Visit Calangute beach extending along the Arabian Sea in an inward arch of about 7 kms. It can be well called 'the Queen of Goa Beaches' for its popularity with the visitors. Also visit the Mapuca city.

Visit old Goa - the Besilica of Born Jesus built in the 16th century, Wherein is enshrined in an ornate silver casket the body of St Francis. Xavier, the most popular and famous of all churches in Goa. Also visit Se Cathedral the biggest in Goa, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Cajetan Church built in the style of St. Peters Basilica in Rome, Church of lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica.

Visit Pilar Murgao, Colva Beach, Vasco-de-Gama, Marmagao, Harbour and back to Panji via Cortalim and Agacaim.

Panaji is one of India's smallest and most pleasant state capitals. Built on the south bank of the wide Mandovi River, it officially became the capital of Goa in 1843, though the Portuguese viceroys shifted their Residence from the outskirts of Old Goa to the former palace of Adil Shah in Panaji as early as 1759.

While most people pass through Panaji on their way to the beaches or to Old Goa (nine km to the east), the town is well worth a visit for its own sake. The atmosphere is easy-going and the people are very friendly. In the oldest part of the town, the Portuguese heritage has survived remarkably well: there are narrow winding streets, old houses with over hanging balconies and red-tiled roofs, whitewashed churches and numerous small bars and cafes. Portuguese signs are still visible over many premises.

Three km west of Panaji is Miramar, Panaji's nearest beach, but it's neither particularly attractive nor a good place to swim. There's plenty of accommodation, including the Youth Hostel (see Places to Stay in Panaji), should you decide to stay.

Four km further along this road is Dona Paula, a small town with several resort complexes, that has grown up around a fishing village.

Mapusa (pronounced locally as 'Mapsa') is the main centre of population in the northern provinces of Goa and the main town for supplies of Goa and also the main town for supplies if you are staying at either Anjuna or Chapora. If you're staying in Calangute, Baga or Candolim, you have a choice of Panaji or Mapusa as a service centre.

There's not much to see in Mapusa, though the Friday market is worth a visit.

The beaches of North Goa extend from Fort Aguada in an almost uninterrupted 30km sandy stretch to the border with Maharashtra. Sinquerim, the beach below the fort, and Candolim are popular with package tourists, but independent travelers can also find accommodation here. These beaches tend to be quieter than Calangute, particularly at week-ends. There are some pleasant places to stay, although there's nowhere for those on a very tight budget.

Guarding the mouth of the Mandovi River, Fort Aguada was built by the Portuguese in 1612. It's worth visiting the mooted rungs on the hilltop for the views, which are particularly good from the old lighthouse. You can also visit the dungeons. There's no entry charge but the caretaker expects a hefty tip. Nearby, the lighthouse can be visited from 4 to 5.30pm (Re 1); no photography is allowed from it.

To the east is Aguada Jail

Famous throughout Goa for its Wednesday flea market, this is the beach that everyone went to when Calangute had been filmed, recorded and reported into the sand. There's a weird and wonderful collection of over-launders, monks, defiant ex-hippies, gentle lunatics, artists who normally wouldn't be seen outside the organic confines of their health-food shops in San Francisco or London.

There's no point in trying to define what Anjuna is or what it's like - the only way to find out is to stay here for a while and make some friends. Full moon, which is often an excuse in itself for a party, is a particularly good time to be here.

Unlike Calangute, the place has retained its charm, although package tourism is beginning to make its presence felt.

Visit the Temples of Shri Mangesh, a beautiful temple dedicated to lord Shiva located on a hillock at proil - Ponda Taluka. Though small the temple has an air of distinct elegance and its lofty white tower is a landmark of the countryside. Also visit the Shantadurga Temple and Shri Ramnath Temple.

Close to Mormugao Harbour and three km from Dabolim airport, Vasco da Gama is the terminus of the railway line into Goa. As the Konkan Railway becomes fully operational, however, even fewer travelers will need to venture up to this unexciting town. If you arrive in Goa by train, you can get off at Margao to reach Colva Beach; if you fly in, it's possible you may arrive too late to get much further than Vasco unless you're prepared to take a taxi.

The capital of Salcete province, Margao is the main population centre of south Goa and is a pleasant provincial town which still displays reminders of its Portuguese past. It's not of great interest to travelers, though Margao's richly decorated Church of the Holy Spirit is worth a visit, and the covered market is the best of its kind in Goa. Margao's importance, however, is as service and transport centre for people staying at Colva and Benaulim beaches.

Six km from Margao, near the village of Raia, is the Rachol Seminary and Church. The Museum of Christian Art here, which was partly funded by the Gulbenkiam Foundation, has some interesting displays. These include textiles, some of the silver once used in the churches of Old Goa, a magnificent 17^th century silver monstrance in the shape of a swan, and a mobile mass kit (complete with candlesticks) - standard issue for missionaries out in the jungle.

Twenty km east of Margao, in the village of Chandor, are several interesting colonial mansions. One of the grandest, the Menezes Briganza House, is open to the public. The family has lived here since the 17^th century and the rooms are furnished with antiques, hung with stained glass. There's a ball-room and even a baroque private chapel.

The 10km strip of pristine beach south of Benaulim has become Goa's upmarket resort beach, with at least half a dozen hotels of varying degrees of luxury. As far as resorts go, some of them are quite good, and they are certainly isolated from anything which might disturb the peace. Access to the resorts is along the main road south from Benaulim.

Up in the lush foothills of the Western Ghats, Bondla is a good place to see sambar and wild boar. It's the smallest of the Goa wildlife sanctuaries (eight sq km) but the easiest one to reach. It's 52km from Panaji and 38km from Margao.

There is a botanical garden, fenced deer park and zoo which is better than most, with reasonably spacious enclosures. The zoo was originally established to house orphaned animals, but it's now also a breeding colony for the larger species of deer.

Bookings for accommodation should be made in advance at the office of the Department of Forestry, directly opposite the Air India office, and beside the Hotel Fidalgo, in Panaji. The accommodation is in chalets, which are very good value at under Rs 50, but they often get booked out. It may be easier to get a room on Thursdays, when the park is closed. This may not sound such a smart idea, but it's very pleasant place to stay, and you're right at the sanctuary gates when they open at 9 am on Friday.

On the eastern border with Karnataka are Goa's most impressive waterfalls. They're particularly impressive if you're coming in by train soon after the monsoon, because the line crosses a bridge by the falls and the train often stops to let passengers get a good view. Dudhsagar is a two hour trip from Margao or 50 minutes from Kulem station. You can catch a morning train up and spend several hours at the falls - there are pools to swim in before taking an afternoon train back. Time-tables may change while the line is being upgraded.

These wildlife sanctuaries are larger than Bondla but you will need your own transport to get to them. There's a treetop watchtower in Cotigao but the animals manage to remain well hidden, so you won't see a lot.