Well Known and Offbeat Attractions of North Goa

North Goa is full of tourist delights, known, the not so known, and the offbeat ones. Whether it’s enjoying the legendary sun, sand, surf experience, letting down your hair at some high voltage discotheque or other nightclub, North Goa is amazing!

From lazing around in a beach shack and gorging on delectable local cuisines, or exploring the eclectic sightseeing scene, North Goa simply spoils you for choice. Come, sample some of the highly satiating experiences that you can look forward to on a trip to North Goa.

Baga-Calangute Beaches

A sizeable chunk of the popularity of the Goa tourism industry is due to the Baga-Calangute beaches. Baga and Calangute are different beaches but owing to their close proximity, it is often difficult to precisely demarcate the two. 

Without doubt, these are the most crowded of all beaches in Goa. Whether it’s the large number of shacks, water sport options, masseuses, and vendors selling different knick knacks, you will find a sea of humanity pouring onto these beaches. Goes without saying that if you are a lazy beach bum who likes to do a bit of people watching over a beer or two, then these are the beaches for you. Baga is a little less crowded than Calangute.

Houses of Goa Museum

This museum is designed to look like a ship. Gerard de Cunha, a celebrated architect from Goa created the Houses of Goa Museum and the result is for all to see. It’s a great place for a sneak peek into the nuances of old houses in Goa as well as some culture and history. The most famous exhibits include a strange old hat stand, French windows, and extremely rare postcards that go way back to the 1900s. It is located in Bardez, bang in the middle of the road.

Ashvem Beach

Serenity and tranquility are also as much a part of Goa tourism as is electrifying excitement and fun and frolic. Well, Ashvem beach provides you a beautiful escapade from the sometimes maddening crowds of North Goa. The clean white sands and the balmy waters of the sea ensure a memorable time. There are also some restaurants and shacks at different areas of the beach. So inspite of being laid back, the beach does offer its fine share of refreshments and facilities.

Secretariat Building

Fancy yourself as a history buff? Relish that sweeping wave of nostalgia for an era gone by? Well, take a walk back in time at the Secretariat Building. It was built in the 16th Century and is said to be the oldest building in town. It has seen lots of history. Starting as the palace of Adil Shah, the Muslim ruler, it was turned into the Viceroy’s official residence in 1759 A.D. Nowadays, it is home to boring government offices but the old world charm refuses to fade away.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

No discussion on Goa tourism can be complete without a reference to Basilica of Bom Jesus. With the exception of its gilded altars and floor inlaid with precious stones, this is one of the most unpretentious of cathedrals in Goa. The silver casket with the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier is its main claim to fame. The saint’s life has been beautifully depicted through paintings adorning the walls.

Author Bio: Chandralekha is a Travel enthusiast currently working for ixigo.com. She also writes for irctc railway reservation, pnr status and everything else related to Indian railways.