Mythology says that Goa was the celestial play ground of the voluptuous gods. While Geomorphologists say Goan hills on the eastern side succumbed to the effect of erosion and fractured, while those on the western side stayed more or less stable. Between myth and science stands a glorious reality - 40 pollution free beaches. Though most of them are not safe for swimming and bathing they are very alluring for any sea loving person.
Anjuna Beach Anjuna beach finds equal favor amongst all kinds of crowds, be it a group of overlanders, monks, defiant ex-hippies, artists, seers, researchers or just someone looking for a place to rejuvenate. The place has life and enthusiasm written in its air. The all night long beach parties, the Christmas to New Year frenzy or the swanky full moon parties, Anjuna is always up for it. On a day trip to Anjuna you can savor the best delights at the famous flea market or the shopping hangout off the beach or else you can enjoy the easy strolls on a moonlit night on the cool silvery sands. 8-km west of Mapusa, Anjuna is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. The sea is calm so you can enjoy swimming or enjoy the allure of sunset from any of the beach resorts’ balcony. Enjoy the funky music and loud beach parties that are a fixture of Anjuna. For the gourmets Anjuna offers the best of western seafood. You can choose from amongst any of the beachfront or village hotels. All of them are equally simple and serve equally delighting food and chilled beer. Baga Beach Baga Beach is located just 10-km west of Mapusa and extends essentially out of Calangute Beach. It is quaintly located by the Arabian Sea on the west coast of Goa. It is nestled in the rocky, wooded headland. Unlike the very crowded and busy Calangute, Baga has many unperturbed nooks with unspoiled scenic beauty that is more varied than just the plain beach of Calangute. The Beach receives most of its tourist influx from the British package tourists. It has a beautiful retreat house serenely located atop a hill. Baga beach is quite a hit with western tourists who love its water sports and fishing expeditions. Baga has the best restaurants in Goa. From standard beach shacks to rustling pizzerias and terrace cafes serving real espresso coffee, Baga has all types of foodie destinations.
Benaulim Beach Benaulim is located 7-km west ofMargoa. It is one of the most tranquil Goan destinations. The best thing about Benaulim is that it is still rather undiscovered by domestic tourists even though it is a fishing beach. Being generally jellyfish-free, it is quite safe for swimming. Though it gets crowded in the evenings and on the weekends, most of the times it is one of the most unperturbed beach destinations in Goa. The Church of St John the Baptist atop a hill overlooks the beach. It is a worth visiting place in Benaulim. To commemorate the movement of St John in his mother’s womb when he was in his mother’s womb and visited by Mary, the mother of Jesus, the young men of this village jump in the wells. It is a foodie’s destination for those who are willing to experiment with culinary delights of the seafood. Bogmalo Beach About 8km,away from Vasco da Gama,this Goa Bogmalo beach is also situated very close to the airport,hence making it easily reachable.It is a broad, flat and open beach & the least visited beaches. Bogmalo’s unique look is due to the Cluster of small beach shack restaurants and occasional fishing villages, scattered under the coconut palm.Initially it was a quiet fishing village,but after tourists explored it, tourism started infecting in to this small Indian state of Goa. Bogmalo beach is less crowed but also one of the cleanest beaches.The air of this place is pure , pleasant & tranquil,that is appropriate to calm down our senses. The flat-bottomed valley lined with coconut trees and redbrick huts would be even more picturesque were it not for the monstrous multi-storey edifice perched above it. Now the Oberoi’s have erected a huge & famous five star hotel here,making it a hub for tourists but one can also manage in shoestring budget, by occupying the Cheap hotels or guesthouses available at Bogmalo beach.
Colva Beach Colva is not one of the traditionally known beaches of Goa. As compared to other popular destinations it is a more recent discovery. But whatever it may be it is 20-km long bliss of virgin white sands, palm fringed,and sun beaches. Undoubtedly, Colva is the most popular beach of Goa. Off lately, the quiet life of Colva has been punctuated by the number of hotels and buildings that have come up here in quick succession of one another. The annual religious event of Fama of Menino Jesuse (Child Jesus) is held at the church in Colva since the 17th century. Candolim Beach Candolim is the best beach, for those who want to spend some time in solitude and insolence,away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, though one cannot expect too much of facilities there. It is the best place to rejuvenate one’s senses by hiring out a beach umbrella and satisfying one’s taste buds with a variety of good food available there. A visit to this beach is very relaxing and very appropriate for practicing, Yoga & Meditation, as it is less crowded and quite peaceful, as compared to Anjuna or Calangute beaches, because there aren’t any resorts all around the beach.
As a part of a 30 km stretch, of beach coastline along the Arabian Sea, that begins at Fort Aguada and ends at Chapora Beach, Candolim is a North Goan beach, which makes it the first beach that can be approached from the city of Panaji. Dona Paula Beach Dona Paula is 7-km from Panjim and is different from other Goan beaches in the sense that this is one of the beaches that’s washed by both the Goan sea and the goan rivers. This beach of Goa carries with it an aura of both romance and myth. It is said to be haunted by lost love of Dona Paula de Menezes. Dona Paula Beach is also house to the Governor of Goa, known as Cabo Raj Bhavan. Besides Dona Paula itself there are Miramir beach, which lies 4-km north of Dona Paula, and the Vainguinim Beach, which is situated 1-km west of the beach side. The National Oceanographic Institute was set up to study the diverse marine biology. The major attraction of the institute is its Marine Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference Center.
Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach-Lying against the estuary of the river Mandovi,it is just 3 km from Panaji in the north of the state and a km away from Dona Paula. Also known as, Gaspar Dias,it is a lovely golden beach of soft sand,occupied by a thick grove of shady palms, facing the blue Arabian Sea and forming a dense canopy over the area. As the word 'Miramar' in Portuguese, means, the viewing of the sea, so one can have a panoramic view of the sea, and the Aguada fort just across the Mandovi River. The most captivating, view is created ,when this 2 km long coast of fine , soft & silvery sand bed sparkles in the moonlight.It provides the much-desired solitude & isolation, for those who want a few moments of life away from the crazy crowd of the city,as it is not too much crowded.Its good location, peaceful & quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal place |