Goa is Much More Than Booze & Sun Burns! Here are the 10 Best Places for You to Visit in Goa in 2020

What do you think attracts people from all over the world to this small Indian state? Why is everyone so excited to get here?

Here are a few reasons - Goa has a super relaxed vibe. Everyone here is relaxed and not in a hurry to do things. Nothing is a problem here. This makes the place serene and calm. Another reason why Goa is filled with people at all times is because of the beaches. It has beaches everywhere, and you can enjoy nature wherever you turn your eyes to. The other reasons are the architecture, partying culture, backwaters, Portuguese history, regional food, and, of course, the people!

So what is the best time to plan your trip to Goa? Well, if you base your trip on these suggestions, then your trip surely will be a successful one!

Calangute beach, known as the ' Queen of Beaches', caters to all types of travellers. This beach is the biggest and the most popular one in North Goa. In addition to offering the beautiful scenic views of the surrounding landscapes, it acts as the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city noises. Calangute beach has a lot to offer to the tourists who visit here, from beer to food to junk jewellery, pawn items, clothes, and trinkets, etc.

Moreover, the beach is lined with palm and coconut trees with Arabian sea acting as the perfect backdrop. People often visit this beach to experience the sunrises and the sunsets which are a speciality of this beach.From ancient style buildings to food and drinks, this beach has it all. The best time to visit Calangute beach in Goa is between late October to February. Watersports available in Calangute beach are parasailing, banana ride, bumper ride and jet ski. Ensure that you carry an extra set of cotton clothes and a cap and a bottle of sunscreen so that you are ready for everything that comes along your way. Also, keep only a minimum amount of cash with you because it might get stolen easily as the beach is a crowded area.

In Goa, there is no dearth of water-related activities. However, while different beaches in Goa offer the tourists different options for water-related activities, they are not all found at the same place. This is not the case in Grand Island. It is the nirvana of Goan water- sports. There is just so much to be experienced here, from diving to fishing to snorkelling. Scuba diving in Goa is the most popular activity because it offers so much in terms of underwater exploration. You can find shipwrecks here as well as some reefs.

Experienced and beginner divers both find something to satisfy in Grand Island. End your day with fishing and barbeque of the produce you've caught. A day trip usually lasts from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, but it can be negotiated. Ensure that you carry all your swimming and beach essentials and also an extra pair of clothes for the day. This will be a day you will never forget in your life!

Shri Mangeshi Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Mangeshi is a form of Lord Shiva who is recognised only in Goa. This temple is a significant tourist attraction in the state and is a great place to visit for the tourists who want to experience Goa but want to keep away from the westernised beaches. Built in 1560, this temple was named as Mangeshi Linga when it was moved from its original site Kushasthali to Mangeshi following the Portuguese invasion. The current structure that it is today was built 150 years later under the Maratha rule.

Pujas are performed here throughout the day. A set of pujas in the morning which is followed by maha aarti at noon which is then followed by a grand panchopchar at night. Devotees flock the temple at night. The timings to visit the temple are 6:00 am to 10:00 pm but the perfect time to visit this temple would be when the temple is illuminated with dozens of candles at night.

Baga beach is a famous tourist destination in North Goa, which attracts thousands of tourists and watersports lovers to its heart. This beach stays awake the whole night and is aptly known as the "Hometown of Nightlife". It is reputed for its cranky music celebrations, designer shops, mouth-watering food, and adventure sports. The Baga river surrounds Baga town and the sea meeting the river is a view you wouldn’t want to miss!

Dolphins can also be spotted deeper in the blue ocean and there are some spotting trips organised by the local ship owners to spot the dolphins. The best time to visit baga beach is between October and January. Watersports available in Baga beach are parasailing, jet skiing, banana riding, bumper riding, bodyboarding, kneeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, speed boat riding and wakeboarding. Ensure that you carry an extra set of clothes and a hat and very little cash to Baga beach. Keep all your belongings in a waterproof bag.

Fort Aguada is another heritage from the Portuguese which has been standing on the beach facing the Arabian Sea from 1612. It was built to provide defence against the invading Dutch and the Marathas. It used to be a grand fort that could hold about 79 cannons at a time. It was one of the most prized possessions of the Portuguese.

Today, it stands as the famous landmark dividing the Sinquerim beach and the Candolim beach. There is an old lighthouse standing in the fort which was built in 1864, the oldest in shape and size in India. Fort Aguada is the perfect place to spend an afternoon in. You cannot spend your afternoons in the beaches and if you do not wish to spend it in the hotel rooms, go to the fort and explore the architecture of the Portuguese architects. Once you are done exploring it, you can simply sit and let the afternoon pass by while enjoying the sea breezes. Fort Aguada makes the perfect resting point during your visit to the beaches in North Goa.

If you are a true music lover and attending festivals is your thing, then the Sunburn festival is your go-to music festival. It is an annual electronic dance music festival held in Goa, claimed to be the largest gathering of its kind in entire Asia. The festival lasts for over three days and is packed with mind-blowing performances by some of the most renowned DJs of the world. Sunburn festival will have the musical beats to let your hair down, mingle with people from different parts of the world and lose yourself in the aura. It is the purest form of ecstasy. It is usually hosted on Vagator beach, Goa. The timings for this festival are 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the most important of all the tourist places and the central landmark for all the catholics. It is the place where the incorrupt body of St. Francis Xavier is kept. The church was built in 1605, and the body was kept in it in the year 1622, where it has laid ever since in its glass mausoleum. The body is the greatest attraction of the Basilica. A gallery of Modern Art is also part of the Basilica. The building is constructed in Baroque style and is considered one of the best examples of Baroque style architectures in India. For the best experience of tradition, visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa during December when the feast and the novena take place along with the Christmas celebrations. The Basilica is located in Old Goa and can be reached from Panaji by hiring a cab or a scooter.

Tito's Club is counted amongst the most popular nightlife venues in Goa. It is best known for hosting some of the most amazing events in the region. Tito's Club is highly recommended if you want to allow yourself to live your innermost desires and spend your night dancing and drinking! Club Tito's is located close to Baga Beach, and it features an impressive lineup of international as well as Indian DJs, playing a fantastic selection of music.

In addition to the energetic music, the state of the art audio and lighting arrangements at the club add a lively atmosphere making it a perfect spot for enjoyment. The timings of this club is from 6:00 pm to 3:00 am. So, let loose and enjoy yourself in Club Tito's.

Chapora fort was once a substantial commanding structure and a site where many battles were fought. It was passed from the hands of Portuguese to the Indians and back several times during its long history. However, today it makes for an amazing tourist spot in Goa. Chapora Fort, as it is now, was constructed in the year 1717. The Fort rises on the banks of River Chapora and commands a great view of its surroundings.

This is what led to the many battles for its possession in the past. The view from the fort is breathtaking. Do spend a couple of hours exploring the fort and if you feel energetic enough, take a walk from the fort to the sea and enjoy the sea breezes. Carry your own food as there aren't any food providers nearby. This fort is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm all days of the week.

Deltin Casino is Asia’s largest floating casino and is the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers, casino-enthusiasts, and adrenaline junkies. It can be found on the Mandovi River in Goa - the party capital of the country! The place is always full of live entertainment and a fantastic offering of over 970 games. Another great feature is the in-house multi-cuisine restaurant where the food is prepared by the renowned national and international chefs.

You can unwind at the Sky Bar and Whisky Lounge from where you can get an incredible view of the ocean and beaches of Goa. Deltin Royale Casino is a paradise for those interested in casino games. It is a wonderful place to meet new people and make new memories. The best time to visit Deltin Royale Casino would be between November to February. The prices are very conveniently categorised. The Regular Package ranges from INR 3000 to INR 8000. The Premium Package ranges from INR 7000 to INR 12,000. The V.I.P. Package ranges from INR 15,000 to INR 22,000. The Teen Package and the Kids Special Package are additional INR 1,000 per head.