G oa has always been a favourite destination for the people looking for honeymoon destination, party, beaches, churches, peace, adventure and fun, Goa has it all. Whether its youngster, couple or family people they all have dream to visit Goa at least once.

People travel from far and wide to this small state for its diverse mix of beaches, adrenaline activities, parties, nature, and history. Apart from beaches and churches the state's location along the mountainous Western Ghats is home to an array of birds and animals. Around 20% of Goa consists of wildlife sanctuaries. They're open all year round, although October to March are the best months to visit.

If you're planning to visit Goa, don't think too much, pack your bag, carry your DSLR and move on, because we've picked some Best Destinations to visit in Goa for you:

Let's have a look at beautiful beaches of Goa

1. Baga Beach

The most popular beach of Goa, Baga is located close to Calangute beach, around 30 Km North of Panaji. Baga is popular for its nightlife with some very famous clubs such as Brittos, Titos and Mambos. There is also a range of water sports that you can try your hands at.

Baga beach is famous for its happening shacks and parties through the night. It is also the hub for many adventure water sports and attracts millions of tourists each year. The famous water sports are jet skiing, parasailing, banana ride and boating.

Tips
1. This beach is located 16 km from Panaji, so if you are to reach Baga all the way from Panaji, a taxi or a hired bike/ scooter is a good option.
2. The closest railway station to Baga Beach is Thivim and the Dabolim Airport is approximately 50 kms away.
3. Temperatures rarely reach more than 33 degrees during the day or drop below 20 degrees at night.

2. Calangute Beach

Calangute is the largest beach in north Goa and is known as the 'Queen of beaches'. Situated 15km from the capital city of Panaji, this expansive stretch of sand and water attracts tourist from all around the globe owing to its festive and entrancing environ.

Tips
1. Visit during Christmas and New Year to get the real feel of the beach.
2. You can easily get accommodation facility near the beach.
3. Avoid travelling the place between June and September as the sea is rough, although during monsoon the place has its own charm.
4. Do not miss the night clubs at the beach.

3. Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach, located in the South Goa is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Union Territory has to offer. Mostly unspoiled, the beach is often flocked with foreign tourists. It has about one mile long shore in crescent shape crowded by fishermen and tourist of all nationalities. If you are lucky, you can also spot Dolphins cavorting in the bay. However, the beauty of the beach is unparalleled with tree covered rocks at one end, mainly known as Green Island.

Tips:
Carry your swimwear, sunscreen lotion and sun glasses with you. Make sure to stay away from water during monsoon season and follow all the given guidelines by the authority.

4. Anjuna Beach

Calangute is the largest beach in north Goa and is known as the 'Queen of beaches'. Situated 15km from the capital city of Panaji, this expansive stretch of sand and water attracts tourist from all around the globe owing to its festive and entrancing environ.

Tips
1. Do not stroll around the area alone after dark as some cases of robbery have been registered.
2. Traffic at times can be quite heavy and chaotic in the area, especially during the peak season.
3. Carry your swimwear, sunscreen lotion, and sunglasses with you. Make sure to stay away from water during monsoon season and follow all the given guidelines by the authority.

5. Agonda Beach

If you're looking for a place away from the hustle bustle of the crowd with more space and solitude, Agonda beach is the right place for you. With the clear blue water and coconut trees, this beach is a delight for nature lovers. The beach is not very popular among tourists and hence relatively quiet and less crowded.

Unlike the likes of Baga and Calangute, Agonda is one of those beaches where you can venture out for a leisurely walk along the beautiful coast. The beach becomes a little dangerous at high tide hours, and surfing is a high-risk situation. This beach isn't recommended for swimming.

Tips: Safe and Calm beach in Goa, Enjoy sunrise and sunset.

6. Colva Beach

One of the most happening beaches in South Goa, Colva beach is mainly renowned for its shopping and phenomenal nightlife. The beach is full of shacks and eating joints. Located 6 km from the Margao city, Colva beach is a stunning beach adorned with swaying coconut palms along its 25 km long coast.

A stroll during the sunset is refreshing and mesmerizing with beautiful view and the dimming sun rays throwing a golden shadow over the pristine water and glowing sand of the beach. The place is perfect for those who are looking for a water-sports fix along with lively and vibrant nightlife.

Tips
1. Carry your swimwear, sunscreen lotion and sunglasses with you.
2. Make sure to stay away from water during monsoon season and follow all the given guidelines by the authority.
3. Do not miss the sun set that offers a splendid site for its visitors.

7. Vagator Beach

Vagator beach is located on the north side of Anjuna Beach, near Chapora Fort. It is a small beach rolled into a rave culture. It is visited more by foreigners though Indian tourists also visit to be a spectator of the beautiful sunset, visible through the rocks of Vagator beach. It is split into 2 beaches as you face towards the sea. One is the Big Vagator Beach and the other is the Little Vagator Beach.

The beach has magnificent red cliffs. The ideal season to visit here is November. Chapora Fort is clearly visible from the beach. It is comparatively safer for kids than the Candolim Beach. There are a number of shacks near the beach side to make your beach experience memorable.

Tips
1. You can enjoy water activities like motor boat riding. Also, you can trek to the top of the Chapora Fort.
2. Every Saturday a flea market is organised by Germans. It is the longest and colourful market that is organised in Goa. Orzab Beach or Little Vagator has hot springs known as 'ZOR', which are ideal for providing a calm time.

8. Morjim Beach

Morjim is sometimes referred to as "Little Russia" owing to the large population of Russian immigrants staying here. Morjim beach is home to exotic species of birds and some rare endangered animals such as sea turtles. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in North Goa and a great place to relax and unwind.

Morjim Beach is a nesting and hatching habitat of the Olive ridley sea turtle, an endangered species. They have been given the highest degree of protection under Indian law through their inclusion in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Stealing of eggs or in any manner disturbing the turtles or their habitat is an offence punishable under Indian law.

Tips
1. Carry camera, torch, light and fully covered clothes, proper footwears, munchies, beverages and water along.
2. Do not steal turtle's eggs neither disturb turtle or their habitat, it is a punishable offence.

9. Arambol Beach

Away from the bustling tourist hub, if you are seeking for a secluded environment amidst the groove of cashew trees, the Arambol Beach in Goa is an ideal pick. An approximate 50 kms drive from Panjim, en route the winding road, the Arambol Beach is one of the rocky cum sandy beaches in Goa. If offers a fresh and tranquil ambiance and also exhibits the ethnicity of Goans'.

One of the major attractions close to the Arambol Beach in Goa is the fresh water lake. Nonetheless the local culture dwelling around the Arambol beach is also a major attraction to travellers. Presently there are no such recommended hotels close to this beach but one who is looking to accommodate oneself in and around may prefer to step in guest houses, houses and Arambol Beach Huts.

Tips
1. Carry your swimwear, sunscreen lotion and sunglasses with you.
2. Make sure to stay away from water during monsoon season and follow all the given guidelines by the authority.
3. Do not miss the sunset that offers a splendid site for its visitors.

10. Miramar Beach

The Miramar Beach located in Panjim is one of the most visited beaches in Goa. Also known as 'Gasper Dias', it is a 2 kilometer long beach graced with silvery sand bed. It also offers a kaleidoscopic view of the Aguada fort giving a complete peaceful surrounding and solitude..

In Portuguese, Miramar implies 'viewing the sea'. The Miramar beach is quite clean but not many water sports activities can be tried here as is the case with Colva or for that matter Baga beach. Nonetheless, long hours can be spent during sunset, rejuvenating and relishing varied sea foods and drinks. Down the shore and amidst the palm grove, the beach is arrayed with many thatched roof bars, lounges and pubs that make it a perfect break while holidaying in Goa.

Tips
1. The best time to visit Miramar beach is between November and March.
2. During this time, a large number of migratory birds such as gulls and plovers can be spotted.
3. The sight is indeed a delight to one's eyes and an apt place to hangout for bird watchers.

Church and Temples

11. Church of St. Francis of Assisi

This is the famous landmarks of Goa and is the oldest church located in Panajim. The statue of Mother Mary stands at the front of the church with the tower of the church behind. This church has truly been beautifully preserved. Also, the church bell is the 2nd largest bell in the whole world.

12. Se Cathedral

One of the largest churches in whole Asia, Se Cathedral took nearly 80 years to get constructed. It was established to remember the victory of the Portuguese over the Muslim rulers in the city. The church has a huge Golden Bell which can apparently be heard all over Goa! The church consists of 14 altars, each one beautifully and intricately carved.

13. Shri Mangeshi Temple

The stunning 400-year-old Shri Mangeshi Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is outstanding with its simple and elegant structure. It is considered to be the most beautiful among the temples in Goa and among the most important places to visit in Goa. A wonderful seven-storeyed lamp tower or deepstambha stands in the temple complex. The temple also has a beautiful water body, which many believe is the oldest part of the temple.

This temple is one of the largest, most enchanting, serene and most frequently visited temples in Goa. The temple has recently banned entry of foreigners into the temple citing objectionable dressing and conduct as the reason. The temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Manguesh, an incarnation of Shiva. He is also referred to as Saib (The Bhagavan of Goa) by Hindus. He is the kuldevta of many Hindus in Goa specially of Saraswat Brahmins and Bhandaris.

How to Reach: Shri Mangeshi temple is located at Mangeshi Village in Priol, Ponda taluk, Goa. It is at a distance of 1 Km from Mardol close to Nagueshi, 22 Km from Panaji the capital of Goa and 26 Km from Margao.

14. Shanta Durga Temple

This is the most famous temple of Goa and holds a special place in the heart of every Goan Hindu and also in Goans as a whole. This is one of the most important tourist places in Goa. Local legends tell of a battle between Shiva and Vishnu - The battle was so fierce that Brahma prayed to Parvati to intervene, she did this by assuming the form of Shantadurga. Goddess Shantadurga placed Vishnu on her right hand and Shiva on her left and thus settled the fight.

The deity of Shantadurga is shown as holding two serpents, one in each hand, representing Vishnu and Shiva. Shantadurga is the Kuldevi (family Goddess) of many Konkani Saraswats, Karhade Brahmins, Maharishi Saraswatis.

Nature and Wildlife

15. Dudhsagar Waterfall

For a destination which is known for, identified and dotted by countless beaches, Dudhsagar falls are a pleasant exception. Initiating from the mighty peaks of the western Ghats, one of the five highest waterfalls of the country and amongst the highest 100 in the world, the falls are divided into four tiers in the Mondovi river. This waterfall when looked at from a distance, appears like a heavy stream of milk flowing effortlessly with much pressure from top to down the hill, finally splitting into three streams of water, heading steadily to their ultimate destination, into the deep green sea.

The sight of one of India's tallest waterfall, the clitter clatter noise of the water hitting the rocks, the splash of water, the cold breeze, there is beauty in its force and serenity in its composure. Everything together makes up for a rejuvenating day and a refreshing sight.

Tips
1. Although few hours at the waterfalls would be enough, it is suggested that you spare a day and travel by train. As that journey is worth your time. When near the falls, take care of your safety
2. Carry mosquito repellants if visiting during monsoon.
3. Do not dive into water in the Devil's canyon, it is said to be a baseless pit with underwater current which might swirl you in in to time.

16. Scuba Diving

Goa is one of the few places in India offering scuba diving. Diving in Goa is not the best owing to limited underwater visibility, but it is still popular among tourists.

The water life and the variety of creatures you get to see are quite amazing. Multiple beaches offer diving facilities, but Bogmalo is considered one of the best in terms of a dive.

Safety Tips
1. Going through a reputed diving school helps because of the proper equipment that they use and their experience.

17. Elephant Rides

Goa has a lot to offer to its tourists from exquisite nature to plethora of adventures. One of the other less known things is its wildlife. Elephant safaris are also available at some places and a lot of tourists head to Tropical Spice Plantation for the safari on the biggest mammal on land, the elephant.