North Goa City Guide
The coastline of North Goa starts from Fort Aguada and extend up to Arambol making it a 30 km stretch of beautiful beaches of Sinquerim, Candolim, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Chapora and Arambol.
LocationNorth Goa is a district situated in Northern part of Goa, sharing its borders with Maharastra.
Tourists Attractions
Panajim, Vasco-da-Gama, Anjuna Beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Chapel of Our Lady of Mount, Arambol, Baga Beach, Aguada Fort
About North Goa
North Goa is the northerns district of Goa, which covers the cities of Panaji, Old Goa and Vasco-da-Gama. North Goa is the major tourist attractions of Goa. The district was the first to be acquired by the Portuguese. Afonso De Albuquerque, a Portuguese traveller, occupied Goa with little initial opposition. In 1530 Goa became the capital of the Portuguese Empire in the East and mistress of the sea from the Cape of Good Hope to the China Sea. The first printing press of moveable types in the whole of India printed Doutrina Christa written by Francis Xavier & Garcia de Orta called Colloquios Dos Simples Drogos Medicinais. In 1961, with hardly any bloodshed, Goa was liberated from the Portuguese to remove the last vestiges of foreign domination in India. Goa attained statehood on 30th may, 1987 and was divided into two districts North Goa & South Goa.
Major Attractions
North Goa Beach
The Beaches of North Goa are supposed to be the best beaches in India. The North Goa beaches are about life, party, and above all Fun. All the festivals are celebrated with joy and celebrations are done on these beaches.
Anjuna Beach
The most visited beaches of Goa, Anjuna Beach is a stretch of straight sand, with a backdrop of feathery coconut groves. It’s a big favourite with backpackers and travellers staying on for a long time. Anjuna is known for its flea market, held under the shady coconut groves, every Wednesday.
Arambol
Arambol is a beautiful stretch of silky sand dotted with basalt rocks, and is still comparatively uncluttered. There is a freshwater lake and some sulphur springs, close by
Calangute and Baga Beach
A favorite haunt of the Hippies, Calangute still attracts thousands of tourists. Though the beach is still active and the ‘Om Namah Shivai trance’ continues to linger; today, Calangute is a far cry from what it used to be. Baga formed a twin beach with Calangute, and therefore shares Calangute’s colourful past. Nestling close to the estuary, this beach has more character.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Built in 16th century is the most popular and famous of all churches in Goa. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket, are enshrined here. This church dedicated to Infant Jesus is now a world Heritage Monument.
Panjim
Capital of Goa, Panajim is the mai attraction of Goa. Panajim is gateway to Goa and has the best of services for the tourists. One can find the charm of golden days in the building and monuments of Panajim. Golden beaches, beautiful churches and equally good people of Panajim can make anyone want for more.
Old Goa
Unlike the modern day Goa, Old Goa is more traditional, historic and has a unique cultural heritage. The early days of Old Goa are often described as Goa Dourada or Golden Goa. Huge churches, monastaries, cathedarals, monuments, nunneries and other Portuguese buildings are an evidence to the golden era of Goa.
Getting There
By Air : Dambolin Airport in Goa is the only airport in Goa. It is situated in Vasco-da-Gama, 29 Km from Panajim. Buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available from Vasco as well as Panajim to visit nearby places.
By Rail : Vasco-da-Gama rail station is connected by train with the major cities of India. One can easily get taxis and buses for sightseeing in North Goa.
By Road : Panaji, the capital of Goa, is connected by road to Bangalore-598 Km, Mumbai-594 Km, Hubli-184 Km, Kolhapur-246 Km, Mangalore-371 Km, Mysore-696 Km and Pune-458 Km.
Accommodations
Goa has a vast option for stay. There are many luxury, star rated and budget hotels available all ovber Goa. Old Goa is also no exception. One can also opt for stay in Panaji, 10 Km from Old Goa. Government of India and Goa also have hotels and guest houses in Goa.
