Author: Akshita Pancholi

Goa, with its picturesque views, authentic culture, lively ambiance, and exotic vibes has been a favorite holiday destination for years. However, one place could mean a lot of different experiences for each individual as we often tend to seek different outcomes out of the same thing. The same is the case with Goa.

 Famous for its beaches and a very happening nightlife, North Goa is the perfect destination for party lovers but South Goa is the place for you if you prefer calmness, privacy, and days spent in close proximity to nature are your favorite kind. South Goa is generally considered more expensive than its northern counterpart. 

While planning a trip, budget constitutes a very important aspect as everyone has different priorities. Some would like to spend more on a luxurious stay in a grand hotel while others are more comfortable in a hostel. Some enjoy crowded beaches and flea markets while others prefer a peaceful day sunbathing beside a private beach. These factors must be kept in mind if you are to plan a budget-friendly trip. 

Let me take you along to review and decide what is better for you in terms of budget- North Goa or South Goa.

South Goa or North Goa: Answer These Questions

Do you prefer peace over crowded places?

If your answer to the above question is yes, then South Goa is just the place for you. The high-end resorts and hotels of South Goa offer you just this if you are willing to spend a reasonable amount of your budget on your stay.

While South Goa is known for its secluded beaches and luxurious stays, North Goa on the other hand is famous for its vibrant atmosphere with crowded beaches, rustic shacks, and cafes that cater to a budget-friendly crowd. 

Some of the luxury resorts in South Goa are- Alila Diwa hotel, ITC Grand, Caravela Beach Resort, Taj Exotica Resort, and Spa

Food Factor in Cost Analysis

Both North Goa and South Goa offer a range of cafes and restaurants with great ambiance, delicious food, and drinks. However,  some of the high-end restaurants are located in the South of Goa. These tend to be more expensive than the ones in North Goa as they provide a more rich and more lavish experience to the visitors. 

While North Goa offers a range of multiple cuisines if you want to enjoy authentic Goan culture and cuisine, head to South Goa. The food options here range from the local Goan cuisine to North Indian or Italian food. 

Food Factor in Cost Analysis

Both North Goa and South Goa offer a range of cafes and restaurants with great ambiance, delicious food, and drinks. However,  some of the high-end restaurants are located in the South of Goa. These tend to be more expensive than the ones in North Goa as they provide a more rich and more lavish experience to the visitors. 

While North Goa offers a range of multiple cuisines if you want to enjoy authentic Goan culture and cuisine, head to South Goa. The food options here range from the local Goan cuisine to North Indian or Italian food. 

Travel Expenses

Choosing a train or booking a flight to Goa is one part of travel expenditure. Both the parts of Goa have a well-functioning transportation system with buses, taxis, motorcycles, etc. However, the taxi fare varies for both parts of Goa. 

Thus taxi fares tend to be higher in South Goa, mainly due to the exclusivity of the region. For instance: the taxi fare from the airport to North Goa beaches is just half of the taxi fare to beaches located in South Goa. 

The Nightlife of North Goa

If you are a party animal and would love to party on the beaches of Goa with your friends and family in the exotic atmosphere and live music, North Goa is a great place for you as South Goa with its luxurious resorts has a limited nightlife. There are not many options for bar-hopping in South Goa as the cafes there tend to be closed before midnight. South Goa also has limited options for casinos. Most of the casinos or gamer’s paradise, as some would call it, are located in the northern part of Goa. 

Some of the famous casinos in North Goa are- Winn Grand 7, Deltin Jaqk, and Deltin Royale 

Therefore, if you want to enjoy live music and meet new people, North Goa is the place. 

Shopping- Flea markets or Exclusive Boutiques?

Now, shopping is a very fun activity that one should not miss, no matter wherever you go. Collecting different things from different places is what I, personally, love. 

There are great options for shopping in both parts of Goa. While the local markets in North Goa, like the Anjuna flea market, and Mapusa Friday bazaar, are a bit cheap and affordable, with wide-ranging varieties of clothes, jewelry, footwear, ceramics, and exotic spices. 

South Goa, on the other hand, offers a range of expensive yet chic souvenirs with exclusive quality to visitors. It has some vivacious options for shopping though not as many as in North Goa. 

Sight-seeing & adventure sports

North Goa provides a range of fun, adventurous activities and water sports like parasailing, snorkeling, banana boat rides, and paragliding. Henceforth, it is perfect for all adventurous souls who love to try out new things. 

South Goa is home to famous wildlife sanctuaries and museums. Such as the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa Chitra Museum, and the San Thome Museum among others. You can also have a fun time here with dolphin sightings and other such activities. 

Thus, it can be concluded that while both North Goa and South Goa have their unique charm and even some specialties which you may not find anywhere else, South Goa is generally considered more costly and luxurious. But with careful planning and budget estimation, it is still possible to have fun in either part of Goa. 

Whether you are a party lover or a nature lover you will have an experience of a lifetime here. No matter whether you choose North Goa or South Goa, you would have an amazing experience in this tropical paradise!

We all need a little break sometimes. We all deserve a little getaway as the fruit of our labor. The upcoming long weekend is the buzz around town currently, and we are here to guide you through the best weekend getaway plan you could imagine.

 ( Spoiler Alert: it won’t empty up your pockets! )

We believe that if you have ANY kind of holiday coming up and need to get away, Goa should be the first thing on your mind! Big weekends should always mean Goa. So pack your bags and get on the road en route to Goa! Goa Big weekends are one of the most fun and happening days in the country. It’s an amazing escape from the monotony of life, or if you’re seeking out a different environment. 

Goa will refresh and replenish you. But where to start from? And how do you cover the entirety of Goa in a few days? We are here to make sure your Goa trip is as memorable as it can be, so here’s a guide to the perfect workation in Goa October 2022 :

Best Accommodation for a Ralaxing Holiday Weekend

Goa is filled with some of the best workation Stays in the country. The great deals and quaint vibe will definitely leave you feeling energized and motivated. Here are our top picks for your upcoming workation:

The Hosteller Goa, Anjuna

 Undoubtedly, one of the most work-friendly places in Goa. Located on the beachfront of the famous Anjuna, the fresh sandy air will accompany you during your work hours! Additionally, it has free wifi for all its fellow hard-working customers. It also has a cafe for when you need a snack break or just whenever you feel hungry and are too tired to go anywhere else!

Rockit Cafe & Stay

Get an amazing homely vibe while breathing in Goa’s fresh air. This is an amazing budget friendly with deals almost too good to be true. Conveniently located in Palolem, a great place to have your workation in South Goa. Most rooms are also equipped with a balcony, so you can always have your meetings on your personal balcony. It’s a great relaxing change of environment that will make you enjoy working and grinding.

Moustache CoWork Hostel, Goa

This is for everyone seeking serendipity and fresh air far away from the beaches and amidst cornfields and palm trees.  It’s a hostel, especially keeping in mind working individuals. The owners have set up everything one could possibly need on their workation stay. Additionally, this place also has an in-house cafe and bar for those in between meeting periods! This is truly the perfect stay for everyone trying to have an amazing workation stay in Goa this year. 

This hostel offers amazing fast-speed internet and wifi options too! No more buffering and lagging during work meetings during your stay here!

Best cafes to visit

 Visit Clay Cafe, Anjuna

This cafe is a great cafe/co-working space that serves homely food throughout the day. The cafe’s mission is to maximize productivity and well-being in the process. It’s a 100-year-old Portuguese villa turned into a cute cafe. There is outdoor seating, indoor seating as well as a meeting room! With a great stable wifi-connection, you will surely reach your peak productivity and become the most motivated version of yourself. Working along with like-minded individuals from different walks of life will also really help you unleash the best version of yourself too!

Barefoot Goa, Parra

Equipped with earthy decor and good vibes, this is one of the best co-working spaces in Goa. With its amazing ambiance and hospitality, you can make work feel like play! While you’re at it, meet some cool like-minded individuals here too, it’ll be refreshing for sure. The cafe serves amazing homely food and has outdoor seating too, where you can either unwind and soak in nature or just send out a few emails. An absolute favorite for every workaholic.

Here’s a lil youtube video on this amazing place:

Best Beaches to visit:

Vagator Beach

This outstanding beach is located in North Goa and is sure to keep you entertained. There are numerous shops and bars set up along the beach for an amazing experience that is sure to leave you speechless.  You can watch the sun go down here. It’s highly recommended that you just sit on the beach and watch the sunset because Vagator Beach is known for having the best ones. It will be an enlightening experience and a chance to relax in Goa’s natural beauty.

Visit Anjuna Beach

Anjuna Beach is Goa’s gem. With Anjuna Beach, you get the best of both worlds. You get parties that don’t stop till the sun is out, but you also get markets and serenity at the beach here. You have quaint small cafes where you can have a little cup of coffee to rejuvenate yourself. We highly recommend staying here to catch up on work while sipping coffee for those workaholics, as there are many workation stays to be found here. After all, who wouldn’t like to attend client meetings with their feet buried in warm sand?

These were our top picks for the best places to stay and unwind in Goa for your next productivity-filled workation. We are sure that Goa will always be a part of you. It doesn’t matter if it’s just a matter of a Goa big weekend or a long stay, Goa’s magic is known to capture its essence in our bones. 

North Goa with its famous beaches and exotic range of cafes with just the right ambiance provides a haven for all the beach-lovers. The tropical weather, the sound of the waves crashing against the seashore, and the smell of seafood and sunsets on the beach is exactly the vibe we crave on a perfect day in Goa. But it would be wrong to limit it to just beaches because there is much more to experience and have a fun time exploring north goa. There is a place for everyone here be it food bloggers, tourists, shopaholics, historophiles, art lovers, bohemian lovers, and of course, all party people. 

So, if you are looking to spend a chill day along the beach, I have just the right list for you. You will have fun exploring these captivating places with their picturesque views. 

Temples & Churches in North Goa

Starting the day on a pious note is never a bad idea. North Goa has several religious places that are not to be missed. 

• The Mangeshi Temple: A temple devoted to Lord Mangesh, it is famous for its Goan architecture and a seven-story lamp tower.
• The Mahalakshmi Temple: A 15th-century temple adorned with beautiful pillars and doorways houses an idol of Goddess Lakshmi
• The Church of Mae De Deus: A straight-out-of-a-fairytale church with its white-walled structure provides an exemplary example of Gothic architecture. 
• The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception: Overlooking the city of Panaji, it has a spectacular view and houses an ancient bell which is the second largest bell of its kind in Goa. 

Famous Beaches in North Goa

Vagator beach, Anjuna beach, Calangute beach, and Baga beach are some of the famous beaches here with palm shades, beautiful shores, and amazing views. These are perfect for a morning swim or even a walk along the beach. The water sports are a bonus point, when in North Goa. It is a wholesome feeling to take it all in the beach, the never-ending waves, the sunset meeting the horizon, and who does not love building mud castles and digging holes in the mud? 

Sight-seeing Historical Places in North Goa

Goa is known for its rich historical heritage and culture. Some of the world heritage monuments such as the Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus, built during the Portuguese rule in the 16th-17th centuries, are worth seeing. Fort Aguada, which offers stunning views of the Arabian sea is a great place to learn about the history of Goa. 

The Terekhol fort is another 17th-century-built fort that was a part of Sawantwadi rule. These sites provide us with a sense of understanding of the Goan culture as these were built centuries ago. 

Local Markets in North Goa- Perfect for Shopaholics

Visiting the vibrant markets of North Goa has to be on your itinerary to have a fun shopping experience. In these local markets, you will find everything you need right beneath the sun. I am sure the tan is worth it because what is not to love? You get clothes, footwear, exotic spices, handlooms, jewelry, ceramics, and whatnot. To top it all off there is also street food to savor as you shop. Some of the famous markets are:

• The Saturday Night Market– A paradise for all the boho-lovers with its live music, bonfires by the beach, vintage artifacts, and splendid night-out vibes
• Anjuna Flea Market– It is the right place for you to find macrame jewelry, scenic beach wear, Tibetan artifacts, funky clothes, and much more.
• Mapusa Friday Bazaar– A hub for fashion enthusiasts, it has all things trendy from clothes and pottery to exotic spices and precious stones
• Panjim Market– With a mix of modern and exotic products it is famous for its low-priced footwear, handbags, clothes, Goan sweets, and spices. 

Adventure Water Sports 

While at the beach, one cannot miss the amusing, fun-filled water sports like parasailing, banana boat riding, bumper riding, snorkeling, flyboarding, and bungee jumping. These sure are a thrilling experience of a lifetime and are as fun as they sound. Snorkeling gives you a view of the aquatic life where you see fishes, turtles, live corals, and the underwater world. 

Must-visit Cafes in North Goa

Nothing can beat the combination of coastal vibes and delicious food along with some refreshing drinks. No matter where we go, we all crave a soul-soothing meal to end the perfect day. So,  food plays quite a part in making our trip memorable. To enjoy the ambiance and beach-facing views you can head to cafes like 

• The Royal Enfield Garage Cafe: For all bike lovers, it has bike accessories store just behind the cafe.
•  Artjuna: A Portuguese-style cafe venue with Mediterranean cuisine. 
• Black Vanilla, Assagao: It has a rustic ambiance with delicious food.
• German bakery, Candolim: It is known for its bohemian vibe and healthy yet yummy delicacies.
• Cafe Bodega: Perfect for art lovers as it has an art gallery along with the cafe in a renovated house. 

The Nightlife of North Goa

Some of the fantastic places to enjoy the nightlife are Tito’s Bar and Club, Cafe Mambos, and Curlies among others. The nightlife in this part of Goa is to die for. The vibes are totally giving a Bollywood movie feel with you as the main character. Also, you can always go to trance parties in goa to have a different experience altogether. Head straight to these if you want to enjoy beach parties and have a great time with your loved ones. 

The flavorsome local cuisine

When in North goa, one must try out the culinary specialties of the region such as the Goan Fish curry, Samarchi Kodi, Chicken Cafreal, and Goan Pork Vindaloo. You can head to the local goan restaurants or even try some street food. Regional cuisine can never disappoint you because it has such a different taste which you won’t find anywhere else. 

Experience Goa Beyond The Beaches

It would be delusional to think that Goa is limited to just beaches. There is always more than what meets the eye. The Fontainhas, Gitanjali Art Gallery, and the Goa State Museum are some places worth your time. These are some gems of Goa that you must visit if you have a special corner for less-discovered places. Take some time off of the crowded beach to explore these lanes to know what Goa is actually about. 

Cool Casinos To Visit!

To enjoy a games night, you can always head to casinos like the Winn Grand 7, Deltin Jaqk, and Deltin Royale – also known as the “gamer’s paradise” which is said to have an all-Las Vegas experience for gamers. You can count on these places to try out your luck while playing dice games, domino games, and even slot machine games. 

Famous for its shacks and old cafes, North Goa is just the place for a chill getaway with friends and family. It checks off most of the boxes on one’s bucket list be it the food, shopping, adventurous activities, beach time, and whatnot. Definitely try out the mentioned places to have a blast while you are in North Goa!

Foreigners come to North Goa to enjoy the laid-back, bohemian vibe that this place has to offer. The calmness of the ocean during the day turns into a happening nightlife as the sun goes down. These things are what capture the eyes of foreigners and make Goa their favorite Indian destination for a vacation. They tend to stay here sometimes for over a month just to relish the exotic atmosphere along with the soothing vibes. 

The foreigners here are in constant awe of the Goan culture, artifacts, handlooms, and cuisine. They are also fond of laying on the beach, sunbathing, to get a nice tan. They enjoy the simple pleasures that this tropical paradise has to offer. While their countries are too cold to enjoy a perfect sunny day beside the beach, North Goa is the right escape for them. The mouth-watering delicacies, local culture, refreshing coconut water, and beachside cafes and shacks make North Goa the perfect destination for these tourists. 

Mostly, you will find these foreigners near the beaches, either in the ocean for a quick swim, laying on the beachside getting tanned, or in the cafes and shacks beside the beach. They do not like to spend much on expensive stays or hotels and thus usually prefer North Goa over South Goa. 

Most of the foreigners here are from Russia, because of the Portuguese rule in Goa around 450 years ago, the Russian culture is very close to that of Goa. However, during the months of winter in Russia, these people tend to come to Goa to have a fun summer experience. 

While beaches are their first choice, foreigners also love to do a bunch of other things, while in North Goa. 

Famous Beaches for Foreign Tourists in North Goa

To get away from the chaotic crowd, these are some tourist favorite beaches to offer the quietude you are seeking. 

• Palolem Beach– Famous for its calm and peaceful vibes, rustic beach shacks, and, clean and tidy shoreline. It is perfect for dolphin sightings, fishing, kayaking as well as wellness treatments.
• Ashwem Beach– Just the place to have a soothing “me-time” away from the crowded places of North Goa. One of the best-kept secrets of Goa, it offers the right atmosphere for a laid-back vacation in the shade of palm trees with the ocean winds flowing through your hair.

• Candolim Beach– One of the longest beaches in Goa, it is perfect for a lazy outing. It has some water sports, shacks and cafes and even some places for shopping.
• Morjim Beach– Due to its popular song Russians, it is also known as “little Russia ”. A hatching ground for Olive Ridley Turtles, it offers an exquisite view of the sea away from the hustle and bustle of crowded beaches. If lucky, one can also spot dolphins while riding a boat here.
• Varca Beach– With its white sand, and captivating and serene sunsets, Varca beach is the ideal place for a quiet and relaxing getaway in a clean and well-maintained environment. 
• Vagator Beach– The best place for trance parties, adventure sports, and leisure activities. If you are looking to spend some time doing fun activities along the coast, this is just the place for you.
• Mandrem Beach– The scenic beauty of this beach will leave you awestruck. It is famous for its picturesque sunset views in all of North Goa. Whether you are an adventurer or a nature lover, this beach will not disappoint you. 

North Goa Markets Foreigners Love to Explore

Markets in Goa offer all kinds of quirky, boho, aesthetic, and chic products within a reasonable amount. As foreigners do not like to spend much on their stay, these budget-friendly markets are just what they are looking for to take back some souvenirs with them.  

• Anjuna Flea Market– The abundant range of products that one can find here makes it a top tourist attraction. From Tibetan and Nepali goods to ancient Indian handicrafts and handlooms, Anjuna market has everything for you. Jewelry, clothes, footwear, exotic spices, home decor, and souvenirs are some of the must-picks. 

• Mapusa Fish Market– If you are a seafood lover then this is the right place for you. You can visit it on a Friday morning to find all kinds of fish, fruits, vegetables, spices, Goan pottery, Goan chorizos, homemade pickles, and whatnot. 

• Calangute Market Square– It is perfect for all the fashionistas, looking for trendy beach wear, clothes, and jewelry. Apart from that, a bunch of Tibetan stuff is also sold here like Buddha wooden statues. Sarongs from Thailand can also be found here along with carpets from Kashmir. There are also shacks serving Goan delicacies and drinks. Thus, this market offers an exotic range of products and one should not miss it while traveling to North Goa. 

•  Mackie’s Night Bazaar– To enjoy the nightlife of North Goa, you must visit this market that is open until midnight where you can find affordable silver jewelry, boho beach wear, antiques, and handicrafts. The dazzling lights, live music, and food counters provide the right tropical experience to the visitors. 

• Arpora Night Bazaar– Another fun part of the nightlife here is the different markets with their unique range of products. Situated in North Goa, this market is famous for its apparel, funky jewelry and footwear, handicrafts, and heirlooms from Rajasthan, Kashmir, and Tibet. 

Visiting Historical Places

Goa, which was a Portuguese colony till it gained liberation from the Portuguese forces in 1961 has a rich ancient culture and heritage which foreigners love to explore. They are curious about the history of Goa and visit historical and cultural sites like the Chapora Fort, Aguada Fort, and some others. 

• Chapora Fort– With its splendid sunset views and old architecture, it is an attraction for history buffs who know about the battles fought here. Not only this, some of the famous Bollywood movies like Dil Chahta Hai(2001) were shot here. 

• Basilica of Bom Jesus– It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. With its typical Jesuit architecture, it is a prodigy of Portuguese rule in Goa. 

• Aguada Fort– Overlooking the Arabian Sea, it is a 17th-century Portuguese Fort that is well-preserved to date. It is an ASI-protected monument of National Importance in North Goa. It offers some insta-worthy views and the sea view is a sight for sore eyes. 
• Se Cathedral– Built to celebrate the victory of the Portuguese in capturing Goa in the early 1500s, it is famous for its grandeur architecture with high-rise ceilings and grand doorways. 

Lakes & Waterfalls in North Goa

The list of things you can explore in North Goa is never-ending. Of course, if you are to enjoy a peaceful yet memorable trip, a day by the lake is never a bad idea. The cool water of the lake with the water falling from above providing the perfect background music is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate with yourself. 

Some of the famous lakes here are- Arambol Sweet Water Lake, Mayhem Lake, Netravali Bubbling Lake, Carambolim Lake, and Ambulor Lake.

Yoga and Meditation

Foreign tourists come to North Goa for a relaxing and laid-back vacation. The stress of the hassles of daily life and the increased socializing in today’s globalized world calls for a few days in the heart of nature, where you can loosen up and revive yourself mentally as well as physically.

Yoga, with its slow-breathing techniques and easy asana, poses increases the stability of the mind and regulates blood flow in our body. 

Meditation is a simple yet powerful technique to get control of your emotions and thoughts to purify your body and increase the positivity of your aura. 

When done in the proximity of nature, these activities prove to be even more efficient, with the sea breeze flowing through your hair, the smell of pure oxygen going in your lungs, and the serene view of your natural surroundings. This is the perfect detox for your body. 

Some of the well-known Yoga retreats in North Goa are- The Veda 5 Resort, The Inner Living Resort, and the Ayurveda Wellness Resort. 

Therefore, it can be concluded that Goa is just not limited to parties, casinos, and beaches. There is much more to North Goa than what meets the eye. To have a thrilling experience exploring this place, the above-mentioned activities are a must for our foreign tourists. You are sure to have a wonderful time in this paradise!