Attractions in North Goa
The northern part of Goa gained popularity back in60s of the 20th century. This part is known for its constant trance parties and the hippie community that has taken a fancy to these places. Arambol Beach, located in the northern part, is very popular. It gained its popularity due to its beautiful freshwater lake and the unique beauty of the rocks. A famous landmark of North Goa is the flea market, which is located in Anjuna. This market appeared in the 60s. The market works only one day a week - on Wednesdays. These are places where artisans bring their products from absolutely all states of India. In the market you can find products made of bronze, cotton, silver, various wooden crafts. Someone, coming to Goa, strives to visit nightclubs, which are located in North Goa. The town of Calangute is famous for its nightclubs "Mambo" and "Tatos". The most visited and popular is the night club located in Baga. The club, located on the top of a small mountain, is considered the largest and is called "Club Cubana". Baga and Calangute are distinguished by a high level of comfort and European gloss. Here you can easily find many shops with cheap goods and seasonal cafes. It is possible to stay in cheap hotels or guest houses. There is also the only 5-star hotel complex in this part of Goa (Taj Group). There are also shops and restaurants of a higher level. These include "Sinquerim" and "Candolim". Fort Aguada is a particularly colorful place. This is perhaps one of the most famous forts in Goa. It was built in the early 17th century and served as a bastion against German and British attacks. It was never destroyed over the centuries. Thus, all 79 cannons, with the help of which the defense was carried out, and the arches have been perfectly preserved to this day.
Sights of Central Goa
Panaji is considered the modern capital of Goa. Стоит сказать, что Панаджи — это самая маленькая столица во всей Индии. Расположена она на южном берегу реки с названием Мандови. Самым древним и самым красивым считается старый квартал, который носит название Фонтейнес. В Фонтейнесе до сих пор живут потомки первых португальцев. Дорогие и новые постройки расположены на холме Алтиньо. Прекрасный вид откроется, если подняться на самый верх холма, откуда весь город виден как на ладони. Достопримечательностью Центральной части Гоа является церковь Непорочного Зачатия. Именно сюда приходили молиться моряки, отправляясь в плавание. Очень примечательно здание 15 века, имеющее огромные размеры. Называется оно Идалькао Пэлэс и является дворцом династии Адил Шаха. В 1615 году он был перестроен и использовался как форт для защиты Панаджи. В наше время Идалькао Пэлэс занимает секретариат. Обязательно стоит выделить время для похода по магазинам. Главной торговой улицей считается улица 18-го Июня. Здесь можно приобрести качественные сувениры, ювелирные изделия из серебра и золота, изделия дизайнеров Индии, шелковые, хлопчатобумажные и льняные изделия для дома и многое другое. На MG Роуд вы можете найти спорттовары и одежду известных западных марок, таких, как Nike, Levis, Benetton и Lacoste. Обязательно приобретите орехи кешью, индийский чай и местный напиток, который носит название фенни и продается в красивой подарочной упаковке. Неподалеку от Панаджи (в 9 км) располагается старый Гоа, который до прибытия португальцев являлся второй столицей Королевства Биджайпура. Столицей Восточных Португальских владений Старый Гоа стал в 1510 году при Альфонсо де Альбукерке. Объем продаж в Старом Гоа в те времена был примерно такой же, как и в Амстердаме. Гоа тем временем становился и важным религиозным центром. Сегодня еще можно найти некоторые действующие церкви. Множество из ранее существовавших церквей стали сейчас музеями, охраняемыми государством. Самыми известными считаются Церковь Св. Франциска Ксавьера Ассизского, которая является действующей и в наши дни и Кафедральный Собор. Строительство Кафедрального собора продолжалось около ста лет и началось еще при короле Португалии Доме Сибастио. В богатом внутреннем убранстве собора отображалась жизнь Иисуса и святых. Две колокольни увенчивали фасад Собора, но со временем одна из них обрушилась. На второй колокольне располагался самый большой в Гоа колокол — «Золотой колокол», который получил свое название благодаря богатому звуку. Церковь Св. Франциска Ксавьера считается одной из самых интереснейших построек Старого Гоа. Построена она была еще в 1520 году, а перестройке подверглась в 1663 году (как дворец Архиепископа). Внутренне убранство церкви отличается своей привлекательностью. Потолок и стены украшают резные деревянные панели и позолота, а Алтарь украшен прекрасными картинами, написанными по дереву. Особую знаменитость церковь получила за счет того, что в ней хранится нетленное тело Св. Франциска Ксавьера. Франциск Ксавьер был родоначальником христианства в Японии, Китае, Цейлоне и др. Один раз в 10 лет тело Св. Франциска выставляется на всеобщее обозрение (в течение 54 дней). Миллионам людей предоставляется уникальная возможность увидеть его тело. 
Ponda and surroundings as attractions of Goa
The largest city in the eastern part of GoaPonda is considered. It is located at the intersection of major highways, which in recent years has allowed it to become one of the most visited and densely populated cities in Goa. In the vicinity of Ponda, there are a huge number of Hindu temples that are definitely worth visiting. The two main features of Goan Hinduism are combined in the Mangesh Temple. It was erected in honor of the deity Mangesh, who is revered exclusively in Goa. The appearance of the temple combines several architectural styles. The octagonal tower located above the sanctuary, the balustrade design of the roof and the facade, made in the colonial style, prove the Christian influence. The dome of the temple is an element of Muslim culture. A kilometer from the Mangesh Temple is the Mahalsa Temple. It is located in the small village of Mardol. Mahalsa is the Goan incarnation of the god Shiva in the guise of a woman. Among the locals, the temple is very popular, Mahalsa is considered by believers to be the goddess of peace. The temple, namely its interior, simply amazes with its magnificence. Here you can see high windows with shutters, huge wooden columns, silver ornament that decorates the entrance. One of the most famous in Goa is the Shantadurga Temple. It was built in 1738, during the reign of Saz Raja Satara. The temple is located in a very picturesque place. It is always crowded with believers and numerous tourists. One of the incarnations of Shiva's wife Parvati is the Goddess Shantadurga. Parvati, being one of the most influential goddesses, can take both a very sweet image (Shanta) and an evil one (Durga).
Savva Plantation and Dudsagar Falls as India Attractions
Not far from the town of Savva (6 km)There is a plantation that will allow you to get acquainted with the flora of the state of Goa. The area of the plantation is 40 hectares. The plantation consists of both mountainous terrain and plateau. This allows you to grow various types of plants and trees. A tour of the plantation lasts about 1.5 hours. You have the opportunity to see coconut palms, grapefruit trees, tobacco, breadfruit, papaya, interesting jack trees - with fruits that weigh up to 20 kg. In the highlands you can see growing mangoes, bamboo, cocoa, pineapples, nutmeg, cashews. The Savvoy plantation is a great place to buy various spices and souvenirs. In Molem, on the eastern border of the states of Karnataka and Goa, is the Dudhsagar Falls. The cascades of the waterfall fall down from a height of 600 m, and then flow through the Devil's Canyon. This waterfall is considered one of the highest in India. To get to it, you need to get through the jungle. Along the way, you can see wild buffalo, bison and about 300 species of different birds. At the very foot of the waterfall there is a small lake with crystal clear water, where you can swim. There are also nature reserves in Central Goa. One of the smallest is the Bondla reserve, the area of which is 8 km². Wild boars, leopards, monkeys, bison, deer, turtles, crocodiles, porcupines roam freely throughout the reserve. You have the opportunity to observe animals in their natural environment. There is a botanical garden on the territory of the reserve, and even a children's room, which has absolutely all the conditions for the presence of children. You can also ride a small train that will take you past waterfalls, through the jungle, past the ruins of an ancient temple. A few kilometers into the park there is a viewing platform from which you can see bears, leopards, lynx, sika deer and many other animals. It is best to visit the reserve late in the evening or early in the morning.
South Goa Attractions
The southern part of Goa is much more picturesque andmore interesting than the northern one. In the southern part of the state of India there is a huge number of wide and long beaches, palm groves, squeaky sand. This area of Goa is considered the most respectable. It is here that the most expensive hotels of the state of Goa are located. It is worth noting that the infrastructure of southern Goa is noticeably developing - new shops are opening, hotels and clubs are being built. There are many beach cafes on the coast, many of which offer seafood dishes. The center of southern Goa is considered to be Margao - the second most important city after Panaji. Fairs are very popular here, and every Friday two large bazaars open here, where you can buy everything from souvenirs to clothes. This city is known for its stately houses, gardens with an abundance of trees and exotic flowers. The liveliest place in southern Goa is Colva. And if 10 years ago there were only two houses here, now you have the opportunity to see many shops, hotels and restaurants here. Here is a famous, albeit small, cafe-bar with a dance floor. The most romantic beach of Goa is Palolem. White sand, coconut palms - this is what the beach is rich in. There are a large number of cafes, many of which are open until the morning. The Arabian Sea and rivers should be considered the attraction of Goa. Sea and river cruises are very popular here. It is possible to take a trip to the Grand Island. Along the way, you can see swimming dolphins, or you can even swim with a mask and catch fish, from which you can cook lunch. A walk on the Floating Palace is one of the most exciting trips. You will have the opportunity to see various small villages, Catholic cathedrals, Hindu temples located on both banks of the river, as well as rice plantations and palm groves where the local population works.
Things to do around Goa
For those visiting India for the first time, it is essentialIt is recommended to visit Hampi. The usual program takes two days and one night. You can get here by jeeps or by train. The most amazing place in India is considered to be the ruins of an ancient city called Vijayanagar, which are located near Hampi. The city was founded by a Telugu princess and was the former capital of the largest empire in India. Hampi always attracts a huge number of tourists. In a day or two, you can get acquainted with all the sights of this area. The main tourist spots of the city are the village of Kamalapuram and the Hampi bazaar. The ruins of Hampi can be divided into 2 main parts - the Royal Center (located south of Kamalapuram) and the Sacred Center (the area around the bazaar). The part of Hampi, which is called the Royal Center, is noticeably different from the northern territories. This place has collected the most important sights of the city, including the Elephant House and the Lotus Mahal. Lotus Mahal - This is an elaborately decorated pavilion within a walled structure known as a Zenana enclosure. It is a beautiful blend of Islamic and Hindu styles. The structure takes its name from the Lotus bud carved into the center of the domed ceiling. The Elephant House is a huge structure with vaulted rooms. It was once used to house the royal elephants. Further south is the so-called Royal Centre with elaborate water features and various temples. This includes the Virupaksha, an underground temple, and the Royal Bath, which is impressive in size. North of the Tungabadra River is a dilapidated fort called Anegondi. It is nestled amidst rice fields. It is a beautiful place to stroll and enjoy the scenery. There are also many small churches, the most notable of which is the Hanuman Temple, which sits atop a rocky hill. Goa's attractions are diverse and wide. Goa is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful places in India and one of the best world resorts in Asia on the Arabian Sea coast. It will take a lot of time to visit all the attractions, but at least some of them are definitely worth visiting.
