BEACHES AND LAKES
Goa Beache's
Ask any person which is the famous beach destination in India? Without any qualms the answer is going to be Goa. Beaches in Goa are rated amongst the finest beach destinations in the world. Several national and international travelers have termed it as the "Indian Caribbean". Goan coastline is about 125 kilometers long and is dotted with abundant sandy beaches with green palm trees that add to the overall beauty. Be it a honeymoon or a family vacation, Goa is a travelers paradise. Along with that the quaint hotels and resorts woo the visitors with their hospitality. Apart from this, mostly people put up at the shacks on the beach itself.
BEACHES IN NORTH-GOA
MIRAMAR BEACH
Miramar beach is located 15 kms from Mapusa and 3 kms from Panaji. It is located at the mouth of the river Mandovi and is the closest beach to the city of Panaji. The beach has brush vegetation covering one side of the beach and empty sands on the other. Standing on the beach one can see barges transporting iron ore up and down the Mandovi river. In the evenings one can see pleasure catamarans running pleasure cruises down the river into the sea.
Located on the road beside the beach is the Samadhi of Late Dr. Bhausaheb, Goa's first chief minister. There is also a small children's park next to it. Along the road running parallel to the beach, one can find vendors selling items such as Shwarma, and Bhel Puri and other fast food items. Miramar can be reached from Panaji bus taking a bus either to Miramar beach or a local bus to Bambolim and getting off at the beach which is along the route.
Querim Beach
Querim, also known locally as Keri is the northernmost beach of Goa. It is located at a distance of about 38 kms. from Mapusa and 50 kms from Panaji. It lies at the mouth of the Terekhol river on the southern bank. Across the river lies the Terekhol Fort up upon a hillock overlooking the river estuary. The beach is dotted with many pine trees. The waters here are clear and the beach is serene and calm.
Kalacha Beach
Kalacha beach is a small beach located to the south of Querim beach at a distance of 30 kms from Mapusa and 42 kms. from Panaji. It is known for its sweet water lagoon. The beach has few shacks and accommodation near the beach is primarily at local homes and guest houses. The beach can only be reached by foot along a rocky path to the north of Arambol beach. One can find numerous stalls selling various merchandise along this path.
Arambol Beach
Arambol beach is one of the most famous of the northern beaches of Goa. It is 27 kms from Mapusa and 39 kms from Panaji. The beach has both a long sandy stretch and a rocky outcropping on the northern side. The road leading to the beach is lined up with small stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs, eat outs and garments on both sides. A few shacks are located at the spot where the road meets the beach.
Mandrem Beach
Mandrem beach is located to the south of Arambol beach. A rocky cliff jutting out into the sea is all that separates it from Arambol beach. It is located at a distance of 24 kms. from Mapusa and 36 kms. from Panaji. A small rivulet runs parallel to the shoreline bisecting the beach into two halves. The locals who have established shacks along the beach, have built small wooden bridges at regular intervals in order to aid tourists in crossing the rivulet.
Ashvem Beach
Ashvem beach is a small flat sandy beach located to the north of Morjim. The beach is located 21 kms from Mapusa and 33 kms from Panaji. Most of the tourists can be found on the southern part of the beach. A small lagoon lies to the northern end of the beach. The lagoon lined with mangrove and palm trees on both the sides empties itself into the sea. A road runs parallel to the beach where one can easily find accommodation with the locals.
Morjim Beach
Morjim beach is located to the south of Ashvem beach on the northern side of the mouth of the Chopdem river. Morjim is situated at a distance of 18 kms. from Mapusa and 30 kms. from Panaji. From the beach one can see the Chapora fort on the other side of the Chopdem river. The beach is famous as a nestling ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea). During the nesting season, the beach is closed so that the turtles may not be disturbed.
Chapora Beach
The Chapora beach is located 8 kms. from Mapusa and 22 kms. from Panaji. Chapora beach is a rocky beach with stretches of clean sands in between. The beach is located at the mouth of the Chopdem river on its southern bank. Across the opposite bank lies Morjim beach. There is a fishing jetty at this beach and frequently one can see tourists fishing here. There are no shacks on this beach which has enabled this beach to remain clean.
Vagator Beach
Vagator beach is one of the most scenic beaches in north Goa and is located 8 kms from Mapusa and 22 kms from Panaji. The beach is crescent shaped and has a few sand dunes with shrubs. The lack of shade makes the beach inconvenient during the noon as a picnic spot. Tourists therefore opt for Ozran beach since it is more shady. To reach the beach one must climb down a flight of stairs.
Ozran Beach
Ozran beach, also known as little Vagator is an extension of the Vagator beach. The beach lies 8 kms from Mapusa and 22 kms from Panaji. It lies to the south of Vagator beach to the left of the road leading to the beach. The beach appears less crowded compared to Vagator beach as it is larger in size and can accommodate a greater number of tourists. Another advantage is the large number of palm trees on the beach which offer shade to picnickers.
Anjuna Beach
Anjuna beach is a small rocky beach with coarse sand and steep cliffs. It is located 8 kms from Mapusa and 21 kms. from Panaji. The beach is known for hosting rave parties and a colorful market In the evenings one can often find locals fishing along the beach shoreline. Located close by is the Anjuna flea market. The flea market comes alive every Wednesday selling souvenirs and handicrafts and Goa trance music.
Baga Beach
Baga beach is a beautiful beach that is located at the northern end of Calangute beach. Baga beach is located 9 kms from Mapusa and 20 kms from Panaji. To the north of the beach, the Baga river drains itself into the Arabian sea. During low tides one can wade across this river. Across the Baga river, up a hill lies the retreat center. The beach is lined up with numerous shacks and hotels to cater to the large number of tourists visiting the beach.
Calangute Beach
Calangute beach known as the 'Queen of Goan Beaches' is a large beach located 10 kms from Mapusa and 16 kms from Panaji. Thousands of tourists visit the beach everyday. However due to its large size, the beach never appears to be overcrowded. The area around the beach is well developed and once can easily find good hotels, accommodation nearby. The beach is also very well connected with the Mapusa and Panaji.
Candolim Beach
Candolim beach is located to the south of Calangute Beach. It is located at a distance of 12 kms. from Mapusa and 14 kms. from Panaji. The beach has a lot of shrub vegetation along the shoreline with many paths leading to the beach. A large ship, the River Princess can be seen moored a short distance from the beach. One can also undertake jet skiing, paragliding and dolphin sighting tours from water sport operators on this beach.
Sinquerim Beach
Sinquerim beach is a small beach located at the southern most point of the Calangute Candolim beach stretch. On the rights side of the beach lies the Taj Holiday Village. To the left is the lower Aguada fort. During the evenings one can see many locals fishing from the fort using a line. According to the locals, the fort is a great fishing spot. Many water sports tour operators try to woo tourists into taking rides on jet ski's, dolphin sightings, and paragliding.
Coco Beach
Coco beach is located at the mouth of the Mandovi river opposite to the Panaji bank. The beach is located at a distance of 5 kms from Panaji and 14 kms from Mapusa. The beach is home to a local fishing community who can regularly be seen hauling nets and boats along the beach. A short distance away from the beach one can find many tour boats anchored in the bay. These are used by operators to take tourists on dolphin sighting tours.
Kegdole Beach
Kegdole beach is located at the mouth of the Mandovi river opposite to the Panaji bank. The beach is located at a distance of 5 kms from Panaji and 14 kms from Mapusa. Towering just above the beach is the Reis Magos fort. Also located close by is the Verem Lighthouse and the INS Mandovi Jetty of the Indian Navy. Also located close by is the Verem Lighthouse and the INS Mandovi Jetty of the Indian Navy.
Dona Paula Beach
Dona Paula is a small beach located about 5 kms. from Panaji. The beach is famous for the spectacular view that it offers of the Arabian sea. There are plenty of water sports activities that take place here. The beach offers a great view of the Marmagoa harbor that is located across the mouth of the Zuari river. On a small hillock over looking the beach is a statue of Dona Paula, a lady who supposedly committed suicide here.
Vaiguinim Beach
Vaiguinim beach is a clean quite beach located close to Dona Paula beach. It is located at a distance of 9 kms. from Panaji. The beach road runs through and is maintained by the Vaiguinim valley resort. A row of beach umbrellas erected by the Vaiguinim beach Valley resort can be seen along the beach. Contrary to what people believe, the beach is not a private beach. The beach has remained clean since not many tourists visit the beach.
Bambolim Beach
Bambolim beach is a quite beach located about 7 kms from the city of Panaji. It is lined up with trees and shrub vegetation with many paths leading to the beach. Besides the Bambolim Beach resort, there are no major hotels in the area. Not many people visit the beach. However new Resorts are coming up in the area and the beach will soon be bustling with activity in a couple of years from now.
Shiridao Beach
Shiridao beach is a beach with coarse sand that lies at the mouth of the river Zuari. It is located at a distance of 7 kms from Panaji. Along the beach one can also find boats that are used by the local fishing community. The beach is a haven for shell collectors and once can easily find myriad types of shells here. There are not many hotels in this area, except for a few small shacks.
BEACH'S IN SOUTH-GOA
Japanese Garden Beach
Japanese garden beach is a small beautiful beach that is located in Vasco Sada Headland area. It lies 3 kms. away from the city of Vasco. A small temple is located along the way down to the beach. The beach is crescent shaped and gets its name from the Japanese garden located close by. The beach is deserted most of the time save for a few local tourists. There are no shacks or hotels close to the beach.
Baina Beach
Baina beach is the closest beach to the city of Vasco. The beach is calm and safe for swimming. It lies about 1 km. from the city. Baina beach was once a red light area. However in 2004 the government cleared all brothels in the area. Currently things are much better and the beach much cleaner. Just a kilometer away from the beach in the sea lies bat island. This used to be a favorite getaway destination for tourists.
Hansa Beach
Hansa is a beautiful beach that lies about 3 kms. from Vasco city. It is a clean beautiful beach with pristine waters. However the beach is controlled by the Indian Navy wing INS Hansa. The navy regularly cleans up the beach to ensure it remains spotless clean. However, only naval personnel and their families are allowed access to the beach while the general public is not allowed to visit the beach.
Bogmalo Beach
Bogmalo beach is a small, beautiful beach located to the south of Vasco city at a distance of 5 kms. from it. The beach has a gentle crescent shaped curve and is safe for swimming. It originally was a small fishing hamlet but now is a growing tourist hub. Many locals still depend upon fishing for their livelihood. Bogmalo beach sports a mixture of serenity and commercialism, splashed with simple beauty where one can happily lose oneself.
Hollant Beach
Hollant beach is a small beach located close to Bogmalo beach to it's south. It is located at a distance of 7 kms. from Vasco city. The beach is located within a bay and has a gentle slope towards the sea. During low tide the beach area substantially increases since the slope of the beach is gradual. No major hotels are located close to the beach. However accommodation can be found with the locals.
Cansaulim Beach
Cansaulim beach is a in actuality an extension of Velsao beach. The beach has clean white sands and lots of palm trees. It is located on the northernmost end of Velsao beach. The beach lies at a distance of 10 kms from Vasco city and 16 kms from the city of Margao. This beach stretch comprising of the neighboring beaches Velsao, Arossim till Mobor is the second largest beach stretch in India.
Velsao Beach
Velsao is a large sandy beach located to the close to the village of Cansaulim. The beach is located about 26 kms from Panaji and 14 kms from Margao. Velsao is famous for its silver soft sand and picturesque sunsets. The shoreline is dotted with numerous palm trees. The beach has plenty of shacks and beachside restaurants that serve great food. In terms of accommodation the choices are limited.
Arossim Beach
Arossim beach lies to the north of Utorda beach. It is a large sandy beach with a small rivulet running parallel to the shoreline. The beach is located at a distance of 22 kms. from Vasco, 35 kms. from Panaji and 12 kms from Margao. The beach wears a deserted look most of the time, save for a single lonely shack and a few tourists sunbathing on the beach. There are buses to reach the beach from Vasco and Margao.
Utorda Beach
Utorda beach lies to the north of the famous Majorda beach. The beach is located at a distance of about 10 kms from Margao. Utorda is a palm-lined beach with a wide strip of white sands sloping gently into the Arabian sea. There are a few sand dunes on the beach. Although Utorda is not as famous as it's neighbors, Utorda is a great beach to swim and bathe and is pretty popular amongst tourists.
Majorda Beach
Majorda is a beautiful beach located close to the city of Margao at a distance of 8 kms from it. Along the beach lies the village of Majorda which is famous for baking the best bread. It is one of the most happening beaches in south Goa. The seafood available here is quite varied and the taste is just awesome. In terms of accommodation there is a wide variety of luxury hotels and budget hotels available.
Consua Beach
Consua is a quite stretch of beach lying to the south of Majorda. The beach lies 7 kms from Margao city. Besides a few shacks and a few tourists sunbathing along the beach, most of it is deserted. Consua is unique in the sense that one half of the beach is lined with palm trees while the other half has pine trees. Sometimes tourists from Majorda can be seen here taking a leisurely walk or riding bicycles along the beach.
Lovers Beach
Lovers beach is a clean stretch of beach that lies to the north of Betalbatim beach. The beach lies 6 kms from Margao city. The beach is in actuality a part of Betalbatim beach itself. Lovers beach is named so by the locals because often one can see couples on the beach spending a romantic evening. Besides couples not many tourists visit the beach and most of the times the beach is deserted.
Betalbatim Beach
Betalbatim beach is located to the north of the famous Colva beach. It is located at a distance of 5 kms. from Margao. Unlike most Goa beaches that are lined up with palm trees, this beach has a numerous pine trees along the shoreline. Wanderers from Colva beach discover that the sand just keeps getting better and cleaner as they move away from the beach. Betalbatim is deserted save for the few shacks.
Colva Beach
Colva beach is a large beach located about 4 kms from the city of Margao. Colva is to south Goa what Calangute is to the north. Colva used to be a very beautiful beach once upon a time. However most of the time the beach is too crowded due to is close proximity to the city. While taking a stroll on the Colva Beach, silver carpets of mackerel and other fish can be can be seen drying.
Benaulim Beach
Benaulim is one of the most beautiful beaches in south Goa. It lies to the south of Colva beach and at a distance of 6 kms. from the city of Margao. The beach has a crescent shaped shoreline dotted with swaying palm trees. The best thing about Benaulim beach is that it has remained a rather un spoilt beach even though it is a famous beach for fishing. People often visit the beach in the evenings and on weekends.
Varca Beach
Varca Beach lies to the south of Benaulim Beach. It is situated at a distance of 8 kms. from Margao city. Varca is a large beach known for its soft white sands. It is an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of the day to day life. Along with the usual relaxing and bathing you can indulge in Dolphin sighting, paragliding and boat trips. There are several restaurants and shacks that offer excellent seafood.
Zalor Beach
Zalor beach is a small beach lying just south of the beach stretch that is known as Varca. Just like Varca this beach too has large stretches of clean white sands. The beach lies at a distance of 14 kms from Margao city. There currently is a dispute between Carmona and Varca panchayats as to whose jurisdiction the beach lies in. The beach is mostly deserted with just a couple of shacks on the beach.
Cavelossim Beach
Cavelossim beach lies just north of Mobor beach. It is located at a distance of 16 kms. from Margao city. The beach is sandwiched between river Sal along the east and the Arabian sea to its west. Being a quite beach with clean sands, Cavelossim attracts a lot of tourists every year. There are many resorts and beach shacks in the area. The beach has shrub vegetation and a few palm trees along its shores.
Mobor Beach
Mobor beach is located at the southernmost point of the Velsao - Cavelossim beach stretch close to the mouth of the river Sal. It is located at a distance of 18 kms from Margao city. On the beach one can often see many tourists riding bicycles and taking long leisurely walks. The access to the beach is through a luxury resort. For this reason, tourists often mistake this to be a private beach.
Betul Beach
Betul beach is located to the south of the Sal river. It is located at a distance of 24 kms from Margao city. From Mobor, you have to take the ferry at Assolna or a boat from Mobor to reach Betul. From Margao, you can take the road towards Cabo de Rama. Betul is a small but beautiful beach. A mud road with a short descent down leads to the beach. Most of the time the beach is deserted except for the occasional visitor.
Canaiguinim Beach
Canaiguinim beach is located to the south of Betul beach on the way to Cabo de Rama beach. It is situated at a distance of 26 kms from the city of Margao. A small path at the base of the hill near the Canaiguinim church leads to the beach. The beach has a rivulet that empties into a beautiful lagoon onto the beach. A few shacks can be found along the path to the beach. The beach itself has white sands, and groves of palm trees.
Cabo de Rama Beach
Cabo de Rama, also known as Cab de Ram by the locals is a beautiful beach located in south Goa. The beach is located at a distance of 28 kms. from Margao. The waters here have a pristine greenish blue hue. To the north of the beach lies a river that is shallow enough for one to wade. Palm trees line up the shoreline a short distance from the waves. The beach is fairly secluded owning to its distance from major towns.
Kakolem Beach
Kakolem beach is a tiny beach cove situated to the south of Cabo de Rama beach. It is one of the most secluded yet one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa. The beach is located at a distance of 31 kms. from the city of Margao. There is a small path off the main road leads down to the beach. The beach has a small freshwater spring that splashes down the hillside to the beach.
Dharvalem Beach
Dharvalem beach is a small beach located to the north of Coco beach and to the south of Canaiguinim beach. It is located at a distance of 33 kms. from Margao. Tourists know this beach as Coco beach, Dharvalem being the name it is referred by locals. The beach has tents that tourists hire to stay at the beach. The tents, the palm groves with hammocks make one's experience at this beach truly remarkable.
Cola Beach
Cola beach is a crescent shaped beautiful beach located to the north of Agonda beach. The beach is located at a distance of 33 kms from Margao. A mud road from the main road leads to the beach winding through trees, slopes and hills followed by a descent down to the beach. Like the nearby Dharvalem beach, Cola beach also has beach tents that give you a wonderful experience living at he beach.
Agonda Beach
Agonda beach is a large beach located in Canacona at a distance of 35 kms. from Margao. The beach has palm trees and Casuarina pines along it's shores. The southern end of the beach is dominated by a hillock that offers a breathtaking view. The Agonda beach road is lined up with restaurants and shops selling souvenirs, clothes, beach wear and refreshments. The beach has plenty of shacks.
Butterfly Beach
Butterfly beach is a tiny beach cove that lies just to the north of Palolem beach at a distance of about 37 km from Margao. There is no access to the beach by road since the area is heavily forested. One can take a 2 hour trek through the forest. Tourists take a short boat ride up from Palolem beach to reach here. Since there is no access by road, fewer people visit this beach and visitors can enjoy the beach all to themselves.
Palolem Beach
Palolem is a large famous beach located in south Goa just 3 kms. from the town of Canacona. The beach is located at a distance of 40 kms. from Margao. Palolem was once a deserted beach where one could enjoy serene beauty. Over time the beach became a hot tourist attraction. Today it is a hot tourist attraction. The beach has numerous shacks, shops, restaurants, and resorts.
Patnem Beach
Patnem beach lies to the south of Palolem beach just over a small hillock. The beach lies at a distance of 42 kms. from the city of Margao. It is less crowded than it's northern neighbor, Palolem, but no less in splendor or beauty and so is a great option if you want to be away from the crowds and hustle bustle at Palolem. The beach has a large sandy stretch with a line of beach huts and fewer trees.
Rajbag Beach
Rajbag beach is a beautiful beach that lies to the south of Patnem beach. It lies 45 kms. away from the city of Margao. It is a small crescent shaped beautiful beach. Access to the beach is by means of a road that lies through The Intercontinental resort. The beach is sandwiched between a hillock to the north and a the Galgibag river flowing to its south. The beach is deserted most of the time.
Galgibag Beach
Galgibag beach lies to the south of Rajbag beach, at a distance of about 45 kms. from the city of Margao. From Rajbag, a road leads to the beach that only pedestrians and motorcyclist can use. To reach the beach by car one must first travel up to the National highway to the east and then move south again. Galgibag is a large beach with plenty of Casuarina trees along its sandy stretch.
Polem Beach
Polem beach is the southernmost beach of Goa. It is located at a distance of about 50 kms. from the city of Margao. The beach is a very secluded beach with large stretches of white sands. The beach has just a couple of shacks, but hardly any tourists. From the beach one can see the island of Anjdiv in the distance protruding out from the sea a few kilometers off the beach.
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