Places worth visiting in Goa. What to visit in Goa - unusual ideas for independent travel. Curlies Beach Shack in Anjuna
Where to go in Goa on your own- a popular question among vacationers in a cult place. This rating will not include forts, churches and museums; we are considering only establishments, bars and clubs where young people and others can go in Goa.
For lovers of nightlife there is. To keep up to date with the latest parties, we recommend taking flyers; they are handed out on the street and in some establishments, such as the juice center. There are a lot of establishments and parties in Goa, so you can get confused where to go first in Goa. I want to do everything at once and not miss anything. Let’s start with the juice center, the Relish bar, the Xavier’s bar, the Curlies and Cubana clubs.
Juice Center in Chapora
- Address: Chapora Main St, Chapora, Dmello Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509, India,
Opening hours: 9-23
Juice center “Jai Ganesh Fruit Juice Center” and “Scarlet Fresh Juice Centre”, also known as the juice center, also known as “juice” - a cult place where you should first visit in Goa. They visit this place mainly when passing through, as – a rather small and not at all tourist village. But if you are traveling to from Arambol, Ashwem or Morjim, then this place is just on the way, worth a stop. Tourists from all over the world come here to drink the freshest delicious juices low prices. For example, papaya juice is 40 rupees, mango juice is 80 rupees. There are also lassi and milkshakes. The choice is impressive - figs, pineapple, coconut, guava, passion fruit, strawberries, orange, pomegranate, carrots, watermelon, sweet lime, lemon, avocado, kiwi, and much, much more. He immediately drank and ate. In fact, there are juice centers with similar prices in other places, but these are considered the best.
The juice center itself does not look very attractive, an ordinary roadside eatery, but from the number of visitors it is clear that this place is very popular among locals and visitors, where it is worth visiting during your trip to Goa.
Rats have been spotted here, but this is India, where aren't they? Nearby is a colorful place where they fry spicy corn. But the most interesting thing is not that it is fried, but that there is no trash can nearby. For what? After all, there is a cow that stands and waits for you to finish eating and for her to get a delicious cob. In general, the juice center in Chapora is in first place in the ranking of what to visit in North Goa on your own.
Relish Unique Dining & Bar (Calangute)
- Address: Calangute-Baga Rd, Fahrenheit Lane, Khobra Waddo, Baga, Goa 403516, India
Where to go in Goa in Calangute? Great restaurant on the way to the beach serving seafood and traditional Indian dishes... reasonable prices, as well as vegetarian, Chinese and European. Compared to Sheki on the beach - 2 times cheaper. Here you can order a frying pan with mixed seafood for 550 rupees (Mix seafood slizzer). For comparison, on the beach the price of such a dish is 1200 rupees.
You can also try seafood salad for 220 rupees, house wine for 115 rupees and much, much more. The service is fast and unobtrusive. Menu in Russian. The establishment has two dogs who carry a folder with a bill. Yes, yes, the dog brings the bill! This is India, baby! With any order you receive a compliment from the establishment - crispy flatbreads and sauce.
Relish is the second place to go in North Goa on your own with friends or a couple.
Xavier’s beach cafe (Calangute-Baga)
- Address: Titos Ln, Below Sea View Cottage, Saunta Vaddo, Calangute, Baga, Goa, 403516, India
If you are interested India Goa, where to go and what to visit in Goa, then a great shek for , good service, a large selection of menus, massage services (600 rupees) and so on - this is “Xavier’s”.
During the day, the establishment operates as a beach cafe, where everyone relaxes under a sun lounger.
And when the sun sets, they set up tables on the beach, turn on the lights and music, the atmosphere is simply fantastic. Prices are high, but the sea view is worth it.
A great place to hang out both day and night in India in North Goa, one minute from Titos Lane, you can leave the club and cool off at this cafe. True, it gets cold at night. “Xavier’s beach cafe” ranks third on what to visit in Goa on your own.
Curlies Beach Shack in Anjuna
- Address: Near Flea Market, Grande Peddem, Anjuna, Goa 403509, India
One of the most famous sheks and clubs in , close to the Lilliput Club and the day market, where a trip to North Goa on your own is highly recommended. It was Anjuna that was the center of the hippie movement and it was here that the Goan trance music movement was born. It was here that hippies and Rastafarians first settled. And even the market next to Curlis, Anjuna Flea Market, was formed thanks to the hippies who, many years ago, started selling their things here to raise money for tickets. Now there are no more hippies at the market, only Indians who came to this location many years ago sell.
Young people and others flock to Kerlis to attend a party right on the beach. Mostly Goan trance plays here, there are also techno parties. DJs come from Russia and other countries. The audience is varied, but there are quite a lot of Russians. The cafe on the second floor has an excellent chill-out area, where guests take off their shoes and sit on mattresses and pillows, and some just lie down. After walking a few steps, you can attend a trance party. The Kerlis shack closes at 4 am, while the disco continues until dawn. Good parties mainly on Mondays and Thursdays. But it’s better to take friars and look at the schedule. “Curlies” is the fourth place to visit in Goa, India for nightlife lovers.
“Cubana night club” (Arpora)
- Address: Arpora Hill, North Goa, Goa, 403507, India
“Cubana” is one of the most famous nightclubs in Goa and one of the most fashionable, also aimed at Europeans, since there is a so-called “white zone” - Deep point, where only white people, or very rich Indians, are allowed . This is another place in Goa that is worth visiting on your own with friends or alone.
The club is located on Mount Arpora with fantastic views. The music here is more aimed at European tourists and there is no trance. Mainly Eurodance and pop. On Wednesdays there is a party with unlimited alcohol, free entry for girls, 1300 rupees for couples. The club itself accommodates about 1,500 guests, there is a swimming pool, a main dance floor (for Indians), a Deep point area (for whites) and a VIP area. Who gets into which zone of the club is decided by the one who puts the stamps. He puts one stamp on Indians, two on white people and three on VIPs. I don’t know how many seals you will receive, but at least two if you are a white person. In general, the system is a little racist, but it attracts white people who like their special status in this establishment. According to the club's owners, Deep Point is open to all nationalities, but they choose the most fashionable. In fact, I didn’t see any Indians there. Club Cubana in Goa, where you can ride a bike from anywhere, is also recommended for visiting.
Now you know, where to go in Goa on your own. India is an interesting and alluring country. And Goa is the most tourist part of this country, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. It’s not surprising, because in Goa, places worth visiting are located literally at every step. To experience the atmosphere of real Goa, I advise you to take a bike, also known as a scooter, this will make your logistics easier and will help you be independent and self-reliant. Visit Calangute in Goa, Relish Cafe, Beach , where you can go by bike in 5-10 minutes. Here, next to Titos Lane, you can relax in the Xaviers Shek, which is a must-visit in North Goa, because here you can sunbathe, watch the sunset and spend the evening on the beach. And of course, bookmark the site.
Arriving in Goa, you will, of course, run to the sea. Well, how else? For the sake of long sandy beaches and the warm whispering sea you rushed here, three to nine lands away…. But Goa is not famous for the sea alone. The atmosphere is what attracts you here again and again. The soul rests here.
Although, there are definitely some people who did not like Goa, but, I believe, this is solely because no one was able to present it correctly - it was not possible to meet knowledgeable people, and on excursions you come across pioneers just like you.
And I also discovered this rule: than better hotel you choose, the chances are that you will like Goa less. This is due to the fact that at first Goa shocks the tourist, and good hotel only makes the condition worse. It’s as if he’s saying: “Look how good I am. Why do you need real life? And the tourist hides in the clean and cozy interior of the hotel, preferring this to something new and, for now, incomprehensible. From this point of view, tourists who come to middle-class hotels or even guesthouses are considered to be in an advantageous position. They don’t sit in their room or by the pool - they go in search of the unknown and adapt faster, and soon fall in love with the world and local way of life.
So, in order to understand why Goa is so attractive, why people come back here again and again and not only on vacation, but even to live for a season, I recommend a list of must-sees (must-sees) of 15+ places. This is like a guarantee that your vacation will be incredibly amazing and educational, and when the time to leave comes, you will not want to leave here and will come up with 1001 reasons to stay. If that's what you want, these are the places.
- Arambol.
Arambol is already a cult place, so one time/day is not enough to see everything, but, nevertheless, here are the main places:
There are many places to go here:
a) a banyan tree in the jungle, where Hindu saints sit - sadhus surrounded by As old-timers like to say - under this tree the famous Beatles wrote their song “Yellow Submarine”.
b) sweet lake (lake with fresh water) - from it to the sea there are only a couple of tens of meters! A pleasant place surrounded by tropical trees. 
c) Sunset Market is an event with a cool atmosphere that takes place every evening during the season. From about five in the evening until dark, dozens of foreign sellers of their handmade goods (handmade products) appear on the beach, as well as the exciting sounds of drums, guitars, hangpans and the mesmerizing voices of vocalists, yogis and yogini, jugglers and firemen practicing their skills for everyone. eyes... 
2. Chapora.
a) Juice center.
This is more history than juice. This small place is decades old, there is practically nowhere to park or sit, but the number of people who want to go is not decreasing. Although the juices are good, so what. And the prices are pleasant, especially after the beach ones. But people mainly come here to chat, find out news, smoke... The contingent here is so diverse and unusual that they brought the juice a long time ago, but you have no time for it;)) 
b) Fort at Chapora/Vagator.
From him beautiful view to Vagators beach and the sea. This is creepy popular place among Indian youth, since the fort was featured in several films. 
3. Night market in Arpora.
Every Saturday there is a huge event in Arpora. There is even a saying regarding this market: “If you have lost someone, you will certainly find them here.” Sellers from all over the world come here to offer their unique goods. And it’s even more difficult to say about the number of local sellers - tea, spices, saris, bedspreads, Indian jewelry, soap, silver jewelry, leather goods, hammocks, handmade dolls, masks... But besides the market itself, there is a stage where famous musicians and artists perform for free. You can go to the market completely hungry because there is everything from food here - sushi, pizza, burgers, salads, grilled chicken, cakes, ice cream. In addition, there are several dance floors.
4. Cafe Curlis on the beach. (Curlie's)
Goa is changing every year, becoming upset, becoming urbanized. But there are establishments that were, are and will be. Curlie’s is one of these establishments. A two-story restaurant on the seashore will provide not only delicious dishes and a chic view, but also the opportunity to plunge into the hippie era. Trance-style parties await you on Tuesdays. 
5. Hilltop Club in Vagator. (HillTop)
Parties are always here mass event. People, music, surroundings will all remain in your memory for a long time.
6. German Bakery Cafe in Anjuna.
A very cozy cafe and a calm atmosphere combined with proper nutrition make this establishment the best of its kind.
Source: www.goaprism.com 7. Fort Reis Magos.
My favorite fort in Goa. The small fortress has recently been restored. It offers a magnificent view of Panaji and the Mandovi River. 
And also within the walls of the fort there is an excellent gallery of the famous artist Mario Miranda.
8. Portuguese district of Foentenhaz in Panaji.
The Latin Quarter will take you from an Asian town to colonial Europe in a matter of seconds. Bright large Portuguese houses, narrow streets, flowers in pots on the windowsill, Portuguese names, a chapel, a bridge and a well still retain their original appearance.
9. Old Goa.
The former capital of Goa - Old Goa still retains its majestic appearance. Churches, arches, squares are all so amazing that you begin to doubt whether I’m in India?! And besides, Old Goa is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. 
10. Palolem Beach.
The crescent shaped beach, a million palm trees along the sea and the cliffs will take your heart away. This beach is in the tourism industry south goa occupies a leading position, so here you can find everything you want: boat trips to remote beaches, snorkeling, dolphins, kayaks, various excursions, guesthouses and restaurants for every taste and budget, Internet cafes, grocery stores, designer clothes and souvenirs.
11. Tito’s Line in Baga.
The main street of Baga, leading to the sea, is crammed with clubs and restaurants: Tito’s, Mambos’s, Capetown, Kamaki, etc. This is one of the most famous streets, famous nightlife, and the number of wealthy Indian tourists is off the charts. 
12. Banyan tree in Mandrem.
The Banyan tree is incredible, unusual, cosmic, mysterious, alien, endless, all-consuming... in general, you can choose a lot of epithets, but, as the proverb says, “It’s better to see once than to hear a hundred times.” Banyan trees can be seen in many places in Goa, but Mandrem has the largest one. 
13. Fort Redi.
The abandoned and destroyed fort on the seashore still attracts attention not only ordinary tourists, but also professional photographers, because life and death combine there... Grasses and trees full of life curl around the hard and cold stones.
photo: Sergey Puzankov 14. Paradise Beach.
Undoubtedly, with the increase in organized tourist flow, Goa is acquiring all the signs of a civilized beach resort, expensive all-inclusive hotels appear (in South Goa), local tourist shops come up with new tourist routes, prices are rising, etc. But not everything is so bad, because it’s worth moving a couple of steps away from resort areas and you are already in the real India with its incredibly colorful markets and crowded public transport. It is worth going deep into the state and you will find yourself in a real jungle and see real Indian life.
Goa can offer everyone an interesting way to spend time on vacation; will anyone like endless ones? the deserted beaches of South Goa, while others will choose the tourist crowd of Calangute. If the sea and beach holiday If you get bored, then go to Old Goa or Portuguese Panaji, there you will feel like you are not in India.
If in tourist area If you have already bought all the “fridge magnets”, then go to the brightest Goan market in Mapsa, where you will definitely have fun.
All Goan attractions can be divided in several ways, by territorial location (north, center, south of Goa) and by the degree of their origin (natural, historical, religious, cultural, etc.).
Sights of North Goa
North Goa State concentrates the entire tourist life, it is in the north of Goa that the most fashionable clubs and discos are located, it is in the north of Goa that numerous hippies searched for the meaning of life in the 70s, it is in the north of Goa that tourist life is always in full swing.
Fort Aguada
The Aguada fortress consists of several parts, some of which are still used today for their intended purpose. So on the territory of Fort Aguada there is a real Goan prison, in which prisoners languish, many of whom are not Indians at all. The upper part of Fort Aguada is used as a museum and is open to the public, and in the lower part of Fort Aguada there is a five-star hotel from the Taj family (palace hotels).
The lower part of Fort Aguada is located on the edge of Candolim Beach, which can be reached by public transport.
Market in Anjuna
The famous flea market in Anjuna is an echo of the Goan past, it was here that numerous hippies of the 70s sold everything they had left to earn money for a return ticket home.
Banyan tree in Arambol and Sweet Lake
The famous Arambol Sweet Lake will captivate you with its views; it is from this lake that the path through the jungle to the Arambol banyan tree begins, under which various mysterious personalities live.
Hill in Arambol
Spice plantations
There are many spice plantations in Central Goa, most of which you can visit on your own (Sahakari spice plantation). Tours run from morning until late evening; on some plantations you can look at elephants, and the elephants will look at you.
Naval Aviation Museum
If you are a true patriot of Russia, then the Naval Aviation Museum in Goa should be a must on your trip to Goa.
Goa State Museum
This small archaeological museum in the capital of Goa was opened on June 18, 1996, the opening ceremony was attended by the President of India. Be sure to visit this cozy and completely free museum.
Goa State Library
There may be different associations with Goa, but you never expect to see in this small tropical state an ultra-modern five-story glass and concrete library building, with the most advanced technologies for storing books. I was surprised.
Old Goa
Old Goa was the capital from 1510 to 1847, around those times it was fashionable to build grandiose churches and cathedrals, of which there are every step of the way in Old Goa. View all Old Goa You can do it in a few hours, but take your time and give this place as much time as it deserves.
The capital of Goa is Panaji
After dark times and terrible epidemics, the Portuguese government of Goa moved to the city of Panaji, which still remains the capital of the state. If you want to see a piece of Portugal in India, then take a walk through the old districts of Panaji. You will definitely fall in love with these narrow, colorful streets, snow-white churches and tiny chapels.
Safa Masjid Mosque
Safa Masjid is the most beautiful mosque in Goa, it is located on the outskirts of the city of Ponda, you can visit it on the way to one of the must-see attractions of south Goa (Dudhsagar Falls, Bondla Nature Reserve, spice plantations).
Sights of South Goa
The most relaxing and romantic holiday awaits you in the very south of Goa, there are several five-star hotels with excellent service on an all-inclusive basis, and if you go even further south you will get to the very beautiful beach Goa, Palolem beach.
Goa is the most small state India, however, it is the one that attracts the majority of foreign and local tourists. There are many reasons for this and they are different for each tourist: beaches, prices, food, yoga, freedom, etc. But besides all this, there are also attractions in Goa, which would be a big omission not to see.
Everyone knows that Goa is divided into North and South and is such a divider. Despite the fact that Goa is called the smallest state, the distances here are not at all childish: to get from North Goa to North Goa you need to cover 100 km along winding, bumpy roads.
Almost all the attractions are located in North Goa or close to it. Therefore, from the point of view of the cultural program, it is more profitable to settle there. We ourselves are at the northernmost and most party place - Arambol.
There are several ways to get to attractions:
- Buy an excursion at a travel agency. A simple but expensive way. And walking in a crowd of other tourists is also a small pleasure.
- Rent a bike. The most convenient and cheap way. Renting a bike in Goa costs 200-250 rupees per day. As a rule, there are no problems with the police. In 3 weeks, we were stopped by the police only once, and we got off with a fine of 200 rupees. But this method is good if you don’t need to travel long distances. 100 km in each direction along the rough Goan roads will seem like torture to anyone.
- To rent a car. But you need to take into account that all cars in India are right-hand drive, so it will be unusual. And the roads are narrow. It’s somehow easier to overcome this on a bike (of course, if you don’t go to Mumbai or Hampi on it).
- Rent a taxi with driver. Of course, you can take a taxi to each attraction separately, but it will be much more profitable in terms of money and time to agree with the driver for the whole day and draw up a route of what you can visit during that day. We did this when we went to Dudhsagar Falls, combining its visit with a visit to the elephant village. This service will cost 2000−3000 rupees per day, depending on the route.
What to do in Goa? Of course, explore it!
In this article we will talk about what sights of Goa we managed to visit during the 3 weeks we were there.
Attractions of Goa on the map (in Russian):
Built in the 18th century by the Portuguese conquerors. To get to the fort, you need to climb the red embankment for about 10 minutes. Therefore, if you are planning to visit this attraction, I advise you not to repeat our mistakes and wear comfortable shoes.
Climbing to the walls of the fortress
Having climbed the mountain, we get straight to the gate in the form of an arch. Local traders hide from the sun here.
In fact, only the walls remained from the fort, and even then not everywhere. But the view from it is magnificent.
Inside the fort you can see only the remains of a church:
And endless fields:
Not far from the Chapora fort there is Vagator beach (it can even be seen from the fort) and another attraction - the face of Shiva (more on that below).
Chapora Fort is located 20 km from Arambol. Getting there is very easy with a rented bike.
Fort Chaporta on the map (how to get there from Arambol):
Shiva's face on Vagator beach
Vagator beach itself is beautiful: there are many huge boulders extending into the sea, against which you can arrange a great photo shoot. There are also a lot of cows here.
Ever seen a smiling cow?
But this beach is famous, first of all, not for cows and rocks, but for the face of the god Shiva, carved directly on one of the boulders. Next to the face it is already quite difficult, but you can still see the obligatory attributes of Shiva - a necklace of skulls (symbolizing victory over the flesh) and a cobra (symbolizing cosmic energy and immortality).
The face of Shiva was carved in the 70s by the Italian master Antonia Caroli. He was a hippie and loved India so much that he came to Goa from Italy on foot. At first, he spent the night on the same Vagator beach where he created the famous creation. Afterwards he married a Russian girl, had children and stayed to live in Goa. By the way, he still lives here and works at the local museum in Apore.
Finding the face of Shiva is not so easy. To find it, we asked locals for directions. Having gone down to the Maly Vagator beach along the stairs, you need to go left to the end, there will be a cafe there. And on the back side of one of the boulders you will find the famous statue. You can identify that same boulder by the trident sticking out of it.
The stone is worn away by the waves and Shiva’s face looks worse every year. In 2010, a large piece broke off from his chin. Who knows how long Shiva's face will be a landmark in Goa. In any case, it, unfortunately, does not last forever.
Actually, Shiva's face is not that big
Redi Fort and Paradise Beach
In fact, these are not the sights of Goa, but of another, neighboring Indian state of Maharashtra. But it is only 15 km from Arambol, so getting there is easier than getting to many places in Goa itself.
The real name of Redi Fort is Yashwantgad Fort, but it is most often called by the name of the village of Redi in which it is located.
Redi Fort made a strong impression on us: a dilapidated castle, entwined with tree roots. We saw a similar takeover of civilization by the jungle in the famous Cambodian complex.
The Yashwantgad fort was built by the Indians back in the 16th century as a strategic defense site. However, during its existence it was repeatedly captured by both the Portuguese and the British.
Its territory is very vast: you can walk here freely for an hour. Thanks to the trees, Redi Fort is in the shade and is a real pleasure to explore. The walls, stairs, arches, passages and wells are well preserved here. You can easily imagine how people lived here 400 years ago. 
To get to Redi Fort from Arambol you need to cross the Terekkhol River. Previously, this could only be done by ferry, which operated without a schedule. Now a convenient wide bridge (Kiranpani Aronda bridge) has been built across the river. After the bridge, you will need to cross a police checkpoint (they never paid attention to us there, despite the fact that we were entering another state).
Redi Fort on the map and how to get to it from Arambol:
There is a small beach (called Redi Beach) and a cafe near Redi Fort. But it’s better to swim not here, but on Paradise Beach, which is located across a small strait.
Redi Beach: no the best place for swimming
Since it is impossible to cross the strait on a bike, you will have to make a 10-kilometer detour to get to the famous paradise paradise beach Scourge.
But having made this road, you will be rewarded with a gorgeous, almost empty beach with pine trees and beautiful shells.
Paradise Beach in Goa
How to get to Paradise Beach from Ready Fort:A big banyan tree and a woman under it
There is also such an unusual attraction in Arambol as an old man sitting under a large tree. More precisely, a woman under a banyan tree. Baba (with emphasis on the last syllable) is a very respected and revered person in India. The old man sitting under the banyan tree has become a local landmark for 44 years, and hundreds of tourists come to see him every day.
You can talk to a woman, ask questions on intimate topics. An enlightened elder will answer them and help in solving some problems. Initially it was like this. But today the place under the banyan tree is no longer sacred; mostly people come here to smoke hashish with the famous grandfather. Read more about the famous Arambol baba
Goa is the smallest of all Indian states. In terms of the number of attractions, it is difficult for it to compete with other, much larger regions of the country. However, there are plenty of remarkable places here that are worth paying attention to.
First of all, the attractions of India in Goa include natural objects and nature reserves, which are sufficient even in such a small area. And while most of them are common to Goa and neighboring states (particularly Karnataka), some of them are specific to Goa.
This is the largest reserve in the state, occupying 240 square meters. km of territory. It is located on the slopes of the Western Ghats mountains, which are natural border of the states of Goa and Karnaka. This territory received the status of a reserve in 1969, and a little later, in 1978, its central part, occupying almost half of total area, became a National Park called Mollem.
Bhagwan Mahavir is interesting for his incredible diversity of vegetation and animals. We can thank the high average annual humidity for this. Frequent rains constantly replenish water sources, and they, in turn, make it possible to grow here a huge number trees and shrubs. Moreover, their crowns are so tightly closed that grass cannot grow on the ground due to lack of light.
The fauna is also very widely represented. First of all, these are, of course, the kings of the local forests - leopards and bengal tigers. Of no less interest are the graceful axis deer and a host of other smaller animals. An impressive number of varieties are presented and birds.
A jeep is the most optimal means of transportation around the territory. Only on this vehicle You can get to the architectural landmarks of the reserve - the temples of the Kadamba dynasty and no less remarkable natural sites - the Devil's Canyon, Tambdi Falls and Dudhsagar Falls.
One of the popular attractions in North Goa. The waterfall got its name from the color of its falling water, which appears white. Literally translated, its name sounds like this: “milk ocean.”
The total length of the waterfall, cascading down several rocky terraces, is 603 meters, and its height is 310 meters. Such impressive dimensions allowed it to be included in the hundred highest waterfalls in the world. Its water enters the purest Mountain Lake, in which you can swim.
The best time to visit Dudhsagar is the winter months, when it is not so hot and there are no monsoon rains.
Watch the video “Dudhsagar Waterfall”
This place is considered the smallest in the state of Goa. Its area is only 8 square meters. km. Due to its size, the Bondla Nature Reserve resembles a garden rather than the jungle in which it is located. However, this territory is tourist center state. Adding to the beauty are two rivers - Madkhel and Rangao - flowing here.
It is most popular among families with children, since in the reserve you can look at various animals up close, some of which live in enclosures ( leopards, bison, bison and others), and some calmly stroll among the gawking tourists. Fans of even more exotic things can rent an elephant and ride it. True, it costs extra money.
In addition, the Bondla Nature Reserve is a paradise for ornithologists and simply bird lovers. There are a great variety of them here, including some unique ones, such as Indian peacock.
Another tourist site on the territory of the reserve was discovered during the construction of a zoo there. Builders stumbled upon something in the jungle Indian temple ruins, which contained stone slabs with Hindu deities carved on them. They were hidden in a temple lost in the jungle so that they would not be destroyed by the Portuguese inquisitors. Now the found slabs are kept in the Bondla Nature Reserve.
About 20 km from the administrative center of Goa - the city of Panaji - there is a small village of Priol. There is a very beautiful and most visited temple in the state - Mangesh. The Hindu god Mangeshi is one of the incarnations of the powerful god Shiva. The main shrine of the temple is considered to be Linga Mangeshi, which is a stone containing the divine essence, which was consecrated at one time by Brahma himself.
The temple building is a real work of art of Indian architects. It is difficult to name the main attraction of this religious building, because it is amazingly perfect everywhere. But still, its most beautiful buildings are considered to be the one standing at the gate seven-story white tower and graceful columns. In the main hall of the temple there are 19th century chandeliers of the finest workmanship, and the room itself can simultaneously accommodate 500 people. Near the main building there is oldest building complex - a temple pond.
The Mangesh Temple is active and contains special rituals - pujas - are held daily. Once a week, the main temple idol is carried through the streets of the village. Unfortunately, due to inappropriate behavior of foreign tourists, visitors have recently stopped being allowed inside the temple. But even from the outside to look at such a beautiful monument Indian architecture worth a lot.
On the northern bank at the mouth of the Tirakol River there is a military fortification - Fort Tirakol (in the local dialect Terekkhol). This is the most Northern part state of Goa. It was built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsla- Raja Sawantwadi in the 17th century. North Shore The river was chosen for the fort due to the fact that from there there was an excellent view of the waters of the Arabian Sea and the nearby coast.
Inside the fort there was a chapel and barracks for the military unit that was on duty there. The armament consisted of 12 fortress cannons. But in 1746, the Portuguese, led by the Viceroy of India Pedro Miguel de Almeida, started a war against the Raja Maharaja. After a series of battles, including naval ones, the Maharajah lost the war, and the fort passed into the hands of the Portuguese, who almost 20 years later it was completely rebuilt.
Because of advantageous position fortifications, there was a constant struggle for its possession, and at times very bloody. In those wars, along with the people, the fort itself suffered greatly. True, it was quickly restored later. The Portuguese ruled until 1961, when the fort finally came under Indian mandate. The chapel inside Tiracol was eventually rebuilt into a full-fledged church, now bearing the name of St. Anthony.
IN given time The fort has been rebuilt into a cozy hotel, next to which is the northernmost beach in Goa.
The main attraction of South Goa is.
Of course, the listed objects do not end the list of interesting places in the state of Goa. Temples from pre-colonial times, Portuguese churches from the colonial era, Anjuna market, beaches and nature reserves... To list them all, you would have to write a whole book. But this is just the smallest Indian state. I would like to note that excursions are organized to all the sights of Goa, so getting there to see and remember for a lifetime is not difficult. All it takes is desire.
Sights of Goa photo
Below are some photos of the sights. Let's look and admire!