PLAN THE BEST GOA TRIP ITINERARY, WITH THESE MUST VISIT PLACES AND THINGS TO DO IN NORTH GOA.
Goa is one of the best holiday destinations in India. From beautiful beaches, best places to eat, adventure sports, museum, churches, temples , you name it, and Goa has it. It caters to everyone tastes, and perhaps that is why, one visit to Goa is never enough. Here are a few offbeat as well as regular places to visit, and things to do in your Goa trip, to make it a memorable one.
1. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Goa is one of the best bird sanctuaries in India. It is in river Mandovi’s Chorao island. To reach the island, you need to take the ferry from Ribander ferry.
The ferry service starts at 6am, and the frequency is good. You can take your vehicle in the ferry and park it outside the bird sanctuary.
The best time to visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is in the morning from 6:30am to 8:30am and the best months are from October to February.
You will be greeted by Kingfishers, Storks, Egrets, Brahminy kites, Cormorants, which are some of the most common birds in Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
There is an entry ticket, post which you can explore the bird sanctuary by foot, or by boat. The boat ride is one of the best experiences as you can spot more birds, observe them better, and if you are into bird photography, then you can get some very awesome bird pictures.
There are no cafe’s inside the bird sanctuary, and you will easily spend upto three hours there. Ensure you carry your water and some fruits with you. And also keep yourself protected from the sun. Wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglass.
The peace that you will experience in The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary proves that man needs to connect with nature and take breaks from the hustle bustle of the city. It also makes us feel how important it is to conserve nature and keep our environment clean and protected.
Watch the Salim Ali bird Sanctuary in the video from 0:43.
2. Fort Aguada.
Fort Aguada is one of the must visit places in Goa. There is an entry ticket, post which you are allowed inside.
The Upper fort Aguada, which consists of the old lighthouse and an underground water storage tank, is extremely scenic and you get an uninterrupted view of the ocean.
Watch it in the video above from the duration 10:51.
3. Lower Fort Aguada and Sinquerim Beach.
Lower Fort Aguada is a slightly offbeat place to visit. It’s entry is next to Taj Aguada, and it is not too crowded.
The lower Fort Aguada offers stunning views of the Sinquerim beach. As the azure water lash on to the rocks, nature’s beauty leaves you amazed.
There is also a small trek down the lower fort aguada, but it is slightly dangerous, as the narrow trail is quite slippery. But if you can trek down, then there is a sea cave called Kaurati Cave or Devil’s finger which you can explore.
Watch the lower Fort Aguada in the video from 11:51.
4. Houses of Goa Museum.
If you like architecture, then visit this very unique looking museum called Houses of Goa. It’s a great place to visit with family and friends where you can see how architecture evolved over the centuries. You will also get to know about goan architecture. Traditional goan houses have mother of pearl shell in their windows. Houses are an expression of oneself. That is why we take so much effort in it’s looks and decor. The passion one puts in building their house, is seen in goan houses, which are simple and so beautiful.
5. Mario Miranda Gallery and Shop.
Just next to the Houses of Goa museum, is this fairytale looking cottage which is a museum and also a shop dedicated to the famous artist Mario Miranda. Mario illustrations of the daily goan life, are brought to life with mementos and larger than life models. A trip to goa is incomplete without Mario’s souvenirs and cashewnuts.
The Mario Miranda Gallery and Shop is better experienced in person, but you can take a look at it in the video above from the duration 12:44
6. Dolphin Tour in Coco Beach.
This is certainly one of the best things to do in North Goa. The boat cruise is a lovely experience. When you go there in the morning, you’ll get to see the dolphins jump out of water for a few seconds, and that’s enough to make it one of the most memorable moments for the rest of your life.
During the dolphin tour you will also get to see the Millionaire’s Palace from the sea, which is owned by a diamond merchant. This became famous after the bollywood movie Haseena Maan jaayegi was shot here.
Then you also get to see Fort Aguada from the sea, during the Dolphin tour.
Since most places to visit in goa are outdoor, it is best to cover these tourist attractions in goa in the morning or in the evening. As the sun is too bright. Also, keep yourself hydrated, carry a bottle of water with you at all times and you can also have some coconut water.
7. Chapora Fort.
Sunset views from the Chapora Fort are one of the must see things in North Goa. You get a bird’s eye view of the shimmering beach, and the sun looks like a plum, as it fades into the horizon.
The Chapora fort got famous and is the list of best things to see in goa, after the superhit bollywood cult movie Dil Chahta Hai was shot here. Such is the power of that movie, that even after decades, it still inspires friends and families to get together for a goa trip. And also makes Chapora Fort a lovely experience.
8. Parra Road.
The Parra road got extremely famous after the bollywood movie Dear Zindagi was shot here. It is one of the most picturesque and insta-worthy road in Goa.
Lined with Coconut trees on both sides, this place looks magical during sunrise and sunset, and makes for stunning pictures.
9. Fontainhas.
Fontainhas has these beautiful and very colourful Portugese villas, that make the narrow lanes look like a magazine cover. This is also an insta-worthy place in Goa. You can make memories, just walking down the lanes, taking pictures and having some very good food at the cafe.
Goa is one place to enjoy, with both family as well as friends. It gives you that much needed break, and you’ll feel refreshed amidst nature and so much of greenery.