North Goa District Map

North Goa being a part of the West Coast region of India has many physical features that are common to its neighboring states of Maharastra and Karnataka.

The central portion of North Goa consists mostly of plateaus at varying levels. The Sahyadris in the east are the middle level plateaus in the center abutting in several places into the sea, and the low-lying river basins and the coastal plains. They cover an area about 300 sq. kms and are at an average elevation of 800 metres. The water-divide acts as a source region for most of the Goan rivers. The scarp face is furrowed by ungraded streams which, in the steep fall, have waterfalls. Some of the famous peaks in the Sattari taluka are the North Sonsagar, 3827 feet above sea level; Catlanchimauli 2633 feet; Vaguerim, 3500 feet; Morlemgad, 3400 feet. On the coastline the plateaus end in headlands In contrast to the plateaus are the alluvial lowlands of North Goa. These are the in-filled stretches of the rivers which have deposited the eroded material from the Sahyadrian elevation along their banks, on losing their gradient when they emerge from the highlands to meet the sea. The major riverine plains in North Goa are those of Mandovi. Those of Chapora in the North are lesser basins.

A visit to Baga and Calangute is must for your itinerary. These beaches are famous for their extensive curved stretches, white sands and palm fringes. Of the many rivers that drain the land of the district, Tiracol, Mandovi and Sal are the most important. Lakes have a limited and local use for irrigation but constitute a scenic feature in Goa. The important lakes of North Goa are Mayem, Chimbel, Carambolim and Calapur.

The tropical wet forests, of evergreen type with a variety of species, occur in strands in the deeper valleys of the Ghats. Tall trees, dense canopy, sparse middle layer, climbing creepers and dense humus matting are characteristics. They include teak, which occupy most of the forest area. Bamboo and cane are also to be found in other areas. Major mineral deposits in North Goa comprise of iron, manganese, bauxite, limestone and clay. Extracting iron and manganese mining are the major industries of North Goa.