Places to visit in North Goa and things to do

Goa is well-known around the world for its beaches, with its principal economic activity being tourism. Goa can be easily identified by its two distinct centres, one in the north and one in the south. North Goa is the one that is believed to be the hub for partying and the hippy paradise. However, there is much more to the area than simply that. North Goa places are dotted with majestic forts, beautiful cathedrals, bustling flea markets, and a wide variety of other points of interest.

North Goa is accessible to visitors by any one of the following modes of transportation.

By air 

Goa is well linked to the majority of India’s main cities via air. All domestic and international flights to and from Goa are operated out of the Goa Airport at Dabolim, which is close to the port city of Vasco-da-Gama. The Indian Navy owns the airport, located around 30 kilometres from the capital Panaji.

A new international airport is under construction in Mopa, North Goa, and is set to begin its operations soon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to officially open the Mopa airport on August 15, 2022, which would be the 76th anniversary of India’s independence.

By train 

Given that Vasco da Gama and Madgaon are the state’s two major railheads, travelling to Goa by train is relatively easy. Through a robust train network, these two railway stations are extraordinarily well connected to various regions of the nation. One of the primary train stations serving North Goa is in Thivim Terminus. It is a stop on the North-South line; practically all trains stop here.

By road

Goa is linked to all of India’s main cities by National Highways NH4A, NH17, and NH17A. The majority of locations along the route are in excellent condition and permit reasonable driving speeds. Mapusa Bus Stand serves as the main hub for travellers visiting north Goa. Most of the cities and towns in neighbouring states, including Mumbai, Pune, Belgaum, and Bangalore, are accessible from the Mapusa bus stand at regular intervals throughout the day.

20 places to visit in North Goa

Panjim City

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The city of Panaji serves as the administrative centre of the North Goa district in addition to being the capital of the state. The city is situated on the banks of the Mandovi River, and its streets are paved with cobblestone. The streets are dotted with brightly coloured homes and structures that date back to the time of Portuguese colonial rule. Panjim has a slew of attractions, including historic structures, Latin Quarters, beaches, and plenty of street art, all of which may be explored in a single day.

See also: 10 best honeymoon places in India for a romantic trip

Old Goa

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Take a day excursion from Panjim to Old Goa while you are in the area around the city of Panaji. Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit both the well-known Old Goa church and one of the numerous lesser-known attractions that can be found in Old Goa, such as the Se Cathedral, the St. Cajetan church, the St. Augustine tower, and many more. To thoroughly experience all of Old Goa’s attractions, you need to set aside at least a half-day. You also have the option of having lunch at a local riverfront restaurant known as Gene Garden, which is located close to the Ribandar ferry port. In addition, you can take the boat from this location to the scenic and laid-back island of Divar.

See also: 10 best tourist places to visit in Mumbai and things to do

Fontainhas

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The eye-catching value of this sector in Panjim has contributed to the neighbourhood’s meteoric rise in popularity in recent years. It is a bustling neighbourhood with narrow alleyways lined with the nicest, most colourful buildings in Goa, which serve as a genuine living representation of the Portuguese architectural impact on the state’s architecture. Throughout the day, there will be a great number of young photographers taking shots here. Therefore, if you want the ideal photo for your social media, this is the place to go. 

Anjuna Flea Market 

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This flea market on Anjuna Beach comes to life every Wednesday and is widely considered to be one of the greatest marketplaces in all of Goa. For this seaside market, you can get Nepalese and Tibetan handicrafts as well as souvenirs, knickknacks, jewellery, beachwear, wall hangings, and other items at nominal costs. In addition, the market and its surrounding area also include many food vendors, body piercing shops, live music, and other forms of entertainment. Keep in mind that the market is only open from October to May, so be sure to schedule your trip properly.

Arpora Saturday Night Market

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Attending the colourful Saturday night market in Arpora is one of the most interesting activities tourists can do in the North Goa region. The crowded area is a shopper’s dream come true since there is such a wide selection of goods available, ranging from regional handicrafts to designer clothing. The allure of the location is enhanced by the presence of many food vendors serving mouthwatering specialities.

Mapusa Market

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Mapusa Market has been and continues to be one of the most important commercial and retail districts in all of Goa. On Fridays, the location transforms into a bustling marketplace where customers can experience the authentic allure of shopping in a Goan bazaar. You can shop for a wide variety of goods at this location, from fresh fruits and vegetables to fashionable accessories and garments. Do not be afraid to use your negotiating talents to get the best possible price.

Vagator Beach 

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Vagator is a breathtaking beach characterised by its magnificent red cliffs that line the shoreline. This beach is a sight to see. The beach at this location really comprised two distinct beaches known as Big Vagator and Little Vagator. It is the ideal location to kick your feet up and relax while getting your fill of the sun, sand, and water. However, if you are interested in having some fun on the water, Vagator offers a wide variety of activities for you to choose from, such as parasailing and jet skiing. You may also look forward to excellent nightlife and enjoy the beautiful sunsets here. 

Vagator Hilltop

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Looking for things to do in North Goa? The Hilltop of Vagator is synonymous with festivities and parties due to its prominent location. The Hilltop Festival, which takes place throughout February, is by far the largest celebration. It hosts significant events that honour psychedelic trance music in a big way. The world’s most well-known DJs of trance music often use Hilltop Nightclub as a laboratory for their musical experimentation. These kinds of events draw in tens of thousands of individuals from all around the globe who are enthusiastic about listening to high-intensity trance music.

Curlies Beach Shack 

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Curlie’s is an enchanting beach shack located on Anjuna Beach that is regarded as one of the most popular hangout areas in North Goa. It has not only restaurants and bars, but also an interior club, a tea house, and a veranda with a view of the ocean. The shack provides a wide variety of opportunities for engaging in water activities in addition to its wine and eating options. The shack is known for the quality of the Goan, Continental, Italian, and North Indian food it offers. 

Arambol Beach 

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Arambol is a beach representing the ideal combination of scenic beauty and tranquillity. This beach is known for its particular bohemian atmosphere. This rocky and sandy beach is regarded among the less-crowded beaches in Goa, which makes it perfect for you to spend some romantic moments as well as participate in some great water-based sports. You may even go shopping for trinkets and costume jewellery in the little stores that line the beach, or you can have a drink or two at one of the shacks that are located all along the beach.

Sweet Water Lake

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The Sweet Water Lake is a heaven on earth that is filled with pure water and fed by natural hot springs located deep inside the Goan rainforest. The lagoon is encircled on all sides by verdant mountains and palm tree plantations. To get here, you must go from the northernmost part of the Arambol beach via a tunnel lined with bazaars until you reach a deserted beach. The lake is just across from the more intimate beach. Take advantage of the spiritual ambience of the location by participating in one of the regular meditation sessions or giving your body treatment with some magical healing clay. 

Sinquerim Beach 

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The stunning Sinquerim Beach invites you to stroll along its picturesque sandy beach. You can participate in a wide variety of water-based sports and exciting activities, including swimming, but you can just go for a swim. The nightlife on this beach is dominated by music festivals the vast majority of the time. There are a great number of hotels and other types of resorts. In addition, there are many excellent restaurants in the surrounding area that are known for their delectable food and beverages. Getting to Sinquerim is simple because of the abundance of taxis, motorcycles, and buses that are available.

Ashwem Beach

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Ashvem beach is a long and clean length of sand nestled away from the masses, making it a great location for travellers who want a peaceful holiday where they can soak in the sun, sand, and waves. The waters surrounding Ashwem beach are ideal for swimming, and the river that flows through the area provides a secure environment for children who are not yet old enough to manage the ocean’s waves.

You can relax even further by treating yourself to a spa day at one of the local resorts or going to have an Ayurvedic massage, both of which are known for their calming effects. The Ayurvedic massages practised in this region are of exceptionally high quality and level of expertise.

Miramar Beach

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For Goans, Miramar Beach is comparable to Mumbai’s Chowpatty. Its major visitors are Goans, who come here to meet their friends for a leisurely stroll in the morning or evening. As a result, it possibly has the least touristic atmosphere of any place in Goa. Due to the presence of a strong undercurrent, this beach is not suitable for swimming. It is also possible to do some shopping here in addition to taking in the views. It is often regarded as one of the beaches in Goa that is best suited for families. The months of November through March are ideal for travel to this location in India.

Morjim Beach

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People who like to keep to themselves would adore Morjim Beach. This beach, which can be found to the north of the Chapora River, is a stunning example of a sandy beachfront and is one of the beaches in Goa that sees the fewest visitors daily. The Olive Ridley turtles are the stars of the show on this beach since it is a nesting habitat for them. Morjim beach has a one-of-a-kind ecology that promotes the development and hatching of this kind of turtle, making it an ideal place for them to dwell. As a result of this, Morjim Beach has been given a new nickname: Turtle Beach. The 3-kilometre beach is perfect for taking long strolls along while appreciating the stunning sunset views.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

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The basilica of Bom Jesus has been around for more than 400 years and was designed in the Portuguese architectural style. It is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Goa. This is because the location is home to the saintly Francis Xavier, who is credited with introducing Christianity to the Indian state of Goa in the 17th century. If you are the kind of person who can see and appreciate subtleties in architecture, then the baroque-style church will most likely be appealing to you.

The Church of Mae De Deus

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The Church of Mae Deus is a captivating narrative that has been carved into stone and serves as an excellent example of Gothic architecture. It seems to be a building plucked right out of a children’s fairy tale book with its snow-white walls and towering spires, giving it a magical appearance. The fact that this church is the keeper of the miraculous statue of Mae de Deus is what elevates its status to an even higher level of uniqueness (Mother of God). At night, the church has this stunningly gorgeous lighted view for visitors to enjoy.

Goa State Museum

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Goa State Museum is located in Panaji and is often referred to as the State Archaeology Museum. It was established in 1977, and among the departments, its houses include Geology, Ancient History and Archaeology, Art and Craft, and others. Visit the Goa State Museum if you are curious about Goa’s illustrious history and would want to learn more about it. The location is a veritable treasury of antiques and claims to have more than 8000 items in its collection. You will get the opportunity to explore a wondrous universe filled with rock statues, Jain sculptures, bronze artworks, outstanding silver coins, and a whole variety of other intriguing exhibits.

Chapora Fort 

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As a result of its appearance in the critically acclaimed Bollywood film Dil Chahta Hai, Chapora Fort has attracted the attention of wanderlust spirits all across the nation, to the point that many people now refer to it as the Dil Chahta Hai Fort. The fort, which dates back to 1717, served as a quiet witness to the many historical events that took place in this location during its existence. It is located on top of a hill that is close to the Chapora River, and as a result, it is well worth going there to take in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding surroundings.

Fort Aguada

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This enormous fort, which goes back to the 17th century and gives a breathtaking view of the sea that stretches out in front of it, is steeped in history and dates back to that era. Each and every Portuguese ship that sailed to the east would make a pit stop at Fort Aguada to replenish their water supplies since it had the greatest freshwater reservoir in all of Asia. The fort itself is magnificent and makes for a wonderful excursion destination. An antique lighthouse, the oldest of its type in Asia, is one of the primary attractions of the fort, along with many cells that were formerly used for incarceration.

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