Idalcao Palace: Sultan Adil Shah of Bijapur built the palace during the 14th century. Presently the palace houses the secretariat. Next to the secretariat is the bronze statue of Abbe Faria, believed to be the father of hypnotism.

Fort Aguada: Situated 10km North of Panaji, the Aguada Fort has the first lighthouse in Asia. It was built in 1612 to protect Old Goa by controlling the entry to River Mandovi. The fort was equipped with an ammunition room, barracks and a church. Once it was a place of Portuguese strength and power. Today it serves as the Central Jail.

Goa State Museum: The museum has several galleries featuring Christian art, Hindu and Jain sculptures and bronzes, and paintings from all over India

Santa Monica: Ferrying across the river Mandovi in the ferry Santa Monica is a unique experience. Goa Tourism Development Corporation conducts the cruise.

The church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, built in 1541 stands atop Altinho Panaji. The 500 years old Bhagavati temple is 26km from the city.

Beaches

Dona Paula beach is 7km from Panaji. It is an idyllic spot for action as well of laze.

Kalangute is the most popular beach in Goa. The beach is 15km from Panaji and stretches for 7 km with its twin beach Candolim.

Siridao beach is 6km from Panaji. The calm and shallow waters of Siridao beach make it ideal for swimming.

Vagator beach is 25km from Panaji. This secluded beach is enhanced with the Chapora fort that marks the entrance to the bay.

Old Goa

Bom Jesus Basilica: The church is a fine example of Jesuit architecture. Built in 1594, the most precious relic of the church is the remains of St. Francis Xavier.

Se Cathedral: The church has impressive vaulted interiors and a belfry with a huge golden bell said to be the biggest in the world. The church has 14 side chapels, every one unique in style. Adjacent to the cathedral is Church of St. Francis of Assisi and Chapel of St. Catherine.

St. Cajetan Church: The church is built in Corinthian style on the lines of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Convent and church of St. Monica is another interesting church in Old Goa.

Margao

Kolva beach: About 6km from Margao is Kolva beach, the pride of Salcete and considered as the rival to Calangute in scenic splendour. It is a series of beaches blended in harmony to provide an 18 km stretch of beach with Palolem and Betul beaches at the far end.

Agonda beach: Situated about 33km from Margao, Agonda is a secluded small beach where nature lovers can find peace and tranquillity.

Palolem Beach: the beach is 37km from Margao. Palolem is one of the most enchanted beaches in Goa and yet not very crowded.

Canacona: 40 km from Margao on the way to Karwar is the intricately carved wooden temple of Sri Mallikarjunaor Lord Shiva.

Mapusa

Ponda

Shi Mangueshi temple: About 10km from Old Goa and on the way to Ponda lies Farmagudi and Mangesh where there are fine Hindu Temples those survived the onslaught of the Portuguese. The 400 years old Mangeshi temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at Priol is the most celebrated of them all. A unique feature of these temples is their multi-storied lamp towers.

Kavalem: In the valley of Ponda lies Kavalem, where the Shanta Durga temple with an impressive idol of Goddess of Durga in a tranquil mood flanked by Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, is situated.

Vasco-Da-Gama: This is one of the two major railway terminuses into Goa the other being Margao. Vasco-Da-Gama is close to the Marmugao harbour and is only 3km from Goa's Dabolim Airport

Other Places of Interest

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: The sanctuary is located on the island of Chorao along River Mandovi. It covers an area of 1.78sq.km. Many species of local and migratory birds are seen here.

Bhagavan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated at Molem 160km from Panaji, this sanctuary covers an area of 240sq.km.of thick forest.