The Arvalem or Harvalem waterfalls, which cascades down from the mountains, from a height of 50 metres, is one of the most awe-amazing spots. It is situated at about 2 km from the small town of Sanquelim and 8 km from Bicholim, in North Goa.
The Arvalem Waterfall is a very scenic and beautiful picnic spot. This charming waterfall is a mind-blowing experience, with Rudreshwar Temple in its vicinity. The temple holds importance for the Hindus who believe in releasing the soul on the 12th day after death.

While leaving the temple of Rudreshwar, one can descend the staircase to look at a majestic waterfall shedding its exuberant silvery showers. The beautiful Arvalem fall, with a head of about 24 feet high, forms a sizeable lake at the bottom, which offers a sizeable temptation to seasoned swimmers.

The best time to visit this site is just after the copious monsoon when it presents a rapturous, ravishing and riotous aspect. The water flow here during the monsoon is quite less. It has a lot of greenery all round with fruit laden trees with various fruits such as bananas, bread fruits and coconut palms to name a few.

The ancient caves in the vicinity adds a touch of antiquity to this picturesque place, which finds a major attraction for the film makers as a favourite shooting spot. The Rock cut caves are just situated nearby. The Government has also developed a park from which the view of the waterfall can be peacefully relished.

Situated next to the Mahalaxmi Temple, the Boca de Vaca spring is one of the two springs that exist in Panaji Goa. The appearance of this Portuguese - built structure that remains aglow with soft decorative light in the evening gives it a name 'Boca De Vaca' literally meaning 'the face of the cow'. The floor of the well-lit tunnel inside is made of transparent glass and one can see the spring water flowing under your feet. Background Music is also there.Earlier the Boca de Vaca spring was known to be a major source of supply of water to the city. However even today the people of Panaji queue up here with buckets to use the water, as it is known to have medicinal properties. It is also used for drinking by the people of Panjim.

The Budbudyanchi Tali or the Bubble lake also known locally as Budbud Talli or Bomadyanchi Talli is located in Netravali in the Sanguem taluka. It is a sacred tank of bubbles attached to the Gopinath temple and appears to be green and very clean.

The Budbudyanchi Tali or the tank of bubbles is well known in Goa as here one can see continuous bubbles rising up to the surface at different spots. There are various legends regarding the origin of these bubbles and according to some it is a miracle of the local deity. However, according to scientists, the bubbles can be caused by sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, limestone or methane.

The bubbles at the Budbudyanchi Tali are known to strangely increase in intensity if one claps loudly. The tank in form of laterite masonary has a flight of steps all around leading to the sacred tank. A huge box-shaped laterite pedestal is located at the centre of the tank.

Excursion details - The entire group will be welcomed at the initial waiting lounge area by the Museum representative for a briefing near the main entrance. If the group capacity is of 10 pax or more, then the guests will be divided into various groups, depending upon the number of people. The groups will move ahead with the guides for a one hour guided tour into the museum, starting from the prescribed locations assigned to the guides. For example, Calizz has been divided into two different time zones from where the tour starts, i.e. The Portuguese Era and the Pre-Portuguese Era.

After the guided tours, groups will join together there after concluding the whole experience. History never looks like history when you are walking through it.

Calizz, situated in Candolim 'The nerve center of tourism activities in Goa' is a place which cannot be defined in a few words because it is a one-of-its-kind place in the world. Calizz, which means Heart in the local language Konkani, spoken widely all over Goa, is a perfect melange of old and new traditions, beliefs and architectural influences, besides being a veritable treasure trove of artifacts and antiques all belonging to the private collection of a man with a vision of innovation Shri Laxmikant Prabhakar Kudchadkar.

At the entrance of Calizz there are two refurbished colonial mansions which were built in the Portuguese era in the year 1804. The architecture of the mansions at Calizz is a perfect blend of Indian and European styles. The mansions are as much an example of intelligent conservation as an evocation of the past, using carefully selected furniture and art while providing comforts unknown in the 18th century. The walls remain lime-stucco plaster, while the roof covered with Mangalore a tile.


The large and spacious rooms in Calizz retain the old flavor using period furniture and elegantly furnished with antiques. The rooms have beautiful frescoes on the walls and stenciled borders at the entrance at each door. In coastal Goa, where the sea, the sand and a sunny climate encourage a languid pace of life, verandahs and patios are a defining part of the architecture, designed and built to catch the welcome breeze and to encourage much family activity to take place outside.

Goa is endowed with the unique sea-port advantage of a highly indented coastline with a deep draft; and trading in those days was done from Goa to various places all around Europe. To learn the importance of trading in Portuguese Goa, there is a Tobacco house which was used for the trading of Tobacco which was undertaken by the family members of Dona Bertha as a part of the family tradition of following a trade which was started by the ancestors.
The Tobacco house explains the various tools which were used for the trading of tobacco as Goa was a major port of Asia from where various things were traded and it was the first European colony which was made in Asia. Following the Tobacco house is the Carpenters hut which shows the vision of a Carpenter who played an important role in the completion of the Goan houses as it was a job of creating a masterpiece of art from wood. The last house of the Portuguese era is the fisherman’s hut which is accompanied by a very old boat which was used for shipping in the olden days.

Before this present fort build by Portuguese, there was a one fort way long before, even before the arrival of Portuguese in Goa.
In 1683, In order to put the end on Portugal’s rule in Goa, Prince Akbar joined the forces of Marathas, who were bitter enemies of his Father Aurangzeb at that time, revolting against his Father; he sought refuge with them and made this place as their base camp. However Portugal had a scary experience with Marathas, after a horrific recovery from Marathas, Portuguese strengthen harder their Northern Defenses, learning from the experience of Maratha they were required to give the shelter for the people of region, this was not before 1717, that this present fort was built.
An awesome site with all sides having steep slopes. The fort stands above the whole upland area having irregular outer plan, outline of the higher slopes, uses the natural contours to add defensive height to the fullest advantage instead of dry ditches being dug.
At the top of the steep approach track on the main gate, which is small and unpretentious for so large fort, is deep and narrow. Depending on their position of the defense requirement, the bastions with their enormous embrasures for cannon are irregularly spaced, each having the cylindrical turret that gives a special character.

Few signs are left inside of the barracks and housing, that once were filled this vast area, even St. Anthony church is disappeared, which was built in his name. Now there are only tumble stones, bushes and herds of goat in the wide expanse of open space. A sea down a natural valley to the beach has awesome and marvelous natural access because of rocky promontories protections.
At its first real test, the fort fell to the Marathas. In 1739 held for 2 years by the old enemy of Portuguese, the Maharaja of Sawantwadi the Hindu ruler of Pernem across the river. By the end of the century it lost its military significance when Goa’s border moved northwards, with the acquisition of Pernem as part of the New Conquests. The views in all directions are superb, south over Vagator Beach, north across the Chapora river to Pernem and of course, far out to the Arabian Sea in the West. A pleasant place to wander.

This island is located in North Goa about 35 kms from the airport, 10 kms from ‘Panjim’ the capital city and about 20 kms from the popular beaches and tourist locations of North Goa. The island is about 25 sq. kms in size and consists of 30 quaint villages having a population of about 20,000 people. Recently, it is connected to the mainland on the Northern side by a small bridge over a rivulet. Getting to the island is quick and easy, since it is readily accessible by short ferry crossings at two points on the island. The sun kissed and picturesque island of Chorao is encircled by rivers and has abundant mangroves along the banks. It is home to the famous Dr. Salim Ali’s bird sanctuary and has unique nature trails and wetland ponds featuring an array of bird life. It is a verdant paradise for nature lovers. This beautiful, scenic and unspoiled island is a gateway to the ultimate escape, far away from the maddening crowds where one can soak in the true tradition of Goan village life and experience the soothing sounds of nature.
Chorao Island Resort is the only holiday complex on the island and has no other hotels. It is a gated complex with 24 hours security comprising of around privately owned cottages/residences and holiday rental accommodations, on a land area of about 5 acres thereby allowing for ample open spaces and has lush greenery and a gracious plantation style landscaping. The complex has its own restaurant and a sharing pool. It is a distant and fascinating home and allows one to choose ones’ own pleasures and space. Once you enter the complex you experience it to be a quiet paradise where tranquility reigns.

It is a perfect place to do everything…. Do nothing….. Do anything you like….. Allow whim to take precedence over everything else and when desire dictates, you may get out of the island by a short ferry crossing and visit the popular beaches and tourist areas and return home to serenity.

The beautiful Divar Island that is rarely visited is situated across the Mandovi River from Old Goa. A ferry connects the southern end of the island with Old Goa. The ferry wharf is situated near the Viceroy's Arch at Old Goa.

Another ferry links the northern end of the Divar Island to the Narve or Naroa village in the Bicholim subdivision which is known for the Saptkoteshwar temple that is one of the most sacred temples of Hindus in Goa. From Panaji to visit the Mayem Lake the Divar Island offers a shortcut.

The picturesque Piedade that has a hill top church built in early 16th century called the Our Lady of Compassion Church is Divar's main and largest village. Here one can have views of the churches of Old Goa. Also during the Kadamba time on this site an ancient Ganesh Temple existed. The Divar Island is also well known in Goa due to a festival celebrated here known as the Bonderam festival. The villagers observe this feast on the last Saturday of August. This feast is also known as the feast of the harvest or the festival of flags. Here after returning home the emigrant workers wave the flags of their adopted countries while marching through the village.

A kilometer south west of the KTC bus stand in Panaji is the Goa State Museum. The museum is open from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday.
The State Musuem in Goa includes various items like copper plate inscription of Kadamba Kings, wooden statues of Christian saints, stone and bronze sculpture, terracotta objects of Indus valley civilization, contemporary art, furniture used by the Portuguese governor, a massive 18th century wooden chariot from the Chandreshwar Temple near Margao and miniature Mughal paintings.
At the state museum in Goa a 16th century huge carved table around which the feared Inquisitors of Old Goa sat to judge those accused of heresy is a prize exhibit. The museum also displays a lot of lottery machines from the Portuguese times.

The Madei Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Sattari takula in North Goa. It is spread over an area of 208 sq km and is a link between the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and the Sawantwadi forests in Maharashtra and the Netravali wildlife sanctuary in Eastern Goa.

The Madei Wildlife Sanctuary together with the Netravali wildlife sanctuary cover an area of 420 sq. km. The sanctuary supports a rich variety of wildlife and covers much of the north-eastern portions of Goa. It is also known to be a bird watcher's paradise where one can see a lot of species of birds.
The Mhadei wildlife sanctuary is also famous for its semi green and evergreen forests. The area has been notified as protected for wildlife. The sanctuary is also well known in Goa as a tigress and a cub were spotted here. A lot of other wildlife can also be seen here.

The Naval Aviation Museum is situated at about 2 km from the airport on the Bogmalo beach. It is the only Naval Aviation Museum that exist in Asia and is also one of the only seven naval aviation museums that exist in the world.
At the Naval Aviation Museum, real aircraft that span the retries history of the naval aviation in India is displayed. The towering Lockheed super constellation used in the 70's for maritime reconnaissance and the amphibian short sea land - one of among the only three surviving in the world, and the first naval aircraft to be acquired by India stands next to the museum.
Also present at the museum are the Indian navy's first helicopter, the Hughes Hu 296c, the jet- trainer vampire, the anti- submarine Alize, the multirole dove and the fighter sea Hark. However the sea harrier jump jet that is in frontline service with the Indian navy currently is the prize exhibit here.

Naval memorabilia is displayed inside the museum building. In the armament room lie Vintage torpedoes, rockets, and depth charges all deployed in previous wars. The archival photography section is adorned with aerial photos taken by Indian bombers that provide a graphic account of the destruction of Chittagong port and decimation of the Pakistani navy along with rare photos of Goa's liberation and those of the Indian naval aviation's finest hour - the liberation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1971.
The museum is open on all days from 10 am to 5 pm except on Mondays.

You can visit Issorcim beach around Bogmalo beach, which is only 11/2 kms away. This beach is completely secluded save for the local villagers, and is particularly good for Fishing. Here, plate coral also grows.
About 5 kms from Bogmalo, there is a little lovely island called San Jacinto Island, this is located in the Mormugao bay. It has old houses and a picturesque chapel.
One often passes the San Jacinto island while on the way to or from the Dabolim airport. There is an old chapel situated here that has an underground tunnel to the other side of the river to Siridao. There is also a church in the area known as the St Hyacinthi Church that celebrates the feast on the last Sunday of September. One can even see an old Portuguese lighthouse on the island. In the year 1927 a vow was made by the inhabitants of the island who purchased the place not to sell or lease it out to any projects. Therefore the island still has its natural charm.
At low tide along the Chicalim coastline, further up the road towards Vasco from Sao Jacinto Island is a tiny islet with a crucifix on it, locally called San Antonio.

The Pernem taluka has one of the best tourist places which can make a visit memorable. On the north western corner lies the long stretch of the Arambol beach, while beyond the northern tip of Goa's territory, lies the outpost of the famous Terekhol Fortress.
The Terekhol or Tiracol
fortress, exclusive of border encounters, political tensions and confronations is an important landmark in Goan history. It is surrounded by a natural river flowing east-west on its northern boundary beyond which lies the vast state of Maharashtra which makes this a very scenic and orderly arrangement.
The only thing disturbing this scenic arrangement is the rocky headland running high on the north bank from which the river mouth can be controlled and defended. Hence, the siege of Pernem in the 18th century by the Portuguese included this headland along with the fort. This stretch of ground is wide enough to hold the fort along with the village attached to it.
Pernem completed the last of the New Conquests to be added to the Portuguese territory thereby also forming the boundaries of Goa. It is rightly described as a narrow strip of a rolling hilly country stretching inland between the Chapora & Tiracol rivers.
Pernem initially was a fringe territory of the Sawantwadi Rajas and only became a part of the Portuguese territory in 1788 through a treaty signed mainly for seeking protection against a northern rival.
Until recently, with wide rivers flowing east to west across the country, accessibility has been a problem as far as Pernem is concerned, but this has been eased as the building of a bridge over the Chapora at Colvale. However, speed is not everything in Goa, and one of the pleasantest ways into or out of Pernem is the long ferry ride from Siolim across to Chopdem on the north bank near the mouth of Chapora, which deposits the traveler at the beginning of the coast road that runs from Agarvada behind the beaches of Morjim, Mandrem and Arambol, finally passing through Paliem to reach the banks of the Terekhol river.

A bridge over the Chapora river at Colvale has considerably eased the otherwise tough accessibility towards Pernem due to wide rivers flowing from east to west across. One of the more pleasant ways is a ferry journey from Siolim across to Chopdem on the north bank of Chapora which culminates at the start of the coastal road running from Agarvada behind the beaches of Morjim, Mandrem and Arambol, passing through Paliem finally reaching the Terekhol river bank.
The Morjim and the Mandrem beaches with islands of clean sand are quite peaceful, an ideal setting for the fisherfolk. There is quite less traffic with Bullock carts taking the catch to the market. Tavernas among the trees and motorcycles parked all along the route to Arambol, entice visitors towards thatched cafes and bars through the palm fringes.

Ashvek Vintage World is a Vintage Car Museum situated in Nuvem, Salcete, Goa. It is Goa's first and only vintage car museum that showcases over a dozen vintage cars sourced from Goa or neighboring areas like Kholapur, Belgam and Sawantwadi.

Situated on the Panaji – Madgaon highway, the Ashvek Vintage World museum was set up by Pradeep Naik to spread awareness about vintage cars amongst the youth. It takes up restoration and preservation of vintage cars and some of the cars restored here are in excellent working condition and can be hired out for weddings, movie shoots or simply for joy rides.

At the Vintage Car museum one can see models such as the Chevrolet Fleet master that was popular in the 1930's America as Mafia staff car, Mercedes Benz 170 of 1939 vintage which was actually used in the movie Sea Wolves Morris Van Essex (1924), Ford V8, Peugeot 301, Austin 1928 and the Morris 8.

The museum also displays the Vidal Tempo of 1936 sourced from the Maharaja of Sawantwadi that is one of the most interesting one built as command car of the Nazi army. It is the car with two engines - the only in the world and is also the world's first four wheel drive.
The Ashvek Vintage World is also a pioneer in organizing vintage car rallies in Goa. The money sourced from restoration and preservation is reinvested in maintaining new and existing cars. The museum is open all days from 9am to 6pm except for Sundays

Old Goa is the home to India's second wax museum. Each figurine is carefully sculpted of paraffin wax; the hair used is natural, although the eyes and teeth are artificial.

The museum has over 30 life-size, statues of famous personalities of Indian culture, heritage and religion. One of the main attractions is the sculpting of the 'last supper' which is 22 feet in length and weights 500 kilos.
A guide talks you through the statues at the musuem, and explains who the statues are of, what they represent and how long it took to make the sculpture. The guided tour is in English and Hindi. Other main attractions include Mahatma Gandhi, Radha Krishna and Bethlehem.

There is a statue called 'say no to drugs' which shows you the side effects of taking drugs and this really brings the concept to life.The is a small gift shop where one can purchase candles of various designs and shapes and smells.
Entry costs 30 Rupees and 10 for cameras.