The attractive beaches, mesmerizing sunsets, traditional churches, glorious temples, and picturesque land of the Goa has made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations, both in India as well as abroad. This beautiful state is located in the western coast of India. This land is known as “Rome of the East’, ‘A Tourist Paradise’ and ‘The Pearl of the Orient’, world wide. If you wish to explore this pride land of India, don’t forget to visit Goa. There are plenty of excellent accommodation facilities available here and lots of fellow tourists for company. The accommodation includes resort, cottage, budget hotels and luxury villas.
Agonda
The Agonda beach is famous for one whom always carving for solitude. This beach sprawling over a stretch of three kilometres of golden sand and it is a haven for the loners. Agonda Beach is fringed with palms, casuarinas and dominated by a large hill to its south. Its virtually deserted nature helps to enjoy complete seclusion in the Agonda beach. This beach is famous for dolphin spotting and riding water scooters.
The other thing you have to concern about Agonda beach is that the beach is lonely without any stalls and restaurants, so it is better you to equip yourself with all necessary items. If you are adventurous you were able to make tent in Agonda beach and camp there at night. Agonda beach is the next beach after the Palolem beach but it is very far from the cities that make it lonely. This beach is not safe to swim too far.
Besides all this desertedness, this small, picturesque and secluded beach attracts many nature lovers and peace finders towards it. The other attraction of the beach is the fort of Cabo de Rama. This fort was named after Lord Rama, who is the god of Hindu and the central figure of the Hindu epic Ramayana. The local legend says that Rama stayed here with her wife Sita during the period of his 14-year exile. Cabo de Rama is not too far from the Agonda beach, but most of the visitors undiscovered it yet.
Aguada beach
Miles of powdery golden sand, striking vista of blue marine waters and historical Aguada fort are the offerings of Aguada beach. The fort has to tell the mysterious tales of its past and splendid churches. This fort was constructed by the Portuguese to control the invasion into River Mondovi and to protect old Goa from enemy attack. The enrichment skirts the seashore. At the centre is a circular lighthouse tower. It presently houses the central jail. Besides this the tranquil and heavenly atmosphere churches are here to astonish the tourists.
In Aguada you will find good accommodations. You were able to find hotel complex, hotel build in the cliff. The hotel will give you the delightful seen of the Goan village and the better view of the sea. Individual cottages, internet cafes, and the good collection of things like Kashmiri carpets, local made things and massaging parlours make good attraction to the Aguada beach. You can also able to enjoy the Aguada beach resort, built on the ramparts of a 16th century Portuguese fortress. This fortress offers you elegantly appointed villas and cottages. The hotels here have the facility of steam rooms, Ayurveda Treatment and Oil massage rooms, gymnasium etc. The hotel includes fresh water swimming pool, water spots include speedboats, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, parasailing, jet skis, and surfing.
Dabolim International Airport has flight for international destination and it has domestic flights also available here for your journey to reach Goa. Margo and Vasco da Gama are the 2 main railheads of Goa, trains available here for other cities.
Anjuna Beach
Anjuna beach is a wonderful place for lazing holidaymakers and family members. It is the refuge for the hippies, who tried to create the spiritual traditions of the East and the art, ideas and the music of the West. You will find some of them staying couple of months on this beach. The Arabian Sea, the full moon parties and the Wednesday flea market makes Anjuna Beach live. The Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920; the Mascarenhas Mansion and the Chapora Fort are the main attraction of Anjuna.
This small village of Anjuna comes in the north Goa on the shores of the Arabian Sea. The tourist of the beach includes the monks, ex-hippies, gentle lunatics, artists, artisans, seers and searchers. Anjuna beach and its 1970’s dancing attract particular kinds of tourists to this place.
The favourite past time of the visitors to Anjuna beach is to watch sun going down. You can take a long walk under the moon on the silver sands of this beach. The southern end of the beach is safer for bathing, because the rocky headland of there keep the sea calm and undertow to a minimum.
The tourist season of Anjuna starts with November. During the Christmas and New Year you will see a crowd in the beach. This beach is known for its full-moon parties. The trance party with dance, frolic, and merriment goes all night besides the fire here. The night life of Anjuna centres on the Shore Bar, in the middle of the beach, which includes sound system and play some real funky music that keeps the atmosphere alive.
The main attraction of the Anjuna beach is the Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920, the Mascarenhas Mansion and the Wednesday flea market. There are plenty of accommodation facilities are available here. You were able to choose guesthouses around the village, hotels, and plenty of houses available on rent along the back lanes. The Dabolim airport is near to it. Karmali is the nearest railway station to Anjuna beach. There are buses available Mapusa for every hour to Anjuna. There are frequent local buses also available to Panaji.
Arambol
Arambol comes far north near the border with Maharashtra. This soft white sand beach is better for peace of mind. It is also the paradise for the hippies. There are regular trance and full moon parties in this beach. Apart from the peace and tranquillity, the villages around Arambol are enchanting and picturesque. The people here are friendly and you can experience Goan culture very close here.
Arambol is a traditional fishing village consisting of less than ten thousand people. You will only get basic accommodation facilities here, like the family houses in the village, the chalets scattered around the rocky headland and small bays in the north, some modern hotels also available Arambol.
The beach is strewn with dozens of old wooden fishing boats, line of tourist cafe bars, occasionally parties are held here. The gently curving bay of Arambol is good for bathing. You will find a freshwater lake extends along the bottom of the valley into a thick jungle. This lake is known for medicinal water. You can reach this paradise beach on foot by following the stony track over the headland to the north.
In north of Arambol you will find Terecol Fort, vivid paddy fields, coconut plantations and temple towers protruding from scruffy red brick villages. You were able to reach Arambol by bus from Panjim every thirty minutes. There is also small bus stand in the main road available for every ninety minutes. For boat transportation you have to book in the Welcome Restaurant by the beach, which leave here every Wednesday morning for the ninety-minute trip to the Anjuna Flea Market.
Baga
Baga offers you scenic, unspoiled and pleasant environment. This beach is also admired for varied types of thrilling water sports and fishing. Baga Beach is mostly known for its lively and vibrant nightlife. You will find the best range of restaurants in Baga. Baga Beach is admired for its white waves, pleasant romantic winds and the swaying palm trees.
Baga beach comes in between Colva beach and Calanguate beach. We can say that Baga beach is an extension of Calanguate beach. This beach is perfect for peace lovers who want to away from the hustle bustles. The Baga beach has brown colour sand. The whispering of the waves, chirping of birds, the seen of flying leaves of palm trees and the soft wind create a lovely atmosphere to the Baga beach. This atmosphere attracts tourist to spend there peaceful moments in Baga beach.
One side of the Baga beach you will find the Baga river flowing. Baga beach is an ideal destination for children also. The beach is good for holiday, picnic, fishing, shopping, cruising and water-sports. The attractions of Baga beach are the Baga Retreat House, Medicinal Springs at Mottant and the Club Tito’s. This clubs are famous for its nightlife.
In Baga you will easily find accommodation facilities. Plenty of hotels and guest houses are available here for visitors. If you wish you can rent houses here. You can get into Baga beach by air, train or road. The nearest airport for you to Goa is Dabolim. The railway station is Karmali Railway station, where you can get local trains. If you wish to travel by road, buses are available for Mapusa and Panji.
Benaulim
It is the rather unspoiled beach, but renowned beach for fishing. The very calm Benaulim beach gets fairly crowded in the evening and on the weekends. The beach is sufficient enough to give you the happiness and satisfaction of being in Goa. One can just doze the day off soaking in the sun in the beach when you just want to relax, and be yourself. The other major attraction of Benaulim is the Church of St John the Baptist situated on a hill beyond the village and is worth a visit. If you are visiting early October to late May you were able to enjoy the beat of taped Kokani music, the bullfights are typically held in an old rice field without any barricades just outside a village. It is said that in Benaulim is the place where the arrow of Lord Parsurama landed when he created the state of Goa. This beach is great for swimming and long beach walks. The Benaulim village is renowned for its rosewood furniture.
For accommodation you will find budget hotels and lodging. The guest houses are located 1 km from the Benulim beach. If you are visiting in peek season you have to book in advance. Private home and cottages also provides rooms in rent for visitors. In the centre of the village you will find the needful services like Bank, general stores, laundry place, some cafes, bus stand, and taxi and auto rental station. In Benualim there are several places for rent bicycles and motorbikes. There are frequent buses from Morgao to Benaulim.
Bogmalo
The Bogmalo beach first remained a mere fishing village and now it is transformed to an important tourist destination. Bogmalo is calm and quietude beach. You were also able to enjoy exciting paragliding in Bogmala beach. Bogmalo is just four km from the airport. This beach is clean and not crowded and is good for swimming. In Bogmalo you will find plenty of places to eat, drink and shop, and delicious sea food available here.
Another attraction of Bogmalo is diving. Recently diving school has also opened for diving courses in Bogmalo. The Naval Aviation Museum is another major attraction of Bogmalo. This museum give you information about the India Navy, it displays various weapons, artilleries and other items of Navy.
You can find luxurious hotels to the low budget guest houses in Bogmalo. It provides you all kind of accommodation facilities suit to your budget. The Oberoi Hotel at Bogmalo makes special attraction in this place. Beyond the hotel building you will find mysterious little islands, shipwrecks in the silt and around the hotel plenty of small eating joints. You can get into Bogmalo beach by air or road. The Dabolim airport is 18 km from Bogmalo and there is regular bus service from airport to the beach. Local bus services are available from the beach. You were able to take rental car or bike from Vasco da Gama which is 8 kms away from Bogmalo. The Bogmalo visit helps you to enjoy the delicious Goan food and experience peace of mind.
Calangute
The beach parties, trance parties, New Year parties keep the Goan life throbbing with dynamic energy all year round. Calangute is known for the most popular party zones in Goa. This Calangute beach is located few miles away from the capital Panjim. The 4 miles long Calangute beach is famous for seafood’s and is covered with palm trees. The semi circled greenery of the Calangute is boarded with the Arabian Sea, the view which makes the beach serene and picturesque. Coconut trees are the blessing of the place.
The Kerkar Art Complex, it is the repository of the local Goan Art and crafts with local music and dance events being organized in Calangute. St. Alex church of Calangute is the other important location of this place. The church has two towers and a magnificent dome gracing the facade. The Saturday bazaar of Calangute has plenty of good bargains for shoppers. In Calangute you will find Tibetan market, Kashmiri merchants with carpets, embroidery, and more. Besides this the market provides you textiles, pottery, and other provisions. If you wish to stay long you can buy fish, meat and grocery from this bazaar. Another attraction of Calangute is one of the crocodile and dolphin spotting tours on the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. You will also see Dolphins playing at the mouth of the Mandovi River.
The tourist resort and cottages of Calagute offers you excellent accommodation facility. The most popular holiday resort in Goa and known as The Queen of Beaches situated here. Besides the small houses amidst the coconut groves behind the beach are always in constant demand.
Canacona
Canacona is located at the southernmost region of Goa. This beach beckons tourists with its picture postcard locales and sun-kissed beaches. The name Canacona is thought to be a derivative of the word Konkan. Canacona was annexed to Goa in 1794. Canacona is ensconced between the lofty hills of the Sahaydri range on one side and the azure waters of Arabian Sea on the other side.
The second largest wildlife reserve of Goa, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is near to Canacona. This sanctuary was established in the year 1969 and covers an area of 86 sq km. The sanctuary occupies specious like Monkey, Gaur and Wild Boar. Jeevottam Partagal Math is another attraction, which is known for Vedic studies. In this sanctuary area you will find the tribal communities like Kunbi and Velip, who were still living in this place. The Shree Mallikarju Temple of 16th century is important to visit here. Mallikarjun means Lord Shiva, is the presiding deity of this temple. In the interior of the temple you will see 60 images of various gods and goddesses. You were also able to see the beautifully carved wooden pillars of the temple. The main festival of the temple is Rathasaptami. There was one math here owned by Gaud Saraswat community, then Shree Sanusthan Gokarn Pathagali Jeevotham Math. The math was founded in the year 1475 by Swamiji Shreemad Narayanateertha. You can see a few temples in the math premises.
There are two fresh water spring here to visit. The first one is situated in the Puroner. It is situated in the property of one family. You can visit and bathe in the fresh water of the spring. The second spring Gogel has crystal clear water. It is believe that these springs water carries medicinal values.
Candolim Beach
This beach is situated in the northern side of Goa. Candolim beach is the perfect place those who wish to spend their time relaxing and rejuvenating. This beach is close to the Aguada beach and is best known for sea food. Condolim beach is stretched up to seven kilometres, starting from Aguada and ends at Chapora beach. In this beach sunbathing and swimming is possible. Best time to visit the Condolim beach is from December to February. The beach also gives you the sight of fisherman coming back after their daily catch and the memorable sunsets. Besides peace of mind the Goa offers you facilities to indulge in sports activities. The candolim beach is a busy business centre of Goa.
Candolim beach offers wide range of accommodation suit your taste. There are many hotels and beach resorts. The resorts provide you luxurious stay, excellent dining and recreation facilities. The resort provides opportunities for snorkelling, fishing and diving. Special guides are available here for helping you in these daring sports activities. You will find starred and non-starred accommodation in Candolim, because the Candolim beach occupies a lot of inns with good facilities. The hotels of Candolim offer good facilities for the visitors. Some of them offers yoga and meditation session, which gives relief for the tourist from all his mental stress and fatigue?
Bus services are available in Goa for Candolim beach. Hire car and bike are available in the service stations here. One side taxi rental facility is available in Candolim.
Cavelossim-Mobor
Cavelossim and Mobor are a pristine sands, wide beach and shallow sea. It is one of the most popular beaches of Goa and also counted among the most beautiful beaches of India. This beach lies at a distance of approximately 12 km from Benaulim. Margo is 18 km away from Cavelossim village. The clean Cavelossim and Mobor have white sands and black lava rocks. Cavelossim comes in between the Arabian Sea and the Sal River and it is best known for mussels. A few kilometres down you will find Mobor.
The Cavelossim give you the view of men collecting clams, mussels and oysters from the river silt. Passing the square in Cavelossim you will arrive at Mobor. The beach Cavelossim is known for shopping, you can collect Indian crafts and other things from the line of shop in the beach. The beach has numerous beach shacks which offer variety of Goan dishes and seafood at reasonable prices. Dolphin watching is the main attraction of Covelossium and Mobor beach. There are special boats trips are arranged for this.
Buses, autos, cycles and scooters are available easily for hire here. You can also hire taxis from Dabolim Airport to reach the beach resorts here. Accommodation is also available for budget and economy class travellers though not on the beach itself. These two beaches locate many five star resorts and much cleaner and quieter than most of the famous beaches of Goa. You can get rental car from the Dabolim Airport to reach the beach resorts. Rental cycle and scooters are available to explore the interior of village.
Chapora
Chapora beach is the most popular and most visited beaches of Goa. It is situated at a distance of 10 km from Mapusa. This beach is perfectly merged with booming tourism industry, with its major attractions like boat building and fishing legacy. The big 500-year Old Portuguese fort located in the Chapora village, the surrounding secluded and sandy beaches and dense green coconut palms adds ambience to Chapora.
If you decide to stay long in Goa, Chapora is the best place to choose. The village comes in the bank of Chapora River and surrounds the rocky hills. This village has every facility like the banks, restaurants, cyber cafes, hospitals and post office etc. Chapora is a fishing village, roaming the Chapora village you will find fisherman in their traditional attires. If you have time to spend with the fisherman they will share lots of stories about the sea and the life’s.
Chapora port is the main attraction of the village. The fort was first owned by the Marathas. When Portuguese invaded to Goa they try to capture it. But Portuguese has got a bitter experience from the Maratha’s and the retrieve in the Northern part of Chapora. From this lesson they try to strengthen their northern defence with the help of locals. At last they captured the fort and modified it to the present fort. Flexible transporting facilities are available in Chapora and to the fort. There are direct bus services from Panjim. Besides number of buses available from Mapusa and Calagute beach to Chapora.
Colva
Colva beach is the most loved beach of Goans. Colva visit help you to enjoy its warm turquoise sea and fishermen hauling in their nets by hand in the clear morning light as they chant and ancient sea song. The beach sprawls over 20 km is the longest beach in Goa. This beach helps you to escape from the din of city life and yearn for a tranquil vacation. Colva is highly commercialised with resort complexes, large holiday crowds, trinket stalls, and discos. Colva’s plentiful accommodation ranges from swish campuses of chalets and swimming pools to a fair selection of good value guesthouses.
The catholic community of here celebrates Fama of Menino Jesus in third Monday of October every year. Fairs are held in Colva in this big feast day. The feast of St. John the Baptist, celebrates every year as a thanks giving. In this day youth of Colva wears leaves and fruit crowns and sings for gifts. The feast celebrates to commemorate the movement of St.John in his mother’s womb and visited Mary, the mother of Jesus. This worthy place of Colva is situated in the hill beyond the village. Benaulim beach lies two km further ahead of Colva beach.
There are plenty of houses and low budget houses are available in and around Colva. Rental houses are also available for longer stay here. It is easy to get rental motorcycle or scooter in Panaji and Mapusa. From the shops of Colva you can buy artifacts, antiques and gifts. There are open air eateries are available on the shore. In this shop seafood and Portuguese dishes are in abundance.
Dona Paula
Dona Paula is 7 kms from Panaji. It is an idyllic picturesque spot. Dona Paula is near the rocky point between the Mandovi and the Zuari. This secluded bay gives you a fine view of Zuari River and Mormugao Harbour. This is an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe and help you to enjoy water scootering and motor boat rides. There are boating facilities available in Dona Paula for those who dare to venture in the waters. The beach got the name from Dona Paula de Menzes, the daughter of a viceroy during the colonial period. She jumped off from the cliff because of refusal of her marriage with a local fisherman.
Dona Paula beach is famous for adventures sports facilities. You can indulge in water sports such as water-scooter, motor boat rides, wind surfing, parasailing, water-skiing, snorkelling, kayaking and yachting. The water sports held here attracts large number of participants. Large numbers of hotels of your budgets are available in Dona Paula. The hotel amenities includes well appointed rooms, travel assistance, air conditioned rooms with the amenity of hot and cold running water and the presence of a Goan, Chinese and continental cuisine. Shops of souvenirs and artefacts are here. Local vendors sell straw hats, lace handkerchiefs, and spices on the shop. Buses and taxis are available in this beach. Dabolim is the nearest railway station to Dona Paula. Kadamba bus terminal is the central bus hub of Dona Paula.
Majorda Beach
It is the most beautiful and fascinating beach of Goa. Majorda beach lies at a distance of approximately 5 km from the Colva beach. The soft sands and aquamarine water of the Mahorda beach lure tourists from all over the world. This beach is a very source of Goan toddy and the best European beads. Majorda beach is located towards the south of Utorda and north of Betalbatem in Salcem. This lovely beach is best for those who wish to be lonely.
Indian mythology says that ‘Lord Rama’ came to the beach in search of his wife ‘Sita’. He is said to have came in Cabo-de-Rema, which lies in the southern part of the beach. Mae De Church, founded in 1588 was a major attraction of Majorda. If you walk the north of Majorda you will reach the beautiful Utorda beach and able to make lot of fun. Marjoda beach is a perfect place for delicious food. You were able to enjoy the fresh seafood, schezhuan, specialities and streaks. Marjoda gave you options for comfortable stay. There are plenty of luxury hotels and budget shelters here. Majorda beach resorts offer you word-class comforts and facilities. Near to these resorts you will find beach shacks. It offers you good choice from the cuisine of Goa, India and Europe.
This marvellous beach of Goa is 18 km from Dabolim Airport. Here you will get transportation facilities like buses, auto rickshaws and taxis. If you are choosing train to get here, then train will drop you at Madgoan station and auto are available there for the beach. Buses are also available in Madgoan for Majorda beach.
Mapusa
Mapusa is 13 kms from Panaji. It is the third largest town of Goa. It is the main market town for the surrounding beaches. In this small town modern buildings are spread around the slopes of hillock called Altinho. The weekly Friday market makes this town lively. It attracts people from all over Goa to come here to buy and sell their wares. You were able to buy everything from fresh and dried fish, incense, spices, fruits and vegetables to souvenirs from other states of India from here. Most of the items get here after a few rounds of bargaining and the prices are usually much lower than anywhere else.
The tourist sites of Mapusa are a few colonial eras Municipal building, a modern temple of Lord Hanuman and the church of Our Lady of Miracles 2 kms east of the market area. The other famous shrine is that of Lord Bodgeshwar, located on the outskirts of the town in the middle of some rice fields. This beach is safe for swimming.
The Kalika temple of Mapusa is famous for its aesthetics and architect. Morjee is another attraction of Mapusa town. It is 15-km from Mapusa. This temple is dedicated for Kanakeshwar Baba. The nearest airport to Mapusa is Dabolim. Local buses are available near the beach. Rickshaws and tourist taxis are always ready near the beach for your services.
Margao
It is the main centre of Goan economy, located in the Salcete taluk of South Goa district. After Vasco da Gama it is the second largest city of Goa. Besides bustling commercial and industrial centre, Margo boasts of a flourishing tourism culture by virtue of its opulent churches, scenic beaches and stately mansions. Once Margao, remains as a main Hindu religious centre with a number of temples and dharmashalas. After the invasion of Portuguese the temples gave way to the spawning of majestic churches and palaces. The present Margao town exudes a quaint charm with its landscape speckled with fine specimens of Portuguese architecture.
There are so many places to visit in Margao. The major attractions are the Steely Church of the Holy Spirit, which was made in 1675 AD and is an example of Baroque Architecture of Goa. The mansion named the House of Seven Gambles, built in 1790 AD by the Emissary and private secretary of the Portuguese Viceroy, Mr. Sebastian de Silva. Others are the Chandreshwar Bhuthnath Temple, Jorge Barreto Park, Pandava caves, Monte Church and the Rachel Seminary. If you want to get the actual picture of Margao, travel to the market of city. It makes you aware with the city and fetch you some good bargains.
The cuisine of Margao is same as the Goa. Margao curry is praised for local speciality and currently it exports to Portugal. Margao railway station is the major terminal in south Goa. Dabolim is the nearest airport to Margao.
Miramar
Miramar is located in the heart of the state capital so the beach of it is rather crowded. Miramar beach is situated on a good location for evening walks; the coast is spread up to 2 km, having a fine silvery sand bed. The thick grove of shady palms forms a dense canopy of the area and gives a lovely appearance to the beach. From Miramar one has an excellent view of the Aguada fort just across the Mandovi River. Miramar beach is also known in the name of Gaspar Dias.
The Miramar beach ground is universally accepted. It is known as the paradise for migratory birds. Three-fourth of the migratory birds incorporates in the costal plains of Miramar. Some migratory birds like Plovers and Gulls return to Miramar beach in each winter. Main reason for the birds to choose Miramar is that, the food of birds, aquatic invertebrates, seeds and insects are plenty in this beach.
In Miramar for accommodation various beach resorts are available here. Tourists staying in the beach resort can spend nice time in the palm shaded area experiencing the warm wind. The facilities for the tourist, shopping, sightseeing, beach activities and other entertainments, all comprised in this beach. The game like Para sailing, in which on end of the rope tied on the speed boat and the other to Para sail, you left suspended to feel the air on your face, and this facility is available in Miramar beach. Wind surfing, the inexpensive water game but hard to learn, this sports facility also is in Miramar beach.
Mormugao
The city of Mormugao in Goa is situated in the west cost of India and it comes near to the industrial town Vasco da Gama. Mormugao is flourished with the golden beaches, Portuguese architecture, and the delicious seafood of Goa. Portuguese rulers first decided to make Mormugao as their capital. Make this true in 1703 the Viceroy moved to Mormugao. But they have to face the repeat attack of the Maratha’s and at last decided to make old Goa as their capital.
The main attraction of Mormugao is the Mormugao Fort, dating back to 1624. This Fort is situated at the extreme north-western point of Salsete and guarding the entrance to the port. The fortress has 10 km circumference, contained 20 bulwarks, three magazines, five prisons, a chapel and quarters for the guard. There were two beautiful fountains. One is the Fonte de Malabar and the other is Fonte de Santo Ignacio. The visit to the fort gives you the magnificent view it commands. The other speciality of Mormugao is the Mormugao harbour. It is one of the finest natural and one of the oldest anchorages on the West Coast of India. It is the principal harbour of economic activity in Goa and this harbour is accessible at all times. In 1963, Government of India declared it a major port of India. There is plenty of coastal trade with other parts of the country and usually several steamers and vessels anchored in stream. The harbour gives you beautiful sight of illuminated ships and bright harbour lights reflecting in the waters of the bay at night.
Palolem
The crescent shaped Palolem beach is 70 km from the capital city Panaji and 2 km west of Chaudi. It is the ideal beach in Goa. The village located nearby has several cafes and souvenir stalls catering to day-trippers and vacationers who arrive in droves on sightseeing tours of the beaches. Palolem still remains a traditional village. One can also venture out to the sea to spot dolphins at this beautiful beach in Goa. Palolem offers beautiful beach huts and family room for the tourists who are visiting this small village. The crescent shape and the swaying coconut palms give the Palolem beach a picturesque appearance.
This white traditional beach has shacks selling seafood snacks, souvenir and cloth selling shops. Palolem has delicious, freshly baked western whole food and cakes. If you are in tight budget don’t worry, there are row of tiny Bhaji stalls. From there you can buy Pao Bhaji, bread rolls, omelettes and tea for small amount. Palolem comes in the prior position of tour package destinations. This beach is best for relaxation and the local fisherman offers dolphin watching and fishing boat trips. Buses are available in Margao and Karwar for Palolem. In Palolem you will find well equipped hotels, resorts and restaurants. The rooms are furnished and bath attached. The hotels offer delicious food including the seafood items of Goa.
Panjim
Panaji or Panjim is the travel hub of Goa and this is the first place to be touched while you are landing in Goa. The Portuguese called the place Panjim, after 1960’s it was renamed as Panaji. It is located along the banks of River Mandovi and is the capital of Goa. Originally it is a small village composed with the sandy beaches, blue laguna, streams and back waters. Panajim gained its prominence during the second half of 18th century. In Panjim, you were able to see the houses lining them rising directly above the wide streets and has several squares. The town has preserved its Portuguese heritage remarkably well and parts of it still consist of narrow Winding Street with over hanging balconies, red-tiled roofs and numerous small bars and cafes. Most of these buildings bear the hallmark of Portuguese architecture.
The main attractions of the Panaji are the church of Immaculate Conception made of Portuguese Barque style, the Adilshahi Palace or Idalco constructed by Adilshah. Portuguese Viceroy, Jeronimo de Azevedo renovated the palace and renamed it as Idalco. In the western corner of Cabo you will see the Raj Niwas, a mud and late rite building. The Jama Masjid, Mahalaxmi Temple, St Thome Quarter and Sebastian Chapel are the other attractions. Panaji is well connected with railway station and airport. The nearest railway station is Madgoan and Dabolim is the airport.
Ponda
Ponda is a major town in the North Goa district. It got fame as the cradle of Hindu pilgrimages in Goa. This area is predominant with Hindu culture and population. Portuguese captured this city in 1791 from the Raja of Sona along with Canacona. Quepam and Sanquem are the part of Ponda. It comes in the Quela village. The largest mosque of Goa, the Safa Masjid, and the five famous Hindu temples are the main attraction of Ponda.
You were able to see temples of 17th and 18th century AD is located different region of Ponda. The lamp tower is the spectacular feature of temples of Ponda. The Shiva temple of Shri Manguesh is situated in the Ponda Taluka. The tiny temple of 18th century located on the hill top, is a landmark with its white towers.2 km further you will find Shri Mahalsa, a Vishnu Temple. Other main temples of Ponda are the Mahalsa Narayani Temple, Shantadurga Temple and Mahalexmi Temple. A flourishing tourism industry has grown around these renowned temples with devotees coming from faraway lands.
Besides tourism Ponda has also come up as an industrial city with many large factories and industrial estates nearby. Two wildlife sanctuaries of Goa the Bondla and the Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary are situated in Ponda. In Bondla, a botanical garden fenced with deer park and a Zoo constitutes. Gaur and Sambar are the part of the fauna found here. You can book a chalet accommodation here. If you wish to stay, book it advance at the office of Department of Forestry in Panaji. Goa’s impressive water fall Dudhsagar falls is near to it.
Salcette
The evergreen destination of Goa is a traveller’s paradise. Astonishingly beautiful blue beaches, luxurious silvery sands, wonderful flora and fauna, rich cultural heritage, fascinating churches, and marvellous temples, Goa has it all. Salcette is a district of south Goa. This district includes sixty six villages. It is also known as ‘Shasti’ spelt by the Goans as Saxtty. The cliff of Calo de Rama will give you great view of Salcette. This beach offers luxury travellers and accommodation, the very best beach, child care, swimming pool etc. Salcette beach is very calm and solitude area. In Salcette you were able to enjoy the beauty of Goa and its coconut trees. Cavelossim come inside Salcette. Margao in Pre-Portuguese times was one of the important settlements in Salcette. Varca is one of the longest stretches of beach in Salcette.
Once in Salcette there was a Vishnu Temple, which attracted pilgrims from all over. The Muslim invaders destroyed this temple. From them Potuguese captured this place and created churches here. Now this church remains major tourism highlight of Salcette. This place was ruled by the Hindu, Muslims and Portuguese rulers. Due to the influence of these rulers in Salcette has a mixed culture and monuments to remind this heritage. Monte Hill is a good place from where you have a good look at the Salcette Taluka. There is a chapel, Monte Chapel from where you catch your glimpses of Salcetty countryside. You can reach the chapel by motorcycle. It provides you all range of accommodation. The five star hotel of here offers casino, adding to the excitement of nightlife here. The cool breeze of Salcette and the swaying palm trees create a perfect holiday atmosphere.
Sinquerim
Goa has some world’s gorgeous beaches. Sinquerium is one of such beautiful beach of Goa. The Sinquerim beach lies at the foot of Fort Aguada, the fort built to prevent the entrance of enemy into the reaches of Old Goa and river Mandovi, and are popular with tourist groups. It is the first tourist Beach of North Goa and the travel destination. This Goan beach has series of tranquil and spectacular stretch of sand and an ideal place for swimming. This beach lies adjacent to the Aguada beach. The pristine and peaceful setting of the Sinquerim beach make it a must visit Goan destination.
The beaches of Goa are dream holiday sport for every traveller. The natural settings of Goa attracts traveller from all over the world. Sinquerium beach has the natural beauty of palm-lined silky beaches with golden sands and sapphire waters play a major role in making Sinquerium the most wanted beach. This long, extended sandy terrain that runs incessantly along the coast is ideal for taking a walk in Sinquerium beach. Besides this natural beauty the beach offers world-class sports facilities for its travellers. The sea is very calm here so swimming is very safe. Travellers always love to indulge in aqua sports like surfing, water skiing, fishing, scuba diving and Para sailing. The beach volleyball and beach castling are the other funs in the beach.
Sinquerium is the prime tourist destination so finding an accommodation here is very easy. The hotels and resorts of this beach provide beast service and facilities. Besides this there are large numbers of budget hotels along the beaches for catering to the needs of tourist who travel to Goa or are interested in exploring the land. Different road, train, and air transport facility are avail for the visitors to these attractive beaches.
Vagator
The scenic beach Vagator is situated nearby Mapusa and it is near to Chapora fort. It is an empty and unspoilt picturesque beach compared to the beaches close to Panaji. Vagator beach is ideal for those in quest of less commercialised atmosphere, greater seclusion and better swimming. Vagator beach is famous for night parties, trance parties, and the Hilltop Motel. The Chapora and the Anjuna Beach are the near by attraction of Vagator.
Vagator is rich in rural life. Visiting Vagator you will experience the fisherman in their traditional attires. Hiking from there you will reach the Chapora Fort. This reminiscence of the Portuguese gives you the view of the sea, hills, the greenery of the coconut trees and the paddy fields. One surprising gift is there for you by an unknown sculptor, the face of Lord Shiva on the rock. It will be a good background for your snapshot.
The hotels of Vagator have well equipped rooms, along with swimming pool and open air restaurants. Some of the hotels of Vagator have Portuguese architecture. Rental houses are available here. If you are visiting in season you have to book for it earlier. If you are planning to travel by plain, Dabolim is the nearest airport. There are frequent bus services between Mapusa and Vagator. Car rental services are available in Vagator. Super deluxe and deluxe buses are also available.
Varca
This beautiful beach comes approximately 2 km to the south of the Benaulim. It is a beautiful and unspoiled beach. Varca beach is a lush tropical paradise with an expanse of golden sands for a distance of 27 kilometres and located 45 minutes from the Dabolim airport. Varca beach is the home to some of the most exclusive and luxurious beach resorts in Goa. Comparing with the other beaches of Goa, Varca is perfectly clean and an unpolluted beach. You feel solitude in this beach. Wandering the beach you will get the touch of this fishing village, their life, the fisherman, the thatched houses and their fishing boats here. You were able to eat Goan delicious food and seafood in reasonable price from the beach.
Varca has to offer you the luxury hotels, large resorts for staying. Budget houses are also available here. In varca there is a possibility to find rooms in the family houses. Some hotels and villas are made in Mediterranean style. The rooms of the hotels are fully air-conditioned, bath attached, with private balconies. The other facilities inside the room are satellite TV, telephones, and washing facilities. Most of the hotels here have own restaurants. Doctor-on-call and shopping arcades are the additional facilities arranged by the hotels of Varca. You can expect a higher level of courageous and service in Varca. Frequent bus services from various places to Goa are available in every time. Near Varca you will find taxi and motor cycle rental stations.
Transportation in Goa
Goa provides you air, road and rail transportations. It is well connected with the other parts of India and the air root of Goa is extremely accessible. The Indian Navies airport at Dabolim near to Vasco-da-Gamma town is the main operator of national and internal flights. It is 50 km away from the capital city of Goa, the Panaji. There are charter flights from UK and other European courtiers, and the flights of Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Sahara Airlines, Air Deccan and Spice Jet are operating from here. Air India has some exceptional international flights from Gulf countries.
The Golden Goa is accessible by road also. National highway connects it to the major towns in India. There are bus services available inside the town and the neighbouring cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Bangalore etc.
The high speed Konkan railway service is always ready for your help, if you are choosing train for transportation in Goa. Vasco-da-Gama and Margo are the two major railway station of Goa. The trains of here is always demanding so if you are choosing train for transportation book earlier. Visit, enjoy and explore the Golden Goa’s major attractions.
Agonda
The Agonda beach is famous for one whom always carving for solitude. This beach sprawling over a stretch of three kilometres of golden sand and it is a haven for the loners. Agonda Beach is fringed with palms, casuarinas and dominated by a large hill to its south. Its virtually deserted nature helps to enjoy complete seclusion in the Agonda beach. This beach is famous for dolphin spotting and riding water scooters.
The other thing you have to concern about Agonda beach is that the beach is lonely without any stalls and restaurants, so it is better you to equip yourself with all necessary items. If you are adventurous you were able to make tent in Agonda beach and camp there at night. Agonda beach is the next beach after the Palolem beach but it is very far from the cities that make it lonely. This beach is not safe to swim too far.
Besides all this desertedness, this small, picturesque and secluded beach attracts many nature lovers and peace finders towards it. The other attraction of the beach is the fort of Cabo de Rama. This fort was named after Lord Rama, who is the god of Hindu and the central figure of the Hindu epic Ramayana. The local legend says that Rama stayed here with her wife Sita during the period of his 14-year exile. Cabo de Rama is not too far from the Agonda beach, but most of the visitors undiscovered it yet.
Aguada beach
Miles of powdery golden sand, striking vista of blue marine waters and historical Aguada fort are the offerings of Aguada beach. The fort has to tell the mysterious tales of its past and splendid churches. This fort was constructed by the Portuguese to control the invasion into River Mondovi and to protect old Goa from enemy attack. The enrichment skirts the seashore. At the centre is a circular lighthouse tower. It presently houses the central jail. Besides this the tranquil and heavenly atmosphere churches are here to astonish the tourists.
In Aguada you will find good accommodations. You were able to find hotel complex, hotel build in the cliff. The hotel will give you the delightful seen of the Goan village and the better view of the sea. Individual cottages, internet cafes, and the good collection of things like Kashmiri carpets, local made things and massaging parlours make good attraction to the Aguada beach. You can also able to enjoy the Aguada beach resort, built on the ramparts of a 16th century Portuguese fortress. This fortress offers you elegantly appointed villas and cottages. The hotels here have the facility of steam rooms, Ayurveda Treatment and Oil massage rooms, gymnasium etc. The hotel includes fresh water swimming pool, water spots include speedboats, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, parasailing, jet skis, and surfing.
Dabolim International Airport has flight for international destination and it has domestic flights also available here for your journey to reach Goa. Margo and Vasco da Gama are the 2 main railheads of Goa, trains available here for other cities.
Anjuna Beach
Anjuna beach is a wonderful place for lazing holidaymakers and family members. It is the refuge for the hippies, who tried to create the spiritual traditions of the East and the art, ideas and the music of the West. You will find some of them staying couple of months on this beach. The Arabian Sea, the full moon parties and the Wednesday flea market makes Anjuna Beach live. The Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920; the Mascarenhas Mansion and the Chapora Fort are the main attraction of Anjuna.
This small village of Anjuna comes in the north Goa on the shores of the Arabian Sea. The tourist of the beach includes the monks, ex-hippies, gentle lunatics, artists, artisans, seers and searchers. Anjuna beach and its 1970’s dancing attract particular kinds of tourists to this place.
The favourite past time of the visitors to Anjuna beach is to watch sun going down. You can take a long walk under the moon on the silver sands of this beach. The southern end of the beach is safer for bathing, because the rocky headland of there keep the sea calm and undertow to a minimum.
The tourist season of Anjuna starts with November. During the Christmas and New Year you will see a crowd in the beach. This beach is known for its full-moon parties. The trance party with dance, frolic, and merriment goes all night besides the fire here. The night life of Anjuna centres on the Shore Bar, in the middle of the beach, which includes sound system and play some real funky music that keeps the atmosphere alive.
The main attraction of the Anjuna beach is the Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920, the Mascarenhas Mansion and the Wednesday flea market. There are plenty of accommodation facilities are available here. You were able to choose guesthouses around the village, hotels, and plenty of houses available on rent along the back lanes. The Dabolim airport is near to it. Karmali is the nearest railway station to Anjuna beach. There are buses available Mapusa for every hour to Anjuna. There are frequent local buses also available to Panaji.
Arambol
Arambol comes far north near the border with Maharashtra. This soft white sand beach is better for peace of mind. It is also the paradise for the hippies. There are regular trance and full moon parties in this beach. Apart from the peace and tranquillity, the villages around Arambol are enchanting and picturesque. The people here are friendly and you can experience Goan culture very close here.
Arambol is a traditional fishing village consisting of less than ten thousand people. You will only get basic accommodation facilities here, like the family houses in the village, the chalets scattered around the rocky headland and small bays in the north, some modern hotels also available Arambol.
The beach is strewn with dozens of old wooden fishing boats, line of tourist cafe bars, occasionally parties are held here. The gently curving bay of Arambol is good for bathing. You will find a freshwater lake extends along the bottom of the valley into a thick jungle. This lake is known for medicinal water. You can reach this paradise beach on foot by following the stony track over the headland to the north.
In north of Arambol you will find Terecol Fort, vivid paddy fields, coconut plantations and temple towers protruding from scruffy red brick villages. You were able to reach Arambol by bus from Panjim every thirty minutes. There is also small bus stand in the main road available for every ninety minutes. For boat transportation you have to book in the Welcome Restaurant by the beach, which leave here every Wednesday morning for the ninety-minute trip to the Anjuna Flea Market.
Baga
Baga offers you scenic, unspoiled and pleasant environment. This beach is also admired for varied types of thrilling water sports and fishing. Baga Beach is mostly known for its lively and vibrant nightlife. You will find the best range of restaurants in Baga. Baga Beach is admired for its white waves, pleasant romantic winds and the swaying palm trees.
Baga beach comes in between Colva beach and Calanguate beach. We can say that Baga beach is an extension of Calanguate beach. This beach is perfect for peace lovers who want to away from the hustle bustles. The Baga beach has brown colour sand. The whispering of the waves, chirping of birds, the seen of flying leaves of palm trees and the soft wind create a lovely atmosphere to the Baga beach. This atmosphere attracts tourist to spend there peaceful moments in Baga beach.
One side of the Baga beach you will find the Baga river flowing. Baga beach is an ideal destination for children also. The beach is good for holiday, picnic, fishing, shopping, cruising and water-sports. The attractions of Baga beach are the Baga Retreat House, Medicinal Springs at Mottant and the Club Tito’s. This clubs are famous for its nightlife.
In Baga you will easily find accommodation facilities. Plenty of hotels and guest houses are available here for visitors. If you wish you can rent houses here. You can get into Baga beach by air, train or road. The nearest airport for you to Goa is Dabolim. The railway station is Karmali Railway station, where you can get local trains. If you wish to travel by road, buses are available for Mapusa and Panji.
Benaulim
It is the rather unspoiled beach, but renowned beach for fishing. The very calm Benaulim beach gets fairly crowded in the evening and on the weekends. The beach is sufficient enough to give you the happiness and satisfaction of being in Goa. One can just doze the day off soaking in the sun in the beach when you just want to relax, and be yourself. The other major attraction of Benaulim is the Church of St John the Baptist situated on a hill beyond the village and is worth a visit. If you are visiting early October to late May you were able to enjoy the beat of taped Kokani music, the bullfights are typically held in an old rice field without any barricades just outside a village. It is said that in Benaulim is the place where the arrow of Lord Parsurama landed when he created the state of Goa. This beach is great for swimming and long beach walks. The Benaulim village is renowned for its rosewood furniture.
For accommodation you will find budget hotels and lodging. The guest houses are located 1 km from the Benulim beach. If you are visiting in peek season you have to book in advance. Private home and cottages also provides rooms in rent for visitors. In the centre of the village you will find the needful services like Bank, general stores, laundry place, some cafes, bus stand, and taxi and auto rental station. In Benualim there are several places for rent bicycles and motorbikes. There are frequent buses from Morgao to Benaulim.
Bogmalo
The Bogmalo beach first remained a mere fishing village and now it is transformed to an important tourist destination. Bogmalo is calm and quietude beach. You were also able to enjoy exciting paragliding in Bogmala beach. Bogmalo is just four km from the airport. This beach is clean and not crowded and is good for swimming. In Bogmalo you will find plenty of places to eat, drink and shop, and delicious sea food available here.
Another attraction of Bogmalo is diving. Recently diving school has also opened for diving courses in Bogmalo. The Naval Aviation Museum is another major attraction of Bogmalo. This museum give you information about the India Navy, it displays various weapons, artilleries and other items of Navy.
You can find luxurious hotels to the low budget guest houses in Bogmalo. It provides you all kind of accommodation facilities suit to your budget. The Oberoi Hotel at Bogmalo makes special attraction in this place. Beyond the hotel building you will find mysterious little islands, shipwrecks in the silt and around the hotel plenty of small eating joints. You can get into Bogmalo beach by air or road. The Dabolim airport is 18 km from Bogmalo and there is regular bus service from airport to the beach. Local bus services are available from the beach. You were able to take rental car or bike from Vasco da Gama which is 8 kms away from Bogmalo. The Bogmalo visit helps you to enjoy the delicious Goan food and experience peace of mind.
Calangute
The beach parties, trance parties, New Year parties keep the Goan life throbbing with dynamic energy all year round. Calangute is known for the most popular party zones in Goa. This Calangute beach is located few miles away from the capital Panjim. The 4 miles long Calangute beach is famous for seafood’s and is covered with palm trees. The semi circled greenery of the Calangute is boarded with the Arabian Sea, the view which makes the beach serene and picturesque. Coconut trees are the blessing of the place.
The Kerkar Art Complex, it is the repository of the local Goan Art and crafts with local music and dance events being organized in Calangute. St. Alex church of Calangute is the other important location of this place. The church has two towers and a magnificent dome gracing the facade. The Saturday bazaar of Calangute has plenty of good bargains for shoppers. In Calangute you will find Tibetan market, Kashmiri merchants with carpets, embroidery, and more. Besides this the market provides you textiles, pottery, and other provisions. If you wish to stay long you can buy fish, meat and grocery from this bazaar. Another attraction of Calangute is one of the crocodile and dolphin spotting tours on the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. You will also see Dolphins playing at the mouth of the Mandovi River.
The tourist resort and cottages of Calagute offers you excellent accommodation facility. The most popular holiday resort in Goa and known as The Queen of Beaches situated here. Besides the small houses amidst the coconut groves behind the beach are always in constant demand.
Canacona
Canacona is located at the southernmost region of Goa. This beach beckons tourists with its picture postcard locales and sun-kissed beaches. The name Canacona is thought to be a derivative of the word Konkan. Canacona was annexed to Goa in 1794. Canacona is ensconced between the lofty hills of the Sahaydri range on one side and the azure waters of Arabian Sea on the other side.
The second largest wildlife reserve of Goa, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is near to Canacona. This sanctuary was established in the year 1969 and covers an area of 86 sq km. The sanctuary occupies specious like Monkey, Gaur and Wild Boar. Jeevottam Partagal Math is another attraction, which is known for Vedic studies. In this sanctuary area you will find the tribal communities like Kunbi and Velip, who were still living in this place. The Shree Mallikarju Temple of 16th century is important to visit here. Mallikarjun means Lord Shiva, is the presiding deity of this temple. In the interior of the temple you will see 60 images of various gods and goddesses. You were also able to see the beautifully carved wooden pillars of the temple. The main festival of the temple is Rathasaptami. There was one math here owned by Gaud Saraswat community, then Shree Sanusthan Gokarn Pathagali Jeevotham Math. The math was founded in the year 1475 by Swamiji Shreemad Narayanateertha. You can see a few temples in the math premises.
There are two fresh water spring here to visit. The first one is situated in the Puroner. It is situated in the property of one family. You can visit and bathe in the fresh water of the spring. The second spring Gogel has crystal clear water. It is believe that these springs water carries medicinal values.
Candolim Beach
This beach is situated in the northern side of Goa. Candolim beach is the perfect place those who wish to spend their time relaxing and rejuvenating. This beach is close to the Aguada beach and is best known for sea food. Condolim beach is stretched up to seven kilometres, starting from Aguada and ends at Chapora beach. In this beach sunbathing and swimming is possible. Best time to visit the Condolim beach is from December to February. The beach also gives you the sight of fisherman coming back after their daily catch and the memorable sunsets. Besides peace of mind the Goa offers you facilities to indulge in sports activities. The candolim beach is a busy business centre of Goa.
Candolim beach offers wide range of accommodation suit your taste. There are many hotels and beach resorts. The resorts provide you luxurious stay, excellent dining and recreation facilities. The resort provides opportunities for snorkelling, fishing and diving. Special guides are available here for helping you in these daring sports activities. You will find starred and non-starred accommodation in Candolim, because the Candolim beach occupies a lot of inns with good facilities. The hotels of Candolim offer good facilities for the visitors. Some of them offers yoga and meditation session, which gives relief for the tourist from all his mental stress and fatigue?
Bus services are available in Goa for Candolim beach. Hire car and bike are available in the service stations here. One side taxi rental facility is available in Candolim.
Cavelossim-Mobor
Cavelossim and Mobor are a pristine sands, wide beach and shallow sea. It is one of the most popular beaches of Goa and also counted among the most beautiful beaches of India. This beach lies at a distance of approximately 12 km from Benaulim. Margo is 18 km away from Cavelossim village. The clean Cavelossim and Mobor have white sands and black lava rocks. Cavelossim comes in between the Arabian Sea and the Sal River and it is best known for mussels. A few kilometres down you will find Mobor.
The Cavelossim give you the view of men collecting clams, mussels and oysters from the river silt. Passing the square in Cavelossim you will arrive at Mobor. The beach Cavelossim is known for shopping, you can collect Indian crafts and other things from the line of shop in the beach. The beach has numerous beach shacks which offer variety of Goan dishes and seafood at reasonable prices. Dolphin watching is the main attraction of Covelossium and Mobor beach. There are special boats trips are arranged for this.
Buses, autos, cycles and scooters are available easily for hire here. You can also hire taxis from Dabolim Airport to reach the beach resorts here. Accommodation is also available for budget and economy class travellers though not on the beach itself. These two beaches locate many five star resorts and much cleaner and quieter than most of the famous beaches of Goa. You can get rental car from the Dabolim Airport to reach the beach resorts. Rental cycle and scooters are available to explore the interior of village.
Chapora
Chapora beach is the most popular and most visited beaches of Goa. It is situated at a distance of 10 km from Mapusa. This beach is perfectly merged with booming tourism industry, with its major attractions like boat building and fishing legacy. The big 500-year Old Portuguese fort located in the Chapora village, the surrounding secluded and sandy beaches and dense green coconut palms adds ambience to Chapora.
If you decide to stay long in Goa, Chapora is the best place to choose. The village comes in the bank of Chapora River and surrounds the rocky hills. This village has every facility like the banks, restaurants, cyber cafes, hospitals and post office etc. Chapora is a fishing village, roaming the Chapora village you will find fisherman in their traditional attires. If you have time to spend with the fisherman they will share lots of stories about the sea and the life’s.
Chapora port is the main attraction of the village. The fort was first owned by the Marathas. When Portuguese invaded to Goa they try to capture it. But Portuguese has got a bitter experience from the Maratha’s and the retrieve in the Northern part of Chapora. From this lesson they try to strengthen their northern defence with the help of locals. At last they captured the fort and modified it to the present fort. Flexible transporting facilities are available in Chapora and to the fort. There are direct bus services from Panjim. Besides number of buses available from Mapusa and Calagute beach to Chapora.
Colva
Colva beach is the most loved beach of Goans. Colva visit help you to enjoy its warm turquoise sea and fishermen hauling in their nets by hand in the clear morning light as they chant and ancient sea song. The beach sprawls over 20 km is the longest beach in Goa. This beach helps you to escape from the din of city life and yearn for a tranquil vacation. Colva is highly commercialised with resort complexes, large holiday crowds, trinket stalls, and discos. Colva’s plentiful accommodation ranges from swish campuses of chalets and swimming pools to a fair selection of good value guesthouses.
The catholic community of here celebrates Fama of Menino Jesus in third Monday of October every year. Fairs are held in Colva in this big feast day. The feast of St. John the Baptist, celebrates every year as a thanks giving. In this day youth of Colva wears leaves and fruit crowns and sings for gifts. The feast celebrates to commemorate the movement of St.John in his mother’s womb and visited Mary, the mother of Jesus. This worthy place of Colva is situated in the hill beyond the village. Benaulim beach lies two km further ahead of Colva beach.
There are plenty of houses and low budget houses are available in and around Colva. Rental houses are also available for longer stay here. It is easy to get rental motorcycle or scooter in Panaji and Mapusa. From the shops of Colva you can buy artifacts, antiques and gifts. There are open air eateries are available on the shore. In this shop seafood and Portuguese dishes are in abundance.
Dona Paula
Dona Paula is 7 kms from Panaji. It is an idyllic picturesque spot. Dona Paula is near the rocky point between the Mandovi and the Zuari. This secluded bay gives you a fine view of Zuari River and Mormugao Harbour. This is an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe and help you to enjoy water scootering and motor boat rides. There are boating facilities available in Dona Paula for those who dare to venture in the waters. The beach got the name from Dona Paula de Menzes, the daughter of a viceroy during the colonial period. She jumped off from the cliff because of refusal of her marriage with a local fisherman.
Dona Paula beach is famous for adventures sports facilities. You can indulge in water sports such as water-scooter, motor boat rides, wind surfing, parasailing, water-skiing, snorkelling, kayaking and yachting. The water sports held here attracts large number of participants. Large numbers of hotels of your budgets are available in Dona Paula. The hotel amenities includes well appointed rooms, travel assistance, air conditioned rooms with the amenity of hot and cold running water and the presence of a Goan, Chinese and continental cuisine. Shops of souvenirs and artefacts are here. Local vendors sell straw hats, lace handkerchiefs, and spices on the shop. Buses and taxis are available in this beach. Dabolim is the nearest railway station to Dona Paula. Kadamba bus terminal is the central bus hub of Dona Paula.
Majorda Beach
It is the most beautiful and fascinating beach of Goa. Majorda beach lies at a distance of approximately 5 km from the Colva beach. The soft sands and aquamarine water of the Mahorda beach lure tourists from all over the world. This beach is a very source of Goan toddy and the best European beads. Majorda beach is located towards the south of Utorda and north of Betalbatem in Salcem. This lovely beach is best for those who wish to be lonely.
Indian mythology says that ‘Lord Rama’ came to the beach in search of his wife ‘Sita’. He is said to have came in Cabo-de-Rema, which lies in the southern part of the beach. Mae De Church, founded in 1588 was a major attraction of Majorda. If you walk the north of Majorda you will reach the beautiful Utorda beach and able to make lot of fun. Marjoda beach is a perfect place for delicious food. You were able to enjoy the fresh seafood, schezhuan, specialities and streaks. Marjoda gave you options for comfortable stay. There are plenty of luxury hotels and budget shelters here. Majorda beach resorts offer you word-class comforts and facilities. Near to these resorts you will find beach shacks. It offers you good choice from the cuisine of Goa, India and Europe.
This marvellous beach of Goa is 18 km from Dabolim Airport. Here you will get transportation facilities like buses, auto rickshaws and taxis. If you are choosing train to get here, then train will drop you at Madgoan station and auto are available there for the beach. Buses are also available in Madgoan for Majorda beach.
Mapusa
Mapusa is 13 kms from Panaji. It is the third largest town of Goa. It is the main market town for the surrounding beaches. In this small town modern buildings are spread around the slopes of hillock called Altinho. The weekly Friday market makes this town lively. It attracts people from all over Goa to come here to buy and sell their wares. You were able to buy everything from fresh and dried fish, incense, spices, fruits and vegetables to souvenirs from other states of India from here. Most of the items get here after a few rounds of bargaining and the prices are usually much lower than anywhere else.
The tourist sites of Mapusa are a few colonial eras Municipal building, a modern temple of Lord Hanuman and the church of Our Lady of Miracles 2 kms east of the market area. The other famous shrine is that of Lord Bodgeshwar, located on the outskirts of the town in the middle of some rice fields. This beach is safe for swimming.
The Kalika temple of Mapusa is famous for its aesthetics and architect. Morjee is another attraction of Mapusa town. It is 15-km from Mapusa. This temple is dedicated for Kanakeshwar Baba. The nearest airport to Mapusa is Dabolim. Local buses are available near the beach. Rickshaws and tourist taxis are always ready near the beach for your services.
Margao
It is the main centre of Goan economy, located in the Salcete taluk of South Goa district. After Vasco da Gama it is the second largest city of Goa. Besides bustling commercial and industrial centre, Margo boasts of a flourishing tourism culture by virtue of its opulent churches, scenic beaches and stately mansions. Once Margao, remains as a main Hindu religious centre with a number of temples and dharmashalas. After the invasion of Portuguese the temples gave way to the spawning of majestic churches and palaces. The present Margao town exudes a quaint charm with its landscape speckled with fine specimens of Portuguese architecture.
There are so many places to visit in Margao. The major attractions are the Steely Church of the Holy Spirit, which was made in 1675 AD and is an example of Baroque Architecture of Goa. The mansion named the House of Seven Gambles, built in 1790 AD by the Emissary and private secretary of the Portuguese Viceroy, Mr. Sebastian de Silva. Others are the Chandreshwar Bhuthnath Temple, Jorge Barreto Park, Pandava caves, Monte Church and the Rachel Seminary. If you want to get the actual picture of Margao, travel to the market of city. It makes you aware with the city and fetch you some good bargains.
The cuisine of Margao is same as the Goa. Margao curry is praised for local speciality and currently it exports to Portugal. Margao railway station is the major terminal in south Goa. Dabolim is the nearest airport to Margao.
Miramar
Miramar is located in the heart of the state capital so the beach of it is rather crowded. Miramar beach is situated on a good location for evening walks; the coast is spread up to 2 km, having a fine silvery sand bed. The thick grove of shady palms forms a dense canopy of the area and gives a lovely appearance to the beach. From Miramar one has an excellent view of the Aguada fort just across the Mandovi River. Miramar beach is also known in the name of Gaspar Dias.
The Miramar beach ground is universally accepted. It is known as the paradise for migratory birds. Three-fourth of the migratory birds incorporates in the costal plains of Miramar. Some migratory birds like Plovers and Gulls return to Miramar beach in each winter. Main reason for the birds to choose Miramar is that, the food of birds, aquatic invertebrates, seeds and insects are plenty in this beach.
In Miramar for accommodation various beach resorts are available here. Tourists staying in the beach resort can spend nice time in the palm shaded area experiencing the warm wind. The facilities for the tourist, shopping, sightseeing, beach activities and other entertainments, all comprised in this beach. The game like Para sailing, in which on end of the rope tied on the speed boat and the other to Para sail, you left suspended to feel the air on your face, and this facility is available in Miramar beach. Wind surfing, the inexpensive water game but hard to learn, this sports facility also is in Miramar beach.
Mormugao
The city of Mormugao in Goa is situated in the west cost of India and it comes near to the industrial town Vasco da Gama. Mormugao is flourished with the golden beaches, Portuguese architecture, and the delicious seafood of Goa. Portuguese rulers first decided to make Mormugao as their capital. Make this true in 1703 the Viceroy moved to Mormugao. But they have to face the repeat attack of the Maratha’s and at last decided to make old Goa as their capital.
The main attraction of Mormugao is the Mormugao Fort, dating back to 1624. This Fort is situated at the extreme north-western point of Salsete and guarding the entrance to the port. The fortress has 10 km circumference, contained 20 bulwarks, three magazines, five prisons, a chapel and quarters for the guard. There were two beautiful fountains. One is the Fonte de Malabar and the other is Fonte de Santo Ignacio. The visit to the fort gives you the magnificent view it commands. The other speciality of Mormugao is the Mormugao harbour. It is one of the finest natural and one of the oldest anchorages on the West Coast of India. It is the principal harbour of economic activity in Goa and this harbour is accessible at all times. In 1963, Government of India declared it a major port of India. There is plenty of coastal trade with other parts of the country and usually several steamers and vessels anchored in stream. The harbour gives you beautiful sight of illuminated ships and bright harbour lights reflecting in the waters of the bay at night.
Palolem
The crescent shaped Palolem beach is 70 km from the capital city Panaji and 2 km west of Chaudi. It is the ideal beach in Goa. The village located nearby has several cafes and souvenir stalls catering to day-trippers and vacationers who arrive in droves on sightseeing tours of the beaches. Palolem still remains a traditional village. One can also venture out to the sea to spot dolphins at this beautiful beach in Goa. Palolem offers beautiful beach huts and family room for the tourists who are visiting this small village. The crescent shape and the swaying coconut palms give the Palolem beach a picturesque appearance.
This white traditional beach has shacks selling seafood snacks, souvenir and cloth selling shops. Palolem has delicious, freshly baked western whole food and cakes. If you are in tight budget don’t worry, there are row of tiny Bhaji stalls. From there you can buy Pao Bhaji, bread rolls, omelettes and tea for small amount. Palolem comes in the prior position of tour package destinations. This beach is best for relaxation and the local fisherman offers dolphin watching and fishing boat trips. Buses are available in Margao and Karwar for Palolem. In Palolem you will find well equipped hotels, resorts and restaurants. The rooms are furnished and bath attached. The hotels offer delicious food including the seafood items of Goa.
Panjim
Panaji or Panjim is the travel hub of Goa and this is the first place to be touched while you are landing in Goa. The Portuguese called the place Panjim, after 1960’s it was renamed as Panaji. It is located along the banks of River Mandovi and is the capital of Goa. Originally it is a small village composed with the sandy beaches, blue laguna, streams and back waters. Panajim gained its prominence during the second half of 18th century. In Panjim, you were able to see the houses lining them rising directly above the wide streets and has several squares. The town has preserved its Portuguese heritage remarkably well and parts of it still consist of narrow Winding Street with over hanging balconies, red-tiled roofs and numerous small bars and cafes. Most of these buildings bear the hallmark of Portuguese architecture.
The main attractions of the Panaji are the church of Immaculate Conception made of Portuguese Barque style, the Adilshahi Palace or Idalco constructed by Adilshah. Portuguese Viceroy, Jeronimo de Azevedo renovated the palace and renamed it as Idalco. In the western corner of Cabo you will see the Raj Niwas, a mud and late rite building. The Jama Masjid, Mahalaxmi Temple, St Thome Quarter and Sebastian Chapel are the other attractions. Panaji is well connected with railway station and airport. The nearest railway station is Madgoan and Dabolim is the airport.
Ponda
Ponda is a major town in the North Goa district. It got fame as the cradle of Hindu pilgrimages in Goa. This area is predominant with Hindu culture and population. Portuguese captured this city in 1791 from the Raja of Sona along with Canacona. Quepam and Sanquem are the part of Ponda. It comes in the Quela village. The largest mosque of Goa, the Safa Masjid, and the five famous Hindu temples are the main attraction of Ponda.
You were able to see temples of 17th and 18th century AD is located different region of Ponda. The lamp tower is the spectacular feature of temples of Ponda. The Shiva temple of Shri Manguesh is situated in the Ponda Taluka. The tiny temple of 18th century located on the hill top, is a landmark with its white towers.2 km further you will find Shri Mahalsa, a Vishnu Temple. Other main temples of Ponda are the Mahalsa Narayani Temple, Shantadurga Temple and Mahalexmi Temple. A flourishing tourism industry has grown around these renowned temples with devotees coming from faraway lands.
Besides tourism Ponda has also come up as an industrial city with many large factories and industrial estates nearby. Two wildlife sanctuaries of Goa the Bondla and the Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary are situated in Ponda. In Bondla, a botanical garden fenced with deer park and a Zoo constitutes. Gaur and Sambar are the part of the fauna found here. You can book a chalet accommodation here. If you wish to stay, book it advance at the office of Department of Forestry in Panaji. Goa’s impressive water fall Dudhsagar falls is near to it.
Salcette
The evergreen destination of Goa is a traveller’s paradise. Astonishingly beautiful blue beaches, luxurious silvery sands, wonderful flora and fauna, rich cultural heritage, fascinating churches, and marvellous temples, Goa has it all. Salcette is a district of south Goa. This district includes sixty six villages. It is also known as ‘Shasti’ spelt by the Goans as Saxtty. The cliff of Calo de Rama will give you great view of Salcette. This beach offers luxury travellers and accommodation, the very best beach, child care, swimming pool etc. Salcette beach is very calm and solitude area. In Salcette you were able to enjoy the beauty of Goa and its coconut trees. Cavelossim come inside Salcette. Margao in Pre-Portuguese times was one of the important settlements in Salcette. Varca is one of the longest stretches of beach in Salcette.
Once in Salcette there was a Vishnu Temple, which attracted pilgrims from all over. The Muslim invaders destroyed this temple. From them Potuguese captured this place and created churches here. Now this church remains major tourism highlight of Salcette. This place was ruled by the Hindu, Muslims and Portuguese rulers. Due to the influence of these rulers in Salcette has a mixed culture and monuments to remind this heritage. Monte Hill is a good place from where you have a good look at the Salcette Taluka. There is a chapel, Monte Chapel from where you catch your glimpses of Salcetty countryside. You can reach the chapel by motorcycle. It provides you all range of accommodation. The five star hotel of here offers casino, adding to the excitement of nightlife here. The cool breeze of Salcette and the swaying palm trees create a perfect holiday atmosphere.
Sinquerim
Goa has some world’s gorgeous beaches. Sinquerium is one of such beautiful beach of Goa. The Sinquerim beach lies at the foot of Fort Aguada, the fort built to prevent the entrance of enemy into the reaches of Old Goa and river Mandovi, and are popular with tourist groups. It is the first tourist Beach of North Goa and the travel destination. This Goan beach has series of tranquil and spectacular stretch of sand and an ideal place for swimming. This beach lies adjacent to the Aguada beach. The pristine and peaceful setting of the Sinquerim beach make it a must visit Goan destination.
The beaches of Goa are dream holiday sport for every traveller. The natural settings of Goa attracts traveller from all over the world. Sinquerium beach has the natural beauty of palm-lined silky beaches with golden sands and sapphire waters play a major role in making Sinquerium the most wanted beach. This long, extended sandy terrain that runs incessantly along the coast is ideal for taking a walk in Sinquerium beach. Besides this natural beauty the beach offers world-class sports facilities for its travellers. The sea is very calm here so swimming is very safe. Travellers always love to indulge in aqua sports like surfing, water skiing, fishing, scuba diving and Para sailing. The beach volleyball and beach castling are the other funs in the beach.
Sinquerium is the prime tourist destination so finding an accommodation here is very easy. The hotels and resorts of this beach provide beast service and facilities. Besides this there are large numbers of budget hotels along the beaches for catering to the needs of tourist who travel to Goa or are interested in exploring the land. Different road, train, and air transport facility are avail for the visitors to these attractive beaches.
Vagator
The scenic beach Vagator is situated nearby Mapusa and it is near to Chapora fort. It is an empty and unspoilt picturesque beach compared to the beaches close to Panaji. Vagator beach is ideal for those in quest of less commercialised atmosphere, greater seclusion and better swimming. Vagator beach is famous for night parties, trance parties, and the Hilltop Motel. The Chapora and the Anjuna Beach are the near by attraction of Vagator.
Vagator is rich in rural life. Visiting Vagator you will experience the fisherman in their traditional attires. Hiking from there you will reach the Chapora Fort. This reminiscence of the Portuguese gives you the view of the sea, hills, the greenery of the coconut trees and the paddy fields. One surprising gift is there for you by an unknown sculptor, the face of Lord Shiva on the rock. It will be a good background for your snapshot.
The hotels of Vagator have well equipped rooms, along with swimming pool and open air restaurants. Some of the hotels of Vagator have Portuguese architecture. Rental houses are available here. If you are visiting in season you have to book for it earlier. If you are planning to travel by plain, Dabolim is the nearest airport. There are frequent bus services between Mapusa and Vagator. Car rental services are available in Vagator. Super deluxe and deluxe buses are also available.
Varca
This beautiful beach comes approximately 2 km to the south of the Benaulim. It is a beautiful and unspoiled beach. Varca beach is a lush tropical paradise with an expanse of golden sands for a distance of 27 kilometres and located 45 minutes from the Dabolim airport. Varca beach is the home to some of the most exclusive and luxurious beach resorts in Goa. Comparing with the other beaches of Goa, Varca is perfectly clean and an unpolluted beach. You feel solitude in this beach. Wandering the beach you will get the touch of this fishing village, their life, the fisherman, the thatched houses and their fishing boats here. You were able to eat Goan delicious food and seafood in reasonable price from the beach.
Varca has to offer you the luxury hotels, large resorts for staying. Budget houses are also available here. In varca there is a possibility to find rooms in the family houses. Some hotels and villas are made in Mediterranean style. The rooms of the hotels are fully air-conditioned, bath attached, with private balconies. The other facilities inside the room are satellite TV, telephones, and washing facilities. Most of the hotels here have own restaurants. Doctor-on-call and shopping arcades are the additional facilities arranged by the hotels of Varca. You can expect a higher level of courageous and service in Varca. Frequent bus services from various places to Goa are available in every time. Near Varca you will find taxi and motor cycle rental stations.
Transportation in Goa
Goa provides you air, road and rail transportations. It is well connected with the other parts of India and the air root of Goa is extremely accessible. The Indian Navies airport at Dabolim near to Vasco-da-Gamma town is the main operator of national and internal flights. It is 50 km away from the capital city of Goa, the Panaji. There are charter flights from UK and other European courtiers, and the flights of Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Sahara Airlines, Air Deccan and Spice Jet are operating from here. Air India has some exceptional international flights from Gulf countries.
The Golden Goa is accessible by road also. National highway connects it to the major towns in India. There are bus services available inside the town and the neighbouring cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Bangalore etc.
The high speed Konkan railway service is always ready for your help, if you are choosing train for transportation in Goa. Vasco-da-Gama and Margo are the two major railway station of Goa. The trains of here is always demanding so if you are choosing train for transportation book earlier. Visit, enjoy and explore the Golden Goa’s major attractions.
Goa is the very modern tourism destination of India and it has both Indian and Western style of entertainments. The beautiful beaches, forts, churches, temples, caves and the natural beauty gave it the name Golden Goa. This tourism destination has everything that a tourist demand for his holiday.
