Truly this beautiful beach destination is Tourist’s Paradise, be it for an adventure trip, honeymoon vacation, historical trip, wildlife tour or a leisure vacation with families and friends. Tourism of Goa is for one and all and so this beach destination is visited by scores of tourists from all the nook and corner of the world. Embark on Goa tours and explore the beauty of the Gothic churches, marvelous forts, colonial buildings, heritage temples and shrines, pristine beaches, rocking carnival, colorful fairs and festivals, etc. All these are truly wonderful and are the golden facets of tourism of Goa India that are unmatched and beyond words to describe.
Goa Beaches
Rated among the best in the world, the Goan Beaches are popular for their cosmopolitan and vibrant culture. The state has witnessed several dynasties but the remnants of the Portuguese culture still stand tall. No wonder Goa ranks as a hot tourist destination across the world and that too, because of its sun kissed beaches covering over 125 km of coastline, seven major rivers and their estuaries, lush green vegetation, hills and high cliffs. Relaxing on the beaches of Goa gives you the ultimate pleasure of holidaying. These beaches offer a number of beach resorts/hotels and other accommodation types to their guests, that provide a marvellous view of the surrounding greenery and vast Arabian Sea.
Dona Paula Beach
Agonda Beach
Anjuna Beach
Arambol Beach
Calangute Beach
Colva Beach
Dona Paula Beach
Miramar Beach
Palolem Beach
Vagator Beach
Bogmalo Beach
Baga Beach
Chapora Beach
Benaulim Beach
Cavelossim Beach
Majorda Beach
Varca Beach
Velsao Beach
Candolim Beach
North Goa
Calangute Beach
Calangute is the most popular beach with thousands thronging it in both the peak and off-season. The waves rise high above as you wash away your city blues, though swimmer need to be a trifle cautious because of the sudden drop and the rising waves. Experienced swimmers will, however, revel in the seas here.. The beach is fringed with popular restaurants and hotels, including the Calangute Residency operated by GTDC. This long, seven-km sweep of sand located 15 kms from Panaji, is called the 'Queen of Beaches'.
All the travel agencies and tour operators have a base here from where bookings are done for most of the other beaches.Years of tourism has brought in a tremendous change in the scenario. Hotels and guesthouses stretch uninterrupted from Calangute to Baga. The village of Calangute has all basic facilities like post office, banks, foreign exchange offices, resort companies, all kind of bars and restaurants, besides medical facilities. The number of internet cafes in Calangute might even exceed that of the entire city of Panaji.
Huge showrooms filled with exquisite handicrafts from Kashmir, Tibet, Indonesia, Rajasthan and other exotic places, line up the main road running towards Anjuna.
Baga
A few kms down the beach is another—Baga.-- part of a 30 km stretch of beach coastline along the west coast of Goa which begins at Fort Aguada, continues as Sinquerim Beach, moves on to Candolim which merges into Calangute Beach and then stretches on to Baga, Anjuna and on to Vagator, finally ending at Chapora beach. Truly a veritable feast of beaches.
Compared to Calangute, Baga is quieter and also more isolated. Its scenic beauty, with the creek, the Retreat House perched on the hill and the fewer tourist buses all have contributed to its unique beauty. It is more popular with western tourists who love to use it as a base for water sports and fishing in the area.
Vagator Beach
This most photographed beach of Goa forms a bay that curves from the headland to the hillock crowned by the Chapora Fort.
This beautiful arc of sand is located about 22 kms from Panaji and is part of the 30 km stretch of beach coastline along the west coast of Goa.
Adjoining Anjuna, Vagator is secluded, crescent shaped and situated on the Caisua bay along the Chapora river basin in the shadow of Chapora Fort. During the tourist season, it is a favorite venue for midnight parties. There are a number of buses that run from Mapusa and Calangute beach to Vagator. The nearest interstate bus station is at Mapusa.
Anjuna
Anjuna was made famous by the ‘flower power and peace’ generation of the sixties and early seventies. And later by the ‘trance’ parties. Located about 18 kms from Panaji, the beach is known for its breeze-catching palms, soft sand, and the unusual rocky formation overlying a cove of whitish sand.and black rock that juts into the sea.
It is now famous for its weekly Flea Market, which draws legions of visitors every Wednesday and bargains can be had on apparel, footwear, jewellery, footwear, chess sets—and yak cheese.
The village of Anjuna is a five square mile enclosure nestling between the Arabian Sea and the Hill overlooking the beach.
Sinquerim
With its magnificent 17th century fort which has now been converted into a prison, Sinquerim is one of the finest beaches in Goa, offering international class facilities for water-skiing, parasailing, fishing, scuba-diving and wind-surfing.
Home to the Taj Hotel Group, which dominates the headland around the historic Fort Aguada, Sinquerim is located some 13 kms from Panaji. The uninterrupted stretch of firm sand stretches all the way north to Baga, offering visitors a temptingly long walk along the beach.
Candolim Beach
Candolim is the first beach that can be approached from the city of Panaji and is like a gateway to the other more famous beaches. Though individual accommodation is available here, there are only a few hotels with restaurants attached. One highlight of Candolim is the parasailing and water skiing facility, besides other water sports.
Aguda Beach
Aguada beach is almost synonymous with the top-notch Fort Aguada Hotel complex, a superb hotel that is built on the cliff, around the remnants of the early 17th century Portuguese fort. Although access to the beach is not possible through the hotel grounds, which are private, you can walk along Aguada beach, for in India private beaches do not exist.
Drawn by the clientele of the hotel, Aguada beach has cafes, itinerant vendors of everything from Kashmiri carpets to massages, and a good range of water sports.
Morjim
The VIPs on this beach are the Olive Ridley turtles that come to nest here helped by a group of volunteers who guard the nests and help the hatchlings get into the sea.
A favourite of Russian tourists, along with Ashwem beach close by, visitors will find signboards and menu cards in Russian!
Arambol or Harmal Beach
This is also a foreigners’ haunt with a large number of Tai Chi, non-permanent mehendi or henna, tattoo, yoga and meditation centres. Harmal Beach is the one place you cannot drive on to, but there are narrow lanes that lead to the higher reaches of the coast. You have to walk down a slope to the beach itself. The black rocks on the silvery beach make for some pretty dramatic scenery at sunset. Further up near the hill is a pool with soft yellow clay, which is said to have healing properties. Beauticians buy the clay as do the innumerable massage parlours in the area.
Miramar
This beautiful ‘urban’ beach, akin to Chowpatty in Mumbai, is located just 3 kms from Panaji. It lies adjoining the estuary of the river Mandovi as it opens into the Arabian Sea. It was originally known as ‘Gasper Dias Beach’, named after Gaspar Dias, a prosperous landlord and where a Portuguese fort once stood at the fag end of the 16th century.
From the beach across the river is an excellent view of Fort Aguada. With its proximity to Panaji, and located near educational institutions, Miramar is very much both a family beach and a meeting point for young people. It is also a hot spot for fitness fiends and walkers. Tourists love the familiar atmosphere. Numerous hotels, including the spacious and well laid out Miramar Residency run by GTDC, dot the area.
The beach is crowded with locals and tourists alike on most days. A memorial to Goa's first chief minister, the late Dayanand Bandodkar is located here.
SOUTH GOA
Palolem Beach
Palolem is a cosy beach of white sand facing a blue bay between two headlands. The little wooded islands on the northern headland look alluring and you could try and persuade one of the fishermen — this is also a fishing beach — to ferry you across. They also offer to take you out to spot dolphins. Tourists have of late discovered Palolem and so there are quite a few shacks selling seafood snacks, souvenirs and clothes of the bright, informal kind. Panaji, the capital, is more than 70 kms away.In recent times, Palolem has become famous for its ‘Silent Noise’ parties, a unique concept which does away with loud blaring live music after the 10 pm ban. With your own set of earphones, you can dance away to different genres of music played by versatile DJs.
Palolem is just 3 kms away from Canacona Railway station, now on the Konkan Railway route. You can hire taxis and auto-rickshaws to reach Palolem beach from Margao, 40 kms away. There are regular buses from Margao to Palolem that drop you off at Canacona village.
There are now beautiful beach huts and family rooms to choose from in Palolem. Further south is the cove of Colomb where you can enjoy peace and quiet. Two kilometres away from Palolem is Rajbag Beach which is isolated and stretches all the way to the mouth of the Talpona River. And then on to Galgibaga Beach which is the second nesting site in Goa for turtles. Further south is Agonda Beach
Agonda
If you continue driving towards Panaji from Palolem, the next beach is Agonda.It’s long and lonely, fringed with palms and casuarinas and dominated by a large hill to the south.It’s not safe to swim out too far on this beach. There are very few facilities available here and you are needed to carry all the essentials.
Agonda is a 3 km long beautiful cove of white sand, safely secluded in the palms. There are no tourists, no souvenir stalls, no restaurants—just peace and tranquility. Just the trees, the beach, the big beautiful ocean and you.
It also makes for a great day trip from Colva and Covelossim. For a real adventure, hire a tent and camp for the night, listening to the crashing of the sea waves.
Not far from Agonda beach is Cabo de Rama, untouched by most of the visitors in this region. The atmosphere of the fort creates a sense of history and drama that very few would fail to appreciate. The fort is named after Rama, hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to local legend, Rama stayed here with his wife Sita during the period of his 12-year exile.
Varca,Cavelossim,Mobor
Varca, Cavelossim and Mabor are a trio of the most alluring beaches south of Benaulim. These beaches are much cleaner and quieter than most of the other more famous beaches of Goa. There are numerous beach shacks offering a variety of Goan dishes and seafood at reasonable prices.
There are several food joints around the grand ‘Dona Sylvia’ resort offering a splendid repast at reasonable rates. There are also facilities for Dolphin watching up the River Sal.
The beaches here are home to some of the most exclusive and luxurious resorts in Goa. Accommodation is also available for budget and economy class travelers, though not on the beach itself.
There is plenty of transport for these beaches from Margao. From Cavelossim village, Margao is 18 kms away and buses and autos are available easily. You can also hire taxis from Dabolim Airport (41 – 48 kms) to reach the beach resorts here. To move locally, use cycles and scooters that are available on hire.
Betalbatim Beach
North of Colva is Betalbatim Beach which begins a long string of beaches with Majorda, Utorda, Arossim and Velsao at the north. It is a ten kilometre stretch of white sand which is not very crowded
Colva Beach
This is the most important beach in the South circuit, equipped with all modern amenities like air-conditioned resort complexes, tourist cottages, discos, besides several stalls, eateries and guest houses—all of which have expanded the village enormously.
With 20 kms of virgin white sands, palm fringed, sun drenched beaches, Colva is the most loved beach in Goan. Unlike Anjuna or Calangute, Colva has gained popularity only lately. Located just 39 kms from the capital Panaji, it was relatively little disturbed and life moved on quietly.
The Church of Our Lady Of Mercy in Colva is famous for its miracle statue of Menino Jesus. The busy road leading from the Church to the beach is where all the facilities are located.
While taking a stroll on Colva Beach, silver carpets of mackerels can be seen shimmering and drying on the golden sands. Fishermen’s motor trawlers huddle in a line offshore. Tourists and locals frequent the beach for a dip or a walk for a change of air or to sunbathe on the golden sands. The trinket stalls and drink stands on the sands under the moonlight add to the aura of Colva Beach.
Majorda Beach
This small stretch, about 5 kms north of Colva Beach, is as pretty as a picture, studded with several hotels, the most prominent being the starred Majorda Beach Resort.
Majorda is the village where the Jesuits, fond as they were of the good things of life, discovered the best Goan toddy (sap from the coconut palm), which they used to leaven the bread. Naturally, then, Majorda is the place where the Goans were first trained in the delicate art of baking European breads. The Majordans are still Goa's best bakers.
The delights of the beach, however, were discovered much earlier, in mythical times. Legend has it that in the Goan version of the Ramayana, Lord Rama was kidnapped as a child and brought up at Majorda. Later, in pursuit of Sita, he camped at Cabo de Rama - a headland further south - where the stretch of developed beaches ends.
Bogmalo Beach
This beach, dominated by a 5-star hotel located right on its edge, is cut apart from both the North and South beach circuit. Just 4 kms from the airport at Dabolim, it is a favourite among the elite classes and has an air of exclusivity.
Although the resort hotel towers above the village, there are still a few smaller and appealing places to stay in. Windsurfing and water skiing facilities are available.
Benaulim Beach
Less than 2 kms south of Colva is the more tranquil beach of Benaulim, is one of the few places in Goa where one can glimpse handicrafts typical to this area. The best of the traditional rosewood furniture is made here. Also, mythically Benaulim is famous as the place where the legendary Parashuram's arrow landed by which Goa was created.
Among the more attractive aspects of Benaulim is that it is still rather undiscovered by domestic tourists even though it is a fishing beach. It gets fairly crowded in the evenings and on weekends with local visitors who get off buses about a kilometre away and pour onto the beach.
The Church of St John the Baptist is situated on a hill beyond the village and worth a visit. On the arrival of the monsoon, the Feast of St John the Baptist (Sao Joao) is celebrated as thanksgiving. Young men wearing crowns of leaves and fruits tour the area singing for gifts. To commemorate the movement of St John in his mother’s womb and Mary’s visit, the young men of this village jump into the locals wells in celebration.
Betul Beach
Betul is an important fishing port where all the mechanized boats and deep sea trawlers bring in their catch. Here headlands from the slopes of the Western Ghats protrude into the shore, imparting an imposing backdrop.Beyond this secluded beach is the hill of Cabo De Rama where the Portuguese built a fort. From the fort, a great view of the sunset on the beach can be viewed. However, there are very few places to stay in Betul.
Goa Tourist Places
Panjim
Panjim is the most famous tourist destination in Goa, in terms of beaches, churches, carnivals and natural beauty.
Vasco
As the name suggests, Vasco-da-Gama city inherited its name from the Portuguese explorer and the former viceroy, Dom Vasco-da-Gama.
Margao
Margao, another town with Portuguese flavour and an old world charm, is an important commercial centre as well.
Mapusa
Mapusa is a fairly small town with mostly modern buildings spread around the slopes of a little hillock called Altinho.
Goa Festivals
Christmas
Good Friday/Easter
Ganesh Chaturthi
Sao Joao Festival
Goa Carnival
Feast Of Three Kings
St. Francis Day
Sports In Goa
Water Sports
Water Skiing
Wind Surfing
Parasailing
Water Scooter
River Cruises
Caves in Goa
There are different types of caves which include both natural and man made caves. These caves are also one of the preferred tourist attractions, which are visited by a number of foreign and domestic tourists. Caves in Goa are generally of two types, that of natural caves and man-made caves. Some of the caves of Goa are as follows:
Arvalem Caves
Lamgau Cave
Narve Cave
Usgao Cave
Aquem Cave
Rivona Cave
Churches in Goa
The church has several towers and the roof is tiled, along with wooden rafters. The design of the church is simple and the interiors bears image of Nossa Senhora de Rozario, which is also known as Our Lady of the Rosary. The various churches in Goa are as follows:
Goa Churches
Se Cathedral
The Church of St. Francis Xaviers
The Church of the Carmelits
The Gate of the College of St. Paul
Lakes and Waterfalls in Goa
There are number of lakes in Goa along with fresh water springs, waterfalls, etc. These lakes are located in a serene place, away from the crowd, and are favorite tourist destination for tourists. Lakes of Goa are as follows:
Arvalam Waterfall in Goa
Dudhsagar Waterfall in Goa
Mayem Lake in Goa
Kesarval Spring in Goa
Carambolin Lake
Cutorium Lake
Mansions in Goa
There are number of mansions in Goa, which has a rich Portuguese influence. In fact most of the Goan mansions are reflection of the past and it also states the period of stay of the Portuguese from 1510 till 1961.The various mansions Goa are as follows:
Big Foot
Salvador Costa Mansion
Dr. Pinto De Rosario Mansion
Mascarenhas Mansion
Colaco Mansion
Temples in Goa
Goa also has a number of temples spread across its different parts. These temples are worthy visiting during the trip to Goa. The various temples in Goa are as follows:
Temples In Goa
Brahma Temple
Shri Chandreswar Temple
Shri Damodar Temple
Mahalsa Temple
Parshuram Temple
Naguesh Temple
Brahmadev Temple
Mahaganapati Temple
Tribes in Goa
There are few ancient tribes which still exist in the region, even before the Aryans came and settled in Goa. The various tribes in Goa are as follows:
Gowda Tribes
Kudumbi Tribes
Monuments in Goa
Goa also has a number of monuments that attracts a lot of tourists from different parts of the world. Some of the most popular monuments of Goa are as follows:
The Chapel of St. Francis Xavier
Church and Convent of St. Monica
Se Cathedral
Convent and Church Of St. Francis of Assisi
The Basilica of Bom Jesus
The Aguada Fort
Cabo da Rama
Chapora Fort
Devaki Krishna Temple
Shri Mangesh Temple
Mosques in Goa
The mosques in Goa boast a lot of historical significance. The splendid architecture of these mosques is also a great attraction for tourists. The most popular mosques are as follows:
Safa Masjid Goa
Jama Masjid
Museums and Art Galleries in Goa
The various exhibits of museums and art galleries provide a deep insight into the rich history of the region. Hence, let’s have a look at the various Goa museums and art galleries:
Museum of Goa Daman and Diu
Museum of Christian art
The Art Chamber
Kerkar Art Complex
Goa Chitra
Shopping in Goa
The appeal of shopping in Goa is such that most of the tour packages to Goa now features time allotted for shopping. Various places to shop in Goa are as follows:
Anjuna Market
Baga Beach Market
Mapusa Market
Calangute Market Square
Goa Wildlife Sanctuaries
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Distance :52km from Panaji, 38km from Margao
Salim Ali Bird SanctuaryAway from the coast, the Goan landscape breaks into the dramatic and green foothills of the Western Ghats. These foothills shelter the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary; the smallest wildlife reserve in Goa, which occupies an area of 80sq. km. The sanctuary has the sambar, gaur (Indian bison) and wild boar, amongst others animals. Elephants have been spotted here at times. Perhaps they come in from across Karnataka to enjoy the sea breeze and check out Goa. The sanctuary houses a botanical garden, a rose garden, a small deer-park and a zoo, which was initially established to shelter orphaned animals.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
At the confluence of the Mandovi and Mapusa Rivers lies the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, spread across an area of 2sq. km. in the Charoa Island. The wildlife sanctuary supports rich mangrove forests, which are home to a host of birds, a sizeable population of flying foxes, jackals, crocodiles, turtles and some other life forms endemic to coastal wildlife.
The Mandovi-Zuari Wildlife Sanctuary
has a stretch of rich mangrove swamps, considered to be amongst the most important in the country. Spread over a vast area, this wildlife sanctuary is home to about 20 different species of mangroves that include the rare Kandelia candel species. The swamps support a large variety of fish, birds, jackals, snakes, and crocodiles, to name a few.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuaries
Distance : 60km from Panaji
Getting to the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is a little tedious; but if you are in the mood to be in the middle of woods and discover the quieter side of Goa, the journey is well worth the trouble. Catigao is Goa’s second largest wildlife reserve. The 105sq. km. of forested land provides shelter to a number of birds and animals. If you go with the intention of seeing some of India’s legendary fauna here, then you could be in for a disappointment, as spotting the more famous wild animals is not extremely common. But the expansive forestland is a welcome change.
Goa Beaches
