Shriya Saran's fun weekend in Goa: Stunning photos

The serene coasts of Goa have been welcoming millions of tourists every year from around the globe. From ultra luxury resorts to budget-friendly getaways, Goa has something in store for everyone. South Indian actress Shriya Saran recently had a fantastic holiday in Goa, basking in the sun on the golden sands of its beaches. To the excitement of her fans and admirers, she shared many pictures from her family vacation on her online pages.

The stunning beaches
Goa stands out for its scintillating beaches, although the place also has countless historic spots and architectural wonders. While Vagator, Anjuna and Baga beaches erupt with the cheers and revelry of the crowds, Tiger Beach and Palolem Beach in southern Goa beckon with their serene shorelines and enchanting atmosphere. Besides the beaches, Goa boasts many historic fortresses, mangrove forests, the iconic Mandovi River, a trekking point called Chorla Ghat, Netravali Lake, Harvalem Cave, and majestic colonial-era churches.

Vagator Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Goa. Apart from a few tree houses, there aren’t any buildings or concrete structures here. This is the perfect spot to relax in the sun while getting a beautiful tan. If you are someone who has a heart for the indigenous handicrafts, then do not forget to check out the small shops and shacks that sell beautiful items.

Anjuna is often crowded with beach lovers and tourists. The flea market that appears every Wednesday is a significant attraction, drawing hundreds of visitors. From expensive jewellery to pocket-friendly handicraft items, this flea market is a shopper’s haven.

Baga Beach lights up at night and is filled with music and celebration. The colourful hanging nets tied to rows of coconut trees, the pristine sands on the beach, and the countless beach umbrellas waiting to provide shade for tourists are some of the regular sights of Baga Beach.

Kakkolam, also known as Tiger Beach, is a stunningly beautiful beach in South Goa. Compared to other prominent tourist places in Goa, this beach isn’t too crowded. The clean beach and the peaceful atmosphere are the highlights of this beach.

Love water sports?
Pequeno Island is a hidden gem that is well known for snorkelling and water sports. There are tour operators that train tourists in snorkelling and provide the necessary equipment. However, this spot isn’t as popular as the other tourist places in Goa. Pequeno Island is just a kilometre from the famous Baina Beach, where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed. The island is a must–visit spot if you are someone who prefers enjoying water sports and adventure activities in a safe and calm atmosphere.

Enclosed by hillocks and rows of coconut trees, the beautiful shoreline of Palolem beach is a nature’s paradise. Meanwhile, the tranquil atmosphere of the beach makes it a popular destination for international and domestic tourists.

A walk through history
The majestic Aguada fort, built by the Portuguese as a defence against the mighty Dutch and the Maratas, stands where the Mandovi river merges with the Arabian Sea. The fort, completed in 1612, is preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Aguada fort got its name from the Portuguese word Agua meaning water. Interestingly, the fort had a tank that could store up to 2 million gallons of water. The ships that sailed through this route used to collect water from this tank.

Meanwhile, the lighthouse here is more popular than the fort. The magnificent lighthouse, which towers four storeys high, was built in 1864. Aguada Fort is located around 16 kilometres from Panaji.

Sinquerim fort, a historic spot situated just three kilometres from Aguada fort, is a popular tourist destination in Goa. The fort whose facade extends into the Arabian Sea is frequented by tourists who like to capture scintillating pictures when the mighty waves spray them with cool water.

Heritage churches
The famous Basilica of Bom Jesus, built in 1605, is a significant landmark of Goa. The basilica, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. St. Francis Xavier, who died on December 3, 1552, was first buried in Shangchuan Island, China. Later, the mortal remains were transported to Malacca. However, the relics were brought back to Goa in December 1553. The embalmed body, which lies in a silver glass coffin, is found to be as fresh as the day it was buried. This miraculous phenomenon draws millions of pilgrims from around the world to the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa.

The relics of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, are displayed to the public once every ten years on the anniversary of the saint's death. The silver–glass coffin with the saint’s miraculous relics was last exhibited at the basilica from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025. The spectacularly beautiful altar and the glossy floor paved with exquisite marble, along with the unique baroque architecture, make this basilica an architectural wonder. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is located just 12 kilometres from Panaji.

One of the largest cathedrals in Asia, the Se Cathedral, is located near the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is dedicated to St. Catarina of Alexandria. Portuguese general and statesman Alfonso de Albuquerque defeated Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur, and captured Goa on November 25, the feast day of Santa Catarina. The Se Cathedral’s tower houses the 250-feet-wide and 181-feet-long Golden Bell, which is said to be the largest church bell in Goa. The renowned archaeology museum, managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, is situated near the Se Cathedral. A majestic bronze statue of Albuquerque is what welcomes the visitors to this museum. The remnants and the fantastic history of four centuries of Portuguese colonisation could be seen here.

Photogenic lakes and local spots
The mysterious Netravali Lake in Sanguem taluk, also known as Budbud Tali or the "bubbling lake," is actually a pond. This beautiful pond, surrounded by lush greenery, is famous for the bubbles that erupt from beneath its surface. There are granite steps on the banks for the visitors to sit and relax. Meanwhile, the Gopinath temple is also located on its banks.

Southern Goa is famous for its restaurants and local eateries that serve authentic Goan cuisine. Meanwhile, southern Goa is relatively peaceful without the usual crowds or the celebratory mood of other tourist places in the state. Salaulim Dam and the Cabo de Rama fort should not be missed if you are in Goa. The fort, which sprawls over 1,800 square kilometres, offers mesmerising views of sunsets in the evenings. There is a beautiful beach close to the fort, while the St. Antonia church is also not too far away.