Must Visit Places In South Goa & North Goa, India
- Dec 4, 2025
- 13 min read
About Goa - India's No.1 Tropical Beach Destination
Goa is India’s most compact state, and also the nation’s No.1 beach resort. It is famous for its hippie and Portuguese culture as well as yoga, churches, and miles of beaches. Goa is a favorite among Brits, Russians, and domestic tourists, many of whom arrive by rail and begin their journey by trying to check live train status at the bustling Goan stations.
Goa is divided into two non-official regions, namely North and South, with 48 golden sandy beaches spread across a distance of 65 miles. The beaches of Goa are amazing—the sand is lined with palm trees, and the majority are large and wide. Goa’s beaches aren’t as well-developed as those of Europe; there aren’t luxury hotels, as they’re prohibited in Goa. The toughest part is choosing the right beach, so make use of the Goa beach guide to assist you. There are beaches to fit every taste.
It was our first time visiting Goa that was exhilarating. Phil was anticipating simply relaxing and chilling in the pool and at the beach, whereas Garth was ecstatic over the Goa photography trip he booked.
Goa – India’s tropical beach destination
The Best Beaches in Goa
North Goa
North Goa was the first region to develop in the 1960s, when hippies came to town and decided to remain. Trance clubs were popular in the 1980s, and 1990s saw the emergence of tourism as a commercial venture. The miles of golden beaches are dotted with beach shacks flanked by vibrant resorts.
North Goa is ideal for people who want exciting evenings, low-cost packages for holidays.
North Goa also offers lots of culture-related attractions, including Old forts as well as UNESCO Heritage Sites in Old Goa and Panjim. (more on these in the future)
Beautiful Vagator Beach, North Goa
The summary North Goa beaches:
Calangute Beach - Most popular and most crowded of all beaches of Goa. It is a lively resort town with entertainment, neon-lit bars massage parlours, massage salons and water sports that are popular with crowds of Brits as well as domestic tourists.
Baga Beach - Similar to Calangute beach, it's quite similar to it - lively, great for watersports, vibrant nightlife that includes regular DJ parties and the famous Cafe Mambo. It is very busy on weekends.
Candolim Beach - Fewer crowds, a few beach shacks are frequented by honeymooners, and an older crowd looking for sun, the sea and sand.
Sinquerim Beach - Near Candolim beach - lovely beach that is great for water sports and swimming. It also has an old fort Aguada Fort.
Anjuna Beach - Goa's most famous beach. It was once the home of full moon night long. Anjuna is well-known among backpackers. It continues to host its hippie flea market on Wednesdays. DJs from big names play in chilled-out dance parties and music.
Vagator Beach Beautiful, clean beach with no shacks on the beach and less crowds. The first Indian hotel, the W is situated in this area. Popular for sunset viewing.
Mandrem Beach is a quieter place within North Goa for relaxing with amazing water sports.
South Goa
South Goa is less developed and more tranquil, with a relaxed atmosphere. The beaches are uncrowded and untouched. South Goa offers the largest variety of beach huts luxurious hotel resorts and eco-friendly accommodation. The area also draws people who are looking for yoga, meditation, organic food, and even weed! (it's illegal). Beyond the beaches, options for sightseeing are available in South Goa include visiting old Portuguese mansions and churches, fishing villages that are sleepy as well as rain forests and spice plantations.
South Goa is ideal for people who want peace, tranquility, and independent travel choices.
Tranquil beaches tend to be in South Goa
Summary of South Goa Beaches:
Cola (not Colva ) - Unique beach as it is located in a lagoon. It's also an idyllic and quiet spot.
BenaulimBenaulim is a quiet relaxing, laid-back and clean beach. 18 miles to the South of Panjim. Famous for its handicrafts that are sold in this area.
Agonda Beach - Beautiful beach, quiet and undeveloped, it has a beach huts that are perfect for relaxing.
Palolem Beach - Goa's scenic beach is in all the brochures. extremely touristy, yet with a laid-back vibe with a few nightclubs and beach huts for accommodation.
Patnem Beach - The beach is located next to Palolem Beach, a small unspoiled beach that is perfect to chill out in a traditional beach huts.
Cavelossim Unspoilt beach, with a few beach shacks that are located near many luxurious hotels.
Picture Postcard Palolem Beach, South Goa
It's South Goa's postcard beach. It's gorgeous and we enjoyed it. A curving bay surrounded by golden sand, lined with coconut palms and a variety of beach huts. It was once Goa's most sought-after beach, but it's a little less now.
Gorgeous Palolem Beach in South Goa
It's the most crowded beach located in South Goa and attracts an diverse crowd. We thought it had a little bit of an Glastonbury style to the beach. The North end of the beach tends to be more tranquil and popular with families and the south side has an edgier party atmosphere and is very popular with backpackers. There's not much in terms of nightlife in the area, however there are silent music events on Saturdays.
Phil and Garth on Palolem Beach, South Goa
Beach hut accommodation on Palolem Beach
Don't be shocked to find holy cows roaming free on the beach
Palolem is gorgeous and colorful!
The main attraction is the beach huts There are a lot of options just a few steps from the beach. We're sure to stay in one the next time we go to Goa We liked the design of Ciarans sea-view the huts. Our guests stayed at Bhakti Kutir Beach Houses located just in front of the beach, and they are also beautiful.
While the ocean isn't the ideal place to swim however, you can enjoy kayaking and even dolphin-spotting. There are many people who will offer massages or boat trips at the beach, but there's not any pressure, no sales pitch which we loved. There's a wide variety of restaurants in the shacks, lots of fish curries that are fresh. To find the most delicious vegan and vegetarian meals, go into Zest.
We enjoyed Palolem Beach, just pick an establishment and you'll be given the sun lounger free of charge along with free wifi and a personal service throughout the day. We went to for the Tide Exotica bar on the beach and all day long, ordering beers and lunch set us back 2600 IRN (PS27). The most memorable moment of our trip was having an incredibly spicy curry in the shade and an naan with a hot red color as we relaxed gazing out at the blue Arabian Sea.
It cost us 2700 IRN (PS28) to book taxi. The driver picked us up from the hotel we stayed in Cavelossim in the morning. He was waiting for us all day long, and brought us back at night we believed it was a good deal, so we offered him a nice tip.
The Tide Exotica beach shack where we enjoyed a day at Palolem Beach
The opening sequences from The Bourne Supremacy (2004) film with Matt Damon were filmed right here on Palolem Beach.
Our South Goa Stay - Cavelossim Beach
The hotel we stayed at was near Cavelossim Beach, it's beautiful clean and spacious. If you're lucky, you may spot dolphins swimming in the water. There's plenty of room and perfect for a romantic stroll down the shore. We visited just at the beginning of the season of tourists in November and not many shacks were built. Each year, the beach shacks are built from scratch and then taken down prior to the beginning in the season monsoon around the end of May.
Holy cows on Cavelossim Beach, South Goa
Beach shacks on Cavelossim Beach in South Goa
Portuguese Goa
Over the course of many centuries, Goa was ruled by a variety of kingdoms, such as the Portuguese for whom it's known for. After 450 years, the Portuguese dominance came to an end in 1961, when they were exiled in the hands of the Indian Army. Portugal's legacy can be seen in historic colonial structures as well as a multitude of churches, as well as their impact on the food industry.
The Portuguese brought Catholicism to Goa and built hundreds of churches
A Brief History of Old Goa - Velha Goa
Old Goa, also called "Velha Goa" is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was once the capital city of Portugal-India, situated by the Mandovi River. The city was wealthy and a major trading hub with a significant population greater than Lisbon at the time. In the past, Portuguese were the first to introduce Catholicism into the area, and they built a variety of churches as well as European design houses and was dubbed "Rome of the East". However, Old Goa suffered an outbreak of malaria, the plague and the cholera. The epidemic was fatal and the city was sacked in 1843, and the capital was rebuilt and moved to the nearby Panjim.
There is nothing left of the old city since most of the city was taken over by the forest. But what remains are two impressive churches: It is the Basilica in Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus
In 1605 it was constructed, and is a serious example of baroque architecture! It's among the earliest church buildings in India and houses the silver tomb of Saint Francis Xavier. Catholic Indians were going mad taking selfies in the church, which was quite entertaining for those watching As we've never witnessed such a thing in the church before. This is the most well-known congregation located in Goa it was also the first Goa church that was elevated to a minor basilica status by pope Pius XII.
Basilica of Bom Jesus built in 1605
Inside the Basilica of Bom Jesus
Se Cathedral
Just across the street from the Basilica of Bom Jesus is the massive Se Cathedral. It is the biggest Church within India in addition to all of Asia. The inside of the church was used to host more than 15 worship services simultaneously. Alongside the main alter There are four chapels that run along the aisles.
Se Cathedral - The largest church in India and all of Asia
Within the Se Cathedral, built in 1619, it took 57 years for construction
Details of the decorative and gold altars
Panjim - Goa's Capital City
In Goa, the Portuguese colonial past can be best explored in the capital city, Panjim (or Panaji). Take a stroll through in the streets back of Fontainhas which is the Old Latin Quarter in Goa. You can take a look at the gorgeous and colourful houses. It's an UNESCO Heritage Zone and mainly a residential area. We had a blast walking through these narrow streets lined with cobblestones, admiring the exquisitely designed doorways, and looking upwards to the charming balconies. It's tranquil and it feels like you're located in Europe thanks to the terracotta roofs and vibrant hues. After you've finished here, you can climb up the top and see another church washed in white that is Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The church was first constructed in Goa in 1541. It's got distinctive zig-zag staircases at the front.
The Post Office building in Panjim
Some lovely wrought iron balconies on these old buildings
Walking around the Fontainhas – the colourful latin quarter of Panjim
Yellow painted buildings used to signify a government building
The buildings were color coded. The purple-painted buildings housed people who worked in churches. Yellow was a building for the government. These buildings were required to be painted annually after every monsoon, as required by the law. The tradition continues to be used by a few locals. Keep an eye out for rooster decorations on rooftops. They are believed to bring luck.
A small piece of street art
Crumbly old buildings have some nice cafes
Everywhere in Fontainhas we found a variety of small shrines to the catholic faith
Another magnificent church was built in 1818. Chapel of St Sebastian
Goa Day Tours
North Goa Photography Tour
When we were staying in Goa we decided to go on a photography tour. It was truly amazing! We toured the food market in Mapusa and also visited fishing villages. You are able to find out more information about that in our other article. Photographer from Goa Francisco de Souza showed us how to use cameras and demonstrated Goa in a unique manner by going to places we'd never found on our own.
An amazing Goa photography tour with Francisco de Souza
This jolly chap loved having his photograph taken
Goa Spice Plantation Tour
Another day we went on an excursion through the Nandanvan Spice Plantation close to Ponda. It's isn't the best spice plantation since it's more like a demonstration spice garden that is designed to attract tourists, but it was fascinating and more of an educational experience.
We were welcomed with the shower of marigold flowers which was a lovely touch and also received the traditional Hindi greeting with a bindi placed on our foreheads. After a delicious lunch buffet and a sultry Feni shot, our guide showed us the variety of herbaceous plants, spices and trees. Leaves were scattered through the group so that you could inhale the aroma and identify the spices. If you're interested in cooking and cooking, you'll particularly enjoy knowing where the spices originate from.
The tour ended with a cold shock! Cold, freezing water dripping on our shoulders, Garth nearly died! I'm not sure what was the reason, However, the chance to purchase fresh juice from sugar cane was a huge plus. Also, you can purchase spices from the shop at the exit obviously.
Visiting a spice plantation
Black peppercorns growing up a tree
Goan Countryside
Driving through the countryside can be fascinating, Garth loved all the similar Coca-Cola signs with the same woman. They resembled the red communist signs that we have seen during our visit to Vietnam. Phil enjoyed the rice fields that are lush and lush greenery that are well fed by the monsoon seasons. Monkeys and cows are considered sacred in India and you'll find them everywhere and a lot of wild dogs, which are not to be approached if they are afflicted with Rabies.
Coca-Cola signs allover Goa featuring the same lady
The tropical Goan countryside
The Shanta Durga Temple – A Hindu temple in Kavalem village
Other Goa Attractions
Dudhsagar Falls - A huge waterfall gushing down the mountainside, dubbed "the sea of milk".
River Cruise - Numerous options available from Panjim.
Yoga - Find out from your hotel where you can go for local yoga and meditation.
The Anjuna Flea market Goa's most renowned flea market on Wednesdays just steps from the beach.
Night Markets The largest is in Arpora on Saturday evenings.
Mumbai Take into consideration combing Goa with the city of Mumbai. It's only a short flight and there are plenty of low-cost airlines to pick from or you can take an overnight 14-hour train journey to experience something new!
Phil onboard a river cruise from Panjim to Old Goa
Medical Tourism in Goa
We didn't realize until we left was the extent of health tourism going through Goa. Each time we stepped into a taxi, our driver asked us if we wanted to visit a doctor or a dentist. A lot of Brits visit here to receive the best health care at a fraction of the cost to Britain. UK. For PS500 each, you can get the full body health screening and health check and more than that to have it private in the UK. Opticians are also extremely popular in Goa and we walked by several shops close to the hotel. Designer frames can cost much less. Dental professionals too - porcelain veneers? !
Food & Drink In Goa
Local Goan Dishes
Portuguese inspired cuisine is featured everywhere in Goa with the most famous ingredients: vinegar, fiery peppers, and chilli pepper. Goa uses the abundance of fresh local seafood as well as coconut milk. The mixture of religion in Goa is that pork and beef are not available on menus, but there is lamb and chicken. We are both huge fans of curries and could not wait to feast on the Goan cuisine. We enjoyed a vegetarian thali which is a plate of tiny dishes that were India's take on tapas, ideal for trying some of all the food. Goan curry with fish was a favorite of ours and we also had tandoori king prawns and dosas with savoury flavours for breakfast.
Delicious Indian food in Goa
Xitti Kodi- or "Fish & Rice This is Goa's famous fish curry recipe. The dish is prepared with kingfish or pomfret coconut milk, raw mango give it a sweet and tangy flavor.
Ambot Tik Ambot Tik A sweet and spicy fish curry made from catfish or shark.
Fish Recheado Grilled Stuffed fish typically made from masala paste and onion fried.
Chicken Xacuti - A well-loved spicy chicken curry made with potatoes onion, coconut red chillies, poppy seeds and coconut grated.
Vindaloo Vindaloo is the famous curry with extra hot spices that was first invented in Goa. Vin means vinegar, and "ahlo" refers to garlic, which is usually prepared by using Pork.
Sorptel Stew made of offal, pork, blood of pigs and fat It's a bit grumpy !!!! (we did not try this one!)
Khatkhate Khatkhate - A aromatic and spicy vegetable curry. The ingredients include potatoes, green beans and carrots, lentils, curry leaves, coconut and curry.
Bebinca Bebinca - a multi-layered dessert cake composed of eggs, caramelised sugar, coconut, and almonds.
Samosas are a cult item across Goa. (We loved hot ones fresh off in the fryer!)
Goan Chourico Spicy sausages comparable to Spanish Chorizo
Pao bread
Sanna Steamed spongy and healthy bread cakes made of coconut, salt and rice.
Local Goan Drinks
Kingfisher it is an local Indian beer that is available in various strengths. Or Kings Beer which is only available in Goa.
Feni Goa's most local spicy and boozy spirt (42 percent alcohol) created from the apples of the tree of cashews. It's got a smoky flavor It's an acquired taste in a way.
Kingfisher beer is for sale everywhere in Goa
Goa Practical Information & Useful Advice
Phil and Garth’s Top 5 Goa Tips
Phil and Garth's Top 5 Goa Tips
Tips #1 The hotel should run the shower for a minimum of 5 minutes to eliminate any chance of Legionnaires Disease.
TIP #2 Tip #2: The ocean is characterized by powerful currents as well as rip tides. be sure to swim near the shoreline, and only in areas that have lifeguards.
TIP #3 A few roads are in poor condition, so take note that it can take a while for getting from A B.
TIP #4: Uber and Ola are not permitted in Goa and you must make use of GoaMiles instead (you'll require an international SIM card)
Tips #5: Pack a torch because power cuts are frequent.
Goa FAQ:
What is the Goa airport number? GOI - Dabolim International Airport.
What is the time zone in Goa? India Standard Time + GMT +5.30 minutes.
What is the currency used to pay for Goa? Indian Rupee (Symbol the symbol is Rs)
What languages are being spoken by the people of Goa? Konkani, English, Hindi, Marathi.
How many people live in Goa? 1.8 million.
Which number do I dial in the event of an urgent situation? Call 100 for police 911 for the firefighters, and 101 for ambulance.
What kind of plug for electricity is in use in Goa? Plug Types C, D & M. The 3-round pin is the most commonly used. Voltage is 230V / 50Hz.
What is the ideal time to go to Goa? November to March is the peak season.
When is the most unpleasant time to go to Goa? June to September is monsoon season, and extremely hot.
What's Goa known for? The palm-lined beach, churches from the past as well as Portuguese homes in the Portuguese style.
What is the short background of Goa? Goa was controlled by the Portuguese for 450 years, until 1961 when it was made one of India.
What's the five must-see places in Goa? Panjim, Old Goa, Vagator Beach, Anjuna Beach and Palolem Beach.
What food from Goa should I try? Xitti Kodi or "Fish and Rice" is the Goa's most famous curry dish.
What's the most effective method of getting across Goa? Taxis are affordable and you can even employ a driver for the day.
What's an interesting facts regarding Goa? Goa is the largest State in India and one third part of the state is covered with the jungle.
What films have been shot in Goa? Location of filming used for The Bourne Supremacy and countless Bollywood films.
Where is the ideal photograph place in Goa? Mapusa Market or Palolem Beach.
Is there a hidden gem in Goa? 'Tiger Beach' in South Goa.
What is the most desirable souvenir you can purchase in Goa? Azulejos tiles or cashew nuts.
How we achieved this:
The package we booked was a vacation together with the company TUI out of within the UK and the flight time is 9hrs 40mins
We stayed for seven nights at Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort Hotel in Cavelossim, South Goa.
North Goa Photography Tour - we had booked ahead through the website of Francisco.
Panjim, Old Goa & Spice Plantation Tour Price PS52 for each, and we booked through our TUI hotel representative.
Also Read : Top 10 Things To Do In Kolkata, India
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