North Goa is like an adventure box that will unfold over surprises at every corner with presents of the serene temples or the bustling beaches or forts burdening in enigma on the coast. But where should you begin? Just walk along the colorful Candolim Beach Road, experience various buzzes in markets, or lose in the unique nightlife walk at Baga Beach.
You may like the peace and calm of Mandrem Beach—aa quiet little known paradise where Grow Villa is—or soak up the spiritual ambiance at the Shree Shantadurga and Shree Mangueshi Temples. So, what mysteries does the old fort of Aguada keep in its silence facing sumptuous waves? Let’s find out the best places to visit in north goa!
Table of Contents
1. Candolim Beach Road: The Soul of Coastal Vibes
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This road located in North Goa is considered the happening and iconic Candolim Beach Road and one of the best places to visit in north goa. It runs parallel to the tranquil Candolim Beach and has a host of shops, restaurants, and beach shacks, which offer some great ambience. Having a fair share of all it takes to have you hang out more for shopping, eating, or just feeling the vibe, Candolim Beach Road is what everyone needs.
Shopping Paradise: There are a plethora of shops that sell beachwear, souvenirs, ethnic handicrafts, accessories & jewellery, and art produced only in Goa. There are also a lot of pretty boutiques selling bright sarongs, boho-chic attire and handicrafts that make excellent souvenirs.
Food and Drinks: Along the road, you’ll discover an array of eateries, from cozy beach shacks to upscale restaurants. Local seafood is a must-try here, with dishes like Goan fish curry, prawns, and fried calamari. Popular spots like Fisherman’s Wharf and Café Chocolatti serve both traditional Goan fare and international dishes.
| Location | Candolim, Goa 403515 |
| Timing | Open 24 hours; best visited during the day or early evening. |
| How to Reach | By road: 30 minutes from Panaji by taxi or bus.Nearest railway station: Thivim (23 km). |
| Tip | Visit during the late afternoon for a leisurely stroll followed by a beachside dinner. |
| Entry Fees | Free to enter. |
| Things to Keep in Mind | Watch out for traffic on the narrow roads, and keep your belongings safe in busy shopping areas. |
| Nearest Restaurant | Bobby’s Shack.comTomatoes Beachside RestaurantANGAARA– Bbq Grill & Sports Bar |
| Nearest Hotel | Fortune Miramar, Goa – Member ITC’s hotel group (price per person:₹ 2190 approx)Silver Sands Holiday Village(price per person:₹ 3170 approx)Beach House Hotel(price per person:₹ 2004 approx) |
2. Baga Beach: Where the Party Never Stops
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A short distance through the Candolim Beach Road carries you to the lively Baga Beach, the social centre of North Goa. Baga—the most renowned of all the beaches in Goa, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors, right from international tourists flocking to India not just for R&R but also G&T! During the day, it is filled with adrenaline-pumping water sports, and at night, it becomes a haven of nightlife.
Sports lovers Water Sports: Those who are adrenaline junkies will find Baga Beach to be a haven. From parasailing to banana boat rides, jet skiing to windsurfing, there is really a lot that one can do in Baga. Beach crowded with vendors and lots of water activities to do in Arabian Sea, you can enjoy all as your wish.
Nightlife: Baga is known for its legendary nightlife. Iconic clubs like Tito’s and Mambo’s attract crowds with their energetic music and vibrant atmospheres. You can enjoy live DJ performances, beachside parties, and a wide variety of drinks while dancing the night away.
| Location | Calangute, Goa 403519 |
| Timing | Open 24 hours, but best visited between 6 AM and 10 PM. |
| How to Reach | By road: 35-minute drive from Panaji via cab or bus.Nearest railway station: Thivim (20 km). |
| Tip | Go early in the morning to grab a good spot, or arrive by sunset to enjoy the vibrant nightlife |
| Entry Fees | Free to enter. |
| Things to Keep in Mind | Stay alert when participating in water sports, and avoid wandering on isolated parts of the beach at night |
| Nearest Restaurant | Shining Star Beach ShackMarin Beach ShackLucky Star Beach Shack |
| Nearest Hotel | Radisson Resort Goa Baga(price per person:₹ 1103 approx)Beach House Hotel(price per person:₹ 2004 approx)Acorn Beach Resort & Spa(price per person:₹ 1577 approx) |
3. Shree Shantadurga Temple: A Sacred Retreat
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The Shree Shantadurga Templeclears offers a spiritual gateway from the beach scene of North Goa. Goddess Shantadurga is the patron deity of many Gaud Saraswat Brahmins and of North and South Goa. The temple is in the small town of Kavlem in Ponda taluka, Goa, India.
St. Augustine Tower is seen, and that’s an important identity of Goa because its red Laterite walls do not match with white spires. Please visit there; otherwise, it’s very difficult to be recognized as a good temple. It is set in the lap of green hills, blessed with a calm and serene environment for devotees as well as visitors. The idol of Shree Shantadurga in this temple is adorned with gold and jewels.
Festivals and Celebrations: The temple looks very lively during Navaratri (September, October) Hindu festivals when it is decorated with lights, flowers, etc. Thousands come for blessings to the temple during these times all over Goa and from the rest of India.
| Location | Kapileswari – Kavlem Rd, Donshiwado, Ponda, Goa 403401 |
| Timing | Open from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM. |
| How to Reach | By road: 45-minute drive from Panaji via car or bus.Nearest railway station: Madgaon (24 km). |
| Tip | Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy peaceful prayers. |
| Entry Fees | Free to enter. |
| Things to Keep in Mind | Dress modestly, and maintain the temple’s sanctity by keeping noise levels down. |
| Nearest Restaurant | Sri Shantadurga RestaurantShantadurga RestaurantShantadurga Bhojnalay |
| Nearest Hotel | Hotel Menino(price per person:₹ 1839 approx)Farmagudi Residency(price per person:₹ 1680 approx)Hotel Shakti Palace(price per person:₹ 2521 approx) |
4. Mandrem Beach: A Tranquil Escape
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Mandrem Beach (North Goa): If you want some solitude and peace, then Mandrem Beach is one of the scarcely populated beaches in North Goa. Further up the coast of Baga, Mandrem Beach is a peaceful and quieter beach offering stretches of clean golden sand flanked by palm trees with little to no tourists.
Mandrem: Surf along the beach on black volcanic sand, or revel in their long stretch of white sand (because it’s quite empty compared to other beaches in North Goa). Sunrise is the biggest attraction here once you are done with the whole party scene thing. The beach is great for long walks on the shore, sunbathing, or relaxing in the shade of a palm tree. You can also have a few gentle laps in the peaceful waters or do yoga on the beach.
Wellness and Yoga Retreats: With its relaxed atmosphere, Mandrem has also turned into a popular destination for wellness tourism, with a number of reputed yoga retreat centers and Ayurvedic clinics sprouting in the vicinity over time. For peace of mind and body, this beach is an ideal silent retreat.
| Location | Near Chopdem, Mandrem, Goa 403527 |
| Timing | Open 24 hours, but best visited between sunrise and sunset. |
| How to Reach | By road: A 50-minute drive from Panaji by taxi or scooter.Nearest railway station: Thivim (22 km). |
| Tip | Ideal for relaxation, bring a mat for sunbathing or yoga. |
| Entry Fees | Free to enter |
| Things to Keep in Mind | The beach is more secluded, so it’s recommended to carry snacks and water as amenities are limited. |
| Nearest Restaurant | Dunes Restaurant And HutsPrana MandremHangout Restaurant |
| Nearest Hotel | Mandrem Retreat Beach Resort(price per person:₹1839 approx)BeachStreet Eco Resort & Spa(price per person:₹1680 approx)Hotel Shankar By The Sea(price per person:₹ 2581 approx) |
5. Shri Mangueshi Temple: A Sacred Landmark
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Shri Mangueshi Temple in North Goa is also a very popular pilgrimage site and one of the well-regarded temples dedicated to Lord Shiva as Lord Mangesh. This is one of the biggest and most important Hindu temples in Goa, situated near Mangeshi village.
Historical Importance: The temple is more than 400 years old and serves as an important part of local Hindu history. The temple was originally located at Cortalim but was moved to Mangeshi when under the rule of Portuguese persecution.
Temple Design: The beautiful design, which is a mark of classic Goan Hindu temple architecture, Shree Mangeshi village, GOA. View of a beautifully manicured garden in the foreground, where we face centuries-old, intricately carved pillars and domes in white. The seven-story tall lamp tower (Deepstambh) is another characteristic feature of the temple, which glows with oil lamps during festivities.
| Location | Dinanath Mangeshkar Rd, Mangeshi village, Mardol, Priol, Goa 403401 |
| Timing | Open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. |
| How to Reach | By road: 30-minute drive from Panaji by taxi or bus.Nearest railway station: Madgaon (26 km). |
| Tip | Visit during early morning prayers (aarti) for a spiritual experience. |
| Entry Fees | Free to enter. |
| Things to Keep in Mind | Respectful attire is mandatory (no shorts), and photography inside the temple is prohibited. |
| Nearest Restaurant | Shivdrashan RestaurantOm Sai Sagar Pure Veg Family RestaurantShantadurga Bhojnalay |
| Nearest Hotel | Farmagudi Residency(price per person:₹ 1680 approx)Hotel Menino(price per person:₹ 1839 approx)Hotel Shakti Palace(price per person:₹ 1577 approx) |
READ MORE: 5 Best Places to Visit in Araria
6. Fort Aguada: A Window into Goa’s Past
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Moving on to the final one, a visit to North Goa cannot be considered complete without seeing the historical Fort Aguada. Constructed in the 17th century by the Portuguese, this fort was previously used as an excellent defence point against Dutch and Marathas invaders.
Structure and Scenery: The key attraction, the height of the fort fabricated from red laterite stone, offers a breathtaking sight of the Arabian Sea with its surroundings coastlines. The fort is so named because of the spring “Aguada,” meaning water in Portuguese, that supplied potable fresh water to the behemoth ships that called at their port of Goa. Tourists can walk on the old walls of the fort, offering an amazing sea view, which is definitely worth a photo.
Lighthouse: This only increases the charm of the fort is its lighthouse, which is one of the oldest in Asia. Rescheduling is not allowed at this time, but the fact that guests will soon start climbing the lighthouse tower with steps running forever has added to the historical importance of Fort Aguada.
| Location | Fort Aguada Rd, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa 403515 |
| Timing | Open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. |
| How to Reach | By road: 40 minutes from Panaji by taxi or rented vehicle.Nearest railway station: Thivim (22 km). |
| Tip | Visit around sunset for the best views and cooler weather. |
| Entry Fees | Free to explore the fort; entry to the lighthouse (if open) may have a minimal charge. |
| Things to Keep in Mind | Wear comfortable shoes as the fort is large and involves walking, especially if you’re exploring the upper sections. |
| Nearest Restaurant | Prasadam Pure Veg RestaurantKokum KitchenHill track pure veg restaurant |
| Nearest Hotel | Lemon Tree Hotel Candolim, Goa(price per person:₹ 2527 approx)SummerVille Beach Resort(price per person:₹ 2083 approx)Ruffles Beach Resort(price per person:₹ 3537 approx) |
How to Reach North Goa
By Air:
The nearest airport to North Goa is Goa International Airport (Dabolim Airport), about 40-50 km from popular beaches like Baga and Candolim. You can take a prepaid taxi or rent a car from the airport, with travel time around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
By Train:
Thivim Railway Station is the closest railhead for North Goa, located about 20-30 km from major beaches. Trains from major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi stop here. From the station, taxis or local buses can take you to your destination in North Goa.
By Road:
North Goa is well-connected by road, with frequent interstate buses from Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore. If driving, the NH 66 from Mumbai (580 km) and NH 4 from Pune (450 km) offer scenic routes to Goa.
Disclaimer:
Some of the information regarding visiting times or entry fee may have changed. Always check current information from official sources before you visit. The Author and The Publisher Make No Representation or Warranties with Respect to the Accuracy, Applicability, Fitness, or Completeness of this Document. Respect the local culture and area, and use common sense if you are exploring any of these places.
FAQs
Q) Which is the best time to visit North Goa?
A: The winter months (November to February) are the coolest, and time, as far as the climate of North Goa goes.
Q) How to move around inside North Goa?
A: The most comfortable option to explore is getting a car for rent.
Q) Is North Goa safe for a solo traveller?
A: Yes. Be safe It is always good to be cautious, especially while travelling during the night.
Q) Can I visit all these places in one trip?
A: Yes, it’s possible to visit all these locations in 3-4 days, but it’s best to plan ahead and allocate enough time to fully enjoy each destination.