North Goa or South Goa Things To Do

Although both north and south Goa are easy-going, the north is undoubtedly livelier. It retains some of the hippie vibe and has a buzzing party scene with trance rhythms bouncing out of bars, clubs and discos and floating across beaches such as Anjuna and Vagator. The South is generally more peaceful. Bars and clubs can be lively, but tend to be more upmarket. Palolem Beach, however, remains a magnet for backpackers.

 

North and South Goa’s beaches are beautiful. The North’s are generally lively and the South’s peaceful. But it’s possible to find secluded beaches in the North, including parts of the spectacular Arambol Beach, while the southern end of Palolem Beach in the South can be very busy. It’s worth checking out what kind of beach is near your chosen resort.

 

South and North Goa offer plenty of water sports, especially parasailing, jet skiing, water skiing and windsurfing. Experts recommend Dona Paula in South Goa, with its lake-like water, for anyone learning to windsurf.

 

There are excellent scuba diving centres at Baga, North Goa, and Bogmalo Beach, in South Goa. Both offer PADI courses. The warm Arabian Sea and shallow dive sites make Goa ideal for learners, while shipwrecks, coral and abundant marine life – anything from angelfish and parrotfish to barracudas and reef tip sharks – make it interesting for the most experienced divers.

 

North Goa has the well-preserved Fort Aguada. Built by The Portuguese in 1612, it offers superb views. The North’s also known for its churches, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, now a World Heritage Monument, and it’s unique and richly decorated temples. South Goa has its own architectural treasures, such as the antique-filled Perreira-Braganza House, a magnificent 16th-century colonial mansion. In complete contrast the rock carvings at Pansaimol take visitors right back to the pre-historic Mesolithic period.

 

The Mollem National Park, Goa’s largest wildlife sanctuary, is home to leopards, tigers and paradise fly catchers. Situated in the foothills of Western Ghats, it is closer to the resorts of South Goa.

 

Old Goa may technically be in North Goa, but it is on the banks of the Mandovi, so visiting this splendid old colonial capital and UNESCO World Heritage site is easy from North or South.

 

Anyone deciding on North Goa shouldn’t miss Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar.  Twinkling lights oversee the sale of everything from didgeridoos to airline tickets, as well as local food and handicrafts. The North also has Calangute Market, selling textiles, leather goods, jewellery and clothes. In the South, souvenir hunters will find Cuncolim’s craftsmen creating red and green wooden ‘chitaris’.