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Beach in North Goa

North Goa v/s South Goa: Where To Stay? (2024)

Home to some of the best tourist destinations in India, Goa occupies a place in everyone’s bucket list attracting visitors from both India and outside. Assumed to be a city, or at least talked of as a city, Goa is actually a state and that also the smallest one in India. Goa was the colony of the Portuguese unlike the rest of India which was the colony of the Britishers. Because of this, the art and culture of the state is highly influenced and derives their uniqueness from their roots

Originally a union territory since its creation, Goa officially became a state on the 30th of May in the year 1987. For easier management and execution, Goa was divided into two districts soon after its recognition as a State. These two districts came to be known as South Goa and North Goa. Panjim is the headquarters of North Goa and is also its capital state whereas Margao is the headquarters of South Goa. Both Panjim and Margao are the landing points of the state and all the transportation routes lead from them to the other parts.

Exploring North Goa

The North of Goa is more famous for its tourist destinations whereas the South of Goa is more preferred for having a more authentic, traditional style Goan holiday. Famous for its sandy beaches and various other tourist sites, North Goa attracts visitors from all around the globe. Home to Old Goa which was the real, authentic Portuguese settlement, North Goa comprises architectural masterpieces influenced by Portuguese art and culture that can be seen in the construction of most of its cathedrals, churches, and heritage homes. Owing to the presence of so many explorable places and beaches, North Goa is more popular among the masses. This has also led to the flourishing of a great number of local businesses in and around North Goa.

Exploring South Goa

South Goa, on the other hand, houses less crowded and less commercialized beaches in its land and is preferred more by the people seeking a comparatively calmer holiday experience. As North Goa is more industrialized and crowded, it offers more budget-friendly accommodations, flooding experience with cheaper markets, nightclubs, party spots, casinos, and many more.

It is for all these reasons that some prefer South Goa over North Goa stating it to be quieter and less busy. South Goa on the other hand provides them with an expensive but more peaceful, more relaxing, and more luxurious holiday.

Although Goa is the smallest state in India when it comes to its exploration, there is a massive difference between the North and the South Goa. With so many options to explore, we usually get confused, which one to choose? The unending uncertainty of deciding between South Goa and North Goa is similar to the conundrum of a lifetime. Which one is better than the other and why? These are the exact questions that we all ask while planning our trip to Goa. While both the divisions are unique in their own ways, the choice of North Goa v/s South Goa depends highly on the visitor’s preferences and interests.

North Goa v/s South Goa: Where To Stay?

Let us discuss some of these key differences in detail which will help you in deciding which division to visit and why:

1. The Beaches:

Home to some of the most popular beaches around the globe, India’s hippest city Goa is one of the most visited destinations in India because of its sandy creations of nature and the parties hosted on them.

  • Beaches in North Goa: North Goa consists of Vagator Beach, Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, and Calangute Beach which are the perfect party destinations for all the party animals of the world. Dazzling parties munch worthy street food and water sports are some of the key highlights of the beaches of North Goa. Being so popular among the masses, these beaches are a little crowded and make for the perfect spot for noise lovers.
  • Beaches in South Goa: Soul Soothing Secluded Beaches are the main attraction of South Goa. Unlike the North Goa beaches, these are not crowded and provide a quiet and pristine experience during the visit. Palolem Beach, Majorda Beach, and Butterfly Beach are some of the popular ones where you can enjoy an exquisite experience. You can also visit the perfectly romantic Tiswadi Island which is among the best beaches in the South of Goa.

2. The Heritages:

Apart from the popular golden beaches, Goa is also famous for its catholic buildings comprising of alluring architecture. Inspired by the Portuguese style, the churches and the convents immortalize the history of Goa. Undoubtedly, we all get curious to know which division boasts of a more prolific layout of the structures.

  • North Goa: The less explored attractions of North Goa are constructed amidst picturesque settings which makes them even more tempting for the tourists. After visiting these artistic structures, you will get the feeling that you are in some Portuguese colony. Church of St. Lawrence, Church of St. Catherine, and St. Antony’s Church are some of the places to visit in North Goa.
  • South Goa: The famed tourist spots of South Goa are very alike to the churches of North Goa, except they are newer than them. The arched interiors of these monuments shower the explorer with ecstasy by their sheer magnificence. Our Lady of Hope Church, Rachol Seminary, Velim Church, and Three Kings Church are some of the famous churches to visit in South Goa. South Goa is also popular for some of the famous temples like Shri Mangesh Temple, Shri Shantadurga Temple, Mahalakshmi Temple, Nagesh Temple and Mahalasa Narayani Temple.

3. The Cuisines:

How can we mention Goa and not talk about its tasty food? The finest delicacies of the cuisines of Goa, loaded with seafood and pepper cannot be missed while visiting Goa. They are the ones that actually complete your Goan experience.

  • North Goa: Famous for its tangy taste, North Goan street food is a staircase to heaven. A wide range of hotels and shacks on the beaches serve tasty and delicious Goan food in North Goa. Feni, Goa’s special Kaju drink is their specialty. Matsya Freestyle Kitchen and Fellini’s Pizza are great choices for tasting the famous seafood and calzones of Goa.
  • South Goa: The scrumptious dishes served in the restaurants of South Goa always leave you asking for more. The mouthwatering delicacies enjoyed while basking on the sandy shores are a treat to your taste buds. Martin’s Corner and The Village Square are the ideal destinations to try the amazing and authentic Goan food which will definitely soothe your taste buds.

4. The Nightlife:

Considered the most happening place in India, Goa is extremely popular for its nightlife and invites people from all over the globe to enjoy and party hard at the sand-filled beaches. Doesn’t matter in which part of Goa you are in, the foot-tapping sounds and the flickering lights will undoubtedly attract you towards themselves.

  • North Goa: Considered the Party Animal’s Paradise, North Goa is home to a lot of unending beach parties which are known for making your nights a hundred times brighter than the days. Youngsters love to groove to the sound and music of these parties amidst the flickering lights of the disco. Tito’s Club and Cafe Mamo’s are some of the best nightclubs in North Goa to enjoy Goan nightlife.
  • South Goa: Famous for its lounges, South Goa is home to a number of elite parties. You can host amazing private parties under your own personal shed or join a public one hosted by your luxurious resort. Silent Noise Club and Leopard Valley are some of the best places to party in South Goa.

5. The Accommodations:

Goa has excellent accommodation facilities in every part of its land owing to its popularity. These accommodations come in all sizes and shapes according to your budget and taste. From budget-friendly to luxury-oriented, Goa has a lot to offer in this domain.

  • North Goa: Dedicated to providing pocket-friendly accommodations, North Goa offers you a great number of affordable hotels and beach shacks to take care of you as well as your pocket. The view and the food at these hotels are mind-blowing and extremely affordable. Casa Vagator, Naked Space Boutique Hotel, Calamari Beach Shack, and S2 Beach Shack are some of the best places to stay in North Goa.
  • South Goa: If you are a lover of luxury and lifestyle then South Goa is the place for you. Enriched with facilities such as a spa, Jacuzzi, and private shacks, South Goa hotels have a lot to offer. These lavish hotels are a perfect choice to enjoy the fun-filled yet class-oriented lifestyle of Goa. The HQ, The Beach Hut Booking, and the Nest are some of the best luxury hotels to stay in South Goa.

The question of whether to stay at North Goa or at South Goa is very difficult to answer and will always bother the mind of the visitor but the correct answer lies in the desires and preferences of the man. These points will come in handy in making your choice a little bit easier.

FAQs for Tourists Planning to Visit Goa:

Q1. Which Is The Best Beach In Goa For Families?

Ans: Calangute, Colva, Palolem, and Baga are some of the best beaches in Goa for families.

Q2. What Are Some Of The Best Things To Buy From Goa?

Ans: Goa is famous for its cashew nuts and Feni. These two are the best things to buy from Goa.

Q3. What Are Some Of The Activities That Can Be Done In South Goa?

Ans: Some of the activities that can be done in South Goa are: parasailing, beach camping, butterfly beach hiking, and water skiing.

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