The most touristy state of India is tacitly recognized as Goa. It is inferior to all the other regions, but the level of entertainment is often far ahead. For respectable tourists is more comfortable on the south side. North Goa has long been recognized as a place where there is no time to be bored, and propriety is a completely conventional unit when it comes to partying in nightclubs. It is a center of attraction for informal people, lovers of freedom, creative people, adherents of spiritual practices who come to the coast of the Arabian Sea for inspiration and the search for inner concentration.
Description and infrastructure in North Goa
Sometimes you get the impression that Goa is separate from the rest of India, so colorful and colorful is the northern coast of the state. In fact, it is located in the west, in the middle part of the country. The area is 3,700 square kilometers, with the length of the beaches approaching 105 km. Bordering Maharashtra and Karnataka, it is conventionally divided into southern and northern parts.
Fort Aguada is considered a peculiar border. According to the map, northern Goa in India is 2.5 times smaller than southern Goa. Nevertheless, it is the northern coast of Goa offers the bulk of entertainment, a wide range of recreational activities and a large number of fascinating excursions for all tastes.
In contrast to the expensive and respectable southern part you can find a huge number of free beaches and a pretty decent hotels and hostels at a budget price.
Beaches
They stretched for 30 km along the edge of the surf. Beaches differ in their level of comfort, remoteness from the basic amenities. Some are famous as a center of noisy youth groups, where you can find a lot of fun from volleyball to extreme jet-ski racing. Others are secluded and romantic, surrounded by silence and bliss.
Compared with the southern coast, they are much narrower, covered with volcanic sand, which has a grayish hue. Many beaches are surrounded by lagoons, which form small creeks. The water there is fresh, warms up quickly, which is ideal for recreation with small children. The depth and entrance to the water varies greatly depending on the beach.
Arambol
is considered to be the most popular. It was here that hippies began to flock in the early ’70s of the 20th century. Low prices, freedom of manners and an abundance of entertainment attracts young people of all nationalities to the beach. Here they do not look at clothes and skin color, the main thing is to have a desire to find your own style, to succumb to the euphoria of freedom and the temptation of self-expression. Closer to sunset begins the mass arrival of holidaymakers, waiting for the moment the edge of the solar disk touches the water. At that moment, applause erupts and words of gratitude for a day filled with the happiness of being are heard from everywhere. This is the tradition of this beach. The evening gradually develops into a general celebration with dancing and singing. In the morning it becomes a platform for those who take the time and attention to their physical fitness and spiritual improvement. During the day it turns into a beach area with colorful umbrellas, vendors and hustlers.
Mandrem
is considerably shorter than Arambol and has a more family-like atmosphere. Along the coast stretches a series of shallow pools, as if specially designed for bathing babies. The beach itself is also considered shallow, the water is well warmed up, there are almost no waves, the coast is covered with fine sand pleasant to the touch. There are practically no Russian-speaking tourists, the place is beloved by couples with children and vacationers of advanced age.- Kerim is characterized by the fact that almost to the sand comes close to a small shady forest, there is easy access for bikes and bicycles. It is only 20 minutes away from Arambol, but the difference between the beaches is enormous. There is silence, tranquility, no noisy companies and shouting callers. There are umbrellas, sun loungers, a few small cafes nearby, where they serve real Indian tea. There are no hotels or other places to stay overnight, you will have to return to the tourist village in the evening.
- Morjim has no language barriers. Signs and announcements are written in Russian, and most employees in hotels, stores, and restaurants also speak Russian. Most of the guests are over the age of 20 years, there are almost no informals and yogis, as well as noisy companies that crave around the clock entertainment. They come here to relax for 1-2 weeks in peace and comfort.
Candolim
is one of the ten best beaches in northern Goa. Located near Fort Aguada, famous for its cleanliness and very fine white sand, as well as the absence of various free walking animals, including stray dogs and sacred cows. In terms of prices, it is considered the most expensive of the beaches of northern Goa, so the main contingent of tourists consists of middle-aged European tourists.
Calangute
One of the most visited beaches. It stretches as a golden crescent for 7 km along the Arabian Sea, it peacefully coexists with lovers of noisy parties and connoisseurs of relaxing beach holidays, there is enough room for everyone. Well-developed infrastructure allows you to live without moving away from the edge of the surf. The advantages of the beach are considered a large area of the coastal zone, an abundance of entertainment, a wide selection of hotels, hotels, restaurants, proximity to other recreational areas, the ability to book an excursion without leaving the beach. Kalangut is also known for its picturesque landscapes and affordable prices.
Baga
is located right next to Calangute Beach. There is no clear boundary between them and walking along the beach, you can not see how one beach has ended and the other began. Its personality gives it unusual brown sand and huge boulders, found closer to the river of the same name. People come to the beach not only to relax, but also to enjoy the national dishes in the coastal cafes.
Ashwem
The quietest and most secluded of the beaches in northern Goa. It is south of Arambol, covered with silvery sand, the coast is flat, there are no rocks. Along the coast there are several natural pools. This place is the choice of wealthy tourists who gravitate to the tranquility and comfort.
Anjuna
is known as the center of nightlife. On its territory open clubs “Paradise” and “Dolce Vita”, on Wednesday unfolds famous flea market, where you can buy artwork of masters and craftsmen of India, jewelry, clothing, souvenirs. Tired of the hustle and bustle awaits the beach adjacent to Anjuna Vagator, where there is a carved in stone head of the god Shiva.- Tirakol is the northernmost, located near the fortress of the same name, sparsely populated and quiet. Framed by palm trees, sand mixed with shells, the beach is 5 km long. There are no signs of civilization, no one will interfere with a secluded quiet rest alone with nature.
Along the coastline there are very small areas that are not considered official beaches, nevertheless, you can relax on them with everything you need.
Hotels
Unlike the southern part, northern Goa does not have huge hotels with large areas. They are not in demand, even among the wealthy vacationers. But small comfortable bungalows, individual villas or inexpensive gesthouses are never left without guests. The level of service in most hotels is rated 3-4 stars.
When choosing a place to live, you should be guided by:
- remoteness from the coast;
- the ratio of price to comfort level;
- feedback from previous guests.
From October to April is the best time to visit the resorts of India, the number of tourists increases several times, so should take care of booking a hotel room in advance.
The best beachfront hotels are:
- Fort Aguada;
- Taj Holiday Village;
- Lemon Tree;
- Goan Heritage.
The gesthouses have minimal amenities, but for Rs. 8,800 you can live for a whole month. More comfortable conditions in hotels 2-3 stars will cost 900-5800 rupees per day, with a small pool, parking, restaurant.
For small companies or families with children is more convenient and profitable to rent a separate bungalow for 1500 rupees per day.
The villa costs an average of 35,000 per month. For this price you will have a garden, several bedrooms, a private pool and absolute freedom in choosing how to spend your time.
Attractions and Entertainment
Excursion programs in northern Goa include visits to natural monuments, temples and historical sites. Each of them is unique and interesting in its own way.
The majestic Dudhsagar Falls impresses with their milky-white veil created by the impact of the water flow on the rocky bedrock. Over 300 m high, it is the second highest in India and is listed as a sightseeing attraction.
Administrative center is Panaji, a walk through its streets and parks will give an idea of the real India, the national cuisine in cafes and small restaurants will impress even the most discerning gourmets variety of flavors. Age most ancient city quarter Fontaines confidently crossed over 2 centuries, since then little has changed here, beautifully preserved old houses, the architecture of which is a mix of Portuguese and Indian styles. You won’t be able to get lost in it, there are signs in several languages all around.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God is situated on a hill. The peculiarity of the architectural design is in the base, rising in smooth waves. At the top there is a snow-white temple building, as if floating in the air above the lush greenery of the slopes. Opposite the entrance is a statue of the Virgin Mary, from which the processions begin. From the balcony above the stairs you have a great view of the surroundings.
Excursions to spice plantations are very popular, a group of tourists are led through a small area where you can see how to grow black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla, which in normal life people see only in colorful shopping packages. The cost of visiting the plantation does not exceed $ 3, if you want you can ride an elephant and try the dishes at a local restaurant, where spices are certainly not spared.
The Portuguese Fort Aguada has been beautifully preserved over the past four centuries. On the lighthouse is a luxurious observation deck, where you can clearly see the high impregnable walls, watchtowers. The fort operates as a museum, with souvenir shops and a small, cozy restaurant.
Tourists are also invited to visit:
- Bon Jésus Basilica;
- market in Anjuna;
- Church and Monastery of St. Augustine;
- Arvalem Caves;
- Mahalsa, Shantadurga, and Mangesh temples;
- St. Catherine’s Cathedral.
The entertainment in northern Goa is so varied that sometimes there isn’t enough vacation time just to learn about most of them. The most popular is diving. Tourists waiting for a rich underwater world, sunken ships and mysterious caves, the bright inhabitants of coral reefs. There are large dive centers that provide instructors and equipment. The cost of 2 dives will be about 7200 rupees.
You can arrange a dive with a private instructor.
In addition to diving, northern Goa is famous excursions to ancient cities, boat trips, trips to temples. You can attend a festival, a rock concert, have dinner with an Indian family, wander the shopping aisles of the night market. Numerous parties leave no chance for boredom, and traditional trance parties are of particular interest.
Restaurants and cafes
The menu includes national European Russian and Mediterranean cuisine. The choice is huge, the interiors are original, and the prices are quite reasonable. Dinner at a cafe will cost 350-500 rupees.
The most famous restaurants:
- Sri Restaurant & Bar near Anjuna Beach, famous for its pleasant atmosphere and friendly staff, the specialties are grilled fish with vegetable garnish and mango ice cream;
- Bora Bora Café in Morjim reminds us of the Russian expanse with traditional borscht and pelmeni, rastegay and baked meat;
- The best place to watch the sunset is at Gekko Café near Arambol, where at sunset hour the tables are moved almost to the water and visitors are treated to the freshest seafood.
How to get to North Goa?
There are shuttles from Dabolim Airport to all the resort towns of northern Goa. You can also call a cab directly from the airport or rent a car from rental agencies. A cab ride to Panaji will cost about 2,300 rupees.
Ordering a car from a transportation agency will cost more, but will protect you from unpleasant surprises in the form of suddenly increased fare.
North Goa reviews
Marina, 38 years old:
Most of all we liked the Ashvem beach, it’s quiet and clean. We went on an excursion to a spice plantation, bought there gift sets, which acquaintances were delighted with. The night market in Arpora impressed me, I didn’t know that the seafood there would be so delicious, or maybe it was the romance of the night. In any case, we were thrilled with the trip to northern Goa.
Alina, 25 years old:
We went in a small company, rented a bungalow on Kandolim beach. For experiences we went to Anjuna and Arambol, it’s very beautiful, the beach is long, no crowds, lots of young people. Very much liked the night parties, but they are really on a fan. I think the vacation was a success.
