(Updated 8/2023)
Goa is a coastal state in Western India. Many people know it as the “festival state” of India and it is one of the most visited Indian tourist destinations. The Goan beaches and nature are beautiful, and Goa has some amazing natural sites that offer a wonderful escape from the crowds.
INDIVUE – Trip to Goa will guide you to the beaches and sights of Goa in India. This visual guide will have unique images, videos and travel experiences of a European travel blogger, photographer and an artist, and that’s me. In other words, I have experienced and filmed all the photos and videos you see in this INDIVUE – Trip to Goa -guide. My INDIVUE blog has been online since 2005 and it is among the oldest bilingual (Finnish and English) travel blogs originating from Finland, having facts from the past 17 years by 2022.
INDIVUE blogs about travel and art and things related to them and my visual guide INDIVUE – Trip to Goa has still got plenty of stories coming up. It will be updated with real travel experiences and beautiful images – no photo bank bulky staged stuff but real photos captured by the blogger herself. It is like a travel related exhibition online, so welcome to read INDIVUE and subscribe my blog!
GOA
Goa has a rich history, culture and natural beauty and it has been home to many great artists and musicians and a background to many nice Bollywood movies. Even some Western movies have scenes from Goa. The beaches are beautiful and the sea water is ok for swimming outside monsoon season.
Besides sunbathing, there are also many other things to do in Goa: explore its rich history at Fort Aguada or take part in one of its many festivals like Viva Carnival (which takes place every year during February), Holi Festival (March) or Diwali Festival (October).
Goa is also a great place for food lovers. There are many restaurants to choose from, but if you’re looking for something spicy, try the local cuisine which is influenced by both North Indian and South Indian cooking styles as well as Portuguese. If you’re traveling with children, there are many family-friendly activities in Goa including dolphin cruises and trips to spice plantations.
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, Goa is a great place to relax. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in India, as well as many famous churches such as the Se Cathedral in Old Goa and Basilica of Bom Jesus, which were built by the Portuguese in the beginning of 1600.
The best time to visit Goa is during the winter months (October–March). Summer months are very hot and the sea is not safe for swimming during monsoon.
TRAVELING TO GOA
- By Air: Getting to Goa by Air: A Guide
- By Railways: Traveling to Goa by Railways: A Guide
- By Road: Goa road travel guide
- Straight flights in-between Goa and Helsinki began in 2017 (Fin)
- Straight flights in-between Goa and Helsinki ended in 2019 (Fin)
TRAVELING IN GOA
GOA SIGHTSEEING AND ACCTRACTIONS
- After sunset: Goa after sunset, in the nighttime
- Sightseeing: Goa sights
- Historical landmarks: The historical landmarks of Goa
Videos inspired by GOA
| Video exhibition: Authentic Goa |
| Video exhibition: South Goa |
| Video exhibition: Travel videos inspired by Goa |
NORTH GOA
Goa is a tiny state in India and a legend tells that the first European to find it was a Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. A few hundred years later Goa was found by the Western hippies. Nowadays North Goa is the happening place for all kinds of tourists, with lots of entertainment and shops, and all the positive and negative side-effects of tourism.
Read and see more about North Goa and its beaches, sights, villages, towns and talukas here. Just click the link in bold –
BARDEZ (taluka)
- Location and Description: Situated in North Goa, Bardez borders the Arabian Sea and covers a major portion of the coastal tourist circuit. It’s a blend of both traditional and modern aspects.
- Tourist Attractions: Famous for its beaches, such as Calangute, Baga, and Anjuna, it is also home to forts like Aguada and Chapora. The Saturday Night Market and Club Cubana are attractions for nightlife enthusiasts.
- Cultural Highlights: Fairs like the Feast of St. Francis Xavier reflect the rich cultural heritage.
| Aguada Lighthouse |
| Anjuna – Anjuna beach is a popular beach in North Goa |
| Anjuna Flea Market – Happening every Wednesday by the beach |
| (video) Anjuna Flea Market Beach |
| Arpora – Quiet village near North Goa beaches |
| Baga – Baga Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Goa |
| (video) Baga Beach |
| Betim Beach |
| Calangute – Popular destination for local and foreign tourists |
| (video) Calangute Beach |
| Candolim – Hosts the India’s biggest electronic music festival Sunburn |
| Chapora – Coastal village by the Chapora river |
| Chapora Fort – Popular tourist sight with wonderful landscape views |
| Ingo’s Saturday Nite Bazar – Night market in Arpora on Saturdays |
| Little Vagator Beach – Also known as Ozran Beach |
| Mackies Saturday Night Bazar – By Marinha Dourada road in Baga |
| Mapusa – Small town in North Goa |
| Mapusa Market – Shopping place in Mapusa, best sight on Fridays |
| (video) Mapusa Market |
| Porvorim – Mostly residential area, but has Goa’s biggest mall |
| Sinquerim Beach – Located next to Aguada Fort and Candolim Beach |
| (video) Sinquerim Beach |
| Vagator – Beautiful beach among high cliffs, also a rave destination |
| (video) Vagator Beach |
BICHOLIM (taluka)
- Location and Description: Located inland in North Goa, Bicholim is rich in minerals and surrounded by scenic landscapes with rivers and dense forests.
- Tourist Attractions: The Arvalem Caves and waterfall are must-visit locations, along with Mayem Lake for boating experiences.
- Economic Importance: Known for its mining industry, Bicholim contributes significantly to Goa’s economy.
- Cultural Highlights: The Shantadurga Temple is an essential spiritual center for Hindus.
PERNEM taluka
- Location and Description: The northernmost taluka of Goa, Pernem offers lush landscapes and unspoiled beaches. It embodies traditional Goan culture.
- Tourist Attractions: Tiracol Fort offers stunning views and Querim Beach is a peaceful retreat. Arambol Beach is a haven for alternative therapies and yoga.
- Cultural Highlights: Traditional festivals and music are integral to Pernem’s charm.
| Arambol – Famous for sunset parties and hippy tourists |
| Ashvem Beach – Peaceful and long stretch of sand |
| Mandrem – Beach with a turtle nesting site |
| Morjim Beach – Also known as “Little Russia” because of the tourists |
| (video) Morjim Beach |
| Querim – Village that has Goa’s northernmost beach, Querim Beach |
| Tiracol – Northernmost Goan village housing a fort come hotel |
SATTARI taluka
- Location and Description: Nestled in the eastern part of North Goa, Sattari is famous for its dense forests, flora and fauna, and tribal communities.
- Tourist Attractions: Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary provide opportunities for wildlife exploration.
- Cultural Highlights: Traditional Goan farming practices are preserved in Sattari.
CENTRAL GOA
Central Goa does not officially exist. There is just North Goa and South Goa, in-between which the Central Goa is located. Areas like Panaji, the capital of Goa, the Dabolim airport, the harbor city of Vasco da Gama and the area of Old Goa belong to Central Goa. Few beaches are also there, like Bogmalo Beach, Miramar Beach, Dona Paula Beach and Japanese Garden Beach.
Read more about these places in Central Goa as well as the other beaches, villages, sights and talukas in Central Goa here –
MORMUGAO taluka (South Goa)
- Location and Description: Famous for its harbor, Mormugao has a rich maritime and colonial heritage. It plays a vital role in India’s international trade.
- Tourist Attractions: The Japanese Garden, Bogmalo Beach, and the Naval Aviation Museum are worth visiting.
- Economic Importance: Mormugao Port is one of the leading iron ore exporting ports in India.
| Bogmalo Beach – Isolated peaceful beach near the Dabolim airport |
| Hollant Beach – Fishermen’s beach with view to South Goa beaches |
| (video) Old Dabolim airport |
| Vasco da Gama – One of the biggest cities in Goa, also known as Vasco |
TISWADI taluka (North Goa)
- Location and Description: Including the capital city of Panaji, Tiswadi is the administrative heart of Goa, rich in historical and cultural events.
- Tourist Attractions: The Dona Paula viewpoint, Miramar Beach and the Basilica of Bom Jesus are tourist favorites.
- Cultural Highlights: The Latin Quarter in Panaji exemplifies Portuguese influence.
| Dona Paula – Tourist destination in the outskirts of Panjim |
| (video) Dona Paula |
| Fontainhas – Latin quarter of Goa, located in Panjim |
| Miramar Beach – Beach in Goa’s capital Panjim |
| Panjim – Goa’s capital |
| (video) Sunaparanta – Center for arts and culture in Panjim |
SOUTH GOA
Goa is located on the South-Eastern coast of India sharing its borders with Karnataka state to the South and East and Maharashtra state to the North. South Goa is the other well-known district in Goa, neighboring Karnataka. The Portuguese influence is still very much visible in many aspects of life.
The region is home to many beaches and it boasts some of India’s and Goa’s best beaches like Palolem Beach, Cavelossim Beach, Agonda Beach and Arossim Beach amongst them. In addition there are other lesser known but equally beautiful stretches along this coastline: Sunset Beach, Cola Beach, Galgibaga Beach and Butterfly Beach, just to name a few.
South Goa has less program for tourists than North Goa. Being less crowded and more in touch with nature, it is a treasure for peaceful holidays.
Read and watch more about South Goan beaches, villages, sights and talukas from here –
CANACONA (taluka)
- Location and Description: Canacona is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, located in the southernmost part of Goa.
- Tourist Attractions: Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and Kuskem Waterfalls are popular spots.
- Cultural Highlights: Traditional fishing practices and local festivals are vital to Canacona’s identity.
| Agonda Beach – Village, which has a beach known for the big stone |
| Butterfly Beach – Beach next to Palolem, but difficult to reach |
| Chaudi – A city in South Goa |
| Galgibaga Beach – Goa’s second southernmost beach, and a beach with turtles |
| Palolem Beach – A beach popular with international tourists |
| Patnem Beach – The beach opposite Colombo Beach |
| Polem Beach – Goa’s southernmost beach |
| Raj Bagh Beach – A small, quiet beach with a 5-star hotel |
| Talpona Beach – A quiet beach with not much tourism |
DHARPANDORA (taluka)
- Location and Description: The newest taluka in Goa, Dharbandora, is known for its rich flora, fauna and tribal heritage.
- Tourist Attractions: National parks, spice plantations and the Kesarval Waterfall offer diverse experiences.
- Cultural Highlights: Tribal festivals and traditional Goan folk art form part of Dharbandora’s cultural fabric.
PONDA (taluka)
- Location and Description: Known as the cultural heart of Goa, Ponda is home to some of the prominent Hindu temples and spice plantations.
- Tourist Attractions: Shri Manguesh Temple, Shri Shantadurga Temple and the Butterfly Conservatory are highlights.
- Cultural Highlights: Ponda serves as a bridge between Goa’s Christian and Hindu cultures and offers a unique cultural tapestry.
QUEPEM (taluka)
- Location and Description: Quepem is a land of historical legacy and cultural prominence, known for its architectural marvels.
- Tourist Attractions: The Palácio do Deão, a historical mansion, is a highlight.
- Cultural Highlights: Festivals like Shigmo and traditional Goan arts are prevalent in Quepem.
SALCETTE (taluka)
- Location and Description: Salcete is a coastal taluka with some of Goa’s most famous beaches and a rich cultural heritage.
- Tourist Attractions: Colva Beach, Majorda Beach and Benaulim Beach are must-visit locations. The Church of Holy Spirit is a spiritual landmark.
- Cultural Highlights: Bullfighting and Fama of Menino Jesus are distinctive cultural features.
| (video) Arossim Beach – Beach with fine hotels around it |
| Benaulim – Peaceful village with fishermen and tourists |
| (video) Benaulim Beach |
| Betalbatim – Village in-between Colva and Majorda |
| (video) Betalbatim Beach – Beach little bit North from Colva |
| Betul Beach – Beach by the Sal river |
| Cabo De Rama -fort – Old fort named by Ramayana |
| Cansaulim – Peaceful village with the same name beach |
| (video) Carmona beach |
| Cavelossim beach – Neat beach in South Goa for wealthy tourists |
| (video) Cavelossim Beach |
| Cola Beach – A beach paradise separate from the settlement |
| Colva – Seaside village and tourist center in South Goa |
| (video) Colva Beach |
| (video) Colva busstand |
| Colomb Beach – A small beach strip that connects to Patnem beach |
| Fatrade – A small village a little south of the village of Varca |
| (video) Fatrade Beach – A beautiful beach with not many tourists |
| Majorda Beach – A quiet beach with signposts in Russian language |
| Margao – Capital of South Goa |
| (video) Madgaon Railway station |
| (video) Margao city |
| Mobor – A quiet beach next to Cavelossim |
| Sernabatim Beach – Relatively quiet beach next to Colva Beach |
| (video) Sernabatim Beach |
| Sunset beach – A beautiful well-maintained beach with 1 beach shack (2019) |
| (video) Sunset Beach |
| Utorda Beach – A quiet beach south of Arossim |
| Varca Beach – A beautiful, relatively calm beach south of Benaulim |
| Velsao Beach – A peaceful beach at the beginning of the South Goa coastline |
| Zalor Beach – A beautiful beach with almost no tourism industry (2019) |
SANGUEM (taluka)
- Location and Description: Known for natural beauty, Sanguem in the eastern part of South Goa is rich in wildlife and geological wonders.
- Tourist Attractions: The Dudhsagar Falls, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Tambdi Surla Temple are popular spots.
- Economic Importance: Mining has been a significant part of Sanguem’s economy.
INDIVUE.com Articles and Blog Posts about GOA in 2005-2023
- First INDIVUE blog post from Goa in 2005: In Candolim, Goa
- “Stepping on a cow dung brings a good luck”
- Been to Arambol, seen the Tree
- Goa 11 / 2005 – Arambol
- Goa 11 / 2005 – Chill out
- Goa 11 / 2005 – Anjuna
- Finnish people gaining reputation in Goa
- “It’s snowing in Goa also!”
- Party Smart
- Goa, India – an artist’s paradise
- No more hangovers
- About the weather
- Full Moon Party
- Miramar Beach after sunset
- Kundalini Airport
- Viva Carnival in Goa
- Holi 15.3. in Goa
- The Drivinglesson in India
- Goa, India, and a guide for traveling
- 02/10/2006 – A Goan fishingboat
- 03/10/06 – A Cow resting on road
- 04/10/06 – Rainwater flooding in Panjim
- 05/10/06 – Chilling out after sunset
- 06/10/06 – Beach tennis on Varca Beach, Goa
- 07/10/06 – A local restaurant in Margao
- 08/10/06 – Crows bathing in the sea
- 09/10/06 – Chilling out in South-Goa
- 10/10/06 – A train from Goa to Delhi takes 2,5 days
- 11/10/06 – Postmonsoon
- 12/10/06 – Fishermen in Goa
- 13/10/06 – Chill out after sunset in Goa
- 14/10/06 – Cat after your fish
- 15/10/06 – Traditional Indian fashion
- 16/10/06 – Catholic celebration in Colva, Goa
- 17/10/06 – Why it’s worth drinking your coffee black
- 18/10/06 – Migrant worker’s daughter
- 19/10/06 – Words of value
- 20/10/06 – Streetdog, a common pet
- 21/10/06 – Diwali in Mapusa, Goa
- 22/10/06 – Wedding vow on a Goa beach
- 23/10/06 – Cricket on Goa beach
- 24/10/06 – Chill out on Goa beach
- 27/10/07 – Chill out by a beach shack
- Chill out in Goa sunset
- 29/10/06 – Love on Goa beach
- 30/10/06 – Sun sets in west
- 1/11/06 – Chill out in Goa
- 2/11/06 – Lonely boat in the Arabian sea
- FTV, Miss Universe 2006 and Indian fashion designer
- 4/11/06 – A streetmusician on Goa beach
- 6/11/06 – Kids swimming
- 6/11/06 – A hippy sunset
- 16/11/06 – Kissing crows
- 8/11/06 – A streetmusician in Anjuna Flea market
- 9/11/06 – Fish thali
- 9/11/06 – View from the balcony in Goa
- 14/11/06 – Fireworks on Goa beach
- 28/12/06 – A police patrol on Goa beach
- 12/02/07 – Chill out in Goa
- 12/02/07 – Sun sets in the Arabian Sea
- 14/02/07 – Valentine’s Day in a hospital
- 15/02/07 – Goa express – Train from Goa to Delhi
- Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. – Bollywood, 2007
- Dil Chahta Hai – Bollywood, 2001
- Café Coffee Day and Indian cappucino
- Guzaarish – Bollywood, 2010 – Request
- Woh Lamhe – Bollywood, 2006 – Those moments
- Indian Pic of the Day: A road in Goa
- Indian Pic of the Day: Familybike
- Fishermens what? – Russianlized Goa
- Betterment of safety on Goa beaches
- View from Cabo de Rama Fort, Mobor, Goa, India
- Elephant named Laxmi
- Rest of the life without picture perfect sunsets?
- Baga Beach, Goa, India
- Some don’t know when to stop
- Love on Goan beach
- Holi was here, Goa Beach, 2012
- Fashion show in Goa, India
- All the beaches and hotels of Goa
- Photos from Goa: Anjuna Flea Market
- Mackies Saturday Night Bazaar in Arpora, Goa
- Ingo’s Saturday Nite Bazar in Goa, India
- Hollant Beach, Goa, India
- Bogmalo Beach, Goa, India
- Galgibaga Beach in Goa, India
- Talpona Beach, Goa, India, 2015
- Colomb Beach and Patnem Beach in Goa, India
- Photos of Goa 2005-2015
- Lost & Found from Goa beach
- Dazzling Goan sunsets
- Dona Paula, Panaji, Goa with videos
- Chai and sun on the Goan beaches
- Sightseeing Panaji, Goa, India
- Raj Baga Beach, Goa, India; 2015
- Around India, instantly with images
- Art and traveltips for Margao and Goa, India
- Goan Mix; beaches and sights in videos
- Calangute Beach with the sunset and the people (video)
- Video of Baga Beach in, Goa, India
- Cabo de Rama Fort in South Goa in 2006
- Vagator Beach in Goa and sunset with trance
- 5 most beautiful sunsets in Goa, India
- Benaulim Beach, Goa
- Short cut to Goa, beaches and sights
- Good Bollywood movies filmed in Goa
- Peaceful river flow in South Goa
- Benaulim Beach during sunset
- Cavelossim Beach
- An Indian lunch as far as the peppercorn grows!
- Sahakari Spice Farm in South Goa
- Travel and music videos inspired by Goa, India
- 5 reasons to visit Old Goa
- Snowman in Goa and Christmas in India
- Swimming in Goa with iPhoneXS
- All the beaches in Goa (video)
- Diet: Holiday in Goa and the menu for tourist
- Café: Best café of the past decade in South Goa
- Viva Carnival: Carnival euphoria in Goa
- Goa sight: Chapora Fort in North Goa, known also from Bollywood
- Live music: Anjuna Flea Market in the mid 2000’s
- Goan taxi: Taxi prices and traffic to North Goa and South Goa
- Fishing in Goa: Goan fishermen and their work
- Goa train: Train trip from Goa to Chennai
- Goa lighthouse: Aguada lighthouse; a videotrip
- Real Goa sounds: Goa ASMR videos
- Video collection: My India adventures
You can read this INDIVUE – Trip to Goa originally in Finnish and English, and nowadays also in several other languages with the help of the Google translator.
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