North Goa

Aravalem Caves (Bicholim)
Just passing the town of Sanquelim, there is a detour road leading towards Arvalem Caves. These caves from the 6th century, are quite small, with no articulate sculptures or paintings. The origin of these caves is uncertain, some believing them to be of Buddhist origin, although the presence of lingas does not justify this statement claiming them to be of Brahmin origin.

They are also claimed to be known as the Pandava caves, signifying the reign of Pandavas here during their 12 year exile as described in the Mahabharata. The shafts of the four carved lingas inside the cave resemble to those found at the famous Elephanta and Ellora caves.

Arambol Beach (Pernem)
A small village in Mapusa, Arambol is known for its untouched beauty and pristine sea shores. The beaches in Arambol are known for there unspoilt and heavenly beauty. This beach is walking distance from Keri beach. About 200m from this beach is a small freshwater lake near Waghcolom Hill. You can also visit Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. To the north of Arambol is Tiracol fort, which is converted into a heritage hotel. You need to take a ferry to reach the fort.

Anjuna Beach (Mapusa)
Situated 18 km from Panaji, the capital of Goa, Anjuna Beach is famous for its reveling parties. Located in the north part of Goa, Anjuna Beach is one of the hot destinations of beach lovers. The white sands of the beach and the red laterite rocks create a unique arrangement. The red laterite rocks are sometimes called as the jewels of Anjuna.

Altinho, Panaji
Altinho has derived it’s name from the Portuguese word; meaning tall. This hilltop locality was once the home of the elites of Goa. An upmarket area, it is still home to the radio station, the Chief Minister's residence and the Archbishop's Palace.

Aga Khan Jamatkhana, Panaji
Aga Khan Jamatkhana is located near Azad Maidan, in Panaji of Goa. It serves as the main place of worship for Shias, the second largest sect of believers in Islam.

Abbe Faria statue, Panaji
The statue of Abbe Jose Custodia Faria, is that of a priest hypnotizing a woman and is located in a small square just near the Secretariat in Panjim. Abbe Faria was born in 1756 in Candolim and his childhood was quite eventful with his parents separated to become priest and nun respectively. He was bestowed priesthood in 1777 at Lisbon after completion of his education at Rome.

Swiss Chapel
Located quiet close to the Municipal Building on the Jerome Road, this chapel has a charming cream and blue coloured wooden altar and shrine. The Holy Cross feast is held in the beginning of Lent. This is just 9 days before the Goa Carnival begins.

Hanuman Theatre
This one is for the lovers of performing arts. The theatre, right across the Bodhgeshwar temple, is the place where local plays known as tiatra in Konkani is staged quiet often. Moreover, Marathi dramas and performances by theatrical and musical group from the rest of the country are also held here.

It is a small shrine dedicated to Kanakeshwar Baba or Bodgeshwar, locally known as Bongini. The god is regarded as agngavani i.e. to whom vows are made and who fulfills desires of the devotees. On the fulfillment of desires, people offer presents to the God as promised by them earlier. A very big fair is held in the month of December/January when thousands of devotees flock to this temple.

The Terekhol fort is located in the northern tip of Goa. It is situated on the mouth of the Terekhol River and was built by the ruler of Sawantwadi, Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle. The Terekhol fort of Goa was built during the 17th century. The Terekhol fort was given legal recognition as a part of Goa around 1788. The fort was rebuilt in 1764 by the Portuguese viceroy in India named Dom Pedro Miguel de Almeida. The Terekhol fort is often visited by tourists who come here to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and scenic locales.