North Goa
Location
North 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
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.
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.
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.
