Happy Women’s Day to all you lovely ladies out there!
Today’s post is dedicated to all of you!
In our current social media-centric age, we all know how much importance we place on finding those perfect ‘gram-worthy spots and it helps that most women LOVE clicking photographs themselves or getting themselves photographed. Hence, we’re always on the lookout for picturesque places and beautiful locations.
Goa has plenty of these in every nook and corner. Be its lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, cotton candy skies, sun-kissed beaches, marvellous architecture or cutesy cafés and eateries.
So, I thought I’d curate a list of 10 Instagrammable places in Goa that you can visit to get those stunning photographs. Don’t forget to read the tips I’ve included with each place.
All you women reading this, get your camera gear or photographer ready and head to any of these dreamy/popular places. And to all the men reading this, here is your cue to take your sisters/girlfriends/wives to any of these spots so that she can up her Insta game 😉
1. Fontainhas
This colourful neighbourhood located in the heart of the capital city of Panaji is a UNESCO Heritage Zone and is quite a tourist magnet. It is also known as the Latin Quarter because of the Portuguese influence that still prevails in the area seen through the architecture of the heritage buildings and homes that line the narrow roads.
This area was founded in the 18th century by a wealthy Portuguese man named Antonio Joao de Sequeira. When the plague spread in Old Goa and the administrative capital was shifted to Panaji/Panjim, this turned into a residential area for the Portuguese officers and rulers.
You can marvel at the traditional old architecture with red-tiled roofs and overhead balconies, eat at centuries-old cafés and eateries, and indulge in local delicacies all while strolling the winding lanes that transport you back in time.
Tip: This area is best explored on foot. You will find houses and restaurants painted in red, blue, green and yellow hues dotting the roads that make perfect backdrops.
2. Joseph Bar
Joseph Bar is a small and cute hole-in-the-wall old school tavern located in the bylanes of Fontainhas. The signboard is illuminated by colourful lights reminiscent of the houses in the neighbourhood. The menu is limited, and a maximum of maybe 20 seats can be occupied inside but, this doesn’t deter people from heading there to grab a post-work drink or catch up with friends over the weekend.
It was established decades ago, had shut for a few years and then reopened a couple of years ago. It is frequented by locals and tourists alike. It has since garnered a lot of fan-following along with being covered by most popular magazines and newspapers.
Tip: Meet Gundu the barman, and try out his famous Tambde Rosa. It is made using two ingredients that Goa is famous for – Feni and Kokum.
3. Immaculate Conception Church/Panjim Church
The Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church or Panjim church as it is popularly known is a Baroque styled church first built in 1541 as a chapel and later elevated to the stature of a church in 1609. It is located right in the heart of Panjim city overlooking the capital with its elevated gaze like a protector.
The church is painted white to signify the immaculate Virgin Mary. The ancient bell at the top of the church is considered to be the 2nd largest of its kind in Goa, second only to the Golden bell located in Se Cathedral in Old Goa. The laterite stone stairs at the bottom and the symmetrical, zigzag stairs that ascend to the church are the most popular spots for photography.
Tip: Visit this church on 8th December, which is celebrated as the Panjim feast or during Christmas week to see it lit up in beautiful lights.
4. Sunaparanta Art Gallery & Café Bodega
The Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts is an art gallery and also acts as a performance space. It has hosted book releases, musical performances and various workshops. It also plays host to film screenings by various film clubs.
The striking Portuguese house with its imperial staircase is painted in indigo blue and white. The ancestral house is surrounded by a lush, well-maintained garden and an open-air amphitheatre on one side.
Within its walls lies an indoor courtyard area which houses a café called Café Al Fresco (commonly known as Café Bodega).
Tip: This place is like a picturesque postcard providing ample photo opportunities, so all you need to do is take your camera along and think of poses. If you plan on visiting in the morning, skip breakfast and indulge in brunch at the café.
5. Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount, Old Goa
Another place of worship dedicated to Virgin Mary is the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount in Old Goa. It was built in the early 16th century (making it one of the oldest churches in the city) in Baroque style using laterite stones.
It is perched on a hillock (Monte) overlooking the Mandovi river, and the sunset view from the vantage point in the courtyard is breathtaking. From here, you can also see the Se Cathedral and the ruins of the church of St. Augustine (St. Augustine Tower) in a triangular formation with the Chapel.
Tip: If you’re a music aficionado visit this place in February when the chapel courtyard plays host to Monte Music Festival.
6. Reis Magos Fort
Reis Magos, located in Bardez taluka on the opposite river bank to Panaji, translates to “Three Wise Men” in Portuguese. This 16th-century fort is older than Fort Aguada, and its bastion was used as a prison (much like the latter) till quite recently in 1993.
The Reis Magos fort was built using laterite rock that gives its interiors the brick red colour, and from various vantage points within, you can see stunning panoramic views of the River Mandovi.
It houses a freedom fighters’ gallery that recounts historical stories of the freedom struggle in Goa. It dabbles as a cultural centre with exhibitions, performances and fashion shows being held there. It is also used for wedding ceremonies and is a tourist attraction given its beautified interiors.
Tip: There’s a winding staircase in one corner of the fort that is wrapped in creepers and makes for a perfect photo op.
7. Parra Road (aka Dear Zindagi road)
This palm tree-lined road in Parra is famously known as the Dear Zindagi road because one of the scenes in the titular song was shot here (remember Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan cycling here).
A word of caution, the fields on either side of this narrow road and the coconut groves make it a scenic route reminiscent of a countryside drive, but other than that it is just another ordinary, tarred road that gets crowded ever so often.
You can, however, click some mandatory pictures here like most tourists do to tick it off your list.
Tip: You can Google Parra Coconut road (NOT Dear Zindagi road like someone had tagged it earlier), and it’ll bring you on this road. Or search for St. Anne’s church, Parra, and you’ll go on this road to get there.
8. Chapora Fort (aka Dil Chahta Hai fort)
Another touristy place that gained popularity because of a Bollywood film is the Chapora fort, also known as the Dil Chahta Hai fort. It is now in ruins and is only visited because of the movie factor. You’ll find groups of people recreating poses from the movie here.
This fort was also built using red laterite stones commonly found in this region. To reach the fort, one has to undertake an arduous trek that is better avoided in the afternoon heat.
Tip: Catch the sunset from here, and you’ll get beautiful photos given its ‘sea’nic backdrop.
9. Arambol Sweet Water Lake
This fresh-water lake is located on the other side of the cliffs on Arambol beach so you’ll need to climb a few rocks and walk on narrow paths to get here. This lake has mountain views on one side and a beach view on the other which is what makes it pretty unique.
Tip: Try and visit the lake when the tide is low as it’ll help in crossing over to the other side.
10. Beachside Sunset
Goa is known for its beaches so go to your favourite, pick a spot, and enjoy the sky changing hues from golden yellow to orange, and if you’re lucky, it might turn pink and purple too. Stay till the sun goes below the horizon, and then head to any of the shacks to grab dinner.
If you’d prefer to watch the sun go down from a vantage point, Vagator hilltop is synonymous with sunsets like Goa is synonymous with beaches, and so is the hillock at Cabo de Rama. You could hike up to either and take in the spectacular view of the sunset.
I hope these places help you get your perfect Instagram photos, and if they do, leave a comment and let me know 🙂