Goa is known to be one of the most happening places in India. This legend stands true primarily because of North Goa, which is the party capital. Well, yes, geographically, Panaji is the capital, but the party scene in all of North Goa makes it a tad bit more important than just one place. With some incredible concerts, parties, music festivals, authentic restaurants, and Lots of tourists, North Goa is the place to be for indulgences! From adventure to parties, this side of Goa is for everyone! Is your Goa plan with your besties finally going to come out of the WhatsApp group after all this hype? Don’t let anything go wrong. Plan your North Goa exploration now with this amazing itinerary curated just for you! Check it out!
Places To Visit In North Goa On Day 1
Visit The Anjuna Beach
A North Goa itinerary is incomplete without the mention of beaches. So let’s begin the journey the quintessential way – by visiting the beach first. Known for beaches, North Goa is filled with them and each has its unique charm. One such beach is Anjuna Beach, also known as the Jewel of Ozran, which is located 21 km from Panjim and is a 2 km long stretch.
Famous for its golden coastline, beach shacks, adventure sports, night clubs, and of course beach parties, this beach is a haven for the hippies. However, this wasn’t always the scenario. Did you know that in the 60’s when the hippie culture was on the rise, people were on the lookout for more fun places and just happened to discover Goa and its amazing beaches? Then began the hippie culture in North Goa which continues even today!
Here, you’re sure to find people from all over the world chilling and vibing to funky music and playing innovative games.
Explore The Historic Fort Aguada In Candolim
The Portuguese left Goa but forgot Fort Aguada (if you know, you know), but we don’t regret that because what a magnificent fort that is! This fort was built on the junction of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea in the 17th century. Located approximately 18 km from Panaji, this fort stands on the serene Sinquerim Beach.
Fort Aguada has lots of attractions that you must visit here. Let’s start with the 4-storey lighthouse because literally, it will be the first thing you see there because it’s so tall. Historically, the fort was used as a freshwater storehouse for sailors and was one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in Asia.
It even has a secret passage that was used as an emergency exit during the war with the Dutch or even the mighty Maratha rulers. Lastly, Fort Aguada, although Portuguese, is still patriotic for us because of the prison that held several freedom fighters captive there. You can even see a statue of a freedom fighter saluting in front of the prison.
Visit The Chapora Fort
You can recollect this fort from the hit Bollywood film Dil Chahta Hai. This is the very fort where the 3 protagonists of the film stood and discussed deep life lessons on their trip to Goa. But there’s a richer history to this fort than just this film.
Although rebuilt and renamed by the Portuguese, the fortifications around this place happened way before the European rulers colonized Goa. Adil Shah of the Shahi Dynasty had originally built this fort and called it Shahpur or Shahpura which translated to Town of the Shah’s. When the Portuguese began to trade in Goa, they rebuilt the ruins of the Shahpur Fort and renamed it Chapora Fort.
No idea about the fruit of patience but the fruit of hard work sure is sweet! You’ll understand this when you reach the top of the fort where the 3 actors stood, after a short but steep trek, and see the jaw-dropping skyline of the Vagator Beach merging into the Arabian Sea. Free advice? Watch this during the sunset for some aesthetic photography.
Also Read: North Goa Or South Goa: Which One Deserves The Top Spot On Your Itinerary?
Try Adventure Sports At Chapora Beach
Chapora Beach is a lesser-known beach that lies close to the Chapora Fort. This coastal secret is eye-pleasing and constitutes white sands, turquoise waters, black lava rocks, and fringes of coconut and palm trees.
Ironically, as peaceful as it sounds, an array of adventure sports like surfing, paragliding, jet skiing, and fishing are offered here, and with lots of clubs and shacks, this place transforms into one of the most happening spots of North Goa. Staying here temporarily is also easy as the accommodation is very affordable. Add this gem to your North Goa itinerary for a perfect blend of relaxation and thrill.
Party At The Calangute Beach
Known as the Queen of Beaches, Calangute Beach is the longest beach stretching from Candolim to Baga. Due to its size, it automatically is considered the biggest party hub of North Goa with tourists coming from all over the world.
While the daytime on this beach is fun, the nights here are truly a must-have experience. The nights here call for letting your hair down and upbeat parties with loud techno music playing across different shacks and several small organizations hosting exciting competitions and games.
Places To Visit In North Goa On Day 2
Go To The Basilica of Bom Jesus, Bainguinim
Let’s begin Day 2 of the trip on a holier note or another history lesson, you decide. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a church known for its intricate baroque architecture. What sets this Basilica apart from the others is its age. Nestled in Old Goa, it is the oldest church standing for over 400 years!
The church was consecrated in 1605, which meant it represented the blood and body of Christ. Interestingly, this was around the same period Christianity began in India. Fascinating, isn’t it? What’s more interesting is that the Basilica houses the holy remains of St. Francis Xavier, a close friend of St. Ignatius Loyola. The two together founded the Society of Jesus or Jesuits. Even today the holy remains remain in good condition and are taken out once every decade.
Naturally, a site with such a rich history and culture had to be recognized, and it was! UNESCO declared the Basilica of Bom Jesus a World Heritage in 1986. It’s also the only church in Goa that’s not been plastered on the outside, which means you’ll get to see this iconic church in its original and pious state.
Enjoy At Dona Paula Beach
This is one of the most popular and busiest hangout spots in North Goa, making it a perfect addition to your North Goa itinerary. It’s a vast beach that stretches over kilometers. You may know this place from the Bollywood film Singham or may have heard of it as a ‘Lover’s Paradise in Goa’ in your circles. Adjacent to this is a jetty from where you can see the Arabian Sea and Mormugao Harbor.
A place in Goa with no history to it is impossible. The beach was named after the daughter of Goa’s Viceroy, Dona Paula de Menezes. The name was a tribute to her tragic love story that ended with her jumping off a cliff at the beach. You’ll even find two statues dedicated to this legend.
You however don’t need to jump off from anywhere except your vehicles to see the juncture of two rivers Zuari and Mandovi. The view of the juncture, tall palm trees, and the shimmer of the sand at dusk will make you feel like you’re watching a still from a film.
Also Read: 7 Affordable Homestays In North Goa Under INR 3,500!
Head To Mangeshi Temple, Mangeshi Village
If there’s the oldest church, there’s also the largest temple in North Goa and that’s the sheer beauty of a secular India. Situated in Priol, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
And there’s history to this place too! The ancient legend around this temple states that during a game of dice, Lord Shiva lost everything to his consort Parvati. It was then that he sought exile in the forests of what today is known as Goa. When Goddess Parvati set out to search for her better half, she was pranked by the Lord who disguised himself as a tiger and scared her. ‘Trahi Mam Girisha’, meaning Lord of the mountains, save me! were the words she spoke out of fear, from which came the word Manguesh, hence the name of the temple.
The architecture of this temple is a mix of different religious influences and is decorated beautifully during the annual Jatra held in January in which the deity is paraded in huge chariots. Devotees from across the country visit this temple to witness this sacred event. You should visit this temple either for its religious importance or the magnificent domes and a huge water tank.
Devour The Local Cuisine
After a long yet interesting day filled with historical narratives, it’s time to fill the tummy with yummy food. Where else would you go other than the famous Tuscany Gardens? This renowned restaurant is one of the best in town because of its relaxing atmosphere.
Here, you can relish some authentic Goan seafood or choose from Continental cuisine, both of which are exceptionally good. Alcohol and other beverages are also served so you can have a holistic dining experience. You must visit this place to enjoy some tasty dishes at reasonable prices.
Address: H 174C/SH-1, Dando, Candolim, Goa
Price: INR 1,400 for two
Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Experience Goa’s Nightlife
History, religion, sport, everything’s covered. It’s sadly time to end our trip in North Goa but that doesn’t mean no party! Let loose at the beach parties or in the resto-bars for a thorough ‘Goa’ experience.
Showbar Exchange is one such place where you’ll find funky and techno music to headbang to. And headbanging with you will be the large crowd that’s come from different cities and even countries! You can also grab a beer or a quick burger in case you get hungry or tired from partying.
Also Read: Make Your Nights Vibey With These Bollywood Night Destinations In North Goa
Author’s Note
I have been to both South and North Goa and if you ask me my personal favourite, well it will always be North Goa. In Gen Z terms, North Goa is a vibe. It offers on everything from adventures and forts to beaches and nightlife. If you love crowd, partying, history, and adventure, i would highly recommend North side!
Summing Up
North Goa, as you may know by now, is an absolute party destination but it also has an interesting history and rich culture associated with it. And this is just the cherry on top you need to pack your backpack and plan your trip here. Your long overdue Goa plan can finally come to light now that you have the perfect North Goa itinerary!
