Goa, also known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, is a small state situated on the west coast of India. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Goa was once a Portuguese colony, and it still retains a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences in its architecture, food, and traditions.

Tourists from all over the world flock to Goa to enjoy its scenic beauty and soak up its lively atmosphere. The state has something to offer for everyone, from peaceful beaches for relaxation to adventurous water sports, from historic churches to buzzing nightclubs. Goa is also known for its seafood, spicy curries, and local drinks like feni and cashew liquor.

The Darker Side of Goa

Apart from its beaches, nightlife, and rich culture, Goa is also known for its spooky stories and haunted places. The state is home to several abandoned forts, houses, and cemeteries that are believed to be haunted by ghosts and spirits.

From the D’Mello House in Margao, which is believed to be haunted by the spirit of a Portuguese soldier, to the Three Kings Chapel in Cansaulim, said to be cursed due to its location on land taken by force from a Hindu family, to the Reis Magos Fort in North Goa, said to be haunted by the ghosts of Portuguese soldiers, Goa has no shortage of spine-tingling tales.

While some of these stories may be purely hearsay. They have become a part of Goa’s rich and diverse cultural fabric. For those who seek a thrill beyond the usual tourist attractions, exploring the haunted places of Goa can be an unforgettable experience.

The Haunted Saligao Church

The Saligao Church, also known as the Church of Mae de Deus, is a famous landmark in the village of Saligao in North Goa. While it is a beautiful and peaceful place of worship, it is also believed to be haunted by the ghost of a nun.

According to the legend, the nun was brutally murdered by an unknown assailant on the church grounds many years ago. Her ghost is said to haunt the church, appearing as a white apparition and making strange noises in the dead of night.

Locals claim to have witnessed paranormal activities in and around the church, including mysterious shadows, strange voices, and unexplained movements. Some have even reported feeling an inexplicable coldness or presence around them while visiting the church.

Despite the eerie reputation, the Saligao Church remains a popular tourist attraction and a significant cultural landmark in Goa. Visitors can admire its beautiful Gothic architecture and ornate interior while soaking up the spiritual atmosphere. But for those brave enough to venture there at night, it can be a spooky and unforgettable experience.

The Mysterious Three Kings Chapel

The Three Kings Chapel, also known as the Chapel of the Three Magi, is a historic chapel located in the village of Cansaulim in South Goa. While it is a beautiful and peaceful place of worship, it is also known for its mysterious and eerie reputation.

According to the legend, the chapel is cursed due to its location on land that was taken by force from a Hindu family by the Portuguese. It is said that the spirits of the family members who were killed during the forced conversion to Christianity haunt the chapel and its surroundings.

Locals claim to have witnessed paranormal activities in and around the chapel, including strange noises, unexplained movements, and apparitions. Some have even reported feeling an inexplicable coldness or presence around them while visiting the chapel.

The chapel’s eerie reputation has made it a popular destination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. However, visitors should exercise caution and respect while exploring the chapel and its surroundings.

Despite its mysterious and haunted reputation, the Three Kings Chapel remains an important cultural landmark in Goa. It attracts visitors from all over the world who come to admire its beautiful architecture and rich history.

The Spooky Braganza House

The Braganza House, also known as the Braganza Mansion, is a beautiful colonial-era house. It is located in the village of Chandor in South Goa. While it is a popular tourist attraction due to its architectural beauty and historical significance, it is also known for its spooky reputation.

According to local legends, the house is haunted by the ghost of a woman who committed suicide in one of the rooms. Visitors have felt a strange presence while exploring the house, hearing unexplained noises and footsteps, and seeing apparitions.

The Braganza House has a long and fascinating history, having been built in the 17th century by a wealthy Portuguese family. Today, it is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and is open to the public as a museum.

Despite its spooky reputation, the Braganza House is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the beautiful interiors, admire the antique furniture, and learn about the fascinating history of the Braganza family and their role in shaping Goa’s rich cultural heritage.

The Eerie Arvalem Caves

The Arvalem Caves, also known as the Pandava Caves, are a group of ancient rock-cut caves. It is located in the village of Sanquelim in North Goa. While they are a popular tourist attraction due to their historical significance and beauty, they are also known for their mysterious reputation.

According to locals, the caves are haunted by the spirits of the Pandavas, the heroic figures from the Indian epic Mahabharata. Visitors have reported feeling an unexplained presence while exploring the caves, hearing strange noises, and experiencing inexplicable phenomena.

The Arvalem Caves have a long and fascinating history, having been built in the 6th or 7th century by Buddhist monks. Today, they are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and open to the public as a popular tourist destination.

Despite their spooky reputation, the Arvalem Caves are a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the intricately carved caves, and beautiful rock-cut architecture, and learn about the fascinating history of Buddhism in Goa.

The Ghostly Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Dudhsagar Waterfalls is located on the Mandovi River in the Sanguem district of South Goa. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. While it is known for its stunning natural beauty and cascading waterfalls, it is also famous for its ghostly reputation.

According to locals, the area around the waterfall is haunted by the ghost of a woman who lost her life while swimming in the falls. It is said that her spirit still roams the area. Visitors have reported feeling an inexplicable presence, hearing strange noises, and experiencing paranormal activity.

While there is no evidence, the eerie reputation of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls has only added to its popularity among tourists. Visitors can hike through the lush forests to reach the falls, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters, and enjoy the stunning views of the cascading waterfalls.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Dudhsagar Waterfalls is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of Goa.

How to Reach Goa 

Goa is a popular tourist destination in India and is well-connected by air, rail, and road.

1- By air: The Dabolim International Airport in Goa is well-connected to major cities in India and also international flights. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach their destination.

2- By rail: Goa has two major railway stations – Madgaon and Thivim – which are well-connected to major cities in India. There are several trains that operate on a daily basis from cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai.

3- By road: Goa is well-connected by road to major cities in India. One can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Goa from cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.

Within Goa, one can hire a taxi, take a bus or use a scooter/motorcycle to travel around the state. There are also several tour operators that offer sightseeing tours and adventure activities.

Best Time to Visit Goa

The best time to visit Goa is between November and March, which is the winter season. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C. And there is little to no rainfall. The beaches are clean, and the water is calm, making it the perfect time to enjoy water sports and activities.

Goa is a popular tourist destination, and during December and January, the state is buzzing with tourists and festivities. The Goa Carnival, held in February, is a major event that attracts a large number of tourists.

If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit Goa during the off-season, which is from April to October. During this time, the weather is hot and humid, and there is a higher chance of rainfall. However, this is also the time when you can find great deals on accommodations and activities.