When you have a feeling that the beach is calling and I must go, or when you think of a revelry mounting to its zenith, which place comes to your mind? Well! It's a no-brainer, the first place would be none other than the beach capital of India - Goa.
If you are a party animal and a zen yogi, then North Goa is perfect for you to experience both. Though it is difficult to cover any part of Goa (North or South) in three to four days; despite this fact if you have to cover your to-do list in a short span, then relax! This article is specially designed for you. Wondering how! Let's discuss.
How to Reach Goa
Well! There are various modes to opt for traveling, but if you don't have enough days to spend in Goa, then prefer a flight. If you think flight would be an expensive option, fret not! There are some tricks for you to save money on flight bookings which we will discuss later in this post. In case you have more days to spend, or you have a stringent budget then choose either bus or train based on the distance to Goa from your location.
Where to Stay in North Goa?
You can decide the place to stay based on two aspects: budget and choice. Let's discuss it in detail. For instance - you have a budget range (INR 600-1200), but you prefer to stay at a beach house kinda place in North Goa where you can sit on the bay anytime and roam around to enjoy nightlife, then a shack/beach hut near Calangute Beach can suit you, and you can find it in reasonable prices on portals like Trivago, Air BnB, Tripoto and MakeMyTrip.
You have a budget range (INR 1200-2500), and you can stay anywhere in the vicinity of the beach, then OYO is one option. Find an OYO hotel on Candolim road. This road comprises many bars and restaurants to enjoy live music, beer, and scrumptious Goan cuisine. Also, a few beaches are just at a walking distance from this road. You can also find various homestay options in such a range if you want to explore the experience of living in a Goan architectured home.
You have a budget range (INR 2500-6000), and you wish to have a blissful sojourn, then either stay in a beach resort or a villa and get a mesmerizing experience there. You can find some fascinating and affordable beach resorts in this range such as Bay 15, on MakeMyTrip and Booking.com. Also, there are a few tricks through which you can avail discounts on your stay, which we will discuss further.
If you have a budget range beyond INR 9000, then you can choose to stay in either Taj Aguada/Grand Hyatt/Cidade de, Goa Beach Resorts or in a luxurious villa. Experience of staying at any of these resorts will be exhilarating.
Things to Do in North Goa When You Are on a Short Trip
Once you decide the sojourn in Goa, your next step will be to find a mode of transport such as a two-wheeler or four-wheeler to roam around, which you can easily get on rent from a nearby market. For example: if you are staying in Panjim, then the market besides bus stand is the right place for getting a bike on rent. Don't forget to check the papers of the vehicle before you give a security fee. Also, check with at least two-three renters to get the best price. If you need a cab in Goa, don't hire a private taxi. GoaMiles is a government app and provides cab on affordable prices.
Now let's jump on to the next exciting step: Things to do and places to explore in North Goa. The reason of focusing on one side of Goa is because it's difficult to cover the whole state in three to four days especially if want to spend some quality time at each place instead of doing hop on and hop off. The moment you land in Goa and enter in the hotel, your itinerary will depend on two factors: time and location. For instance: If you reach Goa during noon and stay in Candolim, then you can spend rest of the time on any nearby beach, or you can begin your itinerary from an enthralling party in any of the popular shindigs - Club Cabana, Sin Q, Love Passion Karma. However, if you are staying in Panjim, in a beach resort; then you can spend time inside your resort, click pictures and enjoy the sunset there.
In case you reach the early morning, then you have a whole day to wander and do several activities; it's upon you to decide. So, are you excited to know more? Then, let's begin.
Calangute Beach
Known as "Queen of Beaches" Calangute Beach is the longest beach of North Goa, stretching from Candolim to Baga beach. It is the perfect place for finding accommodation too, as it keeps you connected with other beaches such as Anjuna, Candolim, Aguada, etc. It is the quintessential beach of Goa and fascinates everyone be it bachelors, couples or a family as you can do anything from taking a banana ride to sipping drinks on the bayside with a plate of scrumptious seafood.
Calangute Beach is also renowned for its nightlife. Be it crazy dancing, psychedelic music, or delicious concoction; you will find all the elements of a memorable night, right here. Shopaholics can also find various stuff to buy here - jewelry, antiques, souvenirs, beachwear, etc. How to reach: Rent a bike/car, take a bus or cab from Panjim Bus stand Tips: If you are coming from Panjim, then start your day early to cover this area, which consists of Aguada Fort, Baga Beach, Candolim Beach, Chapora Fort, Vagator, and Anjuna Beach. Even if you spend two or three hours at one place, you will get enough time to cover these spots in a day. Don't forget to take a boat ride from Baga Beach to Anjuna Beach to behold a breathtaking view.
Anjuna Flea Market
If you have a Wednesday in your itinerary and you love to shop in flea markets, then this place is for you. It has a comprehensive and cheap boho hippie stuff that one can only imagine. Distance from Panjim: 21 kms ( 45 min-1 hour) | Distance from Candolim: 12 kms ( 30-40 mins) How to reach: Rent a bike/car from Panjim or your location. or take a ferry ride to Anjuna Beach from Baga.
Miramar Beach
If you are staying in Panjim, then you can come here any time; however, if you are staying across the Mandovi River, i.e., Candolim, Morjim or Mandrem, then start early from your place to cover Panjim area. In case you wish to visit Chorao Island, keep it in your next day's itinerary. Miramar Beach was originally named as Porta de Gaspar Dias by the Portuguese. Being one of the two beaches of Panjim, it is quite popular among tourists. Distance from Candolim: 14.5 kms (35-40 min) | How to Reach: Rent a car/bike from your nearby market
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
It was built in 1541 on a hillside overlooking the city of Panjim. The exterior facade of the church was designed by Portuguese Baroque architecture and also known as the "Crown" of Panjim. This church has been a favorite filming site of Bollywood and can be seen in movies like Josh, Aashiqui 2, Ek Villain, Dilwale, etc.
Panjim Market
This is another must-visit market for the people who wish to carry back reminiscents of Goa. The market has sundry of goods to offer such as cashew nuts, wine, chocolates, artificial jewelry, spices, handicrafts, and beach wears. You shouldn't come back from Goa without buying cashew nuts and booze (if you do) as you will find them quite cheap here compared to other states. This market also comprises an array of eateries to pacify your food cravings.
Please note: It's cheaper to buy alcohol from wine marts than having them at restaurants or resorts as they charge VAT on it. You can always negotiate in street markets while buying goods.
Raj Bhavan Tour
Raj Bhavan is the residential place of the Governor of Goa located in Dona Paula, Panjim and has been opened to the public since January 2019. According to a local myth, the Dona Paula was entombed in this estate. Fee for a single person is INR600, but it's worth visiting. The grandeur and architectural beauty of Raj Bhavan comprise several landmarks such as Estate Beach, Church, Grotto, Jetty, etc. to explore.
Dona Paula
Dona Paula lies at the spot where Mandovi and Zuari rivers meet and confluences with the Arabian Sea. Bollywood movies like Ek Duje Ke Liye and Singham had been shot here. This spot had also become famous among the youths as "Lover's Point" after the success of the movie 'Ek Duje Ke Liye.'
Visit a Casino
Goa is also famous for its casinos. You can spot various casinos in Panjim while taking a ride alongside Mandovi River such as Deltin Royale Casino, Casino Pride, etc. Most of these casinos are perched on luxury river cruise liners that are floating on the tranquil river. Goa is one of the states where gambling is legal, but here is the suggestion: If you don't know the game, don't get into it. If you want to take experience, play for once and that too with a meager amount.
Stay at a Houseboat
Amazed! Yes, you can have an overnight houseboat ride in the backwaters of Goa as well along with Kerala. Board a houseboat from Chapora Fort, sail in the backwaters, enjoy the mesmerizing sunset, the picturesqueness of the ancient village, and the delicious gourmet while being laid back. Next day, the boat will come back in the noon and will drop you at the same pick-up point. All the meals and refreshments will be included in the price, which can range between INR 2800-3000/person. Isn't this a fantastic idea for the people who haven't been to Kerala yet?
Take a Ferry Ride to Chorao Island
Chorao Island is situated on Mandovi River and if you are staying in Panjim, then don't miss this ferry ride. This island has Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, which is another best thing to explore. Take a ferry from Ribandar Ferry Point to Chorao Island (Note: These ferries are run by the state government and are free of cost). The boat starts from 6 a.m, and you can carry along your two-wheeler on the ferry. When you reach Chorao Island Ferry drop point, you need to take a boat to visit the bird sanctuary, which will cost you INR 75/person. It will take you through mangroves, and the boat rider will help you in spotting wildlife there. The sanctuary levies a basic entry fee. Winter season is the best time to visit this island.
St. Augustine Tower in Velha, Old Goa
This is one of the most spectacular historical sites in Old Goa and rests on top of the Monte Santo Hill in Velha. The ruins look spooky but are a treat for the people who have an eye for observing the nuances of architecture. Being a desolate spot, St.Augustine is a favorite location for many Bollywood movie makers.
How to Save Money on Hotel and Flight Bookings While Booking Your Goa Trip
Here are some of the tips for you to save money:
Plan your trip at least three to four months. Last-minute bookings may burn a hole in your pocket. Always book your flights and hotels through the same portal such as MakeMyTrip, so that you can gather loyalty reward points. These points will come to your rescue during urgent bookings or while planning a leisure trip. For example: In the last six months, you have traveled frequently and made around four to five bookings. Due to those bookings, you have gathered around 8000 reward points, which can be used on your next trip. Also, when you make all the bookings through one site, it offers discounts on each booking momentarily. Always take the benefit of being the first time user. For instance: MMT gave me around 15-20% on my early hotel booking, reducing my expenses to an enormous extent. Don't travel during the peak season if you want to save money. Goa is charming in Monsoons as well. At this season, hotels offer discounts to attract tourists. Compare the flights and hotel prices at three to four travel booking sites. Buy a travel membership card if you are a frequent traveler. These travel cards can help you in earning air miles (reward points to use later) on bookings and may provide complimentary access to airport lounges.
In a Nutshell
Goa trip remains on the top of almost every Indian millennial's and family's bucket list due to its serene beaches, picturesque, and party atmosphere. This trip becomes fascinating when you get to save some money while planning it. Thus, keep the above-given tips in mind and have a fantastic holiday. Cheers!
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