Unforgettable Moments in Goa: Enjoy Your Idleness at These Beaches

Goa, the smallest state in India, has umpteen surprises in every corner, and is world-renowned for its lovely beaches. Bounded by the Arabian Sea on one side and land on the other, this region is home to numerous picturesque and vibrant beaches. The stellar nightlife and parties in Goa are an intrinsic aspect of Goan vibes and the hippie culture.

Goa is the exemplary holiday paradise full of amusement. The charm of the seashore and the beaches allure the tourists' souls to spend a vacation in the land of sun, sand, and surf. While there are numerous places to visit in India in December, tourists from world over head during the year end to Goa to revel in this exciting destination.

Be it the parties, pulsating clubs and pubs, beach shacks, adventurous water sports, gaming casinos or the buzzing flea markets; all come together to invoke an exhilarated ambience. Goa offers a plethora of beaches for youngsters, family and couples, with innumerable shacks, quaint cafes, a slew of budget hotels and luxurious resorts lined up along the coastline.

The Historical Significance of Goa

The old name of Goa according to ancient literature, are Gomanchala, Gopakapattana, Gopakapattam, Govapuri, Gopakapuri, Govem, Gomantak, Sandabur, Sindapur, and Mahassapatam.

Did you know that Goa didn't always belong to independent India? Yes, after being liberated in 1961, it became an Indian state. The Portuguese ruled Goa for 450 years until it was liberated from the Portuguese to form a part of India on December 19, 1961. It is known that the whole military operation took almost three days to successfully liberate Goa. The Portuguese heavily influenced Goan culture, cuisine, and architecture.

Goa Liberation Day is one of the most important days in the history of Goa. It is celebrated every year on December 19 in Goa with numerous events and festivities in the city. This day of celebration is marked to remember the struggle of Indian armed forces that freed Goa from Portuguese rule on December 19, 1961.

How to Reach Goa:

How to Reach Goa by Air

Dabolim Airport is the major airport in Goa, which makes it accessible from major cities within the country and also from abroad. The Dabolim Airport is an international airport that handles international flights and regular domestic flights as well with a large inflow of foreign and domestic travellers. Goa's Dabolim Airport is almost 26km from Panaji.

The Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport, Goa

How to Reach Goa by Road

You can reach Goa by road through two major highways. Follow the National Highway 4 (NH 4) to travel to Goa from Mumbai or Bengaluru by road. The drive to Goa by road is a scenic route that turns lush green during monsoon. There are many bus services from major cities to Goa for travellers.

The Nearest & Main Bus Station in Goa: Kadamba bus stand, Panaji.

How to Reach Goa by Sea

Reaching Goa by sea is a unique way to travel Goa. You can catch a cruise from Mumbai to go to Panaji, which will take you along the coasts of Maharashtra and Goa.

How to Reach Goa by Train

Reaching Goa by train is the most comfortable and convenient mode of travel. There are two major railway stations in Goa- Madgaon and Vasco-da-Gama. Goa enjoys extensive rail connectivity with other major cities of the country. Goa's rail route is a relaxing journey that takes you through some of the Western Ghats' most beautiful landscapes.

Goa Railway Station Name & code: Madgaon Junction (MAO), Vasco-Da-Gama Railway station (VSG).

You can also order your favourite food in train online from RailRestro while travelling to Goa by a train.

 

The Scenic Train Trip to Goa

The rail journey from Mumbai to Goa is one of the most scenic train rides in India. The train routes connecting these cities give you an incredible experience intersecting through the gorges, Sahyadri hills and the Arabian Sea. Riding through 92 tunnels and on 2000 bridges, this route offers beautiful sceneries with jaw-dropping sight of scenic landscapes, dazzling rivers, rugged coastline and lush green meadows. Mandovi Express train, a part of the Konkan Railway network, runs between Mumbai and Goa.

The journey from Vasco Da Gama to Londa offers you one of the most thrilling and enchanting train journeys in India. It traverses through the Western Ghats laced with lush green forests, thriving villages and sparkling waterfalls that add to the charm of this rail route in Goa. The train pass along many serene beaches and the magnificent Dudhsagar waterfalls, cascading beauty gushing in full vigour.

If you want to enjoy this thrilling train journey from Vasco Da Gama to Londa closely, get down at Londa junction, which is the nearest station to Dudhsagar falls.

If you don't want to miss the most scenic rail journey in India, always check the PNR status to know the current booking status and live train delay information. RailMitra is the best train enquiry app for checking Train PNR status and live train status along with a set of other features for which you don't need to install any other Indian Railway app. The RailMitra app is free and is available for Android devices. Other exclusive features include food delivery in train and booking hotels at affordable rates.

Five Famous Beaches in Goa

Baga Beach

Baga resides a little farther south of Morjim, exhibiting a very different atmosphere to that of its neighbour. It has a stunningly vibrant atmosphere characterized by an unbroken line of exotic and pleasant beach shacks situated beside a long golden sand stretch. It is one of the most popular beaches among the Indian family crowd.

Things to do in Baga beach: Scuba diving, motorboat rides, banana Boat Ride, jet skiing, dolphin rides, diving, and spas.

Candolim & Calangute Beach

These are considered one of the most popular beaches among European tourists who spend their holidays in Goa. The long strips of golden sands of Candolim and Calangute lead to one of the most welcoming stretches of coastline in the state. You can also relish the delicious Goan curry at one of the eye-catchy beach shacks. Calangute Beach is renowned as the "Queen of beaches" for its alluring sandy landscapes.

Things to do in Candolim beach: Snorkelling, kite surfing, windsurfing, diving, jet-skiing, parasailing.

Palolem Beach

Palolem beach is often marked as one of Goa's finest beache due to its breathtaking view. Let your worries take a back seat and lose yourself on Palolem Beach. If you enjoy socializing with crowds, this is just the place for you. Palolem Beach offers one of the best swimming locations in Goa with a long curve of palm-fringed sandy stretch. The beach huts here serve tasty local grub.

Things to do in Palolem beach: Shopping, food, partying and diving.

Benaulim & Varca Beach

Benaulim Beach offers holidaymakers not only a splendid retreat for rest and relaxation but also lots of things to do around the city. A breathtakingly beautiful setting for sunbathers, it is a long stretch of soft white sand with verdant palm trees. But, if soaking up the rays on a sun lounger doesn't suit you, do explore water sports or try your luck sighting dolphins here.

Things to do in Benaulim & Varca: Water sports, bar hopping and food.

Morjim Beach

The calm and peaceful ambience of Morjim Beach will soothe all your travel fatigue. Embrace your Goa holidays by walking on this unsurpassed beauty that only a few beaches in Goa can be compared with. Apart from enticing beach bars and shacks, Morjim also attracts olive ridley sea turtles, the most popular attraction at this beach.

Things to do in Morjim: Bird sightseeing, adventure activities.

 

Explore the Goan Cuisine

Goan cuisine is a perfect blend of Konkani, French, Malaysian, Portuguese and Catholic influence!

Goan cuisine is blisteringly rich and delicious. The traditional Goan food is a favourite with Indians as well as foreign tourists. Rice, seafood, coconut milk, meat, pork and local spices are the main elements of the Goan cuisine. Fish curry and rice are Goa's staple food. Due to its long coastline, the magic of Goan cuisine encompasses seafood dishes that are highly influenced by the Portuguese culture.

Kingfish is the most prominent seafood commonly present in most Goan meals. Other seafood cuisines of Goa include prawns, shark, tuna, mackerel, crabs, lobsters, squids, etc. Some specific Goan specialties are Goan fish curry, Fish Caldine, Xacuti, Pork vindaloo, Sannas, Sorpotel, and Bebinca. Try Feni- the local Goan alcohol prepared from cashew or palm toddy.

P.S.: This is a collaborative post

15 Things to do in Goa apart from beach hopping

Certain places are synonymous with certain things or activities to the extent that visitors turn a blind eye beyond them. Like how house boats are to Alapuzha, tea gardens are to Munnar, Taj Mahal is to Agra; beaches are synonymous to Goa.  However, Goa has much more to offer for both tourists and travellers beyond its renowned beaches. Be it adventure, historical or spiritual attractions, all these cater to the needs of the discerning traveler who would like to see Goa, sans the beaches.  Away from the crowded Northern Goa and its serene southern part, the centrally located Panjim is an ideal base to explore the less trodden trails of the state.

1. Stroll through the alleys of Fontainhas

Located in the heart of Panjim, Fontainhas is home to a platter of colourful buildings built in Portuguese architecture. When plague hit Goa in the 18^th century most of the people fled Old Goa and settled in Fontainhas. Fontainhas gets its name from a fountain located here which is believed to have been the only source of portable water during those days. The houses here belonged to the Portuguese officers and administrators. However, many have now been converted into home stays and inns. The impressive part about these colourful houses is that they are painted every year after the monsoon. Apparently there is an association of residents who make sure they are well kept and maintained.  It is a delight to walk through this neighbourhood gazing at the intricate works of the window railings, closed colourful doors and the quaint lanes which tell a hundred stories. Confectionary January 31^st is an eighty year old place hidden in one of the by lanes of Fontainhas that offers delicious plum cakes and Swiss rolls to its guests.

2. Gaze at the marvelous churches of Velha Goa

The churches of Velha Goa or Old Goa are probably as popular its beaches. Though this town was built by the Bijapur Sultans in the 15^th century, this UNESCO world heritage site gained prominence when the Portuguese evangelized it between the 16^th and 18^th century. The magnificent cathedrals, churches and convents are reminiscence of the Portuguese rule for over two hundred years in Velha Goa. Basilica De Bom Jesus is undoubtedly the most exquisite structure here with its baroque architecture and imposing façade. The magnificent art work, ornamented pillars and the numerous altars are a mark of beautiful craftsmanship. It also houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Across the street, Se Cathedral of Santa Catarina stands tall bathed in white. Built in typical Portuguese architecture, this cathedral was once considered the largest in Asia and has many altars and paintings.  Church of St. Francis of Assisi is known for its barque style architecture and breathtakingly beautiful wall paintings from the 17^th century. Built in Corinthian architecture, Church of St. Catejan has a beautiful external façade and houses one of the most magnificent altars in Goa. The other popular monuments in Velha Goa are Chapel of St.Catherine, Tower of St. Agustine church, Convent of Santa Monica and Church of Our Lady of Rosary. The isolated Church of the Lady of Mount located on a hilltop offers excellent views of Velha Goa.

3. Cycle around the islands of Divar and Chorao

Across river Ribander which is a part of Mandovi, lies the island of Divar. A cycle tour is an ideal way to explore this peaceful island. Ride along Ribander and then take a ferry to Divar. Open fields, mangroves and various species of birds welcome you here. The island is absolutely serene, laid back and has colourful houses along with pretty churches. Made up of three small villages- Malar, Piedade and Goathias, Divar is a far cry from the maddening crowd of Goa. Chorao is another beautiful island which is a ferry away from Divar. Lined with more lovely houses and roads cutting across fields, Chorao is well known for Salim Ali bird sanctuary located at its one end. From Chorao one can again board another ferry back to the mainland. Cycling around these lovely river islands opens up another part of Goa, so unknown to the touristy crowd. Adventure Breaks offers guided cycle tours through these lovely islands. They also provide cycles and gears, apart from some nice Goan breakfast.

4. Kayak in the serene waters along Bambolim beach

Bambolim beach, a short ride away from Panjim town has timid tides and is ideal for kayaking. Early in the morning head to this black sandy beach and kayak your way through the calm waters, past the rocky out crops and chase fishes jumping out of the water. The cool weather in the morning and the endless sea is apt to explore this sport. You can kayak all the way up to the nearest Siridao beach and then return. Adventure Breaks offers kayaking at Bambolim beach and all the gears would be provided by them.

5. Go on a guided mangrove tour to Divar island

The mangroves of Divar island are a delight for bird lovers. Take a ferry ride to the island and go on a walking tour with Wild Otters who occasionally conduct tours in these mangroves apart from conservation and research on otters. The walk will give you an insight about the mangroves and the life of otters found in these marshy areas apart from the sighting of numerous birds. Sunset over the Mandovi river is a pleasant one.

6. Enjoy a day at a spice plantation

Go into the hinterlands of Goa, and its villages will welcome you with vast cashew farms, the aroma of which wafts around as soon as you enter them. There are many spice plantations like NV Eco farm which provide walking tours through their spread out farms. With cashew, mango and a host of other fruits apart from the various varieties of spices, a walk through these large acres of greenery is a throwback to the backyard of your grandmother’s home. During season (March- May), one can also understand the preparations of feni making. End the tour with a lunch spread of the best Goan preparations. These farms are more than an hour's drive from Panjim.

7. Visit the oldest Goan temple at Tambdi Surla

Though the churches of Goa have been ever popular, temples such as Shantadurga and Mangueshi too have been prominent over the years. However, the most attractive of all the temples in Goa is Mahadev temple at Tambdi Surla. Built in 12^th century during the Kadamba dynasty, this is the oldest temple in Goa. Located in Bhagwan Mahaveer sanctuary, the temple has a neatly maintained garden and is adorned with beautiful carvings on its walls and pillars. The temple is 68 Kms from Panjim.

8. Take in the lovely vistas from Dona Paula

To the south of Miramir beach in Panjim lies the small hillock of Dona Paula. Climb the short flight of stairs to enjoy the gorgeous vistas that Dona Paula offers. The sunset view from here is probably the best in Panjim. Silhouettes of port, harbour and ships form a beautiful frame as the sun sets and the background lights up slowly.

9. Walk through history at Reis Magos fort

Located at the mouth of Mandovi river and overlooking the Kegdole beach lies Reis Magos fort, steeped in history. This 15^th century structure with its tall laterite walls, bastions and canons is the oldest fort in Goa. It has undergone renovations over the years and is well maintained presently by the authorities. The bastions offer lovely views of the Arabian sea and Kegdole beach. The fort also houses numerous old paintings and photographs from the bygone era. Reis Magos church is another popular attraction here.

10. Enjoy the vistas from the crumbling Cabo de Rama fort

Though most of Cabo de Rama fort is in a dilapidated state, the vistas that the ramparts of this fort offer are breathtaking. Climb up the bastions to enjoy the panoramic views of the Arabian sea. Built by the local king and taken over by the Portuguese in 18^th century, the fort layout is difficult to discern, but it definitely is a huge one and visitors can stroll around its ruins.

11. Ride through the lovely ghat roads of Chorla forest

Chorla ghats connect Goa with Belgaum and a ride through this meandering stretch is a sheer delight with flower laden roads, lovely canopy and beautiful views throughout. As you ride up, the aerial view of Anjunem dam amidst the thick forest patches open up. A ride during the monsoon would be a memorable one.

12. Visit the quaint village of Aldona

Aldona is a quaint sleepy village by the bank of Mapusa river and is known for its charming landscape. Claimed by many as one of the most beautiful village in Goa, Aldona’s major attraction is its St. Thomas or Sao Tome church. The stunning edifice has beautiful frescoes inside and its cemetery is the most attractive one you are likely to see in Goa. A cable bridge connects Aldona with Corjuem, which is known for Corjuem fort.

13. Gape at the charming houses of Chandor

Chandor or Chandrapura as it was earlier known was a popular port and the capital of the local rulers in the 3^rd and 4^th centuries. Go past the vast paddy fields, and the road to Chandor is lined with pretty colourful houses built in Portuguese architecture. The most popular amongst them is Menezes Braganza Pereira house. Believed to be more than 400 years old, this heritage home with its colourful glass windows, beautiful door frames, hanging old paintings, a plethora of antiques and artifacts, age old wooden furnishings, magnificent chandeliers and colourful tiles, is a delight to walk through. The impressive part is that most of these displays and furnishings have been imported years ago, and they are still in mint condition. 74 year old Mrs. Braganza, who is the 14^th generation descendent, presently lives here and would be glad to take you on a tour of this magnificent house. Fernandes house is another popular house in Chandor. Chandor is 42 Kms from Panjim.

14. Visit the beautiful Aguada fort

Built in early 17^th century and located at the mouth of Mandovi river, Aguada fort is probably the most beautiful fort in Goa. The huge fort with its spread out ramparts was used to store fresh water apart from acting as a guard against the Dutch and the Marathas during the rule of Portuguese. Apart from numerous bastions and a small chapel, the fort also houses a 19^th century lighthouse. The views from the fort walls are spectacular.

15. Photograph Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church at night

Our Lady of Immaculate conception is probably the most popular church in Panjim. With its long flight of steps, the whitewashed church is a gorgeous structure in the middle of the city. However, visit the church after dusk when it is lit up and looks most beautiful. Against the darkness of the night, the glowing church forms a beautiful frame, a delight for every photographer.

Beaches of North Goa

When you hear north Goa, what mostly flashes though one’s mind would be the crowded beach stretches of Baga- Calangute, Candolim or Anjuna.  Instead, when one heads further north, beyond Chapora river, it leads to the bohemian beaches less frequented by the crowds. The beaches of Arambol, Ashvem and Morjim are known for their lovely sands, serene setting and are a favourite with the discerning travellers who would like to look beyond the crowded beaches of Goa. Once a favourite with hippies and the bohemian crowd, they have slowly caught attention of travellers over the last few years. Located in Pernem taluka, all these beaches are either separated by a creek or a hill. Situated close to each other, there are five prominent beaches here in the northern corner of Goa. Being away from the maddening crowd doesn’t make them any less friendly for a visitor. There are lovely shacks to choose from and many cafes that serve delicious food.

Morjim:

Just across river Chapora lies the small hamlet, Morjim. Morjim probably has the most serene beach of the lot and is also known for the endangered olive ridley turtles that come ashore to nest and lay eggs. A walk early in the morning on the soft white sands is an ideal way to start your day. There aren’t many activities to explore here other than strolling on the beach or opting for a dolphin sighting boat ride. Walk till the extreme left of the beach to see river Chapora disembarking into the Arabian sea. Chapora fort can be seen atop the hill, across the estuary.  Though there are a few cafes by the beach, most of the accommodations are in the by lanes that lead to the beach.

Ashvem:

Known for its long sandy stretch and rocky outcrops, Ashvem is a favourite with European travellers. A beautiful creek in the background accentuates the charm of this beautiful beach known for gorgeous sunsets. The evening breeze also brings many kite flyers to this long beach. The sea is safe here and a dip in the waters is well recommended. Ashvem has numerous cafes along the beach and a wide range of accommodation options by the road that runs parallel to the beach.

Mandrem:

Mandrem is one of the least explored beaches on this stretch. Located at the base of a cliff, a walk down through a garden leads to a wide creek, across which lies the beach. Look down at the marshy patches of the creek and you can spot numerous colourful crabs. The sea is rough here and there is high tide frequently, but that doesn’t stop people from having a dip here. There are only a few cafes here and accommodation options are very limited. Except for sunbathing, Mandrem doesn’t offer any other activities for visitors. That also makes it one of the least crowded beaches in Pernem.

Arambol:

Beyond the cliff at Mandrem lies Arambol beach, a favourite with hippies since the 70’s. It is now the most popular beach on this stretch in north Goa. Arambol is the corrupted Portuguese name for Harmal, the local village. Walk north along the beach and that leads to numerous stalls that sell myriad items. Further ahead lies Paliem beach, a small beach which is a part of Arambol. This beach is a favourite with foreign backpackers. With stilt huts, Waghcolomb hill in the backdrop and a nice little freshwater lake, this definitely seems close to paradise. A climb up the hill offers panoramic vistas of the sea and Arambol. The long Arambol beach has a number of cafes and shacks lined up which get quite lively and vibrant as the sun sets with trance music and showcase a spread of the day’s catch. Our Lady of Mount Carmel church located on the road that leads to the beach is a popular attraction in Arambol apart from the beach.

Keri:

Also referred as Querim, Keri is the northern most beach of Goa and is located at the mouth of Tiracol river. It is secluded, has very few shacks and that makes it an ideal one for solitude seekers. Lined with casuarinas in the background, the sand here slopes down into the waters and the tides are pretty strong too. A swim here is not recommended. To the north of the beach lies the estuary of Tiracol. Take a ferry and cross the river to visit Tiracol fort. Though it has been converted into a heritage hotel now, visitors are allowed to go inside the fort and enjoy the vistas. The fort also houses a lovely church.

Travel Tips:

• Make Morjim or Arambol your base to cover this northern stretch of Goa.
• All the beaches are a short ride away from each other.
• There are cafes on all the beaches.
• As these are not very lively beaches, it is not advised to loiter around too late in the night.
• Hire a two- wheeler to move around these beaches. You hotel/ hostel can arrange for the same. Risky to rely on public transport as they aren’t frequent.

Navigator:

The nearest airport is at Dabolim- 49 Kms from Morjim and 58 Kms from Arambol. The closest major rail head is at Thivim- 19 Kms from Morjim and 29 Kms from Arambol. Arambol and Morjim are the major villages. The frequency of buses connecting between these places is less.