6 Heritage Sites In Goa That Offer A Mix Of Culture And Susegad
When you think of Goa, chances are your mind goes straight to sandy beaches, laid-back shacks, and rave parties that go on until sunrise. But there's a side to Goa that doesn't usually make it into your group chat plans — one packed with crumbling forts, Portuguese-era churches, and time-warped old houses that feel like a slice of another century. If you're looking to add some real character to your next 'susegad' trip, here are some of the best heritage sites in Goa that show off the state's rich, multicultural past, minus the tourist traps and cliches.
Here Are 6 Must-Visit Heritage Sites In Goa:
1. Fontainhas, Panaji
Wander into Fontainhas and you'll swear you're in a European neighbourhood — think colourful, narrow houses with wrought-iron balconies and red-tiled roofs. This UNESCO-recognised heritage zone in Panaji is a leftover from Portuguese rule, and it's one of the few places in India where Latin culture still feels alive. The best way to soak it in? Go on foot. Check out the 19th-century Chapel of Saint Sebastian and make time for local art galleries like Gitanjali. Bonus: the bakeries here serve fresh pao (Goan bread) that beats anything at your hotel buffet.
2. Basilica of Bom Jesus
Yes, it's one of Goa's most famous landmarks, but the Basilica of Bom Jesus actually lives up to the hype. Built in 1605, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier — and they're still visible during special public viewings every decade. The Baroque-style interiors are as grand as you'd expect, with gilded altars, ornate carvings, and enough marble to rival a Roman cathedral. Whether you're religious or not, it's hard not to be impressed.
3. Fort Aguada
Perched on SinQ-famous Candolim beach, Fort Aguada was once a strategic defence post for the Portuguese. Built in 1612, it still looks pretty solid — proof of its solid construction and the occasional coat of whitewash. The 17th-century lighthouse inside the fort adds to the drama, and from the ramparts, you get sweeping views of the Arabian Sea. Pro tip: go at golden hour. The sunsets here are unreal.
4. Reis Magos Fort
Often overlooked in favour of Fort Aguada, Reis Magos Fort is a quiet gem that's been restored beautifully. Located on the banks of the Mandovi River, it's one of the oldest forts in Goa, dating back to 1551. Today, it houses a cultural centre and art gallery, and offers a mix of history and modern design. The views of Panaji and the river below make the climb worth it, especially on a breezy afternoon.
5. Se Cathedral, Old Goa
One of the largest churches in Asia, the Se Cathedral is a short stroll from the Basilica of Bom Jesus, but it's just as impressive. Built to commemorate the Portuguese victory over a Muslim army in 1510, it took over 75 years to complete. Its standout feature? The giant Golden Bell, which is still said to be the largest in Goa. The architecture is a blend of Portuguese-Gothic with Tuscan influences, and it feels more like a cathedral you'd find in Lisbon than on the Konkan coast.
6. Chandor
Swap the crowds for some old-world charm in Chandor, a sleepy village that was once the capital of Goa during the Kadamba dynasty. What sets it apart today are the Portuguese mansions — especially the Fernandes House and Braganza House. These aren't just pretty buildings. Many are still lived in by descendants of the original families, who often give guided tours themselves. Expect grand ballrooms, vintage chandeliers, and stories about Goa's colonial past that you won't find in any guidebook.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Europe Bathing Waters: Most of Europe's bathing waters safe for swimming: Report
News Most of Europe's bathing waters safe for swimming: Report Share AA + Text Size Small Medium Large More than three quarters of bathing waters monitored in the European Union, Albania and Switzerland were of "excellent" quality in 2024, the 27-member bloc's environment agency said on Friday. EU members meanwhile are obliged to monitor popular bathing places from May to September and rank the water quality as excellent, good, sufficient or poor. COPENHAGEN: More than three-quarters of bathing waters monitored in the European Union, Albania and Switzerland were of "excellent" quality in 2024, the 27-member bloc's environment agency said on Friday. All but four per cent met the EU's minimum standard ("sufficient") and just 1.5 per cent were of "poor" quality, the European Environment Agency said in its annual update on the beaches, rivers and lakes that are tested for faecal contamination. Overall, Europe's bathing waters were of the same standard in 2024 as in the year before. The EEA monitors more than 22,000 bathing areas for bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and intestinal enterococci, caused essentially by pollutant run-off from livestock farms and household sewage pipes. "Europeans can confidently bathe in the vast majority of the EU's bathing sites that meet the EU's bathing quality standards," European Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall said. The best bathing waters last year were in Cyprus, where 99.2 per cent were of excellent quality, followed by Bulgaria with 97.9 per cent, Greece with 97 and Croatia with 95.2. The EU-wide average was 85 per cent. Albania came bottom in the ranking, with just 16 per cent of excellent quality bathing waters -- a drop of more than 25 percentage points over the space of a year. Poland was second from bottom at 58.1 per cent, a slight improvement from 2023. In general, beaches were cleaner than rivers and lakes because of seawater's better capacity for renewal. Many of central Europe's inland bathing areas are found in relatively small lakes, ponds and rivers, which are more susceptible than coastal areas to short-term pollution caused by heavy rains, the EEA said. The agency said climate change was expected to increase the intensity and frequency of various extreme weather events, including heavy rains. "In turn, these events will impact bathing water quality through pollution from sewer overflows, floods or surface run-off. "This will come with corresponding potential increased health risks for bathers," it said on its website. The EEA no longer collates data on bathing water in the UK, which left the bloc. But the national Environment Agency found that in 2024, just 64.2 per cent of England's bathing waters were "excellent" and 8.2 per cent failed to meet the minimum standard and were classified as "poor". British water companies, privatised since 1989, have repeatedly come under fire for allowing the discharge of large quantities of sewage into rivers and the sea. EU members, meanwhile, are obliged to monitor popular bathing places from May to September and rank the water quality as excellent, good, sufficient or poor. Of the 321 bathing sites that were recorded as poor in 2023, a fifth had improved by last year. In such cases, authorities must shut the area to bathers the following year and take steps to reduce pollution and health hazards before they can re-open. End of Article Follow Us On Social Media Israel Iran News Modi Bihar Visit Uttarakhand chopper crash Mumbai rain Kerala rains New Tatkal ticket booking rules Lufthansa Flight Russell Wilson Joe Burrow Wayne Gretzky IND vs ENG Test Match Series Live Patrick Mahomes NBA Trade Rumors Jonathan Toews Kevin Durant Myles Garrett NHL Trade Rumors Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In Section Entire Website When Apple founder Steve Jobs gifted brand new Jaguar to secretary after he got late to office; said ... When Apple founder Steve Jobs gifted brand new Jaguar to secretary after he got late to office; said ... Operation Sindoor: After PM Modi sets record straight on ceasefire deal, Donald Trump takes U-turn, says India and Pakistan 'decided' to stop conflict Operation Sindoor: After PM Modi sets record straight on ceasefire deal, Donald Trump takes U-turn, says India and Pakistan 'decided' to stop conflict 'Violation of standard airworthiness…': Days before Air India crash, DGCA warned airline of breaching safety rules on Airbus aircraft: Report 'Violation of standard airworthiness…': Days before Air India crash, DGCA warned airline of breaching safety rules on Airbus aircraft: Report 'Keep my bag or I'll crash the plane': Bengaluru-Surat Air India Express flight delayed as doctor threatens crew; deboarded 'Keep my bag or I'll crash the plane': Bengaluru-Surat Air India Express flight delayed as doctor threatens crew; deboarded 'Told to change statement, then fired': Former Air India staffers claim they exposed Boeing 787 Dreamliner door glitch in 2024; seek PM Narendra Modi's intervention 'Told to change statement, then fired': Former Air India staffers claim they exposed Boeing 787 Dreamliner door glitch in 2024; seek PM Narendra Modi's intervention Amazon gives employees 30 days 'deadline' to …. or resign in 60 days Amazon gives employees 30 days 'deadline' to …. or resign in 60 days 'Just one or two flights left, then I am going to be just with Papa': Air India pilot's last words haunt neighbours as Powai says goodbye to Captain Sumeet Sabharwal 'Just one or two flights left, then I am going to be just with Papa': Air India pilot's last words haunt neighbours as Powai says goodbye to Captain Sumeet Sabharwal 'Not asking for US green light': Netanyahu says Israel will hit all nuclear sites in Iran; quiet on eliminating Khamenei 'Not asking for US green light': Netanyahu says Israel will hit all nuclear sites in Iran; quiet on eliminating Khamenei Air India crash: N Chandrasekaran makes important statement; says AI 171 Boeing 787 Dreamliner had 'new engine', 'clean history' & 'no red flags' Air India crash: N Chandrasekaran makes important statement; says AI 171 Boeing 787 Dreamliner had 'new engine', 'clean history' & 'no red flags' 'My dad tried to kill..': Wayne Gretzky opens up about how his father tried to stop 'The Great One' nickname from sticking When Apple founder Steve Jobs gifted brand new Jaguar to secretary after he got late to office; said ... When Apple founder Steve Jobs gifted brand new Jaguar to secretary after he got late to office; said ... Operation Sindoor: After PM Modi sets record straight on ceasefire deal, Donald Trump takes U-turn, says India and Pakistan 'decided' to stop conflict Operation Sindoor: After PM Modi sets record straight on ceasefire deal, Donald Trump takes U-turn, says India and Pakistan 'decided' to stop conflict 'Violation of standard airworthiness…': Days before Air India crash, DGCA warned airline of breaching safety rules on Airbus aircraft: Report 'Violation of standard airworthiness…': Days before Air India crash, DGCA warned airline of breaching safety rules on Airbus aircraft: Report 'Keep my bag or I'll crash the plane': Bengaluru-Surat Air India Express flight delayed as doctor threatens crew; deboarded 'Keep my bag or I'll crash the plane': Bengaluru-Surat Air India Express flight delayed as doctor threatens crew; deboarded 'Told to change statement, then fired': Former Air India staffers claim they exposed Boeing 787 Dreamliner door glitch in 2024; seek PM Narendra Modi's intervention 'Told to change statement, then fired': Former Air India staffers claim they exposed Boeing 787 Dreamliner door glitch in 2024; seek PM Narendra Modi's intervention Amazon gives employees 30 days 'deadline' to …. or resign in 60 days Amazon gives employees 30 days 'deadline' to …. or resign in 60 days 'Just one or two flights left, then I am going to be just with Papa': Air India pilot's last words haunt neighbours as Powai says goodbye to Captain Sumeet Sabharwal 'Just one or two flights left, then I am going to be just with Papa': Air India pilot's last words haunt neighbours as Powai says goodbye to Captain Sumeet Sabharwal 'Not asking for US green light': Netanyahu says Israel will hit all nuclear sites in Iran; quiet on eliminating Khamenei 'Not asking for US green light': Netanyahu says Israel will hit all nuclear sites in Iran; quiet on eliminating Khamenei Air India crash: N Chandrasekaran makes important statement; says AI 171 Boeing 787 Dreamliner had 'new engine', 'clean history' & 'no red flags' Air India crash: N Chandrasekaran makes important statement; says AI 171 Boeing 787 Dreamliner had 'new engine', 'clean history' & 'no red flags' 'My dad tried to kill..': Wayne Gretzky opens up about how his father tried to stop 'The Great One' nickname from sticking Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Airspace Restrictions in West Asia: As Routes Shift, Flight Fares Goon Steep Ascent
Air fares from India to several international destinations have risen sharply in the past month, travel companies said, potentially intensifying worries for travellers especially families looking to head out for the summer holidays. Airline operating costs are getting impacted by airspace closures due to the Israel-Iran conflict, forcing longer flight detours, and fuel price volatility, the companies said, adding lower seat capacity on certain routes is also weighing on the ticket prices. Fares could rise further if route diversions and impact on flight frequencies continue, the companies said. Europe is likely to see the sharpest fare hikes, especially for routes to France, Germany and UK, said Jatinder Paul Singh, global CEO of Viacation, a travel solutions provider. 'From India, airfares to Europe have gone up by 20–35% between March and July based on forward bookings data.' Singh also noted short-term fare hikes on flights to some destinations in the Middle East. 'In North Asia, Japan and South Korea have also become significantly more expensive to reach,' he said. A one way, non-stop Air France ticket for Delhi to Paris for July 1 costs about Rs 64,000 on a popular travel portal. A one way, non-stop Air India ticket for Mumbai to Japan for the same date costs ₹101, 698 per adult on the same website. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia have resulted in temporary airspace restrictions, leading to longer flight durations on certain routes by two to four hours, increasing operational costs of airlines, and prompting 15-20% fare hikes on certain routes, said Bharatt Malik, senior VP, flights and hotel business at Yatra Online, an online travel company. Last week, Air India diverted or recalled around 16 flights on transatlantic and European routes as Iran closed its airspace after Israel launched an attack targeting its nuclear and military sites. The Iranian airspace currently remains shut to most international flights. A June 15 advisory by IndiGo, India's largest airline, said due to the airspace curbs, flight routes to and from the Gulf region were experiencing congestion which may cause delays on certain sectors. 'As we continue to operate via alternate paths, extended travel times may be expected,' the airline in a post on X. In an update on Thursday, Air India announced a temporary reduction in services operated by Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft from June 21 till at least July 15. The suspended routes include Delhi-Nairobi, Amritsar-London, Goa-London, while routes with reduced frequency include Delhi-Washington, Delhi-San Francisco, Delhi-Toronto, and Delhi-Tokyo. For some carriers, airfares for Dubai and Abu Dhabi are 10-15% higher from a month ago, while those to Japan and South Korea are 5-10% higher, said Abraham Alapatt, president and group head for marketing, service quality, value added services and innovation at travel company Thomas Cook (India).
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Time of India
Ritabhari Chakraborty soaks in the magic of Disneyland Paris
Ritabhari Chakraborty makes the most of her Disneyland vacation Actor Ritabhari Chakraborty is making the most of her European summer as she shared glimpses from her recent trip to Disneyland Paris. Dressed in casual chic attire, Ritabhari looked radiant as she posed against the backdrop of the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle and other whimsical spots around the park. Taking to social media, the actor gave her followers a peek into the fun-filled day, complete with childhood nostalgia, colourful rides, and classic Disney characters. 'Yeah that and the disney magic,' she captioned the post. Fans flooded the comments with heart and starry-eyed emojis. One of them wrote, "Disney Princess in the Disney World," while another person said, "Cinderella in town my God you are such a cutie." Ritabhari's Disneyland diaries are indeed adding a dose of magic to everyone's feed this summer.
