Best places to visit in goa

Chapora River This beautiful river runs along the Northern part of Goa and eventually joins the Arabian Sea. Goa is full of beaches and is surrounded by water on almost all sides but the northern part is a bit more famous for this particular river. The Chapora River has the perfect water current and rapids that are required for White River rafting and other water sports like Kayaking. Tourists can even go for cruise rides and enjoy the sea breeze with some appetizers.  Sunset boat rides are particularly famous in this area as during the sunset the river is more beautiful than ever. The calm and serene environment around the river helps one connect with their inner self and feel peaceful. One can easily drive up to the shores of this peaceful river and escape the busy city life.

Bom Jesus Basilica Image Credit : Paul Simpson- Flickr One of the most important of all tourist places in Goa as well as a central landmark for Catholics, the Bom Jesus Basilica is the place in which the incorrupt body of St Francis Xavier is kept. The Church was built in 1605 and the body of the Saint was brought to it in 1622 where it has laid since in its glass mausoleum. The body is perhaps the greatest attraction of the Basilica. A gallery of Modern Art is also a part of the Basilica. The building is constructed in baroque style and is considered one of the best examples of baroque architecture in India. You can visit the Bom Jesus Basillica in December for the best experience of the tradition as the feast and novena take place at that time along with Christmas celebrations.

Dona Paula Beach A small beach with a tragic history involving love and suicide, the Dona Paula Beach is the closest tourist spot from Panaji. It offers plenty of to do in terms of water sports and sightseeing. The jetty right next to the beach is frequented by tourists who come there for the lovely view it offers of the Arabian Sea. The beach is home to the tragic myth that the ghost of Dona Paula emerges at night from the sea wearing only a necklace of pearls and searching for her love. She is believed to have committed suicide on the beach and her tomb, Cabo Raj Niwas, is another tourist attraction. The myth is a powerful one and draws many tourists to the beach. Among sight-seeing options can be included the National Oceanography Institute, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and Reis Magos Church. The party scene of Dona Paula is not that high profile as it is eclipsed by the Baga Beach scene a few kilometers away. You can head over to Dona Paula on the day you have some time to kill at Pan...

Divar Island You really have to see Divar Island in order to believe it. It is amongst the most beautiful places to see in Goa. The fact that such a small, pristine, and simple place can exist in Goa alongside the crazy party scene  If you’ll visit it, only then you will be able to experience it. Absolutely unlike any experience in Goa, Divar Island will leave you feeling happy and satisfied. This is because the entire place gives off a rich, wholesome, almost home-like vibe which is particularly attractive to those who prefer quiet and natural beauty. The small island is covered with dense forests and there is only one village on it with a small set of residents. This creates that intimate homelike environment which is soothing, to say the least. The hilltop views are pretty too. It does not have any commercial tourist attractions but the local sites like the whitewashed Church are worth a visit. These are simple and yet intricately designed structures which are elegant in their o...

Fort Tiracol Fort Tiracol is one of the greatest tourist attractions of Goa. This particular Fort has played a huge role in the earlier years when everyone was struggling for freedom. Since it has witnessed so many wars, victories and defeats it is considered as a symbol of the bravery of all freedom fighters of Goa. This Fort was destroyed in the wartime but was again rebuilt after a few years and has stood tall and proud ever since.  The Fort is full of intricate carvings and some great architecture that can be awe-inspiring for all history lovers out there. This fort also has a view of the Arabian Sea from the terrace which is breathtaking. Located on the northern tip of Goa one needs to set aside a whole day to explore this place and take a ferry to reach the Fort. Location-  Tiracol, Pernem Taluka, Goa 403524

Mollem National park The Mollem National Park is a part of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and is situated 60km away from Panaji along the border with Karnataka. This is a great place for family trips. Both the kids and the parents will come out with an amazing experience. The things you can do in Mollem National Park range from trekking to animal spotting. It is also a nice picnic spot if you are looking to do something offbeat. Mollem National Park is populated with lush green trees that make up a dense forest which is home to several unique species of birds and animals. For example, you can spot several species of snakes including the King Cobra, Hump-nosed pit viper, Indian rock python and Malabar pit viper as well as many birds like fairy bluebirds, wagtails, great Indian Hornbill among others. Butterflies also populate the forest. There are also many good treks you can undertake including one to the Devils Canyon, Sunset Point, and Tambdi Water Falls.  Ancient temples dedicate...