North Goa Travel Guide
Explore the culturally rich and naturally beautiful North Goa with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the must-visit places, best things to do, local customs, safety measures, and transportation options.
- Introduction to North Goa
- List of Places to Visit in North Goa
- Hiking/Biking Routes of North Goa
- Best Things to Do in North Goa: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for North Goa
- Food and Drink Scene of North Goa
- Where to Stay in North Goa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in North Goa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of North Goa
- Best Time to Visit North Goa
- Do’s and Don’ts of North Goa
- Safety and Health
- Getting to North Goa: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in North Goa
- Where to Go Next from North Goa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to North Goa
North Goa is a popular tourist destination located in the Western region of India. The district boasts of picturesque beaches, Portuguese influenced architecture and a rich cultural heritage. The region is known for its nightlife, water adventure sports, and picturesque landscapes.
List of Places to Visit in North Goa
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Basilica of Bom Jesus: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the basilica is one of the oldest churches in Goa and houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.
- Fort Aguada: A 17th-century Portuguese fort, built to defend Goa against Dutch and Marathas, offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
- Chapora Fort: A popular tourist destination in North Goa, famous for its scenic location and proximity to the popular Anjuna Beach.
- Goa State Museum: The museum houses exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Goa, including traditional costumes and musical instruments.
Natural Attractions of North Goa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Anjuna Beach: A popular beach known for its flea markets and water sports activities.
- Butterfly Beach: A secluded and scenic beach, popular for dolphin sightings.
- Dudhsagar Falls: One of the highest waterfalls in India, Dudhsagar Falls offers splendid views of cascading waterfalls and lush green surroundings.
- Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: A paradise for birdwatchers, the sanctuary is home to numerous species of migratory and resident birds.
Hiking/Biking Routes of North Goa
- Dudhsagar Waterfall trek: A strenuous trek to the Dudhsagar waterfall, with breathtaking views of the waterfall and lush green forests.
- Divar Island Trail: A relatively easy trail, offering stunning views of the Mandovi river and nearby villages.
- Goa Bike Tour: An exciting bike tour that takes you to scenic locations such as Chapora fort, Ashvem beach, and the Mapusa Market.
Best Things to Do in North Goa: Activities and Tours
- Water Sports Activities: Beaches such as Anjuna and Calangute offer numerous water sports activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing.
- Sunset Cruise on Mandovi River: The cruise offers a picturesque sunset view from the boat along with a cultural show and dinner.
- Dolphin Spotting Trips: A popular activity in North Goa, dolphin spotting tours take you along the Arabian sea where you can watch dolphins leap out of the water.
Week-Long Itinerary for North Goa
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and Museum of Christian Art in Old Goa |
| 2 | Spend the day at Anjuna beach and enjoy water sports activities |
| 3 | Visit Fort Aguada and Chapora Fort, and go for a Spice Plantation Tour |
| 4 | Trek to the Dudhsagar Waterfall and visit the Mollem National Park |
| 5 | Explore the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and enjoy a picnic at the Fontainhas Heritage Walk Area |
| 6 | Take a day trip to Palolem Beach and Butterfly Beach for relaxation |
| 7 | Spend the day at the Calangute beach, followed by a Sunset Cruise on Mandovi River |
Food and Drink Scene of North Goa
Must-Try Dishes
- Fish Thali: A traditional Goan meal, comprising of rice, fish curry, and variety of side dishes.
- Prawn Balchao: A fiery shrimp preparation, made with a mix of red chilies and vinegar.
- Sorpotel: A spicy pork stew, prepared with pork meat or offal and is a traditionally served during Christmas.
- Bebinca: A layered cake made with coconut milk and eggs.
Local Beverages
- Feni: A popular local spirit, made from either cashew fruit or the sap of the toddy palm.
- King’s Beer: A nationally acclaimed beer, brewed in Goa and coconut beer from Dudhsagar Brewery.
Where to Stay in North Goa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Taj Fort Aguada: A luxury hotel located near the famous Fort Aguada and Sinquerim beach.
- Leoney Resort: A boutique resort located in the quiet village of Vagator near the famous Chapora Fort.
- Zostel Goa: A budget hostel located near the Anjuna beach, perfect for backpackers.
What to Buy in North Goa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Cashewnuts and Cashewnuts Products: Goa is known for its delicious cashew nuts and products, ranging from cashew feni to roasted cashews.
- Handicrafts: Goa is famous for its handicrafts, including items such as paper mache masks, brassware, and terracotta items.
- Spices: Goa is home to several spice plantations, and spice mixtures, including vindaloo masala and Goan fish curry powder, are popular souvenirs.
Local Culture and Customs of North Goa
Goa has a Roman Catholic population, and their customs and traditions, such as the Feast of St. Francis Xavier in December, Christmas, Carnival are widely celebrated. The Portugese influence can be seen in the architecture, food, and culture of the region.
Best Time to Visit North Goa
The best time to visit North Goa is from November to February, where the weather is pleasant, and the region sees a lot of festivals and cultural events.
Do’s and Don’ts of North Goa
Do:
- Respect the culture and traditions of the locals.
- Dress appropriately when visiting religious places.
Don’t:
- Litter on the beaches or throw trash anywhere.
- Growth of smoking and drugs are heavily controlled in the region.
Safety and Health
Safety in North Goa
North Goa is a safe place for tourists, however, it is recommended to be cautious while traveling late at night, especially if you are traveling alone.
Health in North Goa
Tourists are advised to drink only bottled water and avoid street food, which may cause an upset stomach.
Getting to North Goa: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near North Goa
- Goa International Airport: Located in Dabolim, the airport is well-connected to major Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, and international destinations.
Bus Stations Near North Goa
- Panaji Bus Stand: The main bus terminal connecting major cities in Goa, including Mapusa, Margao, and Vasco da Gama.
Other Options
- Taxis and Rental Cars: Several companies offer rental cars and taxis, which can be booked online.
How to Get Around in North Goa
Buses, Taxis, and bike rentals are readily available in North Goa. In addition, organized tours are also available that cover popular tourist spots.
Where to Go Next from North Goa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- South Goa: Just a few kilometers away from North Goa, South Goa boasts of more serene beaches such as Palolem Beach and Benaulim Beach.
- Dandeli: A town located in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, Dandeli is known for its adventure activities such as white water rafting and trekking.
Conclusion
North Goa is a culturally rich and naturally beautiful destination, famous for its scenic beaches, Portuguese architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you are a solo traveller or traveling with family, there is something for everyone in North Goa. Follow our guide to get the maximum out of your trip to North Goa.
