The sights of India became available to Russian tourists for a very long time. But not everyone knows what to see in India in Goa. We want to tell you about an amazing place, one of the states of this country. It is the smallest of all 28, but it is here that Russians are very fond of traveling in recent years. And this is understandable: low prices, beautiful sandy beaches, a lot of unusual objects. We would like to suggest you what to see in Goa on excursions, although many tourists are armed with a guidebook, which lists all the attractions of Goa with photos, names and descriptions, rent a bike, and go on their own and explore the most beautiful places in Goa with the breeze. And there are a lot of them in the state. This is a lot of temples that appeared during the era of Portuguese colonization, picturesque nature reserves, colorful markets with souvenirs and local crafts. A lot of memorable photos from interesting places are provided to you. In Goa, tourist sites are located in the North and South parts. If in the south there are recreation areas and natural protected areas, then in the north there are concentrated historical sights that need to be seen in the first place.
Panaji
The ancient city, which is the capital of Goa, is very beautiful for its cozy houses with red roofs, narrow streets paved with stones. There are many architectural masterpieces and temples preserved in their original form. All of them are made in different styles, represent the culture and religion of different nations. There are no skyscrapers here, but next to modern buildings there are old ones, asphalt streets intersect cobbled ones, after the Latin quarter you can immediately get into the Portuguese one. In Panaji, there are a lot of various memorable objects.
Fonteines Quarter
An overview of the sights of Panaji in Goa will start with its old, but extraordinarily beautiful quarter, in which all the houses are painted in colorful bright colors, giving a unique flavor. The area was built up about two centuries ago and houses of Portuguese architecture have mixed with traditional Indian architecture. Photos of Goa tourists are full of these cute cottages with quaint balconies, open verandas and beautiful windows. You will not find a white house here, because traditionally only churches and temples are painted white.
Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
The historic Panaji area is home to one of the most beautiful temples of Portuguese architecture. The dazzling snow-white building is made in the Baroque style. Complex architectural elements combined with white color give the building a certain grandeur and pomp. Zigzag staircases lead to the entrance to the temple, and a statue of the Virgin Mary stands on the balcony. The interior decoration of the building is not distinguished by splendor, but attracts with beautiful wooden details of the interior carved with gilding. Inside the temple is the chapel of the Catholic Saint Francis Xavier. The ticket price is 10 rupees.
Shantadegra temple
Not only locals, but also tourists love to visit this temple complex. It is reputed to be one of the most powerful energy places in India. On the territory of Chantadegra there is a main building of interesting architecture with a pyramidal roof in several tiers, a dome, columns, balconies and a large number of windows. Three more small temples adjoin it. Next to them, a special house "agrashalas", the traditional for Hindu temples the Dipstambha tower, receives guests. "You cannot enter the temple with shoes on and take pictures."
Shri Mangeshi
Goa's temples make up its main architecture. Each of them is of great value. The Shri Mangeshi Temple is named after a Hindu god who is a guardian deity for many Hindus. In addition to daily services, a special religious ceremony is held on Monday - taking the statue of Magnesha out into the street with music. The architecture of the building is simple, but it has its own pride - a very beautiful seven-story pagoda tower.
Old goa
Almost all excursions to Goa offer tourists to visit the oldest historical area 9 km from Panaji. During colonization, it was the capital of the colony and therefore it is here that the most significant objects are concentrated - a large number of churches, architecturally beautiful temples and private estates. All buildings are very well preserved, so UNESCO included them in the World Heritage List. "This is exactly the place where every tourist can go on a bike independently."
Cathedral of St. Catherine
Perhaps this is the most famous religious building not only in all of India, because it is the largest church in all of Asia. It was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Muslims, which coincided with the day of honor of Catherine of Alexandria. In the outlines of the cathedral there is a Renaissance style in Portuguese performance. The bell installed on the cathedral is one of the best in the world and was named “golden” for its unique sound. The cathedral has 15 altars, the main of which is the altar of Catherine, and 8 chapels. The greatness of the building, its splendor became the reason for being included in the UNESCO heritage list.
Dudhsagar waterfall
If you come to the country during the winter months, the first thing to see in North Goa at this time is offered to every tourist - the legendary waterfall. It is located 60 km from Panaji in a pristine rainforest. On the way to it, tourists will see huge banana and pineapple plantations, rice fields, Indian villages, spice plantations. The height of the waterfall itself is 600 meters, and the height of the water stream is 300 meters. "You can swim in the lake at the foot, and feed the little monkeys that are already accustomed to tourist treats in the jungle around it."
Archeology museum
History buffs are always looking for something to see on their own in the country where they are vacationing. For them, in Goa, the archaeological museum will be interesting, which has not only a unique collection, but also a rich history. After all, the building itself once served as a monastery for the Franciscan brotherhood. Several halls are open in the museum, in which exhibits of many millennia are presented: figurines of Hindu deities, statues of John the Baptist and the god Vishnu, coins, maps, postage stamps, paintings, weapons and much more. Entrance - 10 rupees. "An interactive center is open for young visitors."
Sri Bhagavati temple
Attractions Goa is a Hindu temple that survived the Portuguese colonization unchanged. A very attractive two-domed building, in front of the entrance to which there are two life-size stone sculptures of black elephants. Usually in Indian temples there is one column, but two are installed here, which is a sign of the special significance of the structure. Inside the temple is a large eight-armed statue of the goddess Bhagavati, whose name the temple bears.
Goa Fish Market
If you are a big fish lover, there is a lot to visit in Goa. You will enjoy the fish market in Siolim. Firstly, from the variety of the freshest fish and all kinds of marine life, and secondly, from the very process of bargaining. If the first time they give you a little, then the second time the seller will offer you the best product. And all because they remember their customers very well and try to please them. Prices for a Russian tourist are very reasonable here, besides, the selected fish will be cleaned and cooked for you in any of the coastal restaurants.
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Market in Anjuna
Another interesting place for tourists.This is a flea market that was formed about 50 years ago, but it seems that it has been working for many centuries. You can buy almost everything here. There are a lot of merchants, about two thousand. Many of them come to trade from neighboring states. At the market you can taste delicious national dishes, get temporary tattoos, piercings, go to the hairdresser.
Night market (Arpora)
If you happen to be in this city, then you have something to see in Goa at night. The night market is very popular with tourists. Here you can find all sorts of things and even exclusive, designer items. You will enjoy not only shopping. After all, this market is a kind of fancy fair where you can eat, drink, dance. For this, a stage was even built in the center.
Bhagwan Mahavir Nature Reserve
The nature in these places is amazing: a real jungle with a wide variety of plants and fauna. Bhagwan Mahavir is considered the largest and most beautiful conservation area in Goa. Its territory is 24 thousand hectares. During your journey along it you will meet elephants, panthers, reptiles, tigers, wild boars, monkeys, deer, porcupines, as well as many tropical birds and butterflies. Jungle safari by car is very popular in these places. “Many tourists advise to go as part of a group so as not to get lost. And take bathing accessories with you for swimming in the waterfall. " Entrance - 20 rupees.
Arval Caves
In any state guidebook, it is indicated what interesting things to see in Goa first. For example, the north of the state is rich in historical sites, some of which are unique. Such as the man-made catacombs of Arval. Their origin is associated both with the folk legend about the heroes of the epic Mahabharata, and with the Buddhist monks who lived in this territory. The caves are about 16 centuries old.
- Excursions to Goa with prices and descriptions:
Splashdown Goa Waterpark
Experts say this water park is the best in the state. A huge number of slides, attractions and several swimming pools have become the best place for tourists to relax. A small feature of the water park is that you can buy tickets without the right to visit the attractions and just relax by the pools. The most popular of the attractions "Zoom Flume" will spin you on a steep descent, "Twister" abounds in many turns, "Tornado" will be thrown out of a dark, long pipe into a huge funnel, "The Magnificent Three" will give you the opportunity to compete with other participants in the attraction. Entrance - 520 rupees, without using devices for entertainment - 350 rupees.
Night club "Cubana"
A very popular place with young people, it is located on the top of a mountain in the city of Arpora in the north of Goa. From here, the sea and mountains are visible at a glance. Open multi-level terraces serve as dance floors, in the VIP zone you can visit the jacuzzi or take a dip in the pool. Your vacation will be not only unforgettable, but also fun. At the same time, the club can be attended by 1500 people. The cost is from 600 to 1000 rupees, on Wednesday admission is free for women, 700 rupees for men.
Palolem beach
The sights of South Goa are mainly represented by wonderful beaches. The most popular among tourists is Palolem, where there are always a lot of tourists, a wide variety of accommodation is available, there is good local food and the cleanest, gently sloping coast. The beach is located in a bay, so there are no big waves on the sea. This place also attracts in the late afternoon, when night parties begin, discos open. Many tourists come here just to relax.
Spice plantation in Sahakari
If you buy a map showing the sights of Goa with photos and descriptions, it will most likely indicate a plantation popular with tourists, on which spices known to all are grown. For sightseers, they will conduct an excursion with a story about the modern cultivation of cloves, curry, pepper, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg. You can also try and buy them here. The cost of the excursion is 400 rupees.
Goa Chitra Ethnographic Museum
What to see in South Goa for a tourist if everything in this part of the state is created for a beach holiday? We offer a museum in the village of Benaulim. Its owner, an art critic, drew attention to the fact that things of the traditional way of life of local residents are disappearing from everyday life. This prompted him to collect an extensive collection of dishes, tools, tools, etc. The museum is recognized as the best modern museum in all of India. Entrance - 300 rupees.
The abandoned city of Hampi
This is a huge historical and architectural complex, consisting of 1600 objects that were once temples, forts, monuments, various religious buildings, palaces, statues, etc. All of them date back to the 14-17 centuries, the time of the prosperity of the Vijayanagar Empire. On the territory of the complex, a small settlement and a functioning temple have survived to this day. Interesting and beautiful photos at this place are provided to you.
Basilica of Jesus
In Old Goa, tourists must visit the Basilica, which is considered the most famous and most visited architectural site. It, like many other sites, is included in the UNESCO heritage list and has long been a place of pilgrimage. The reason for this is the relics of the Catholic Saint Francis Xavier stored in the basilica. The building is very beautiful, made of black granite. There is also a gallery of modern art, whose paintings are dedicated to stories from the Bible. For 100 rupees you can get on a tour of the church.
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Fort Tiracol
Of all the forts that Goa has, this one is the best preserved. The fort is very small and can be viewed in five minutes, but it also has its own history. It was built on the steep side of the river in the 17th century. There were once 12 cannons on its wall. There were several houses and a small chapel near the fort. Today, there is a hotel on its territory, the interior of which uses things that have been preserved in Tiracol from past centuries.
Little Tibet
The city of Bilakuppe is home to the largest Buddhist community in India. Little Tibet is a complex of Buddhist temples and monasteries. Buddhists from Tibet live and preserve their religion on the territory. The architecture of the buildings is dominated by the classical Tibetan style. Tourists interested in Buddhist teachings often stay in this place for several days. The monks accept everyone, subject to the established rules.
Jama Masjid Mosque
There are many religious buildings in Goa, among which there was a place for a Muslim mosque in the city of Sangem. There are no crowds of tourists here, but the architectural features attract attention, despite the lack of rich decor. The mosque abounds in green right down to the rugs. The interiors are decorated with marble, a dome rises above the building, and there are many ornaments on the walls. There is a niche (Mihrab) in the wall, indicating the direction to Mecca.
