Goa is the destination of holiday makers in India which is an important stop of foreign tourist visiting India. The real beauty lies of the place lies in the Beaches of Goa. The beaches here are a combination of sensuality and adventure. Its sand beaches cover about 83 km of the marvelous coastline of 125 kms. The beaches are crowded by honeymooners and adventure tourist every year.
The beaches are located mainly around Mapusa, Panaji and Margao. Goa being one of the hottest tourist destination in India with emerald green shores, white or golden sand beaches, lovely tropical settings, the verdant canopy of coconut palms, vast expanse of paddy fields and Portuguese churches and mansions, the remnants of the colonial days makes Goa more special. There are many beaches in Goa but among them the famous Beaches of Goa are Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Dona Paula Beach and Colva Beach. These beaches are connected to Dabolim airport and also to major railway stations in Goa. To reach these beaches taxis and auto-rickshaws can be hired from the airport or railway station. Apart from the above beaches the other beaches are Aguada beach, Benaulim beach, Palolem Beach, Vagator Beach, Arambol Beach, Bogmalo Beach, and Miramar Beach. The exclusive tour packages facilitate the exploration of beaches with a comfortable stay.
Calangute is known has the queen among the beaches of Goa. The Beaches of Goa can be classified into the beaches in North and in South. These two regions have different characteristics, the north Goa beaches are more popular ones and are loaded with parties and carnivals, while the south Goa beaches are relatively quiet and have a relaxing solitude. The beaches here are a perfect destination for adventure and enthusiasts and variety of water sports including swimming, river cruising, scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing, jet skiing and banana boat riding. Goa has it share of calm serene which are lesser known beaches. The quieter Beaches of Goa are the Candolim Beach, Palolem Beach, Mobor Beach, Varca Beach and Majorda Beach. These beaches are for spending quality time, immersed in solitude and tranquility while listening to the song of the waves.
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Anjuna Beach is famous for several parties and the Wednesday flea market with a battalion of activities which are enjoyed by people all around the world. At the time of 1960s, the beach turned rendezvous for hippie’s that created utopia. Even today this beach is crowded with many people from distant corners of the world come to the beach to enjoy the psychedelic enamor music. This beach is a sea side valley placed in Northern Goa, Arabian Sea. Its vibrant present and colorful past has made it a phantasmagoric quality. Anjuna Beach is bordered by shallow red laterite cliffs, coconut plantations are terraced here and a blast of green landscapes and silvery white sands. Having no competition for its scenic beauty it is the complete setting for hopping beach parties. With the frenzied parties, these offer various global cuisines.
Anjuna is vast as there is south, north and middle Anjuna Beach. Around the area of the north it is flooded with restaurants, bars and hotels. The colorful Flea market was started by the hippies in 1970s. Here you can find good variety of goodies, like beneficial quality yak and hummus cheese. This beach is well known for nightlife that is trance bars to moonlight falling on the beach; it has parties going on every night to make the night thrilling. In addition to this there are water sports, which are mostly in the southern part of the beach, snorkeling roughly from the rocks that allow you have a look at a vast sea life. The hotel Tamarind is at the distance of two and half kilometres away from the beach with well-to-do accommodations. The rooms are priced between Rs.600 to Rs.2,500. The other facilities provided by the hotel are billiards, mini golf and swimming pool.
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Baga Beach is located on the west Goan coast on the Arabian Sea at a distance of 10 km to the West of the beach is the part of coastline. Placed in between Anjuna and Calangute, and it is a wonderful extension of Calangute Beach. Being in the list of the best beaches of Goa, it commences at Fort Aguada, goes on initially till Sinquerim beach, as Candolim beach and merges into Calangute beach and becomes the Baga Beach, centered at the coast of Bardez circumvented by the Calangute and Colva in South and North respectively.
The market of Baga Beach is held every Saturday where shopping is done for a broad array of commodities like fish, meat, household articles, textiles, earthenware and many other items. Here on sale are various kind of toys and trinkets, bric-a-brac, irresistible Goan cuisine and exotic delicacies. The beach is livelier with the bands playing live on a regular basis creating a wonderful atmosphere of the market. The area has the finest Goan restaurants, from swish pizzerias to the beach shacks here you can hog everything and anything from continental dainties to mouthwatering seafood. This place is the main centre of parasailing, wind surfing and water skiing that is mainly enjoyed by foreigners. This calm beach is a place for enjoying night life. The best place here is the Safils, it’s just to the right, at the bottom of Tito’s road, which has good food and good staff with a clean European style toilet people love to visit this place again and again.
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Arambol Beach is in the list of most charismatic Goan Beaches, it is situated in a hush and favourable Arambol village, this is a beach with a very vast coastline and a dream place for lovers of nature. The beach is circumvented with rocky cliffs with golden sands. These beaches are surrounded by cliffs all around. The beach is quiet and peaceful except on Sundays, this beach is hustled by huge crowd to enjoy the beach activities. The Hot spring is the chief activity of the Arambol Beach that flows in the freshwater lake. This has a very great result on the skin.
The several of shops near the beaches sells junk jewellery and clothes from different parts in Goa. Eating at this beach is very exciting with cafes that serve exciting dishes from India, Italy and Goan cuisines. To the exact northern side of the beach there are a few remarkable, water pools and bays for those interested in swimming. Paragliding is the most popular sport near the cliffs. The Arambol Music Academy offers lessons in classical Indian singing and Tabla playing.
Arambol Beach is best suitable for people looking just for sea, themselves and serenity.
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Calangute Beach is acknowledged as Queen of Beaches and a beautiful tropical haunt that is circumvented with fantastic palm and coconut grooves on the beachside. The tropical villages in the backyard like Candolim, Saligao and Arpora-Nagoa circumvents the beach. Calangute, the name is originated from a Konkani word Koli-gutti that bears the meaning of fishermen’s land and the hippies discovered it in late 60’s. The beach is also equipped with some water sports. The water-skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing starts from afternoon and is carried on till sunset. There is a hawker free zone in the southern side where you can take the pleasure of sand and sun. Here fisherman carries on with their daily tasks. There are several restaurants on the entrance of the beach which specializes in seafood delicacies and also a few vegetarian restaurants where most of the places serve breakfast of western style. The art gallery has sculptures and paintings by gifted artists of Goa and also boosts cultural activities of India. Many tourists are centered here for the Church of St. Alex that bears charismatic beautiful altars and architecture. The night life in Calangute Beach is tame as all the bars closes down by 10’ o clock. The golden sands make the beach one of the most well-known tourist destination and a worthwhile holiday.
Calangute Beach is hustled with children preparing castles of sand, colorful crowds enjoying in the sea, hippies going back to their good times and the youth relaxing on golden sands. The picture of perfect tourist place is accomplished with the palm trees shades selling the prawns that are fried and seashells used to make beer trinkets.
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Bogmalo Beach is a small fishing village that is bordered by palm trees and is breathtakingly beautiful. This beach is relatively clean and not much crowded and that makes it attractive for the family and lone traveler to visit. This place is famous for diving expeditions that tourists enjoy here, has the water is not much deeper to some distance which makes it ideal for diving.
Bogmalo Beach is the place where you can eat and rest. People visiting here must try the local restaurants lined up on the coastline that provides awesome sea food. The food prepared is a true Goan style and the taste of the food will linger for long even after you finish eating your stuff. When you are bogged up by the pollution and hectic pace of the city life, then this beach will serve as your perfect break. The air here is clean with serene and picturesque surroundings. There is no problem even for accommodation as number of hotels and guest house are available nearby. The coconut-fringed beach is like a heaven for those who love fishing. Naval Aviation Museum is also one of the major tourist attractions near the beach; this museum gives an insight into the working of the Indian Navy. A small dive school opened up recently opened up in Bogmalo and is one of the few places in India where one can do PADI-approved Open water diving courses. Trekking from Bogmalo to Hollant gives striking view of the Mormugao coast. You can indulge in windsurfing, diving and jet skiing, along with various other water sports.
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Benaulim Beach is just at a distance of 2 km from Colva Beach. According to mythology of Hindu’s, it was this place where the Lord of arrow, Parasurama landed on the earth, during the creation of Goa. The original name was changed by the Portuguese from ‘Banali’, in Sanskrit, and named the beach as ‘Benaulim’. It is a arrant destination to forget all stress and gratify in yourself as this place is abounded in nature beauty and serenity. Although it’s a destination for fishing it is mostly uncharted by local Indian tourists. The church of St John the Baptist is a merit visiting in Benaulim, every monsoon there is a feast at the church which draws numerous tourists to the church. The Bullfights is another planetary attraction at Benaulim Beach these exciting bullfights are held from early October to late May, these are usually held in old rice fields with no fences or barricades outside the village also Konkani music is played during these fights. The tourist must not fail to see the Beach Bonanza fair that is held on every consecutive Sundays that starts from mid-April. This beach is a charismatic spot where you can indulge in sunbath and view the colorful sunrise and sunset. The beach looks extremely eye-catching at the time of sunset, being commonly jellyfish-free; the sea is safe for swimming.
Benaulim Beach that is laciniated by palm trees is very popular for the ‘Dolphin Cruises’ that it offers visitors. The price range of cruises are quiet affordable and also you can have a glimpse of beautiful water creatures. Just like other beaches in Goa this beach has various joints for having snacks and delicacies. The village of Benaulim which is popular for exquisite carvings and furniture of rosewoods. This beach is known for fishing, Dolphin watching and Sun bathing. The night life on the beach is more or else a private affair, Candle light dinners are one of the best ways to enjoy the nights on the beaches. The Christian Fishing Community makes the place dotted with several food joints, people here are served by variety of gourmet dishes, and the beachfront shacks are also famous among the travelers.
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Cavelossim Beach is at a distance of 11 kms to southern Colva, this beach is very famous among the tourists. From this beach you can get a view of the beautiful village with narrow lanes and can also experience the Cavelossim- Assolna’s ferry that reaches at River Sal. While traveling by a ferry towards South Canacona you can take a left and go ahead for the view of Assolna Bazaar which is agglomerated on the main road. On the right way of the ferry you can reach Canacona.
From Cavelossim Beach after going on with the ferry straight ahead the square you reach Mabor, this is one of the most interesting place of South Goa which has great tourist places to watch which gives an eye pleasing look. This is the place with beaches, sands, entertainment, Churches which are the one with mind blowing architecture.
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Colva Beach is the place where you can soothe your soul and mind from the din life of the city. This is the longest beach in Goa sprawling over the expansion of 20 km, with miles of golden sand and shades of palm trees that enhance the landscape all around. In comparison to the other crowded beaches this beach has a pleasant ambience and relatively sparse crowd. This is an ideal place of a captivating surroundings and to stroll Goan cuisine in the nearby food stalls.
The water sports here primarily are for speed fanatics and comprises of sports such as speed boat and jet skiing rides; all these sports attracts a lot of speed crazy people to the beach. These sports are carried out under the expert supervision so as to avoid any accidents. For speed lover comes the speed boat it is a group activity of 3 to 6 people.
Nossa Senhora das Merces is a famous church near Colva Beach. Placed on the altar there is the statue of Child Jesus. The sculpture is considered to be possessing divine powers. In the year 1640 Fr. Ferreira discovered this statue on the Mozambique coast. The statue was brought in the church in the years 1648. From that time there is a festival in the church every October on Monday. This pulls over thousands of people to attend this festival.
Colva Beach of Goa is a fairly good place to swim in the water, but don’t venture in deep unless you are a strong swimmer. For the shopping lovers there are many shops for jewellery and clothes. People can find best bargains in small domiciliated along the chief street heading to the beach here you can find funky jewellery at casual prices. If interested in handicraft articles and hand souvenirs like coconut carvings, brassware, silk shawls, shell work, carpets, and recycled paper. The restaurants nearby beach are a mixture of International and Goan cuisine. The best restaurants here are Avtoc it serves various types of fast food; Club Ziggy’s it is good for Goan delicacies also has a thumping Indian raga, Techno sound system and big dance floor; China Dragon Beach Shack it famous about Indian, continental and Chinese cuisine letting in seafood.
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How to Reach Here: There are direct buses from Panjim three times in a day to Chapora and from Mapusa they are at the time interval of 15 minutes. You can also be availed with the motor cars and taxis.
Chapora Beach is located at a distance of 10 kms from Mapusa, this is opposite to the fort of Portuguese which is in the northern side of Vagator. This beach has a sovereign tourism place which is fully dependent on boat building and fishing. There are many stores on the beach side like cafes and restaurants for the people who come to visit this beach. Though it doesn’t have the white sands and canopy trees unlike Colva and Calangute so this beach converting into a resort is quite impossible, though its natural beauty is important enough for its popular ness.
Transportation is very easy near Chapora Beach if you are traveling by your on vehicle you can explore the place as Vagator is very near from here. By ferry you can reach Anjuna Beach, this takes barely 15 minutes to travel through road. The main attraction here is the Chapora Fort this is the famous landmark of Chapora which is also called as Old Fort.
Near the Chapora Beach you can find many options for hogging, there are many restaurants and cafes which serves sea food, Indian and western dishes too. For the people who love to eat this will be the best experience for them. There is also a place called Ganesh Café which has a great variety of delicious milkshakes.
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In the earlier times say about approximately five years before Candolim Beach was a part at the southern end of the Calangute Beach which was a solemn resort with great fun including the middle class people from Bombay and the Sannyasins that took a short break from their ashrams. But people say and it’s true that change is the law of nature and if natural things do not change that I guess this saying can go wrong, times have changed five years is too much for a change now this is converted into a place with good tour packages behind the sand dunes and mostly crowded with people from everywhere. This is now the perfect place to spend a holiday. You can also find guest houses and cottages facing the sea side which can be a wonderful view.
On the southern side of the Candolim beach is the Aguada Fort, this is a mind blowing fort which was built in 1612 this is also a domicile to many natural springs. This beach also has an eating hub with variety of the delicacies in sea food, western and Indian food.
Candolim Beach is the best place to spend your cosy vacation with your loved ones.
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Dona Paula Beach is the well-known beaches in Goa; the landscapes and casuarina groves tourist are pulled on to this beach. An atmosphere of ghostliness absorbs the beach because of the association of the legend. The beach name has derived from Dona Paula de Menezes, the daughter of viceroy throughout the colonial yoke, who had committed suicide for not getting permission for marrying Gasper Dais. Due to this many lovers visit this place haunting the romantic story of this place; it is popular with the younger generation. This place is also well-known as ‘the Lovers paradise’. Keeping aside the spirits and legends it claims to be popular for film shooting of major movies from Bollywood. The beach is equally famous for the water sports available such has snorkeling, motorboat rides, water-scooter, parasailing, kayaking , water-skiing, windsurfing and yachting. Reis Magos Church is a major attraction spot near the Dona Paula Beach just 6 miles away. It is one of the oldest churches in Goa. While the people enjoying adventure have a jamboree period in the seas, the prosaic souls can stroll around the shops of artifacts and souvenirs. Here local venders lace handkerchiefs, sell straw hats and spices are found here. You can also take port wine and sips of Feni which are the two Goan specialties liquor.
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Miramar Beach is a best tourist destination due to the close propinquity of the town. Portuguese meaning of Miramar is ‘viewing the sea’ and suitable cognomen took into consideration the mighty blue waters of Arabian Sea that expands till the horizon. Gasper Dias Beach was the earlier name of the beach. The beach is spread over 2 km; the beach is full with locals and tourist every day. From the beach you can get a glimpse of the Aguada Fort over Mandovi River. This beach is an ideal location for evening walk, tourists can also spend time in the shade of amazing Palm trees; the beaches faces the strong undercurrent and so it’s not safe for swimming. This silvery sand bed stretches over 2 km and adventure lovers can visit the beach. Other than sightseeing, beach lovers can also entertain themselves with buying fine collections that are displayed on the beach stalls. Popular eating spots on Miramar Beach are Martin’s Beach Corner, Sea View, Food-Land; these are situated near Miramar Residency.
The beach is an ideal location and the sea view it offers makes it a hot destination for foreign and local tourists that accounts for the crowd here. Apart from humans, various wandering birds also throng towards this coast. The sight of the sunset is also an eye-catching scene which many tourists can’t take a chance to miss. At night it reflects the moonlight in such a way that, the beach is itself the source of light. The cold breeze blowing gives a floating sensation. The crowd is less during this hour of the day so you can find that moments of intimacy and seclusion.
Miramar Beach is a perfect trail for perfect breath of air with soft sand as silk and sunlight to bask in, palm trees on the rim that sway to the music of air and spiraling waves of the sea view that lends the atmosphere the gaiety and joy with Goa and Goans.
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Palolem Beach in South Goa is the most crowded beach here; the semilunar shaped beach is popular for its far-reaching expanse of its heavenly atmosphere. The royal hills of the Western Ghats that rise from the backdrop gives you an awesome sight of the palm-fringed beach. In the film The Bourne Supremacy’ (2004) you can have a look at the beauty of beach in the movie this beach was the residence of Jason Bourne (Matt Damon). Apart from the other beaches in north Goa this beach is sparsely inhabited. It stretches between two outstanding headlands and the beach is lined with towering coconut palms.
Palolem Beach is a place of fishermans and people can see fisherman going into high seas with boats for fishing. There are Dolphins spotted abundantly here tourists often jump in the boats for spotting the fishes. At the north end of the beach on the island dubbed ‘Monkey Island’ is a famous carving by artist Jacek Tylicki called ‘Give if you can, take if you have to’. The beach is also referred has the Tiny Bay of Goa. The influential palms, the soft white and alongside with the elegant green mountains revitalize the holiday atmosphere on the shore of the Arabian Sea. The delicacy of the beach makes Palolem the Paradise Beach. Swimming in the beach is very safe and sunbath is the preferential activity of the tourists visiting here. This beach is not so crowded in fact it had been in the midst of the virgin beaches of Goa, until now.
Palolem Beach has plenty of places to eat and also medium sized places to eat where people can eat western recipes and Goan recipes too. Like rest of Goa this beach also offers some nice delicacies made of fish. There are also some restaurants on the north side of the beach that offers food on the beach. There is also Sameer Restaurant on the beach which offers alcoholic beverages so that you can enjoy a chilled beer on the beach.
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Vagator Beach is one of the most popular beach of Goa which is part of a 30 kms stretch of coastline is home to Goan beaches like Anjuna and Calangute. Though the popularity of the beach doesn’t match the neighbours, the sheltered beautiful nature is the best destination to enjoy the quiet holiday with sand, sea and sun for company. The black rocks with golden conflux with circumvented palm trees gives a heavenly look. You can also have a look at the enchanting 500 years old red-laterite structure of Chapora Fort located nearby which presents an enchanting background. There is limited accommodation and the beach is thronged by most of budget travellers.
The two fresh water springs in Vagator Beach is a major tourists attraction one is located at the foot hill at the north side of the beach, the other being in Ozrant, and is called Zor in the local language.
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Varca Beach is located at a distance of 2 kms to the southern side of Benaulim Beach. This beach is a wonderful place to visit with sand dunes; the main attraction of this beach is that the boats on the beach are wooden fishing boats. The most of the people that come here are for fishing purpose.
The Varca Beach is circumvented with palm trees and thatched houses that are lined with grassy dunes. As this beach is located in the village you can get normal houses on rent, so if you want to take the experience of the Goan houses this is the best place for it.
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