Top Places to visit in North Goa

1. Dona Paula Jetty

Dona Paula Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Goa and offers a marvelous view of the Mormugao harbor. A jetty, replete with stalls, vendors and cafes can also be found here. At the head of the jetty you can find Menino’s, which specializes in Goan delicacy. The beach also offers excellent opportunities for water sports, besides providing magnificent views of the sunset.

This idyllic rocky tourist attraction lies at the spot where the Mandovi and the Zuari rivers meet the Arabian Sea. At the end of the bay there is a beautiful islet-hillock. From the top of this hillock one can have views of the Marmugao Harbour and the Arabian Sea up to the Zuari Bridge. At the base there is a carved sculpture named ` Image of India` depicting a couple, a man facing west and a woman facing east.

2. Salim Ali Bird Watching

The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is situated at Chorao Island on the Mandovi River. This sanctuary is one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in India. It has been named after the famous ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali. The Sanctuary houses around 400 species of birds including both local and migratory. The Sanctuary is rich in flora growth and one can see a thick covering of mangrove vegetation here. The flora cover is very fertile over here the mangrove ecology is considered to be the best for birds, fish and insects.

The Sanctuary is blessed with many overflowing water streams and tributaries. The sanctuary houses a wide variety of resident birds including eagles, kites, kingfishers, egrets, parrots, cormorants and herons. The Sanctuary is approachable by walk after crossing over the river by ferry from Ribandar to Chorao.

3. Kala Academy

Kala Academy is a cultural centre run by Government of Goa which features fine art, dance, music, folk art and literature. It also organizes exhibitions, festivals, workshops, seminars and classes. Audiences in the Kala Academy have three venues to choose from, the Dinanath Mangueshkar Kala Mandir (AC Auditorium), the Open Amphitheatre and the Exhibition Hall.

Performances ranging from concerts to plays and varied exhibitions held from time to time form a major attraction for Goa`s people and tourists.

Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir is the Indoor auditorium at the Kala Academy. From the great playwrights to the modern stage artistes, the Indoor Auditorium is an eye opener to the audience looking for thought provoking dramatics.

4. Amthane Dam

Amthane Dam is one of the beautiful places around Goa that is still quiet and peaceful away from the other tourist hotspots. Amthane dam is the perfect place to relax. The actual dam of Amthane provides water to Sanquelim treatment plant where it is treated and made fit for consumption.

Though the dam itself is not very big but the catchment area provides a very beautiful view and one can also gaze at the beauty of the Sahyadri range from the mouth of the dam. The Sahayadris are covered with lush green forests which give an absolutely spectacular view from the Amthane dam. The Amthane dam can be visited by taking the left side of the fork from the Assonora bridge instead of driving to Bicholim.

5. Anjunem Dam

The Anjunem Dam is located on the Sanquelim-Belgaum highway in Chorla ghat. It is one of the most idyllic places to enjoy the mystic charm and greenery around. This Dam lies in the sylvan valley shaped by the proximity of another peak, Morlemgad to its south-east and beneath Vagheri hills, Goa.

Anjunem dam offers you every reason to immerse yourself enjoying the beauty of this place. Away from the usual hustle and bustle of the other tourist spots in Goa, you will find a serene and peaceful place to enjoy a great outing with your friends and family. The environment of the Anjunem dam is so thrilling that it makes you visit again and again. the ambiance at Anjunem dam is an enchanting one. It allures visitors to tour the place every monsoon and during the other seasons as well.

6. Mayem Lake

Mayem Lake is a beautiful fresh water lake located at Mayem near Bicholim, in North Goa. the Mayem Lake exudes a charming freshness which is in sharp contrast to the bustling environment of Goan beaches. This is the most famous lake in Goa and also one of the most popular tourist destinations on the itinerary of all the conducted sight-seeing tours.

Scenic surroundings and boating are main features of Mayem Lake that attracts tourists at this place from far and near. The tranquil and calm water of the Mayem Lake makes it ideal place for boating. You can enjoy a ride on the small pedal operated boats for a picturesque view of the serene landscape around. The migratory aquatic birds and seasonal birds are also seen on the bank of the Mayem Lake.