North Goa covers the northern half of the state of Goa in India. Goa has two districts, North Goa and South Goa.
North Goa is divided into a number of "talukas" (sub-districts, in Konkani). These are:
The talukas of Bicholim, Pernem, Ponda and Sattari were part of the Novas Conquistas (New Conquests) i.e. they became part of Portuguese controlled Goa late in the 18th century. Thus, compared to talukas of Bardez and South Goa, there are less large Portuguese edifices. Coming into Goa from Maharashtra, it is quite difficult to differentiate the character of the villages and the people around. What gives away the fact that you are in Goa is the ubiquitous feni (typical Goan spiritious liquor) which is sold in every grocery store.
Mapusa ๐ โ a town that is a main commercial center in North Goa after Panaji
Old Goa ๐ โ rich in history, this is the former colonial capital of Goa
Panaji ๐ (Panjim) โ capital city of the tiny state of Goa
Pernem ๐ โ Pernem is famous for Dussehra (a religious festival)
Valpoi ๐ (Valpoy) โ a small and beautiful town. It has Masjid, Churches and temple situated in town
Anjuna ๐ โ a town in Goa with Anjuna Beach and location of famous St. Michael's Church
Arambol ๐ โ a village and beach that attracts many international tourists
Calangute ๐ โ a town on the northern coast of Goa with a popular beach
Candolim ๐ โ a village in North Goa with Candolim Beach attraction
Dona Paula ๐ โ a city in India, where two of Goa's famous rivers meet the Arabian sea. Located nearby is Dona Paula Beach
Mandrem ๐ โ a village with a beach and nearby small Portuguese fort
Morjim ๐ โ is a village situated in North Goa with nearby Morjim Beach. The area is home to a variety of birds and to the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle.
Sinquerim ๐ โ Sinquerim is one of the oldest preserved beaches in Goa. The famous Fort Aguada is located here.
Siridao ๐ โ a village with rocky and sandy Siridao Beach. Jesus of Nazareth chapel can be found here
Vagator ๐ โ a small town the famous Anjuna beach adjoins the Vagator Beach with its high red cliffs
Manohar Parrikar International Airport (IATA: GOX) is set to begin flights by early 2023.
Another option is Dabolim Airport (IATA: GOI) at Vasco da Gama.
The Konkan Railway runs through North Goa. There are two main stations - Pernem and Tivim. Pernem is the first station as the train enters the state from Maharashtra. It is just 40-50 minutes from the previous station Sawantwadi.
Mumbai - Goa buses use the NH17 and enter the state at the Banda border check post. The first dropping point is Pernem. The next dropping point is Mapusa.
Big Banyan Tree Goa : 2Km from Arombal Beach
Sweet Water Lake: 1Km from Arombal Beach
From north to south
There are a number of sea forts built by the Portuguese. They are, from south to north,
Interestingly, like other forts in the Konkan, these forts are located on the mouths of rivers. Going up to the fort, one gets a magnificent view of both inland waterbodies (rivers) and the Arabian Sea. For those interested in things pertaining to military, navies, etc., a visit to these forts is a useful way to understand the maritime history of the Indian west coast.
O Cuquero, right on the Porvorim junction on the NH17. Traditional Goan delicacies - vindaloo, sorpotel, goan sausage, prawn balchao, etc - and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). This restaurant has a seated statue of the infamous fugitive Charles Sobhraj in handcuffs. In 1986, Sobhraj had escaped from Tihar jail and was moving around in Goa. He was having lunch at the restaurant when a Mumbai policeman Madhukar Zende spotted him and arrested him.
Primary administrative division