North Goa Local Sightseeing Tour

North Goa is the tourism hub of Goa. You can witness the golden beaches, majestic forts, flea markets, shacks, nightlife, and spectacular holy shrines. The rocky and sandy beaches, secluded hillocks, and Bohemian vibe also attract tourists. On your one day North Goa local sightseeing tour you can spend time on its world-renowned beaches.

North Goa offers activities like kayaking, dolphin spotting, banana boat ride, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and spirituality. Calangute Beach is the most popular beach in North Goa and is often referred to as the “Queen of Beaches”. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. Baga Beach is another popular spot in Goa for tourists, as it is home to a number of bars, restaurants, and eateries.

You can book a relaxed one day North Goa local sightseeing tour by hiring a private cab. It will be a great way to release your daily stress and exhaustion.

Places to visit in North Goa

One of the Mysore places to visit in one day must include the majestic Mysore Palace. Standing tall and royal, the palace is the official residence of the Wadiyars who are the royal family of Mysore. Over time, the palace has undergone several renovations to maintain its structure. A perfect example of the Indo-Saracenic architecture, which showcases the Islamic, Rajput, Hindu, and Gothic styles, you can also take a tour inside the palace to understand the palace and enrich yourself with a quick history lesson. 

Fort Aguada

Constructed in the 17th century, Fort Aguada is a Portuguese fort that highlights Italian and Portuguese military architecture. It is strategically located at the mouth of the Mandovi River. More than 400 years old, it has the biggest water reservoir in Asia. The massive fort, steeped in history, offers splendid sea views. You can also witness the ancient lighthouse which is one of its kind in Asia and a series of prison cells in the fort. Another prominent feature is the freshwater spring. It is a place to be and a great stop on this one-day tour by private car.

• Must See / Things to Do: Explore the rich history of the Goan region.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee: Free

Calangute Beach

Referred to as the ‘Queen of the Beaches in Goa’, Calangute is a nice and popular beach with plenty of water sports. You can indulge in adventure activities like parasailing, snorkeling, and windsurfing. 

Stretching from Candolim to Baga, Calangute Beach is the longest beach in North Goa. You can even shop in the buzzing street market. Scrumptious food and soothing drinks are easily available at the food kiosks on the beach. You can purchase junk jewelry, pawns, and trinkets at throwaway prices. This enchanting attraction on this one-day sightseeing tour is a must-see.

• Must See / Things to Do: Spend some time enjoying enthralling activities with your loved ones
• Timings: Open on all days of the week
• Entry Fee: Free

St. Alex Church

Located in Curtorim, St. Alex Church is a pristine white church, surrounded by giant palm trees. One of the oldest in Goa, it is also the 1st chapel church. The grand structure stands by the Angoddi Tollem, one of the 5 pristine lakes in Curtorim. 

Another highlight of the Church is the Indian style of ‘Cupola Falsa’ architecture. Its peaceful environment generates positive and relaxed vibes. You can visit it on Christmas Eve to behold the floating crib in the lake.

• Must See / Things to Do: Witness the grand architecture of the Church.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM. Mass timings are for Monday to Friday – 6:45 AM and 7:45 PM (Konkani), Saturday – 6:45 AM, 6:00 PM and 7:45 PM (Konkani), Sunday – 6:15 AM, 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM (Konkani) ; 8:45 AM (English)
• Entry Fee: Free

Baga Beach

Although it is more popular for its late-night parties and celebrations, you can spend an exciting day on Baga beach. It is well-organized with ample parking and also well-maintained. You can try thrilling water sports like parasailing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, dolphin trip, scuba diving, banana ride, water skiing, water scooter, windsurfing, kite surfing, river cruise, and motorboat ride.

Other attractions include an indoor snow park, tattoo parlors, shacks, tarot, palmistry shops, and sun decks. One should not miss this fascinating attraction on this one-day sightseeing trip by private taxi.

• Must See / Things to Do: Explore the laid-back ambiance and fun Goan attitude while relaxing by the beach.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week 
• Entry Fee: Free

Vagator Beach

Vagator Beach is a secluded beach with soft white sands and imposing rocky red cliffs. It is known for its beach shacks and trance parties and draws crowds from all over. It is a clean and beautiful beach where you can buy local trinkets, take a leisurely walk on the beach, and play water sports.

Surrounded by palm trees, it is also a haven for shoppers. It is well-known for local handicrafts and clothes. You can savor food from the cafés and eateries.

• Must See / Things to Do: Unwind on the beach with your loved ones and spend time shopping for local stuff
• Timings: Open on all days of the week 
• Entry Fee: Free

Chapora Fort

Chapora Fort was constructed in 1717 by the Portuguese. It is also known as the ‘Dil Chahta Hai Fort’ since it was featured in the Bollywood blockbuster. You can take the 10-minute steep climb to the ruins of the ancient fort and enjoy undulating views of the surroundings. This historic site is a must-visit on this same-day sightseeing tour by private car.

Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Chapora Fort offers excellent views of the Vagator beach at sunrise and sunset. Professional and personal photo shooting in the Chapora Fort is a popular activity. You can capture amazing pictures and create wonderful memories with your family, friends, or spouse.

• Must See / Things to Do: Capture the picturesque beauty of North Goa and enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings 
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: Free

Anjuna Beach

Stretching for almost 2 kilometers, Anjuna beach is well-known for its loud and lively nightlife. It is lined by beach shacks, black rocks, and white sands. Every Wednesday, the flea market opens its shutters for the tourists. 

You can spend a relaxed evening on the rocky shores. It offers a romantic setup for couples and newlyweds. You can walk on the white sands and watch the palm trees gently swaying. Enjoy a banana boat ride, bungee jumping, and other activities at the beach.

• Must See / Things to Do: Watch the stunning sunset with your loved ones
• Timings: Open on all days of the week 
• Entry Fee: Free

Places to visit in South Goa

One day is not nearly enough time to explore all that North Goa has to offer its visitors. However, if you are only in town for a short while, you can still make the most of your time by following this handy one-day itinerary. This day trip by private cab takes in the highlights of North Goa, from its stunning beaches to its historic churches. These are the best places to visit in North Goa if you only have one day.

Dona Paula

Named after a charitable woman, Dona Paula is a well-admired beach in South Goa. It is an out-of-the-way bay on the confluence of the Mandovi and Zuari Rivers in the Arabian Sea. You should visit this place for the interesting legendary tale of a fisherman and a Portuguese woman. 

This famed attraction is a must-see on this one-day south Goa sightseeing tour by private car. You can take a look at the beautiful statue of Dona Paula on the rock. Again, you will find serenity in the atmosphere to rejuvenate and excellent vistas of the Mormugao Harbour. It also has prominent marketplaces to buy some local handicrafts and adorable souvenirs like Feni, hair accessories, and straw hats. You can also sunbathe or try out heart-pumping water sports at the beach. 

• Must See / Things to Do: Unwind at the beach and enjoy the folklore.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM 
• Entry Fee: Free

Bom Jesus Basilica

Bom Jesus Basilica is a Roman Catholic Basilica. It is a significant religious center and an iconic structure of the state of Goa. The old-world charm of this magnificent UNESCO Site will entice you. It preserves the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron of Roman Catholic missionaries. You can’t miss it on this one-day tour by private car!

You would marvel at the wood-carved floral designs, gilded columns, and a modern art gallery with biblical paintings. The one-of-a-kind not plastered façade resembles a mix of Corinthian, Ionic, and Doric architectures. The Basilica features the finest marble-made floors with inlaid precious stones. Even the overall simple design exudes serenity.

• Must See / Things to Do: Offer prayers to the almighty and witness the exquisite architecture.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week, Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM and on Sunday from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM  
• Entry Fee: Free

Se Cathedral de Santa Catarina

Featuring a combination of the popular 16th-century Portuguese-Gothic architecture, Se Cathedral de Santa Catarina is Goa’s largest church. The Church along with the Convents of Goa are World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO. Covered in lime plaster, it had been constructed on an elevated laterite plinth. The Tuscan exterior and vaulted Corinthian interior will attract you. 

The Church is renowned for its Golden Bell and the Cross of Miracles. Other notable features comprise 18th-century organs preserved in the gallery, intricate wood, gilded carvings, and mounting ceilings. You must also witness the baptismal font used by St. Francis Xavier. The Church has an outstanding Iberian façade and splendid mosaic work. It is a small wonder that will amuse you with its awe-inspiring art and architecture.

• Must See / Things to Do: Marvel at the unique architecture and seek the blessings of the Almighty.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM 
• Entry Fee: Free

Mangeshi Temple

Dedicated to Lord Mangueshi, a form of Lord Shiva and the only one to be worshipped in Goa, Mangeshi Temple is a famous shrine. The 450-year-old Hindu temple is a chief attraction of South Goa sightseeing tour. It features beautiful Goan Hindi architecture. You will admire the distinct white towers and the Nandi statue. 

Explore the ancient water tank, the 7-storeyed lamp tower, and a modest entrance. There are rooms for pilgrims and spaces to hold weddings. The annual Magh Poornima Festival takes place on a grand scale at the temple. You can participate in the Ratha Yatra during this time. Watch the evening aarti that is organized at the temple daily.

• Must See / Things to Do: Pray to Lord Shiva and explore the beautiful architecture of the temple.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM 
• Entry Fee: Free

Shantadurga Temple

A famous pilgrimage center, Shantadurga Temple is dedicated to Shri Shantadurga, the goddess of peace. To absorb the spiritual bliss of the location you can sit with closed eyes, in a meditative pose, and offer prayers. It is a small yet serene laterite mud shrine that has recently completed its 450th year of existence. 

You will be amused by the collection of pyramidal roofs with a dome, a Deep Jyoti Stambh, three smaller temples on three different sides, a huge tank, and guesthouses. Built as per Saraswat architecture, it has Kashmiri stone floors. The Roman-arched stained window panes look stunning. On five Mahapanchamis the deity is carried in a Golden Palkhi.

• Must See / Things to Do: Soak in spiritual bliss at the revered shrine.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM 
• Entry Fee: Free

Miramar Beach

Located at the estuary of the Mandovi River, Miramar Beach is popular for its golden soft sands and palm trees. It is best suited for a family picnic. The beach is popular among locals as a friends’ hangout for morning and evening jogging or walking. You can watch migratory birds, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and shop for some knick-knacks from the beach stalls. However, you should avoid swimming because of the strong undercurrent of the sea waters. 

Under the full moonlight, the silvery stretch appears brilliant. Chief attractions of the beach include a statue of Klate Dayanand Bandodkar, Goa’s 1st chief minister, and incredible views of the Portuguese-built Aguada Fort. It is definitely worth visiting and also the perfect place to end your one-day south Goa tour by private taxi.

• Must See / Things to Do: Seek blessings of the almighty and witness the unique architecture.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week 
• Entry Fee: Free

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

One of the tallest waterfalls of the country is the Dudhsagar falls and as such taking a one day trip from Goa would make your holiday both exciting and adventurous. 

Nestled somewhere in the middle of the sanctuary, the falls can be reached by a rather bumpy jeep ride followed by a fifteen-minute trek. A mandatory life jacket is required for one to be able to swim in the waters of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls.

There is an interesting story associated with the name of the waterfall. It is said that a princess used to take a bath here every day. One day, while she was taking a bath, a stranger was passing by who peeped in to see the princess.

The princess upturned a jug of milk in front of her so as to create a curtain between her and the passer-by. By doing so, she saved her dignity and as such, the fall got its name ‘DudhSagar’ fall.

• Must See / Things to Do: Enjoy the trek, spot the fishes at the base point or play with the waters of the fall. 
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 8.00 am to 5.30 pm
• Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
• Entry Fee: Included in the fee of Sanctuary. 

Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary

Your 1 Day Goa To Dudhsagar Waterfalls Trip will start with a visit to Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. Previously known as Mollem Game Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary covers a total area of 107 square kilometres and is nestled at an elevation of 890 metres.

What is most attractive about the sanctuary is the presence of tropical evergreen forests and deciduous forests. There are approximately 722 species of flowering plants belonging to 122 families.

During your jeep ride, you can spot various mammals like barking deer, langur, Malabar giant squirrel, mouse deer, porcupine, sambar, spotted deer, wild boar etc. If you are lucky, you will also be able to spot a Bengal Tiger here.

Different species of birds and butterflies can also be witness here and is a treat for bird watchers. King Cobra is also spotted here frequently by various travellers.

• Must See / Things to Do: Wildlife Photographers will be thrilled here since they can capture various animals and birds in their natural habitat at the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 8.00 am to 5.30 pm
• Recommended Duration: 2 Hour
• Entry Fee: Rs.500 per person for group Bolero tour. An additional fee is levied for the mandatory life jacket, Forest Entry, camera etc which ranges between Rs.100-200.