Fort Tiracol
Standing tall along the coast of the River Tiracol, this fort provides a scenic atmosphere and a beautiful view of the river, making it a major tourist attraction in Goa. It was originally constructed by the King of Sawantwadi in 1746, but was acquired by the Portuguese under the reign of Viceroy Dom Pedro De Almeida. This fort stands as a testimony to the revolt between Almeida and the Portuguese forces. Today, it houses a heritage hotel but tourists can visit it via a 30-minute ferry ride.
Location
Querim, 42km from Panjim, Goa, India
Fort Chapora
Built on an earlier structure constructed by Adil Shah, Fort Chapora was rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1617. The main intention behind its construction was to keep away the Hindu rulers that were eyeing this prime location near Anjuna beach.
Location
10km from Mapusa, near Anjuna Beach, Goa, India
Fort Cabo de Rama
Fort Cabo de Rama derives its name from Lord Rama. Legend says that he and his wife Sita took refuge at this fort when they were exiled for 14 years. This fort withstood gruesome battles between the Portuguese, Marathas, Muslim invaders, and Hindu kings, and was used as a prison by the British. There’s a church inside the fort that is still a place of prayer for devotees.
Location
Canacona Taluka, South Goa, India
Fort Aguada
Fort Aguada is a well-preserved 17th-century Portuguese fort gets its name — meaning water — thanks to its freshwater springs that satiated the thirst of sailors who passed nearby. It was constructed by the Portuguese to ward off attacks by the Dutch and Marathas, and as a checkpoint for ships arriving from Europe. Smaller than other forts in India, it consists of a lighthouse and the Fort Aguada Beach Resort, a property of India Hotels.
Location
18km from Panjim, Bardez Taluka, North Goa, India
Church & Convent of St Francis of Assisi
Founded by Franciscan friars in 1517, the Church & Convent of St. Francis of Assisi is a unique masterpiece attached to Se Cathedral. The Se Cathedral and the Church are connected by the Archiepiscopal Palace, a residential palace of the Archbishops until 1695, after which they moved to Panjim. Much of it, except the black stone gateway, was demolished in 1661 and rebuilt. The church does not presently hold any religious gatherings.
Location
10km away from Panaji, Old Goa, India
Dona Paula
This picturesque destination is named after Dona Paula de Menezes, daughter of the former Viceroy of Goa who plunged into the sea when she was refused permission to marry her lover – a local fisherman. It is one of Goa’s finest tourist destinations, surrounded by many luxury hotels and institutes in the suburbs of Panaji. This location, also known as lovers’ paradise, is popular for its superlative beaches, unique locales, and mysterious legends, and has served as an iconic spot in many Bollywood movies. Attractions at Dona Paula include its beach, Vasco da Gama Bay, the ‘Image of India’ statue, Cabo Raj Niwas, and the National Institute of Oceanography.
Location
7km from Panaji, Goa, India
Sé Cathedral Church
Sé Cathedral Church (Sé Cathedral of Santa Catarina) is one of the largest churches in Asia and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria, the church was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over a Muslim army. It is among the oldest buildings in the state depicting true Portuguese royalty in its architecture.
Location
10km away from Panaji, Old Goa, India
Visiting Hours
7:30 am to 6:30 pm, except during mass hours
The Basilica Of Bom Jesus Church
The Basilica of Bom Jesus Church is one of the biggest attractions in Goa. The site preserves the remains of Goa’s patron saint, St. Francis Xavier. Tagged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, this church is located in Old Goa, previously the capital of Portuguese Goa. The church holds sacred significance as it is the first church in India to be assigned the status of Minor Basilica.
Location
9km away from Panaji, Old Goa, India
Menezes Braganza Pereira House
The Menezes Braganza Pereira house, built over 350 years ago, is the personification of the aristocratic life of the Braganza house in its heyday. It is the biggest and most exquisite heritage house, located near the church square in Chandor; its Portuguese-style façade lending it an alluring beauty. Visit this house to see a museum of chandeliers, paintings, porcelain, crystal, period furniture, and other antique items.
Location
Culsabhatt, Chandor
Goa – 403714
Visiting Hours
Open every day between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm
Goa Chitra Museum
The Goa Chitra Museum contains an organic farm for the cultivation of all staples along the Western Ghats of India. It is the first and only ethnographic museum in Goa featuring artifacts like local pottery, farming tools, musical instruments, ancient carts, and palanquins from various civilizations.
Location
The St. John Baptist Church Road
Mondo-Waddo, Benaulim
Salcete Goa – 403716
