Beaches of Goa
The Beaches of Goa are no doubt the best among the Beaches in India. Just
Scroll down to know more about the umpteen choices available in Goa to enjoy
the Goa Beaches. The fact is beyond doubt that the Beaches of Goa are paradise
on earth in real sense. Know more about some of the famous beaches in Goa-
Anjuna Beach
It is 18 kms from Panaji and is a popular beach adjacent to Chapora Fort.
Anjuna beach is popular with the younger generation. No Doubt, Beach Anjuna
is one of the best beach in Goa. Nearby Anjuna beach there is magnificent
Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920 that is flanked by octagonal towers and
attractive Mangalore tiled roofs. This is also known as 'Goa Freak capital
of the World'.
Arambol Beach
It is 50 kms from Panaji and is a unique beach in the North Goa. The beach
is both rocky and sandy and at the same time much sought after. It is 16-km-long
sea beach. Arambol Beach has a sweet water pond right on the shore. The
beach has adequate body surfing and there are several attractive bays at
walkable distance. Arambol beach in Goa, India, can be a sheer delight if
a person is looking for just the sea, himself and tranquillity.
Agonda Beach
It is 37 kms from Marmagoa. The beach is small, picturesque and secluded;
and is much sought after for its serenity.
Baga Beach
Baga Beach is a small yet perfect beach located between its two equally
famous cousins, Colva on one side and Calangute on the other. It is a serene
place to enjoy some private moments if you don't like the hustle and bustle
of Colva or Calangute beaches. The beach is ideal for fishing with international
tourists marinating in the sun and domestic visitors paddling the boat.
The beach mesmerizes the tourists with its brown sand and palm groves which
come fairly close to the water's edge. On one side of beach is the Baga
River offering a pleasant diversion for children and water lovers. The meeting
point of the river and the sea is bordered by a group of black rocks against
which the sea crashes in dramatic explosions of spray.
Bogmalo Beach
In Bogmalo, the Oberoi's manage the restaurant of Trade Wings. The building
stands right on the seashore. 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, plenty of pleasant eateries around the hotel, each one of them
claiming to be Osibisa's favorite.
Benaulim Beach
Benaulim is a quiet and pleasant beach lying at the end of Colva beach.
The Benaulim beach is still undiscovered by the domestic tourists which
further adds to its charm. Being a fishing beach, it gets fairly crowded
in the evenings and on weekends. The Church of St John the Baptist is situated
on a hill beyond the village and is worth a visit. On the arrival of the
monsoon, Feast of St John the Baptist (Sao Joao) is celebrated as a thanksgiving
on the beach. Young men wearing crowns of leaves and fruits tour the area
singing for gifts.
Candolim Beach
Candolim is the best beach if you want solitary moments from the hustle
and bustle of Aguada beach though not offering too much of facilities. There
is delicious and quality food complemented by long and straight beach backed
by scrub-covered dunes with little shelter.
Cavelossim Beach
The soft white sands, the black lava rocks, beaches south of Benaulim where
you explore the Cavelossim Beach. This beach is more clean and quiet than
most of the famous beaches of Goa. There are numerous beach shacks offering
a variety of Goan dishes and seafood at reliable rates. There are several
food joints around Dona Sylvia where you can get entire package of good
food, liquor and beverages, nice service, and a pleasant service at quite
reasonable rates. In addition to it, there are facilities for Dolphin watching
at Betty's Place as well as boat trips for Dolphin watching at River Sal.
Calangute Beach
It is 16 kms from the capital city Panaji and is the most popular holiday
resort in Goa. It is also known as "The Queen of Beaches" and
consists of excellent accommodation facilities at the tourist resorts and
cottages. It is on the shores of the Arabian Sea of North Goa. The name
of the beach is a distortion of the local vernacular word, 'Koli-gutti',
which means the 'land of fishermen'. Some connect it with 'Kalyan-gutti',
the 'village of art' or 'Konvallo-ghott', the 'strong pit of the coconut
tree' as the village nearby is full of coconut trees. It is believed that
with the Portuguese invasion, it got distorted to Calangute. Once upon a
time Calangute was the most haunted beach all hippies during Christmas celebration
when psychedelic hell broke loose. The best time of the year to visit this
beach is between the months of September and March.
Colva Beach 
It is 6 kms from Marmagoa. Colva is one of the most popular beaches in South
Goa. This beach is the pride of 'Salcete' and the only rival to Calangute
by its scenic splendour. In Colva sand, sea and sky blend in enchanting
natural harmony. It consists of excellent accommodation facilities at the
tourist cottages. It is evening and weekend days destination for the natives.
While driving to Colva from Marmagoa you pass through the large Church of
Our Lady of Mercy, Nossa Senhora das Merces, built in 1630 and re-built
in the 18th century. It is at heart of the longest unbroken stretch of beach
in Goa from Marmagoa to Cabo de Rama. Colva is pleasant and convenient place
to stay giving an opportunity to swim safely.
Dona Paula Beach
It is 7 km from the state capital Panaji. Dona Paula Beach is an idyllic
picturesque spot and gives a fine view of the Zuari River and Marmagoa Harbour.
This is an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe Water scootering facility
is very popular at this beach. The beach is near the rocky point between
the Mandovi and the Zuari. At the Dona Paula Bay, two of Goa's famous rivers
meet the Arabian Sea. The beach is named after Dona Paula de Menezes and
is also called the 'Lovers Paradise' due to a myth attached to the place.
Cabo Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Goa is situated
on the westernmost tip of Dona Paula.
Majorda Beach
From Bogmalo to down south, there is Majorda beach bellying 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. Threfore, the Majordans are still Goa's best bakers. As
per the Goan version of Ramayana, the Lord Rama was abducted 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.
Miramar Beach 
It is 3 kms from Panaji. Miramar is a golden beach of soft sand girdled
with palm trees facing the Arabian Sea and is nearest beach from Panaji.
It is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. To watch the sunset from Panaji
this beach is the best location, only fifteen minute' walk along the Dayanand
Bandodker Marg riverfront avenue. The beach is an urban beach where the
Mandovi River meets the Arabian Sea. It is not a safe beach to swim because
of the strong undercurrent.
Palolem Beach
It is also 37 kms from Marmagoa. The beach is situated at west of Chaudi.
It is one of the most enchanting beaches, but at the same time relatively
deserted. It is situated in the backdrop of Western ghats. It has 1.5 km
crescent shaped beach and lies on the southern coastline of Goa amidst outstanding
natural beauty. It is fast emerging as a popular spot for day-trippers from
Colva and Calangute beach.
Vagator Beach
The soft white sands, the black lava rocks, the coconut palms, the lush
green landscape, nature playing its own tunes, and the sea turning from
aquamarine to emerald green-Vagator overlooked by the 500-year-old Portuguese
fort, leaves each visitor dumbstruck. Also, the world-famous Anjuna Beach
lies to the south of Vagator. Vagator beach if still rich with rural life.
So a large number of fishermen in their traditional attire can be observed
on the beach. Anyone patient enough to listen to the numerous stories of
the sea can explore their stock of stories.
Beaches of Goa Reservation Form