Tag: north goa markets

Uncovering 6 Hidden Gems Of North Goa!

Written by Akshita Pancholi on January 7, 2024. Posted in Travel Plan.

A beautiful state in western India, Goa is famous for its beaches and has much to offer. Stretching along the Arabian Sea, the state has several beaches which offer spectacular, scenic views. But if you call yourself a travel enthusiast, you should know that just visiting the beaches is not what North Goa is all about. The real fun is in discovering the undiscovered.

“Two roads diverged in the woods, and I-I took the one less traveled by”
-Robert Frost

Through this line, Robert Frost tries to explain the importance of discovering new things.

Well, talking about what all Goa has to offer, let us look at some absolute gem places you can visit for a wonderful experience. These places can also be visited in monsoon when the beach activity is certainly low.

EXPLORE THE CHARPORA FORT of NORTH GOA

Location– Vagator in North Goa, the fort boasts of a rich history.

Timings– 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, all days of the week.

History of the Fort–

It was commissioned by the Portuguese colonists in 1717, but it dates back to the time of the Adil Shah Dynasty (1489-1686). Thus, from the time it was actually built, it has seen the rule of several rulers.

After the Portuguese gained capture of the fort, they used it to defend their territories against Maratha rulers. It was conquered twice by the powerful Maratha ruler Sambhaji Bhosle. However, the Portuguese regained capture of the Fort and ruled over it till 1892, after which it was abandoned. When Goa gained independence from the Portuguese in 1961, Indians gained control of the Fort.

The Fort offers breathtaking views of the River Chapora, from where it derives its name. The grandeur of its architecture along with the remains of barracks built centuries ago, provide an insight into its history. Its splendor along with the view of the sea provides a great sight to the visitors.

It is also a popular filming location for Bollywood movies, such as 2001 hit Dil Chahta Hai, starring the mega-star Aamir Khan.

DISCOVER THE ARVALEM CAVES

Location– near Bicholim in North Goa.

Timings- 9 am to 1 pm, 2 pm to 5 pm, all days of the week.

History of the caves–

These are also known as the Pandava caves, deriving their name from the Pandavas in the epic of Mahabharata, who lived here during their exile. Carved during the 6th century, they have simple yet appealing architecture. It is designed in the Buddhist style and the walls here are free of any paintings or murals.

There are five compartments in the cave, with the middle one consisting of a ‘linga’, which is revered by devotees. The Shivalinga in the second cave is engraved with an inscription in Sanskrit from the 7th century.

Thus it is evident how these caves provide a glimpse into the centuries-old culture of Goa. The complex also has a residential chamber and at some kilometers distance a waterfall and the Rudreshwar temple are situated. It is a great place for history buffs and explorers.

WANDER AROUND THE MAPUSA MARKET

A day spent shopping is never a waste of time. The perfect place for shopaholics, this market is located in Mapusa in the North of Goa.

Timings– it is open from Monday through Sunday, from 9 am to 7 pm.

One can find about anything in this vibrant market from antiques to Goan pottery, exotic spics, clothing, footwear, and silver jewelry. Bargaining is recommended to purchase items at a reasonable price.

A great place to interact with the locals, it also offers a range of Goan specialties such as pickles, handlooms, Goan cuisine, etc.

WANDER AROUND THE MAPUSA MARKET — *Spices sold at Mapusa*

TEMPLES AND CHURCHES OF NORTH GOA

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Location: Old Goa Road, Bainguinim.

Timings– It is open to visitors all days of the week, from 8:30 am to 8 pm.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, a prominent Catholic missionary.

An important pilgrimage site for Christians, it was built during the 16th century. With its fine detailed pillars, it is a great example of Baroque architecture. The walls are adorned with paintings depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis Xavier.

Shanta Durga Temple

Location– Kavelem village, North Goa.

Timings– 7 am to 10 pm, on all days of the week.

A religious site for the Hindus, it is a temple dedicated to Goddess Shanta Durga, who is believed to be an avatar of Goddess Durga. The temple is adorned with beautiful architecture and smaller shrines surrounding it.

The temple is very popular around the time of the annual Zatra festival from December to January, when it is beautifully decorated and adorned with flowers.

Mangueshi Temple

Location– Mangeshi village, North Goa

Timing– 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. On all days of the week.

A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built in the 16th century. After being destroyed by the Portuguese, it was rebuilt in the 18th century and is present to date. The marvelous blend of Indian architecture with that Portuguese provides a wonderful structure to the temple. It is especially popular during the time of the Shivaratri festival in India.

Mangueshi Temple — Shri Mangeshi temple – one of the most important in Goa

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES AND NATIONAL PARKS

Goa is home to 7 National Parks, which have a variety of flora and fauna.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Location– Ponda taluka of North Goa

Spread over an area of 8 sq km, a range of animals such as bison, monkeys, wild boars, and deer can be found here.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Location– Western tip of Chorao island, near Panaji.

In an area of 1.8 sq km, a variety of birds can be spotted here such as the kingfisher, and heron among others.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary — *The Indian Cormorant*

Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary

Location– Sanguem taluka of South Goa.

Covering a wide area of 240 sq km, it houses various animals such as tigers, sloth bears, Indian bison, and many species of birds.

idyllic scenery at the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Parkin India

OFFBEAT BEACHES

These are some of the less-popular, secret, or hidden beaches of offbeat Goa, which are not very crowded and allow you to have some quiet time rejuvenating with yourself.

Arambol Beach

Known for its crystal-clear blue waters and clean surrounding, this beach offers a picturesque view of the sea. On a relatively quieter beach, one can find a lot of yoga and meditation centers here. Visitors can also explore the nearby freshwater lakes, or even try watersports like parasailing, jet skiing, etc.

Morjim Beach

A secluded beach in North Goa, it is known for its soft sand and clear blue waters. An interesting fact about this beach is that it is a breeding ground for Olive Ridley Turtles. Away from the crowds of Goa, it offers some peace and tranquility with a spectacular view of the ocean.

Vagator Beach

With its golden sand and dramatic cliffs, it offers a serene view of the ocean with clear blue waters. The Chapora Fort is the main attraction of this beach, which is a 17th-century, Portuguese-built fort. Located away from the hustle and bustle of crowds, Vagator Beach provides some peace of mind with its tranquil atmosphere.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be said that there is more to Goa than what meets the eye. These absolute gems of places are any day a must-visit to explore the rich heritage and culture of Goa and spend some quality time along the beach, in peace.

What Foreigners Love to do When They Visit North Goa

Written by Akshita Pancholi on April 5, 2023. Posted in Travel Plan.

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.

What Brings the Foreigners to Goa?

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.

Foreign tourists contribute significantly to Goa’s economic growth and make up a significant proportion of its overall tourism. In order to benefit Goa’s economy and residents, a balance between tourism growth and sustainable development is essential.

Discovering North Goa Beyond Its Beaches

Famous Beaches for Foreign Tourists

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.

To sum up, it’s pretty clear that Goa isn’t just about parties, casinos, and beaches. There’s a whole lot more to explore in North Goa that you may not even realize at first glance! To make the most of your visit and have an unforgettable time, we recommend trying out the awesome activities we’ve mentioned above. Trust us, they’re a must-do for any foreign tourist looking to have a blast in this paradise. So get ready for some excitement, and enjoy your trip to North Goa to the fullest!