Goa is the smallest state of India which is notably divided into two parts, the north and the south.
Among these, North Goa is considered to be the party hub. The relaxing beach, hippie paradise, shopping streets and quite accurately so, but there is much more of it. To understand it all better explore some of the best places.
Pre-script: Below is the content I have mixed from my past Travels:
1. Solo travel in January 2019, from Hubballi(210 kms)
2. Group travel in March 2019, from Bengaluru(560 kms)
How to reach:
By Air: Dabolim international airport located 30km from capital Panaji, 40kms from Calangute.
By Bus: We can reach Panaji(Kadamba Bus Terminus) via any Government or private luxury buses and further we can catch buses there and reach Calangute.
By Train: The nearest railhead is in Vasco da gama railway station, 40 kilometres from Calangute.
As soon as we reach the railway station, we can hire a two/four wheeler at Vasco-Da-Gama depending upon our budget.
When it comes to North Goa, the beauty, the tranquility and the vivid culture, everything makes its distinct presence felt quite easily.
Calangute Beach is called the queen of beaches by many. It is the most sought after beach to experience the beach shacks and adventurous water sports that the place has to offer. #goodvibesonly
Dil Chahta Hai
Visit Chapora Fort which was shot to fame after the Bollywood blockbuster movie Dil Chahta Hai was shot here. This fort, which is one of the best places in Goa for exploration and sightseeing, also offers amazing sunset views.
Just sit on the walls of the fort and savor the view as the sun sets behind the sea. The view of the extensive beach and the distant horizon looks magnificent.
The night life of Goa occurs around the exhilarating water holes of Baga beach sitting at the shacks sipping the beer and stargazing.
Get up late the next day in a hangover!
Basilica of Bom Jesus- a must visit church among the most of the churches in Goa.
It is a 400 year old church located in Old Goa which was the capital of Goa in the early days of Portuguese Rule.
Timing: 9 am to 5 pm.
Good company and sunset surely can be one of the best experiences in the world. The sun looks like an orange colored ball and spreads its wonderful colors in the sky, making it look pleasant.
Get up in the morning and leave for exploring Old Goa, Panaji/Panjim.
One of the many reasons one must love Goa. Fountainhas, Altinho.
Wandering empty streets with no destination!
Heading to Dona Paula View Point which is a lookout and promenade. Quiet Dona Paula Beach offers souvenir shops.
It has also been the location for many Indian movies, the most famous being Ek Duje Ke Liye, and Singham.
Shopping night at either Candolim market, Mapusa Market, Anjuna Flea Market and Calangute Market Square. Authentic local bazaar is a vibrant spot that draws vendors from across Goa. Shoppers haggle for the best prices on produce as well as clothing, antiques, souvenirs and textiles.
On the last day get up early in the morning and take a walk on the beach. Trust me, it will be wonderful.
Boarding back in rail we can snap the aesthetic views of nature.
Dudhsagar Falls which literally Sea of Milk. The waterfall forms the border between the states of Karnataka and Goa.
Sad part was there wasn't much water when we had been there. There will be abundance of water only after the rainfall in the months of September - February.
Rock on! and thumbs up to the paradise of beaches and shopping.
Stay: Hotels are available from 500 onwards per day.
Things to do:
Experience the Nightlife, and visit shacks/Beach Restaurants, Historic old Goa, Floating Casinos.
Adventure sports: Snorkeling in grande island, Scuba diving in malvan, sunset Kayaking at Mandrem Beach
Water sports: Jet Skiing, Banana Ride, Water Skiing, Banana Boat, Ringo Ride
Must try Foods:
Vada Fritters, Vindaloo, Goan Fish Curry, Prawns Orly, Ros Omelette
Must try Drinks:
Non-alcoholic: Kokum Juice, Green Coconut Water.
Alcoholic: King’s Beer, Feni, Port wine, Sula Wine.
Places to visit:
Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Chapora Fort, Candolim market area, Panaji, Fountainhas, Dona Paula, Anjuna Beach Flea Market, Vagator Beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Doodhsagar falls and many more..
Map: Click here Goa
Things to Remember:
1. Don’t try to sleep more than 7 hours per day otherwise you will miss something for sure.
2. Take scooter on rent on very first day. You can get one bike for 400/- per day, try to bargain as much as possible.
3. Bring cash with you as much as possible. You will get very few ATM, that too very crowded also most of the shops don’t accept CC/DC.
4. Don't believe in any strangers for anything, even though they talk friendly.
5. Your driving license and Aadhar card preferably.