North Goa is one of the famous districts of Goa, popularly known for beaches, churches, sightseeing, and clubs. Being a vibrant land for late-night partying, North Goa is always the best nightlife destination for foreigners and Indian holidaymakers.
Area: 1,736² KM
Population: 818,008
In North: Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra state
In East: Belgaum district of Karnataka
In South: South Goa district
In West: Arabian Sea
Coolest Month: January, Warmest Month: May
Temperature: Average High: 32°C, Average Low: 20°C,
Best Season: Winter Season
Best Time: November, December, January, February
Headquarters: Panaji ( Capital city of Goa )
Tehsils: 1. Illhas de Goa 2. Bardez 3. Pernem, 4. Bicholim, 5. Sattari, 6. Ponda
Dabolim International Airport is the only airport to reach North Goa. The distance of North Goa from the airport is 27 Km. You can hire a taxi to reach the hotel from the Airport. Ola, Uber is completely unheard of Goa. Few fare ideas for important locations are:-
Airport to Panjim: Fare for sedan cars is around 950 INR and 1100 INR for SUV/6 Seaters.
Airport to Calangute/Baga: Fare for sedan cars is around 1350 INR and 1550 INR for SUV/6 Seaters.
Airport to Morjim: Fare for sedan cars is around 1350 INR and 1550 INR for SUV/6 Seaters.
*Late-night (after 10 PM) charges are around 200 INR extra.
Most famous places and beaches are in North Goa which you must plan to visit for the Goa holiday. Poplular places of tourist interest in North Goa are:
Famous beaches of north goa which are attractions of adventure and private holiday. Millions of holidaymakers come to goa to enjoy their dream holiday, for relaxation and refresh their mind and soul to feel the real purpose of life with nature.
Calangute Beach Goa
Calangute is famous for its beach, watersports, and shacks. The beach is crowded during daytime with locals and foreigners. Due to its beauty and charm, it is known as Queen of Beaches. Local market near the beach with hanging jewels, restaurants on the beach with chilled beer, delicious food, and adventurous watersports always appeal holidaymakers to list Calangute in Goa holiday plan.
Read more about Calangute beach
Baga Beach Goa
Baga Beach is an extension of Calangute beach which is in the north of Panaji. It is the center of the Hippie movement and nightlife. Discos, nightclubs, shops, restaurants, cafes, tattoo parlor are close to the beach. There is a famous “The Coffin Bridge” which tourists use for crossing to visit neighbor places like Calangute.
Adventurous water sports like Bumper Ride, Banana Ride, Speed Boat Ride, Jet-Ski, Parasailing you can enjoy on Baga Beach.
Read more about Baga beach
Condolim Beach Goa
Candolim beach is one of the most frequented beaches which is near Baga and Calangute beach. This magical beach has many wonderful beach shacks and clean seashore which attract foreigners for complete relaxation. This is a very relaxing beach with a crowd of many bikinis beauty relaxing their mood by taking a sunbath, walking barefoot or chilling out below the umbrella on the beach. In the evening the sunset view changes the color of sea and sky which is a mesmerizing moment.
Read more about Candolim beach
Arambol Beach
Arambol is a traditional fishing village. Beach at Arambol is 16 km long. A perfect beach for solitude. Arambol beach is the golden sand beach that is connected with Keri beach in north and Manderm beach in the South. This one of the most beautiful beaches is known for its sweet water lake which is easy to swim and for its sand which is known for healing property. On the beachside, you can also enjoy shopping in the flea market every evening.
Read more about Arambol beach
Anjuna Beach Goa
Anjuna beach is famous for rave beach parties and lavish lifestyle. Anjuna beach is a tranquil gateway and if you are looking for a solitude holiday place in North Goa, Anjuna is a good place for you. Hill in the background of the beach, red laterite rock, and azure water bless this beach with picturesque views. This beach offers a full moon party, luxury hospitality, nightlife which makes this beach one of the hottest beaches in Goa.
Read more about Anjuna beach
Morjim Beach Goa
Morjim beach is famous for Dolphin sightseeing, its nightlife and extravagant lifestyle. This is also popular as “Little Russia” because you can see a lot of Russian tourists walking and partying on this beach. This is located in the south of Ashwem beach and north of the Chapora river lined up with many restaurants and shops.
The top attractions of this beach are changing sky colors with the sunset, turtle release, migrated birds gathering. This is one of the most peaceful beaches in Goa where Russian tourists stay more than a month during the winter season so most of the restaurants here offer delicious Russian dishes.
Read more about Morjim beach
Dona Paula Beach Goa
Dona Paula is famous for its famous love story of Dona Paula who was the daughter of a viceroy falls in love with a fisherman and when viceroy knew about their affair, he forbade her daughter to meet with fisherman that’s why this is also famous in goa as love paradise. Apart from watersports, there are many shacks and pubs near the beach where you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife till morning.
Keri Beach Goa
Querim ( Keri ) beach has clear water and peaceful long seashore. This is one the longest beach in North goa which has a rocky mountain on one side, the Tiracol river on another side. This is a less crowded beach, not many but few restaurants, shops or shacks on the beach but you can get some needed food and drinks on the beach. If you are a writer or reader this is best beach for you. Keri is famous for its solitude family holiday and picturesque view.
Coco Beach Goa
Querim ( Keri ) beach has clear water and peaceful long seashore. This is one the longest beach in North goa which has a rocky mountain on one side, the Tiracol river on another side. This is a less crowded beach, not many but few restaurants, shops or shacks on the beach but you can get some needed food and drinks on the beach. If you are a writer or reader this is best beach for you. Keri is famous for its solitude family holiday and picturesque view.
Vainguinim Beach
Vainguinim Beach is a beautiful beach beautify with palm trees, seaside resorts, and clear water. The shoreline is pretty clear and framed with the green trees which give a wonderful picturesque look to this beach. This beach is best for swimming and walking on the beach. This is a less crowded beach which is best for an excursion with the family or mate. Beach offers watersports and luxury hospitality.
Vagator Beach
Vagator beach, located opposite side of the Chapora river, is famous among tourists for midnight parties. This crescent-shaped beach is also famous for Chapora fort which is just at a distance of 1.2 KM from Vagator road. Vagator beach has two parts big Vagator and small Vagator beach. This is a less crowded beach good to spend time and enjoy the sunset.
Vagator beach offers to buy souvenirs from stalls while walking near the beach. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in goa for lined palm trees, dynamic cliffs, and white sand.
Sinquerim Beach Goa
Sinquerim beach is located in Bardez and the north side of Baga beach. In the month of December, you can enjoy the sunburn festival on the beach. This is a long beach with endless sand and seashore where you can enjoy a relaxing time by offering drinks and snacks at your place.
Aguada fort is near this beach and the Aguada beach resort is just next to the beach. This beach is clean, calm and less crowded. On this beach, you can rent water sports kinds of stuff at affordable prices than other beaches of goa.
Mandrem Beach Goa
Manderm beach is located between two beaches Arambol in the North and Ashwem in the South. The village is separated from the beach sand with a shallow creek Manderm river. This is an isolated beach that is quiet and secluded with white sand and long empty seashore. This beach offers Yoga, Meditation, Gym and some placid ambiance for honeymoon couples.
Less crowd and the long stretch of sand is an experience of freedom for privacy, walking independently and feel yourself close to nature. River Manderm flows parallel to the beach and during high tide, sea pours water in the river this activity maintain the water level of the river all time. There is a wooden bridge over the river for crossing and which connects with the beach.
Aguada Beach Goa
Aguada beach is famous for its seventeenth-century, well preserved Aguada Fort. This beach is less crowded and good for sunbath. Aguada beach attracts tourists from all over the world for its privacy, beautiful greenery, calm seashore, picturesque views of the beach and city from the height of the fort. Evening time is good for the beach because of the colors of the sky and seashore change by colored sunset rays which looks amazing from the fort.
Miramar Beach Goa
Maramar beach is famous for its location which is Panjim (The capital of goa) and water sports. You can enjoy the local festivals and the city market near the beach. Beach is also lined up with some shops where you can buy local souvenirs. The clean and soft sand of the beach heals the soul by morning and evening walk.
Maramar beach sits at the junction of the Mondavi river and Arabian sea. The old name was Porte de Gaspar Dias which was later changed to Miramar. Miramar is famous for the late-night party, picnic spot, honeymoon place & for the nightlife of dazzling pubs. During the winter season, many migrated birds, gulls, come on the beach and stay.
Butterfly Beach Goa
Butterfly beach is a hidden gem of goa located north of Palolem beach but you will meet very few tourists who know about this picturesque beach. This small secluded curved beach is really quiet, clean and green. Water is cluster clear, best for swimming, kayaking, and boating. On top of hills, you can listen to the sound of butterflies flying over blossoms.
To reach this beach on foot is not easy so you can use a boat from Palolem or Agonda beaches because the journey to this beach by land is a feeling of forest hiking. This is one the best private beach in goa where tourists go for meditation and yoga on rocks. The water journey to the beach is also a sightseeing experience, during that you can see the dolphin acrobatics around you.
There are about 5 forts in north goa, Aguada and Chapra are most famous forts in the North Goa because of its glory, sightseeing experience, history, and activities on nearby places.
Fort Aguada Goa
Fort Aguada was built in 1612 by Portuguese for the protection against Dutch and Marathas paroxysm. This historical fort is situated on the Mandovi river near Sinquerim beach. This top portion of the fort was used to store water and replenish freshwater to the crew of passing ship so its name is Aguada (Portuguese meaning Watery). Aguada Fort is a symbol of Portuguese architectural skill and engineering. Beach near the fort is called Aguada beach and you can enjoy the splendid view of city and beach from the height of this fort.
This bottom part of the fort was stronghold and passage for the time of emergency which was used to dock their ship and stock supplies for battle and daily uses.
Chapora Fort Goa
Chapora fort spotted in prominence in the mid of 1960s when Europeans came and started partying here. Chapora fort has a long historic story of reign about the rulers of this fort. It was first built by Mughals then conquered by Maratha king Sambhaji and later it was held by Portuguese, they reconditioned it again in 1717 and used as the center for sea-faring taxes.
Chapora Fort is connected with Vagator beach and Chapora beach. The road for Chapra fort is not in so good condition but the renovation of road and stairs is under progress. Chapora fort was later getting fame for the shooting of Indian movie “Dil Chahata Hai” and it is also known as “Dil Chahata Hai Fort”.
Chapora Fort is the favorite evening haunt for the youngster to chill out. The good time to visit Chapora Fort is 9 AM to 5 PM but evening time is best for this place to cherish sunset.
Churches of Goa are architectural splendor of Portuguese. Thousands of tourists visit churches of North Goa and mesmerized with the glory of inimitable design and picturesque art of buildings.
Mae De Deus Saligao Church
Mae De Deus ( Mother of God ) church is famous for its beauty of spires and pristine white wall. The church is located at Saligao, which is situated in Bardez. This church is a symbol of architectural proficiency in Goa. This church was built in 1873 which was bought from Old Goa after ruins of the convent of Mae De Deus. It illuminates a splendid view in the evening.
On the first Sunday of May, the feast of our lady, Mother of God is celebrated. It is the process of the novena ( a Roman Catholic devotion consisting of prayers on nine consecutive days ). Arrangement of each day novena is fulfilled by different wards of the village.
Basillica Of Bom Jesus Goa
Mae De Deus ( Mother of God ) church is famous for its beauty of spires and pristine white wall. The church is located at Saligao, which is situated in Bardez. This church is a symbol of architectural proficiency in Goa. This church was built in 1873 which was bought from Old Goa after ruins of the convent of Mae De Deus. It illuminates a splendid view in the evening.
On the first Sunday of May, the feast of our lady, Mother of God is celebrated. It is the process of the novena ( a Roman Catholic devotion consisting of prayers on nine consecutive days ). Arrangement of each day novena is fulfilled by different wards of the village.
Goa history is a blend of Indian and Portuguese rulers so the structures of temples also show the impact of mix architectural mastership. Few famous temples of Goa are:
Shri Bodgeshwar Jatra Mapus
Bogdeshwara temple is dedicated to baba Kanakeshwar, located in Mapusa which is at 12 km distance from Panaji. This temple is famous among devotees for the faith that baba fulfilled prayers. The festival for the prayer of Kanakeshwar Baba is held every year in the month of December/January at this template. The Jatra fair during the festival is also an attraction for locals and tourists.
Mangeshi Temple Ponda (
Mangueshi temple is dedicated to lord shiva and the name of the template is associated with the story of dice between Lord Shiva and Mata Paravati. “Mam Girisha” word was taken from “Trahi Mam Girisha” which was cried by Mata Parvati for help. Later word “Mam Grisha” was abbreviated to the “Mangueshi”.
The celebration of the annual festival Jatra begins in the month of January. Fair at the place of the template is the attraction for locals and tourists. Attractions of the fair are lightened market, rockers, local Guan fast food, and souvenir.
Casino, where you can try your luck. Casinos of the North Goa is famous for its hospitality and swanky dens and splendid view. The Deltin Royale is one of the best casinos in picturesque Goa which has a top-class hospitality and gaming machines.
Deltin Royale Casino
Deltin Royale ( a floating casino ) is famous for its classic arrangement of ambiance, restaurant, and live performance every night. This floating casino offers coupons on the entry ticket which you can use once. This is the largest gaming vessel of Goa with four decks and with a total count of 700 gaming seats. Deltin Royale is arranged with 123 table games, 250 Gaming Machines, 15 Poker Tables
Top-class artists performance, palatable cuisine, expert dealers all those qualities serve a classic guest service to every visitor. Kids Zone keeps children busy with toys when parents are betting on gaming tables.
Deltin Jaqk Casino Goa
The Deltin Jaqk also belongs to the Deltin group. This floating gaming vessel has everything which a casino should have. Deltin Jaqk is arranged with 50 table games, 30 Gaming Machines, 6 Poker Tables. They provide real dealer tables games, not simple electronically equipped tables. This is also completely family-friendly also, where kids can play in a different Kids playroom when parents are celebrating drink, games, and music.
Casino Palms Goa
Casino Palms is situated on land near Baga beach. This is stretched in 3000 sq/ft area which offers games, spa, free buffet, and drink. Nestled in the midst of famous beach Baga, where you can enjoy a relaxing time on the beach and at the same time, you can try your luck in the casino.
This casino offers drinks, snacks, salad on the gaming table with choices of both vegs, and nonveg. For more relaxation, there is a spa small gym.
Casino Carnival has two sites in blithesome Goa, One gaming vessel is floating on Mandovi river and the other one is part of the Marriot resort near Miramar beach. Casino carnival has everything for entertainment with four decks embellished with dance, music, gaming table, drinks, and buffet.
This is one of the best casinos in Goa which is superbly pleasuring their guests by various activities in the same place. Musical live performance, Indian and International gaming machines, variety of wine and drinks, veg and nonveg dishes. For the family group, there is a Kids Zone with the collection of toys & nannies for safety.
Casino Pride Goa
Casino Pride is one of the famous casinos in Goa with golden adorned glittering ambiance. The extravagant gaming machine slots arrangements of live gaming for 500 guests on a floating vessel make it unique. Hovering over Mandovi river, this huge vessel taking pride in pleasuring their guest with classic hospitality and no stop entertainment for all age groups.
Kids zone area is designed with a variety of toys that relax parents when they are trying their luck on placing bets. They care well for your taste buds also by serving mouth-watering dishes of the restaurant stocked with bar.
Apart from beaches and nightlife, North goa offers markets where you can try shopping for souvenirs in shops and stalls. Anjuna and Mapusa are the most famous places for shopping in North Goa.
Anjuna Flea Market Goa
This is one of the most famous markets in goa which adorned with famous big brands showrooms and lined up with small to large shops. Selling unique kinds of stuff of various states like Gujarati, Rajasthani, Kashmiri, Tibet has become the attraction of this market.
Anjuna is a weekly market that starts from the morning and runs till the evening of each Wednesday. This market is growing by time and prices are also high now but this market offers a bargain if you know the right price.
Mapusa market is also a weekly Friday market which is located in Mapusa Municipal area. Tourists and locals come here to buy and sell antiques and homemade items, fruits, vegetables, handwoven sarees, and fresh fishes. In this market, you will find mostly Goans or Indians than foreigners.
Very few shops are accepting credit cards here, ATM is available so you can arrange some cash for shopping. The market is super active on Friday so you can meet local Goans, artists, farmers on this day.
North Goa is always a vibrant place for nightlife. Clubs or beaches both are party places in North Goa. Here are a few famous clubs in north goa where you can drink dance with a different region of people.
Tito’s is one of the most popular and oldest clubs of Goa. This club is located in the area of Baga beach and around 3 KM distance from Calangute beach. Tito’s has a variety of clubs in Goa but this club is most famous for its location and big dance floor. This club has a restaurant and an open area that connects with Baga beach.
The ambiance of this club is designed perfectly with dizzy lights. As the sunset starts in the west, the Tito’s starts glittering like a Jewell & the storm of music along with cocktails begins in Tito’s club. They pride to entertain their guests with Karaoke nights, Vintage night, Ladies Night and various theme-based nights.
Located near the Taj Holiday Vintage, Sinq Nightclub is famous for its latest music played by DJs. They manage good hospitality and a fully stocked bar. You can enjoy music and drink everywhere in this place outside in your cabana or on the dance floor.
Located next to the Nerul river very near to Candolim beach. LPK ( Love Passion Karma ) has a waterfront for walking and indoor dance floor. With a mixture of Latest Bollywood hits and amazing cocktails, this place fluttered your mind to shake on the floor.
This is also a Tito’s Group cafe located in the area of Baga beach. This is another famous spot for nightlife in Goa, This place has an open-air lounge and decent size dance floor but not so big. This place hosts both Indian and International DJs and famous for music and theme night.
If you are visiting the most famous party place north goa then you should visit its island which gives a bonus package of cherishing. Beautiful ferry experience and admiring virginity of picturesque structure.
Chorao Island is famous for bird lovers. This is a big island among all islands in goa where Dr. Salim Bird Sanctionary is located. Many old churches and Hindu temples are also attractions of this island.
Chorao Island located 5 Km from the capital Panjim and 10 Km from Mapusa. You can reach this island from Diwar Island by ferry. Local citizens call it Chodan or Chodana.
Ilha Grande is known as the Grande island Or Bat Island. Grand island is also a monkey beach trip that starts in the morning from coco beach by boat. The boat trip is also a great experience for dolphin sightseeing. When you are middle of the sea you can view beaches, fort, jail.
Grand island is famous for snorkeling and swimming and fishing. There are many packages are available for the Grand island tour that provides lunch and finger snacks on the tour.
Divar Island is rarely visited, it is across the Mandovi river and you can reach to south part by ferry from Viceroy’s Arch at Old Goa, an east part from Naroa in the Bicholim district, the southwest part is connected from Ribandar. Ferry services are available from 7 am to 8 pm.
The attractions of Divar island are Bonderam festival, crocodile watching, bird watching, Naroa fort, and many temples.
Goa state museum which was established in 1977 in Panjim has many departments of Archeology, Geology, Art, Craft. You can see all the historical and cultural monuments of Goan culture. It is along the Mandovi River in the Adilsha Palace or “Old Secretariat”. There is no charge for the entry fee.
This museum has collections for old memories of Goan culture which is the educational part also of the visit. The display of sculptures and Goan old artwork reflect the ancient Goan history.
Calangute is the longest beach in North Goa located 15 KM from Panjim and 40 KM from the International airport Dabolim. It is also called “Queen of beaches”. Apart from the beach, Calangute is the hub for the best casinos, clubs, and markets. Calangute beach is located between Candolim Beach and Baga beach. Calangute offers adventurous water sports like parasailing, speed boat riding, banana boat riding, jet skiing, windsurfing.
North Goa is at a distance of 27 Km from Goa international airport Dabolim. It is a 38 min ride from the airport.
Calangute and Baga are famous beaches. Clubs Tito’s and Mambos’ are best for nightlife. Aguada and Chapora are famous for historical forts and churches like “The Church Of Mae De Deus” and “Bom Jesus Basilica” are famous for architectural engineering. Try your luck in Deltin Royale Casino and Casino Pride.
Duration from May to September is the off-season for Goa. May is very hot and uncomfortable for the Goa excursion. In mid of June, monsoon season hits Goa which suppresses much of the hot summer temperatures and nourishes the vegetation.
Top attractions of North Goa are :
Best night clubs of North Goa are:
Best beaches for honeymoon are:
