In addition to the beaches, there are many interesting and picturesque places in North Goa that are worth visiting. The main natural attraction here is, perhaps, Dudhsagar waterfall. This is the second largest waterfall in India (a little over 300 m high), it is also called the “milky ocean” for the characteristic white color of the water. The nearest railway station is Colem, from there jeeps go to the waterfall.
Fans of the national Indian flavor should definitely visit the flea market (flimarket) in the village of Anjuna – you can find amazing things on its colorful colorful rows. If you relax on the Candolim beach, do not be too lazy to walk to Fort Aguada. This large-scale defensive structure, consisting of bastions of the upper and lower tiers, has been perfectly preserved.
There are many architectural attractions in North Goa: the Idalcao Palace in Panaji (a luxurious building of the 15th century), the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Sri Shantadurga Temple, the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. You should definitely go on an excursion to Old Goa. See Educationvv for education and training in India.
From North Goa, you can get to the ruins of the ancient city of Hampiby ordering an excursion, or on your own – using the “slipper bus” (a bus with berths following the route Goa – Hospet). This ancient monument of architecture, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is located in the neighboring state of Karnataka. The most grandiose of the surviving buildings here is the Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Shiva.
Wildlife lovers should visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (named after the famous Indian ornithologist), located on the small island of Chorao. This pristine mangrove-covered island is home to dozens of different bird species. You can get to it by ferry, and to get to the most inaccessible places, we recommend renting a motor boat on the spot.
5 things to do in North Goa
- Watch the sunset on the beach.
- Ride a tuk-tuk or scooter.
- Do yoga on the beach – at least do the Sun Salutation asana.
- Eat freshly caught seafood in a beach shack – order, for example, a grilled shark!
- Wander around the local markets and haggle to your heart’s content.
Trance parties and parties in North Goa
In terms of leisure, Goa is best known for its trance parties – club parties with a local psychedelic flavor. Some of the most popular clubs include Hilltop and 9Bar in Vagator, Curlie’s and Shiva Valley in Anjuna and West End Club in Saligao.
Hilltop is the place of the biggest and coolest parties: powerful sound, large space under the shade of fluorescent palm trees and only 60-70 INR for admission. Parties are usually held on Sundays (but sometimes also on Fridays and Saturdays), from 16:00 to 22:00.
9Bar is a cult place for hippie pioneers who once opened Goa to the general public, and today visit places of military glory in the company of offspring. Party time is from 17:00 to 22:00.
Trendy parties, cozy chill-outs and delicious food – all this is Curlie’s in the southern part of Anjuna Beach. As a rule, the whole party gathers here, as well as in Shiva Valley on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The fun ends at approximately 22:00.
But the West End takes the public from 20:00 until the morning. The local trance can be classified as “harsh”, so this place is more for hardy connoisseurs than for the idle public. And the entrance is not cheap by local standards: 800 INR.
North Goa beaches
The beaches of North Goa stretch for 30 kilometers from the state of Maharashtra to Fort Aguada. Kerim, Arambol, Mandrem, Ashvem, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Candolim are located from north to south. All these beaches are united by a coating of dark gray volcanic sand mixed with shell rock, numerous sheks (coastal bamboo cafes), phlegmatic dogs and royal cows – they are here in their element. There are some nuances – somewhere the coastline is wider, somewhere narrower, in some places you can swim only in rocky lagoons.
On the beach “Kerim”, for example, there is a minimum of tourist infrastructure – lovers of merging with nature will like holidays here. The flip side of such untouched by civilization and solitude is that no one cleans up the garbage here – everything that the ocean has brought lies in piles all over the beach. The largest, most popular and informal beach in North Goa is Arambol. Tourists with tents, pilgrims, musicians, yogis, surfers, hippies and parents with many children peacefully coexist here. Spontaneously near the water there is either a concert or a mini-market. “Vagator” is a rocky and unsuitable for swimming beach. It is famous for its picturesque landscape: rocks and huge palm trees – here you can arrange an interesting photo shoot.
On the beach “Vagator” there is a local landmark – the head of the Hindu god Shiva, carved from stone.
The beach is perfect for families with small children.
“Mandrem”. Its calling card is shallow natural pools with sea water, which are protected from waves and warm up perfectly. Ashvem Beach is a favorite place for kiters and surfers. Distinctive features of this place are a wide sandy shore, a gentle entry into the water and big waves. Housing prices here are among the highest in North Goa.
“Morjim”. It is also called “Moscow Beach”, here in all cafes they understand Russian, and most vacationers are from Russia.
Weather
In North Goa (as, indeed, in South) there is a subtropical climate. The average daily temperature fluctuates around +30…+35 °C. The water temperature in the Indian Ocean does not drop below +26 °C. Nevertheless, it is pleasant to relax in this paradise not all year round: from June to September, the monsoons begin to blow, and the rainy season begins. In July and August it rains almost continuously for several days. The best time to travel to Goa is from November to March. Tourists from Russia need to take into account that there is very high solar activity and use sunscreen.
