Goa Beaches
Covering
the coastline of 125 km along the Arabian Sea, Goa is known for its white
sand beaches. Surrounded by numerous palm and coconut trees, these beaches
come alive in the brilliant sun. An ideal destination for the adventure
lovers, the Goan beaches offer plenty of water sports activities such as
parasailing, speed boating, water skiing and yachting. The endless list of
charming beaches in Goa include Calangute, Colva, Betul, Palolem, Anjuna,
Vagator, Baga, Dona, Paula, Miramar, Bogmalo, Harmal, Baina, Siridao,
Mandrem, Morgim and many other beaches.
Did You Know?
- Anjuna Beach is extremely famous for serving the best sea food.
- The annual religious event of Fama of Menino Jesuse (Child Jesus) is
held at the church in Colva since the 17th century.
- There is a myth that the Dona Paula beach of Goa is haunted by lost
love of Dona Paula de Menezes.
- Dona Paula Beach is also the house of the Governor of Goa.
- The Benaulim Beach is free from jellyfish and therefore is very good
for swimming.
- The Benaulim Beach is a foodie paradise.
Anjuna Beach
The beach is very huge and is split into South, Middle and North Anjuna
beach. Anjuna's flea market is the main attration of this beach and is held
on Wedenesdays at the southern edge of the beach. Famed for coconut
plantations, Siolim is the largest village in Goa and is 10 km from Anjuna
beach.
Colva Beach
It is situated 39 kms away from Panaji and is a small village in south Goa.
The annual religious event in Nossa Senhora de Merces Church is a grand
occasion and celebrated with full fervour by the Catholic communities on the
third Monday of October every year. One can also see the Beach Bonanza fair
here on every Sundays after the mid of April followed by dance, music and
other entertainments. This beach houses many shops and restaurants.
Dona Paula Beach
It
lies close to Panaji amidst the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries. Named after the
daughter of Viceroy, Dona Paula de Menzes, the beach is surrounded by
numerous palm trees and the casurina groves. Close to this beach, Reis Magos
Church is one of the oldest churches in Goa. Visitors must also visit the
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on the island of Choro along the Mandovi river.
Covering on 2 sq km., this sanctuary is home to many resident and migratory
birds. The National Oceanography Institute and the Cabo Raj Niwas must not
be missed. Water sports festival in the month of November pull in toursists
to this colourful beach.
Arambol Beach
Arambol's most wonderful feature is the tiny Paliem beach at the of
Waghcolomb Hill. It also has a small fresh water lake barely 200m from the
sea. The beach is characterised by steep rocks and is mainly visited by the
Europeans. From Arambol Junction one can reach this marvelous beach.
Visitors can see Tiracol fort here.
Vagator Beach
The beach is known for the magnificent Chapora Fort in the north and the
Anjuna Beach on the south. One can reach this beach by walking down the
steep rocks. Vagator beach is divided into two main beches by a seaside
headland, the North Vagator Beach and the Ozrant Beach also called
mini-Vagator Beach. The shiva carving, the Chapora Fort and fresh water
springs are worth visit.
Benaulim Beach
It is one of the serene beaches of Goa attracting tourists for 'Dolphin
Cruises'. The church of St. John known for the Goan and Christian
architecture enhances the beauty of this beach all the more.
Palolem Beach
The beach lies in the Canocona district and is called the 'Paradise Beach'.
This fishing beach is popular for its dolphin cruises and fishing trips. The
beach also has a small island in the northern side which can be reached only
by boat. Don't miss the Butterfly Beach which lies between the Palolem and
Agonda Beach. The Pandava's Drum and the Fifueiredo House must be visited.
It is one of the safest beaches for swimming. One must also visit the
beautiful Colomb Beach, Galjibaga Beach and Rajbag Beach.
Best Time to Visit
Goa is never out of season but it is great to plan the trip some time
around December to January . The carnival period which begins in the month
of February attract tourists in large numbers.
Leisure Activities on the Beaches
Goan beaches offer a variety of activities to spend some time at leisure.
One can indulge in thrilling water sports like beach volley ball, jet skies,
parasailing, scuba diving, wind surfing and water skiing. A large number of
tour operators also offer dolphin and crocodile-spotting trips, island
trips, fishing expeditions and river cruises. These beaches are also known
for the ayurvedic massage, yoga and meditation.
