Goa is no less than a paradise when it comes to water sports activities. Be it water skiing, banana boat rides, scuba diving and water scooter rides…all are enough to give you a feel of freedom. The flea markets of Goa are the best spot to shop till you drop as one can buy some of the most unique items.
“Goa: A place of relaxation, rest, and tranquillity.”
Arambol Beach
Beautiful and serene, Arambol Beach is among the best beaches of North Goa and is relatively unexploited by tourist activities. Considered to be one of the most spectacular beaches in Goa, Arambol beach has a distinct Bohemian feel to it, which attracts tourists from all over the world.
It is among the northernmost beaches in Goa and is bordered by Keri or Querim beach on one end and Morjim on the other. Arambol Beach is a rocky cum sandy beach blessed with jungles on one end and the sea on the other.
Be it wellness pursuits at a Yoga class on the beach, a drum circle and a weekend beachside market at sunset, a mystical baba on top of a hillock, jumping off a cliff to paraglide or simply strolling about the kitschy market lanes; there is something for every soul in Arambol.
Fort Aguada
Fort Aguada is a 17th-century Portuguese fort looking out at the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. The crumbling ramparts of the fort stand on the Sinquerim Beach, approximately 18 km from Panjim. The highlight of the fort is a lone four-storey lighthouse (which is one-of-its-kind in Asia )and a stunning view of the sunset.
Built-in 1612 as a protection from Dutch and Marathas, Fort Aguada was the most prized and crucial fort for the Portuguese and covers the entire peninsula at the southwestern tip of Bardez. The fort is so named after the Portuguese Word for water i.e. ‘Agua’ and used to be a replenishing source of freshwater for sailors. In fact, it has the capacity to hold 2,376,000 gallons of water and was one of the biggest freshwater reservoirs of Asia.
Fort Aguada has also been used as Aguada jail. A statue in front of the jail salutes the freedom fighters, giving the fort a touch of patriotism.
Calangute Beach
Situated 15 km from Panjim, Calangute Beach is the longest beach in North Goa, stretching from Candolim to Baga. Due to its sheer size and popularity, it is a hub for tourists and backpackers from all over the world.
Popular as the “Queen of Beaches”, the Calangute Beach of Goa is among the top ten bathing beaches in the world. Being one of the busiest and most commercial beaches of Goa, it is swarming with eating joints, shacks and clubs serving cocktails, beer and seafood. The Calangute Beach is also known for its water sports activities like parasailing, water surfing, banana ride and jet-skiing.
While the days here are filled with beach fun, nights call for upbeat parties and letting your hair down. Calangute is also popular for staying in Goa as it keeps you well-connected to the other beaches in the north such as Baga, Anjuna, Candolim, Aguada and many more.
Dine on a Cruise
Cruise in Goa allows one to explore the exotic scenery, pristine waters and marvel the breathtaking view of the sunset. There are several types of cruises in Goa ranging from simple evening cruises, elaborate and romantic dinner cruises, backwater cruises, and casino cruises. All of these usually originate from Miramar Beach in Panjim.
Several Goa cruises also offer dinner options along with guaranteed fun and entertainment activities are carried through the day depending upon the daytime, sunset and moonlight. Booking a cruise getaway in Goa is fairly simple as a number of them also offer online booking options. Depending on your requirements and time that you want to spend on the boats, you can choose a package that suits you the best.
Adventure of Anjuna Beach
Located near Panjim at a distance of 21 km, Anjuna Beach is among the most popular beaches in North Goa, stretching almost 2km. A hippie paradise of sorts it is characterized by its rocky outcrops. From family outings to adrenaline-filled adventures, Anjuna Beach is famed for its golden coastline, nightclubs, beach shacks, watersports, full-moon parties and flea markets.
Come and rock the night way at Curlies, or dance to some techno at Cafe Lilliput. During the day you can sample some delicious culinary goodness at Burger Factory, Baba Au Rhum, or Basilico. Known as the jewel of Ozran, Anjuna became a favourite haunt for the hippies in the swingin’ 60s and still retains the same vibe to this day. You are sure to meet an eclectic bunch of tourists from all over the world when you are here! Anjuna’s charm makes it a favourite among both long-stayers and first-timers.
Behold to Dudhsagar Waterfalls
One of India’s tallest waterfalls, the Dudhsagar Falls is located inside the Mollem National Park. The majestic falls are a little farther inland approximately 60 km from Panaji on the Goa – Karnataka Border. Literally translating to Sea of Milk , the 310 m high waterfall is divided into four tiers on the Mandovi river and resemble a heavy rush of milk flowing effortlessly down the hill.
While most people arrive at the Dudhsagar falls by jeep or by their own private transport from Panaji and nearby areas, others choose to visit the falls through a train journey or by trekking. The famous Dudhsagar Railway trek is closed to the public but the trek to the lower falls is still open.
The Dudhsagar falls should be visited during the monsoon when it is in full flow and the surrounding deciduous forests are at their verdant best. However, reaching the falls during monsoon if difficult and it is closed if the water level gets too high.
Chapora Fort
Chapora Fort, located 10 km away from Mapusa, is undeniably one of the most famous forts in Goa. Built by the Portuguese in 1717, Chapora Fort has a long and fascinating history attached to it. More popularly known as the ‘Dil Chahta Hai Fort’, its claim to fame was the 2001 Bollywood blockbuster shot here. A scintillating escape, it offers beautiful views of the sea and Chapora River.
The fortifications around the current location of Chapora Fort existed long before the Portuguese even landed in Goa. It was originally built by Muslim ruler Adil Shah and was called Shahpura. The fort was later reconstructed by the Portuguese who named it Chapora, after the Chapora River that flows right alongside it. The highlight of the fort is the breathtaking view of the adjoining Vagator beach overlooking the Arabian Sea, especially at sunset. However, reaching the top of the now-ruined fort requires a steep 10-minute climb.
Chapora Fort has passed through the possession of numerous rulers over a long period of time, right from the Portuguese to the Marathas and the ruins tell a story of their own! You can still see the entry points of the two tunnels that were built by the Portuguese to use as an escape in times of emergency.
Thalassa
Perched atop rocky cliffs, Thalassa- The Greek Taverna is one of the most popular restaurants in Goa. Having moved out to the backwaters along with Siolim (from its prior location of Vagator hilltop), Thalassa is famous for its signature cocktails and sunsets. Reverberating with the cultural flavour of Greece, it serves authentic Greek Mediterranean cuisine.
Ideated, owned and conceived by Mariketty (known to be the most hospitable hostess), the open-air restaurant boasts of comfortable cushioned chairs, rustic wooden decor, lively music and a gorgeous ambience. One of the main highlights of Thalassa is the live-fire show and dance performances like Sirtaki and Zorba.
Boasting of delectable cuisines and a mouth-watering menu, the restaurant has been visited by big-shot celebrities like Robert de Niro and other Bollywood stars.
Butterfly Beach
A little to the south of Palolem in Cancona region of Goa lies the Butterfly Beach. This beach, also known as Honeymoon Beach, is in the form of a small cove surrounded by dense trees. One of the most secluded and lesser-known beach of Goa, the butterfly beach is mostly accessible by a boat (ferry) ride from the nearby beaches, which only adds to the charm.
Vehicles do not lead directly to Butterfly Beach and reaching here through land involves a challenging forest hike. However, this also makes for a wonderful opportunity to go trekking through a forest! Interestingly, Butterfly Beach is so named as the surrounding trees attract a wide variety of butterflies occasionally. It may also be because the beach itself is in the shape of a butterfly! Either way, it is just as pretty as one, especially during sunsets.
Enclosed by a thick forest on one side and leading to the open sea on the other, the beach has a unique and picturesque landscape. Butterfly Beach is also one of the few places in Goa to sight the playful dolphins. Avoid visiting the beach during the monsoon as the boat rides are mostly unavailable during heavy rainfall.
Divar Island
Located at a distance of 10 km from Panjim in Goa, Divar Island is a slice of heaven tucked away in dense woods amidst the beauty of nature. Connected to Old Goa only through ferry service, this island is synonymous with natural beauty, serenity and tranquillity. Commonly recognised as a ‘village stuck in time’; the area is still unexplored and unexploited by tourism or commercialisation as it is disconnected from city life.
Divar Island is dotted with vintage houses built in Portuguese style, littered with traditional churches and is surrounded by evergreen paddy fields. Unlike the loud and hippie party culture of Goa, this place provides the contrasting peace and environment to the wanderers to make them want just to explore it. The term ‘divar’ is derived from the word ‘dipavati’, which means ‘small island’ in Konkani. The term is pronounced as ‘divaddi’. Although Divar Island hardly has any particular sightseeing spots, the innate beauty and charm of the narrow winding roads, the tiny tea stalls and overall aura will make you want never to leave the island.
Go Shopping in Anjuna
Anjuna Flea Market is another weekly market of Goa. You can find a wide range of goods from faux jewellery, local handicraft, footwear, wall hangings, spices, and hammocks. Legend has it that this market was established by a group of hippies back in the 60s as a means to barter and survive. You can get things here at very inexpensive prices as everything is negotiable if you are good at it. This is a great market to buy souvenirs from.
Address: Anjuna, North Goa
Timings: Every Wednesday, 8 AM to 4 PM
What to Buy: Souvenirs like handicrafts, jewellery, clothing
Saturday Night Bazaar at Arpora
The night bazaar at Arpora is also known as Ingo’s Night Bazaar and is a wonderful night market. The market is divided into three sections, each selling a certain category of items. You can find here vendors selling fruits, vegetables, jewelry, home decor items, spices, wines, as well as locally designed clothes and bags. It is a paradise for foodies as there are eateries with a variety of cuisines to choose from.
Address: Arpora, Goa
Timings: Every Saturday, 6 PM onwards
What to Buy: Locally designed clothes and accessories
Explore Dona Paula
Located around 7kms from Panjim, Dona Paula is one of the most popular tourist hangouts in Goa famous for its vast stretch of beach. The small beach is also popular as the Lover’s Paradise and features a jetty (Dona Paula Jetty) adjacent to it, which provides an ethereal view of the Arabian Sea and Mormugao harbour. Another attraction here is the whitewashed statue, called ‘Image of India’, depicting Mother India and Young India.
The Dona Paula is named after then Goa Viceroy’s daughter Dona Paula de Menezes in honour of her tragic love story. She is believed to have fallen in love with a local fisherman but was denied to get married by the Viceroy. This led to her jumping from a cliff which is flanked by and named as Dona Paula.
Dona Paula Beach also is the meeting point of the Zuari and Mandovi Rivers and is beautified by fronds of palm trees breaking the silvery shimmer of the beach sand. The beach is popular for the host of water sports. Dona Paula is also popular as a shooting site. The most prominent Bollywood films shot here are Ek Guje ke Liye and Singham.