Seeking peace and quiet in Goa? Steer clear of these vibrant places

Evelyn Siqueira

OCEAN OF CALM

While most people visit Goa for its beaches, culture and unique experiences, some seek its tranquility. If the latter is your reason, here are some places you should avoid.

Goa | Parra | Maddani | tourists | Photo: Katia Goes

WEEKLY MARKETS

Markets in Goa, such as Mapusa’s Friday market, are awesome for shopping, but are bustling with activity, leaving no room for quiet time.

Mapusa market | Friday market | Goa | Photo: Augusto Rodrigues

FONTAINHAS

At any given time of day, Panjim’s Latin Quarter of Fontainhas is peppered with tourists strolling leisurely or taking photographs, often unruly – certainly not the best place if you want to get away from it all.

Goa | Panjim | Fontainhas | tourists | Photo: Katia Goes

BEACHES

Goa’s famous beaches – Baga, Calangute and Anjuna to name a few – are pretty crowded and are best avoided if you are looking for serenity.

Goa | tourists | beach | garbage | Photo: Praveena Sharma

FORT AGUADA

There are visitors as far as the eye can see in tourist hotspots such as Fort Aguada, in Sinquerim, making them a no-go for peace-seekers.

Sinquerim | Goa| Fort Aguada | lighthouse | North Goa | Photo: Roxanne D'silva

WATERFALLS

The sight and sound of water flowing can be so zen and calming, but definitely not when it is associated with visitors making merry at Goa’s many waterfalls.

Goa | Waterfalls | Eco-treks | Adventure | Photo: Arti Das

FEASTS & FESTIVALS

Plenty of celebratory noise – singing, dancing, firecrackers, music and more – is associated at feasts and festivals which take place in Goa throughout the year. Although a happy experience, you might consider giving them a miss.

Goa | Feast of Magi | Khree Kings Feast | Cansaulim | Photo: Kristion Colaco

NEXT: Explore a quieter side of Goa, and discover hidden gems

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