Goa being the hub of all the foreigners’ enjoys numerous visitors every season. North Goa is one of the two districts that make up Goa. The foreign culture had a great impact on both the districts of Goa. Being blessed with breathtaking scenic beauty, North Goa wins the heart of every visitor. The population of North Goa is 817,761 and has a population density that is about 471 inhabitants per square kilometre. It enjoys a diverse culture and heritage of various faiths and religions including Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
North Goa History
Goa was reorganised into the district of North Goa and the district of South Goa. North Goa is culturally diverse. People of different faith and religion have found their home in religion in North Goa. The Portuguese influenced various aspects of the people of North Goa and it is evident in their culture, language, festivities, faith and cuisine. Konkani and Marathi are widely spoken in North Goa, while a small group still speaks and understands Portuguese.
Territories of North Goa like Pernem, Sattari and Bicholim were under the direct Kingdom of the Sawantwadi. The region of Ponda was a sometimes a part of the Sunda Kingdom or the Maratha. These territories of North Goa were conquered by the Portuguese in the late 18th centuries and were under their rule till 1961 when Goa was seized by India.
Geography of North Goa
The district of North Goa is spread across an area of 1736 km², and is surrounded by Maharashtra in the north and Karnataka in the east, District of South Goa in the south and in the west by the Arabian Sea. North Goa’s geographical location is marked from 15o 48’ 00” N to 14o 53’ 54” N latitudes and from 73o E to 75o E longitudes.
Climatic Conditions in North Goa
North Goa enjoys a Tropical monsoon climate. The North Goa Climate is influenced by the nearby Arabian Sea that renders the region a hot and humid climate. The average summer temperature is over 35 °C (95 °F) and is usually accompanied with a high level of humidity. The monsoon starts from early June and lasts till late September bringing respite from the unbearable heat. North Goa, witnesses short and humid winter that usually arrives by the mid of December and lasts till the month of February. The average temperature in winter fluctuates between 21 °C (70 °F) – 28 °C (82 °F). October to March is the ideal tourist season, which offers clear blue skies, cool weather and almost perfect temperature of the water.
Tourist Attractions in North Goa: The Best Vacation Spots
- Aguada Beach: Aguada Beach is a place to visit in North Goa. Besides the eye catchy scenic beach, another highlight of this spot is the sea facing fort that stands on a cliff. The calm and pristine atmosphere of the Aguada beach makes it perfect to enjoy evening strolls and witness the sun setting down. Tourists can indulgence into a variety of activities here including shopping, massage and water sports.
- Baga Beach: Baga is a picturesque and crowd friendly beach that offers the tourists with ample of options to experience a wide variety of activities both during the daytime and at night. The presence of a number of restaurants and bars adds a party and fun mood in the beach. It is one of the best vacation spots in North Goa.
- Calangute Beach: Calangute is adjacent to Baga and is an abode for the adventurists. Besides the water sports and paragliding experience, the beach also offers the wide range of scrumptious seafood. The nearby marketplaces have the tendency to draw crowds towards this beach.
- Goa State Museum: This archaeology museum is a storehouse of history and diverse culture of Goa and is among the well-maintained places in the whole state. The museum has fairly a large collection and is indeed among the must see places in North Goa.
- Chapora Fort: Chapora Fort was built in 1617 to serve as the watch tower of the border. It is believed that the Portuguese ruled over this fort for over 150 years. Presently the fort is in ruins but it offers a gorgeous view of the Anjuna and Vagator beaches and also serves as a great sightseeing hub for scenic photographs.
- Mangueshi Temple: It among the largest temples in Goa and is located in Priol in Mangueshi Village. The temple is 450 years old and is dedicated to God Mangesh, a reincarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is simple and has exquisitely graceful structures. Chandeliers of the 19th century still adorn the temple. The Magha Poornima Festival is observed in the temple with great pomp and show.
- The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception: It was built in 1541 and is considered as the first church in Goa. The church is an example of excellent architecture with extensive and intricate carvings on either side of the marble statues of St. Paul and St. Peter. The statue of St. Francis Xavier is enclosed in a glass structure and is positioned at the main altar on the reredos.
- Arvalem Waterfalls: Arvalem Waterfalls is a masterpiece of nature that is situated in Sanquelim and is located near Bicholim. During monsoon season, the fall comes to life and offers an excellent view as the water falls from a height of 50m. Arvalem caves and Rudreshwar temple, which are other famous tourist spots, are also located near this scenic waterfall.
- Anjuna Beach Flea Market: If you are wondering about the places to see in Goa, this Flea Market is a place to look out for. It is held every Wednesday and is a mini carnival in itself. It evolved in the 60s and was mostly like a garage sale. However, at present, the market is a fashion street, filled with great souvenirs, fashion items and beautiful artefacts. Food stalls at the market offer authentic Goan delicacies.
- Panaji: Panaji is one of the most laid-back capitals in all of India. Situated at a look where it overlooks the Mandovi River, it is among those places where the prevalence of Portuguese influence is still strong. The old Latin Quarter showcases the Portuguese lifestyle, through its glow yellow houses with the purple door, ochre-colored mansions, iron balconies and oyster shell windows.
- Candolim Beach: The Candolim Beach, the town of Mapusa, the shack Curlies, Bicholim, the scenic backwaters of Chapora River, The Kala Academy and the Greeco-Roman structures of Dona Paula are some of the best tourist spots in North Goa.
Nearest Places to Visit in North Goa
Other places of interest near North Goa include a number of mesmerising beaches like Mobor Beach, Colva Beach and Varca Beach. One can experience the rich biodiversity of Goa in the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and experience the scenic tranquillity at the Chapoli Dam. The Churches of Goa and Mangeshi Temple are among the popular dive abodes of Goa that are rich in architecture and implicit beauty. From North Goa Resorts to North Goa Beach Resorts the visitors can have a comfortable stay with the value for money cheap hotel deals.
Best Hotels in North Goa
The peace that the North Goa Beaches render tends to rejuvenate your mind and soul. The following are 10 best hotels of North Goa that fits your budget and offers you great Goa hotel deals and Goa Holiday Packages:
- Santana Beach Resort– Candolim, North Goa
- La Cabana Beach and Spa Resort– Morjim, North Goa
- The O Resort and Spa- Candolim, North Goa
- The Baga Marina Beach Resort & Hotel- Baga, North Goa
- Sea Mist Beach Resort- Candolim, North Goa
- Hotel Goan Heritage– Calangute, North Goa
- Riva Beach Resort- Arambol, North Goa
- Ramada Caravela Beach Resort- Cavelossim, North Goa
- Sonesta Inns- Candolim, North Goa
- Resort Rio- Baga, North Goa
North Goa Tourism has flourished over the recent years. There are numerous places in North Goa for sight-seeing. Choose your favourite hotels and opt for discounts through Goa hotel deals and have a mesmerising journey that will be forever engraved in your mind.
Higher Educational Institutes in North Goa
Tourist places in Goa not only offer picturesque surroundings but also education institutions for interested individuals. Here is the list of some of the institutes making notable changes in the life of the students:
- Goa Medical College and Hospital – Bambolim, (Contact number: 0832 2495393)
- Xavier’s College- Mapusa, Bardez (Contact number: 0832 2262356, 2250705)
- Goa Institute of Management – Panjim, Goa (Contact number: 0832 -2366700)
- Goa College of Engineering – Farmagudi, (Contact number: 0832 2336302, 2336301)
- Goa College of Home Science- Opposite Parade Ground, Campal, (Contact number: 0832 2227603, 0832 2425254)
- M Salgaocar College of Law- Miramar, Panjim, Goa 403001 (Contact number: 0832 246 2178)
- College of Hospitality and Culinary Education – Cidade de Goa, Vainguinim Beach (Contact number: 0832 2454560, 2454561)
- Agnel College of Arts and Science – Pilar, North Goa (Contact number: 0832 2218673, 0832 229833)
- Don Bosco College – G Road, Panjim (Contact number: 0832-6644321, 2221986)
Hospitals in North Goa
North Goa is safe for both the tourists and its denizens as it has some of the best hospitals in the nation. Several multinational hospitals have been built to provide superior services. The most recommendable are:
- Manipal Hospital (Multi-Specialty) – Dr E Borges Rd, Dona Paula, Panjim (Phone- 0832 3002500)
- Vision Multispeciality Hospital – Duler Ground Rd, Mapusa, Goa (Phone- 0832 2266788)
- RG Stone Urology Hospital & Laparoscopy – Panjim, Mapusa (Phone- 0832 6640600, 0832 6640601)
- Adhar Hospital (Urology) – Parvati Nagar, Sarvan Collan, Bicholim (Phone- 08322361094)
- Appolo Hospitals – Malbhat, Margao (Phone- 0832 2728888)
North Goa being one of the best vacation spot, tourism has flourished in the land having the non-native essence. The presence of the Portuguese and various other cultures makes the land of foreigners unique from the rest. Plan a stay in this miraculous land offering fashion, beauty and culture in its best way.
