North Goa or South Goa – Which Is Better? South Goa is much better than North Goa. Below is a detailed comparison basis numerous factors that you might be thinking about.
Looks like your ‘nth’ Goa plan is finally coming to reality. If yes, the next tough question arises is- South Goa or North Goa? With all the hype on Instagram and other social media sites, we totally get your dilemma!
Well, Goa is filled with beauty end-to-end, so deciding between North & South Goa beaches can give you a tough time! While both of these options have their own pros & cons, if you wish to choose only one, here’s a complete guide to help you through it. It’s now time to read on and you will effortlessly be able to plan your Goa beach trip. This is a descriptive guide that addresses different parameters that you must consider while choosing between North Goa beaches & South Goa beaches.
Climate
While it is mostly humid in the northern and southern regions of Goa, the climate in the south is comparatively pleasant. You may experience very less to no humidity due to the cold breezes, open landscapes, and the stretches of greenery. If you plan your trip around October or so, there’d be nothing like it! So, in short, if you cannot compromise on having freshness and comfort in the weather, you ought to prefer South Goa over North Goa.
Budget
Goa is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. Being so, it is slightly on the expensive side, when it comes to eating out. But, you’ll be surprised to know that, unlike any other major state, the stay cost in North Goa is pretty budget-friendly. Stays in North Goa are more affordable than stays in South Goa. Apart from the accommodation, North Goa is known for its world-famous tourist spots and experiences huge footfall, making everything you touch, pricy! On the other hand, as compared to the North of Goa, regions in South Goa offer pocket-friendly food options! However, staying in South Goa can be a challenge to your budget!
But, there’s an exception. You can actually save water and drink liquor when in Goa, (both North & South) for it’s extremely cheap.
Adventure
Some beaches in North Goa offer a good variety of water sports. You can easily go dolphin spotting, rafting, parasailing, and kayaking in North Goa. Apart from that, North Goa also has selected options for treks and trials. But if you are someone who is looking for hardcore adventure activities, difficult treks to accomplish, and life-challenging watersports, South Goa is something you shouldn’t miss out on! From Scuba Diving to Paragliding to Jetskiing to Air Ballon Safari, you can have it all. Don’t forget to visit Netravali Wildlife Park in South Goa.
Beaches
North Goa being more popular receives most of the crowd for its world famous beaches. On the other hand, South Goa offers hidden gems of beaches that offer serene calm and even romantic vacations. Therefore, convenience is a big factor in choosing North Goa but if your plan is to spend some quiet time or have a romantic getaway with your partner you might want to go to the beaches of South Goa. North Goa is the location for you if you like to interact with people and take in the vibrant atmosphere. Also, North Goa beaches are convenient for families visiting with kids as it is more developed and has more resources and activities suitable for the kids. Although South Goa beaches are not very commercially developed, they have their own charm and the warmth of nature which can fill your heart!
Nightlife
Being the party capital of India, experiencing the nightlife might be the main criteria for most visitors (probably the only criteria for most bachelors planning a trip to Goa). Both North and South Goa offer a fair share of party places. But nothing beats North Goa in the party game! The most famous place to experience nightlife in Goa is ‘Titos Lane’. It hosts a lot of bars and clubs that are located in the vicinity of Baga Calangute. Other famous spots in North Goa are Love Passion Karma, Hilltop, etc. But in North Goa beaches most shacks like Curlies on Anjuna Beach morph into lively party vistas by evening where one can sway till the wee hours of morning and enjoy the breeze. Another such shack is Shiva Valley which converts into a haven of trance and transforms into a trippy place every Tuesday night. But if you are in South Goa you have good options too, like Leopard Valley, Boomerang Beach bar, Gatsby´s Pub, etc. and you always have the bustling streets of Margao which has a mix of laid-back pubs and energetic clubs. Other good options include Silent noise clubs and luxury night cruises depending on your budget.
Markets & Shopping
North Goa has the most famous markets too like the famous Anjuna Flea Market, Arpora Night Market, Mackies Night Bazaar, etc. which prove that you can enjoy strolling around North Goa even during the night. If you are a foodie, Mackies Night Bazar is for you! There you will find everything from traditional Goan spices to international delicacies. Whether you are a seafood aficionado or a vegetarian connoisseur, there is something for everyone. You can find literally everything in North Goa. If you have heard about and wish to purchase the famous Goan spices, then you should be heading straight to Mapusa market. Mapusa is home to Goan specialties like Cashew Feni and spicy Goan Chorizo sausages.
Likewise, South Goa isn’t any less than the North! It has enchanting night markets like Palolem market. Jaali Market in South Goa sells high-quality handicrafts, Colva Beach Market is said to be filled with vogue-worthy apparel, and the availability of Tibetan and Kashmiri goods at attractive rates is the specialty of the Palolem Beach market. No matter where you are, the fusion of food, music, and dance creates a unique and unforgettable experience and you are sure to find excellent gifts and souvenirs like handcrafted jewelry, traditional textiles, or quirky keepsakes. You just have to put your bargaining skills to good use to get the best deals anywhere.
Places To Visit
South Goa and North Goa are both equally famous for their tourist attractions. South Goa, along with its wonderful and clean beaches, offers some famous tourist spots like the famous Dudh Sagar Waterfalls, Sahakari Spice Garden, Wildlife sanctuaries, St Xavier´s Church, etc. which hold the incorrupt body of Saint Francis Xavier, and other newer and famous churches like Our Lady of Hope Church and Three Kings Church. Shantadurg temple which is the biggest temple in Goa, Naval Aviation Museum, The Grande Island etc are must-visit spots when in South Goa. North Goa is more famous for its nightlife and adventure sports. However, it does contain some of the hidden gems of ancient times in store. A significant characteristic of North Goa is the heritage buildings. History fanatics would like North Goa more than the South. Many vestiges of Portuguese colonization remain despite everything that has occurred. Some of the main historical attractions are Fort Aguada, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site the Chapel of St Catherine etc.
Hotels & Resorts
Goa whether North or South has good accommodation options and can cater to travellers with varied budgets. The more frequented North Goa is more developed and is known for its diverse range from budget hostels to mid-range hotels and opulent beachfront resorts to charming boutique hotels. North Goa provides affordable stays close to the action like Vagator and Baga, or a luxurious stay with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea in upscale areas like Anjuna or Morjim. One can find budget-friendly accommodations like Airbnb, etc. near beaches like Zalor, Mabor, etc. in South Goa. The region is dotted with high-end resorts, private villas, and boutique hotels that offer a more exclusive and tranquil experience. If you seek a luxurious and pampering experience, South Goa’s upscale accommodations are sure to impress.
