About North Goa
Located along the western coast of India, Goa is commonly known as the Rome of the East, and is further categorised into North and South Goa. Exuding a deep-rooted Portuguese culture, age-old traditions, rich heritage and immense beauty, North Goa is also home to some of the most pristine beaches in India, such as Anjuna and Calangute.
From scenic beaches, to luxury hotels, resorts, quaint cafes and bistros, to fine dining restaurants, as well as a wide array of water sports, adventure activities, clubs and more, there is nothing more that you will need on your visit to North Goa.
North Goa is also amongst the most popular party hotspots in the region, known for its amazing beach parties, pubs, festivities, and carnivals. In addition to historic places of attraction, like Fort Aguada, Chapora Fort and Anjuna Market, you can also find several adventure activities to indulge in during your stay here. Some of these include spice plantation tours, sunset boat cruises, trekking, parasailing and scuba diving, among others.
For others, there are several flea markets and boutiques where you can enjoy some retail therapy and shop for unique things. North Goa has something for everyone, and is a place that you will keep wanting to come back to.
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Which are the best places to visit in North Goa?
1. Chapora Fort: Located near Vagator Beach, the Chapora Fort is one of the best places to visit in North Goa. Built by Adil Shah of Bijapur over the mouth of the Chapora River, this ancient fort dates back to as early as the 15th century, and is reminiscent of the Shahpura town. The ruins of this fort are also the spot where the famous Bollywood film Dil Chahta Hai was shot. It also offers some of the most spectacular views of the Vagator and Anjuna Beaches.
2. Arvalem Waterfalls: Located in Mapusa, near the towns of Sequelim and Bicholim, the Arvalem Waterfall is also commonly known as Harvalem Falls, and is a perfect place for a memorable picnic. Travellers can also enjoy swimming in the huge lake at the bottom of the falls, which gushes down from a height of 70 metres, and is surrounded by verdant jungles and lush greenery.
3. Church of Mãe De Deus: Located in Saligao, the Church of Mae de Deus is one of the best places to visit in North Goa, owing to its stunning architecture. Dating back to the late 1800s, the church has been built in the Gothic style of architecture, and exudes the vibe similar to that of a photograph. Surrounded by lush landscapes and amazing natural vistas, this church becomes even more beautiful at night, when it gets illuminated by thousands of lamps.
4. Bodgeshwar Temple: The Temple of Bogdeshwara is one of the most important temples and religious places in North Goa, located in Mapusa. Tucked amidst verdant jungles, this temple is the home of the annual fair of Zatra, where thousands of people from all over the country visit to seek blessings.
5. Goa State Museum: Located in Panaji, the Goa State Museum or the State Archaeology Museum is amongst the most popular places to visit in North Goa. It is in this museum where you can find a large collection of historical artefacts and antique products that exhibit the history, anthropology and heritage of Goa. You can also see many displays and galleries related to lottery printing, sculptures, furniture, religious expression, contemporary and Christian art and other things here.
6. Grande Island: One of the most popular islands and famous places to visit in North Goa is the scenic Grande Island, where you can only find verdant greenery and picturesque vistas. Boasting of a rich marine life, and offering some of the best sunsets in all of Goa, this famous island is also a water sport hotspot, wherein you can indulge in different activities like dolphin sighting, cruises, sea walking, swimming, sunbathing, as well as snorkelling and scuba diving.
7. Basilica of Bom Jesus: One of the oldest places to visit in North Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is also a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site, which dates back to more than 400 years. It is here where you can see the remains of the sampis St. Xavier, in addition to a huge collection of paintings and artwork which depict his life and the life of other saints.
Which are the best things to do in North Goa?
1. Explore the famous Mapusa Market: Exploring the Mapusa Market is one of the best things to do in North Goa. This local Goan market offers you a glimpse into the lifestyle of this region, and it is here where you can shop for a wide array of things, from fresh fish, seafood, vegetables and meat, to authentic Goan sausages, local spices, beachwear, antiques, handicrafts as well as cheap wine.
2. Spend some time at the charming Butterfly Beach: Located south of Vasco City, the famous yet quaint Butterfly Beach in North Goa is the abode of hundreds of thousands of butterflies, which swarm over the hilltops here. The fine golden sands of the beach are also great to sunbathe and relax, while catching sights of beautiful dolphins, goldfish as well as crabs.
3. Pay a visit to the Naval Aviation Museum: Located in Bogmalo, the Naval Aviation Museum is the only naval aviation museum in all of Asia. It opened its doors in 1998, and has marvellous indoor as well as outdoor exhibits where you can learn about the country’s great naval aviation history throughout the years. In addition to vintage aircrafts and engines, you can also find avionics, photo galleries, ancient weapons and armaments here.
4. Visit the Bicholim Market: Also known as the Hub of Pottery in Goa, it is in Bicholim market where you can shop for handmade products, from pots and vases, to crockery, fresh organic produce, clothes as well as junk jewellery. The best part of shopping here is that you can directly get these from the locals themselves, that too at great prices.
5. Go on a safari at the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: Enjoy a jungle safari in North Goa at this wildlife sanctuary, near the pristine Dudhsagar Waterfalls, and enjoy witnessing many different animal species here. In addition to seeing the Indian bison, leopard, peacocks, deer, sambar, jungle cars and other animals, you can also enjoy elephant rides here.
Which are the best water sports to do in North Goa?
1. Kite Surfing: Amongst the most popular and recently introduced sports, kite surfing is one water activity that you must absolutely try in North Goa. Blending the different sports of wakeboarding, surfing and jet skiing, this water sport involves the adventurer controlling a power kite while cruising along the surface of the sea at the same time.
2. Scuba Diving: North Goa has many beaches and other areas where you can indulge in a scuba diving adventure. Home to colourful and vibrant coral reefs, a variety of fish species and underwater creatures like sharks, sting rays, turtles and more, scuba diving here is an amazing experience. And if you are lucky, you can even come across several shipwrecks hidden beneath the surface of the water as you dive deep into the sea.
3. Ringo Rides: Another popular water sport that you can do in North Goa is a Ringo ride, wherein you ride a circular tube which is pulled by a speed boat. However, prepare to get soaked by the cool waters of the Arabian Sea, as you soar across the waves.
4. River Rafting: The Mandovi and Sal Rivers in North Goa are great to enjoy a river rafting experience. All you have to do is sit tight on a raft as it navigates through the gushing river rapids, alongside villages, beaches and mangrove forests.
Which are the best beaches to visit in North Goa?
1. Vagator Beach: A popular spot to try cliff jumping and soak in verdant sunsets, the Vagator Beach is one of the best beaches in North Goa. Characterised by stunning red cliffs, and home to two freshwater springs, this crescent-shaped beach is also the spot for the popular Sunburn music festival, in addition to other activities like sunbathing, etc. You can also find several beach shacks and local stalls to try delicious seafood and beer, or shop for souvenirs and other things.
2. Anjuna Beach: Amongst the most popular beaches in North Goa, the Anjuna Beach is tucked amidst the Aravallis, and is known for its amazing flea market and the vibrant nightlife. Home to luxury villas and homestays, this beach also offers spectacular sunset views to travellers, and has many beach bars and pubs where you can party the night away.
3. Calangute Beach: Also known as the Queen of Beaches, the Calangute Beach is one of the best beaches to visit in North Goa. From shopping at the international boutiques, and indulging in delicious food and drinks, to enjoying the natural sceneries, and even trying out various water sports and other activities, there is a lot that this beach has to offer.
What is the best time to visit Goa?
The best time to visit Goa is from the month of November to February, when the state experiences the pleasant winter season. The temperatures during these months range between 20 to 26 degrees Celsius in Goa. There is little to no rainfall during this time, along with very low humidity, making it great for sightseeing, beach hopping, water sports and other activities here.
Additionally, it is during these months that you can find a lot of beach parties, festivals and carnivals in the local markets in Goa, which you can enjoy to the fullest. You can also enjoy the fireworks and Christmas decorations throughout Goa if you visit in December.
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