Goa

Tourism

Goa Beaches:

Calangute Beach:

On the shores of the Arabian Sea, under the shade of palm trees, bathes the Queen of Beaches-Calangute. The food stalls and stalls selling goods to tourists, 45 minute bus ride up to the coast from the city of Panjim bring one to Calangute, Goa's busiest and most commercialized resort, and the flagship of the state government's bid for a bigger slice of India's package-tourist pie. The road from the town to the beach is lined with Kashmiri-run handicraft boutiques and Tibetan stalls selling Himalayan curios and jewellery. The beach itself is nothing special, with steeply shelving sand, but is more than large enough to accommodate the huge numbers of high-season visitors. The Church of St Alex greets the visitors with its two towers and a magnificent dome gracing the façade. The inside of the church is a display of the line and beauty of its architectural style and attractive alters.

Dona Paula Beach :

It is very famous beach of goa and known as the lover paradise. Dona Paula Beach is named after the daughter of an official in the Portuguese government. When she was told she could not marry her lover, Dona Paula chose to end her life here. People throng the Dona Paula beach not only to enjoy the sun and the sea but also to indulge in water sports on the clear waters. There are several shops along the beachside, which sell variety of goods ranging from eatables to clothes. Fishermen-turned-local vendors also sell straw hats, lace handkerchiefs, and spices in these shops. Feni and port wine-the two Goan liquor specialties-are a must buy and local liquor is easily available.

Anjuna Beach :

It is famous for palm trees and moon parties. But most people's reasons for coming dancing and lying on the beach slurping tropical fruit. Anjuna is a small village in north Goa and is popularly called the freak capital in the world. Its significant tourist spots are the magnificent Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920. While browsing in the area has a day trip to the famous flea market. One of the main sources of Anjuna's enduring popularity as a hippy hang out is its superb beach. The Wednesday Flea Market of Anjuna is famous for its bric-a-brac and the electric items that are on sale. The flea market is a heaven for shopping addicts and good bargainers

Colva and Benaulim Beaches:

Colva is the most loved beach of Goa. Development is surely at a good pace in Colva. Tourists—Indian, foreigners, as well as locals can be seen in colorful dresses, coming either for a walk or ‘for a change of air’. Many tourists can be seen having a sunbath on the golden sands of Colva. From early October to late May, from 4 pm onwards, one can see the bull fights at Benaulim beach, which lies close to Colva beach. While taking a stroll on the Colva Beach, silver carpets of banged (mackerels) can be viewed shimmering on the golden sands for drying. Fishermen’s motor trawlers can be seen anchored in a line offshore. Colva is a small village in south Goa on the shores of the Arabian Sea.

Vagator and Chapora Beaches:

This is most attracted beach of Goa. The soft white sands, the black lava rocks, the coconut palms, the lush green landscape, nature playing its own music, and the sea turning from aquamarine to emerald green-Vagator and Chapora, overlooked by the 500-year-old Portuguese fort, leaves each visitor awestruck. Chapora is a fishing village. So, a large number of fishermen in their traditional attire can be seen. Anyone patient enough to listen to the numerous stories of the sea, they have plenty of them. Colorful women can be seen haggling and hocking fish by the roadside. A bare feet stroll on the beach with the mesmerizing warm setting sun and the gentle breeze carrying little drops of the salty water from the sea; it’s a dream come true.

Agonda Beach:

Agonda is a three-kilometer long beautiful cove of white sand, safely secluded in the palms. There are no tourists, no souvenir stalls, no restaurants, nothing just the trees, the beach, the big beautiful ocean and you. It also makes for a great day trip from Colva and Covelossim. For real adventure, hire a tent and camp for the night, listening to the crashing of the sea waves. Those who can appreciate the beauty of owning a beach can enjoy Goa Agonda beach. The fort of Cabo de Rama is not too far from Agonda beach. The fort is named after Lord Ram, the central figure of the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to local legend, Rama stayed here with his wife Sita during the period of his 12-year exile. The Agonda beach is a beautiful stretch of land, which is flanked by the ocean on one side and the small hills on the other side. There are no shops or other facilities on this beach so, carry all you need. Here nature lovers can find peace of mind.

Cansaulim:

One can see a lot of palm groves along the shore and for accomodation there are a number of hotels and restaurants in Cansaulim. One can also see the Cansaulim Railway station situated nearby. The beach is incredibly clean and tidy with such beautiful golden sand. Cansaulim is a famous beach located at about 15kms from Margao in the Mormugao taluka in south Goa.

How to reach Goa:

By Air

Dabolim is the main entry point for goa situated at a distance of around 29 km from Panaji on the coast near Vasco da Gama. Most domestic airlines operate in Goa apart from chartered private airlines operating from UK and Germany. Indian Airlines has direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai daily. Air India also flies to Goa

By Rail:

It is not difficult to reach Goa by trains, especially after opening of the Konkan Railway that connects Margao and Vasco da Gama to major cities in India. You can take trains from Delhi 1,874 km), Mumbai (490km), and Bangalore (430 km) to reach Goa comfortably. From the railway stations, you can hire taxis and motorcycle taxis to reach the desired destinations.

By Road:

Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka state transport corporations operate from the Kadamba bus stand at Panaji. Frank Shipping operates a boat service between Mumbai and Panaji. Moving around in Goa is quite easy. One can find bus as well as car rental services. A unique experience is that of the motorcycle taxi. Several ferry services are also available.