Weekend in Goa

A UNESCO-listed church from 1605, holding the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The baroque interior is carved from laterite and still has the original painted wooden ceiling.

Tip: Arrive before 10am to see the tomb clearly without queuing. Cover your shoulders and knees – guards enforce the dress code strictly.

Sprawling Wednesday market on a cliffside by Anjuna Beach. Hundreds of stalls selling textiles, jewellery, spices and Goa-specific souvenirs like chilli oil and feni.

Tip: Walk to the far end near the beach for cheaper food and less haggle-pressure. Take small notes – many traders can't break 500 INR.

A 17th-century Portuguese fort with a freshwater spring, offering sweeping views of the Arabian Sea and the Mandovi River estuary. The lighthouse inside is from 1864.

Tip: Go early morning (before 9am) to avoid crowds and heat. You can walk along the ramparts for free; paying 50 INR gets you into the lighthouse museum.

One of Goa's most important Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva (as Mangesh). Built in the 16th century with a distinctive seven-storey deepstambha (lamp tower) and a large water tank.

Tip: Photography is banned inside the inner sanctum but allowed in the courtyard. It's 3km north of Ponda – easiest by scooter or pre-paid taxi.

A protected crescent beach in South Goa, lined with low-key shacks and casuarina trees. The long shoreline is cleaned daily by local councils.

Tip: Come at low tide (check local tide tables) – you can walk to the small island at the south end. Skip the shacks in the middle; the northern end has quieter spots and better value tea.