Sparkling with sea, sand, and sunshine, North Goa welcomes you to a picturesque land of natural beauty. But if you thought this region is only about golden beaches and turquoise water, think again! Dotted with magnificent forts, ancient temples, gorgeous churches, electrifying party hotspots, famous shacks, buzzing flea markets, lavish casinos, and a host of other attractions, the place is truly a traveler’s delight. All you need to do is to step out of your hotels in North Goa and explore this kaleidoscopic destination.
Chapora Fort captured the attention of wanderlust souls around the country when it was featured in the Bollywood blockbuster Dil Chahta Hai. So much so that many people now refer to it as the Dil Chahta Hai Fort. Dating back to 1717, the fort was a silent witness to the various historical events that unfolded here over the ages. Standing above a hill-top near the Chapora River, it offers excellent views of the surrounding areas and is definitely worth a visit.
A stunning beach with dramatic red cliffs adorning the shore, Vagator presents a breath-taking sight. The beach here is split into two main beaches, namely Big Vagator and Little Vagator. It is the perfect place to put your feet up and enjoy your dose of sun, sand, and sea. But if you are up to some water fun, Vagator has plenty of options including jet skiing and parasailing. You can also enjoy lovely sunsets and look forward to a wonderful nightlife.
Glowing white sands, adventurous water sports, and a scintillating nightlife, that’s Anjuna for you. One of the most popular beaches in the northern part, Anjuna embodies all that Goa stands for. If the rocky shore seems enticing during the day, wait till the night kisses this place and it awakens with a party vibe. Adding to the appeal of the beach is the flea market held here every Wednesday, which is a top draw among the tourists.
Majestic is the word that best defines Fort Aguada, one of the famous forts in Goa. The imposing fort enjoys a strategic location even as the waves of the Arabian Sea play along its lofty walls. Steeped in history, this colossal fort dates back to the 17th century and offers a spectacular view of the sea that spreads in front of it. Among the main attractions of the fort are a series of prison cells and an ancient lighthouse, which is the oldest one of its kind in Asia.
When it comes to having fun in North Goa, there can be no better destination than Baga Beach. Named after the Baga creek that makes its way to the Arabian Sea, Baga is the perfect place to enjoy a thrilling day and party late into the night by visiting the hangouts located right on the beach. From indulging in water sports to getting a tattoo done to street shopping, you can do it all here. With signature restaurants and cafes like Tito’s, Britto’s, and Mambos lining the beach, Baga definitely counts among the best party destinations in Goa.
It’s not without reason that Calangute is often referred to as the queen of beaches in Goa. Stretching from Baga to Candolim, this place is easily the most happening hub in North Goa. The beach here is a picturesque sight, which explains why it is almost always crowded. Be it beach fun during the day or jazzing parties during the night, Calangute ticks the boxes for everything. It is also one of the best spots in North Goa for a great shopping experience, thanks to the buzzing street market here.
Tranquil ambiance, thrilling water sports, and an enchanting nightlife make Candolim one of the most appealing beaches to explore in the north. You won’t find much commercial activity around this place, but the spellbinding beauty of the beach more than makes up for it. If you are looking forward to enjoying adventurous water-based activities in a calm and serene beach, Candolim is your best bet.
The gorgeous Sinquerim Beach beckons you to a scenic sandy shoreline. Apart from enjoying a host of water-based sports and adventurous activities, you can also indulge in swimming. More often than not, nightlife on this beach is marked with music festivals. Sinquerim also boasts of a number of restaurants serving excellent food and beverages, making it a preferred destination for foodies.
A spectacular beach with a distinct Bohemian vibe, Arambol exemplifies the perfect blend of scenic beauty and serenity. This rocky-cum-sandy beach is counted among the less-crowded beaches in Goa, which makes it ideal for you to spend some romantic moments with your special someone and indulge in some amazing water-based activities. You can even shop for knick-knacks and junk jewelry from the small shops lining the beach or have a drink or two at one of the shacks surrounding the beach.
Standing on a hilltop, Reis Magos Fort has played many roles in its long history spreading over more than four and a half centuries. From serving as a residence for viceroys and other significant personalities to being a prison and then lying as an abandoned fort, Reis Magos Fort has seen many chapters of history unfold within its walls. Today, the fort serves as a cultural center and draws in a large number of tourists.
For an ardent traveler or a history buff, the name Basilica of Bom Jesus needs no introduction. One of the UNESCO Heritage Sites in Goa, the church dates back to over 400 years and boasts of Portuguese style of architecture. Guess what’s the key attraction here? The mummy of St. Xavier which is taken out for public viewing every ten years! You can also see a collection of paintings related to the life of the St. Xavier and relics of other saints such as Jesuit Rudolf Acquaviva and Antoni Francisci.
An exemplary example of Gothic architecture, the Church Of Mae De Deus is a charming story etched in stone. Adorned with pristine white walls and lofty spires, it seems to be a structure straight out of a children’s fairy tale book. What makes this church even more special is the fact that it is home to the miraculous statue of Mae de Deus (Mother of God). The church offers an incredibly beautiful illuminated view at night.
