A bright sun, vast blue sea, golden sand, delicious seafood, stellar nightlife, and an exciting mix of Indian and Portuguese cultures. Loved by all kinds of travellers from India and beyond, this tiny state is a far cry from a hippie retreat or a weekend getaway. From beachside shacks and chic cafes to hip nightclubs, the susegad of this paradise remains open 24x7 for travellers, and that’s one of the many great reasons why it is on every beach lover's bucket list.

Speaking of reasons to visit Goa, this coveted destination has way too many. And in this travel guide, we are going to cover some old favourites, and some entirely new Goa specials, including your very own Goan stay.

Best time to visit Goa

• Ideal time - November to February to explore Goa’s many attractions and chill by the beaches with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.
• Monsoon - June to September. This period is also a good time to explore if you like rain.
• Summer - March to May with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius.

Guide to North Goa

To help you explore the nooks and crannies of North Goa, we've created a detailed guide covering the best spots, eateries, lesser-known experiences and more! Check it out here.

Top Places to visit in North Goa

Aguada Fort

Standing tall on the banks of the meandering Mandovi River, Aguada Fort is a well-known spot to catch vibrant sunsets and uninterrupted views of both North and South Goa. The bastion on the hilltop offers great views and is one of the best places for North Goa sightseeing spots. It is only a 4 km drive from Sinquerim Beach.

Timing: 8.30 am-5.30 pm

Anjuna Flea Market

Every Wednesday, this flea market alongside Anjuna Beach comes alive with funky jewellery, souvenirs, beachwear, and knick-knacks on offer at throw-away prices. Also, the street food, tattoo parlours, and live music scenes are crazy here. However, the market remains open from October to May only.

Timing: 8 am-6 pm (only on Wednesday)

Arpora Night Market

If you’re looking for an evening stroll with the added pleasures of shopping for designer garments, handicrafts, and delish street food, head to the Arpora Night Market.

Timing: 6 pm to midnight (only on Saturday)

Arpora night market

Chapora Fort

The ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ fort, aka Chapora, has been standing guard over the mouth of Chapora River since 1617. When you’re in Goa, hike to the top for a fine view of the Arabian Sea and a vibrant sunset.

Aldona Village

As per the locals, it is the most beautiful village in the world. And while exploring it, you might also feel like them. This petite village in the north of Panaji is dotted with churches, cathedrals, cemeteries, and a fort.

Reis Magos Fort

Opened to the general public in 2012, Reis Magos Fort was originally built in 1551. After an extensive restoration, the fort is now a cultural and heritage centre of Goa that showcases works by cartoonist Mario Miranda, the fort’s history, and insights into Goan independence.

Timing: 9.30 am-5 pm (Tue-Sun)

Entry fee: adult- INR 50 | child- free

Sinquerim Fort

18 km from Panaji, the fort stands guard overlooking Sinquerim Beach. It was built in 1612 as an extension of Aguada Fort. Now travellers come here to indulge in a picnic, try water sports, spot dolphins, and watch sunsets.

Colvale Fort

Located near the Bardez River, Colvale Fort is a fine tourist attraction in Goa. A visit to the fort offers you a relaxing and pleasant experience.

Church of Mae de Deus

While exploring the countryside goodness of Goa, pay a visit to the Church of Mae de Deus. The church's architecture looks like a wedding cake from the neo-Gothic era that will add a unique charm to your Instagram. (PS, the rhyme was intentional :D)

Houses of Goa Museum

Created by popular architect Gerard da Cunha, this multi-level museum illuminates the history of Goan architecture. Interesting displays inside the museum will change your perspective on old Goan homes.

Timing: 10 am-7.30 pm (Tue-Sun)

Price: adult- INR 100 | child- INR 25

Beaches in North Goa

Most of the exciting things we see or hear about Goa, the trance, sizzling nightlife, and hippie markets, come from its northern region. But what makes this place all the glitz and glamour of this place are the golden beaches in North Goa. Here are our best picks for a crowd-free, laidback beach experience-

Calangute Beach

• Querim Beach: Known for sunbathing and spotting turquoise
• Mandrem Beach: Famous for vibrant sunsets
• Dona Paula Beach: A hub of water sports
• Sinquerim Beach: Famed for a spectacular shoreline
• Calangute Beach: The largest beach in North Goa
• Baga Beach: Known for crazy parties
• Anjuna Beach: Known for its unparalleled beauty
• Arambol Beach: Unexploited by tourists
• Vagator Beach: A small beach rolled into a rave culture
• Candolim Beach: Offbeat beaches of North Goa
• Morjim Beach: Home to exotic species of birds
• Ashwem Beach: One of the less-explored beaches in Goa
• Bambolimg Beach: A great picnic spot

Zostel has made a comeback in North Goa. Check it out here.

Things to do in North Goa

Kayaking near Chapora Fort

The famed ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ fort, Chapora, overlooks one of the cleanest rivers in India, where you can paddle your kayaks while sipping a few coolers and exploring the lesser-explored hinterland of Goa.

Cost of kayaking: INR 2000 per person

Sunrise hike in Anjuna

To catch a spectacular sunrise over the Arabian Sea, take this hike early in the morning in Anjuna. The 2 hr hike starts from Anjuna and ends at Baga hilltop. You can take this hike on your own or opt for a guided tour of one of the most unique places to visit in Goa.

Cost of guided hike: INR 700 per person

Learn surfing

Surfing is an up-and-coming water sport in India that you can also learn in Goa. For beginners or surfers looking to improve their skills, Ashvem Beach is the best beach in Goa. There are many certified instructors who give both private and group lessons.

Cost of surfing lessons: INR 3000 per person

Surfers at Ashvem Beach

Island hopping

If you want to see the slow side of Goa and visit less-explored places, then island hopping is something you should definitely sign up for. The best way to hop from one island to another is on e-bikes and ferries. First, take a ferry ride to Divar Island, then head to the fisherman’s hut. Later, visit one of the finest baroque churches, ride through verdant fields and dense mangroves, and take a ferry to Vanxim Island. Here, explore the backwaters on a motorboat, check out indigenous fishing techniques, and relish the local Goan food.

Food to try in North Goa

Goa’s food scene is zesty, refreshing, exotic, colourful, and extensive, so we made a list of must-try Goan restaurants and dishes. We have divided north Goa into three subdivisions to list down the best for you.

Food to try in North Goa

• Pork belly and spicy prawn rice at Go with the flow
• Souvlaki at Thalassa
• Vegan foods at Bean Me Up
• Paninis, crepes and quiches at Cafe Chocolatti
• Coffee and smoothies at Artjuna Cafe
• Bagels and cakes at Villa Blanche Bistro
• Baguettes, croissants, and crostini at Baba Au Rhum
• Spanish tapas, truffle bombs, and grilled asparagus at A Reverie
• Gelato and ice creams at Choco Cream Gelati
• Mussel curry, chicken pho, and Burmese rice at Bomra’s
• Pizza and pasta at Fiesta
• Goan food at Pousada by the Beach

Paninis

Upper North Goa: Explore the vicinity of Zostel Goa

Explore Olive-Ridley turtle nests at Morjim Beach

Like many travellers worldwide, turtles also can’t resist visiting Goa’s sun-kissed beaches. Amongst many other species, Olive-Ridley turtles also nest in Goa each year. The nesting season starts in September and goes on until April. You can witness the turtle nesting at many beaches, but Morjim is quite famous for doing so.

Check out our hip new Zostel near Morjim Beach here.

Hike to Arambol Mountain

Yes, there is a mountain in Goa that can be climbed in 20-30 minutes. Arambol Mountain’s top offers a fantastic view of Arambol Beach and its pleasing surroundings. It is a popular spot for sunset lovers.

Swim at Arambol Sweet Water Lake

Originating from a hot water spring within the Goan jungles, Arambol Lake is a sweet water paradise. Coconut trees and greenery encapsulate the lagoon around the lake. To chill by the lake, dip your toes in the warm water or jump in for a nice swim.

Hike to Mogacho Waterfall

Located in Parcem, the Mogacho Waterfall is a small but scenic paradise in North Goa. You can hike or ride a bike to the waterfall. The lagoon is surrounded by abundant nature that is perfect for nature lovers.

Surfing near Mandrem and Ashwem Beach

If you’re in the mood to ride on top of an ocean wave, head to Ashwem Beach. Beginner or expert, anyone can try their hand at surfing here. This beach has several surfing schools that will turn you into an expert surfer in no time.

Charges: INR 500-700 per person per day

Food to try in Upper North Goa

Save this list of the best restaurants in North Goa for later and plan your travels around.

• Falafel and sabich at Shimon
• Thai and Goan seafood at Bora Bora
• Chia bowls and zucchini quinoa fritters at Prana Cafe
• Goan food at This Is It
• Carbonara and calzone at Fellini

Seafood in Goa

Panjim & Old Goa- Heritage & more

The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate, Panjim

Built in 1619 and stacked like a giant wedding cake, the church of Our Lady of Immaculate is the old spiritual centre of Panaji. When this sleepy town used to bask in glory, the church was the first port of call for the sailors making their way to India from Lisbon. Today, the church is a holy place for the Goan people and an intricate attraction for travellers.

Timing: 9 am-12.30 pm & 3-7:30 pm (Mon-Sat) | 11 am-12:30 pm & 3.30-5 pm (Sun)

Basilica de Bom Jesus

Well-known throughout the catholic world, the ornate basilica is the resting place of St Xavier. The Basilica de Bom Jesus was constructed back in 1605 with elaborate late-Renaissance architecture. However, this is the only church in Goa where plaster wasn’t used on its facade. The auspicious occasion of the feast of St Francis Xavier is the best time to be here. The annual affair is held on 3 December with many light-hearted festivities, making it one of the top places to explore in Old Goa.

Timing: 7.30 am-6.30 pm

In a heritage walk around Old Goa, you can cover these churches and more:

• Basilica de Bom Jesus
• Se Cathedral
• Archaeological Museum
• Church of St. Augustine
• Church of our Lady of the Rosary
• Church of St Francis of Assisi
• Viceroy’s Arch
• Altinho Hill
• St Estevam Fort

Fontainhas Heritage Walk

Fontainhas is a charming Portuguese neighbourhood in Old Goa that is best explored on foot. While taking this heritage walk, you will come across many interesting buildings, churches, and art galleries. It is one of the best places to visit in Panjim if you like art, contemporary and Goan music, and fascinating history. You can walk by yourself or take guided tours.

Cost of guided tour: INR 900 per person

Fontainhas Goa

Food to try in Old Goa

• Lamb osso buco at Black Sheep Bistro
• Xacuti and cafreal at Viva Panjim
• Spicy sausages, fish curry rice, pepper steak, and bebinca at Hotel Venite
• Coffee and cakes at Cafe Bodega
• Goan dishes at Verandah
• Fish curries at Anandashram
• Thai and Chinese dishes at Thai-n-Wok

Our top experiences and places to visit in Goa

Hike to Dudhsagar Falls

One of India’s largest waterfalls, Dudhsagar, is tucked away on the border of Goa and Karnataka. The trails leading to the cascading waterfall pass through a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated in the northern Panjim region, this sanctuary in Goa boasts of thick forests on the slopes of the Western Ghats. It is the largest of Goa’s four protected areas and home to leopards, elephants, deer, and Indian bisons.

See the bioluminescent shore at Betalbatim beach

We bet you know what bioluminescence is. And if you don’t know, recall those videos you see of glowing water at night on the internet. Well, you can experience that in Goa around Betalbatim Beach too. The best time to witness this heavenly phenomenon is during the winter season.

Spot dolphins at Sinquerim, Coco, Palolem, and Morjim

Goa offers quite a few spots to enjoy dolphin sightings. Head to any of these beaches and take a tour, either a boat trip or a kayaking session, to spot the jolly creatures.

The stunning shoreline of Morjim Beach

Bungee jumping and boating at Mayem Lake

Goa and adventure activities are a match that goes back in time. Try bungee jumping, boating, and other touristy activities at Mayem Lake in Bicholim, slightly North of Divar Island. Bungee jumping costs around INR 5000 as per the internet.

Explore the Arvelam waterfall and caves

A cascading waterfall with a plunge pool beneath, where you can take a dip and unwind. The experience of Arvalem waterfall and caves is the right mix of adventure and nature that you’d expect out of Goa.

Hike to the Butterfly Beach

Known for Dolphin sightings, Butterfly Beach in Palolem can be reached either by a ferry or a hike. The best option is to hike to the beach, watch the sun go down, and take a ferry back to the mainland on a breezy day.

Try Goan food at Longuinho's

Located in the Margao market, Longuinho’s is an iconic Goan joint frequented by the locals to share a plate of delectable stuffed crabs and fried fish over a pint of beer. The vintage aesthetics of this restaurant take you back in time at this charming little restaurant and bar.

Introducing Zostel Goa

Private room at Zostel Goa (Morjim) | Picture by Ankit Gupta

Zostel is back in Goa with a swanky new hostel, located only 5 min from Morjim Beach. Zostel Goa (Morjim) offers a fun and happening vibe, just what travellers look for in this paradise. The hostel features a pool to take a dip and sip coolers, an in-house cafe, a bar, a common room to socialise, and plenty of stay options.

Pool area at Zostel Goa (Morjim) | Picture by Ankit Gupta

Check out the peppy new Zostel in Goa here.