Places to Visit in North Goa

Baga Beach in Goa looks as though it has come straight out of a work of art. Lofty white waves hurrying to wipe out the prints of feet left by you on the white sand while the breeze keeps on playing with the palm trees is a sight to behold at this majestic beach in Goa. It is a decent place to appreciate some moments and abide in a serene consideration with oneself. It is counted as one of the best beaches in Goa where you can see wonderful.

Deserving every reason to be called the ‘Queen of Beaches’ in Goa, Calangute Beach is a paradise for nature lovers holding the spectacular beauty and charm. The beach reflects the unique Goan culture with a glorious view of the landscape serving as a perfect retreat for visitors. Here you can find the effervescent markets selling everything from beer, trinkets to pawns.

Situated on the west coast of Goa by the Arabian Sea, Anjuna Beach is one of the best beaches in Goa. The hippies were the first people to come here in the 1950s and since then Anjuna Beach is a hotspot in Goa for local and international tourists. Anjuna Beach grows on you as you take a stroll along the glowing white sands and enjoy the sight of gently swaying palms in front of you.

If you are in Goa and are looking for a party place bursting with nicer crowds and groovy music then Tito’s is the place for you. Famed for throwing the best theme parties in Goa, Tito’s has been gracefully leveling up the party scenes on Baga Beach. From drinks to snacks and from dance to music, this place has everything you need for a fun vacation in Goa.

Vagator Beach is one of the best beaches in Goa which provide a wholesome escapade offering everything like sightseeing, water sports, shopping and tranquility. The beach is mostly famous among Westerners and a permanent residence for many of them and it is the best places to visit in north goa in 1 day. Vagator Beach is the place that enchants people of all ages.

‘Wow' is the one word that describes the church at first sight. Built-in 16th century, Portuguese style architecture speaks with a blow right here. Leading the main entry is the flight of stairs that rise like a floor above the floor. As the name is, the facade of the church is tarnished in immaculate, sparkling white colour and it is also one of the best places to visit in North Goa

To your surprise, the interiors are decorated in a very calm manner, without any intricate or coloured details as seen in many other pilgrimage centres. Yet, the skills of the craftsmen could be seen at the graceful altar and sub-altar. Again, this location gives you a trivia of Bollywood that used this church as the background of various shots. A must visit a location, this is indeed not to miss tourist places in North Goa.

Location: Within the main city of Panaji

Timings: Every day from 9.00 AM – 12.30 PM and 3.30 PM – 7.30 PM

Entry Fees: None!

“The Grande Island” also known as the Ilha Grande is one of the most amazing discoveries in Goa. The Island is a house of Palm trees, jaw-dropping marine life experiences, and extraordinary sunsets.

The Island is not only for the adventure buffs but is also a perfect destination for couples looking for a less crowded place with amazing facilities. One can indulge in sight-seeing, snorkeling, sea walk, swimming, and many more aqua activities. The outstanding activity which can be witnessed here is, Scuba diving which gives you a picture of the underwater kingdom making it one the most amazing places to visit in South Goa.

Apart from these, one will also have instances when they can delve in dolphin sighting which is an amazing experience and cannot be experienced everywhere.

Let us give you a glimpse of why Anjuna Market is one of the utmost amazing tourist places in North Goa? Wednesday flea market that sells everything at a dirt cheap rate will bring one closer to this place. This place is so much livelier to chill at that you never want to leave it but alas, it's just a day in the week that it gains its prominence on.

One can find here handmade clothing, jewellery, beach clothes, hammocks, Buddha or Shiva statues and anything that trance magic can provide you. Grab a drink, have some stall food, wear hippie jewellery and dive in a completely new era at Anjuna flea market.

Timings: Wednesday, 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM

Location: South end of Anjuna beach.

What to say about Curlies shack that proudly gains tourists like anything at its service on Anjuna beach. Known for not only its glowing ambience but also the huge space it offers in form of a lounge, garden restaurant, bar, club zone, and open sea view platform.

Travellers love to visit here for the heart throbbing parties and delicacies they serve with yummy cocktails. Curlies also provide stay options to its guests and water sports activities so you may call it all in one and one for all.

Location: Very close to Anjuna flea market, you can find Curlies!

Timings: Everyday 8.30 AM to 2.30 AM, all ready for your breakfast to party time

Entry Fees: It only wants you to pay for the food and drinks you consume here! No entry fees required.

If you are looking for amazing places to visit in North Goa, it will make you land at Chapora fort which is lying in a little ruin state at the edge of Chapora river. The fort stood at its position long back for a military significance during a fight between Portuguese and Marathas, which later lost the value. Surrounded by steep walls, it gives breathtaking views from all the sides including Vagator beach, Chapora river and of course, deep blue ocean. This fort will take you on a memory lane of Bollywood movies for sure.

Another traditional and weekly market of Goa brings one step closer to a vibrant Mapusa market that takes place every Friday. Holding its grace within the Mapusa municipal market, get into the colours and noise and live the Goan charm distinctly.

The market is known for jewellery, pottery, spice, and carpet shops. Not just this, you can also find a variety of delicacies to munch upon as well as take them back home. Take a whiff of fresh fishes, vegetable and meat along with cheap local wine that will turn the mood happy and hippie.

Timings: Friday, 6.00 AM to 8.00 PM

Location: Reach Mapusa Market Area in Panaji to shop at one of the best tourist places in North Goa

Entry Fees: Pay for only the things you buy! There are no market entry fees, relax!

The scintillating Sinquerim Beach is an excellent shoreline that has a fabulous extend of sand and it is also one of the best North Goa places to visit. It is situated at the north of the well known shorelines like Baga, Calangute and Candolim. It is a perfect place for swimming and one ought not to miss going to this shoreline when vacationing in Goa to enjoy the beach activities.

A soothing and peaceful spot in Goa brings one near to Arvalem waterfalls which is excellent for picnics and outings. Cascading from the height of 50 m (24 ft), Arvalem is one of the top places to visit in North Goa. These falls make a plunge pool at the bottom where one can swim in and relax with cold waters. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is also settled in the vicinity along with a well-maintained park where one can just sit and observe the deep beauty it possesses.

If you are wishing to spend some moments in solitude appreciating the exquisiteness of a pristine coastline, then Arambol Beach is the perfect place to be in Goa. It is relatively unexploited by tourists and perfect spot for going to enjoy a day in sun with your folks. Also known as Harmal Beach, the place is a heaven for those searching for some quietness and solitude. The shoreline has a long sandy extend with soft white sands.

Nestled in the midst of lush green surroundings, Morjim Beach is a delight that will leave you refreshed with its calm and serene ambience. If one is a fan of bird watching, Morjim Beach is one of the best beaches in Goa to spot several species like the Sand Plover, Bay-backed Shrike, Quill, Turnstones, Cuckoo, Kingfisher and Sandpipers can be seen in natural surroundings. Dolphin Sighting is another activity which you can indulge in at the Morjim Beach.

Mandrem Beach is well known for its white sand and lines of palm trees that line the shoreline and pulls in an expansive number of visitors which is  quite peculiar, being one of the slightest populated beaches in Goa. Individuals, local people and vacationers travel from great distances from abroad and nationally just to appreciate the peace, calm and excellence of this beach. The water has the ideal temperature which makes it utterly cheerful to lie in the sun. it is a must visit place in Goa.

Being a remote beach, you would not find many five star resorts and restaurants here. But there are some popular places like The Mandrem Beach Resort, Cuba Retreat Mandrem, Dunes Holiday Village, La Cabana Beach and Spa etc. Many popular Bollywood celebrities have been spotted at this pristine beach.

Location: Pernem Taluka, Mandrem Beach, North Goa

Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximate 20 km

Comparatively a lesser known beach among tourists, Ashwem Beach is ideal for tourists wishing to spend some alone time at a beautiful location. Ashvem has a lovely landscape known for its stones surrounding the beach carved by the shellfish. The view that the shoreline gives is a standout amongst the most wonderful sights at any point seen.

This bright white building and Neo-Gothic architecture are so impulsive that just mesmerizes its beholders. One will surely get awestruck with the impact of peaceful beauty, settlement within the greenery and the aura it presents right from the first look to the same.

Right from the exteriors to interiors, the church is certainly one of the best places to visit in North Goa. Interestingly, it houses the miraculous statue of Mae de Deus which brought the church back to life post its ruin state. With imposing interiors and carved ornamentation on ceiling and walls, the church magnetizes not just the religion followers but also those who love to praise the reality on the ground.

Location: Chogm Rd, Saligao

Timings: Gate to God’s own home opens up every day from 9.00 AM to 12.30 PM and from 3.00 PM to 5.00 PM.

Entry Fees: Absolutely none!

Located on a drive of about 30 km from Panaji, Bicholim welcomes all with natural beauty like scenic waterfalls at Arvalem and famous Mayem Lake. The town is known for a good network of cashew trees apart from the lake and waterfalls. Ancient and historic aspects could be seen here with Hindu temple Saptakoteshwar and oldest mosque to pay our respects for making it one of the best places to visit in North Goa. 

The economy of Goa gets a boost with iron ore mining and Bicholim surely contains huge spaces for the same. So, get your rented vehicle running and reach here to seek Goa in different limelight, away from parties and crowded beaches, buy some famous potteries and spend some time interacting with the locals

Location: 30 Km from Panaji towards the landmass of North Goa.

Beat the heat with a visit to Froggyland the Water World, one of the best and the largest water parks in Goa. Experience a fun-filled day out as you indulge in thrilling rides, water slides and a wide array of attractions whilst being surrounded by Goa’s spectacular natural beauty and landscapes. 

Known for its silver sand seashore, Vainguinim Beach is an outstanding destination to visit. Seeking for solitude? Then this beach is definitely a treasure for you with greenish blue water and exciting marine life. The beach has an array of trees which are housed by variants of birds and, is a part of most frequented North Goa places to visit.

Location: 7 km south of Panaji Center, Panjim, India

Timings: You can visit anytime!

Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 9.7 km

One of the largest and most visited temples in Goa, Mangueshi Temple has a sure shot grandeur that charms the devotees even from far away location. Keeping up with the pace of history, the Goan style of architecture comes to live here.

A unique Deepastambha, which is a 7 storey octagonal lamp tower, is painted white with golden arches and catches the eye of the beholder. When illuminated at night, it's a place not to miss. Indeed, this temple is one of the best tourist places in north Goa and one shall surely drive towards it for paying respect as well as embracing the old architecture.

Location: 22 km from Panaji

Timings: Everyday, 6.00 AM to 10.00 PM

Entry Fees: Rs.0.00!

Seated in the proximity of Panjim that is just 2 km away this alluring beach is home for various adventure activities. The beach is beautifully laced by the palm trees and here, one can enjoy the beautiful scenes nature has to offer, making it one of the most visited tourist places in Panjim. Boating is another activity which can be done at this beach other than the thrilling aqua sports.One can also, delve in scuba diving and explore the world beneath the land or can savor the thrill in water skiing and gliding.

Apart from these, there will also be instances when you can witness dolphin sighting which will leave you in awe with the place. It is undoubtedly a picture-perfect beach offering a plethora of paradisiac views.

Location: To Coco Beach Nerul, Goa 403114

Timings: All through the day

Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 9.7 km

"Golden beach” is what this beach is famed for which has an array of alluring palm trees and, is one of the must-see places in Panjim.Lying close to the confluence point of Mandovi river and the Arabian Sea this beach is an amazing place to delve in a relaxing aura. The freshness in the air is just splendid and, one experiencing this can rejuvenate each and every rim of the body.

Reaching out to the beach and not witnessing a sunset and sunrise is just not fair!Here, you can witness the impressive spectrum of hue as the sun sets down.Not only this, but you also indulge in various adventure sports like jet-skiing, water gliding, water skiing and many more to add up to the enchanting experience.

Location: 3 km from Panaji Centre | Near Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Panjim, India

Timings: All days of the week (12:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 5 km

Also known as the Shiridon this beach of North Goa is one of the most mesmerizing places to visit in Panjim. This course sand beach is famed as the “Shell Collectors Beach” lying in the mouth of Zuari river. Taking about shells, here you can find the most unique shells and a wide range of oysters and pearl shells.

Embellished with rock and sand, at this beach you can also find some mysterious caves.To add up to the glam and charm of the Siridao Beach there is also a “Chapel of Jesus of Nazareth” seated at the top of the verdant hillock. The best time to visit this place is from October to March as at this time the beauty of the beach at its peak.

Location: Near Zuari Estuary, Siridao, India

Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 9 km

Located in the northeastern region of Goa and teeming with a variety of flora and fauna, lies the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. The park sprawls over 8 square kilometers of lush lands and attracts hordes of tourists every year from different parts of the country. Besides harboring a myriad range of wildlife, the sanctuary is also home to those animals who have been injured due to some human-wildlife conflict. It also protects those who suffer the risk of extinction.

Thus, it happens to be one of the safest grounds for breeding animals and encourages research activities on them as well. Not very far from Margao, this picture-perfect sanctuary also has its exclusive deer park, botanical garden, and rose gardens. Thus, you can well understand why this wildlife park happens to be one of the most frequented zones by school children and nature lovers.

The soothing surroundings of the place encompassed within the enchanting hues of green and with the sunlight playing through the leaves will not only restore your mood but also rejuvenate your tired minds. You can relax in the bounty of nature, spend some quality moments with the animals, do some wildlife photography and enjoy the wildlife safari with your dear ones. The trip to Bondla will surely be worth your time and money and will serve as a refreshing change from the city’s cacophony.

If you are not time-bound, then a night stay at one of the forest cottages will surely turn out to be a thrilling experience. The beautiful cottages shrouded in an aesthetical aura lies in the heart of the wilderness where you can immerse yourself in the serenity of the forest at night. The rooms are well equipped with modern amenities and have attractive interiors that will offer you a comfortable stay. Thus, you can look forward to a memorable trip at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary with its spectacular environs.

Flora and Fauna at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

As you step into Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, the picturesque scenery around will leave you in absolute awe. The verdant patches of land flanked by towering deciduous trees and bamboo plantations add a mystical charm to the entire place. Some of the other trees that you will find here are Kindall, Jamba, Mimusops, Rosewood, Matti and many others. Clad with the intrinsic beauty of nature, the sanctuary will not fail to mesmerize you with its serenity.

As you travel along the trails of the forest, you will catch frequent glimpses of animals like bears, jungle cats, various types of deer, bison, Malabar Giant Squirrels, and others. You might be lucky enough to spot a panther too. Watch out for the exotic range of birds in the sanctuary. The commonly found ones are hornbills, woodpeckers, and kingfishers.

A lover’s paradise, the name of the location got its designation after a tragic love story, making the place more interesting and catchy. This former village is a heaven on earth that provides picturesque spots and huge space for sunbathing while relaxing in the calm beaches adjacent to clean blue waters.

Travellers love to be here to indulge in water sports like parasailing, kayaking etc. and gets the adrenaline rush at beaches like Dias beach and Dona Paula beach. Moreover, the markets for shopping are also vibrant and gets shiny names of food and drinking spots to attract visitors. For a perfect stay, one can also book their own resort or hotels here which are also loaded with amenities and good services.

Location: 6 km from Panaji city.

Experience Goa differently, away from the beaches and party spaces while taking a backwater ride in Chapora river. This ride may make you meet distinct birds and fishes along with the breathtaking sunset and sunrise.

Coconut and palm trees will be your companion all through the trail and romantic time with your partner can just make the day spellbinding.

Entry Fees: From a 2-hour boat ride to overnight stay in well-furnished rooms, packages vary accordingly.

The oldest withstanding Church of Goa, beautifully built under the influence of Portuguese architectural style, is one of the best places to visit in Panjim. The lovely marble floor embellished with valuable stones adds up to the charm of the magnificent church. The cathedral of the Church holds the remains of St. Xavier's in a silver casket which is elegantly decorated and, worshiped by his devotees.

Anjuna Flea market is a hippie’s paradise in Goa where you can find a treasure trove of souvenirs, handicrafts, hippie clothes, and trinkets at a drift cheap rate. This weekly market started in the 1960s as a way for the hippie travelers to barter their unique products.

In the beginning, it was called the open-air goods exchange market by the locals, but now it has become a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. Earlier, this flea market was organized on a small area of the beach, but now it extends from the golden shores of the beach to the paddy fields with plenty of stalls selling tidbits.

If you’re looking for the best Tibetian and Nepali goods, then there can’t be anything better than visiting this flea market. You can also get your hair colored or your body pierced at the stalls in this market area. If you’re in Goa, then you must get some time off from chilling and raving to unfold the unique essence of this flea market that bustles with liveliness and Goan flavors.

This beachfront market is held every Wednesday at Anjuna Beach, and you’ll find this place abuzz with music, dance, and parties even late at night. It also has some great acrobatic activities and food stalls to further accelerate the fun quotient of your trip.

This market runs till the wee hours of the night and gives the liberty to the shoppers to shop until the core of their heart. The only skills you’ll need here is bargaining to get the products that you intend to buy at a pocket friendly price.