Every individual travels for different reasons. Some to escape the daily mundane and others to discover new places or even themselves. Goa, as a State, caters to whatever you are seeking.
North Goa has much more to offer than just nightclubs, lapping waves and bustling beach shacks. While these remain crowd-pullers, there are many other attractions scattered in the land that shouldn’t be missed. Here’s a list to guide you during your Goa sojourn.
1. MARVEL AT THE MAE DE DEUS CHURCH
If you have already admired the gorgeous churches at the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Old Goa on a previous visit, you might want to dive into the rich history and the stunning features of the Mae de Deus Church in Saligao.
Driving down Chogm Road, even from a distance, you will catch a glimpse of a church with spikes pointing upward. This church, dedicated to the Mother of Jesus, was built in 1873 and showcases the Neo-Gothic architectural style that leaves visitors spellbound with its complex design.
2. LOSE YOURSELF IN THE MAPUSA MARKET MAZE
If you look closely, there are many places which are made up of unique aspects that add to their charm. One of the best places to experience and find out what gives Goa that spicy kick are her markets, the safe-keepers of all the hushed culinary secrets.
Whether it’s the random encounters or the streets stacked with all kinds of produce ranging from vegetables to earthenware to little trinkets, you find it all around you as soon as you step into the Mapusa Market in North Goa. It’s a maze you wouldn’t mind getting lost in.
Even with your eyes shut, the sounds of vendors loudly listing their produce, customers bargaining, pigeons flapping their wings and the smell of the sausages from the nearby lane, everything around you fills your senses.
Apart from all that you can purchase from this market, there’s a pulse and rhythm that triggers something within you to make you feel more alive. Check it out yourself and do it on Mapusa's weekly market day, which is Friday.
3. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE HISTORIC FORTRESS OF AGUADA
Around 17 km from the capital city of Panjim, is the Fortress of Aguada, a Portuguese-era structure, in Sinquerim, that overlooks the Arabian Sea.
With its weathered stone walls steeped in history and a lighthouse that once was a beacon of hope for those at sea, this historic defensive base is an unmissable tourist hotspot today.
Wrapped in serenity, this massive fort allows you to soak in some of the most breathtaking sunsets. And, while you take in this immersive experience, you can also head to the Aguad Port & Jail Complex nearby to check out the interactive museum that lets you further into the stories of the past.
4. RIDE A FERRY TO CHORAO ISLAND
Want to catch a glimpse of the authentic Goa? The final recommendation for your short Goa adventure is Chorao Island that still preserves its charm.
Surrounded by marshy wetlands and mangroves, this island is home to the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary where you and your friends can game up to spot otters, cranes and other creatures of the wild. There’s also the chapel of St Jeronimus and other village sites to explore.
But, the best part is how you get to the island. Taking you across the Mandovi, you’ll need to hop onto one of Goa’s unique modes of water transport, the blue ferry boats. As you enjoy the ride, the calming waters will soothe you and before you know it, the boat will dock at a village waiting to be explored.
Now that you’ve gone through this list, pack your bags and embark on your adventure!