THINGS TO DO IN NORTH GOA IN 2023
Have you ever wondered about the things you can do in Goa other than partying and visiting the beaches? Fear not we’ve got your back. In this concise but detailed article let’s discuss all the fun Things to do in North Goa in 2023 on your next trip to Goa. Goa is a perfect blend of culture, history, tasty sea food and adventure.
1. Chapora Fort
Build under the reign of Adil shah in 1617 Chapora fort still stands today as a beacon of the rich history of Goa. It was built to serve as a strategic defense point by the Sultanate of Bijapur. It has been controlled by numerous dynasties right from the Marathas to the Portuguese.
Chapora Fort came into the limelight after it was showcased in the movie Dil Chahta Hai in 2001. It is now a hub for tourists exploring Goa. This place has to be on top of the list of Things to do in North Goa in 2023.
Entry Fee : Free
Timings : 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Location : Chapora, Goa
2. Mandrem Beach
Mandrem beach is one of the most beautiful and clean beaches in North Goa. The golden sand and the cool breeze makes it a perfect spot for a quiet evening stroll on the beach during sunset.
Do try to visit Mandrem Beach during the high tide ie. 12:53 pm (In the month of October) as you can witness the sea water rising and meeting the Mandrem creek which runs alongside the beach.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 Hours
Location: Mandrem, Goa
3. Basilica of Bom Jesus
This architectural marvel located in Old Goa is one of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Completed in 1605, The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the church that hold the mortal remains of Goa’s patron saint, St. Francis Xavier. Everyday hundreds of tourists flock to Old Goa to experience the historical side Goa. The brick walls and the lust green lawn in the premises of the church make it a perfect spot for some Instagram shots.
Entry Fee : Free
Timings : 9:00am to 6:30 pm
Location : Old Goa
4. Watersports In goa
Goa is known for its fun adventure Watersports like snorkeling, scuba diving, flyboarding, kayaking, parasailing and many more.
Scuba Diving
Head on to Grand Island, Calangute or Candolim beach for a thrilling experience of scuba diving. Along with beautiful veiws of the marine life one can also see the wrecks of the Portuguese Ships of the World War 2 era while scuba diving in Goa.
Cost : between ₹1,500 – ₹3,500
Location : Calangute Beach, Candolim Beach
5. Museums in Goa
Goa has a rich cultural heritage which can be explored by visiting the Museums in Goa. There are quite a few Museums you can check out while in Goa. Some of them include :
I) The Museum of Christian Art
Located in Old Goa, this museum showcases the collection of Christian artifacts dating back to the Portuguese era.
Entry fee : ₹30 for adults
Timings : 10 am to 4:30 pm]
II) The Archeological Museum, Old Goa
This museum aims to portray the prehistoric and medieval artifacts. Its is located in Old Goa.
Timings : 9 am to 5 pm
Entry fee : ₹10 for adults
III) The Museum of Goa (MOG)
This museum is dedicated to the artworks of Dr. Subodh Kerkar. The museum also organises many workshops, book readings, lectures etc.
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee : ₹200 for Indian Tourists.
IV) Houses of Goa Museum
This museum demonstrates the evolution of architecture in Gow over the past few decades.
Timings : 10 am to 7:30 pm
Entry Fee : ₹35
6. Aguada Fort
Located on the beautiful beach of Sinquerim, Aguada fort was built by the Portuguese in order to defend from the dutch invasions and was built in 1612. The picturesque location of the Aguada fort makes it a perfect spot for amazing photography. It also houses the Aguada Lighthouse which is one of the oldest in Asia. Aguada fort is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Timings: 9am to 6pm
Entry fee : Free
Location : Aguada Fort, Goa
7. Mandovi River Cruise
After an entire day of exploring Goa, hop on one of the Mandovi River Cruises and have an amazing night to remember. These River Cruise rides also include Food, live music and performances to end the perfect day in a perfect way while enjoying the beautiful night sky with the brightly lit Atal Setu Bridge.
Cost : Starting from ₹ 500 ( for 1 hour)
Location : Panaji Jetty
8. Anjuna flea market
Anjuna flea market is a paradise for Shopaholics. The market is open on every Wednesday from tourist season of October to May. You can find a wide range of items in tgis flea markets right from Tibetan Artifacts, handicrafts, colourful clothings, swimwear and macrame jewellery. One can test their bargaining skills in Anjuna flea market and bag some amazing deals. The place comes to light with live music in thr background and the parties go on till late in the nights.
Timings : 9am to 6pm
Entry Fee : Free
Location: Anjuna
9. Spice plantation
Another fun experience to have while in Gos is to visit thr spice farms. As soon as you enter the premises of the Spice Plantation, you are greeted with a refreshing beverage. After the end of the tour, you can enjoy a scrumptious meal with vegetarian as well as non vegetarian meal options served on banana leaves. These spice farms not only have spices like cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, vanilla but also many fruits ljke cashews, bananas, papaya.
Some of the Spice plantations in Goa are :
I) Tropical Spice Plantation, Ponda
II) Pascoal Spice Village, Ponda
III) Sahakari Spice Farm, Ponda
IV) Savoy Spice Plantation, Ponda
Timings : 10 am to 2 pm
Entry Fee : starting from ₹400 per person
10. Waterfalls in goa
Goa during monsoons is a land of numerous beautiful waterfalls. Many tourists often trek to these spots and then take a dip in the cool refreshing waters. One of the most popular waterfalls in Goa is the Dudhsagar Falls loacted at the Goa-Karnataka border. Waterfalls are a great spot for picnics with friends and family and is definitely something unique to do in Goa.
*Please be careful before venturing into the deep waters as the currents there could be strong.
Some of the best Waterfalls in Goa are :
I) Dudhsagar Falls
II) Netravali Waterfall
III) Arvalem Waterfall
FAQs
It is recommeded to have atleast 3-4 days to explore North Goa comfortably.
Depends on your preference. North Goa is more touristy, crowded while South Goa is more secluded and peaceful.
Mandrem Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in North Goa
Calangute Beach has one of the best Nightlife in North Goa.
September to February is the best time to visit Goa as the weather is very pleasant during this time.