North Goa Beaches
¤ Miramar
Miramar is at a distance of 3km from Panaji. Although it is the
beach that is closest to the capital, it is not the most spectacular.
But if you feel that a beach with a name straight out of Top Gun is
worth trying out, then accommodation should not be a problem. A range
of budget hotels and a youth hostel are available here.
¤ Dona Paula
Sprinkled with palm trees and casuarina plantations, the beach of
Dona Paula in North Goa is a peaceful stretch next to the little town
and fishing village of Dona Paula. It is also a popular picnic spot.
You can take a ferry from here to Vasco da Gama. Resorts with swimming
pools and beach cottages are available in Dona Paula.
¤ Vainguinim
The five-star deluxe hotel – Cidade de Goa, stands on the lovely
Vainguinim Beach. Their USP is that their hotel is run by Goans, so
they give you the complete Goan experience, coupled with all the five
star frills.
¤ Sinquerim and Candolim
The Sinquerim Beach in North Goa has a dramatic backdrop in the form
of the 16th century Fort Aguada. Sinquerim and Candolim beaches in
North Goa are both popular with backpackers, and tend to be a little
more sober compared to the Calangute Beach. Built in 1612 by the
Portuguese, the Fort Aguada is pretty much in ruins, but the view from
the top of the fort as you look down to the mouth of the Mandovi
River, is simply breathtaking.
¤ Calangute and Baga
Ever since the 60’s, the flower children have not looked at
another beach. They’ve headed straight for Calangute; their
abode, their psychedelia, and their Mecca. God knows if they ever
found their existential-or-otherwise, ‘meaning in life’ but
in their quest to do so, some of them went too far for the local
sensibilities. The result was police clampdowns, and other drastic
measures taken to control the ‘bunch of hippies’ of the lost
generation.
Though the beach is still pretty ‘active’ and the ‘Om
Namah Shivai trance’ continues to linger; today, Calangute is a
far cry from what it used to be. The shacks and palms have given way
to a rapidly-growing, package-tourist market, rows of shops,
guesthouses and other budget hotels. The tidy little fish market in
town is worth a visit.
Baga formed a twin beach with Calangute, and therefore shares
Calangute’s colourful past. Nestling close to the estuary, this
beach has more character.
¤ Anjuna Beach in North Goa
 Anjuna
Beach in North Goa is a stretch of straight sand, with a backdrop of
feathery coconut groves. It’s a big favourite with backpackers
and travellers staying on for a long time. Anjuna beach took the relay
from Calangute, and became the next haven of the flower children. The
beach still has an intoxicating atmosphere and draws a motley crowd of
passover hippies, travellers, philosophers, thinkers, babacools,
rastamen and musicians. It’s a great place to meet people and
generally collect material for a thesis on human psychology. Anjuna is
known for its flea market, held under the shady coconut groves, every
Wednesday. You can pick up trinkets, get a tattoo, or just hang around
to enjoy the crazy colourful atmosphere.
¤ Chapora & Vagator North Goa Beach
The old Portuguese Chapora Fort stands on a hill which looks down on
the tiny Chapora village, the estuary, the coconut groves and the
beach. With their hidden sandy coves and creeks, Chapora and Vagator
North Goa beach are easily amongst the most beautiful beaches in Goa.
Besides the strip of the Little Vagator Beach , the North Goa beaches
are quite peaceful, as they are not yet a major hub for travellers.
¤ Arambol North Goa Beach
Arambol served as the rudimentary getaway for travellers from Anjuna
Beach when Anjuna came under scrutiny of the police and the locals.
Arambol North Goa Beach is a beautiful stretch of silky sand dotted
with basalt rocks, and is still comparatively uncluttered. There is a
freshwater lake and some sulphur springs, close by. |
