Before you go
Kushavati was carved from South Goa on 31 December 2025. Official tourism pages still describe Palolem, Cotigao, Dudhsagar and Mollem as South Goa; this guide files them under Kushavati.
Forest circuits close for the monsoon: the Dudhsagar jeep circuit in Mollem closed from 1 June in 2024 (DIP Goa). Check the Forest Department's notice before planning a visit to the falls.
Top places to visit in Goa
One place from each district that our guide covers in depth.
Churches and Convents of Goa (Old Goa)
UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1986 (criteria ii, iv and vi), grouping the churches and convents of the former Portuguese capital (Wikipedia; Incredible India).
Shri Shanta Durga Temple, Kavalem
18th-century temple of the goddess who reconciles Shiva and Vishnu; open 6:00 AM-8:30 PM; Zatra festival (Incredible India).
Palolem Beach
Curved, palm-lined bay sheltered from big waves, with kayaking, dolphin trips and beach huts in season; best November-February (Incredible India).
Districts of Goa 3
3 (Kushavati, 31 Dec 2025) — Kushavati (HQ Quepem) notified 31 Dec 2025 from South Goa: Quepem, Sanguem, Dharbandora and Canacona talukas.
Kushavati
Goa's newest district: Dudhsagar and the Mollem forests, Tambdi Surla, Netravali, and the Canacona coast from Palolem to Polem.Highlights: Dudhsagar Falls, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Tambdi Surla Mahadev TempleNorth Goa
Old Goa's World Heritage churches, the beaches of Bardez and Pernem, Aguada and Reis Magos forts, and the Mhadei forests.Highlights: Churches and Convents of Goa (Old Goa), Calangute Beach, Baga BeachSouth Goa
The temples of Ponda, the long Salcete coast from Benaulim to Mobor, and Vasco with the Naval Aviation Museum.Highlights: Shri Shanta Durga Temple, Kavalem, Sri Mahalsa Temple, Mardol, Mangueshi Temple
Festivals and dates to plan around
- IFFI (57th edition) — Panaji: 20-28 November 2026 per a travel blog; official dates to confirm
- Feast of St Francis Xavier — Old Goa: 3 December; event details to confirm
- Food and Cultural Festival — Margao: 23-25 January 2026; 2027 to confirm
- Carnival — Porvorim, Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa, Morjim: 13-17 February 2026; 2027 to confirm
- Shigmo — Panaji, Margao, Vasco and other towns: 5-18 March 2026; 2027 to confirm
- Shanta Durga Zatra — Kavalem, Ponda: Annual; date to confirm