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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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