Attractions Nearby Goa, Day Trips and Excursions

(Goa, India)

For most, the attractions within Goa are enough to keep tourists occupied, particularly around its many beaches. However, those choosing to venture outside of Goa will find a number of nearby attractions worth considering, including wildlife sanctuaries, white water rafting, trekking, ancient temples and monuments, parks, zoos and aquariums.

Particularly close to Goa are the attractions of both Belgaum and Siddapur, where you can enjoy historic forts and breathtaking countryside, complete with dramatic water falls. Travel further afield and you will encounter many attractions within the cities of Bangalore and Mumbai, such as theme parks, shopping centres, museums, temples and botanical gardens. The most popular attractions nearby Goa are described here.

Mumbai

Many people staying in Goa choose to visit other major areas of India and often include a trip to Mumbai, which is sited around 590 km / 367 miles north of Goa. Apart from its many shopping centres and world-class Indian restaurants, Mumbai is also home to a number of unmissable attractions and an appealing coastline, which lends itself to a number of water sports, such as wind surfing. Especially popular with children are the animal attractions within Veermata Jeejmata Udayan Zoo and the underwater creatures at the Taraporewala Aquarium. Those with green fingers will particularly enjoy a stroll around Mumbai's Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, often simply known as the city's 'Hanging Gardens'.

Dharwad (Dharwar) / Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

The town of Dharwad lies directly east of Goa and is a particularly beautiful and historic location, dating back some 900 years. Over the years, Dharwad has become known for its milk products, which feature in many of its dishes and local specialities. Amongst the main attractions in the area, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is particularly close to Dharwad and a great place for lovers of the outdoors. At around 120 km / 75 miles from Goa, visitors to the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary will encounter an array of local creatures, such as bison, tigers, iguanas and giant squirrels, while other attractions include white water rafting, kayaking, hiking and safaris.

Belgaum

Located on the eastern outskirts of Goa and directly south of the Godak Falls, Belgaum lies within Karnataka and edges the neighbouring state of Maharashtra. Around 125 km / 78 miles from Goa, Belgaum is home to a number of appealing attractions and monuments, such as the famed Belgaum Fort, which dates back almost 500 years. Belgaum also contains a number of prominent historical sights, such as the Kapileshwar Temple and the Kamala Basti fortress.

Bangalore

On the far south-east of Kannada you will discover the spectacular metropolis that is Bangalore. A modern city full of tourist appeal, Bangalore is famous for its countless public green spaces and many of its main attractions are to be found within Cubbon Park, often being perfect for families and young children. The main attractions in Bangalore include the Bull Temple, Bangalore Aquarium, Government Museum, Jawahar Bal Bhavan amusement park, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Jumma Masjid Mosque, Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, and also both Tipu Sultan's Palace and Fort. Bangalore stands just over 550 km / 342 miles from Goa, next to the Bannerghatta National Park.

Siddapur

The town of Siddapur comprises a group of large villages and lies within the Uttara Kannada area of the Karnataka state. Siddapur's main tourist attractions are its many trekking trails, which allow you to explore the surrounding scenic countryside and nearby natural water falls. Truly spectacular is the nearby Jog Falls, which is one of the country's highest waterfalls and situated in the Shimoga area, almost being reminiscent of a small Niagara Falls. The Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is also just a short distance from Siddapur.