North Goa: attractions and points of interest

The smallest of the Indian states is famous for its curious corners and unique sights. It can be compared to a casket stuffed with various treasures that delight tourists. Exotic Goa is the most famous resort of India, hosting hundreds of thousands of travelers from all corners of our planet. Here everyone will find something suitable for themselves, and no one will be disappointed by the wonderful journey to the magical place created for the pleasures of life.

Two parts of Goa

The pearl of the Indian coast is divided into two parts, differing from each other. In South Goa, wealthy family tourists rest, and the North loves young people for democratic prices in hotels and a lot of entertainment. Here life rages even at night: fun discos and parties will not let anyone get bored.

It's no exaggeration to say that every traveler's dream is to see the best that North Goa can boast of - attractions! Reviews of tourists who visited the magic corner are full of delight, and this is quite natural.

A popular resort is located on the west coast of India. From the east it is surrounded by the mountains of Western Ghats, most of which are covered by evergreen forests. In the northern part of Goa, there are about 800,000 people who speak a variety of languages.

Climate and weather

North Goa, whose attractions are of great interest to tourists, even in winter it surprises with fine weather, because here reigns a tropical climate. Summer lasts from March to May, and all three months the temperature can reach more than 30 ° C. From June to September, the monsoon season reigns, when a lot of precipitation falls. This weather is not suitable for a beach holiday. After the rainy season, warm autumn comes, and winter lasts from November to February, and even at night the temperature does not drop below 20 ° C. This is the highest tourist season, and it is no accident that the prices for all services and goods of the picturesque resort are significantly increased.

Dudhsagar Waterfall

What attracts tourists to North Goa? The sights created by the nature and the person, are rather various, and their survey will allow to make rest as much as possible sated.

One of the most popular excursions is a trip to the waterfall Dudhsagar (Dudhsagar), located near the virgin nature, which is located near the capital of the state of Panaji. Falling from a height of 310 meters miraculous miracle and the surrounding landscapes are amazing. From the sight of a real water fairy with a lot of small splashes sparkling in the rays of sunlight, breathtaking. Powerful streams of cypress-white color fall from the time-cliffed rocks into the cold lake, where tourists swim, observing that this is one of the most beautiful places on our planet.

Bhagwan Mahavir Nature Reserve

The natural attractions of North Goa can be called the main reasons for acquaintance with it, and the unique reserve "Bhagwan Mahavir" is a confirmation. It is on its territory is a magnificent waterfall, causing a sense of admiration. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is 240 square kilometers of untouched nature civilization. To see all the treasures of the reserve, it is necessary to take a jeep in the forestry park.

Especially popular is the canyon of the Devil, which is a small gorge 50 meters deep. The most beautiful corner formed by the flow of the Khandepar river attracts the gaze with the stone banks and the small but powerful waterfall Arvalam, whose noise is heard a few kilometers away.

Here is the ancient temple of Shri Mahadeva. Performed from basalt, it attracts the gazes of astonished visitors, admiring the carved bas-relief. Due to its remote location, Shri Mahadev Temple has been preserved in excellent condition. Inside the temple is decorated with images of elephants and flowers. This is the only example of the stone architecture of the Kadamba-Yadava dynasty, which India is rightly proud of.

North Goa (attractions confirm this) - a unique corner full of vivid impressions and possessing a magical aura.

Old Goa

Once, Goa was a Portuguese colony, which could not but affect its architectural appearance. Old Goa, which was called the "pearl of India", is located a few kilometers from Panaji. The city, captured by the Portuguese, was very similar to Lisbon, and in size it resembled the major cities of Europe. In the 17th century, the cholera epidemic began, killing more than 150,000 people, and the conquerors were forced to abandon their administrative center. The abandoned city was mostly inhabited by priests and nuns, and now the number of local residents does not exceed five thousand people.

Here are the main religious attractions of North Goa. Excursions to Old Goa will allow you to see how the colonialists lived and what impact they had on the culture of India.

What to see in the religious center?

The Catholic basilica of Jesus the Merciful, made of dark laterite, is a wonderful example of Baroque style in India. Inside the Basilica of Bom Jesus, under the glass cap, are the relics of St. Francis Xavier, who is considered the patron of Goa. They are exhibited only on major religious holidays.

The CE Council is the largest church not only in India, but throughout Asia. The cult building is recognized as the most revered religious monument. The majestic cathedral, dedicated to St. Catherine, appeared in the 16th century. Se Cathedral is famous for the chapel, which is a constantly growing cross, fulfilling the wishes of parishioners and tourists who came to North Goa.

Attractions have made the look of Old Goa unique in the eyes of holidaymakers, and an example is the dome church of Saint Caetan - a real copy of St. Paul's Cathedral, which is in Rome. The Catholic temple is really impressive: a combination of baroque and rococo, basalt gates, carved altars, a pediment with niches, where statues of saints are installed, made the religious monument one of the most popular tourist places. The majestic view of the interior of the Church of St Cajetan is attached to the main dome, through which the windows penetrate a bright light.

Ruins of the Gothic temple

The ruins of St. Augustine's temple are of genuine interest to tourists and archaeologists who find important artifacts. Once there was a Gothic church of the Church of Saint Augustine, but after the prohibition of the Order of the Augustinian, it was destroyed by the Portuguese. All that is now left of its former grandeur is the ruins of a bell tower about 40 meters high and several walls. The atmospheric place, under the protection of UNESCO, is loved by foreign travelers who admit that the remains of a religious monument make the imagination work.

Some temples operate to this day, others have turned into state museums, which is famous for North Goa. You can visit the sights yourself, but it is better to take a guide who will tell in detail about the history of religious monuments. Many tourists are very enthusiastic about the fascinating atmosphere of Old Goa.

North Goa: sights and surroundings

As the locals say, there is one corner within North Goa that is definitely worth a visit. In the state of Karnataka there is a world-famous settlement, which is an architectural complex consisting of monuments of the era of the great Vijayanagara Empire. Since 1987, Hampi has been protected by UNESCO. Here, every stone speaks the language of beauty. The Holy Land makes an indelible impression on everyone who is interested in history and appreciates unique architectural Sheves.

The most magnificent temple of Vittala (Vittala temple), existing since the XVI century, is not completed, but from this it did not become less beautiful. Curiously, when tapping his mini-columns, they produce amazing melodies. The decoration of the building, which is dedicated to Vishnu, is amazing with its unique beauty .

The wall bas-reliefs of the Hazara Rama temple tell about the events of the Ramayana. The pictures of that time come to life on them: the proud horsemen march on elephants, the dancers curl in passionate dance, the horses cheerfully and the soldiers prepare for new fights. On the walls of the Hindu structure, thousands of images of Rama's god flaunt.

The unusual temple of Virupaksha, grown from a small building to the whole complex, is the visiting card of Hampi. Virupaksha temple is an important religious center. Twice a year there are great holidays celebrating Shiva, and for the sake of participation in them pilgrims from all over India cover huge distances.

According to tourists, even a few days is not enough to get acquainted with all the monuments of Hampi, so it's best to come here for a week, and then you can fully enjoy the fantastically beautiful landscape and man-made wonders of the ghost town.

Fort Aguada

North Goa, whose attractions are not limited to natural and religious monuments, has an eventful history. Not far from Candolim is the ancient fort of Aguada, built by the Portuguese. Unfortunately, you will not be able to see it inside, but outside you can admire it for free. The well-preserved Aguada fort, whose walls break straight into the sea, is recognized as a historical treasure. Now the underground part of it is used as a prison for foreign tourists who sold drugs.

Redi Fort

Another fortification is located on the border of two states of Maharashtra and Goa. Red Fort, the exact date of construction of which no one knows, completely overgrown with jungle. Tourists think that the Redi fort, permeated through the green plants, is a single organism with them. Lianas, creeping along the historical monument, intertwine in the most bizarre patterns.

The walls destroyed by the battles were covered with bright tropical flowers, and the excavated ditch next to the fort is no longer visible due to the tall grass. Guests of the magical place express an opinion that this is one of the most peaceful parts of the state called North Goa. Sightseeing, photos of which cause a desire to get there as soon as possible, is a wonderful way to get acquainted with the ancient heritage of the main resort of India.

Popular resort

The resort, the beaches of which are literally occupied by tourists, are gaining popularity every year. People with the most diverse wealth come to the glory to relax and see with their own eyes the man-made and natural monuments that have made the world famous North Goa. Sights (and reviews of the fairytale corner only confirm their importance) allow you to touch the ancient history of the state and feel the greatness of nature-mother.