Best Tourist Places in Goa

Goa is full of touristic spots – natural and modern. From the beaches in Goa, to the national parks and hills, churches, forts, markets, and the backwaters, you will find virtually everything in this small Indian state. Many of the tourist places in Goa are famous landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage sites, beautiful churches, interesting local markets, and old Portuguese structures. Here is a list of places one cannot miss to see when in Goa –

1 – FORT AGUADA

Fort Aguada is an old 17th century Portuguese fort in north Goa. It is at the confluence of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea on top of a hill. The Portuguese constructed this fort as a defense against the Marathas and the Dutch. There is a deep dry moat here and a 13 meter high lighthouse, which was constructed in 1864. Many buildings within the fort are still in very good condition.

From Aguada, you can get awesome views of the shoreline, the Arabian Sea, Mandovi River, and even the city of Panaji, which is on the other side of the river.

2 – CHAPORA FORT

The Chapora fort is in North Goa, close to Vagator beach. The Chapora River meets the Arabian Sea here. Chapora fort is a must-visit for those who love Bollywood Hindi movies. The famous Bollywood movie “Dil Chahta Hai” was filmed here. The fort is almost in ruins now, but it still offers incredible views of the river and the coastline. Take a picture – there are many photo opportunities here!

3 – TEREKHOL FORT

The Terekhol or Tiracol Fort is in extreme North Goa, on the northern side of the Terekhol River. It is actually in the neighboring state of Maharashtra, as the state lines pass through the middle of the river. But many tourists from North Goa visit the fort. There is a ferry service from Querim.

It was constructed in the 17^th century by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, a Marathi ruler. The fort sits on a hill and gives a commanding view of the river and the sea. There was a barrack and 12 guns here, but the fort still fell to the Portuguese. They extensively revamped Terekhol in 1764 and held it for strategic maritime defense till 1961 when Goa became a part of India.

4 – BAGA BEACH

Baga beach in North Goa is one of Goa’s most popular beaches. The Baga River is in the north. Calangute beach, also popular, is in the south. The Baga-Calangute stretch is one of the longest sandy shores in Goa. You will find many beach shacks, pubs, restaurants, shops, nightclubs and water sports activities, including banana riding, speed boats, paddle boarding, paragliding, surf boarding, and more. Britto’s at the northern end of the beach is a famous shack. Club Tito’s and Cafe Mambo are two famous Goa nightclubs, both in Baga.

5 – PALOLEM BEACH

Palolem beach is the one of the best beaches in South Goa. It is a natural bay with lofty headlands on both sides. Palolem is close to another beautiful beach in the south – Agonda. Cola and the beautiful Butterfly beach are also close. They are more secluded. Palolem is also a hot party destination. Silent Noise parties are held here every Saturday from 9 pm till 4 in the morning at Neptune Point, the southernmost part of the beach.

Top 5 places to buy Feni in Goa

Feni is a spirit produced in Goa, India . The two most popular types of feni are cashew feni and toddy palm feni, depending on the original ingredient; however, many other varieties are sold. The small-batch distillation of feni has a fundamental effect on its final character, which still retains some of the delicate aromatics, congeners and flavour elements of the juice from which it was produced.

Some places to buy Feni in Goa are:

1. Magson’s Hymart –

This supermarket offers fresh Fruits & Vegetable products and fresh meats and fish. Its speciality is that it has a Wine and Liquor shop stocked with a decent range of liquor.

• Location – Caculo Mall, St. Inez Road, Opp. Fire Service Headquarters, Panjim, Goa
• Visiting Hours – 10 am to 9 pm on all days

2. Tom’s Wine & Liquor –

It is a wine store that has a collection of all kinds of alcoholic beverages. Its speciality is that it sells Feni and other liquor products at a cheap rate.

• Location – Orion Building, Shop 1 & 2, General Bernardo Guedes Road, Near Municipal Market, Panjim, Goa
• Visiting Hours – 8.30 am to 9 pm (Monday to Saturday). Closed on Sundays.

3. Desai Cashew & Wine Shop –

It is a wine store where one can buy all kinds of alcoholic beverages. Its speciality is that it sells Cashew Feni and other liquor products at a cheap rate.

• Location – 101-3, Chogm Road, Sangolda, Porvorim, Goa
• Visiting Hours – 9 am to 10 pm on all days

4. Delfino’s Hymart –

It is a supermarket that offers an array of consumer products ranging from vegetables, milk and groceries, to a liquor section. Its speciality is that it has a Wine and Liquor shop stocked with a decent range of liquor.

• Location – Teen Building, Alto Porvorim, Goa
• Visiting Hours – 9 am to 10 pm on all days

5. Vaz Enterprises Liquor Store –

It is a liquor store that has a collection of wine products and all types of liquors. Its speciality is the popular Cazulo Feni with its pretty bottle design and the firefly logo.

• Location – Isidorio Baptista Road, Pajifond, Margao, Goa
• Visiting Hours – 9.30 am to 1.30 pm & 3.30 pm to 8 pm (Monday to Saturday). Closed on Sundays.

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Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary located on the banks of the river Kali in Dandeli in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is the second largest sanctuary in Karnataka state. This sanctuary is home to tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, barking deer, antelopes, sloth bears, pangolin, crocodiles, birds, reptiles etc. It has become an important tourist destination & attracts many local & foreign tourists.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Road
From Goa (Dabolim Airport): Kms: 134 via road (NH748)
Duration: 3 hrs 5 mins

From Goa (Madgaon Railway Station): Kms: 123 via road (NH748)
Duration: 2 hrs 55 mins

WHAT TO EAT

There are not many restaurants near Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. There are a few restaurants that offer local South Indian food.

ACTIVITIES TO DO

• White water rafting
• Kayaking
• Wildlife Safari
• Bird Watching
• Trekking
• Coracle ride
• Rock climbing

BEST TIME TO VISIT

March to October.

SAFARI TIMINGS

6 AM to 9 AM & 3 PM to 6 PM

ADDRESS

SH 46, Dandeli – 581325, Karnataka

Car Rentals Services in Goa

Goa Leisure is an important part of Fred Travels that provides car rental services for both holidays and corporate tours across Goa. Here we offer airport transfers and Cruise pick-up & drop. Our fleet of cars includes premiums cars like Audis, BMWs and Mercs. 

Jog Falls - The Plunging Marvel - Goa Leisure

Jog Falls is a spectacular  waterfall in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka and is located approx 72 kms from Honnavar. Touted as the second highest waterfall in India and 13^th in the world by the waterfall database, the Jog Falls is a sight to behold! This waterfall is formed when the Sharavathi River descends down around 250 mts along four cascades known as Raja, Roarer, Rocket & Rani.

1400 Steps from the viewpoint to the bottom of the hill where tourists can view the waterfall at the opposite side give it a special charm.  

HOW TO GET THERE

By Road

From Panjim: Kms: 265 via road (NH-66)

* Approx Duration: 6 hrs 13 mins* approx.

From Madgaon: Kms: 233 via road (NH-66)

* Approx. Duration: 5 hrs 20 mins

BEST TIME TO VISIT

June to September witness heavy rainfall in the region. The monsoon season is the best season to visit Jog falls as the beauty of the place is enhanced during this season.

November to February witness winter season in Jog Falls. This is the best time to visit Jog Falls for picnics, outings & sightseeing activities.

Avoid visiting Jog Falls during the summer season as temperatures soars.

WHAT TO SEE

Place to visit near Jog Falls:

l  Linganamakki Dam - A dam situated in Kargal village of Sagara taluk and  was constructed by the Karnataka State Government in 1964. This dam is located approx 6 kms from Jog Falls and is one of the major dams of Karnataka.

WHAT TO EAT

There are a few restaurants near Jog Falls. Veg & Non-Veg food are available at almost every restaurant.

Restaurant near Jog Falls:

l  Hotel Mayura Gerusoppa Restaurant

ACCOMODATION

Hotel in Jog Falls:

l  Hotel Mayura Gerusoppa Jogfalls

*Bookings will be done on request

TIPS

l  Being near a waterfall, you need to be extra cautious when you are there.

l  Carry enough water & snacks & also, wear shoes to prevent leeches from seeping in.

l  Carry a camera as the trail to the falls is magnificent.

Going Solo in Goa

A year without a holiday or vacation seems just incomplete. Travel is one of the most relaxing forms of getting-away, most people do to unwind after a few hectic months spent at work. However, for many, travel is equivalent to having fun with close friends and family away from home; very few consider traveling alone and enjoy a solitary travel experience. Hence, when someone says they are traveling alone, often get mixed reactions!

Goa is a traveler’s paradise with its pristine beaches, verdant cocooned hills, exotic locales and more. A traveller is spoilt for choice with boutique hotels and budget getaways, party hot-spots to serene wanderings. To the solo traveler, Goa is heaven! Goa is hosting more and more solo travelers in recent times. The solitary traveler in Goa can indulge in the many activities this tiny green land has to offer, moreover, the solo traveller gets to decide all that they want to do and enjoy their own company!

A good Goan retreat can begin with sightseeing and doing a Goa tour by the day, wandering about Old Goa and visiting the churches in the city. Famous for its beaches, a Goan escapade is incomplete without spending some time at the beaches of your choice - pristine and calm in the south to all night party spots and happening ones in the north.

For the nature enthusiasts, Goa offers unparalleled experiences with its mountains, green forests, waterfalls and spice plantations. A solo spice tour to learn about the various spice plantations and buying some for back home, is a great way to plan a half day’s tour. One can also plan a trip to the Salim Ali, Bondla and Cotigao Wildlife sanctuaries to explore the flora and fauna this region has to offer.

Whats is a vacation without indulging in local cuisine! Solo travelers in Goa can have a ball, as many restaurants and shacks here, offer one-person portions so as to be able to devour many delicacies one can. Goan cuisine, abundant with fresh seafood, local produce and rich use of coconut keeps one sated, as one should be, when on a holiday!

Solo traveling is also associated with fears of being alone on a trip. Although Goa is considered safe for solo travelers, one should ensure to keep belongings safe, carry electronic money and beware of people around. Travelers must stick to itineraries and not venture into the wild with impulse trips so as to avoid disappointment. All in all, planning a safe trip filled with wonderful memories is the best give you can give yourself on a solitary trip!