Question 1

Which places in North Goa are good for sightseeing?

Accepted Answer

1. Mae De Deus Church – The Mae De Deus Church would indubitably be a quintessential inclusion to any North Goa sightseeing tour package out there. Constructed in 1873 in a trademark gothic architectural style, the church, including its verdant surroundings, is pristine in every sense of the word. Standing tall and open to its viewers, the church is an apt symbol of the state’s rich Catholic history.2. Bodgeshwar Temple – Guaranteed to be a glittering inclusion in many a North Goa sightseeing tour package, the Bodgeshwar Temple is culturally and spiritually one of the most notable temples in North Goa and the entire state in general. Famous for organising its own annual festival called ‘Zatra’, the temple is a tourist hotspot, open to Hindu devotees and interested visitors from all faiths.3. Casino Palm – Goa has a distinct and characteristic vibe that often likens it to Las Vegas, and the Casino Palm is exactly the sort of place that justifies the tradition. As the name betrays, it is obviously a casino where you can play a plethora of games to legally gamble and the sort. The place obviously caters to a niche crowd, so if that kind of stuff is up to your alley, you would have a gala time.4. Bicholim Market – Who would have thought that a North Goa sightseeing tour could take you to an expansive market exclusively dedicated to pottery? Yes, that is exactly what the Bicholim Market is all about. With over one hundred and fifty shops, all with exclusive expertise in pottery and clay shaping, the market should definitely be on your sightseeing list.5. Chorao Island – Chorao Island is a place that mere words would pitifully fail to do justice, and its high regard in almost all North Goa sightseeing packages speaks volumes about its cultural significance. Just a few minutes from Panaji and claiming a mere sum of 10 rupees per person, the island was initially a Portuguese colony, and all that remains today are churches, villas and a town-planning reeking of characteristically Portuguese architecture.6. Goa State Museum – Bound to be included in most North Goa sightseeing packages, the Goa State Museum is bound to be interesting and intriguing to anyone, let alone someone interested in the history of the state. Filled with sculptures whose influences lie mainly in Christianity or Hinduism, the museum also acts as a storehouse of information about all of the cultural and political activities the state has been through.7. Chapora Fort – The Chapora Fort is another of the many structures that speak about the state’s rich Portuguese history and culture. Offering, from its height, magnificent views of the Anjuna and the Vagator Beach, the fort is a remnant of a rule that spanned over 150 years.

Question 2

Which are the best places in North Goa to visit on a sightseeing tour at night?

Accepted Answer

1. MV Caravela – If you are just off watching Casino Royale or are a James Bond fan in general, this might just be the perfect spot for you. As most North Goa sightseeing packages ought to inform you, the MV Caravela is a cruise liner that has been refurbished into a casino, and makes for a perfect night out.2. Casino Pride – Casino Pride is yet another of the exhaustive options North Goa would throw at you when it comes to casinos. With an immense collection of both competitive and non-competitive games, Casino Pride is a spot that you should definitely consider hitting on your night out on a North Goa sightseeing tour.3. Anjuna Market – Stacked to the (metaphorical) ceiling with the best of local clothing, the Anjuna Market is perfect for a nocturnal shopping spree. If you are conversant with the ways of flea markets and prefer to practise conscientious shopping from local dealers, this is the perfect place for you in North Goa.4. Club Cabana – Club Cabana is, as the name would suggest, an all-out party haven that you definitely should not miss out on if that is your thing. Located atop the Arpora Hills, the club features an all-night swimming pool and is designed with multiple terraces where you can indulge in drinks and dancing all night long.

Question 3

Which are the best beaches to visit in North Goa on a sightseeing tour?

Accepted Answer

1. Anjuna Beach – Located in Anjuna (which is essentially a small village in North Goa), beaches do not often come better than the Anjuna Beach. Nestled amongst the jagged rocks of the Aravallis, the beach is simply a treat for sore eyes. While you are there, do check out the famous Anjuna Market that is open every Wednesday.2. Candolim Beach – Popularised by Sunburn, the Candolim Beach easily straddles the top cream of the beaches in North Goa. As most North Goa sightseeing packages would highlight proudly, the beach is known for its supple serenity that it achieves by being completely free of markets, stalls, and commercial activity of any kind.3. Vagator Beach – The Vagator Beach is yet another beach in North Goa that is a favourite when it comes to hosting music festivals. Overshadowed by ridges of red rocks, the beach’s environment is perfect for a relaxing day out in the sun. There is also a section of the beach reserved exclusively for stalls and shacks, in case you sought some refreshment.4. Sinquerim Beach – If you are looking for a beach in North Goa to spend an adventurous time in, the Sinquerim Beach is just the one for you. Known locally for the host of water sports the beach offers for recreational participation, it is never a dull day on the shores of the Sinquerim Beach.

Question 4

Which places are best for shopping in North Goa?

Accepted Answer

1. Mapusa Market – As you would find just when you step in it, there is a lot more than meat that goes hand to hand with the Mapusa Market. An essential visit for any North Goa sightseeing tour, the market is famous for its wide range of meat, fish and spices, and the shopkeepers are known to be extremely hospitable and honest with locals and tourists alike.2. Calangute Market – For anyone that loves handicrafts or handmade items of any sort, the Calangute Market would prove to be an absolute treat. The entire area of the market is open for your exploration, and there are trinkets and treats to be bought at every corner!3. Mackie’s Night Bazaar – As the name suggests, Mackie’s Night Bazaar is a market tailor-made for nocturnal shopping. As many North Goa sightseeing packages would expound, the market stays open every Saturday, and is known especially for its shops that sell handicrafts and handmade jewellery for all tastes.

Question 5

How much time would I require for a North Goa sightseeing trip?

Accepted Answer

3-4 days are ideal to explore North Goa comfortably. In this time you will be able to cover all the major attractions as well as indulge in activities. The time to be spent on any trip is, quite understandably, extremely subjective. Every traveller has their own preferences regarding the time they would like to spend at a place or need to properly take it in.

Question 6

What is the best time to visit North Goa for sightseeing?

Accepted Answer

As any local or one who has been to the state would tell you, the best season to visit North Goa is Winter. The months between November to March are great to have a relaxing vacation as the climate is pleasant.  If you choose to travel any time between November and February, you are good to go.

North Goa Sightseeing Tours