Have plans for a perfect celebration amid the scenic seaside with delicious food and drinks? Then head to North Goa pronto! One of the best tourist destinations in India, North Goa is known for its beaches, historical monuments, flea markets, old bazaars, historical churches, casinos, and amazing cuisine. Whether you are single, a couple, hanging out with friends or on a family trip, you will not be disappointed. With unending opportunities to have a wonderful and fun-filled holiday, North Goa is the place to be for travelers. October to April is when tourists flock to this remarkable destination but you can enjoy it in the other months of the year as well. When in Goa do take the scenic cruises available as you traverse across the beautiful Mandovi River. Here’s a look at the top things to do in North Goa, India.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
If you are in search of a thrilling experience, you can hire a ferry boat and sail on the waters of the Mandovi River. Some boats are operated by the Government of Goa, and you can sail on them for free. But, if you are hiring a private ferry, it has an approximate charge of INR 600 per person and is available for group bookings, too. The best time to take advantage of this service is during the rainy season, and you can indulge in the tranquil views for 2 hours. However, don't forget to carry your rainwear if you do decide to sail in the monsoon. Also, bring along a pair of sunglasses, comfortable shoes, clothing, water, and snacks to make this experience more fun. Furthermore, this activity is becoming increasingly popular for pre-wedding shoots or engagement parties.
1. Go on a fort trail in North Goa
One of the best ways to start the tour of North Goa is by booking a full-day archaeological tour of the three well-known forts of this incredible city, namely, Reis Magos Fort, Aguada Fort, and Chapora Fort. The tour includes a guide who stays with you during the walk around the forts sharing details about their history. The tour package includes lunch, entrance fees, hotel pick-up and drop-off. However, this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Book Tours : On a Fort Trail in Goa with an Archaeologist
2. Try water sports at Baga Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Goa, Baga Beach does not disappoint. It lies between the Calangute Beach in south Goa to the Baga River in the northern part. This beach is a popular party spot and there are numerous cafes, shops, and restaurants along the beach. It is also a favorite destination for water sports enthusiasts. Just around 18 km (11.2 miles) from the capital city of Goa, Baga Beach is a must-visit for tourists when in the city.
3. Have fun with family at Snow Park Goa
Goa is not just known and sought after for its beaches but for its Snow Park too! The park is open all throughout the year and is ideal for a family trip and children will love it here. There are many snow-based activities tourists can participate in. You can go snow dancing, use the ice sliders, enjoy the music played by the DJ, explore the igloos, etc. There are no chemicals used to produce snow. The Snow Park also has an Ice Bar where one can enjoy drinks in glasses made of real ice. A visit to Goa would not be complete without this unparalleled experience.
Snow Park Goa
Address: Tito’s Lane, 2, Calangute - Baga Rd, Baga, Goa 403516
Website: Snow Park Goa
Opening hours: 10:30am - 7pm (daily)
4. Soak in the scenic beauty of Harvalem Waterfall
Also, known as Arvalem waterfall, Harvelem Waterfall is located in Sanquelim and is near the Pandava Caves. It is easily accessible via road on both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. You don’t have to worry about your safety as you’ll find proper fencing and barricades to avoid any untoward incident. The best time to visit this waterfall is between the months of August and October.
Harvalem Waterfall
Address: Rudreshwar Colony, Sanquelim, Goa 403505
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Harvalem Waterfall is one of the most tranquil destinations in North Goa. The best time to visit here is during the rainy season when the force and breadth of the waterfall doubles. Don't forget to carry your rainwear with you if going to the top level to view the waterfall, becuase the high force of the water means you will get splashed with mist. But, during the summers, when the water level is low, you can head down the stairs towards the stream, where the water gathers. Here, you can swim to your heart's content. There is also a tiny tea shop opposite the stairs leading to the top deck, selling local delicacies, including mirchi bhaji, vada, and puri bhaji. So stop by and grab some delicious food and hot tea to elevate your experience!
Goa (State) Tour Guide
Nibedita Sen
A hearty WELCOME to our page Happiness Activist. We are here to solve the problems of foreigners who come to explore India. Firstly, we suggest them to stop visiting the wonders and mundanes of social media advertisements about overrated traveling. We provide them the basic needs and guidelines that the audience requires when they first step into an unknown land which we have already explored. ... Read more
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Goa (State) Tour Guide
Narender Kumar
I have been a tour guide/ escort for more than 10 years and have guided tourists pan India to historical and cultural heritage sites, national parks & bird sancturies, monuments places like- Delhi , Agra, Jaipur, Khajuraho Exotic Temples, Ranthambore National Park, Mumbai, Nashik , Aurangabad ( Ajanta Rockcut Caves & Ellora Rockcut Temples ), Goa etc. I am proficient in English, Rus... Read more
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5. Admire the stunning sunset view from Aguda Rocky Beach
Lying between Espinho and Porto, Aguda Rocky Beach is perfect for watching a beautiful sunset. This beach is known for its rocky outcrops which are along the water edges. Enjoy the evening breeze with your partner while admiring the stunning view of the sunset. This beach is not very crowded making it perfect for a peaceful walk in the morning.
Aguda Rocky Beach
Address: Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa 403515
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Shop for trinkets at Anjuna Flea Market
The Anjuna flea market of Goa is well-known since it started more than 30 years ago. Popular as ever, this is a weekly market which is held every Wednesday. It would be preferable to start early in the morning so that you can explore the entire market and won’t have any regrets. This vibrant market only runs from the month of November to April each year.
Anjuna Flea Market
Address: 10, St. Michael’s Vaddo South, Anjuna, Goa 403509
Opening hours: Wed: 9am – 6pm (closed from Thu - Tue)
7. Bask in the sun at Sinquerim Beach
Another fascinating beach to visit in North Goa is Sinuerim Beach which is just 13 km (8.07 mi) from the state’s capital. Watersport lovers should not miss spending time on this beach as there are a lot of thrilling and exciting watersport activities. Tourists also get to enjoy great food in several restaurants nearby. Plenty of great accommodation options are nearby too.
Traveler's tips
I visited Sinquerim Beach during sunset and really enjoyed the views there. After spending some time playing in the water, you can sit on one of the walls facing the sea and watch the waves crash against the rocks. The strong waves sometimes cause big splashes on hitting the rocks that might even get you wet! Feel free to spend hours listening to the calming sounds of the ocean while chatting with friends.
8. Try your luck at Casino Pride
If you want to try your luck, a visit to Pride Casino, which is aboard a vessel, is a must. You can enjoy a number of both international and domestic games here. This vast floating casino has live gaming tables and is spread over three stories. This famous off-shore casino is a common haunt of tourists who want to try their luck. It remains open 24 hours a day all through the week. There is also live entertainment between 9 pm to 11 pm each day. The dress code is smart casual.
Casino Pride
Address: River Mandovi, Captain Of Ports Jetty, Panaji, Goa 403001
Website: Casino Pride
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Experience kayaking in Sal Backwaters
Sal Backwaters are known for offering the perfect kayaking experience. If you are an outdoor sports lover do not miss kayaking in the backwaters. This popular spot is also famous for its migratory birds, which you come across while kayaking. Soak in the flora and fauna as you kayak through the mangroves and ponds. One can also opt for a guided tour of the place to learn more about the fauna and flora.
10. Check out the spice bazaar in Panjim
Book a full-day trip that incorporates a walking tour of the Nothern parts of Goa inclusive of visiting Se Cathedral, which is home to the “Golden Bell”, one of the largest bells in Asia. This tour also takes you to the spice plantations and old bazaars in Panjim where you can fulfil your shopping pangs to the core from handicrafts to wine. This tour is inclusive of pickup, complimentary herbal tea, lunch, a guide and hotel drop-off.
11. Have a thrilling experience at Mayem Lake
Your trip to North Goa will not be complete without a visit to Mayem Lake in Bicholim. This gorgeous lake offers lots of opportunities for a fun time. You will have to pay a small fee to access the lake and the park around it. While here, rent a paddle boat and explore the lake for a memorable experience. If you want a more thrilling adventure, you are in luck, as Mayem Lake also offers bungee jumping. However, note that there is a fee for boating and bungee jumping.
Bird enthusiasts will love this place, too. After a fun experience, you can sit on the benches and watch the adorable ducks pass by. Additionally, there is a small temple just a short walk from here that you can visit.
Mayem Lake
Address: Bicholim, North Goa, India, 403504
12. Sundowner at Saz on the Beach
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Aditi Roy
Imagine lounging by the beach as the sky paints itself in hues of orange and pink. That’s the Saz on the Beach vibe that makes me want to come back for more! This place isn’t just about cocktails; it’s an experience. As the sun dips, the ambiance turns magical, the kind that makes me wish I had a pause button. Whether it’s their signature cocktails or the sound of waves playing their own music, Saz ensures the evening is nothing short of spectacular. I’d get there early if I were you as the place can get packed really fast. The Perfect Date and Golden Hour are quite popular on the cocktail menu. For meat lovers, the Braised Beef Tongue Taco and the Saz Cubano are highly recommended.
13. Eat a Fish Thali at Kokni Kanteen
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Aditi Roy
To truly enjoy the finest local delicacies, you must go to the really shady, dingy local eateries because that’s where authenticity is, except for this one time. Slightly overpriced compared to your usual fish thali places in hidden alleys, Kokni Kanteen is where I go to get my tastebuds (and mind) blown! Here, you don’t get served just any fish thali. What the customers get is a symphony of flavors unknown to human senses. Serving customers since 1972, the restaurant has a usual menu and a ‘fresh menu’ that’s displayed on a blackboard on the wall. I believe this is what sets the palace apart from others because they put a list of the ‘catches of the day’ for guests to choose from.
The restaurant is open for lunch every day from 12:30 PM to 3 PM and for dinner between 7:30 PM and 11:30 PM. There is always a queue here so I suggest you go there early to avoid waiting too long.
14. Camp Overnight at Keri
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Aditi Roy
Editor’s Note: There’s no photo available at the time of writing
How does spending the night under the stars on one of the last beaches of Goa sound like? Now, imagine that minus any crowd, haggling hawkers, and disturbing music. That’s exactly what you get at Keri and then some. Fortunately, it is one of the least explored areas in North Goa. Locally known as Querim, the golden sands at the northernmost beach in the state are perfect for overnight camping. I’m confident that with each return, Keri will always delight me with stunning sunrises and sunsets. As for facilities, due to its seclusion, there aren’t a lot of things around that spark my interest. There are some general stores in the village where you can get your supplies before heading to the beach.
Pro tip: Along the beach, there are a couple of makeshift toilets (they are absolutely basic squat toilets with no jet; carry your own tissue rolls and water) and some stalls where you can rent out wood for a campfire.
Pro ‘pro’ tip: There is a ferry every half hour from Keri to Fort Tiracol which is absolutely worth it as it has magnificent views of the beach.
15. Groove to Bollywood Tunes at Thalassa
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Aditi Roy
Thalassa isn’t just a place; it’s a vibe! Every weekend, from 11 PM onwards, this otherwise upscale and snazzy Greek restaurant turns into a throbbing joint for lovers of Bollywood tunes. Whether you are a prolific dancer or someone with two left feet like me, when the music hits the speakers here, the infectious atmosphere gets everyone dancing like there is no tomorrow. I recommend arriving early to enjoy some of the hottest dancers and performers of Goa setting the stage on fire before the DJ goes full mental with the B-town hit list.
Pro tip: You know how we all dream of being the stars of our own movie and having our Queen moment on a bar countertop? This is where you get to live that dream. (Psss.. Ask the bartender for some cheap spraying champagne - they have a separate stock for those.)
16. Bar Hopping on Chapora Street
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Aditi Roy
Editor’s Note: There’s no photo available at the time of writing
You know how partying on Baga Street was a rite of passage up until a few years ago? Well, bye-bye Baga, and Hello! Chapora. The ultimate playground for the night owls, this tiny stretch of road is where all the who’s who of North Goa can be spotted after dark. I particularly admire that each bar on this street has a story of its own. Whether it’s Paulo’s eclectic rock n’ roll vibe (with a strict no photography policy), Darling’s famed pizzas and 4 am closing times, or Bar High Fives live music nights, there’s something for everyone here. As the night folds, cheap cocktails and drinks flow and so do the endless stories of the bartenders (if they get a minute to talk, that is). But what I would deem the real challenge? Remembering the names of the bars the next morning! So, raise your glasses and let Chapora Street show you how Goa parties! Pro tip: There is a major network connectivity problem here on this street so don’t rely on online payments. Carry cash with you to pay for your drinks.
Enjoy your perfect holidays in North Goa
A visit to Goa would be incomplete if you don’t visit one of the happening night clubs like Sinq Night Club or Club Cabana. Go back in time and visit Fort Aguada, which was one of the most prominent forts for the Portuguese in the region, now converted to a prison.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Drive or take a walk along the Mandovi River for a relaxing experience. From the cobblestone footpath on the bridge, you can take in the beautiful view of the water, the distant island, as well as the casinos leisurely gliding in the waters. With the pulsating, colorful lights of the Atal Setu Bridge, your experience will be nothing short of magical.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Head to North Goa in the month of June for a more culturally indulgent experience. On June 24th is St. John the Baptist's feast. Goans have a unique way of marking this occasion called Sao Joao. Young and old alike participate in this feast by jumping and bathing in wells and ponds while wearing a crown of berries and flowers. You can hear the cheerful shouts of "Viva Sao Joao" accompanied by local songs played on Ghumot, a traditional, music instrument, and dances in the villages and localities. There are also stalls sealing sweets, feni (local cashew alcohol), and more. This vibrant festival should not be missed if you want to feel the spirit of Goa!
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