Places to Visit in Goa During Holidays

Goa is a state in the north-eastern part of India. It borders Karnataka on the east and Maharashtra on the north-west.

About Goa

GOA

Goa is the 4th smallest state in India by population and the smallest by area. The state capital is Panaji, the biggest city in Goa, and the state capital of Maharashtra. Goa is also home to the historical city of Margao, which still reflects the cultural influence of the Portuguese. In fact, Goa is one of the most preferred place to visit in India.

Despite the season, thousands of domestic and overseas tourists visit Goa every year for its nightlife, destinations of prayers, white sand beaches, etc. Since Goa is a multicultural state, it celebrates several festivals such as Maha Shivratri, May Day, Holi, Muharram, Diwali, Christmas Day, Goa Liberation Day, Feast of St Francis Xavier, Gudi Padwa, Good Friday, etc.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Goa During Holiday

Panaji

Panaji is situated on the banks of Mandovi River. The city has an attractive land with remarkable scenes to offer. It is a historically important city and still has the influence of Portuguese. Goa Medical College, which was constructed by Portuguese, is the first medical college in the country. The top places to visit in Panaji include Old Goa, Jama Masjid, Idalcao, Miramar Beach, Fort Aguada, Reis Magos Fort, Dona Paula Beach, 18th June Road, Panjim Heritage Walk, Goa State Museum, Shanta Durga Temple, etc.

Vasco Da Gama

Vasco Da Gama is an industrial place in the state of Goa. This largest city is named after Vasco Da Gama, who was the popular Portuguese explorer. The famous tourist points of the city include Pilot Point, Zuari River, Naval Aviation Museum, Velsao Beach, Goa Kayaking-Day Tour, Japanese Garden, etc.

Calangute

Calangute is located in the north of the state of Goa. It is a tremendous spot to come out from the regular life. The tourist points to visit in this city include Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Baga Retreat House, Se Cathedral, Medicinal Springs, St Alex Church, etc.

Mapusa

Mapusa is very close to the famous beaches in the state. The weekly market is organised on every Friday here. You can shop for a huge variety of products. The popular tourist points of the city comprise Sri Kalika Temple, Aldona, Kalacha Beach, Chapora Fort, Aldona, etc.

Margao

Margao is the second biggest town in the state. It is also a commercial centre and religiously important spot. The famous tourist attractions of the city consist Town Square, Colonial Style Villas, Caves of Aquém, Monte Hill, Versão Beach, Jorge Barreto Park, etc.

New Year Day in Goa

We all celebrate New Year's Day on 1 January every year to mark the first day of the year. New Year's Day is a special occasion and people like to celebrate it especially with their loved ones. People throughout India get involved in fun-filled events such as dancing, singing, playing certain games, parties, etc. People exchange the greetings of this special occasion among themselves. New Year's Day is a restricted holiday (RH) in the country. There is no other best place than Goa to celebrate New Year's Day. The popular places to visit in Goa on this special occasion include Club Cubana, Café Mambos, Shaktipat Edition 3, Hilltop, Sinq, Tito's Club, Curlies, Kamaki, Shiva Valley, etc.

Republic Day Celebration in Goa

Republic Day is a national festival celebrated to honour the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect. It falls every year on 26 January. Like other parts of India, Goa also celebrates Republic Day grandly. The main event is organised at Panaji, the capital city. The national flag hoisting ceremony is held at the Parade Ground in Campal. The function is graced by the Chief Minister of Goa, the leader of the opposition, the ministers of the state, the judges of the High Court, the deputy speaker of the assembly and the advocate general.

On Republic Day holiday in Goa, consider visiting the capital city of the state. You can witness a parade held at Panaji. The Governor of the state, who is also the constructional head of the state, receives the solute and also reviews the parade. He will give a speech and present awards. You can also watch various types of cultural programs, mass PT displays and the performances of children. Republic Day is celebrated in several talukas of the state.

Maha Shivratri Celebration in Goa

Maha Shivratri is a prime Hindu festival celebrated in honour of God Shiva. The devotees of God Shiva celebrate this festival by remembering God Shiva, doing yoga, fasting, doing pooja, etc. They also take a visit to the temples of God Shiva. Maha Shivratri is a public holiday in Goa like other Indian states. It was observed on 26 February 2025. The date of the festival may vary, but the festival usually falls in the month of February every year. The locals and tourists will visit the following God Shiva temples on Maha Shivaratri:

  1. Mahadev Temple: One of the oldest temples in Goa is Mahadev Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by Hemadri, the minister of Yadava king Ramachandra. There is a linga in the temple. This linga is a symbol of Lord Shiva. This temple is visited by devotees on the day of Maha Shivratri. If you worship Lord Shiva then you must visit this beautifully built temple on this festival day in Goa.
  1. Shri Damodar Temple: Shri Damodar Temple is located on the banks of the Kushavati River. It is believed by the devotees that the Kushavati River has the power of healing their ills. Do not miss visiting this temple. You have to travel just a distance of 22 kilometres from Margao.
  1. Shri Ramnath Temple: Ramnath is another form of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Rama paid tributes to Lord Shiva before entering Sri Lanka and therefore, Sri Ramnath Temple retains a greater quantum of relevance in the Hindu philosophy. Needless to say, it is a notable temple in the state of Goa and attracts many devotees on Maha Shivaratri, which is a public holiday in Goa.
  1. Sri Rudreshwar Temple: Sri Rudreshwara Temple is known as the shrine of God Shiva. This temple is located in a picturesque place and is visited by God Shiva's devotees all year round. This temple is a special place to visit on the auspicious day (Maha Shivratri) and you can also attend the rituals performed at the temple. From Panaji, the distance to Rudreshwara Colony in Sanquelim is only 45 kilometres.

Holi Holidays in Goa

Holi is a festival of colours celebrated by Hindus across India. It is a spring festival that signifies the triumph of good over evil, the end of the winter and the arrival of the spring. Like other regions of the country, Holi is celebrated in Goa. Holi is called Shigmotsav in this state. Hindus commence festivities by submitting prayers to the village Goddesses and Gods. Holi is spread over 15 days in some places. In Goa, Holi or Shigmotsav is celebrated grandly. Panaji, Vasco and Margao are the famous places to visit during the Holi holidays in Goa. The prime beaches in Goa become colourful on the festival day with a vast number of travellers and locals assembling to mark the day.

Easter Celebrations in Goa

Many Christians reside in Goa. They account for over 25% of spiritual followers and beliefs. Therefore, Easter is widely celebrated across the state. The celebrations will commence on the day prior to Good Friday. On Good Friday, a public holiday in Goa, the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is visited by many people. The church is located in Panjim and organises mass in English and Portuguese and Konkani every day. Considering visiting this church if you are willing to visit Goa.

5 Places to Visit in Goa during Ganesh Chaturthi Holidays

Ganesh Chaturthi is another major Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of God Ganesha. According to the Gregorian calendar, Ganesh Chaturthi falls in the month of August or in the month of September every year. It is a very famous Hindu festival observed in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, etc. The celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi are grand in Goa and the following are the places to visit:

  1. Marcel: Marcel is a small village, which is very popular at the festival of Vinayaka Chaturthi. The unique idols of God Ganesh are designed by the artists who make use of sponge, straw, stone and husk.
  1. Cumbharjua: Over the last few years, Cumbharjua has witnessed the beautifully designed idols of the God. This can be in the list of the places to visit in Goa.
  1. Panjim: For Vinayaka Chaturthi, the capital city of the state lusters bright every year. The idols are not only larger in scale but also creative in nature.
  1. Mapusa: During Vinayaka Chaturthi holidays in Goa, Mapusa attracts many visitors from different parts of the country. It is very popular for its market where can you can shop.
  1. Margao: You are advised to visit Margao between September 17th and 21st. This is the place where you can find astonishing flower decorations.

Places to Visit during Christmas Holidays in Goa

  1. Old Goa: Old Goa is fully decorated and therefore, many people will visit this place.
  2. Anjuna Beach: It is a place where people celebrate New Year's Day and Christmas.
  3. Arpora: This is one of the best spots to visit in the month of December every year.
  4. Dona Paula Bay: Dona Paula Bay is renowned for providing the best escapade games.
  5. Cidade De Goa: This place offers a vast number of watersports.
List of Trading Holidays

FAQs on Places to Visit in Goa During Holidays

  • What are some of the offbeat places to visit in Goa?

    Some of the offbeat places to visit in Goa are Dudhsagar Plantation, Chorla Ghat, and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. 

  • What are some of the restaurants where I can enjoy Goan cuisine?

    Mum’s Kitchen and Ritz Classic are some of the restaurants where you can enjoy Goan cuisine. 

  • Where can I explore Portuguese heritage in Goa?

    The Museum of Christian Art, the Latin Quarter of Panaji, and Fontainhas are some the places where Portuguese heritage can be explored in Goa. 

  • What are the places in Goa that are budget-friendly?

    Divar Island, historic churches, and the streets in Panaji are some of the places in Goa that are budget friendly. 

  • What are some of the places in Goa where I can experience nightlife?

    LPK Waterfront, Club Cabana, and Tito’s Lane are some of the places in Goa where you can experience nightlife. 

  • What are some of the adventurous activities that can be done in Goa?

    Trekking and water sports are some of the adventurous activities that can be done in Goa. 

  • What are the different historical sites that can be visited in Goa?

    Basilica of Bom Jesus, Chapora Fort, and Fort Aguada are the different historical sites that can be visited in Goa. 

  • What are the different beaches that can be visited in Goa?

    Mandrem Beach, Palolem Beach, and Agonda Beach are the different beaches that can be visited in Goa. 

  • What are the various family-friendly places that can be visited in Goa?

    Anjuna Flea Market, Bondla Zoo, and Wildlife Sanctuaries are the various family-friendly places that can be visited in Goa. 

  • What are the various tourist attractions that can be visited in Goa?

    Old Goa, Dudhsagar Falls, and Baga Beach are the the various tourist attractions that can be visited in Goa. 

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