Discover North Goa

In North Goa, natural attractions sit alongside sites that tell the story of the region’s cultural history. Mangrove channels offer opportunities for wildlife watching, while waterfalls and lakes showcase the landscape; forts, churches and an art museum provide other points of interest. The season and travel arrangements also matter when choosing where to stay, as nesting periods, ferry services and routes affect some visits.

Nature, wildlife and landscapes

The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a protected mangrove ecosystem. Visitors can travel through narrow channels in dugout canoes and observe rare birds and other animals. The sanctuary can be reached by ferry from Ribandar Ferry Wharf; boat operators then take visitors through the marshy channels by canoe. As ferry and boat services may change, check the current arrangements before your visit. The Nature Research Centre is also open to the public.

Morjim Beach is a protected nesting site for olive ridley turtles. During nesting season, forest officers and local volunteers monitor the turtles. The Arvalem Falls are notable for their dimensions: the waterfall is 50 metres high and 7 metres wide. The falls are a popular destination for excursions and picnics, particularly during the monsoon season. Public transport is available from Panaji and Mapusa; check current services locally.

The Arvalem Caves are just a few minutes’ walk from the Arvalem Falls. Traditional interpretations attribute them to Buddhist monks, the Pandavas during their twelve-year exile, or both. Rolling hills, forests and wild cashew trees shape the landscape around Mayem Lake. Vendors around the lake sell coconuts and coconut water, though this seasonal offering may vary.

Forts, views and getting there

Fort Aguada is a testament to Portuguese architecture and engineering, with much of the complex still preserved. The fort offers panoramic views of the sea and the confluence of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. A 4-kilometre road leads uphill from Sinquerim Beach. Alternatively, there is a shorter but steep 2-kilometre footpath. As path conditions may change, check them before your visit.

Chapora Fort is a popular destination, especially in the evening. From there, the view extends across the peninsula, the Chapora River and the beaches of Chapora, Anjuna and Vagator; at sunset, you can also look out over the Arabian Sea. Buses from Mapusa to Anjuna and Vagator stop at the fort. As bus services may change, check the current route before travelling.

Fort Tiracol stands on a hill at the mouth of the Tiracol River, where it meets the Arabian Sea, overlooking the confluence. Historically, it became an important military bastion and the first line of defence for Portuguese Goa. Reaching it requires a ferry ride; check current ferry options locally.

Reis Magos Fort offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape and now serves as a cultural centre as well as a major tourist attraction. It was built in 1551 as the first line of defence for Velha Goa, expanded several times, and completely rebuilt in 1707. It subsequently served as a military fortress. Reis Magos Church was the first church built in Bardez Taluka; it features a polychrome wooden relief of the Three Wise Men.

Churches and art

In Old Goa, the Basilica de Bom Jesus preserves the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier in a silver coffin. Se Cathedral is one of the town’s notable churches. The Museum of Christian Art houses Indo-Portuguese Christian art, as well as sculptures, paintings, ivory, furniture and textiles. Much of the collection was created by local artists and craftspeople, including traditional Hindu artists. Check the museum’s opening hours separately.

In the wider destination of Goa, the churches and convents comprise seven monuments. Their architecture, sculpture and painting influenced the development of these arts in Catholic missionary countries in Asia.

Discover more destinations: Candolim, Arpora, Bardez, Anjuna, Baga, Alto Porvorim, Morjim, Mapusa, Parra, Bambolim, Calangute, Penha-De-Franca, Taleigao, Mandrem, Saligao, Arambol, Nerul, Siolim, Ponda, Velha Goa, Chopdem, Goltim, Bicholim, Vainguinim, Marna, Nachinola, Assonora, Vagator, Moira, Bastora, Curca, Oxel, Rachol, Torxem, Corlim, Aldona, Revora, Ribandar, Codal, Agaçaim, Sanquelim, Querim, Bodiem, Shiroda

For the overview of the wider destination: Goa.