Tips & Tricks - Anjuna Beach Goa

Which Is Costlier, North Goa Or South Goa?

Written by Akshita Pancholi on January 13, 2024. Posted in Local Attractions, Tips & Tricks, Travel Plan. No Comments on Which Is Costlier, North Goa Or South Goa?

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

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.

adventure activities — *Adventure water sport*s

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!

Anjuna v/s Vagator | Goa Guide

Written by Akshita Pancholi on January 12, 2024. Posted in Local Attractions, Tips & Tricks. No Comments on Anjuna v/s Vagator | Goa Guide

When in Goa, forget the world and live a crazy few days. And at Anjuna beach or Vagator Beach, you will have your own personal beach fairytale. Both beaches situated in beautiful crevices of North Goa will offer you bohemian vibes, insane nightlife and food that will leave you licking your finger on your flight out.

This blog will take you on a virtual ride around these two beaches and everything they have to offer. Dive in (literally once you reach there!) and know everything and get packing.

The Dazzling Night Lights: Anjuna vs Vagator

At Anjuna you will find hippie vibes blend seamlessly into the night under the full moon. From groovy music to awesome Trance parties, this place will not disappoint the party animal in you. With Djs blasting catchy notes to beautiful se\ttings, get ready to be dancing on a bar soon. Some places you can check out here include Sea Breeze Bar, Franci Bar,Primrose amongst a host of others.

Watch as Vagator beach comes to life after sundown. Tha main road is lined with several pubs and clubs two of the most important being Hill Top and Nine Bar. A sparkling nightlife will leave you wanting more time on the floor with your drink in hand, letting loose.

Food- Places to Visit

At Goa, you will find food like never before. From sea food to coconut based food items, North Goa is a hub for many new dishes you might not have tried ever before. Both Anjuna beach and Vagator Beach have several joints that are frequently visited. At Anjuna beach, you can pay a visit to Kava, Goa’s Ark, Chef Cantanado. At Vagator Beach, Mezcal restaurant, Mango Tree Bar & Restaurant,Tin Tin Bar & Restaurant are some places with wonderful service and food that you will appreciate time and again.

A Guide to Reach

We know, choosing a destination comes with issues of how you are going to reach there. Don’t worry, we have figured it out for you so that your next visit to these two beaches slide without any glitch. Anjuna beach is a meagre 18kms away from the capital of Goa, Panjim. Auto Rickshaws ply incessantly on the route and you will very easily be able to manage a taxi or auto rickshaw to take you to where your adventure awaits you.

Vagator beach is at a distance of 16km from the capital, and can be reached by hiring a taxi or a private vehicle. Additionally, Several buses run on the route and you can board one to reach your destination.

A Day on the Beach

There’s nothing like splashing about the beach and feeling the sand under your bare feet. Anjuna beach and Vagator beach have several beautiful beaches that one can visit. Ozran beach is an extension of the Vgator beach characterised by big beautiful boulders, perfectly suited to give you a rocky, adventurous vibe. Near Anjuna beach is the famous Baga beach, one that is visited by people from far and near. With a soothing breeze and white,misty waves crashing at your feet, you will find yourself floating into heaven on this picturesque beach.

Individual Attractions Not to Miss

From Vagator beach you can visit the peaceful St. Alex’s Church and reconnect with your soul. Or take a stroll through the times gone by in the Chapora Fort and learn more about the rich history harboured by the place.

Near Anjuna Beach you will find several temples to help you find serenity and peace away from the fast paced life. Shri Ram, Mahadev and Bhumika temple are some you can explore. Give your spirit some life by engaging in water sports like jet skiing, parasailing. And is any trip ever actually over without a little bit of shopping? Visit the flea market in Anjuna and buy beachy T-shirts, boho jewellery and tote bags and bring back home with you the spirit of this island state.

Is that your ticket to Goa that I see on the bedside table? What are you waiting for? Go ahead and explore the beaches of Vagator and Anjuna and find behind every boulder a new adventure that awaits you. Under the shade of the coconut tree with the infinite sea lying in front of you, take the much needed break from your everyday life and sail down to these two beautiful nooks in the state of Goa and lose yourself to the watery environment.

North Goa Insider: Foreigners’ Secret Spots for Relaxation and Adventure

Written by Akshita Pancholi on April 4, 2023. Posted in Event, Lifestyle, Tips & Tricks. No Comments on North Goa Insider: Foreigners’ Secret Spots for Relaxation and Adventure

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!