If you are wondering about things to do in North Goa, you have nothing to worry about. The northern part of the tiny state of Goa is always abuzz with activities, and there is something to do for everyone in this beautiful region. From relaxing on the beaches to partying all night, there is a wide range of things to do here. Read on to take your pick from the things to do in North Goa.
Beach-hopping
You cannot talk about Goa without speaking of its beaches. Without a doubt, if you are visiting Goa, the one thing that should be on your list is visiting at least a few beaches in Goa. Goa is home to many, many beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular beaches in North Goa are Vagator, Anjuna, Calangute, and Baga. You will find many beach shacks and a lively atmosphere at these beaches, especially at Baga beach and Vagator beach.
If you are looking for some quieter and cleaner beaches, we would recommend Candolim, Morjim, Ashvem, and Mandrem. Light sands, cleaner waters, and less crowds make these beaches perfect for some quiet relaxation.
Goa has many beautiful beaches
Party through the night
North Goa is known for its happening nightlife, at beaches as well as in clubs. Club Love Passion Karma, also known as LPK, is one of the most famous clubs in North Goa. Club Cabana is another place in Arpora which has an all-night swimming pool and amazing music. Wednesdays are ladies’ nights, offering free entry and unlimited drinks to women.
The iconic Tito’s Lane has many nightclubs, such as Tito’s Club, Mambo’s and Pink Elephant Goa.
Tito’s Club
Try your luck at the casinos
Goa has many casinos, and it is a fun experience to try out. Casino Palm is one of the most popular casinos in Goa. Situated on the Calangute beach, there are many electronic games and roulettes. For a more diverse experience, you can try a floating casino – MV Caravela and Casino Pride bring together cruising and gambling at the Mandovi beach.
Casino cruise
Enjoy some water sports
Bordered by the Arabian Sea, Goa offers many water sports and underwater activities. Goa’s underwater life full of aquatic plants, turtles, and varied fish make it one of the best diving destinations in India. Not just that, there are also quite a few ship wreckages in this sea, such as battleships from World War II. Grand Island, Candolim, and Calangute beach are good options for scuba diving.
You can try snorkelling at Grand Island, Sinquerim Beach, and Palolem Beach. You will be taken to the sea from a boat, where you might also spot a few dolphins if you are lucky.
You can also enjoy a banana boat ride, jet ski ride, as well as parasailing on many beaches in North Goa.
Parasailing in Goa
Explore the forts
Goa is home to many historic forts. The Chapora Fort was built in the 17th century and stands tall overlooking the Arabian Sea. Offering beautiful views of the landscape, the fort is popular among locals as a location for a famous Bollywood movie, “Dil Chahta Hai”.
Fort Aguada is a Portuguese fort also built in the 17th century. The fort also has a lighthouse that was constructed in the 19th century – it is one of the oldest lighthouses in Asia. You can also visit Fort Aguada Jail at the foot of the fort. Once the largest jail in Goa, it is a heritage site today open to the public.
The Terakhol Fort, or Tiracol Fort, is located on Querim Beach and can be reached via ferry. The fort, built in the 16th century, overlooks the Arabian Sea.
Chapora Fort
Visit the museums
Goa has many museums that offer a glimpse into the history of the state and the country.
The Goa State Museum, established in 1977 by the State Archaeology Department, is a haven for history buffs. Showcasing the history of the region, the museum houses many artifacts like stone sculptures, wooden carvings, ancient manuscripts, coins, paintings, and more.
The Naval Aviation Museum near Dabolim airport in Goa displays the naval aviation history of India over the years. This is the only naval aviation museum in Asia. You will be able to see vintage arms and weapons, aircrafts, and engines here.
The Houses of Goa Museum is a unique museum constructed in the shape of a ship. Built by Gerard de Cunha, the museum displays furniture, home decor, tiles, and household items from the Portuguese era in Goa.
Houses of Goa Museum
Pray at the churches
Christianity is one of the predominant religions in Goa, and whether you are religious or not, the stunning churches of Goa are worth a visit.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the prime tourist attractions in North Goa. Renowned for holding the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier, the church is designed with Baroque architecture and carved from basalt. The intricate carvings and history of the church brings in a large crowd.
Another well-known church in Goa is Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. Situated on a slightly elevated platform, it is one of the oldest chapels in Goa. This church is also built in the Portuguese Baroque style and has the second largest church bells in Goa.
The Church of Nossa Senhora De Penha De Franca is located on the banks of the confluence of River Mapusa and River Mandovi. This 16th century church is set in a very picturesque location and is a national heritage structure.
Mae De Deus Church and St Clara’s Church are a couple of other churches in North Goa you should definitely check out.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Visit the islands
Goa has many islands that you can visit if you want a change from the usual tourist attractions in Goa. Chorao Island is one of the most famous islands in North Goa. The name literally translates to “stunning precious stone”. With some churches and villas, the island is a quaint spot perfect for a bit of tranquil time.
Another island popular in Goa is Grand Island, not much frequented by tourists. If you love water sports, the island has many scuba diving and snorkeling sites.
Grand Island
Stroll through the lanes of Fontainhas
One of the most popular streets of Goa, Fontainhas is Panaji’s Latin Quarter. This vibrant neighborhood has Portuguese-style houses and narrow streets that will take you back in the bygone era. The colorful homes painted in bright hues of pinks, yellows, greens, and blues elevate this quaint street. You will also find many local restaurants, cafes, and bakeries here that you must try to get a taste of some authentic Goan fare.
Streets of Fontainhas
Go shopping
The iconic Anjuna Flea Market is open every Wednesday and offers a diverse range of products. You can buy souvenirs, bohemian clothes and decor, spices, and many artifacts.
Mapusa Market, on the other hand, has a very different vibe. The market is open every day, but on Friday, there are a lot more items on sale. You will be able to buy fresh vegetables and local meat, textiles, jewelry, accessories, and other knick-knacks.
The Arpora Saturday night market is another popular market you must visit in Goa.
Anjuna Market
Spot different flora and fauna
The dense forests and mangrove swamps of Goa make it a great environment for wildlife to reside. North Goa has a few wildlife reserves you can check out if you are a wildlife enthusiast.
The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 208 square kilometers in North Goa. This dense reserve houses animals like the leopard, tiger, sloth bear, Indian gaur, barking deer, Sambar deer, civets, mongoose, and langur. There are also more than 200 species of birds here.
Visit the Butterfly Conservatory in North Goa. With a collection of almost 133 species of butterflies, the vibrant garden is definitely a beautiful place to visit. You can spot different types of butterflies and also feed them fruits.
On the banks of Mandovi River on Chorao Island is Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for bird watchers. This avian reserve is the only bird sanctuary in Goa. You will find many different species of birds here, such as purple herons, kingfishers, woodpeckers, and white egrets, along with red knot, bittern, and jack snipe. You may also spot other wildlife like crocodiles, otters, and flying foxes.
Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa
There are so many things to do in North Goa. What will you be doing first in North Goa? Let us know! At India Someday, we plan personalized trips and itineraries to India based on your choices and requirements. Contact us, and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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