7 Places to Visit in Goa with Family
Goa, located on India’s west coast, is renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture. Once a part of the ancient Hindu kingdoms, Goa came under Portuguese rule in 1510, which significantly shaped its heritage. Portuguese influence is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. After a long period of colonial rule, Goa was annexed by India in 1961. Today, it’s celebrated for its beautiful beaches, lively festivals, and a blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures.
Looking for a great family vacation? Goa is the perfect spot. With its stunning beaches, fun markets, and exciting activities, there’s something for everyone. Relax on the sandy shores, explore vibrant local markets, and enjoy thrilling adventures together. Whether you want to unwind or seek out new experiences, Goa promises a fantastic time for the whole family.
7 Places to Visit in Goa with Family
Goa is a wonderful place for a family trip. It has beautiful beaches, an interesting history, and lots of fun things to do. Here are 7 places to visit in Goa with family:
Calangute Beach
Calangute Beach is one of the most famous coasts in Goa. Many people call it the “Queen of Beaches.” It’s a big, wide beach with golden sand and blue water.
Why it’s famous:
- Beautiful views of the sea
- Lots of fun water activities
- Many shops and restaurants nearby
How to get there: Calangute Beach is about 15 km from Panaji, the capital of Goa. You can take a taxi, rent a scooter, or catch a local bus to get there.
What to do:
- Swim in the sea (but be careful and follow safety rules)
- Try water sports like banana boat rides and another is parasailing
- Build sandcastles with your kids
- Watch the sunset
- Eat at beach shacks
Nearby places:
- Baga Beach is just a quick walk away in the distance
- Anjuna Flea Market is about 8 km from Calangute
When to visit: The beach is open all year, but it’s most popular from October to March when the weather is nice. It can get crowded during this time.
Things to know:
- Bring sunscreen and hats to protect yourself from the sun
- There are lifeguards, but always be careful in the water
- You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas
- Try some Goan seafood at the beach shacks
Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar Falls is a big, beautiful waterfall. Its name means “Sea of Milk” because the white water looks milky as it falls.
Why it’s famous:
- It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in India (310 meters high)
- It’s in a pretty forest area
- It has been in some Bollywood movies
How to get there: Dudhsagar Falls is about 60 km from Panaji. You can take any of the taxis or join a tour. The last part of the trip is on rough roads, so you need a special car (like a jeep) to get there.
What to do:
- Look at the waterfall from different viewpoints
- Take lots of photos
- Swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls (if it’s allowed and safe)
- Look for animals and birds in the forest
Nearby places:
- Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
- Mollem National Park
When to visit: The best time to see the falls is during the rainy season (June to September) when there’s lots of water. Sometimes it’s closed if there’s too much rain.
Things to know:
- The trip can be bumpy, so it might not be good for very young kids
- Wear good shoes for walking on rocky ground
- Bring extra clothings if you want to swim
- There’s a small fee to enter the area
Ancestral Goa
Ancestral Goa is also called the “Big Foot Museum.” It’s an open-air museum that shows what life was like in old Goa.
Why it’s famous:
- It teaches visitors about the traditional Goan culture
- It has a big carving of Saint Mirabai made from one rock
How to get there: Ancestral Goa is in Loutolim, about 10 km from Margao. You can take a taxi or join a tour to get there.
What to do:
- See the model Goan village
- Watch people make traditional crafts
- Visit the spice garden
- Look at the big rock carving of Saint Mirabai
Nearby places:
- Loutolim village
- Shantadurga Temple (about 5 km away)
When to visit: It’s usually open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day.
Things to know:
- There’s a small fee to enter
- It’s a good place to learn about Goan history and culture
- You’ll do a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes
- Bring water, especially if it’s hot
Basilica of Bom Jesus
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a famous old church in Old Goa. It has the body of St. Francis Xavier, an important Catholic saint.
Why it’s famous:
- It’s one of the ancientest churches in the city Goa
- It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site
- It has beautiful architecture
How to get there: The church is in Old Goa, about 10 km from Panaji. You can take a taxi, or bus, or join a tour of Old Goa.
What to do:
- Look at the beautiful inside of the church
- Visit the tomb of St. Francis Xavier
- Admire the building’s design
- Know about the history of Christianity in the city of Goa
Nearby places:
- Se Cathedral
- Church of St. Francis of Assisi
- Archaeological Museum
When to visit: It’s usually open from 9 AM to 6:30 PM every day.
Things to know:
- There’s no fee to enter the church
- It’s a working church, so dress nicely and be quiet
- You can usually take photos, but check the rules
- It can get busy, especially in December during a special festival
Aguada Fort
Fort Aguada is an old fort built by the Portuguese about 400 years ago. It glances out over the Arabian Sea.
Why it’s famous:
- It’s one of the biggest and best-kept Portuguese forts in Goa
- It has a lighthouse that still works
- You can see great views of the sea and nearby areas
How to get there: Fort Aguada is in Sinquerim, about 18 km from Panaji. You can take a taxi or join a tour to get there.
What to do:
- Walk around the fort’s walls and buildings
- Visit the lighthouse
- Enjoy the view of the ocean and nearby shores
- Learn about Goa’s history when the Portuguese ruled
Nearby places:
- Sinquerim Beach
- Candolim Beach
When to visit: It’s usually open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM every day.
Things to know:
- There’s a small fee to enter
- Wear good shoes because you’ll walk on uneven ground
- Bring water and sun protection
- You might be able to climb the lighthouse, but check if it’s open
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest wildlife park in Goa, but it has many plants and animals.
Why it’s famous:
- You can see many kinds of animals and birds
- It has a garden with special plants
- It has a small zoo
- It’s good for nature walks and watching birds
How to get there: Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is about 50 km from Panaji. You can take a taxi or join a wildlife tour to get there.
What to do:
- Go for a walk in nature
- Visit the small zoo
- See the deer park
- Try to spot wild animals (but they might be hiding)
- Visit the garden with special plants
Nearby places:
- Dudhsagar Falls (about 40 km away)
- Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
When to visit: It’s usually open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day.
Things to know:
- There’s a small fee to enter
- Early morning is the best time to see animals
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for walking
- Be quiet so you don’t scare the animals
- Follow all safety rules and don’t feed the animals
Mormugao Beach
Mormugao Beach is a quiet beach near Vasco da Gama city. It’s not as busy as some other beaches in Goa.
Why it’s famous:
- It’s a clean, quiet beach
- You can watch ships coming and going from the nearby port
- It’s nice for evening walks
How to get there: Mormugao Beach is near Vasco da Gama, about 30 km from Panaji. You can take a taxi or local bus to get there.
What to do:
- Relax on the beach
- Watch the sunset
- See big ships in the distance
- Have a picnic
- Look for pretty seashells
Nearby places:
- Bogmalo Beach
- Japanese Garden
When to visit: The beach is always open, but it’s safer to swim during the day.
Things to know:
- There’s no cost to go to the shore
- This beach doesn’t have as many shops and restaurants as some others
- Be careful when swimming because there might not be lifeguards
- Bring your food and drinks
These seven places to visit in Goa with family give you a mix of different things to see and do in Goa. You can enjoy nature, learn about history, and relax on beaches.
Here are some tips for your family trip to Goa
- Check the opening times and rules before you go to each place. These can change sometimes.
- Always follow safety rules, especially at beaches and in wildlife areas.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and water to stay comfortable in the sun.
- Try some Goan food – it’s delicious!
- Take your time at each place. Don’t rush, and enjoy making memories with your family.
- Be compliant with local businesses and the environment.
- If you’re not sure about something, ask a local guide or your hotel staff for help.
Goa has many more interesting places to see, but these seven spots will give your family a good taste of what Goa has to offer. From playing on the beach to learning about history and seeing animals, there’s something for everyone. Remember to take lots of photos and have fun!
Goa’s weather is usually warm, but it can get very hot in summer (April to June) and rainy during the monsoon season (June to September). The best time for most families to visit is from October to March when the weather is nice and not too hot.
When you’re packing for your trip, don’t forget to bring:
- Comfortable clothes and shoes
- Swimwear
- Sun protection (sunscreen, hats, sunglasses)
- Any medicines you might need
- A camera to take photos
- Some cash for small shops and stalls
An Overview
In Goa, you can find all kinds of places to stay, from big hotels to small guesthouses. Many places are good for families and have pools or are near the beach. You can also find places to stay near the spots we talked about in this list. Goan people are usually very friendly and like to welcome visitors. Many people in Goa speak English, especially in areas where there are lots of tourists. This makes it easier for visitors who don’t speak the local languages.
When you’re in Goa, you might want to try some local food. Goan cuisine is famous for its seafood and spicy dishes. But don’t worry if you or your kids don’t like spicy food – you can find all kinds of restaurants in Goa, including ones that serve familiar international food. Getting around in Goa can be fun. You can rent scooters or bikes, take taxis, or use local buses. Some families like to hire a car with a driver for their whole trip. This can be a comfortable way to see many places.
Remember that Goa has a rich history and culture. It was a Portuguese colony for many years, and you can see this influence in the architecture, food, and some local customs. Learning a bit about Goa’s history can make your trip even more interesting.
Lastly, while you’re having fun, remember to be a responsible tourist. Respect the local culture, don’t litter, and be kind to the environment. This will help keep Goa beautiful for future visitors. We hope this guide helps you plan a great family trip to Goa. Whether you’re relaxing on Calangute Beach, watching the powerful Dudhsagar Falls, learning about history at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, or spotting animals at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, you’re sure to have a wonderful time.
FAQs
1. What are the best family-friendly beaches in Goa?
Calangute, Baga, and Palolem Beaches are great for families, offering safe swimming, clean facilities, and various activities for kids.
2. What are some must-visit attractions for families in Goa?
Families should visit Dudhsagar Waterfalls, the Goa Science Centre, and Anjuna Flea Market for exciting and educational experiences.
3. Are there any kid-friendly restaurants in Goa?
Yes, many restaurants like Gunpowder, Britto’s, and Suwadik offer diverse menus and a welcoming atmosphere for children.
4. What activities can we do with young children in Goa?
You can enjoy water sports, visit parks and zoos, explore nature trails, or take part in family-friendly events and festivals.
5. Is Goa safe for families traveling with young kids?
Goa is generally safe for families, but it’s important to follow usual safety precautions, such as staying hydrated, applying sunscreen, and watching children closely near water.
Also Read:
Best Places to Visit in Goa With Family: Explore Together
10 Unique Places to Visit in Goa: The Hidden Gems
References:
https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en.html
