Aside from beaches, parties, and watersports, we have many festivals in Goa that you can attend, such as Shigmo, Carnival, International Film Festival, etc. Every Diwali, people in Goa make statues of the demon king Narkasur to represent all the bad things in humanity, the world, and within themselves and burn the statue a day before Diwali. It symbolizes rebirth and embracing goodness in life. There are also interdistrict contests to give it a fun twist. Here, I am sharing a pic of the demon king.

To spot celebrities and for some added fun, time your visit with the annual International Film Festival of India (IFFI). This event usually takes place for a week in Panjim in either December or January, and the whole city takes on an ethereal glow. Register for the event months before and attend film screenings, listen to talks or debates on various topics in cinema, and even get a chance to meet a celebrity or two! However, do make sure to book your accommodations in advance since IFFI is a popular event and accommodations get filled up quickly.  

Drive or take a walk along the Mandovi River for a relaxing experience. From the cobblestone footpath on the bridge, you can take in the beautiful view of the water, the distant island, as well as the casinos leisurely gliding in the waters. With the pulsating, colorful lights of the Atal Setu Bridge, your experience will be nothing short of magical.  

If you are in search of a thrilling experience, you can hire a ferry boat and sail on the waters of the Mandovi River. Some boats are operated by the Government of Goa, and you can sail on them for free. But, if you are hiring a private ferry, it has an approximate charge of INR 600 per person and is available for group bookings, too. The best time to take advantage of this service is during the rainy season, and you can indulge in the tranquil views for 2 hours. However, don't forget to carry your rainwear if you do decide to sail in the monsoon. Also, bring along a pair of sunglasses, comfortable shoes, clothing, water, and snacks to make this experience more fun. Furthermore, this activity is becoming increasingly popular for pre-wedding shoots or engagement parties. 

Harvalem Waterfalls in Sanquelim is a must-visit if you want to experience the quintessential beauty and religion of Goa. Besides the thrilling waterfall, there is a little temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. After a short track and a bridge journey from the west of the temple, you can visit a religious shrine consisting of a pair of giant footprints, which is believed to have belonged to a devotee of Lord Krishna. The place is barred to outsiders, but special permission can be taken before visiting Harvalem. Furthemore, if you are going to see the waterfalls, keep your little ones safe, as the railing is old and thin. This place is also not accessibility-friendly since it has broad steps that one must climb to reach the falls. Visit the nearby Pandava Cave, too!  

Aside from Se Cathedral, Immaculate Conception Church is another famous site in Goa. It is a location of many Bollywood movies, and people love to take pictures of themselves on the steps here. This church is perfect for a visit during Christmas when the entire place is lit up, and there are several cribs on display, too. Although the visitors can't enter the church, the iconic zig-zag stairway makes for a fun photoshoot session. However, it is extremely difficult to find parking here, so it's best to park your vehicle nearby off-street and visit on foot. As such, this location might be challenging for those with mobility issues. There are many restaurants and cafes around the church, so worry not if you get hungry after your photo session. Try Cafe Bhosale, a five-minute walk away, for a taste of the local flavor.    

Looking for a place to take your beloved furbabies on a walk? Adjacent to Vivanta Goa, Miramar, is the Miramar Beach and promenade, perfect for your dogs. The cobbled footpath is filled with locals walking their dogs. The place also has strategically placed wooden benches so you can rest with your dog after a tiring walk. If your adorable pets love water, then Miramar Beach is located a quick walk away. The only thing to be careful of here would be occasional stray dogs, although they're completely harmless, as well as mild to heavy traffic on the weekends. Remember to keep your pets leashed and with you to be safe.  

If you are looking for an explosion of flavor, don't forget to stop by the small carts selling chaat delicacies on the streets. These little carts called "Gaddo" in Goa, will allow you to indulge in the savory-sweet goodness of sev puri, pain puri, dry bhel, and so much more. The base is crispy, fried dough shaped into a ball, chickpea soup, onions, sweet and savory water, and more. It makes for a delicious refresher and a quick meal on a low budget. However, if you can't tolerate spicy food, you can ask for just the sweet version of the menu, and your preferences will be happily accommodated. The payment is also easy here and allows transactions via any UPI app if you don't have cash. My personal favorites are sev puri and dry bhel. 

Harvalem Waterfall is one of the most tranquil destinations in North Goa. The best time to visit here is during the rainy season when the force and breadth of the waterfall doubles. Don't forget to carry your rainwear with you if going to the top level to view the waterfall, becuase the high force of the water means you will get splashed with mist. But, during the summers, when the water level is low, you can head down the stairs towards the stream, where the water gathers. Here, you can swim to your heart's content. There is also a tiny tea shop opposite the stairs leading to the top deck, selling local delicacies, including mirchi bhaji, vada, and puri bhaji. So stop by and grab some delicious food and hot tea to elevate your experience!  

If you are planning to stay in Panaji, be sure to add the locality of Miramar to your itinerary. Famous for the eponymous beach, this area is filled with dining establishments and fun experiences. After swimming in the ocean, rest on the pavilions to escape the heat. You can also explore the nearby restaurants and cafes for a satisfying experience. You can find casual cafes, local delicacies, fine dining options, and street vendors within a short walk from the beach. There is a public park in Campal, Panaji, too, where I love to go for evening walks. There is even a Starbucks nearby in case you want a refresher. You will find a lot of places to unwind and experience nature's glory as well. I love to visit Harvalem Waterfalls in Sanquelim, about an hour's drive from Panaji, whenever I am looking for a short trip to unwind. It is a great option for a weekend road trip after a busy week.

While in Panjim, don't forget to visit the gorgeous and iconic Immaculate Conception Church! This church, with its famous zig-zag staircases, has been featured in many Bollywood movies. It is a sight to behold during Christmas as it is lit up with fairy lights. Tourists love visiting this church and taking memorable pictures, which also makes it crowded. From the top of the stairs, you can take in the gorgeous city view. The church some days do not allow visitors to enter, but nonetheless, make sure you are dressed modestly in knee-length skirts, sleeved shirts, and no shorts, for both men and women, as the church has a dress code if you want to enter inside. Apart from that, there are many local eateries within walking distance from here, including Cafe Bhonsle and a local Dominoes.  

Fort Tiracole is a historic fort built in the 17th century, later annexed by the Portuguese when they colonized Goa. This used to be a site for demonstrations for those fighting for the Goan Independence Movement; some freedom fighters were also imprisoned in this defense fortress. Now, turned into a lavish hotel, it provides a serene experience and gorgeous views of the sea. The rooftop restaurant, The Tavern, especially, is a great place to stop by for delicious food. It also offers a variety of options, including vegetarian options. Their sashimi paneer, fries, and fig salad were delicious. Several adorable Squirrels also pass through the restaurant whom you can feed.