Our Goa Day 2 itinerary started long before the sun decided to wake up. What followed was a day full of contrasts — peace and chaos, laughter and exhaustion, crowded beaches and unexpected calm. If you’re planning a day on North Goa beaches, this day gives you the real picture—not just the Instagram version.
Sunrise at Calangute Beach – Peace Before the Crowd
Around 5 AM, still half asleep, we washed our faces, brushed our teeth, and rushed out — wearing night pyjamas and sleepy smiles — straight to Calangute Beach. One friend had insisted we wake up early to capture the sunrise, hoping the beach would be empty.
And it was.
We reached the shore under the soft glow of moonlight. A cool breeze passed through us. There was no chaos, no people, no noise — just waves moving gently under the moon. We sat quietly, waiting.
Slowly, an orange hue began rising from the sea horizon. The darkness faded like a blanket being pulled away, and the sun finally revealed itself. We sat there for a while, soaking in the moment. When the sun climbed a little higher, we clicked pictures — even a group photo in our night pyjamas, without hesitation. It felt raw and real.
Around 6:40 AM, we decided to head back. Our in-house vlogger, however, had other plans. With his selfie stick out, he walked straight toward the waves, clearly not ready to stop shooting.
Then life interrupted.
His little boy tugged at his mom and said, “Mumma, potty.” No discussion needed.
We picked him up and started walking back toward the hotel, leaving the vlogger behind. A few minutes later, he ran after us, irritated — until he heard the reason.
That’s when he said the line that made us laugh uncontrollably:
“Didn’t I tell you to finish numbers 1 and 2 before leaving the hotel? Bahar aake ehna nu pottiyan yaad aa jandiyan!”
Five minutes later, the child announced he no longer wanted to go. Even his father laughed. Morning drama — Goa style.
On our walk back, we noticed a few dress shops opening. One shopkeeper called us in, and one of the women bought a pretty white floral dress at a surprisingly reasonable price.
Barefoot, smiling, and still sleepy, we finally returned to the hotel.
Breakfast & Slow Mornings in North Goa
After freshening up, we gathered at the hotel dining hall, which felt surprisingly welcoming after the early morning rush. The space was spacious and warm, thoughtfully laid out — a small beverage corner on one side with tea and coffee machines, neat rows of tables and chairs in the middle, and a cosy sofa section near large glass windows that let in soft morning light and a glimpse of the street outside.
The breakfast buffet was arranged in a convenient L-shape, starting with hot tea, coffee, juices, and cornflakes, followed by a generous spread of Indian breakfast favourites. There was aloo puri, masala dosa, idli with sambhar, vada, sandwiches, and a few other comforting options — clearly leaning towards South Indian flavours, but satisfying for everyone.
One by one, we filled our plates with whatever caught our mood and returned to our seats. We chose the corner sofa near the window, sank into it comfortably, and enjoyed a slow, unhurried breakfast — chatting softly, laughing about the morning drama, and letting our bodies ease into the day.
Morjim Beach, Goa – Quiet Shores & Burning Sand
By 11 AM, we booked a taxi recommended by the hotel and headed out. Our first stop was Morjim Beach.
The beach was calm and almost empty — just us and one Russian couple. The sun, however, was harsh. The sand burned our feet, forcing us to rush under umbrellas.
A café owner politely informed us we needed to order something to sit. We bought one lemon juice for ₹80 — expensive, but worth the shade.
The walk back to the car felt endless. The sand was scorching, and we ran laughing until we collapsed into the car — sweaty, red-faced, and relieved.
Nearby, we stopped for fresh coconuts, instantly rehydrated and ready to move on.
Mandrem Beach Entry Fee, Experience & Tips
By 2 PM, the sun was at its absolute peak when we reached Mandrem Beach. The heat was intense, and even stepping out of the car felt draining. To our surprise, entry to the beach was paid. Since cold drinks were included, we bought a couple of Coke bottles, collected our entry receipts, and walked ahead.
A small bridge crossed over a quiet lake before opening up to the sea, which was visible from a distance. That short walk itself felt like a transition — from heat and exhaustion to something calmer waiting ahead.
The beach was clean, quiet, and mostly empty, with just a few people scattered far apart. We quickly claimed umbrella chairs, grateful for the shade. Someone suggested ice creams, which sounded like a great idea at that moment — until they started melting almost instantly under the harsh sun. Still, we laughed it off, sat back, and let the sound of waves slow us down.
We spent some time resting, clicking pictures, and simply doing nothing, which felt necessary by then.
Tip: Avoid ice cream on the beach during peak afternoon heat; it melts faster than you can enjoy it.
Arambol Beach, Market & Sweet Water Lake Hike
Next was Arambol Beach, and the energy shift was immediate. Compared to the calm beaches we had visited earlier, Arambol felt loud and chaotic — crowded markets, foreigners everywhere, music playing from different directions, random boats parked right on the shore, and people moving endlessly across the sand. It was vibrant, but overwhelming.
We walked through narrow lanes lined with stalls selling clothes, jewellery, handmade crafts, dreamcatchers, and sand art. The air felt heavy with heat, noise, and movement. After weaving through the crowd, we finally reached the start of the hike toward Arambol Sweet Water Lake.
The trail slowly climbed uphill, surrounded by greenery and shaded patches that offered relief from the sun. As we moved higher, the crowd thinned, and the noise faded. The path eventually opened into a small muddy pond, tucked quietly among trees and bushes — the Sweet Water Lake.
The water looked still and earthy, and the air around felt noticeably cooler. A few people were taking dips nearby, but the overall mood was calm. We rested by the lake, clicked pictures, and sat quietly for a while, letting the contrast sink in — from chaos to calm in just a short walk. After some time, we retraced our steps back toward the market and the beach.
Chapora Fort Sunset – Was It Worth It?
By the time we reached Chapora Fort, the clock showed 5:04 PM — just four minutes after closing time. The gate was already shut, and for a moment, it felt like all that rushing had gone to waste. We stood there catching our breath, slightly disappointed at having missed it by such a narrow margin.
A few locals and returning visitors casually mentioned that there wasn’t much to see inside apart from old walls and open space. Taking their word for it, we decided not to dwell on the closed gate. Instead, we walked along the rocky paths nearby, moving a little off route.
What followed made the missed entry feel insignificant. From those uneven rocks, we could see wide coastal views — the sea stretching endlessly, waves crashing far below, and the late afternoon light softening everything it touched. We paused there, clicked pictures, and simply stood still for a few moments.
That stop reminded us of something important — sometimes, missing an entry doesn’t mean missing the experience. The view still finds you.
A Hidden Beach & Unexpected Sunset Calm
Our driver then said, “Let me show you the best beach in Goa.”
After a short drive and a downhill hike, we reached a stunning, almost private-looking beach — clean water, rocky shores, and luxury properties lining the coast. Security at one end hinted it might be restricted.
We sat on the rocks, filmed water ripples, and watched the sun set around 6:15 PM. It was one of the most peaceful moments of the day.
Anjuna Beach Rocks, Crabs & Crowd Reality
Our final stop was Anjuna Beach and Market, and by then, exhaustion had started to show on all our faces. The parking area was crowded and chaotic, with cars, bikes, and people moving in every direction. As we walked toward the shore, the terrain changed completely — uneven, rocky ground that demanded careful steps.
The shoreline was fascinating in its own way. Tiny crabs darted in and out of small holes between the rocks, disappearing the moment we stepped closer. We paused there for a while, clicking pictures and watching their quick movements, a small reminder of how alive the place was despite the crowd.
We had hoped to explore the famous Anjuna Flea Market, but locals informed us that it wasn’t open that day. With that plan dropped, we didn’t linger too long and instead soaked in whatever the moment was offering — the sound of waves, the busy atmosphere, and the last light of the day.
As we were heading back, our driver casually pointed out a large property along the shore, mentioning that it belonged to Suniel Shetty. It added a quick, fun Bollywood trivia moment before we finally called it a day and made our way back, completely tired but content.
Ending the Day – Travel Fatigue, Faith & Rest
Dinner was at a North Indian restaurant near our hotel. Mid-meal, I felt overwhelmed — anxious, restless, and craving silence. I couldn’t eat much.
I told my husband. He held my hand and softly said, “It’s okay. We’ll be in our room soon.”
Back at the hotel, I played Baba’s melodies, kept his photo near my pillow, prayed quietly — and finally drifted into deep sleep.
Some travel days end with noise.
This one ended with faith.
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Goa Day 2 Quick Travel Guide
- 📍 Locations: Calangute, Morjim, Mandrem, Arambol, Chapora, Anjuna
- 🚕 Transport: Taxi (hotel-recommended)
- 🕰️ Best start time: Before 5 AM
- 👣 Walking & hiking involved
- 🌞 Expect harsh sun post-noon
This Goa Day 3 itinerary is not about perfection — it’s about presence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is Calangute Beach good for sunrise?
Yes, Calangute Beach is one of the best places in North Goa to watch sunrise early in the morning before crowds arrive. The beach is calm, clean, and peaceful around 5–6 AM.
Q2. Is the Mandrem Beach entry paid?
Mandrem Beach has paid access through certain private entry points that include seating only. Charges may vary depending on season and vendor.
Q3. Which North Goa beaches are less crowded?
Morjim and Mandrem beaches are comparatively quieter than Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna, especially during weekdays.
Q4. Is Arambol Sweet Water Lake worth visiting?
Yes, the Sweet Water Lake at Arambol offers a calm break from the crowded beach area and is reachable via a short hike.
Q5. How many beaches can be covered in Goa in a day?
With a taxi and early start, 5–6 North Goa locations can be covered comfortably, though walking and heat should be considered.