Soft sands, shimmering waters and swaying palms: that is Goa for most people. But there’s more to discover in this tiny yet shining slice of India. Its Colonial past has left it with glorious architecture, and has given its food and culture a distinctive flavour that drips with joie de vivre.
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Goa
Local areas in Goa
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Art and History
Goa Tour Packages by Taj Holidays
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Step back in time
Step back in time
Take a walk down the winding lanes of Fontainhas and Sao Tome, Panaji’s Latin quarter, to appreciate what vintage Goa looked like. Chapels and quaint, vibrantly-painted houses with balcãos and oyster-shell windows lie on either side. Wind up the tour at the pristine and stunning Panaji Church.
Ride The Waves
Ride The Waves
Arambol Beach has the perfect waves for you to try your hand at surfing. They are just high enough to give you a thrill, and most safe for beginners. All you need to do is get in touch with the surf instructors you will find on the beach who will help you conquer the surf in no time.
Marvel at an abandoned city
Marvel at an abandoned city
Old Goa, once the Portuguese capital of Goa, was abandoned after a slew of epidemics, but relics of its past remain in the form of the imposing Basilica of Bom Jesus, which holds the remains of St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, or the Sé Cathedral next door, the largest church in Asia.
Get a Glimpse Of Local Life
Get a Glimpse Of Local Life
Although the Mapusa Market goes about its business all days except Sunday, it is best experienced on a Friday morning, when it is at its bustling best. Vendors and shoppers come from all over Goa, and you will be surrounded by the sounds of zealous haggling for produce and souvenirs.
Browse at the local market
Browse at the local market
Head to the vibrant Mapusa market on a Friday morning where vendors sell all kinds of things ranging from clothing and antiques that make for unique souvenirs.
Find a Hand-Painted Tiles
Find a Hand-Painted Tiles
Azulejos, traditional Portuguese hand-painted ceramic tiles, are iconic Goan symbols. Pick one up at Velha Goa Galeria, where you will find tiles in a range of shapes, designs and colours. The store also has a lovely collection of glass products, and gorgeous ceramic curios.
Discover The Backwater
Discover The Backwater
Settle yourself in a kayak and paddle along the tranquil waters of the Sal River. It’s easier than the more rigorous sea-kayaking, and, along the way, you might even spot some exotic birds. Goa Kayaking also organises night kayaking trips.
Old Goa
Old Goa
Old Goa was, before Panaji, the capital of the Portuguese rulers. Vestiges of its great past remain in the form of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, and the Sé Cathedral, the largest church in Asia. The ruins of St. Augustine’s Church merit a visit, too.
Take home a Goan icon
Take home a Goan icon
Velha Goa Galeria has the prettiest collection of azulejos, traditional Portuguese hand-painted ceramic tiles that can be seen around Goa. You could also browse through their range of glass decanters, tumblers and vases, as well as gorgeous ceramic curios and artefacts.
Conquer the waves
Conquer the waves
Learn to surf with Surfwala at Arambol beach. The waves here are perfect for beginners – high enough to give you a thrill, yet safe enough to learn on. Learn to paddle, push-up, and then jump onto your feet when the moment comes.
Find a Hand-Painted Tiles
Find a Hand-Painted Tiles
Azulejos, traditional Portuguese hand-painted ceramic tiles, are iconic Goan symbols. Pick one up at Velha Goa Galeria, where you will find tiles in a range of shapes, designs and colours. The store also has a lovely collection of glass products, and gorgeous ceramic curios.
Uncover Vintage Goa
Uncover Vintage Goa
Wander through the Latin quarter of Fontainhas and Sao Tome to get a glimpse of the Goa of yore. Chapels and lovely houses awash in yellows, reds and blues lie on either side of the lanes, complete with balcãos and oyster-shell windows. Wind up the tour at the pristine and stunning Panaji Church.
Kayak in the backwaters
Kayak in the backwaters
Easier than the more rigorous sea-kayaking, you can instead paddle on the tranquil Sal backwaters. Along the way, you might spot egrets and kingfishers and even pink-tailed ducks. You might also be able to find a night-kayaking trip.
Explore Paper Wonderland
Explore Paper Wonderland
Paperworks is a dream come true for any stationery-lover. The tiny shop stocks handmade paper in an array of textures and colours, and also has a lovely collection of paper products. Pick from beautiful notebooks, papier-mâché jewellery, light-as-air lampshades and delicate gift boxes, which make for wonderful souvenirs.
Reis Magos Fort
Reis Magos Fort
The oldest fort in Goa, Reis Magos started out as a fortress on the north bank of the River Mandovi. Later, it was used as a prison and then as a hospital, until it was finally abandoned and fell into disrepair. However, since its restoration in recent years, it has gone back to looking its glorious best.
Visit a stately home
Visit a stately home
Braganza House is a slice of living history – the 400-year-old structure is filled with treasures, including beautiful period furniture and Chinese porcelain. Walk through the Great Salon, explore the large ballroom, and gaze at antique European chandeliers adorning the ceiling.
Braganza House
Braganza House
The four hundred-year-old Braganza House in Chandor is steeped in history. Wander through the Great Salon and the colossal ballroom, gaze at antique European chandeliers adorning the ceiling, and admire the vintage gems, such as beautiful period furniture and Chinese porcelain, dotted about the house.
Explore an old fort
Explore an old fort
Situated on the north bank of the River Mandovi, the Reis Magos Fort dates back to 1493, making it the oldest fort in Goa. It was abandoned in 1993, and fell into disrepair. However, the fort was restored and reopened to the public in 2012, and now stands in all its former glory.
Hotels Nearby
Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Goa
Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Goa
Calwaddo, Goa
Calwaddo,
Goa
27.9km from Goa International Airport
This Mediterranean-inspired resort sprawls over 56 acres of lush greenery.
With large deluxe and luxury suites, and villa rooms, coupled with old-world architecture, flower-lined patios and a sunshine-laden atrium make for a perfect romantic or family holiday.
Sink in to luxury at this beach paradise in the sunny state of Goa!
800mts Pristine White Sands Beach Front
Award Winning J Wellness Circle
9-Hole Executive Golf Course
Pet Friendly
Activity Centre for Kids
Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, Goa
Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, Goa
Sinquerim, Candolim
Sinquerim,
Candolim
36.6km from Goa International Airport
Elegant Indo-Portuguese architectural heritage is showcased through Romanesque arches, pillared verandahs and sunny saquãos.
With the beach on side and cocooned in dense foliage, the 142 terracotta-roof suites and villas deliver contemporary luxury in the midst of nature.
Unwind and revel in the captivating Goan paradise!
Fantastic View of Arabian Sea
28 Acres of Landscaped Gardens
Fine Dining
Activity Centre for Children