Beaches of North Goa:

VAGATOR is a broad white-sand beach with the ruins of the Chapora Fort. This is a favourite of hippies and backpackers you will get budget accommodation and many eating shacks catering to foreigners here.

ANJUNA is the notorious hippie hotspot with rave parties, happening beach shacks and the famous Wednesday flea market where you can get second-hand imported clothes, and handicrafts from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Visit it for the thrills of nightlife.

BAGA is the beach to stay at if you want to avoid the crowds of Calangute. You can also dip into the excitement of Anjuna and Vagator from here.

CALANGUTE is the largest and most happening beach of North Goa, you will find everything here great food, shopping, entertainment and a wide choice of accommodation. But it's definitely the choice of the extrovert, and not the peace-loving soul.

MIRAMAR is the seafront of Panaji city where you can drive along and admire the grand mansions, watch the sunset and have fast food.

DONA PAULA is a small romantic beach near Panaji. It offers a variety of water sports as well as delicious seafood under the starry skies. 

 BOGMALO is a peaceful beach conveniently close to the airport (2 km). You have a choice of accommodation, water sports and beach cafes, but all on the expensive side.

Old Goa Tour:

Basilica de Bom Jesu - this church is the famous resting place of St Francis Xavier. His elaborate tomb was carved by a Florentine sculptor and took 10 years to complete. You can see several grand styles of architecture here: Baroque, Corinthian and Ionic. The grand golden alter shows influences of Indian craftsmen.

Se Cathedral - the largest cathedral in Goa, was built by the Portuguese government as a symbol of their power in India. It is built in the renaissance style and has 15 alters inside leading to the final alter dedicated to St Catherine, and showing scenes from her life.

Church of St Cajetan - built in 1651 by Italian monks, in honour of their patron saint, this cathedral is modelled on St Peter's Cathedral Rome.

Church of St Francis Assissi - this church depicts Portuguese seafarers designs and has panels with paintings from the life of St Francis.

Church of Our Lady of the Rosary - this is one of Goa's earliest churches built on top the 'holy hill' by Alfonso de Albuquerque.

Temples of North Goa:

Shantadurga Temple - This temple built by Shivaji's grandson, Shahuji, is the most-visited shrine. It is 3 km from Ponda town. It is built in an unusual pagoda style and has a grand central hall with chandeliers and carved silver screens around the main deity.

Shri Ramnath Temple - is walking distance from Shantadurga temple. It has an ancient Shiva linga, which is sheltered by a gorgeous silver screen with carvings of animals, plants and flowers.

Shri Laxmi Narasimha - This temple is surrounded by forest and is 5 km from Ponda. It has an enormous statue of Narasimha and a water tank with an impressive gateway.

Shri Mahalsa Temple - This temple is 7 km north-west of Ponda. It has an unusual brass pillar of 21 tiers. The main hall has carved wooden pillars and paintings of gods and goddesses. The inner sanctum is also richly carved of wood.

Shri Mangesh Temple - This is in the village from which Lata Mangeshkar hails. It is Goa's richest temple, and many festivals are held here by the local people, including the jatra festival of dance-dramas in April and May.

Tambdi Surla Temple - This is a rock cut temple dating from the 12th century. The entire temple is made out of black stone slabs with no concrete or mortar used. Inside are intricate carvings of Vishnu, Shiva and Parvati. The temple is a bit remote (45 km east of Panaji) but is worth the drive.