Cool breeze, white sand, sound of the waves, who doesn’t love beaches? Once you sit on that sandy beach you are enchanted and where else than Goa to experience this enchantment. The 103 km coastline of Goa is blessed with the most charming beaches with silvery sand. Each one these beaches are unique in their own way and it is impossible to not fall in love with each and every one of them. So when we were given the unenvious task of picking our ten favourite, you can imagine just how difficult a task it was. And so, with much difficulty (and a lot of debate) we boiled it down to these ten best beaches of Goa.
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1. Palolem
Photograph: Shutterstock
Located in Canacona in South Goa, Palolem is one of the most popular beaches in South Goa and for good reason. While most of South Goa is known for its laidback beaches and quiet villages, Palolem stands out for its nightlife and beach parties. The crescent-shaped beach is bookended by rocks that jut out into the sea. What makes Palolem perfect for average swimmers is the fact that its depth increases only gradually. The northern end of Palolem in particular is the shallowest and where the currents aren’t very fast.
Hollywood film buffs will probably remember Palolem from the Matt Damon-starrer The Bourne Supremacy where the beach served as the home to the eponymous character Jason Bourne. The fictional spy may have picked this location to stay underground for good reason since Palolem is as much a home to local fishermen as it is to foreign tourists who have struck roots (temporarily or semi-permanently) here.
One of Palolem’s recognizable landmarks is a stone sculpture that stands at the top of the island near the beach. The sculpture, which is created by American artist Jacek Tylicki, is called ‘Give if you can; take if you must’.
THINGS TO DO IN PALOLEM
Dolphin spotting: Dolphin spotting is a particularly popular activity in Palolem and there are several operators on the beach itself that promise to take you to spot dolphins (Rainbow Travels). The best time to spot dolphins is at sunrise and sunset. Don’t expect a Free Willy scene while spotting dolphins (also, Willy was an orca) but it is perfectly fair to strike a no-dolphin-no-money deal with your operator.
Visit the Tanshikar Spice Farm: The family-run spice farm grows pepper, vanilla, cashew and chillies. The owners of this spice plantation are happy to offer guided treks not just of their farm but also of the forests and waterfalls nearby. Call 0832-2608358 for tour details and fees.
Go birding at the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: Spread over 86 sq km, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is Goa’s second largest wildlife reserve. Set up in 1969 to protect wildlife, the sanctuary is a great place to spot beautiful birds as well as several species of snakes. The fees are nominal — Rs 20 for adults and Rs 10 for children. For more details call 0832-2965601
Treat yourself to a massage at the Humming Bird Spa: This exquisite spa offers a wide range of massages and therapies for the tired soul starting from Rs 1900 onwards. Call 0832-2643477 for more details.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PALOLEM
You can stay on the beach in beach huts or opt for the hotels near the beach, Palolem has more than its share of places to stay.
The Tubki Resort (approx Rs 1850; 0832 2643175) is a good place to stay in Palolem
Crystal Goa offers rooms at approx Rs 1,250. Call +91-9158722414 for more details.
Sea Shades (+91-7506815290) will set you back by approximately Rs 2,000.
Whereas Alba Rooms (+91-9923569948) should cost you approximately Rs 1700
Then there is Heroina Guest House (approx Rs 1800; +91 9765675784) which also isn’t altogether bad choice
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN PALOLEM
Titanic is Palolem’s most famous beach shack. Other popular places to eat include Dropadi, Ourem 88, Cafe Inn, Magic Italy and German Bakery.
HOW TO REACH PALOLEM
Palolem beach is a 40 minute-ride from Margao and within 2.5 km of Chaudi market town in South Goa.
2. Agonda
Photograph: Shutterstock
Lined by casuarinas trees and palms, Agonda Beach is located in Canacona in Goa. This three-km-long and beautiful beach comes with a hill to its south. Often named among the most scenic beaches in Asia, Agonda is a great place to relax and enjoy a peaceful sunset.
Agonda is also perfect if you intend to catch up on your reading or just spend your hours meditating because it is far less crowded and a lot more quieter (not to mentioned cleaner) than some of the other beaches of Goa. If you love the sound of the waves crashing and the night sky, you can camp for the night by renting a tent. You can also visit the nearby Cola Beach and Cabo de Rama beach and the Agonda Fort.
Like with the rest of Goa, the best way to explore Agonda and the places around it is on a two-wheeler. DO READ How to rent a bike in Goa .
Agonda also has a turtle centre and is a nest area for the precious Olive Ridley Turtles. You cannot swim here during high tide as the sea can be rough and the beach pretty much shuts down. But Agonda is perfect for a lot of other things including sunbathing, relaxing and romantic sunset walk.
THINGS TO DO IN AGONDA
Dolphin Spotting: Local fishermen are usually the best people to take you out on a dolphin safari. A safari should set you back by Rs 800 or so but do remember the rule about no-dolphin-no-money.
Take a yoga class: Yogamea Yoga School offers several courses — from a single session for curious onlookers to yoga retreat courses for those wanting to practice yoga as a lifestyle to yoga teacher training courses. Yogamea Yoga School also provides accommodation and Ayurvedic vegetarian food. Call 9049473086 for more detail.
Visit the Cabo de Rama Fort: This fort is located near Agonda beach and is a popular tourist attraction. The fort, built by the Portuguese, stands on a hill and has a church called Santo Antonio inside it.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN AGONDA
There are several accommodation options here:
Rooms at Agonda Cottages will cost you about Rs 3300.
At Rama Resort, the cost of the room is around Rs 3000. Call 9764007429 for more detail.
Agonda White Sand (91584 40146, Tariff: approximately Rs 3300) is another good option.
Kashinath Beach Huts should cost you approx. Rs 1000. Contact: 94211 17541.
Rooms at Madhu Beach Huts cost about Rs 1800.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN AGONDA
(ADD THIS AFTER EACH RESTAURANT: CUISINE; TELEPHONE NUMBER FOLLOW THIS FORMAT FOR ALL PLACES TO EAT)
Some of the most popular eateries include La Dolce Vita: 832 264 7819, Agonda White Sand Restaurant: 91584 40146, Dunhill: 80070 15063, Blue Planet Café: 832 264 7448, Simrose: 75075 85500 and Fatima’s Corner: 832 264 7060.
HOW TO REACH AGONDA
Agonda is the next beach you will see when you drive towards Panaji from Palolem. It is A 90-minute drive from Dabolim airport. The beach is only few km away from Canacona station and an hour’s drive from Margao railway station.
ALSO SEE 5 most spectacular sunset points in Goa you must not miss!
3. Patnem
Photograph courtesy: Aleksandr Zykov/Creative Commons
Patnem is a quieter alternate to the more popular Palolem beach. Far more relaxed and laidback than Palolem, Patnem is a great place to unwind, sunbathe or to take a walk. While the sea is more or less safe to swim there are days when the waves and the undertow make it almost impossible. It is always advisable to check with the locals on the beach before you hit the waters. Unlike almost all the other beaches mentioned in this list, Patnem is favoured by long-term visitors and alternative travelers. There are several centers offering Reiki and other alternative healing therapies during peak season. The beach road is lined with the usual stores selling jewellery, clothes, souvenirs and other trinkets. Patnem is also a great place to have fresh seafood, local Goan cuisine as well as Mexican and Italian.
THINGS TO DO IN PATNEM
Take a custom river trip with KOKOindia: Based in Patnem, KOKOindia is a tour agent that offer trips to Patnem and Palolem including custom river trips and lunch trip to Quepem. Call +91-9637224112 for more details.
Take up yoga at Love the Green Retreat: This yoga and lifestyle centre is located between Galgibag and Patnem and its services include detox sessions, three-day yoga and drop-in yoga classes. Call +91-7507715975 for fees and details.
Explore the Rivona Buddhist Caves: These Buddhist Caves are located in Rivona village and date back to the sixth century. The caves are carved out of huge laterite rock hill.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PATNEM
Patnem is preferred by long-term visitors and it has several apartments and village homes catering to this section of tourists. You can rent out an apartment or home for as little as Rs 10,000 per month. The cost of a fully-furnished apartment can be Rs 40,000 and above. The prices vary depending on the location and the amenities. There are several beach huts lining the beach.
Resort Lalaland room will cost you about Rs 3500. Call 70661 29588 for more details.
Rooms at Sea View Resort (Contatc: 832 264 3110) are around Rs 940.
Palm Trees Resort will set you back by Rs 16,800 and the contact number is 96731 78731.
Cuba Patnem (Contact: 832 264 5778) should cost you approx. Rs 2500
Rooms at Roundcube Beach Bungalows are about Rs 850. For more details call 96232 62326.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN PATNEM
There are several eateries in Patnem like Magic view, The Round Cube, April 20: 9960916989 and Nada Brahma.
HOW TO REACH PATNEM
Located 39 km south of Margao, Patnem Beach is just five minutes away from Palolem and near Chaudi market region. Patnem is 45 km from Margao railway station.
4. Benaulim
Photograph: Shutterstock
Located some 41 km from the state capital of Panaji, Benaulim is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa. It is also perhaps the only beach of Goa that finds a mention in the Hindu mythology. According to legends, an shot by Parasurama, the incarnation of Vishnu, landed on this beach. It was thus that the beach came to be called Banavalli, or the arrow. The Portuguese who colonised Goa changed its name to Benaulim. The beach at Benaulim isn’t very crowded and thus not very commercialized. Benaulim Beach is, however very popular among foreign tourists and is perfect for sunbathing. Flanked by Arabian Sea and lush green hills, Benaulim village is home to the ruins known as Katyayani Baneshvar. The ruins belong to an ancient temple dedicated to Parvati and Shiva. St John the Baptist Church is located on a hill near the beach and is adorned with several masterpieces carved by the fishermen of the beach. Benaulim Beach has many shacks that serve delicious seafood. There are also few good hotels in the area.
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THINGS TO DO IN BENAULIM
As with almost all the beaches in Goa these days, Benaulim has its share of adventure sports like wind surfing, boat rides, jet skiing and parasailing. But if you’re not into it do consider the following:
Get a glimpse of forgotten objects in Goa Chitra: Goa Chitra (St John the Baptist Rd, Mondo Vaddo, Benaulim 0832-657087) is an ethnographic museum with over 4000 cast-off objects from across the state. The museum was created by restorer and artist Victor Hugo Gomes, who noticed slow decline in the use of traditional Goan objects. He collected these extinct objects over 20 years. Entry Fee: Rs 200.
Go for a night out at Club Zoya: If you are looking to let your hair down, Club Zoya is the place you should hit. This barn-sized club has international DJs and a well-stocked bar. The folks at Club Zoya usually post details of the upcoming events on their website or you could simply call up +91-9822661388 for more details.
Pele’s Water Sport: Benaulim beach is not as crowded as Colva and has fewer watersports operator. Pele’s Water Sport is one if the best in Benaulim and it offers jet skiing, dolphin trips and parasailing. Call +91 9822686011 for fees and other details.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BENAULIM
Holiday Apartments Benaulim (approx. Rs 1300) is a good place to stay in Benaulim
Minria Guest House will cost you about Rs 1000.For more details call 90298 50385.
Rooms at Apartment Micon Benaulim (99703 41003) cost around Rs 4500.
Palm Shades Spring Goa (Approx. Rs 1200, Contact: 70380 37019) is anpther good option.
Superior Holiday Apartment will set you back by Rs 1700
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN BENAULIM
There are several places to eat in Benaulim like Lotus Resort Benaulim: 832 277 1175, Johncy Bar & Restaurant: 75076 47984, Rafaels Beach Shack: 832 277 0023 and Royal Goan Beach Club: 832 672 5600.
HOW TO REACH BENAULIM
Benaulim is situated at a distance of 5 km from Margao station and around 27 km from Dabolim Airport. The beach is accessible.
ALSO READ 10 fun things to do in Goa that you might have missed earlier!
5. Cavelossim Beach
Photograph: Shutterstock
Flanked by coconut groves and paddy fields, Cavelossim Beach is located at the mouth of Sal River in the district of Salsette in South Goa. It isn’t very difficult to fall in love with this serene and relatively less crowded beach. Much quieter and cleaner than some of the more popular beaches of Goa, Cavelossim is also home to Goddess Durga. Devotees from across the state visit Cavelossim to pay their respect at the Shree Shantadurga Devasthan. The temple is a very popular attraction. Cavelossim Beach is home to some of the most exclusive and luxurious beach resorts in Goa.
THINGS TO DO IN CAVELOSSIM
Check into the Leela Goa Spa Centre: This luxury spa is situated just off the beach and offers a wide range of Ayurvedic and holistic spa treatments. The traditional full-body massage, Abhyanga, Sirodhara and Ayurvedic back massage are some of the recommended therapies. Call 0832-6621234 for rates and other details.
Take a cruise down the river Sal: Cris Cruises (Behind Saga Shopping Centre, Opposite Radisson Blue, Mobor, Covelossim Mobor Road, Cavelossim; 0832-2871865) offers a cruise down the river Sal where you will be treated to the beautiful sight of fishing boats and riverside scenery. Cris Cruises has two small boats and a double deck wooden boat. Call 0832-2871865 for details.
Let your hair down at the Champions Beach Club: Champion Beach Club (Mobor, Cavelossim, Goa; +91-7774062624) doesn’t just organize DJ parties it also offers services like scuba diving, cruising, surfing and beachfront dining. The club is also a popular pick for themed parties and beach weddings.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CAVELOSSIM
The Byke Old Anchor will cost you around Rs 2950. Call 832 662 7171 for more details.
Resort Dona Sylvia (approx. Rs 5500, Contact: 832 672 7777) is another good option to stay in Cavelossim.
Holiday Inn Resort will set you back by Rs 5200. Contact: 832 287 0000.
Rooms at Mike’s Place will cost around Rs 1950. For more details, call 98221 60915.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN CAVELOSSIM
The best places to eat in Cavelossim are Mama Mia, Kababs and Kurries, Fisherman’s Warf, Lucio, Upper Deck, Joe’s River Cove and Jazz Inn Restaurant and Bar.
HOW TO REACH CAVELOSSIM
Cavelossim is located just 18 km from Margao and can be easily accessed on a bike or an auto rickshaw.
6. Colva
Photograph: Shutterstock
Colva beach is one of the most spectacular and oldest beaches in South Goa and it is located some six km to the west of Margao. The coastline of this Colva Beach is around 25 km long with fine white sand. The beach is lined by coconut palms and it extends to Cabo de Rama in the south and Bogmalo in the north. Colva Beach is a famous tourist destination with several hotels, beach shack and restaurants.
Colva village was a retreat for high society of Goa during the colonial days. Today, the village has several beautiful villas and houses as a testimony to the bygone era of luxurious lifestyle of the aristocrats of Goa.
Apart from the beach and the watersports, Colva is popular for the Menino Jesus statue at Colva Church, called Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Merces. The church was built in 1630 by the Roiz family and is located in the village square. The annual religious event, which is known as Fama of Menino Jesuse of the church is famous and attracts tourists and devotees from all across the country.
The event is celebrated on the third Monday of October every year and is one of the most popular feasts of Goa. A huge fair is also organised during the event. The best time to visit Colva is during October to March.
THINGS TO DO IN COLVA
Like other beaches in Goa, Colva also offers several kinds of water sports like water skiing, paragliding and boat rides. You can also swim in some parts of the sea.
Pay your respects at the Our Lady of Mercy Church: Also known as Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Piedade is the church which houses the famous ‘Menino Jesus’ statue. It is believed that the statue has healing powers.
Support a good cause and shop at the Goa Animal Welfare Trust Shop: This charity shop sells souvenirs and second-hand books. The proceeds are used for helping out the animals in Goa. Have a chat with the staff to know about their noble work. Goa Animal Welfare Trust is located in Curchorem.
Go clubbing at Leda Lounge and Restaurant: Leda is a fusion of cocktail bar, music venue and sports bar. This is the best nightspot if you are looking for clubbing. The venue has live music from Thursday to Saturday. Call 0832-2781458 for details.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN COLVA
Soul Vacation Resort and Spa will set you back by around Rs 32500. For more details, call 832 278 8147.
The Golden Crown Hotel & Spa Colva (832 278 9833) should cost you about Rs 1900
Jymis Cottages will cost you approx. Rs 1000 and contact number is 832 278 8016.
Rooms at Colva Residency will cost you around Rs 880. Call 832 278 8047 for more details.
William’s Beach Retreat (approx. Rs890, Contact: 832 278 8153) is another good option.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN COLVA
There are a lot of options to eat on the beach. Sandpat Beach Shack is one of the popular beach shacks. Other options include Leda Lounge and Restaurant: 832 278 1458, Jamies Colva: 95459 00899, The Garden: 83790 43188, Rias Cuisine: 95274 45565 and Fishka Bar& Restaurant: 96373 79228.
HOW TO REACH COLVA
Colva is about 28 km from Dabolim airport and Margao is the nearest station. You can take a bus or hire a cab to reach the beach.
ALSO SEE 8 reasons why visiting Goa in March is a super-smart move!
7. Mandrem Beach
Photograph: Shutterstock
Located in Pernem, North Goa, Mandrem is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. This scenic, serene and secluded beach is particularly popular among honeymooners. Famous for the Goan feni, Mandrem is perfect if you want to just laze around on the beach, take a long walk with your partner, go for a swim or enjoy a hearty meal at one of the beach shacks. There is nothing much to do here, which is also why it is the perfect place for a do-nothing vacation.
Mandrem beach has clear water and white sand. It lies between Arambola nd Ashwem. Mandrem beach has a rocky cliff on one end that separates it from Arambol beach. During high tide, the sea water rushes in to Mandrem River, which is a sight to see. The beach is one of the best-kept secrets of Goa. A trip to this beach will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. There are several Ayurveda, meditation and Yoga camps along its coast and you will find many more options to enlighten yourself.
THINGS TO DO IN MANDREM
Get a massage at the Ayurvedic Massage Centre: The centre offers rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages. Facial package and 75-minute massage are two of the services you could try there. The unusual ‘Poulti’ massage, which is done using a bundle of 12 herbal powders dipped in oil, is also recommended for backaches. Call +91-9420896843 for charges and other details.
Seek enlightenment at Amalia Camp: Local guru Neeru conducts satsangs and teaches the spiritual art of ‘Open Clarity’. Neeru.org can give you all the details you need.
Practice ashtanga and hatha yoga at Himalaya Yoga Valley: Himalaya Yoga Valley offers ashtanga and hatha residential teacher-training courses along with daily drop-in classes and a 10-day yoga refresher course. The yoga centre also has a restaurant that serves dishes made using fresh local produce. Call +91 9960657852 for fees and other details.
Rejuvenate yourself at Ashiyana Retreat Center: Located on Mandrem Beach, Ashiyana Retreat Center (Junas Waddo, Mandrem; +91 9850401714) offers a wide range of courses from November to April. It also offers spa massages to yoga holidays for the rest of the year. Ashiyana also provides accommodation in one of its heritage-styles huts and rooms.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MANDREM
Most accommodations line the narrow beach-access road or on the beach.
Hotel Aananda (approx. Rs 1100, contract: 80075 75604) is a good option.
Boomerang Resort will cost you about Rs 2700. For more details, call 99103 29129.
Jivana (91450 70832) will set you back by Rs 3000.
l’amore Beach Cottages will cost you around Rs 2600 . Call 90492 09697 for more details.
Riva Beach Resort (approx. Rs 5000, 93727 02533) is another good option.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN MANDREM
Some of the restaurants in Mandrem are Frichty: 9765650308, Verandah: 91682 62414, Sunset Mandrem: 70386 24694, Mango Tree Beer Garden and Bed Rock Bar & Restaurant: 94211 94185.
HOW TO REACH MANDREM
Mandrem is 21 km from Panaji, the capital of Goa. You can also reach Mandrem via boat from Ashwem Beach.
8. Baga
Located in Bardez, North Goa, Baga is a well-known tourist destination. Thousands of tourists visit Baga, which is also famous for Baga Creek. The creek is at the north end of the beach and empties into the Arabian Sea. Baga beach is a part of the coastline that starts at Fort Aguada and ends at Chapora Beach. Baga is more isolated and quieter than Calangute Beach and a favourite among Indian tourists in particular. Baga is known for its nightlife and parties. The restaurants and beach shacks serve delicious seafood. The beach has rows of shacks during the season time. Dolphins can be spotted at about 1 to 2 km from the shoreline. The National Wind Surfing Championship is held at Baga every year between September and November. The beach road has several shops selling souvenirs to bags to footwear. There are also shops where you could buy made to measure suits.
THINGS TO DO IN BAGA
Baga is famous for dolphin cruises and water sports like banana rides and parasailing. Wind surfing is also popular here.
Travel back in time at Casa dos Proença: This grand mansion is the most spectacular structure in Calangute. Casa dos Proença is a beautiful 18th century house built by the wealthiest family of the area at the time. The mansion, which is now over 500 years old, stands at north of the market near Calangute junction. The Proença house has huge verandas with oyster-shell windows and is constructed in typical Portuguese architecture. The pitched roof of the house was made to provide good ventilation.
Visit the Old Customs Post: The Old Customs Post is a relic of the past. Located at the market crossroads, the customs post was built to deter smuggling and monitor the incoming and outgoing goods. Today it is a quaint reminder of a time gone by.
Pay your respects at St Alex’s Church: Built in 1741 by the village communities, St Alex Church has an ornamental and golden screen and pulpit. It has a beautiful dome, towers and seven altars.
Learn scuba diving: Barracuda Diving is a dive school that doesn’t just train aspiring divers but also runs annual clean-ups and marine conservation initiatives. Call +91 9822182402 for fees and other details.
Learn to make a guitar: Jungle Guitars offers 15- to 20-day courses on how to build your guitar from scratch or steel string. Each course is supervised by resident master guitar-builder Chris. Expert instruction, materials and a case for the finished guitar is included in the cost of the course. Call +91-9823565117 for fees and details.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BAGA
Cavala Seaside Resort (approx. Rs 4500, Contact: 832 227 7587) is a good option.
Hotel Bonanza (832 227 6010) will set you back by Rs 2700.
The Baga Marina Beach Resort will cost you around Rs 3900 . For more details, call 832 663 1111.
Nazri Resort (Rs 3800, 832 227 7390) is another good option.
Rooms at Resort Lagoa Azul will cost you about Rs 3000. Call 832 226 9257 for more details.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN BAGA
Some of the popular eateries in Baga include Brito’s: 832 2277331, Casa Portuguese: 98221 22960, Café Lazydays, Christie’s Cafe La Musica and The Cavala Seaside Resort: 832 227 7587. Shacks located on the beach also offer delicious food made using the freshly caught fishes.
HOW TO REACH BAGA
Baga is just 15 km away from Panaji and can be easily accessed by car or an auto rickshaw, though it’s best to rent a bike for the day and drive down to Baga. The nearest airport is Dabolim airport. Baga is just 15 minutes drive from Mapusa.
ALSO READ Five beach vacations in South Goa
9. Majorda Beach
Photograph courtesy: Potato Potato/Creative Commons
Located in Salcete, South Goa, Majorda is a popular beach. This beach will surprise you with its natural beauty. The long stretch of clean white sand, clear water, lovely bakeries and palm groves make it an ideal holiday destination. Majorda Beach is also home to the famous restaurant, Martin’s Corner, known for Goan dishes, music and paintings by cartoonist Mario Miranda. Majorda serves as a center for toddy tapping and baked products and has several restaurants, serving lip-smacking seafood. You must visit Majorda during December to experience the Goa Christmas Carnival.
THINGS TO DO IN MAJORDA
Learn a new skill: Carpe Diem (81/2, Godinho House, Gomes Waddo, Costa Vaddo Road, Majorda, Goa; +91-8888862462) is an art and learning centre, which includes an art gallery and offers performance space and conducts creative workshops. Set in an ancestral house in Majorda, Carpe Diem conducts a variety of activities and workshops for adults and children. Activities include pottery, photography, sculpting, music and dance among others.
Learn to ride a horse: You can book a horse ride with Greenland Horse Riding at Majorda, which is the only place in the state where you can ride a horse. Call +91 9822586502 for fees and other details.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MAJORDA
From budget to luxury stay, Majorda offers something for every type of traveller.Shangrila Beach Hotel
Shangrila Beach Hotel will cost you about Rs 700. For more details, call 832 288 1542.
John’s Highland Comfort (Rs 1100, contact: 98221 50774) is a good option.
Palm View Inn will set you back by Rs 1900 . Call 98227 98717
Rooms at Villa 21 ( 9969767711) will cost you around Rs 4100.
Jes Gues House (Rs 1900, contact:832 288 1489) is another good option.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN MAJORDA
There are several eating options in Majorda including Garden Pub: 8322881402, Majorda Beach Resort: 832 288 1111, Mish Mar: 98221 55154, Sam’s Goan Beach Shack: 9822156550 and Da Tita: 832 279 1885.
HOW TO REACH MAJORDA
Majorda is located 5 km north of Colva Beach. The nearest airport is in Dabolim and Margao is the nearest railway station.
10. Vagator
Photograph: Shutterstock
Located in North Goa, Vagator is one of Goa’s most popular beaches. The two fresh water springs near the beach and the dramatic red cliffs are the highlights of the beach. Vagator beach is divided into two: Ozran beach, which is also known as little Vagator beach, and the North Vagator, also called Big Vagator beach.
Foreign tourists often prefer Vagator beach, which has over the years become a hub for western backpackers. Tourists usually visit Vagator to witness the magical sunsets from the rocks.
There are several places that play psychedelic and trance music. These include Hilltop, Primrose and Nine Bar. The beach is also the venue for the famous Sunburn Festival, the popular EDM festival. It is the largest music festival in India and one of the top 10 music festivals in the world. There are several shops where you can buy clothes and jewellery.
There is also a 24-hour restaurant called Robert’s Place. Vagator is close to Mapusa market, where the locals shop.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN VAGATOR
Chapora Fort: The fort is best known for being featured in Dil Chahta Hai and is located close to Vagator beach. It is a major tourist attraction and offers a sweeping view of Ozran beach, Chapora River, Morjim Beach and Vagator beach.
Do yoga on the beach: Bharat Yoga Session offers you a chance to do yoga on the beach. Conducted by Bharat Sen, this yoga class promote healthy living by offering healthy exercise. Bharat Yoga Session conducts daily morning and evening classes.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN VAGATOR
Jacks Resort will cost you about Rs 2700. Call 77410 70000 for more details.
Leoney Resort (88888 84892) will set you back by Rs 1700.
iLodge (approx. Rs 2900. contact: 83800 00205) is a good option.
Rooms at The Grand Leoney Resort will cost you around Rs 2800 . For more details, call 832 227 3777.
LivingRoom by Seasons (approx. Rs 2400, contact: 832 227 3433) is another good option.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN VAGATOR
There are several Mediterranean and Indian Cafes in Vagator that serve variety of food and drink. Some of the eateries here include Thalassa: 98500 33537, Salt n Pepper: 98221 63522, My Place: 98235 08427 and Sakana: 98901 35502.
HOW TO REACH VAGATOR
Vagator is located 21 km north of Panaji, the nearest railway station is Thivim and it is about an hour’s drive from the airport at Dabolim.
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