Goa is among the top domestic holiday destinations and is also widely popular for being the best tourist places around the world. Tourism is considered to be the main economic activity of Goa. The beaches, moderate temperature, chilling evenings and partying nights make it a loveable destination by domestic as well as international travellers.
Goa is classified as two different centres: South Goa and North Goa. It is hard to make a choice between North and South Goa. Both are famous for their own scenic beauties, peaceful beaches and monumental legacy.
If you are a history lover or someone who loves vintage partying, adventures and chilling modes, then North Goa is perfect for you. Goa is just not all about beaches and parties, it has a lot more to offer and this suits well when you think of North Goa.
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11 Best Places To Visit In North Goa
It is known for its lively fun, flea markets, travelling back to the past, and old-world picturesque spots. If you are planning to have a trip to North Goa, then you need to be aware of the places that you can visit there. Here are some interesting spots that you can add in your to-do list of your trip to North Goa:
#1. Aguada Fort
Counted among the best places to visit in Goa, Aguada Fort is the most frequently visited place by the tourists. This enormous fort which initially was a Portuguese house takes the tourists and visitors back to the 17th century.
The architecture of the fort has a military touch and the old construction always attracts the visitors. This was an important place for the Portuguese so it is built with royalty and grand. The entire fort is very that you can spend your entire day just strolling out the fort. If you want to witness the confluence of Arabian Sea and Mandovi River, then it is the perfect destination to have the majestic view.
The Aguada Fort has also been serving as a jail. Do not forget to see the lighthouse standing inside the Fort as it is a major attraction for the tourists from all around the world.
It is said that this lighthouse is the only one of its structures in the entire Asia. This fort is located at the southernmost part of Candolim Beach. The timings are also very convenient for all visitors. You can go inside the fort from 8:30 AM to 6 PM without paying any entry charges.
#2. Baga Beach
Major attraction for the watersports lovers and tourists is the famous Baga Beach in North Goa. No matter if you are visiting Goa for the first time or have visited before, you simply cannot avoid visiting Baga Beach. This is the perfect place to enjoy the day life and witness the thrilling late night parties.
You can get all you want at just a single location. You can do shopping, opt for various watersports, get tattoos done, etc. Baga Beach is also synonymous to delicious food, hard parties, rock and loud music. Also, it is well-known for the classy designer stores.
If you are visiting here between the months of November and March, then you can enjoy it to the fullest. Adventurous water sports and sea mammals are another key attractions. Ship trips are also organised by the local ship owners and organisers to witness the confluence of Baga river into the Arabian Sea and spotting Dolphins.
The location of the Beach is not so far from Panaji and Mapusa. There are famous restaurants and cafes including Tito’s, Mambos, Britto’s that serve authentic Goan food. The beach, shops, cafes are open throughout the day as well as night.
#3. Chapora Fort
Chapora Fort is another example of the great Portuguese architecture and a perfect treat to the wanderlust souls. If you are someone who loves leisure and quality time, then this is the best place to visit in North Goa.
This place was constructed by the Portuguese rulers who are believed to have ruled for more than 150 years. They constructed the fort in the year 1717 and now there are only remains of it. Visitors get a peaceful atmosphere and authentic delicacies at the cafes and restaurants located around the fort.
Along the fort, flows the river Chapora after which the fort was named. There are two tunnels that were made to escape by the Portuguese rulers. The place has its own scenic beauty which makes it the perfect spot for photography.
The surrounding areas are also as amazing as the fort. Without any doubt, Chapora Fort is worth a visit. The location of the fort is in North Goa and you can easily reach here. The fort is kept open for twenty four hours and there is no entry charge too. Add Chapora Fort in your bucket-list for your next trip to Goa.
#4. Calangute Beach
Tourists and visitors come from all around the world to experience the charm and beauty of the ‘queen of beaches’ in North Goa. Calangute Beach ranges from Candolim to Baga, being among the busiest and most happening tourist spots in Goa.
The beautiful sight at the time of sunset, astonishing views all day round, etc. are the reasons why the crowd is attracted to this place a lot. The flea markets are the best things of the Calangute Beach. In these markets, you can purchase anything no matter if it is junk jewellery, beer, clothes, food, trinkets, etc.
The beach is covered with tall palm and coconut trees. The vast Arabian Sea serves as the ideal backdrop. People frequently go to the beach to take in the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that Calangute Beach is famous for.
Visit this location with your family and friends for the ideal tourist and vacation hideaway, and take advantage of everything North Goa offers its visitors. You can get everything from historic structures and buildings in the Portuguese style to delectable food and beverages. Additionally, it will provide you with a unique beach experience that is lovely and serene that cannot be found anyplace else in Goa.
#5. Vagator Beach
Being one of the best places to visit in North Goa, the Vagator Beach is a perfect treat to the fun loving travellers. Vagator is an incredible beach distinguished by its stunning red rocks that cover the seashore.
This beach remains beautiful to view at any time of the day. The beach areas can be classified as two different points: Little Vagator and Big Vagator.
It is the perfect place to put your feet up and unwind while soaking up as much sand, water and sun as you want. However, if you are looking to have some water fun, Vagator provides a wide range of options, including parasailing and jet skiing.
Moreover, the sunsets are undoubtedly stunning and you can also get an experience of amazing nightlife. You can go at Vagator Beach from 5:30 AM to 10 PM without having paid any entry charges.
#6. Anjuna Beach
The next in the list of best places to visit in North Goa is the lovely Anjuna Beach. This beach is located near to the capital of Goa, Panaji. Here, you can spend your day chilling and relaxing on the seashores but at night you will have a completely different party vibe. Anjuna is all about parties, fun, adventure, watersports, and flea markets. Anjuna used to be a small village but now it has gained popularity because of the classy villas.
Anjuna Beach has all the specialities that Goa is known for. No matter if you have planned a family vacation, trip with your friends or loved one, you can get the people of different tastes and budgets here enjoying their vacations. Some of the adventurous water sports activities that you can do include bungee jumping, banana rides, etc.
The flea markets that are held every wednesday make this beach even more extraordinary. It is the centre of attraction for the tourists. There are so many bars and shacks on the beach itself that you do not have the need to go anywhere else to enjoy the sassy nightlife.
#7. Arvalem Waterfall
If you are visiting North Goa in the monsoon season, then it is not worth it to forget the Arvalem Waterfall. The charm and beauty of the waterfall can only be witnessed in the months of monsoon.
In winters and summers, the waterfall is reduced to such an extent that it appears to be a trickle. There is a terrain just beneath the fall in which it flows. The white cascade gets on its peak beauty and it is the perfect time to capture the waterfall in cameras.
You can easily spend half of your day just sightseeing around the waterfalls. There is a lot to do here besides sightseeing. Go for strolling down the streets, shopping at the local markets and clicking astonishing pictures.
Government has also made a recreation hub near the waterfall so that the tourists can enjoy this place in the best way possible. You can also see railings for the protection of tourists and for clicking the aesthetic and social media friendly pictures.
This waterfall is also famous among the filmmakers as it gives an iconic scenic beauty and serene experience. After enjoying the waterfall, you can also go to visit the Rudreshwar Temple which is very near to it.
#8. Bodgeshwar Temple
Goa is not only about churches, beaches and parties. There are so many other things to do in Goa where you can get divine peace. In the list of such places, Bodgeshwar Temple is a must to mention. The temple is located in between the flourished green surroundings of beautiful greenery of Goa. There is a small shrine inside the temple which is dedicated to Baba Bodgeshwar or Baba Kanakeshwar.
As we all know that Goa is a hub for sassy partying, beach day outs and cool night outs. It is worth mentioning that Bodgeshwar Temple is the ideal place for spending some alone time and getting spiritual peace of mind.
People from all around the world come here to worship the Lord as they believe He fulfils all wishes of the devotees. Also, a special festival is celebrated in the month of January or December and this is the time when the crowd is countless.
#9. Mae De Deus Church
Among the best places to visit in North Goa, next on the list is age-old church, Mae De Deus Church. The architecture of this church resembles the Neo-Gothic age. You can surely get awestruck and mesmerised once you are at this place.
The peak of attraction you will see here is the architecture and serene environment. The surroundings give the church an appearance of the castle. The church got its structure in 1873. The main building appears to be a castle from a cute fairytale. The clean-white walls add a glamorous charm to the overall beauty.
The Church not only welcomes the people of christian religion but all who love to admire the beauty are welcomed here. At night, visitors can witness the spectacular charm of the church and its surroundings.
The church is located in Saligao. The Church is open every day from 9 AM to 12:30 PM and then 3 to 5 in the evening. The place is ideal for sightseeing and getting spiritual pleasure.
#10. Mangeshi Temple
Mangeshi Temple, one of Goa’s biggest and busiest temples, has an undeniable grandeur that enchants worshippers even from a distance. The Goan architectural style settles here, keeping pace with the glorious history. An eye-catching Deepastambha, an unusual 7-story octagonal lamp tower decorated white with golden arches, attracts attention. It is a sight not to be missed at night when it is illuminated.
Undoubtedly, this temple is among the top tourist attractions in North Goa, and you should drive there to pay your respects and to appreciate the historic architecture. There are shrines of Lord Ganesha and Mata Parvati inside the complex.
Shiva Linga is worshipped here to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The age of this temple is 450 years and it still holds the same beauty and stunning charm. The distance of Mangeshi Temple from Panaji is 22 KM. You can visit the temple anytime between 6 AM to 10 PM.
#11. Club Cubana
The partying hub of North Goa is the Club Cubana. Here one can enjoy hardrock parties and everyday has a different and special theme for parties. The club has swimming pools which are open throughout the night.
Also, these parties are held at large open terraces which have the multilevel partying areas. The best DJs allow you to lose yourself dancing and partying all night. If you are getting a couple entry then you have to pay additional charges. However, females are allowed to have a free entry. Additionally, every wednesday is reserved for females in which they get free entry as well as free drinks.
Fridays are the bikini days when everyone wears a bikini to get entered in the club. Men also wear bikinis. This is one of its kind partying clubs offering such amenities and offers. The nightlife at Club Cubana is just lit and you can enjoy it to the fullest.
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Conclusion
Goa is such a place that is in almost everyone’s bucket-list. It is the ideal destination to have fun with your friends or if you are seeking a break from the hustle of daily life.
There are several hidden places in Goa that you can explore in your next visit. These amazing places in North Goa can boost the interest level and adventure of your trip. North Goa is the ideal of your next trip if you are an aesthetic lover and love to admire sightseeing.
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