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Panaji: The capital of Goa is a heritage location with many renowned Churches and buildings constructed in Gothic style, situated on the left bank of the Mandovi river. The church dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the Chapel of St. Sebastian, the Goa State Museum, the Secretariat building, the statue of Abbe Faria are must-see stops on the itinerary of any tourist.
Old Goa: The holy Basilica of Bom Jesus, houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. It is a famous pilgrimage center among Roman Catholics. Other well-known churches are the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of St. Cajetan, Church of St. Augustine Ruins, Church and Convent of St. Monica, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Chapel of St. Anthony and Chapel of St. Catherine.
Calangute Beach: Perhaps the best known of Goa's beaches, this beach is a stretch of 7 kilometers of golden sand. Curving across the coastline of North Goa, Calangute beach is popular with people of all ages. Food and trinket stalls add to the tourist attractions of the idyllic beach itself.
Dona Paula: This popular beach, which is 7 km from Panaji, derives its name from the daughter of a viceroy who chose to kill herself when forbidden to marry the man she loved. This beach is also called Lovers Paradise. This beach offers various water sports activities including water-scooter rides motorboat rides, windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking, and yachting.
Anjuna Beach: Located 18 km from Panaji, this beach, popular among young revelers, was known for being a favourite hippie party spot in the 1970's. Even today the Anjuna beach is the site of trance parties, on moonlit nights. A flea market on Wednesdays, where trinkets and memorabilia can be bought is also a popular tourist attraction.
Colva and Benaulim Beaches: Located in South Goa, 20 km from Panaji, these beautiful beaches are quieter and more laid back than the more popular beaches near Panaji. Colva beach is stretches for 20 km and is Goa's longest beach. The festival at the local church, bull fights in the vicinity and stalls on the beach selling trinkets are some of the attractions of this beautiful getaway.
Please note that there are no nude beaches in India and nudity may offend local customs.
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