Things to Do in North Goa
North Goa is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich Portuguese heritage. From serene beaches to bustling markets, there is something for everyone in this coastal paradise. Whether you’re a beach lover, an adventure enthusiast, or a culture buff, North Goa has a plethora of activities to offer. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in North Goa, categorized for different durations of stay and preferences.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in North Goa in 3 days
Best Things to Do in North Goa
- Visit the Beaches: North Goa is famous for its picturesque beaches. Relax on the sandy shores of Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Calangute Beach, and Vagator Beach. Enjoy water sports like parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boat rides.
- Explore Fort Aguada: Built in the 17th century, Fort Aguada offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Explore the lighthouse and the historic walls of this Portuguese fort.
- Go to Chapora Fort: Famous for its appearance in the Bollywood movie “Dil Chahta Hai,” Chapora Fort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Visit the Markets: Explore the vibrant markets of North Goa. Visit the Anjuna Flea Market, Mapusa Market, and Saturday Night Market for local handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs.
- Experience Water Sports: Try thrilling water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing at the various beaches in North Goa.
- Attend a Full Moon Party: Join the famous full moon parties at Anjuna Beach and experience Goa’s lively nightlife.
- Enjoy Goan Cuisine: Indulge in delicious Goan cuisine at local eateries and beach shacks. Try seafood delicacies like prawn curry, fish curry, and Goan fish fry.
Things to Do in North Goa in 2 Days
Day 1:
- Morning: Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral in Old Goa.
- Afternoon: Relax at Calangute Beach and enjoy water sports.
- Evening: Explore the nightlife at Tito’s Lane in Baga.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit Fort Aguada and the nearby Sinquerim Beach.
- Afternoon: Explore the Anjuna Flea Market for souvenirs and local products.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mandovi River.
Things to Do in North Goa in 3 Days
Day 3:
- Morning: Explore the Dudhsagar Waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing dip.
- Afternoon: Visit the vibrant Mapusa Market for local shopping.
- Evening: Relax at Vagator Beach and watch the sunset.
List of Top 10 Things to Do in North Goa
- Relax on the beaches of Baga, Anjuna, Calangute, and Vagator.
- Explore the historic Fort Aguada and Chapora Fort.
- Attend a full moon party at Anjuna Beach.
- Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral in Old Goa.
- Enjoy water sports like parasailing and jet-skiing.
- Explore the vibrant markets of Anjuna, Mapusa, and Saturday Night Market.
- Experience the nightlife at Tito’s Lane in Baga.
- Try authentic Goan cuisine at local eateries.
- Visit the Dudhsagar Waterfalls for a scenic retreat.
- Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mandovi River.
Things to Do in North Goa for Couples
- Take a romantic walk along the beaches at sunset.
- Enjoy a couple’s spa treatment at a luxury resort.
- Have a candlelight dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
- Go for a sunset cruise on the Mandovi River.
- Explore the charming streets of Panaji hand in hand.
Things to Do in North Goa Early Morning
- Take a morning walk along the beaches for a peaceful start to your day.
- Enjoy a yoga session on the beach.
- Watch the sunrise over the Arabian Sea.
- Take a cycling tour of the picturesque villages.
Things to Do in North Goa with Family
- Visit the beaches for a fun-filled day of swimming and beach games.
- Explore the historic forts of Aguada and Chapora.
- Enjoy a family picnic at the Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
- Visit the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary for a day of nature and wildlife spotting.
- Take a boat cruise on the Mandovi River.
Unique Things to Do in North Goa
- Visit the Mario Miranda Gallery to admire the works of the renowned Goan artist.
- Explore the Museum of Goa to learn about the state’s rich history and culture.
- Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Goan dishes.
- Visit the Sahakari Spice Farm for a tour of the spice plantations and a traditional Goan meal.
- Attend a traditional Goan festival or cultural event to experience the local culture firsthand.
North Goa is a destination that offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach vacation or an exciting adventure, North Goa has something for everyone. Plan your trip to North Goa and experience the magic of this beautiful coastal paradise.
How to Reach North Goa
North Goa, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, is a popular tourist destination in India. It is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad. Here’s how you can reach North Goa by air, train, and bus:
By Air
The Dabolim Airport, also known as Goa International Airport, is the main airport serving Goa. It is located approximately 30 kilometers from North Goa.
- Domestic Flights: The airport is well-connected with major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata. Several airlines operate regular flights to and from Goa, including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and GoAir.
- International Flights: Dabolim Airport also handles international flights from cities like Dubai, Doha, Muscat, and other major international hubs. Airlines like Air India, Qatar Airways, and Air Arabia provide direct flights to Goa.
- From the Airport to North Goa:
- Taxis: Prepaid taxis are available at the airport to take you to various parts of North Goa. The journey to popular beaches like Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
- Buses: State-run buses and private shuttles operate from the airport to Panaji, the capital of Goa, from where you can take local transport to North Goa.
By Train
Goa has a well-connected railway network, and several trains run to and from major cities in India. The main railway stations near North Goa are Thivim and Vasco da Gama.
- Thivim Railway Station: Located about 15 kilometers from Calangute Beach, Thivim is the closest railway station to North Goa. It is well-connected with cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Bangalore. Trains like the Konkan Kanya Express, Mandovi Express, and Goa Sampark Kranti Express stop here.
- Vasco da Gama Railway Station: Situated about 40 kilometers from North Goa, this station is another major railhead serving Goa. It connects Goa with cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
- From the Railway Station to North Goa:
- Taxis and Auto-rickshaws: Available at the railway stations for a convenient transfer to your destination in North Goa.
- Local Buses: State-run buses connect the railway stations to various parts of North Goa.
By Bus
Goa is well-connected by road, and several state-run and private buses operate from neighboring states and major cities in India. You can easily book Goa bus tickets on AbhiBus and travel hassle-free. Here are some of the most travelled bus routes by people to reach Goa.
Reaching North Goa is convenient and hassle-free, whether you choose to fly, take a train, or travel by bus. Plan your journey according to your preference and enjoy the scenic beauty and vibrant culture of North Goa.
