A Guide to the 10 Best Places to Visit in North Goa: Look No Further for Some Amazing Locations and Nifty Travel Tips (2019)

India holds a fascination for people throughout the world for the rich traditions and cultural diversity yet unity in such diversity. Each state in India has its unique culture and composition of different indigenous people, scenic beauty, attractive places which attracts international tourists. Goa is one of the most important tourist destination. Tourism and hospitality services are the base of economic growth of Goa. Being unique in its culture and traditions, Goa is divided in two districts, the South Goa and the North Goa.

Goa is a state in India, located on the western coast of India, with the Arabian Sea on its west. Situated in the central part of the Western Ghats of India, Goa is a abode to different wildlife species and is an important part of the global biodiversity hotspot. It shares its borders with Maharashtra towards North, Karnataka towards east and south. It is based on the Latitude 14°53′54″ N & 15°40′00″ N and Longitude 73°40′33″ E and 74°20′13″ E. Due to it's geographical locations it is blessed with the Western Ghats, evergreen and semi evergreen forests, and a 160 km beautiful coast line. Because of its geographic location, it receives highest rainfall with 2000mm during the months of June - September. It has the hottest climate during the summer months of April and May, with an average temperature of 35°C. The result is a lush landscape fringed by sandy beaches, an ideal holiday destination.

As the name suggests, the North Goa is the northern district of Goa state. This district has 6 blocks or talukas- Pernam, Bardez, Tiswadi close to coastal areas, Bicholim, and Sattari towards the Western Ghats. Each of these blocks have famous beaches, markets, churches, forts, scenic places, towns and important tourist hubs.

Goa had been one of the important states in the Portuguese empire from the 16th century to 1961 when it came under the Indian government. The city Margao still exhibits the Portuguese culture. In early times Goa was ruled and got influenced by various empires such as Maurya, Dravidians and Buddhist- Ashoka and many others, so the evidences of these empires are still visible in the culture and traditions of Goa through temples, churches, museums, historic structures and forts.

In an earlier time, North Goa was ruled by the kingdom of Sawantwadi and the Marathas. The region is next to Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district. Sindhudurg is the southernmost district of Maharashtra Kokan. So, most of the North Goa area seems to be influenced by Maharashtra and Konkan lifestyle. The regional language of North Goa is Konkani. Though, people in North Goa can also speak Marathi, English and Hindi fluently, in some pockets of the region, there are some communities who speak Portuguese.

Mumbai is at a distance of 610km; Pune is at 460km, Banglore at 560 and Manglore at 360km away from Goa, from where one can travel by bus or take train or book a flight.The Airport of the Goa is 4km from Vasco and 30 km from Panji. The flights connects to most of the metro cities of India.

Are you heading to North Goa ? We have an exclusive list of 10 popular and recommended places to visit in North Goa curated just for you and your loved ones to head to. Depending upon your mood and preferences, you can choose the best for you.

The northern most beach of Goa is the Vagator Beach which is located on the opposite bank of the Chapora River from Morjim. Possessing red cliffs and also known for its beautiful sunsets, Vagator Beach is a breathtaking beach that one must visit. The beach is split by a seaside headland into two main beaches - the Big Vagator and Small Vagator Beach.

Chapora is the nearest village where the Chapora fort is located on high lands. The fort rises high above the Chapora river and was built by Muslim ruler Adil Shah in 1717. The Dabolim International Airport is located at 46 km from Vagator and can also be reached by road and by rail.

Anjuna , a village located on the coast of North Goa, India is a Census Town and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in North Goa. St. Michael's Church, located in Anjuna was found in 1595 and is the most important church in this area. Anjuna is famous for its parties held on the beach during the tourist season. Every Wednesday and Saturday, Anjuna hosts a famous flea market where fruits, handmade jewelry, clothes and many other local delighrs are sold.

With a spectacular charm and magical nightlife, Calangute is just nine miles from Panaji. Calangute has real attraction of Goa tourism. Also known as the ‘Queen of Beaches’, Calangute Beach is a hub for tourists and is the largest beach in North Goa. It is also a perfect place for adventure and water sports like kayaking, para sailing, wind-surfing, water snorkeling, water-skiing etc. Visitors get these unbelievable experiences here and they can also enjoy leisure moments as they sunbath under the sun.The peak tourist season is during Christmas and New Year, and during the summer in May.

Named after Aguada implying water, Aguada fort is the oldest of its kind in Asia. Built in 1612, it was once the grandstand of 79 cannons. It has the capacity of storing 2,376,000 gallons of water and was one of the biggest freshwater storages in entire Asia. It was a crucial fort of Portuguese and is a must visit place in North Goa, if you are travelling around.

Are you interested in knowing and learning more about the rich heritage and history of North Goa ? Why not head to some of the most amazing museums and churches in North Goa.

Goa State Museum, known as the State Archaeology Museum is a museum located on the Mahatma Gandhi Road in Panaji in North Goa. Established in the year 1977, the museum has over 8,000 artifacts on display.The museum was earlier located at the EDC Complex in Patto, Panaji and currently it is located at the Adil Shah's Palace (Old Secretariat) in Panaji.

The Goa State Museum has fourteen galleries, arranged thematically, some of them being- Sculpture Gallery, Christian Art Gallery, , Banerji Art Gallery, Religious Expression Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery, Goa’s Freedom Struggle Gallery, Menezes Braganza Gallery, Natural Heritage of Goa Gallery, Environment & Development Gallery.The State Museum of Goa is set up, with the aim at centralizing and preserving antiquities, highlighting and preserving Goan history, tradition and culture.

The Mae de Deus or Mother of God Church is a magnificient church, dedicated to the Mother of God or Our Lady, built in 1873. Possessing Neo-Gothic style architecture and with its pristine white walls, it looks like a fairytale castle. Situated at a distance of 3km from Calangute beach and 10 km from Panaji, the Church at Saligao is in Saligao, Bardez and is a host to many Goan feasts and festivals.

The Bom Jesus Basilica is the most famous Goan church and is known by Christians worldwide for its charming simplicity and Jesuit architecture. Located in North Goa, 10 km from Panaji, the Bom Jesus Basilica is a World Heritage Monument. The church is called "Bom Jesus" meaning 'good Jesus' or 'infant Jesus' to whom it is dedicated.

Constructed in 1605, the layout of the Basilicia is simple yet grand and magnificient, and has a modern art gallery attached to it. On the southern side, there is a chapel of St. Francis Xavier, whose interior is decorated with wooden carvings and paintings. Every year the Feast of St Francis Xavier is held here annually on 3 December and is preceded by a nine-day divine festival.

North Goa is a land of scenic beauty and magnificience. Being a part of one of the world's rich biodiversity hotspot- the Western Ghats, the region has serene sunsets, beautiful islands, wildlife, waterfalls and landscape views.

You can get indulged amidst the nature, if you wish for your time in solitude and peace with your loved ones. Explore the mysteries of the islands and the wildlife to know about North Goa through different perspectives.

Two very mesmerizing villages are the sister islands of Chorao and Divar located across the river Mandovi. Chorao Island is a picturesque, green village and can be reached by a ferry from village Ribandar. A number of ancient temples were located in this island before the Portuguese invaded Goa. A mangrove forest at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in the island is adobe to different bird species like storks, kingfishers, cormorants and lesser egrets.

Divar Island is a lush island, surrounded by paddy fields and is the place of Saptkoteshwar temple, one of the most sacred temples in Goa. Divar’s festival Bonderam, the Festival of Flags is held every year on the last Saturday of August. The feast is also known as the feast of the harvest and is visited by many tourists across Goa.

Situated 15 km from the capital of Goa- Panjim, beginning at Fort Aguada and merging with Calangute Beach towards the end, the Candolim beach is one of the longest beaches in North Goa. The beach is famous for para sailing, wind-surfing, water snorkeling etc.The place has beautful and vast view of the landscape and its an inviting place for all.

Do you prefer being touristy and going for a shopping spree ? There is plenty in store for you too. The famous flea markets in North Goa has so much to offer to you, to keep up your hippie style.

Situated 13 km of north of Panaji in the taluka of Bardez, one of the main centres for trading and shopping in Goa since the ancient days has been Mapusa. The Mapusa market has become a significant business local marketplace over the centuries. The market opens at 9am till 6.30 – 7.00pm from Monday to Saturday. Items like antiques and Goan pottery to handicrafts, textiles, clothing, spices, fruits, vegetables, meats, jewellery are available for sale here at bargained prices.

Located at 30 km from Panaji, the Bicholim market is the famous hub of pottery. Local items like clothes, crockery, jewelleries, fresh fruits and vegetables etc. are available here at bargained prices. The Bicholim Industrial Estate located at Mandovi river tributary houses 50 industrial workshops specialising in pottery, aluminium and steel fabrication, rolling mills, bus body, etc. The Mayem Lake is a major tourism and pristine and scenic destination in Bicholim.

Every region has its own unique tastey food items which always be the hit factor. So, the paradise place is also having its unique cusines which we definitely suggest you to taste. North Goa, being in the Konkan region, is close to coastal line and influenced by various national and international cultures which makes its local food vary diverse and unique. Rice products, various food products of fishes and sea food, coconuts, vegetables, meat, pork and the important local spices are the main ingredient of the Goan food. Use of Kokum and fish makes the Goan food complete.

Sea food- crabs, shrimps, prawns, lobsters, squid, mussels, oysters, fishes are important food. Goan Fish Curry, Goan Prawn Curry, Fish Recheado, Bebinca, Rava Fried Fish, Chicken Xacuti are some of the famous non vegetarian cuisines. In vegetarian food, a lot of coconut, coconut milk and jaggery is used. Goan Nevri, Bolinhas (Goan cookies),Bebinca, Mushroom Xacuti, Patoleo or Patoli, Solachi kadi , Sanna, Solantule kodi are widely relished and eaten widely.

There are many restaurants which serves guests with local cuisines with cultural diversity. Some of the restaurants one can try in North Goa includes- Souza Lobo near beach –Calangute, Pousada near Beach- Calangute, Sakana near Mapusa- Anjuna beach, Thalassa- near Siolim, Spice Goa- near Carrasco waddo, Mapusa, Goa Ark- near Anjuna beach, Gunpowder- near Anjuna, Spice Traders- near Vagator Beach etc.