goa, contributing to why it's one of the best locations to visit in India.

Nearly every tourist who visits the area spends a day at Polemical Beach, a crescent-shaped stretch of white sand that overlooks the Arabian Sea in the south Goa. While easily hanging out and soaking up the scenery is a perfect way to enjoy this gorgeous area, Palolem Beach even offers an array of activities to fill your time. Select  from kayaking, yoga classes, dolphin-sightseeing trips, and swimming. You can even spend the night in one of Palolem's rustic coco huts, which are erected at the start of the high season.

Colva Beach is another one of the most popular beaches in Goa, mainly among Indian tourists. It has swaying palms and a broad stretch of bronze sand, where you'll seldom see herds of cows sunbathing next to tourists. You can rent Jet Skis, hop on a thrilling banana boat ride, and obtain a bird's-eye view of the beach on a parasailing adventure.

Home stay housing in the area will give you an authentic local-style experience – plus easy access to Colva Beach.

2. Mangeshi Temple

Goa's different culture and heritage are on full display at Mangeshi Temple, a beautiful spiritual attraction that's been standing for approximately  450 years. The pastel blue, gold, and white temple features a seven-story tower that pays homage to one of the Hindu god Shiva's several incarnations: Manguesh. The temple structures surround a sacred pool of water, which is thought to be the most historic part of this religious place.

You can see devotees perform pujas (worship rituals) at the temple every day. If you occur to be there on a Monday, you can watch the Manguesh idol taken out for a procession, finish with music, in the late afternoon or early evening.

Address: Dinanath Mangeshkar Road, Mangeshi Village, Mardol, Goa

3. Fontainhas

Lace up your most suitable pair of walking shoes and head to Panjim for a stroll around Fontainhas, one of Asia's only Latin quarters. Once the headquarters for the Portuguese government in the Goa, the UNESCO-known Heritage Zone features colonial houses and cottages decked out with pastel and fluorescent façades. Each of the houses obtain a fresh coat of paint after the monsoon season every year, assuring that they always look vibrant for visitors. Don't skip the district's namesake Fountain of Phoenix.

You can discover  the area on your own, or book a walking tour for a more in-depth look at the history of this fascinating neighborhood. Either way, you'll surely work up an appetite as you wander the narrow cobblestone streets and snap photos in front of the candy-colored buildings. Refuel at one of the decades-old cafés or a bakeries in the neighborhood. Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro, a bakery near Mary Immaculate School, is recognized for having a wide selection of tasty Goan cakes and sweets

4. Anjuna Market

Goa is house to a ton of markets, but none give the liveliness or selection of products found at Anjuna Market. For approximately 50 years, hundreds of vendors have been setting up shop on Anjuna Beach every Wednesday to tempt free-spirited travelers with hippy-inspired trinkets and souvenirs.

Ornate textiles, woven bikinis, sculptures of deities, dreamcatchers, hammocks, magnets, t-shirts with sassy slogans, beaded jewelry, toys – you name it, you can potential buy it here.

But even if you don't wish to shop, you should still create  a point to visit Anjuna Market for the sightseeing. The flea market is a swirling array of colorful wares, salespeople driving hard bargains, big bags of fresh spices, and a street food galore. The vibe alone is one of the cause why Anjuna Market is one of the top places to visit in the Goa.

Address: 10 St. Michael's Vaddo South, Anjuna, Goa

5. Mahadev Temple

Situated  just 12 kilometers north of Molem, Mahadev Temple offers  tourists a chance to see a structure that has been standing since the 12th century. Its remote location supported it survive centuries of conquests by the Portuguese and Muslim colonialists. Legend has it that the black basalt temple, which was built to honor Lord Shiva, has the  resident king cobra. Step inside to watch the detailed work of artisan carvers, containing the lotus flower on the ceiling.