Spanning from the village of Sanverdam clear up to the northern border of the state, the North Goa district is what most people think of when they think of Goa. It’s home to the capital city, Panaji, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Goa, making it a great base for history buffs. While some may argue that South Goa actually has better beaches, many of the places to eat and stay—and things to do—in North Goa are clustered around its many beach towns.
The most popular time to visit North Goa is around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays when there are loads of parties and big crowds. However, the high season runs from October through early March and the weather is typically pleasant. April and May can be hot. Visitor numbers dwindle during the rainy June–September monsoon season, and while businesses used to close during this time, a growing domestic travel market means that more spots are staying open year-round.
The easiest and most popular way to get around North Goa is to rent a motor scooter or motorcycle. Scooters are widely available to rent through most hotels and travel agents. Self-drive cars are another option, though they are expensive. While auto-rickshaws are virtually nonexistent outside of some cities, taxis are common; however, the local union is strong and price-gouging is common. Ride-hailing apps such as Ola and Uber don’t work in Goa.
Many first-time visitors to North Goa aren’t aware that it encompasses a pretty big area, and it can take a long time to get from place to place, even when there’s not much traffic. As such, it’s wise to research where you want to stay depending on what kind of activities you’re most interested in. For example, choose Panaji for historic sites and proximity to Old Goa, or book accommodation in Arambol if you’re more into meeting backpackers and low-key partying.
