Panaji is the capital of Goa and is a heritage location with many famous Churches and buildings constructed in Gothic style. Panaji is situated on the left bank of the Mandovi river. The church dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the Chapel of St. Sebastian, the Goa State Museum, the statue of Abbe Faria the Secretariat building, are must-see stops on the itinerary of any tourist.
Calangute Beach is the best known of beaches in Goa. Calangute Beach has a 7 kilometers stretch of golden sand. Curving across the coastline of North Goa, Calangute beach is well liked by people of all ages. Food and drink stalls add to the tourist attractions of the pleasant beach itself.
Dona Paula is another popular beach and is 7 km away from capital Panaji. Name for this beach is derived from the daughter of a viceroy who chose to suicide when forbidden to marry the man who she loved. Hence Dona Paula beach is also called Lovers Paradise. Dona Paula beach offers various water sports activities including water-scooter rides motorboat rides, parasailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, sports fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, harpoon fishing, and yachting.
Anjuna beach hosts trance parties, on moonlit nights. On every Wednesdays there shall be a flea market in Anhuna Beach where trinkets and memorabilia can be bought. This market is also a tourist attraction in Goa and attracts Goa visitors to Anjuna Beach.
Colva and Benaulim Beaches is situated in South Goa and is 20 km from Panaji. These beautiful beaches are silent beaches and more laid back than the more popular beaches near capital Panaji. Colva beach stretches around 20 km and is longest beach in Goa. The festival at the local Churches, Stalls on the beach selling trinkets and bullfights in the vicinity are some of the attractions of these beautiful beaches.
