Last Updated on April 5, 2023 by asoulwindow

NORTH GOA: YOUR QUICK & EASY GUIDE IN TO THE HEART OF INDIA’S PARTY CAPITAL PLUS AN ITINERARY

WHY GO TO NORTH GOA? 

Goa is the smallest state of India. Yet every few kilometers the character of this beautiful land changes. There are quieter havens in Goa but North Goa has retained the undisputed status of ‘Party capital of India’ where the only time people sleep is in the afternoon, for their mandatory ‘susegad’ (Afternoon nap). North Goa is the most popular Goan retreat especially for the first timers and for those whose idea of a great time is dancing away to loud music at a shack by the beach at 3 a.m.

As a child growing up in nondescript small towns of mofussil India, Goa was the stuff my fantasies were woven of. Adulthood came with financial freedom and opportunities to turn fantasies into reality. After I landed up a job in Mumbai, access to Goa has been a cushy perk. Many of my friends from Pune find it easy to go to Goa too.

The flights on this route are cheap. Thanks to good air connectivity, it takes very little time to reach Goa from Pune or Mumbai.  No wonder, I made 8 trips to different parts of Goa in a span of 6 years discovering different aspects of the most unique Indian state. It certainly boosts my ego when Hotel owners, vehicle rental owners and restaurant waiters recognize me and wave at me even if I visit the place after a gap of 1 year!

BAGA BEACH – TOP PLACE TO SEE IN NORTH GOA

Baga Beach has the liveliest shacks and offers an amazing variety of international cuisines. Facing the swim friendly beach, the shacks are operational till the wee hours. There’s a lot you can do at Baga beach. Get a tattoo(Permanent/temporary) done, try the many water sports, shop for knick knacks, swim in crystal clear waters, read a book, work on your tan, make new friends, binge on lip smacking food, get drunk (How can you not!), indulge in karaoke night or impress your better half with a late night al fresco candle light dinner often accompanied by live acrobats and breezy air. Baga and Calangute beaches are efficiently patrolled by baywatchers and rescue workers.

CALANGUTE BEACH – TOP PLACE TO SEE IN NORTH GOA

Calangute beach is the sister beach of Baga. You will not even realize when Baga ends and Calangute starts. Yet it’s easy to differentiate both beaches at their tail ends. Calangute is as good as Baga beach but a bit more crowded. Rest, it offers everything which Baga does. A leisurely sunset walk by the beach from Baga’s tail end to Calangute’s is rejuvenating.

ANJUNA BEACH – TOP PLACE TO SEE IN NORTH GOA

The scenic Anjuna beach is an easy 6 kms (3.5 miles), 15 minutes ride away from Baga and Calangute beach. Anjuna is better known for its parties, picturesque beaches guarded by hills and lastly for its Wednesday flea market. A sunset dinner at the sea facing restaurant at the hill top completes the Anjuna trip.

Do dine at the restaurant Shoonya when in Anjuna. It offers some of the best wood fired pizzas and burgers apart from some gourmet continental food, Italian food, North Indian and even Mughlai food. Beverages and alcoholic drinks are also available at Shoonya, Anjuna.

Address of Shoonya, Anjuna: Shoonya, Soranto Vado, Beach Road, Anjuna, Goa.

WHERE TO STAY IN NORTH GOA

SOME COOL, ECONOMICAL AND STRATEGICALLY LOCATED STAY OPTIONS

LUXURY HOTEL AND RESORT IN NORTH GOA

Estrela do mar beach resort : Conveniently located at KhobraVaddo, Calangute, it is just 1 kilometer away from Baga Beach and 500 meters away from Our Lady of Piety Chapel. Most places of attractions are at walking distance from here. It is just 41 km (approx.) away from Goa International Airport and 50 km (approx.) from Margao Railway Station. It boasts of a variety of rooms such as beach cottage, Swiss cottages, standard, luxury, executive, family. Rooms are air conditioned and stocked with tea/coffee maker, mini bar, color television, safe, and telephone. What’s more, you can also expect live performances. Think banjo, tabla, guitar, sitar, Rajasthani folk dance, Goan dance, movies, DJ nights, the works! Address – KhobraVaddo, Calangute, Bardez Goa – 403516, Goa.

BUDGET HOTEL IN NORTH GOA

Hacienda Hotel : What attracts me here time and again is the very warm owners, no nonsense accommodation, amazing proximity to all places of attractions and reasonable tariffs. It also has a cozy garden, ideal for breakfasts and lazy book readings. You can return to the room at any time, even at 3 a.m. On the flipside, the restaurant menu is very limited but you don’t mind since most of the pubs, restaurants, discos, bars and beaches are hardly 5-10 minutes walk from the hotel. Its run by Mrs.Lobo, her husband and her son. They make a great host and will even guide you around without you asking for it! That said, be warned it is not a luxury property.

Contact :Bardez, Baga Beach Road, Calangute, Goa, India . Phone : 0832 227 7348

Shelsta Hotel at Calangute is another of North Goa’s affordable hotels. The rooms are cozy, comfortable and you have the option of AC and non AC rooms. The location is its best advantage as its walking distance from all the major attractions. Owner Ms. Sheila is an ever smiling helpful host

Contact : C/o Subway, Cobravaddo, Calangute-Baga Road, Bardez, Goa, Calangute, GA, India.

BEST PLACES TO EAT VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN FOOD IN NORTH GOA

GO SLURRP HAPPY IN GOA:

Brittos: Brittos remains the most popular shack on Baga stretch. Often frequented by Indian celebrities, it is known for its sea food and an upbeat vibe. Though a bit pricier than its counterparts, a visit is a must to Baga’s most popular shack. Despite the fact that it’s the largest shack at Baga, it can often become difficult to get a table here. For vegans, salads and some basic pasta, pizzas save the day.

Shree Sagar, Calangute, Goa. : If you are craving for some Indian food or are on a shoestring budget, then Shree Sagar on the main Baga-Calangute road is your ideal find. Not only the food is good and hygienic but it’s one of the cheapest restaurants you will find in the location. A breakfast of South Indian Idli/Dosa/Utthapa is a must. It’s also good for North Indian cuisine. The seating is comfortable but don’t expect much of an ambience.

Infantaria : It’s easy to miss this gem of a restaurant on Baga-Calangute road. But the owner has ensured you take notice with their huge “ALL DAY DINING” banner. It’s great for Italian food but the lesser popular Goan dishes will leave you asking for more. You can round off a sumptuous meal with Goan dessert Bebinca and few glasses of Feni, the local liquor.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GOA

Our Lady of Immaculaate Conception Church is Panaji has an ancient bell which was removed from the Augustinian ruins of the Church of Our Lady Of Grace!

Follow me on Instagram for free travel stories and pictures from around the world!

THINGS TO CARRY IN NORTH GOA:

Goa is a backpacker’s delight. All you need to carry is few clothes, flip flops, a camera, sun block and an open mind.

HOW TO REACH NORTH GOA:

Many cheap flights run to Goa from Pune and Mumbai. Thanks to the geographical advantage, one can fly to Goa from Pune and Mumbai on a whim. There have been many instances where I have just showed up in Goa in one day’s notice,sans any planning.

GETTING AROUND WITHIN GOA

Cheapest (but time consuming) way to reach Baga is taking a bus. Taxis are expensive. Best way is hire and self drive a scooter (Honda Activa available for as low as Rs.200/day), Royal Enfields, open jeeps, cars. Not only are they economical, they give you the liberty of enjoying the Goan streets at your own pace and whims. They are easily available at road sides and rentals are always negotiable.

MONEY AND TIPPING IN NORTH GOA

Thanks to the huge foreign footfalls, it’s easy to exchange foreign currency in Goa. ATMs are commonplace too. A 10% Tipping is highly appreciable since the waiting staff at most Goan restaurants are attentive, quick, cheerful and friendly.

SAFETY TIPS FOR NORTH GOA

Goa is largely safe. I have often loitered around Goan streets and beaches as late as 3 a.m. To 4 a.m. without losing my money or limbs. Still some stray cases of rapes and drug trafficking is reported every few years. Stay away from pimps, dubious drug paddlers. Roaming in group late night shall see you through. Be wary of touts approaching at you promising wild parties and Russian dancers.

A 3 DAY ITINERARY OF NORTH GOA

DAY 1–OF 3 DAYS ITINERARY OF NORTH GOA

Reach Estrela do mar beach resort, relax. Hit Baga and Calangute beaches. Take it easy the first day as most places of attraction can be covered on foot. Walk and explore the nearby area maybe shopping on the way from road side vendors. Indulge in lunch and dinner on one of the sea facing shacks. Take a bare foot walk by the beach from Baga to Calangute. Don’t hire a vehicle yet but check and negotiate vehicle rental rates for next day. Check out party scene in Tito n Mambo, the discos, walking distance away.

DAY 2 OF 3 DAYS ITINERARY OF NORTH GOA

Get wet in the beaches. Go food hopping or pub crawling. Indulge in water sports. Get drunk. Have a susegad (afternoon nap). Wake up. Repeat! Stay till late night on Baga/Calangute beach.

DAY 3 OF 3 DAYS ITINERARY OF NORTH GOA

Time to get sober and a bit romantic! Experience sunrise at Baga/Calangute beaches. Have lunch/evening snacks at Anjuna Beach. Return and stay till late night on Calangute beach, indulging in a more sober al fresco candle light dinner. A must!

Tip – You can also visit Alorna Fort, Amthane Dam and Ancestral Goa Museum

Over-tourism in North Goa

Here is the flipside of over-tourism in North Goa.

I was heartbroken to see Baga and Calangute in such a bad state. I had passionately loved North Goa, especially Baga Beach. Out of my 11 trips in Goa so far, Baga and other places in North Goa have been my top favourites. I had many ‘firsts’ here since 2008. Its close to my heart.

But I was heartbroken to see it over crowded by the wrong type of people. It was not even season when I visited and yet the unruly crowds – (sadly mostly misbehaved Indians) had taken over the beach.

My favorite Haceinda Homestay now had ugly plastic canopies (More business). Mrs Lobo, the owner, was no where to be seen. The lovely bright yellow walls of the homestay are now replaced by bland white. Like no one cares.
There was dirt on the road. The cane chairs with candles on each tables were replaced by ugly plastic chairs.

This was not the North Goa I loved so passionately. This was not the Goa I wanted to return back to after 5 years. It is killed by over Tourism mostly from North India.

Goa is like home to me. And when I visited home after 5 years I found many spider webs all across and lot of dust. And few screams which no one heard. I wanted to leave Baga the moment I stepped out of 2 very nice pubs. This is the first time I lost one home. A home I would not want to return to.

My solo budget stay at Palolem Beach and Patnem beach were like a dream. I love those places now. But I am scared to call them my home. What if……

The view from my #SoulWindow is upbeat!

Spread the love, share this blog

Got any question/comments, ask in the comment section below so that it can benefit other readers.

Email me for collaboration : [email protected]

Be a part of my journey on social media. The travel content I create there is different from this blog.

Pls subscribe/follow/like:

You Tube

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

WARNING : COPYRIGHT TO ALL THE IMAGES AND TEXT HERE REMAINS WITH ME. YOU CAN NOT JUST LIFT THE CONTENT AND USE IT WITHOUT MY PERMISSION. STRICT LEGAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IF CONTENT IS STOLEN. YES, I AM SERIOUS.