Aldona is a quiet riverside village in Bardez taluka, North Goa, about 18 minutes by road from Mapusa and 40 minutes from Mopa airport. It is known for Corjuem Fort, the 1596 St Thomas Church and lanes of paddy fields and Portuguese-era houses. Our family runs Happy Moon Homestay in Corjuem, Aldona, North Goa, with rooms from ₹1,000 a night for two. WhatsApp +91 95034 25896.
| Aldona quick facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Where | Bardez taluka, North Goa, on the Mapusa river |
| Nearest airport | Mopa (GOX): 26–30 km, about 40 min |
| Nearest railway station | Thivim: 8–10 km, about 20 min |
| Nearest town | Mapusa: 8–11 km, about 18 min |
| Nearest beaches | Calangute and Baga: 16–19 km, about 35 min |
| Best-known sight | Corjuem Fort (1705), about 1.2 km from us |
| Best time to visit | November–February (peak); October and March are shoulder months |
Where exactly is Aldona in Goa?
Aldona is a village of about 6,300 people (2011 census) in Bardez taluka, North Goa, on the Mapusa river, a tributary of the Mandovi. It is inland: paddy fields, coconut groves and Portuguese-era houses rather than beach shacks.
Corjuem, where our home is, is linked to the rest of Aldona by the Aldona–Corjuem bridge. Give your taxi driver Plus code HVRQ+PW Aldona, or share our exact location on Google Maps.
How do I reach Aldona from the airport or railway station?
The quickest routes are from Mopa airport (GOX), about 40 minutes by road, and Thivim railway station, about 20 minutes. Times are from our homestay in normal traffic; distances are ±2 km.
| From | Distance | Drive | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mopa airport (GOX) | 26–30 km | ~40 min | Our pickup (₹1,200) or app taxi |
| Dabolim airport (GOI) | 40–48 km | ~1 hr 20 min | App taxi |
| Thivim station | 8–10 km | ~20 min | Taxi |
| Madgaon station | 47–52 km | ~1 hr 15 min | Taxi |
| Mapusa bus stand | 8–11 km | ~18 min | KTCL bus or local taxi |
By air. We arrange a Mopa pickup for ₹1,200. Otherwise, book a cab on the GoaMiles app or the government Goa Taxi App, which is also the easiest way from Dabolim. More on staying near Mopa airport.
By train. Thivim is the closest station, so pick it over Karmali (~40 min) or Madgaon if your train stops there. See our guide to staying near Thivim station and Mapusa.
By bus. KTCL buses run between Mapusa and Aldona/Corjuem (for example route 116), roughly 8 am to 7:30 pm, for about ₹15–21. They are regular, but timings vary.
Getting around. Use taxis, or rent a two-wheeler only if it has a yellow/black commercial number plate; a helmet and licence are compulsory. We have free secure parking and an EV charging station.
What are the best things to do in Aldona?
The best things to do in Aldona are Corjuem Fort, the Aldona–Corjuem bridge, St Thomas Church and the village lanes. Mayem Lake and Mapusa’s Friday market are each under 20 minutes away.
Corjuem Fort
Corjuem Fort (Fort Assunção) was built by the Portuguese in 1705, under Viceroy Caetano de Melo e Castro, against the Marathas. It is one of only two inland forts left in Goa, 5 minutes from our gate. It has had restoration work in recent years, so check it is open before visiting. More forts are on our Goa fort trail.
Aldona–Corjuem cable-stayed bridge
The roughly 235-metre bridge opened in 2004 and replaced the old ferry. It is under 1 km from us.
St Thomas Church
The present church was built in 1596 on a plateau above the Mapusa river. For more churches nearby, see our Christian heritage trail.
Village lanes
The simplest thing to do here is walk, past paddy fields, coconut groves and Portuguese-era houses towards the river. Our post on scenic, peaceful places near the homestay lists more spots.
Mayem Lake and Mapusa Friday market
Mayem Lake, a GTDC-run lake in Bicholim with paddle boats, is about 15 minutes away over the Corjuem–Poira bridge. Mapusa’s weekly Friday market runs roughly 6 am to 8 pm, about 18 minutes by road.
Beaches
Aldona has no beach. Calangute and Baga are about 35 minutes by road, Anjuna and Vagator 35–40 minutes. For day trips, see places to visit in North Goa or our interactive Goa map.
Which festivals are celebrated in Aldona?
Aldona’s village festivals are the Feast of St Thomas in April, São João on 24 June and the Choranchem Fest on 29 October, plus Shigmo in February–March.
- Feast of St Thomas (April): on a Saturday a few weeks after Easter, so the date changes yearly. Ask us for this year’s date.
- São João (24 June): celebrated with the traditional jump into wells.
- Choranchem Fest, the “Robbers’ Feast” (29 October): remembers an attempted robbery of the church in 1895.
- Shigmo (February–March): the spring festival, with a parade in Mapusa.
When is the best time to visit Aldona?
November to February is peak season, busiest over Christmas and New Year, so book those dates early. October and March are shoulder months. The monsoon, June to September, is green and quiet, with lower prices across Goa.
Where should I stay in Aldona?
For a family-run stay, Happy Moon Homestay in Corjuem has five AC rooms at ₹1,000 to ₹1,800 a night for two, or the entire home at ₹6,500. We, Ulhas and Anuja Polle, live on the ground floor; guests have their own floor.
| Room | Per night (2 persons) | What you get | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room 3 · Budget | ₹1,000 | AC, queen bed, workstation; bath shared by 2 rooms only | 3 adults |
| Room 5 · Budget (nature view) | ₹1,000 | As Room 3, with a view of greenery | 3 adults |
| Room 1 · Private Bath | ₹1,300 | Private bathroom, latex mattress, 24/7 hot water | 3 adults |
| Room 2 · Bathtub Room | ₹1,600 | Private bathroom with bathtub, latex mattress | 4 adults |
| Room 4 · Premium Suite | ₹1,800 | Studio: bathtub, own kitchen, dining, fridge, sofa | 5 adults |
| Entire Homestay | ₹6,500 | 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, full kitchen; 10 guests included, ₹500 per extra person | 16 guests |
Every room has individual AC and a workstation, with 300 Mbps fibre WiFi 6, UPS power backup and hybrid solar. Home-cooked breakfast is from ₹100 per person; Goan lunch or dinner is on request. Pay by cash, UPI or bank transfer.
We are rated 4.9 on Google (130+ reviews) and are Airbnb Superhosts. See our room photo gallery, booking the entire homestay for a group, or our guide on how to choose a homestay in North Goa.
Who is Aldona right for, and who should skip it?
Aldona suits families, couples, remote workers, solo travellers, long stays and EV owners who want a quiet base and do not mind driving to the beach. Working remotely? Read our workation guide.
It is not for party groups, nightlife seekers or anyone who wants to walk to a beach. Our house rules match the village: no parties, alcohol in moderation, no smoking indoors and no beef or pork on the premises.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aldona in North Goa or South Goa?
Aldona is in North Goa, in Bardez taluka, on the Mapusa river. Mapusa is about 18 minutes away by road and Mopa airport about 40 minutes.
How far is Aldona from the beach?
Calangute and Baga are 16–19 km away, about 35 minutes by road; Anjuna and Vagator are 35–40 minutes. You cannot walk to a beach from Aldona.
Is Corjuem Fort open to visitors?
Corjuem Fort has had restoration works in recent years, so check it is open before visiting. It is about 1.2 km, or 5 minutes, from Happy Moon Homestay.
When is the Aldona feast?
The Feast of St Thomas falls on a Saturday a few weeks after Easter, in April, so the date changes every year. The Choranchem Fest is on 29 October.
How much does it cost to stay in Aldona?
At Happy Moon Homestay, rooms are ₹1,000 to ₹1,800 a night for two when booked direct, and the entire homestay is ₹6,500 for up to 10 guests. Ask on WhatsApp about 2+ and 7+ night discounts.
How to contact and book Happy Moon Homestay
- WhatsApp or call: +91 95034 25896 (Ulhas Polle, host)
- Address: House No. 524/4, Hatalwado, Corjuem, Aldona, Bardez, North Goa, Goa 403508
- Google Maps: Happy Moon Homestay on Google Maps (4.9★, 130+ Google reviews)
- Book direct: homestayingoa.com — no OTA commission, best rates