Goa Travel Guide: 5 Places to Visit Beyond the Beaches
Goa's coastline gets most of the attention, but forts, churches and waterfalls a short ride inland round out a trip beyond sunbathing.
Baga Beach
One of North Goa's busiest beaches, Baga combines water sports, beach shacks and an easy stretch of sand for an evening walk.
Fort Aguada
This 17th-century Portuguese fort sits above the Arabian Sea and includes a lighthouse still in use. The ramparts give a clear view over the coastline where the Mandovi River meets the sea.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Located in Old Goa, this UNESCO World Heritage church holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier and is one of the oldest churches in India still in active use.
Dudhsagar Falls
A four-tiered waterfall on the Goa-Karnataka border, Dudhsagar is best visited in the monsoon and post-monsoon months when water flow is strongest.
Anjuna Flea Market
Running since the 1960s, this Wednesday market mixes clothing, jewellery and souvenir stalls with live music, and works well as a half-day stop near Anjuna beach.
Best time to visit and getting around
November to February offers dry, comfortable weather for both the coast and inland sights. Distances between beaches, forts and waterfalls are long enough that a self-drive scooter or bike rental is the most flexible way to string them together in one day.
Planning to ride there?
Compare current bike and scooter listings before you book.