If you drove in from the southern state of Karnataka and wanted to discover the nearest, reasonably well-known Goan beach, the chances are that you’d be directed to Palolem. Palolem is a beach of white sand facing a blue bay between two headlands. The little wooded islands on the northern headland look interesting but as we’ve never ventured onto any of them we don’t know what landing on them would be like. If you’re interested, try to persuade one of the fishermen — this is also a fishing beach in Palolem Goa— to ferry you across. They do offer to take you out to spot dolphins. Tourists have discovered Palolem and so there are a few shacks selling seafood snacks, souvenirs and clothes of the shapeless, bright, informal kind. Panaji, the capital, is more than 70 km away from Palolem Goa.

Transportation
Palolem is just 3 km away from Canacona Railway Junction, now on the Konkan Railway. You can hire taxis and auto-rickshaws to reach Palolem beach from Margao, 40 km away. There are regular buses from Margao to Palolem that would drop you at Canacona village.

Accommodation
There are beautiful beach huts and family room to choose from in Palolem. Try to avoid the weekends, as there is a big crowd of picnickers who throng the Palolem beach in Goa on weekends.

MABOR BEACH , VARCA BEACH & CAVELOSSIM BEACH

The soft white sands, the black lava rocks,

beaches south of Benaulim. These beaches are much cleaner and quieter than most of the famous beaches of Goa. There are numerous beach shacks offering a variety of Goan dishes and seafood at reasonable prices. There are several food joints around Dona Sylvia where you can get entire package of good food, good drink, nice service, and a pleasant service in quite reasonable rates. There are facilities for Dolphin watching at Betty’s Place as well as boat trips for Dolphin watching up river Sal.

Transportation
There are plenty of transportation facilities available to reach these beaches from Margao. From Cavelossim village, Margao is 18 km away and buses and autos are available easily. You can also hire taxis from Dabolim Airport (41 – 48 km) to reach the beach resorts here. To move locally, use cycles and scooters that are available on hire.

Accommodation
These beaches are home to some of the most exclusive and luxurious beach resorts in Goa. Accommodation is also available for budget and economy class travelers though not on the beach itself.

 DONA PAULA BEACH

The Dona Paula beach is named after Dona Paula de Menzes, daughter of a viceroy (in colonial India), who threw herself off the cliff, when refused permission to marry a local fisherman, Gaspar Dias. The myth says that Dona Paula is entombed in the Cabo Chapel of the Raj Bhawan and is supposed to be seen emerging from the moonlit waves wearing only a pearl necklace.

With the romance and myth attached to it—haunted by Dona Paula de Menzes—tourists throng the Dona Paula Beach not only in search of the deceased beloved, but also to indulge in water sports on the clear waters. The Dona Paula Beach offers an opportunity to the tourists to have a sunbath and buy cheap seaside goods from local vendors.

This beach has also been the location for many Indian movies, the most famous being Ek Duje Ke Liye. Given this dual attraction, Dona Paula Beach has become a popular tourist spot.

Dona Paula Beach – Tourist Attractions

Water Sports
The most important attraction of this beach is the water sport facilities available here. The Dona Paula Sports Club offers water-scooter, cycle, and motorboat rides. Other water sports include windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, toboggan ski-biscuit, skibob, sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking, and yachting.

National Oceanography Institute
Set up in the 1960s, the National Oceanography Institute delves not only upon marine biology, but incorporates almost all the major branches of coastal and marine oceanography. The major attraction of the institute is its Marine Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference Center.

Cabo Raj Niwas
The Cabo Raj Niwas (the Governor’s House) is half a kilometer away from the National Oceanography Institute. It houses the tomb of Dona Paula de Menzes in the Cabo Chapel. The Raj Bhawan offers an excellent view of the nearby coastline and the Aguada Fort.

DONA PAULA BEACH – LOCATION AND CLIMATE

Location
Seven kilometers west of the Indian state of Goa’s capital Panajim (Panaji), Dona Paula Beach is nestled on the southern side of the rocky hammer-shaped headlands that divide the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries. Providing a good view of the Mormugao harbor, this beach is fringed by palm trees and casuarina groves. The proximity of the beach to the capital city makes it a popular tourist sight.

Climate
The climate is equable and moist throughout the year. While it is pleasant and temperate from October to May it is rainy from June to September. Temperature variations throughout the year are mild. May is the warmest month with a temperature of around 30°C and January is coolest with a mean daily temperature of 25°C. Due to its proximity of the sea, the territory is generally humid and even during the summer months humidity is generally above 60 percent.

DONA PAULA BEACH – EXCURSIONS

The main attractions near Dona Paula Beach are Reis Magos Church and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Approximately 10 km from the beach is one of the oldest churches built in Goa, the Reis Magos Church. It is dedicated to the three Magi (the wise men of the East)—Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar who, according to a legend, were guided by a star to Bethlehem to greet the newborn Jesus. This church was once the residence of all dignitaries and a mission center of the Franciscan order.

The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is situated on the western tip of the island of Choro, along the Mandovi River, about 9 km from Dona Paula Beach. Spread over 2 sq km, this sanctuary is a mangrove forest. Local and migratory birds are found here all through the year. However, permission of the Chief Wildlife Warden is required for visitors.

Two other beaches are also within the proximity of the Dona Paula Beach. These are the Miramar beach, which lies 4 km north of Dona Paula, and the Vainguinim Beach, which is situated 1 km west.

DONA PAULA BEACH – FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

The festivals of Janmashtami and the Feast of St. Lawrence are particular to the Dona Paula Beach. In addition, the beach also has a colorful water sports festival in November. The highlights of this festival are the water scooter and cycle races and surfing competitions.

DONA PAULA BEACH - SHOPPING

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. Indian handicrafts and jewelry are available at the Indian Arts Emporium in Dona Paula.

DONA PAULA BEACH - ACCOMMODATION

There are a host of hotels, guesthouses, and beachside huts available at the beach that cater to the budgets of different tourists.

DONA PAULA BEACH - TRANSPORTATION

By Air
The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji and 36 km from Anjuna.

By Rail
Goa is connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Mangalore, and Thiruvananthapuram by train. The nearest railway station is at Karmali, which is 15 km from the beach.

By Road
The Dona Paula Beach is well connected by road. Seven kilometers from the capital city, regular bus and taxi services are easily available. The Kadamba Transport Corporation (Government of Goa Undertaking), and Maharashtra and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporations operate buses from and to Goa.

Local Transport
Bus, taxi, auto-rickshaw, and motorcycle services are the available means of local conveyance in the area. A bus or motorcycle-taxi from Panajim or the ferry service from Mormugao can be availed of to reach the beach. In fact, buses to Dona Paula leave every fifteen minutes from Panajim's Kadamba stand.
An interesting mode of conveyance in Goa is the motorcycle taxi. Unique to this state, these “taxis” carry only one passenger. However motorcycles can also be hired for personal use, on the basis of financial guarantee.

 BENAULIM BEACH & COLVA BEACH

With 20 km of virgin white sands, palm fringed, and sun drenched beaches, Colva is the most loved beach of Goans. Colva, unlike Anjuna or Calangute, gained popularity only lately. It was little disturbed and life moved on quietly. But those are the things of the past in Colva. Over the years, many hotels and buildings have sprung from nowhere in Colva. Development is surely at a good pace in Colva.

Tourist Attractions

Nossa Senhora de Merces (Our Lady of Mercy) Church
The church in Colva is famous for its annual religious event—Fama of Menino Jesuse (Child Jesus)—since the 17th century. The predominantly Catholic community celebrates it on the third Monday of October every year. It is one of Goa’s most popular feasts and a big fair is held on the occasion at Colva.

On The Colva Beach
While taking a stroll on the Colva Beach, silver carpets of bangdde (mackerels) can be viewed shimmering on the golden sands for drying. Fishermen’s motor trawlers can be seen anchored in a line offshore.

Tourists—Indian and 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.

The trinket stalls and the drink stands on the golden sands under the moonlight make the evening on the Colva Beach utterly romantic.

The Bull Fight Around 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. On the beat of taped Konkani music, the bullfights are usually held in an old rice field with no fences or barricades just outside a village.

Colva and Benaulim - Location and Climate

Location of Colva and Benaulim
Colva is a small village in south Goa on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It lies 39 km away from Panaji, capital of the Indian state of Goa. Two km further ahead from Colva is Benaulim.

Climate of Colva and Benaulim
Goa has a consistent climate through the year with just meager fluctuations in the temperature. December and January might require light woolens. April and May are warm. The period from June to October brings heavy rain, almost up to 400 cm. The temperature during the summers ranges from 24°C to 32.7°C and during the winters it ranges from 21.3°C to 32.2°C.

Colva and Benaulim - Excursions
About 2 km away from Colva is the Benaulim, which is more peaceful and serene than Colva. The best thing about Benaulim is that it is still rather undiscovered by domestic tourists even though it is a fishing beach. It gets fairly crowded in the evenings and on weekends, it gets fairly crowded with local visitors who get off buses about a kilometer away and pour onto the beach.

The Church of St John the Baptist is situated on a hill beyond the village and worth a visit. On the arrival of the monsoon, Feast of St John the Baptist (Sao Joao) is celebrated as a thanksgiving. Young men wearing crowns of leaves and fruits tour the area singing for gifts. To commemorate the movement of St John in his mother’s womb 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.

Colva and Benaulim – Fairs and Festivals

The Beach Bonanza
The Beach Bonanza fair is held on successive Sundays from mid-April onwards, where frenzy visitors in merriment participate in live music, dance, and other entertainment.

Fama of Menino Jesuse (Child Jesus)
Celebrated on the third Monday of October every year, Fama of Menino Jesuse is among the most popular festivals of Goa.

The festivities start at eight in the morning to extend until nine in the evening. On the fama day, the miraculous image of Infant Jesus is specially brought down from the left side altar of the church, for public veneration and umao (kissing). The priest hurriedly passes by a long and virtually unending queue of devotees touching the statue to their eager lips.

Colva and Benaulim – Shopping

It’s easy enough to rent a motorcycle or scooter in Panaji and Mapusa.

As far as big shopping complexes or markets are concerned, Colva Beach still has to develop. But there are a lot of trinket shops and drink stalls on the beach where one can buy artifacts, antiques and gifts for friends waiting back at home. Open-air eateries serving seafood and Portuguese dishes are in abundance on the shore.

Colva and Benaulim – Accomodation
There are plenty of resorts and low-budget hotels in and around Colva. Benaulim too has a few hotels. Besides it is possible to rent houses for a longer stay.

Colva and Benaulim – Transportation

By Air
The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji and 68 km from Colva.

By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Karmali, 11 km away from Panaji. Panaji is 39 km away from Colva.

By Road
There are frequent buses from Colva running to and from Margao (also Madgaon; 6 km away) from where one can take a bus to Panaji, which is 33 km further ahead.

Aguada beach is almost synonymous with the top-notch Fort Aguada
Hotel complex, a superb hotel that is built on the cliff, around the remnants of the early 17th century Portuguese fort. Although access to the beach is not possible through the hotel grounds, which are private, you can walk along Aguada beach, for in India private beaches do not exist. The hotel has been constructed in three parts, consisting of expensive cottages on the upper reaches of the hillside, the fort jutting out to sea, and a delightful Goan village, with individual cottages. Drawn by the clientele of the hotel, Aguada beach has cafes, itinerant vendors of everything from Kashmiri carpets to massages, and a good range of water sports.

The Fort of Aguada was built by the Portuguese to control the entry into River Mandovi and to protect old Goa from enemy attack. The fortification skirts the seashore. At the center is a circular lighthouse tower. The Fort presently houses the central jail.

 SINQUERIM BEACH

Sinquerim is located some 13 km from Panaji. Taj Hotel group has set up the Heritage Complex here which dominates the headland around the historic Fort Aguada. There is uninterrupted firm sand from here all the way to north to Baga and if you want a long beach walk, there cannot be a better place to start from.

 CANDOLIM BEACH

Candolim is the best beach if you want solitude from the hustle and bustle of Aguada though not expecting too much of facilities. There is good food and long and straight beach backed by scrub-covered dunes with little shelter.

 CALANGUTE & BAGA BEACH

Under the shade of palm trees, bathes the Queen of Beaches—Calangute. Calangute seems to be a distortion of the local vernacular word—‘Koli-gutti’, which means land of fishermen. Some people connect it with Kalyangutti (village of art) or Konvallo-ghott (strong pit of the coconut tree) because the village is full of coconut trees. With the advent of the Portuguese, the word probably got distorted to Calangute, and has stuck till today. In a green semi-circle, the villages of Arpora-Nagoa, Saligao and Candolim do their bit to enhance the divine beauty of Calangute. There are picturesque agors (saltpans) at Agarvaddo, Maddavaddo is full of madd (coconut trees), Dongorpur skirts a bottle-green hillock and Tivaivaddo laces the beach. In Gauravaddo lived the gaudds or milkmen ran dairies.

Calangute became a traveler’s cliché in the '60s and early'70s. It was the hippies who discovered the pristine surroundings and blissful serenity and golden sands. The hippies also spread the word around and brought hordes of European tourists. Decades later, tourists still trudge down the dusty, weather-beaten roads in search of that idyllic coastal Goa. On this lovely beach, Goans and tourists spend summers, bathing in the quiet solitude of the sea, sun and sand.

Baga Beach
Baga is a small but perfect beach located between its two more famous cousins, Colva on one side and Calangute on the other. It is a far better place to enjoy some restful moments if you don’t like the hustle and bustle of Colva or Calangute. It is a fishing beach with international touriststs marinating in the sun and domestic visitors paddling. The fact is that the sand here isn’t either white or gold but brown. There is the grove of palms that comes fairly close to the water’s edge. The Baga River flows down one side of it offering a pleasant diversion for children and those who love the water but can’t risk the rip currents that swirl round the mouth. Where the river and the sea meet, and on the far right bank, there is a group of black rocks against which the sea crashes in dramatic explosions of spray.

Calangute--Tourist Attractions

The Beach
Fun in the sun, sand and sea along with great opportunities for feasting on fresh seafood and feni is what a day on the Calangute beach essentially means. Frolicking families, eager hands making sand castles, colorful crowds surging towards the sea, hippies busy remembering the good old times and the young and old alike lazing on the golden sands are some of the images that characterize this Queen of Beaches. This picture of a perfect tourist haven is completed with shacks and stalls under the shade of palm trees selling everything from fried prawns and beer to trinkets made of seashells. The rainbow hued canvas of Calangute has welcomed everyone to it always though it became popular across the globe only after the hippies discovered it in the ‘60s.

The St. Alex Church
As the vast traffic on the CHOGM road reaches the village, the Church of St Alex greets 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 ornate altars. In 1996, Calangute celebrated the fourth centenary of its parish church.

Kerkar Art Complex
The Kerkar Art Complex, is the one and only of its kind on this beach. It is a popular center for exhibitions of arts and crafts of local artistes. On Thursdays and Fridays, connoisseurs of Indian classical music and dance can be an audience to various concerts.

Calangute--Location And Climate

Location
Calangute and Baga lie on the shores of the Arabian Sea of North Goa in India. It is encircled by Arpora-Nagoa, Saligao and Candolim, in the Bardez taluka, and is just 15 km from Panajim, the capital of the state of Goa.

Climate
Goa has a consistent climate through the year with only meager fluctuations in the temperature. December and January might require light woolens. April and May are warm. The period from June to October brings heavy rain, almost up to 320 cm. The temperature during summers ranges from 24°C to 32.7°C and during winters, from 21.3°C to 32.2°C.

Calangute Beach and Baga can be visited at any time of the year, though the monsoon months, which bring heavy rains, are best avoided. The period from November to February is the most pleasant for a visit to this beach.

Calangute And Baga--Excursions

Medicinal Springs
The narrow road leading past the Bom Viagem Convent along the cashew-covered foothills, leads to the springs at Mottant. This is an ideal spot for picnics and bathing, as the water is believed to be medicinal.

Baga Retreat House
Overlooking the village and the Arabian Sea, at the Baga hilltop is the Baga Retreat House dedicated to St Francis Xavier. It was known as the Casa de Retiros.

Calangute And Baga--What To Do

Motorcycle Renting
It’s easy enough to rent a motorcycle or scooter in Panaji and Mapusa.

Water Sports
Parasailing, water skiing and wind surfing at the beach starts in the afternoon when the wind is blowing just in the right direction and it goes on till sunset.

Crocodile And Dolphin Spotting Tours
Backwater crocodile and dolphin spotting down the Mandovi River to the Zuari River is a favorite pastime for the travelers. The banks of these rivers are thickly forested with mangrove trees. Crocodiles inhabit the swamps in this area. At the open sea at the mouth of the Mandovi River, dolphins can be spotted.

Calangute And Baga--Shopping

Saturday bazaar near the new Post Office is an ideal place for good bargainers. The bazaar offers commodities like fish, meat, grocery, textiles, earthenware, household articles and other provisions. Toys and trinkets, piglets, chicken, eggs, brooms and all the traditional, rural produce find their way into the Saturday bazaar.

In the center of Calangute, there is a nice Tibetan market. It offers all kinds of gems and silverwork, wooden statues of the Buddha's and Hindu deities. Besides, Calangute and Baga have been swamped by Kashmiri traders, putting up Kashmiri carpets, embroidery, and papier-mâché boxes for sale.

Calangute And Baga--Accomdation

There are plenty of guesthouses and hotels in Calangute. One planning a longer stay should look out for ‘To Let’ signs, as there are plenty along the back lanes.

Calangute And Baga--Transportation

By Air
The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji. Panaji is just half an hour’s drive away from Calangute.

By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Karmali 11 km away from Panaji. Panaji is just half an hour’s drive away from Calangute.

By Road
Calangute Beach is about ten minutes from Mapusa, and thirty minutes from the state capital, Panaji. There are frequent buses to Panaji and Mapusa from Calangute. Most buses from Panaji terminate at Calangute and a few trudge further on up to Baga. Mapusa is 8 km away from Calangute.

The Miramar Beach, one of the beaches of Goa, is on the way to Dona Paula, 1-km ahead of the confluence of the Arabian Sea and Mandovi River. Under the palm shade, Miramar Beach is just 3-km away from the capital city of Panjim in the North Goa. This Goa beach is popularly known as "Gasper Dias".

The word 'Miramar' in Portuguese stands for viewing the sea. On account of its good location, the Miramar Beach of Goa is ideal for evening walks. The coast covers an expanse of 2-km, having a fine silvery sand bed. From here one has a panoramic view of the Aguada fort just across the Mandovi River. The best time to visit the Miramar Beach is from November to March. Though the beach is not so popular but the tourists staying in the Goa Marriott Beach Resort can spend a nice time in the Palm shaded area that is quite captivating for the tourists visiting the beach.

The accommodation arrangements are available at the various beach resorts and hotels on the Miramar Beach itself. Therefore the tourists find all the facilities within the close vicinity of the Miramar Beach. Whether it is shopping, sightseeing, tourist destinations or the festive hue of the fishermen Konkanis ; alike other Goa beaches you find here every activity that comprises of your entertainment list.

 AGONDA BEACH

If you continue driving towards Panaji from Palolem, the next beach is Agonda.It’s long and lonely, fringed with palms and casuarinas and dominated by a large hill to the south. It’s not safe to swim out too far as here on this beach. There are very few facilities available here and you are needed to carry all the essentials.

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

Agonda Beach Excursions – Cabo De Rama

Not far from Agonda beach is Cabo de Rama, untouched by most of the visitors in this region. The atmosphere of the fort creates a sense of history and drama that very few would fail to appreciate. The fort is named after Rama, hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to the local legends, Rama stayed here with his wife Sita during the period of 12-year exile.

Agonda Beach – Transportation

It is really difficult to reach Agonda Beach because it falls a bit away from the main road and no local buses ply here. It also gives an element of solitude at the beach, as you won’t find many tourists here. The best way to reach this beach is by a scooter or motors bike.

 BOGMALO BEACH & MAJORDA BEACH

In Bogmalo, the Oberois manage a property built by Trade Wings. The building is right on the sea. As the waves lash the parapets of the open-air restaurant, the drone of the restless Arabian Sea lulls to sleep even the most insomniac. Beyond are mysterious little islands, shipwrecks in the silt and, around the hotel, plenty of pleasant eateries-each one of them claiming to be Osibisa's favorite. That pardonable selling trick began about 10 years ago when the Oberoi hosted the group.

Majorda Beach

From Bogmalo down south, there is Majorda beach and the Majorda Beach Resort. Majorda is the village where the Jesuits, fond as they were of the good things of life, discovered the best Goan toddy (sap from the coconut palm), which they used to leaven the bread. Naturally, then, Majorda is the place where the Goans were first trained in the delicate art of baking European breads. The Majordans are still Goa's best bakers. The delights of the beach, however, were discovered much earlier, in the mythic times when the gods above went through a lot of turmoil. There is a Goan version of Ramayana and therein Lord Rama was kidnapped as a child and brought up at Majorda. Later, in pursuit of Sita, he camped at Cabo de Rama-a headland further south-where the stretch of developed beaches ends.

Bogmalo and Majorda - Transportation

Majorda is located at a distance of 18 km from Dabolim Airport and connected to Margao with buses, motorcycle taxis, and taxis.

 VAGATOR BEACH & CHAPORA BEACH

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. Yet to be disturbed by the hustle and bustle of tourists, life goes on peacefully, in the background, in Vagator and Chapora. The world-famous Anjuna Beach lies to the south of Vagator.

Vagator and Chapora are rich with rural life. 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.

Vagator and Chapora – Tourist Attractions

Chapora Fort
Hiking up, the lava-bedecked black rock stepping-stones lead to the 500-year-old Portuguese fort, popularly known as the Chapora Fort. It utters the reminiscence of the old Portuguese times giving a splendid view of the sea and hills covered with coconut trees and rice fields. The remaining battlements and fortifications take one down the memory lane, into the times when Royalty ruled the Vagator hue.

Rural Life
The gentle lapping seawater changing colors from aquamarine to sea emerald, the tiny cottages with gardens garlanded by colors of lemon, purple and fuchsia, flags and crosses take one on a honeymoon fantasy.

Life goes on peacefully in Chapora: with salty fishermen carrying home their heavy fishing nets and kids playing among the dry docked boats. 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.

An unknown visitor has carved out a human face on the rocks, near the Vagator Beach, making it an ideal background for a snapshot pose.

Vagator and Chapora – Location and Climate

Located in North Goa, Vagator and Chapora are 24 km from Panaji, the capital of the Indian state of Goa. It lies on the northern edge of Bardez taluka.

Climate
Goa has a consistent climate through the year with just meager fluctuations in the temperature. December and January might require light woolens. April and May are warm. The period from June to October brings heavy rain, almost up to 400 cm. The temperature during the summers ranges from 24°C to 32.7°C and during the winters it ranges from 21.3°C to 32.2°C.

Vagator and Chapora - Shopping

It is cool rural area, without offering the tourist any big shopping complexes. But there is a market nearby where fish is plenty. One can buy artifacts like candelabras made of exquisite blue china woven baskets and earthen pots. People with sweet tooth get the chance to enjoy coconuts, bananas "Bebinca", a Goan delicacy made from tender coconuts.

Vagator and Chapora - Accomodation

There is not too much of choice for staying at Vagator and Chapora, except a few guesthouses, or houses on rent. During the peak tourist season, one might find trouble finding an accommodation here, and so, at that time, Calangute and Baga can be a better bet.

Vagator and Chapora - Transportation

By Air
The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji. Panaji is just 22 km away from Vagator.

By Road
Vagator is at a distance of 9 km from Mapusa, and 22 km far from the state capital Panaji. There are frequent buses to Panaji and Mapusa from Vagator.

 ANJUNA BEACH

Anjuna Beach is popularly known as the freak capital of the world and not without reasons. It claimed popularity for its Trance Parties and the Hippies who tried to synthesize the spiritual traditions of the East and the art, ideas and the music of the West. Sometime in the late 1950s to mid-1960s, the area was "discovered" by a group of travelers, including "Eight Finger Eddie," and a small international psychedelic scene began to meet there to party during the dry season. Anjuna is just the right place for lazing holidaymakers. Besides the calm waters of the Arabian Sea lapping softly on the Indian shore, Anjuna comes live with its ever-famous full-moon parties and the Wednesday flea market to take one on to a trance trip.

The main attractions of Anjuna Beach are the magnificent Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920 (flanked by octagonal towers and an attractive Mangalore tile-roof), the Mascarenhas Mansion, and the Chapora Fort

Mascarenhas Mansion
With riches and classic 'balcoes' (balconies) at Anjuna stands the monumental Mascarenhas Mansion. The L-shaped seat along the length of the porch is of expensive wood. It has some of the finest stained glass floral etchings

Wednesday Flea Market
Every Wednesday, at around 11 a.m., Anjuna breaks into a riot of colors. Lines of vehicles full of tourists start virtually raising clouds of dust in this area. Whatever one needs, from a used paperback to a haircut, one would find it here. The flea market is a heaven for hardcore shoppers and good bargainers, to bid on wonderful blends of Tibetan, Kashmiri and Gujarati trinkets and handicrafts, European snacks, cassettes of a noisy brand of music called 'Goa Trance', artificial ornaments carvings and T-shirts. An elephant ride and a photograph with a fake sadhu or a fake snake charmer can also be found here.

The Acid House Party
Anjuna is also known for its full-moon (acid house) parties. Held for and by young tourists, these parties have attracted thousands of tourists. The trance party with dance, frolic, and merriment goes all night besides the fire.

Anjuna Beach - Excursions

In the vicinity of Anjuna are the Chapora Fort and the Albuquerque Mansion. To the east is a mountain. Anyone tired of the party and interested in returning to civilization can climb the mountain to get to Baga where one can catch a ferry out. Panajim too is not far away.

The Chapora Fort gives a splendid view of the nearby Anjuna and Vagator beaches. The fort has been well preserved except a few interesting ruins. Once, it was a domain of the Muslim rulers before the Portuguese wrested it. In 1683, the Marathas hijacked three priests from the Chapora Fort and made them Hindus.

Anjuna Beach - Accommodation

There are plenty of guesthouses around the village, and even a couple of hotels. Someone planning a longer stay should look out for 'To Let' signs, as there are plenty of houses that are available on rent along the back lanes.

Anjuna Location and Climate

Location
Anjuna is a small village in north Goa, on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It lies 18 km away from Panaji, the capital of Goa.

Climate
Goa has a consistent climate throughout the year with just meager fluctuations in the temperature. December and January might require light woolens, but April and May are warm. The period from June to October brings heavy rain, almost up to 320 cm. The temperature during the summers ranges from 24°C to 32.7°C and during the winters it ranges from 21.3°C to 32.2°C.

Because of its pleasant climate, Anjuna can be visited at any time of the year. However, tourists should beware the heavy rainfall between June and October. The period from November to February is the best time to visit Anjuna.

Anjuna Beach - Transportation

By Air
The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji and 47 km from Anjuna.

By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Karmali 11 km away from Panaji and 29 km from Anjuna.

By Road
There are buses every hour to Anjuna from Mapusa (8 km). For tourists arriving from Mumbai, Mapusa is the jumping-off point for the northern beaches. There are frequent local buses to Panaji, which is just 18 km away. One can also hire a motorcycle or a taxi from Mapusa to reach Anjuna. Security Precautions

Swimming is dangerous at most of the beaches because of the strong undercurrents. Consulting the lifeguards is a must before venturing out into the waters.

 ARAMBOL BEACH

A large and sprung out village near the seashore, Arambol can be approached by a road which winds across the plateau and down through the cashew trees. The beach is an uninterrupted and stunning stretch of curving sand, still unspoilt in comparison to other beaches. The beach is quiet except on Sundays, when a large crowd of local picnickers gather here for holidaying.

The villagers are friendly and the place is less touristy allowing you to have a close experience of local life and culture. There is relaxed environment and peace and tranquility attracts many day-trippers from other beaches nearby. There are miles long uninterrupted beaches with well-made track running around. The second beach is even more secluded and little used. There are sulphur pits and freshwater lakes that you can use for swimming.

Arambol Beach - Transportation

You can take one of the many buses that regularly ply between Arambol and Mapusa and Arambol and Chopdem. It takes around 40 minutes to reach Arambol from Chopdem for a distance of 12 km. On market days you can take boats to Anjuna. To move locally, hire taxis or bikes that are easily available.