For a tourist, there is so much to be indulged into while at this part of the beautiful state that one may never wish to go home. There is a natural beauty in abundance from a variety of places to call their nest, whereas the adventure seekers can freely enjoy the water sports await them. Let’s find out the top 10 attractions to be enjoyed in North Goa.
1. Baga Beach
Baga beach is the popular place to visit in North Goa and it is located at the end of the stretch Calangute beach. Baga is a bustling beach as it gives visitors a lot to enjoy and experience. There you can enjoy the unbroken line of shacks, which has a row of sunbeds that further overlook a jagged line of motorboats, that are attached to the paragliders; which is an ideal view of the beach in the daytime.
On the other hand, the nights at Baga are extremely seductive in its own way, with some real crowd that is mostly comprised of fun-loving individuals.
2. Dona Paula
It is situated on the suburbs of Panaji, and Dona Paula is the popular tourist place in Goa. To be précised it is recognized as the home of National Institute of Oceanography. It’s hammered shaped land divides the estuaries of Zuari and Mondovi River. Although the Dona Paula monument is located on a small islet, connected with the mainland by a small bridge and a quay. If you want to unleash the beauty of this beach further, then you must go to Belvedere, which is a Greco – a Roman type of structure, where you can view the Arabian Sea and the River Zuari. Dona Paula has a beautiful stretch of sea that remains crowded; however, during the monsoon, the stretch is calm and becomes a lovely haunt for romance.
3. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
This church was built in 1541, and it is the first church in Goa. It was completely renovated in 1619, The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is a riot of heavy ornamentation. It is believed to be a fine example of relatively simple architecture, the church has two flanking altars that on the left dedicated to Jesus Crucified and the right one dedicated to Our Lady of Rosary. You can see the beautiful carvings on each side of the marble statues of St. Peter and St. Paul. Also, its main altar is that St. Francis Xavier; and the glass-encased statue is positioned centrally on the reredos. A large number of visitors come to visit this place of worship in Goa and indeed you should visit this religious place to witness some excellent architecture.
4. Calangute Beach
It is a perfect tourist retreat, filled with souvenir stalls, shacks and other stalls selling everything from beer, trinkets to pawns. All these simply add to the popularity of beach, making it a must-visit place. Huge showrooms with exquisite handicrafts from Tibet, Kasmir, Rajasthan, Indonesia and other striking places, queue the main road running towards Anjuna. The beach showcases a distinctive Goan beach culture and assures a splendid time with loved ones. So, if you want an unstrained solitude, plan for Calangute beach holidays as it’s a perfect destination for nature freaks and the glorious view of locales enfolding serene ambiance, mark the place as a dream destination for beach bums.
5. The Kala Academy
It is situated in Panjim, and it is the fine acting institute in Goa. It holds the cultural heritage of the state, which is the reason behind a large number of artists that have excelled in the field of art and culture. The Academy has the apex body to develop Music, Dance, Drama, Fine Art, Folk Art, Literature, etc. and to promote cultural unity of Goa. It holds the special value owing to imparting training, also conducts the regular basis festivals, competitions, exhibitions, workshops, seminars, discussions and debates, performances and other activities for preservation of traditional art forms are organized here. You can visit the State Art Exhibition and also can see performances that happen every now and then here.
6. Arvalem Waterfalls
Based in the Sanquelim, Arvalem Waterfalls is one of the most beautiful pieces of nature, which must be enjoyed by every tourist in Goa. This very fall is located at a short distance from Bicholim. Also, Arvalem is known as Harvalem and becomes a vision in the monsoon season. It drops down from the height of 50m and offers quite a view to relish.
7. Backwaters of Chapora River
The Chapora River, allows the tourists to enjoy holidays in Goa by sailing in the houseboat on the backwaters. You can take the houseboat, and enjoy the rustic charms of Goa. Also, you can watch the traditional fishermen catch fish in their dug out wooden canoes and see the beautiful swaying coconut and palm trees fringing the water body, offering an ideal site that any nature lover would adore. The beauty of the backwaters of Goa is captivating and is a perfect place to relish the quality time with your loved one.
8. Anjuna Beach Flea Market
Calling Anjuna Beach Flea Market a small carnival in itself is not wrong at all. You can come here every Wednesday, and enjoy every beat of this happening flea market. You can find a lot of activities till late night, to discuss its history, this very market evolved in the 1960s when hippies headed to Anjuna for trance music and parties.
Earlier this market was more like a garage sale, but now it is not less than a fashion street, where one can find great souvenirs, fashionable clothes, and lovely artifacts.
9. Bicholim
Bicholim is a complete tourist destination, having scenic beauty which boasts of a beautiful lake called Mayem and the vast countryside that is dotted with cashew trees. You can find here some religious places like Hindu temples and one of the oldest mosques in Goa. Mayem Lake is located in the east of the market town of Mapusa, it is in the mid of peaceful countryside villages. This very lake has wooded shores in low hills and has a massive birdlife. You can reach Bicholim by taking a ferry route from Ribander to Chorao with Madel being the place for landing.
10. Curlies
It is one of the most happening places in North Goa, which is located on Anjuna beach strip and has become one of the prominent landmarks in Goa. Earlier it was started as a beach shack, but now Curlies is a two floor complex with restaurants, bars, internet café, sea view veranda, tea house, indoor club and can host up to 500 people. Also, you can enjoy different water-sport and other activities like the parasailing, kayaking banana boat ride, dolphin trip, fishing trip.
These are some of the places you must visit in North Goa, but in this holistic trip, you can add Top Ten Spa and Ayurvedic Resorts in India also which can help you to stay healthy and make you rejuvenate and live a healthy life.
