Goa ·
Old Goa
Old Goa is 9 km east of Panaji, in Goa, a state of India.
Old Goa at a Glance
Why Old Goa?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi
- Fort Santo Estevão
- Shree Betal temple
- Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
- Mandovi Bridge
- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Old Goa at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Old Goa before planning your visit.
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Explore Old Goa
Places to Visit
- Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi: The Church of St. Francis of Assisi was built in 1661 by the Portuguese in the Portuguese Viceroyalty of India. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, together with a convent, was established by eight Portuguese Franciscan friars who landed in Goa in 1517.
- Fort Santo Estevão: Fort Santo Estevão is a military structure erected in Santo Estevão Island, in Goa, by the Portuguese. Built on the highest point of Santo Estevão Island, it was originally built as a watchtower to guard the Mandovi River, in 1550.
- Shree Betal temple: Shri Betal temple is a Hindu temple in Amona village in the Bicholim taluk of Goa, India.
- Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church: The Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is located in Panjim, Goa, India. The Church conducts Mass every day in English, Konkani, and Portuguese.
- Mandovi Bridge: The Mandovi bridge is a set of two bridges. It carries four lanes over the Mandovi river.
- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is an estuarine mangrove habitat, which is declared as the bird sanctuary, and located on western tip of the Island of Chorão along the Mandovi River, Goa, in India. The sanctuary is named after Salim Ali, the eminent Indian ornithologist.
Sightseeing Places
- Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi: The Church of St. Francis of Assisi was built in 1661 by the Portuguese in the Portuguese Viceroyalty of India. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, together with a convent, was established by eight Portuguese Franciscan friars who landed in Goa in 1517.
- Fort Santo Estevão: Fort Santo Estevão is a military structure erected in Santo Estevão Island, in Goa, by the Portuguese. Built on the highest point of Santo Estevão Island, it was originally built as a watchtower to guard the Mandovi River, in 1550.
- Shree Betal temple: Shri Betal temple is a Hindu temple in Amona village in the Bicholim taluk of Goa, India.
- Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church: The Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is located in Panjim, Goa, India. The Church conducts Mass every day in English, Konkani, and Portuguese.
- Mandovi Bridge: The Mandovi bridge is a set of two bridges. It carries four lanes over the Mandovi river.
- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is an estuarine mangrove habitat, which is declared as the bird sanctuary, and located on western tip of the Island of Chorão along the Mandovi River, Goa, in India. The sanctuary is named after Salim Ali, the eminent Indian ornithologist.
Places That Define Old Goa
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi was built in 1661 by the Portuguese in the Portuguese Viceroyalty of India. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, together with a convent, was established by eight Portuguese Franciscan friars who landed in Goa in 1517.
Fort Santo Estevão
Fort Santo Estevão is a military structure erected in Santo Estevão Island, in Goa, by the Portuguese. Built on the highest point of Santo Estevão Island, it was originally built as a watchtower to guard the Mandovi River, in 1550.
Shree Betal temple
Shri Betal temple is a Hindu temple in Amona village in the Bicholim taluk of Goa, India.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
The Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is located in Panjim, Goa, India. The Church conducts Mass every day in English, Konkani, and Portuguese.
Mandovi Bridge
The Mandovi bridge is a set of two bridges. It carries four lanes over the Mandovi river.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is an estuarine mangrove habitat, which is declared as the bird sanctuary, and located on western tip of the Island of Chorão along the Mandovi River, Goa, in India. The sanctuary is named after Salim Ali, the eminent Indian ornithologist.
Adil Shah Palace
Adil Shah Palace, also known as the Idalcão Palace or the Old Secretariat, is a historic landmark located in Panaji, Goa. It is the oldest surviving colonial-era building in the city.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Home to the grave of St. Francis Xavier.
Museum of Christian Art
The Museum of Christian Art is an Indian museum of Christian art, located in the Convent of Santa Monica in the former colonial capital of Old Goa, Goa.
Mandodari Temple
Shri Mandodari temple is a Hindu temple in the village of Betki, about 5 km from Marcel, Ponda in Goa, India. The temple is located at an elevation of 81 ft.
Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery
Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery was set up in 1964, NS reorganised in 1981–82.
Our Lady of Grace Church
Our Lady of Grace Church is a Roman Catholic church in Chorão, Goa, India. It is bounded on its north and west by the Mapusa River, with Salvador do Mundo remaining exactly opposite to it.
Explore Destination on Map
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Explore Old Goa on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
All Itineraries
- 1 Day in Old Goa: 1 days with detailed day plans
- 2 Days in Old Goa: 2 days with detailed day plans
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Goa Dabolim International Airport (GOI), about 16 km from Old Goa.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Karmali railway station, about 2 km from central Old Goa.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Old Goa (Apr, May, Jun) averages 25–33°C with about 217 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Old Goa (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 24–29°C with about 613 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Old Goa (Oct, Nov) averages 23–32°C with about 197 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Old Goa (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 20–34°C with about 2 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 33°C and lows of 25°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 32°C and lows of 23°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Old Goa trip.
Spiritual & Religious
History
- Summary: Old Goa is 9 km east of Panaji, in Goa, a state of India.
- Overview: Old Goa is 9 km east of Panaji, in Goa, a state of India.
- Ancient History: The city was founded in the 15th century as a port on the banks of the Mandovi river by the rulers of the Bijapur Sultanate. It was built to replace Govapuri, which lay a few kilometres to the south and had been used as a port by the Kadamba and Vijayanagar kings. Old Goa was the second capital after Bijapur of the rule of Adil Shahi Dynasty. It was surrounded by a moat and contained the shah's palace, mosques, and temples.
Planning Guide
- Overview: Old Goa is 9 km east of Panaji, in Goa, a state of India.
- Accommodation: There are few places to cast anchor in Ola Goa. It might be better to stay at Panjim or elsewhere in Goa, as travel within the small region tends to be easy—even if traffic jams are a growing reality due, in part, to the spurt in tourism. Listed options include Old Goa Residency, Shubhankar Heritage Hotel and The Fern Kadamba.
- Best Way To Explore: It is best to visit the place on foot, since there is so much of history to seep in. Local guides, some approved by the tourism department of Goa, are available.
The Sacred Heart of Old Goa
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
The city was founded in the 15th century as a port on the banks of the Mandovi river by the rulers of the Bijapur Sultanate. It was built to replace Govapuri, which lay a few kilometres to the south and had been used as a port by the Kadamba and Vijayanagar kings.
Spiritual Significance
The city was founded in the 15th century as a port on the banks of the Mandovi river by the rulers of the Bijapur Sultanate. It was built to replace Govapuri, which lay a few kilometres to the south and had been used as a port by the Kadamba and Vijayanagar kings.
Pilgrimage Traditions
Old Goa is the former colonial capital. Full of history, it's home to some scenic churches and convents that are well maintained and worth a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Old Goa is most comfortable in November, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is April (average high 35°C) and the wettest months are June, July, August, September and October.
The nearest airport is Goa Dabolim International Airport (GOI), about 16 km away. The nearest railway station is Karmali railway station, about 2 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Fort Santo Estevão, Shree Betal temple, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Mandovi Bridge and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
A stay of 2 days covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 28°C to 35°C over the year, with about 2892 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Old Goa
Your Old Goa Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.