Morjim, commonly referred to as Goa’s “Little Russia” is a quaint census town in Pernem in North Goa, mostly famous for its beach which is a designated Olive Ridley turtle nesting area.
But there’s more to Morjim than its sandy shoreline. This town has a ton of character and charisma, which you can feel between its pristine, rugged nature and its boho boutiques and cozy restobars.
In this short and sweet guide are my recommendations for the best things to do and see in and around Morjim!
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The Best Things to Do in Morjim, Goa
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1. Get Involved! Volunteer or Join a Beach Clean-Up
While voluntourism probably isn’t the first “fun” thing you’d choose to do while on vacation in Morjim, it’s one that would meaningfully contribute to the local community and environment.
But Morjim Beach attracts many tourists hoping to catch sight of the Olive Ridley turtles and hatchlings. 🐢
After all, this beach is one of Goa’s protected and designated turtle nesting sites (along with Galigaba/Turtle Beach, Mandrem, and Agonda).
This creates an influx of tourism to the area which has negative consequences on the health and population of the turtles, marine life, and the local environment. There is not only an increase in marine and beach debris but also noise and light pollution.
As a tourist or digital nomad in Goa, it’s important to be aware of your impact. 👣
Note that your typical beach activities are prohibited at Morjim Beach, but you can still visit the on-site Turtle Interpretation Centre.
Thankfully, ecotourism in Goa is on the rise—a by-product of the local community’s activism and determination to fight back and petition against actions that are detrimental to Goa’s rich biodiversity such as overdevelopment and deforestation.
If you would like to participate in a beach clean-up campaign or get involved in other ways, reach out to Act for Goa for starters. They are well-connected within the community and would love to have you volunteer.
You can also stay up to date by following their Facebook page or Instagram to learn about upcoming events to get involved with.
They do everything from beach clean-ups to eco-film festivals to sustainable fashion and farmer’s markets events—all wonderful and experiential things to do in Morjim!
2. Kayak in the Mangroves on the Chapora River
One of the best things to do in Morjim is explore its waters and mangroves. And what better way to do that than in the seat of a kayak?
As you can see on a map, Morjim is right at the confluence of the Chapora River and the Arabian Sea. And across Chapora estuary lies Anjuna and Vagator.
One of the best places to take in these views is from atop Chapora Fort across the bay. The area surrounding Morjim is breathtakingly rugged and wild, attracting lots of migratory birds and wildlife. (It’s no wonder the Olive Ridley turtles wish to nest here!)
So if you’re feeling adventurous and would like to the beautiful biodiversity of Morjim and Goa away from the beach shacks and resorts, then go on a kayaking tour up the Chapora River.
There are several operators offering 1–2 hour guided kayaking excursions from Morjim.
To book a tour, check these kayak tours on TripAdvisor or reach out directly to one of the local providers, such as Konkan Explorers or Local Goa Kayaking.
3. Grab Gin Cocktails at the Cozy Verandah Bar
As you ride on your scooter through downtown Morjim on your way to Mandrem, you can’t help but notice the bohemian-style restaurants, cafes, and boutiques dotting either side of the street.
But one of those will catch your eye (or possibly not, seeing as it’s so dim-lit and cozy!) more than the rest, and that’s the Verandah Bar.
Here, you can dine on delicious food (get the crab mac ‘n cheese!) or throw back a few well-crafted cocktails.
The best bit about Verandah though is its sweet and intimate gin bar tucked away further up the hillside following a flight of stone steps.
The cocktail menu offers an assortment of flavors to suit any preference and features small-batch Indian gins found nowhere else than in Goa.
That said, expect prices here to be steeper than at you’re average bar in Morjim, but it’s worth it as Verandah makes for a particularly cozy place to take your dinner date or enjoy a bougie night out with friends.
Our group from the Nurall Goa Residency came here to celebrate a night out together—it was too much fun!
4. Visit Villages, Beaches, & Waterfalls on a North Goan Road Trip
Morjim is but one of the many cute destinations to visit in North Goa. It would be a shame not to take advantage of this great base to explore around, seeing as you’re so close!
Note: The following beaches and towns can easily be visited on a day trip from Morjim by scooter or car rental.
In order as you head north from Morjim, here are the best beaches, towns, and local gems to visit and why:
- Ashwem — Known for its beach nightlife and flea markets. Don’t miss out on the chance to eat at the French restaurant here called La Plage.
- Mandrem — This quiet and laid-back village features beach shacks and yoga/wellness.
- Arambol — The livelier town of Arambol grew its claim to fame with New Age hippies. Think beach drum circles, yoga, and boho vibes.
- Querim — The northwesternmost beach town to visit in Goa, home to secluded beaches and caves and historic churches and temples.
✨ If you’re looking for the best place to stay around Morjim, I highly recommend checking out:
Vaaya Kula (Mandrem) — This bohemian beach hotel is my top choice for eco-conscious accommodation in North Goa. The property is just beautiful and the founder, Jill, is a long-time Goa resident who cares about the community. Click here to check availability.
Justa Morjim Beach Resort — Another great option is the Justa Beach Resort located mere steps away from Morjim Beach. This is where we stayed! The pool was a welcome treat for those refreshing afternoon dips. Click here for availability/rates.
In Arambol, you’ll find cool natural places to visit such as Sweet Lake, where you can hike on the beach and swim in the lagoon, and the Banyan Tree which was made famous for its mysterious Baba resident.
If you venture further away from Morjim and around North Goa, consider a day trip to the nearby waterfalls; the closest and best of which are Mogacho, La Quica, and Ozari Waterfalls.
Lastly, if you are feeling extra adventurous, consider going bungee jumping with Jumpin Heights.
The location is a bit of a stretch from Morjim (25–30km or a 50-minute drive from either Morjim and Anjuna), so take that into consideration if you’re strapped for time.
A few of the members from our group retreat took their scooters out to explore and said the bungee jumping over Mayem Lake was a highlight of their trip.
✨ Read about the Nurall Digital Nomad Residency I was a part of in Goa here!
5. Jazz Nights at The Rice Mill
While you could go spend your Saturday at an all-night beach party at Rock Water, that’s not your only option in Morjim for live music!
For something a little bit more local and intimate, head to hip The Rice Mill cafe/bar where you can indulge in live jazz nights on Saturdays from 8 pm onward.
These guys are known for their cocktails, yummy food, fresh coffee, and community vibes — don’t miss out! Also, note that the cover charge for jazz night is 500 Rs which includes a drink a the bar.
If you’re looking for another place to hang out with great coffee, vibes, and music, I also recommend Barefoot Goa.
6. Catch a Wave — Surfing in Morjim
While Morjim Beach isn’t the first beach you’d think of for water sports in North Goa, thanks to its easy waves it’s become a popular spot for novice surfers.
A fellow travel blogger and old friend who lived in Goa used to rent surfboards here from Octopus Surf Goa. Reach out to Edy on Instagram @surfinggoa for the best advice on surfing in Morjim and beyond.
As a reminder, Morjim Beach is just the first beach on the long coastline that makes up these other well-known beaches. In order, Morjim Beach turns into Ashwem Beach, then Madrem Beach, and, lastly, Arambol Beach.
Despite flowing all into one sandy shore, the beaches all have different vibes, crowds, and amenities. Some are livelier with all-night beach parties while some, such as Morjim, are best for lounging, surfing, or bird watching.
PS — Morjim might not be the best for water sports in Goa other than surfing and banana boats. If you’re looking for more activities, try Sinquerim Beach. For scuba diving and snorkeling, check out Ilha Grande.
7. Sign Up for a Morjim Yoga Retreat/Class
One thing that is synonymous with Goa is yoga, and in Morjim and Mandrem you have plenty of options to do just that!
While you can always take a mat and towel and head to the beach for a surya namaskar session, there are yoga studios in town like Oceanic Yoga where you can sign up for a class or retreat.
🧘♀️ During our time in Goa, Shimagne from Deep Breathe Yoga Studio taught daily morning Hatha yoga at our hotel. Her studio is actually in Benaulim in South Goa, not North Goa, so if you’re heading down south make sure to stop by to work with her as she teaches regularly in Margao and Benaulim. Highly recommend it—she’s amazing!
8. Shop at the Markets in Cute Ashwem & Arambol
Ashwem and Arambol are a bit further up north from Morjim but it’s worth the trip to shop at the markets for clothes, jewelry, drums, and all the other little trinkets and treasures you can find between these two villages.
Ashwem has a little concentration of cute boutiques on a sandy plaza located behind the La Plage French restaurant. It’s called Vibrant Marché des Createurs and you can find it on Google Maps here.
As for Arambol, simply head down Arambol Beach Rd to find a smorgasbord of clothing shops, tea shops, and little cafes and restobars.
At night, the beach comes alive with music and candlelight—it’s a nice spot to pop a squat and have a drink!
9. Sunset Drinks & Dinner at Thalassa Beach Resort
Spend any amount of time in Morjim/Ashwem and you’ll hear the Thalassa Beach Resort & Restaurant dropped in conversation.
Whether it’s about their idyllic beachfront restaurant, great cocktails, or the latest Bollywood movie being filmed there, it’s a staple among locals and tourists alike.
Grab a table and a drink, and watch the sunset on your last night in Morjim! Message +91 895 619 0753 for table reservations.
I hope you enjoy this list of things to do in Morjim! If you have any questions, please drop me a comment below!
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FAQs
What is Morjim Goa famous for? ›
Morjim beach is famous for being the nesting place of the Olive Ridley turtles, which are an endangered species and are thus protected under the Indian law through their inclusion in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Is Morjim Goa safe? ›Quite, serene, really clean, and safe too. In fact, Morjim is considered one of the safest beaches in Goa for swimming.
What is the nearest beach to Morjim Beach? ›Mandrem Beach
Mandrem beach is located further North of Morjim and Ashvem and just South of Arambol beach. The beach here is divided by a small river let that flows into the Arabian Sea.
One of the quieter beaches of North Goa, Morjim Beach is also known as Little Russia due to its immense popularity amidst Russian travellers. Signboards and menus in Russian language here at Morjim Beach indicates how it is a hotspot for Russian tourists in Goa.
Why is Morjim called Little Russia? ›The village has become known as "Little Russia" because of the concentration of Russian immigrants living there.
Where do Russian stay in Goa? ›Morjim village is also known as Little Russia because of the Russian immigrants living there and the Russian tourists who visit. Arambol, Querim aka Keri, Mandrem, Anjuna and Morjim villages lie in North Goa where it isn't surprising to find landscapes entirely catering to a Russian population.
Which is the richest area in Goa? ›Assagaon, often known as the 'village of luxury,' is a charming North Goa settlement surrounded by whitewashed churches, crumbling Portuguese mansions, and verdant fields and hills. It is an excellent place for purchasing a home in Goa with a swimming pool.
Which is better Morjim or Candolim? ›clean sands,blue waters and awesome shacks. for me morjim is the best beach in north goa,candolim second only to morjim atleast in north goa.
Which is the rich neighborhood in Goa? ›Dona Paula is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Goa, Lacitadel Colony is one of the posh localities at Dona Paula where High Profile people (Industrialists, Politicians and Doctors) have their homes. It can be conveniently considered as Gold mines of city. Dona Paula is becoming one the posh best place.
Which beach has more foreigners in Goa? ›- Palolem beach. ...
- Ashwem Beach. ...
- Candolim beach. ...
- Morjim Beach. ...
- Benaulim Beach.
How much is a taxi from Goa airport to Morjim? ›
The cheapest way to get from Goa Airport (GOI) to Morjim is to drive which costs ₹480 - ₹700 and takes 51 min. How do I get from Goa Airport (GOI) to Morjim the fastest? The fastest way to get from Goa Airport (GOI) to Morjim is to taxi. Taking this option will cost ₹1,300 - ₹1,700 and takes 51 min.
Which beach is called Queen of Goa? ›The Calangute Beach is one of the popular beaches in Goa and is often dubbed as the “Queen of the Beaches”.
Is Morjim beach crowded? ›Morjim. Lying to the north of the Chapora River, this beach is a beautiful manifestation of sandy shoreline and is amongst the least crowded beaches of Goa.
Which beach is called Russian beach in Goa? ›Russian beach - Morjim Beach.
Is Morjim beach clean? ›Morjim Beach – the cleanest beach with glorious wildlife surroundings.
How far is Morjim beach from airport? ›Distance from Morjim to Dabolim International Airport (GOI), Goa by car is around 56 Kms.
Which place is best for stay in Goa? ›The best locations here are - Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim, Mandrem and Ashvem. South Goa: This area is the more relaxed and luxurious with cleaner and quieter beaches. The best locations here are - Agonda, Palolem, Patem, Benalim, Colva, Cavelossim and Arrosim.
Why do so many Russians go to Goa? ›Russians visit Goa often as tourists to escape the harsh weather conditions in their native and also attend the big music festivals and rave parties that Goa is known for. The hidden motive as to why the Russians are attracted to these parties is due to the availability of drugs, alcohol, and sex.
Where do most celebrities stay in Goa? ›The place is visited by a number of celebrities during their stay at the Taj Fort Aguada Resort. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, Olive Bar & Kitchen tops the list of every celebrity that plans his/her vacation in Goa.
Why do foreigners love Goa? ›Another reason of the foreign tourists visiting Goa is because it is very reasonable here compared to other states, thus we see thousands of tourists having the good time of their life in Goa. Foreigners relate Goa to the exotic place of Hawaii, although, the currency there is high compared to India.
Which Goa is more beautiful? ›
The rocky shoreline of Anjuna Beach makes for amazing pictures too. If you are looking to soak in that typical hippie vibe or enjoy paragliding, parasailing, scuba diving or kayaking, North Goa is just what you need. For those who prize seclusion and scenic beauty over everything else, South Goa is perfect.
Which is the most expensive season in Goa? ›Goa is the perfect beach destination of India which becomes vibrant and stylish in the peak season as its way. January to April and October to December are considered as the peak season for Goa.
Which is the cleanest beach in Goa? ›Colva Beach, South Goa
Located in South Goa just 6 km from Margao, Colva Beach is known for its romantic setting and being the cleanest beach in Goa.
Ashvem Beach
The beach is a destination for bikini girls to enjoy, relaxed and mellow setting and doesn't get too thronged. But for those Indian girls who feel shy to wear bikinis on the beach, Ashwem is a perfect beach to try.
This powdery-white-sand beach is also the natural habitat for the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. Located by the coast of the Arabian Sea, Morjim Beach offers privacy and seclusion to its visitors.
Which is the safest city in Goa? ›Baga, popular for Baga beach is a town in Bardez, Goa. It's the center of most action in Goa. Baga beach is lined by numerous shacks and offers various adventure water sports that one can indulge in. It's one of the safest places in Goa, even when you wish to roam on the beach post midnight!
What are the top 3 cities in Goa? ›Goa's major cities include Vasco da Gama, Margao, Panaji, Mapusa and Ponda.
How to get rich in Goa? ›- Brewpub. One of the top business ideas in Goa is having a brewpub. ...
- Fish Farming. Fish farming is a major source of income for Goa. ...
- Travel Agency. We bet you saw this one coming! ...
- Handyman. ...
- Photography. ...
- Mobile Food Truck. ...
- Landscaping.
Arambol - A Hippie's Paradise
Arambol beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa. Arambol gradually grew to become a favourite for most hippies. At the far end of the beach lies Sweetwater Lagoon, the jungle valley, and hot springs with therapeutic minerals that are perfect for a mud bath.
Baga Beach is one of the most popular places to visit in Goa.
What month do most foreigners visit Goa? ›
Mid-November to Mid-February: These are the best months to visit the party capital since the weather is pleasantly cool and comfortable. It's the perfect time to relax on the beaches amidst other tourists who make the most of these three months in Goa.
Which is the hottest beach in Goa? ›The best and sexy beach of Goa - Baga Beach.
Which part of Goa is more peaceful? ›If you want scenic beauty and tranquillity, South Goa is the place to be. South Goa is home to the best secluded, rustic and pristine beaches that offer serene environs, relaxation and natural beauty. A few popular ones are Palolem beach, Colva beach, Butterfly beach and Benaulim beach.
How far is Morjim from goa airport? ›The overland distance from Goa Dabolim Airport to Morjim Hotel Transfer is 25 miles (39 km).
Is Uber allowed in Goa? ›Reserve a ride with Uber in advance in Goa
Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Goa. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.
The Dabolim airport is the nearest airport, located 55 km away.
Which is the most rough beach in Goa? ›Calangute Beach – the crowd puller
You can even hear from the long-time residents of Goa itself that Calangute Beach is considered the most dangerous beach in Goa.
With its pristine beaches, ancient forts, and uncanny resemblance to Goa, Alibaug has gained popularity as a tourist destination with its serene environment and has been labelled the 'Mini Goa of Maharashtra'.
Which is the wildest beach in Goa? ›One of the most secluded and wild beaches in Goa, Kakolem beach gives an ideal feel of a balanced ambience of beauty and nature. Popularly known as Tiger beach as well, the drop-dead gorgeous views offer the tourists a warm and cosy time every time they end up exploring this beach.
Which Goa beach is not allowed for Indian? ›“Foreigners Only” Beaches In Goa
The ban is in place to safeguard tourists wearing bikinis and swimwear from unwanted attention. Indians are not allowed to stay in the famed shacks on Arambol Beach, and there are few Indians on Anjuna Beach. Locals believe that they are shielding them from the general public's view.
Can you swim in Morjim beach? ›
Morjim – swim with the dolphins and turtles
The next swim-friendly beach on my list, Morjim, is in North Goa. Morjim Beach lacks a crowd. Hence, it is an ideal place for travellers willing to spend lonely time in the flourishing beauty of nature. Morjim Beach does not have water sports to entertain its visitors.
Activities to do on Morjim Beach
The water is very clear and is very safe for swimming.
From Paradise Beach, Auroville Beach, to Serenity Beach and Promenade Beach, Pondicherry is one of the most popular beach destinations amongst foreigners in India. Unlike other beach destinations in the country, beaches in Pondicherry are known for their tranquil ambience.
Where is Butterfly Island Goa? ›Butterfly Beach is located 37 km south of Mormugao and a little to the north of Palolem beach.
What is the name of Butterfly Beach Goa? ›Butterfly Beach, Goa Overview
A little to the south of Palolem in Cancona region of Goa lies the Butterfly Beach. This beach, also known as Honeymoon Beach, is in the form of a small cove surrounded by dense trees.
clean sands,blue waters and awesome shacks. for me morjim is the best beach in north goa,candolim second only to morjim atleast in north goa.
Which is the most posh place in Goa? ›Assagaon, often known as the 'village of luxury,' is a charming North Goa settlement surrounded by whitewashed churches, crumbling Portuguese mansions, and verdant fields and hills. It is an excellent place for purchasing a home in Goa with a swimming pool.
Why do so many Russians come to Goa? ›Russians visit Goa often as tourists to escape the harsh weather conditions in their native and also attend the big music festivals and rave parties that Goa is known for. The hidden motive as to why the Russians are attracted to these parties is due to the availability of drugs, alcohol, and sex.
Which Goa beach is famous for foreigners? ›Ashwem Beach
This North Goan beach is the perfect place for foreigners to loosen up and have some of that 'me time', away from the hustle and bustle of tourists at other popular beaches.
Dona Paula is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Goa, Lacitadel Colony is one of the posh localities at Dona Paula where High Profile people (Industrialists, Politicians and Doctors) have their homes. It can be conveniently considered as Gold mines of city. Dona Paula is becoming one the posh best place.
What is the cleanest beach in North Goa? ›
Palolem is the cleanest beach in Goa. If you are craving a relaxing day out on a beautiful beach then Palolem beach should be on your list.
Which month is best for Goa? ›Mid-November to Mid-February: These are the best months to visit the party capital since the weather is pleasantly cool and comfortable. It's the perfect time to relax on the beaches amidst other tourists who make the most of these three months in Goa.
Why did Goans leave Goa? ›Migration from 1960s-Present (Current Phase)
The educated class found it difficult to get jobs within Goa due to the high influx of non-Goans into Goa, and this encouraged many of them to move to the Gulf states. Until the early 1970s there were substantial populations of Goans in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
Due to their large presence, the town of Morjim is often called 'little Russia.
Where do most foreigners come from to Goa? ›Foreign tourists, mostly from Europe, arrive in Goa in winter, whilst the summer and monsoon seasons see many Indian tourists.